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The study focused on determining essential government policies and trade barriers affecting the textile industry's export performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has analysed the effect of government export policies on the export performance of the textile industry. This study has also compared factors among three South Asian textile industries, including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The study identified nine essential government export policies and trade barriers based on Industrial Organization View (I/O View). A panel regression model was used to analyse the significance of each government policy and trade barrier affecting textile export performance. Results of the study showed that currency exchange rates, the cost to export, time to export, political stability of the country, quality of infrastructure in the country, freedom from corruption, business cost of terrorism and economic stability in the country have a significant effect on export performance of the industry. In contrast, taxes on doing business have an insignificant effect on export performance. The Seemingly Unrelated Estimation (SUEST) test compared the differences in export performance of Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi textile industries due to government policies. The results showed that a higher level of time to export, cost to export and business cost of terrorism lead to the low export performance of the textile industry. At the same time, a higher level of currency exchange rates, political stability of the country, quality of infrastructure, freedom from corruption and economic stability in-country lead to the high export performance of the textile industry. Further, taxes on doing business have an insignificant effect on export performance. This study is among the few contributing to the textile industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to uncertain circumstances, it becomes hard for the government to identify important factors which could help textile exporters to survive and grow during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has identified important government policies and trade barriers affecting textile exports based on strong theoretical support and has also compared and elaborated on the importance of each factor across three South Asian countries. This study will help policymakers reconsider export- related factors to enhance their textile exports and revive their economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic vs mini incision open appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Study Design: Randomized Control study. Setting: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital, Phase V, Hayatabad, Peshawar. Period: March 2022 to November 2022. Material & Methods: A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study, the patients were divided in to two groups using randomization using non probability consecutive sampling and 48 patients were allocated to each group. Group A patients underwent laparoscopic while group B patients underwent mini incision appendectomy. In both groups operative time, need for analgesics, postoperative pain score, hospital stay and postoperative wound infection was compared. Chi square test and Independent sample T test was used, a P value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 30.58±8.35 years and 28.52±5.79 years in group B. In group A 14.6% patients needed analgesics while in group B 31.2% patients. Regarding the hospital stay group A patients had a mean hospital stay of 25.85±1.53 hours and in group B the mean hospital stay was 29.58±3.76 hours. In group A the mean postoperative pain score was 2.17±0.97 and in group B the mean postoperative pain score was 2.88±0.81. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy has a lower average postoperative pain score, need for analgesics and shorter hospital length as compared to mini incision operative appendectomy.

Turkey is one of the most important Muslim states in modern era. Turkey is one of the Muslim countries where the literacy rate is much better than other Muslim countries. If it is said that Turkey can be an example for modern Muslim countries, this statement would not be an exaggeration. According to the Countrymeters report, Turkey's literacy rate in 2022 was 95.12%, while the literacy rate for 15 to 24 year-olds was 99.25%, this suggests that Turkey is one of the most developed countries in the world. In this article we analysis the Turkish education system and try to find out how Turkey achieved these victories in the field of education. After analyzing the Turkish education system, this system has been compared with the education system of Pakistan, and the fundamental flaws in Pakistan's education system have been identified in the context of Turkey's education system , and the steps to be taken for their best solution have also been discussed., https://khairulumma.com/index.php/about/article/view/42

Objective: To determine the frequency of pancytopenia among patients with vitamin B12 deficiency in a tertiary-care hospital, in Peshawar. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Hematology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from 18/4/2021 to 18/10/2021. In this study, a total of 252 patients were observed. From all patients, a sample of venous blood was obtained and sent to the hospital laboratory for the peripheral smear examination. Pancytopenia was diagnosed based on a peripheral smear showing Hemoglobin below 10g/dL, Total leukocyte counts less than 4,000 cells per mL, platelets count less than150,000 cells per mL, and reticulocyte count

Herein, we have investigated the association behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) using the conductivity method in H

Background: Head and neck carcinoma is the malignant lesions which develops on lips, oral cavity, nasal mucosa, paranasal sinuses, inside or outside the throat or parotid glands. Magnetic resonance imaging can be a good alternative to invasive procedures for detection of metastatic disease in cases of head and neck tumors. Objective: To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting metastasis in neck nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma with reference to postoperative neck histopathology. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mayo Hospital Lahore from 1st January 2014 to 30th June 2014. Methodology: Eighty seven patients with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of orofacial origin were enrolled who had single malignant tumor at the time of diagnosis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.44±12.44 years. There were 58 (66.67%) males and 29 (33.33%) females. In terms of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, magnetic resonance imaging was 94.12%, 61.11%, and 80.46% respectively taking histopathology as gold standard. Conclusion: For the detection of cervical nodal metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma, MRI is a useful and trustworthy method with a high sensitivity and specificity, especially when compared to postoperative neck histopathology. Keywords: Histopathology, Carcinoma, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),Metastasis

Automobile Industry is growing by a huge percentage in a few decades contributing about 7.5% to India’s total GDP. As the number of vehicle owners is increasing the demand and need for automobile service is also high but people are busy with their routines hence failing in proper maintenance of their vehicles. In this paper by using machine learning algorithms, and object detection we have come up with the idea to develop a web application that can suggest to users some offers and timing for their car maintenance by analyzing a car using computer vision without the owner’s involvement. The primary Aim of this project is to maintain a vehicle without disturbing the owner’s day-to-day routine. This project is built using the latest technologies and the most trending domains in the industry. We have used the YOLOV5 (You Only Look Once) object detection model and VGG16 architecture to analyze the car images and Flask framework to create a responsive interface for the web application. We generally don’t realize that multiple tasks can be done at a time resulting in many tasks being incomplete one of which is vehicle maintenance. This project aims at both owner’s convenience and the growth of the service provider’s business. In this paper, we present the Machine Learning based automated car maintenance system with effective time utilization which is an IOT device that could be installed at the parking’s main gate of places where people tend to spend many hours like offices or malls. This Device consists of a camera that is responsible for detecting a car image from the live video. These images are sent for the further process where the device detects if there are any damages or dirtiness in the car using pre-trained models.

Background: Surgery and anesthesia are safer nowadays than ever before, thanks to persevering with advances in science. But this doesn’t suggest there is zero risk. In fact, surgical treatment and anesthesia are inherently dangerous, and as with any medicine or procedure, there is constantly the chance that something can go wrong. Certain patients are greater probably to experience problems or issues and perchance even death than others due to the fact of their age, clinical conditions, or the kind of surgical treatment they’re having. If you’re planning to have surgery, there are approaches to decrease your risk, including meeting with your anesthesiologist. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the Evaluation of risk factors in the post-anesthesia care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This is an observational study. The study used to be carried out in the admitted patient’s department of anesthesiology, Monno Medical College and Hospital, Manikgonj, Bangladesh. The duration of the study period from July 2020 to June 2021. Results: This study shows that the according to age of 110 Patients aged 10 to 60 years. Here according to Age distribution, 11(10.0%) were 60. And according to gender 57(51.82%) were Male, 53(48.18%) were Female. Conclusions: Perioperative cardiovascular and respiratory damaging activities are the principal motives for extended remain in Post anesthesia care unit. Post anesthesia care unit as triggering elements for problems in the instant postoperative period: hypothermia, hypoxemia, pulmonary edema; apnea, tremors, nausea and vomiting; urinary retention, modifications in coronary heart rhythm.

US-India strategic convergence is likely to continue as Washington considers New Delhi a counterweight to Beijing. However, rising right-wing authoritarianism in India under BJP, marked by the erosion of democratic standards, has created a policy paradox for Biden Administration- how to balance geopolitical interests with democratic ideals. The paper argues that adhering to the norms of democracy is not just a normative concern but also a strategic concern for the US as democracy is one of the core pillars that sustains US- led liberal world order. However, the Biden administration does not appear to emphasize democratic values and human rights performance to the point where strategic convergence would seem at risk. Thus Biden administration is likely to emphasize democratic values and human rights performance to the point where strategic convergence would not seem at risk. Keywords: Democracy, Human Rights, Balancing, US, India, China

In recent years, biochar application to soil has become more popularized due to its potential roles on soil fertility, plant growth, and development. In this review, we discussed the impact of biochar on the relative abundance of soil proteobacteria and its relationship with soil physiochemical properties under different rhizospheres. It was observed that biochar applied to different soil improved proteobacteria, and its lowest and highest relative abundance was ranged from 30-80%, respectively. A positive relationship of soil proteobacteria with soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and total carbon were observed in several studies. Both the relative abundance of proteobacteria and its relationship with soil properties depend on biochar type, soil type, and fertilizers applied to the soil. Most of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, cellulose-decomposing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria belong to proteobacteria, which plays a significant role in nitrogen recycling that is beneficial for the plant growth, yield and fruits/seeds quality. Furthermore, a positive relationship between soil proteobacteria and plant yield was also highlighted. In this context, the use of biochar play a potential role to improve the relative abundance of proteobacteria in sustainable agriculture. We highlighted future research guidelines that might benefit the sustainable agricultural system. Moreover, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of biochar application on Proteobaceria families such as Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Epsilonproteobacteria.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Current research has yet to come to a consensus on its association with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Herein, we aimed to analyze how marijuana use relates to acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI).Using a retrospective study design, we gathered data from August 2014 to September 2020 on all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) done at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center (BUHMC) in patients with NSTEMI and STEMI. To compare marijuana users (MUs) with non-users,After logistic regression analyses, results showed that the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and admission diagnosis of STEMI or NSTEMI were not found to be significantly related to marijuana use. Age, alcohol, cigarette, creatinine, BUN, PBNP, BMI and RCA disease were significantly related to marijuana use. There was a negative correlation between marijuana use and RCA disease (MUs = 29.7% vs. non-users = 50%, P = 0.026). There was no significant association with STEMI, NSTEMI or the severity of CAD.As daily cannabis use is on the rise, more researches are needed to further determine the effects of marijuana use on CAD.

In this work, the adhesion and corrosion resistance of TiN coating by magnetron sputtering on stainless steel substrates under different bias voltages conditions (-50 V and-100 V) was investigated. AFM was used for surface roughness and grain size analysis, XRD for phase identification, Rockwell C for adhesion and nanoindentation for hardness and elastic modulus. According to AFM the coating deposited at-100V bias had decreased surface roughness, the value decreased from 2.7 nm (for-50V sample) to 1.8 nm, this was due to an etching like process which occurs when ions with higher energies start hitting the surface. The coated samples came under HF1 adhesion parameter which is the highest class of adhesion in the model on the basis of Rockwell C adhesion test. nanoindentation hardness and elastic modulus results of-50 V and-100V were found to be 224 GPa and 182 GPa, respectively and the value of hardness, 16 GPa and 22 GPa, respectively. The corrosion behavior of TiN coatings were studied in 3.5wt. % NaCl solutions using Tafel Extrapolation, Cyclic Polarization and Open Circuit Potential. It was noted on the basis of these corrosion tests that, as bias voltage is increased, it leads to the formation of more densely packed, fine grained columnar structures with less pores, which decreases the chances of corrosion. .

Many parts of our everyday lives have been automated as a result of the Internet of Things (IoT) device development, resulting in previously unknown efficiency and comfort. The risks and challenges related to privacy are a major worry raised by this technological revolution. This paper investigates ways to improve protection of privacy while examining the flaws in IoT automation systems. At first, the study addresses possible privacy dangers related to IoT automation, focusing on three major areas: data collection and storage, data sharing and third-party access, and user privacy choices. The report clarifies the possible hazards to individual privacy and highlights the necessity for effective mitigation methods through a thorough investigation of these concerns. The paper proposes a number of mitigation solutions to solve issues and improve privacy protection in IoT automation systems. These strategies include the acceptance of user-centric privacy choices, secure data transfer protocols, transparent data governance frameworks, and data anonymization techniques. The report also explores the regulatory framework around IoT automation and privacy, including details on the current legal systems and alternative legislative suggestions. This study adds to the expanding body of knowledge in the topic of privacy and IoT by emphasizing the weaknesses and providing useful ideas for improved privacy protection in IoT automation systems. The research aims to educate decision-makers, experts in the field, and researchers, fostering the creation of safe and privacy-conscious IoT solutions that protect people's rights to privacy in the digital age.

Purpose Tourists’ irresponsible behaviours (e.g. damaging flowers, writing and painting on the walls and throwing waste material in the water and around the sea site) damage the coastal environment. The irresponsible behaviour of tourists has raised concerns about the sustainability of the coastal tourism environment. The purpose of this study is to identify and explain the behavioural patterns of tourists that can influence the environmentally responsible behaviours (ERBs) of tourists, particularly in the context of coastal tourism. The study aims to provide a theoretical and practical explanation of destination image and perceived destination value (PDV) in shaping ERB with the mediating role of destination social responsibility (DSR) among tourists at the coastal touring destination. Design/methodology/approach The study used a quantitative research design and data were gathered from the five beaches in Karachi. Structured equation model was used to analyse the direct and mediating effect while stepwise regression was used to analyse the moderating effect of DSR. The results of the direct effect showed that cognitive image has a significant effect on the affective image, while the insignificant effect on conative image and ERB. While the affective image has a significant effect on conative and ERB, and finally, results showed a significant effect of conative image on ERB. Results of the study revealed that PDV significantly mediated the relationship between cognitive, affective and conative destination image and ERB. Finally, the study’s results revealed that DSR has significantly moderated the relationship between affective, conative destination image, PDV and ERB. Findings The results are divided into three categories, direct effect, mediating effect and moderating effect. The results of the direct effect showed that cognitive image has a significant effect on the affective image, while the insignificant effect on conative image and ERB. While affective image has a significant effect on conative and ERB, and finally, results showed a significant effect of conative image on ERB. It is found in the results that PDV significantly mediated the relationship between cognitive, affective and conative destination image and ERB. Finally, the study’s results revealed that DSR has significantly moderated the relationship between affective, conative destination image, PDV and ERB. Research limitations/implications First, data has been collected from a single geographic area of Pakistan. Therefore, cross-country data are required to compare the ERB of tourists. Second, only local respondents are considered in the study; future studies may include foreign tourists as well. Finally, data has been collected during one month in summer, which may have measured the experience of only summer. The respondent may have different perceived values and destination images during winter. The future study may split data collection into summer and winter to cover diverse perceptions of tourists. Social implications It is almost impossible for coastal destinations to achieve a competitive advantage without attaining sustainable coastal environments. Clean and green beaches and responsible behaviour towards marine mammals can only be achieved through tourists’ ERB. This study has major contributions towards society by reserving the natural environment of coastal areas. Originality/value This research will significantly contribute to the existing literature by extending the ERB knowledge through the theoretical lens of cognitive-affective-conative models and social expectancy theory. Moreover, PDV as a mediator and DSR as a moderator will enhance the understanding of ERB and extend the existing literature. Further research has provided a strong understanding of how cognitive, effective and conative image helps in influencing the ERB of tourists. Moreover, research will benefit destination managers and policymakers to enhance the image and perceived value of touring destinations. Finally, this study is a unique attempt to present a comprehensive model which could be applicable to diverse situations and areas.

In Bangladesh, access to clean water is a major problem for many areas because of its location, lack of freshwater resources, and growing population. In this paper, we explore sustainable methods for producing clean water that may help in resolving Bangladesh's problems with water shortage. We conduct a thorough analysis of several technologies and procedures that are appropriate for Bangladesh. We assess these approaches based on their cost-effectiveness, scalability, environmental impact, and sustainability. According to our findings, these technologies can be useful for alleviating Bangladesh's water shortage, particularly in rural regions where access to clean water is scarce. We also stress the value of community knowledge and participation in the effective application of these technologies.

In this work, Nitrogen modified TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via fast acid catalyzed sol-gel route with ammonia solution as a primary nitrogen precursor. The effect of amount of nitrogen was investigated by further incorporating secondary nitrogen in prepared sample with urea precursor by adopting wet impregnation approach. Pure TiO2 nanoparticles were also synthesized for comparison. Prepared photo-catalysts were characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopic analysis. XRD results confirmed the formation of anatase crystalline phase for all prepared samples. Laboratory test experiments on Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition under artificial visible light (20W White LED) revealed the highest photocatalytic activity of catalyst doubly doped with ammonia solution and urea whereas pure TiO2 showed poor activity under visible light illumination. The effect of operational parameters such as catalyst dose, solution pH and substrate concentration on photocatalytic efficiency was also evaluated to obtain optimal conditions. Photocatalysis of RhB under natural sunlight with doubly-doped photo-catalyst (T5N2) showed remarkable photocatalytic performance of 99.9% after 1 hour illumination.

Proterozoic Jiran Sandstone rests unconformably on Binota Shale and Khori-Malan Conglomerate. The Jiran Sandstone is comprised mainly of fine to medium-grained, varicolored, thickly bedded sandstones, showing diverse primary sedimentary structures such as ripple marks, planar, and trough cross-bedding. Petrographically, Jiran Sandstone is of mainly quartzarenite which is composed of varieties of quartz with ultra-scarcity of feldspar, lithic fragments, micas, and heavy minerals. Quartz is more abundant mineral shown by X-ray Diffraction Analysis. The provenance, tectonic setting, and paleoclimatic condition of the Jiran sandstone were evaluated using integrated petrographic studies. Analysis pursuant, monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz grains and heavy minerals are driven primarily from metamorphic and plutonic Precambrian basement source rocks of a craton interior setting with a minor quartzose recycled sedimentary source material. Intensive chemical weathering in warm and humid paleoclimate is indicated by lack of feldspar and rock fragments.

The aim of this study is to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behavior of Al-Si automotive alloys with different levels of Si doping in 0.1 M NaCl solution at room temperature. The study was performed by electrochemical method, using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The condition of surfaces was characterized by both optical and scanning electron microscopy. Both the EIS and Tafel analyses revealed that the corrosion resistance was improved with the addition of Si up to the eutectic point due to the formation of protective oxide films. The higher Si added alloys showed lower values of current density, while the corrosion potential was shifted to a more positive direction. For higher Si added alloys, a higher amount of Mg2Si was formed as precipitates, which tend to form oxides such as SiO2 and MgO, further protecting the surfaces from corrosion. It can be observed from the micrographs that the scratches from polishing are removed after corrosion. Additionally, the SEM images reveal that corroded surfaces appear to have pits that are less noticeable in alloys with a greater Si content, suggesting thus the formation of a protective layer of oxides.

Classification is a common problem in various fields of life, and the key challenging task in data mining. The primary objective of the classification process is to classify the given dataset in a defined class label for all data. Many research papers widely used classification in the medical sector. Various researches have been carried out to classify medical data using different techniques, such as High Order Neural Network (HONN) combined with Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) as a learning algorithm. Due to the increased data complexity, the back-propagation algorithm faced problems of slow convergence. The Back-Propagation (BP) using the gradient descent technique has the possibility of getting stuck in local minima. So, the BP algorithm may cause difficulties in finding the global minima of the error function. This paper proposed a high-order Functional Link Neural Network (FLNN). The proposed FLNN model is integrated with a metaheuristic-based searching algorithm called Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO). The performance of the proposed Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization Functional Link Neural Network (APSOFLNN) model is validated with various medical datasets and compared to traditional techniques such as Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization Functional Link Back-Propagation (APSOFLBP), and Artificial Bee Colony Functional Link Neural Network (ABCFLNN). The simulation results showed that the proposed APSOFLNN algorithm for the used benchmarked datasets shows good results in terms of the mean square error (MSE) and accuracy in comparison to the traditional techniques.

Objectives: Surgical treatment of patients with multiple mandibular fractures involving condylar segments may be a difficult proposition for a maxillofacial surgeon. These fractures can be double or triple fractures of the lower mandible and can also be associated with other fractures of the face. While many authors have suggested that the conventional approach to reducing and stabilizing a mandibular symphysis / para-symphysis fracture is appropriate before addressing a fractured condyle, there is another school of thought that suggests that the condylar segment should be reduced and repaired first. This article aims to review the results of operations where the reduction and fixation of a fractured condyle is performed prior to other associated mandible fractures, and to explore the effectiveness of various surgical methods including preauricular and retromandibular proposed in this case. Place and Duration: In the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery department of Faryal Dental College, Lahore for two-years duration from Jan 2018 to Jan 2020. Material and methods: The study included 60 surgically treated patients with multiple mandible fractures (double / triple), including the condyle component. For treatment of the fractured condylar segments, the preauricular and retromandibular (anterior parotid-transmasseteric) approach was used. Results: Condyle fracture was the first segment to be managed during sequencing of surgical treatment, regardless of the method used. First, good reduction and stabilization have been achieved with limited complications in treating a condyle fracture. Conclusion: While it is the surgeon's prerogative to sort multiple mandible fractures, addressing the condylar segment first provides the operator with a viable alternative to the conventional technique. Key words: condylar fractures, multiple mandibular fractures, preauricular approach, retromandibular approach

Stunted growth is an emerging global challenge affecting children under the age of 5 years in low- and middle-income countries. Despite such a high global prevalence of stunting, the mechanism of pathogenesis and the role of associated gut microbiota is poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate the association of pathogenic strains of E. coli with the residential gut microbiota of stunted growth children. A total of 64 stool sample were collected from children aged ≤ 5 years, and were processed for isolation and molecular characterization of diarrheagenic E. coli. Selected stool samples (n = 39 including three normal controls) were then analysed for microbial community profiling using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Furthermore, associations between changes in the microbiota in the presence of different E. coli strains was explored. Pathotyping of the isolated E. coli (n = 64) has shown that 39.68% belonged to one of the five pathotypes of E. coli whilst the remaining ones were non-typeable. Amongst the different pathotypes, EPEC was found to be the most prevalent (52%; n = 13), followed by EAEC (20%; n = 5), EIEC (12%; n = 3), EHEC (8%; n = 2) and ETEC 2 (8%; n = 2). Phylogrouping analysis has shown that majority of the strains belonged to B2 (28.12%). Microbial diversity is shown to be significant and varied when the samples are organized under the recovered phylogroups. Moreover, based on predictive metabolism, the colonization of these strains were found to be significantly associated with energy utilization pathways such as Denovoprine-2 and glyoxylate-by. Differential analysis has shown that Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus were altered for the children with stunted growth.

Piezoelectric materials convert between mechanical and electrical energy and are a basis for self-powered electronics. Current piezoelectrics exhibit either large charge (d33) or voltage (g33) coefficients but not both simultaneously, and yet the maximum energy density for energy harvesting is determined by the transduction coefficient: d33*g33. In prior piezoelectrics, an increase in polarization usually accompanies a dramatic rise in the dielectric constant, resulting in trade off between d33 and g33. This recognition led us to a design concept: increase polarization through Jahn-Teller lattice distortion and reduce the dielectric constant using a highly confined 0D molecular architecture. With this in mind, we sought to insert a quasi-spherical cation into a Jahn-Teller distorted lattice, increasing the mechanical response for a large piezoelectric coefficient. We implemented this concept by developing EDABCO-CuCl4 (EDABCO = N-ethyl-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium), a molecular piezoelectric with a d33 of 165 pm/V and g33 of ~2110 × 10−3 V m N−1, one that achieved thusly a combined transduction coefficient of 348 × 10−12 m3 J−1. This enables piezoelectric energy harvesting in EDABCO-CuCl4@PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) composite film with a peak power density of 43 µW/cm2 (at 50 kPa), the highest value reported for mechanical energy harvesters based on heavy-metal-free molecular piezoelectric.

The Neoproterozoic Bhander Group, the youngest and most widely distributed group of Upper Vindhyans, consists of about 1000m thick succession of sandstone, shale, and limestone. Petrographic investigations reveal that the Bhander Sandstones are mineralogically mature and classified as quartzarenite and sublitharenite type which is composed of varieties of quartz with ultra-scarcity of feldspar, lithic fragments, micas, and heavy minerals. Average framework composition of the Lower Bhander Sandstone is Qt98.68F0.10L1.22 and Upper Bhander Sandstone is Qt95.92F0.12L3.96. Quartz is a more abundant mineral, as shown by X-ray Diffraction Analysis. Petrofacies reveal that the Bhander Sandstones were derived mainly from the source rocks of a craton interior setting with a minor quartzose recycled sedimentary source material. A scarcity of feldspar and rock fragments suggests intense chemical weathering in a warm and humid paleoclimate. Mechanical compaction, cements, authigenic clays, and dissolution and modification of unstable clastic grains are the major diagenetic components identified based on the framework grain-cement relationships. Kaolinite and silica (quartz) overgrowth are found as pore-filling and lining cements. Compaction was more effective than cementation in affecting primary porosity. Cementation decreased porosity and permeability drastically. Kaolinite fills pore spaces, reducing the sandstone's porosity and permeability. Secondary porosity developed as a result of partial to complete feldspar dissolution. The diagenetic signatures observed in the Bhander Sandstones are suggestive of deep burial. The reservoir quality of the studied sandstones is degraded by authigenic clay minerals and cementations, but enhanced by alteration and dissolution of unstable grains.

Petrographic, and petrofacies investigations were performed on thirty-three samples of medium to fine grained (mostly fine), moderately to well-sorted sandstone from Bathonian Badabagh Member, Jaisalmer Formation, western Rajasthan. The grains are sub-angular to sub-rounded in shape, with some well-rounded quartz grains. The framework composition of sandstone consists mostly of monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz, low- to high-grade metamorphic and sedimentary rock fragments, as well as subordinate feldspar with low plagioclase to total feldspar ratios and accessory minerals. Petrographic investigations reveal that sandstones from the Badabagh Member of the Jaisalmer Formation are dominantly quartz-arenite with subordinate amount of sub-litharenite to sub-arkose. The sandstones have abundance of metamorphic and sedimentary rock fragments having former supersede the latter, which derived from a continental block, recycled orogen provenance of quartzose lithic terrains under tropical humid climate as indicated by weathering index which signifies the moderate hills to low plains relief. The majority of the quartz in the sandstones is undulatory, indicating provenance with lower and middle-upper rank metamorphic affinity. Corroboration of palaeocurrent data along with petrographical and sedimentological studies suggests that the Badabagh Member sandstone was predominantly derived from the rocks of Aravalli Delhi Fold Belt (ADFB) and Malani Igneous Suites, which is located to the south and southeast of the basin.

In a controlled environment experiment, we studied how physiological changes in leaves during the vegetative phase regulate final grain yield of wheat crops in salt-affected soils. We also hypothesized that amendments such as biochar (SB) and selenium-chitosan nanoparticles (Se-NPs) can protect wheat plants from salt injury. 20-day-old wheat plants were submitted to 4-week salt stress (3000 ppm NaCl). Soybean straw biochar was mixed with soil media at planting and Se-NPs (30 ppm) was sprayed 5 days after the first salt stress treatment. At the end of 4-week Se-NPs treatment, one set of plants was harvested for studying leaf level physiological changes. The salt-stressed plants accumulated significantly high leaf Na+ (~ 13-fold increase), which trigged oxidative and osmotic damage. This salt-induced cellular injury was evident from significantly high levels of lipid membrane peroxidation and inhibited photosynthesis. Our study suggested that leaf physiological impairment in wheat plants was translated into poor biomass production and grain yield loss at crop maturity. Compared with control, salt-stressed plants produced 43% lesser biomass during vegetative phase, and 62% lesser grain yield at maturity. Amendments such as SB and Se-NPs protected the plants from salt-induced cellular injury by restricting Na+ transport toward leaf tissues. Plants treated with NaCl + SB + Se-NPs accumulated 50% less Na+ concentrations in leaves compared with NaCl-treated plants. Our study also suggested that SB and Se-NPs can restore ionic homeostasis and carbon assimilation in salt-stressed wheat by upregulating key transporter genes in leaves.

International audience; Halide perovskite materials have been recently recognized as promising materials for piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) due to their potentially strong ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity. Here, we report a new method using a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer to achieve excellent long-term stable black γ-phase CsPbI3and explore the piezoelectric performance on a CsPbI3@PVDF composite film. The PVDF-stabilized black-phase CsPbI3perovskite composite film can be stable under ambient conditions for more than 60 days and over 24 h while heated at 80 °C. Piezoresponse force spectroscopy measurements revealed that the black CsPbI3/PVDF composite contains well-developed ferroelectric properties with a high piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) of 28.4 pm/V. The black phase of the CsPbI3-based PVDF composite exhibited 2 times higher performance than the yellow phase of the CsPbI3-based composite. A layer-by-layer stacking method was adopted to tune the thickness of the composite film. A five-layer black-phase CsPbI3@PVDF composite PENG exhibited a voltage output of 26 V and a current density of 1.1 μA/cm2. The output power can reach a peak value of 25 μW. Moreover, the PENG can be utilized to charge capacitors through a bridge rectifier and display good durability without degradation for over 14 000 cyclic tests. These results reveal the feasibility of the all-inorganic perovskite for the design and development of high-performance piezoelectric nanogenerators. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously increased the production and sales of disinfectants. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the efficacy and safety of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. The literature relating to the use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant was systematically reviewed in January 2021 using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies that investigated the use of chlorine dioxide to assess the efficacy, safety, and impact of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. Out of the 33 included studies, 14 studies focused on the disinfectant efficacy of chlorine dioxide, 8 studies expounded on the safety and toxicity in humans and animals, and 15 studies discussed the impact, such as water treatment disinfection using chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is a safe and effective disinfectant, even at concentrations as low as 20 to 30 mg/L. Moreover, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide is mostly independent of pH. Chlorine dioxide can be effectively used to disinfect drinking water without much alteration of palatability and can also be used to destroy pathogenic microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi from vegetables and fruits. Our review confirms that chlorine dioxide is effective against the resistant Mycobacterium, H1N1, and other influenza viruses. Studies generally support the use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant. The concentration deemed safe for usage still needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.