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Abstract Prediction and discovery of new materials with desired properties are at the forefront of quantum science and technology research. A major bottleneck in this field is the computational resources and time complexity related to finding new materials from ab initio calculations. In this work, an effective and robust deep learning-based model is proposed by incorporating persistent homology with graph neural network which offers an accuracy of $$91.4\%$$ 91.4 % and an F1 score of $$88.5\%$$ 88.5 % in classifying topological versus non-topological materials, outperforming the other state-of-the-art classifier models. Additionally, out-of-distribution and newly discovered topological materials can be classified using our method with high confidence. The incorporation of the graph neural network encodes the underlying relation between the atoms into the model based on their crystalline structures and thus proved to be an effective method to represent and process non-Euclidean data like molecules with a relatively shallow network. The persistent homology pipeline in the proposed neural network integrates a topological analysis of crystal structures into the deep learning model, enhancing both robustness and performance. Our classifier can serve as an efficacious tool for predicting the topological class, thereby enabling a high-throughput search for fascinating topological materials.

Abstract Emergent phases often appear when the electronic kinetic energy is comparable to the Coulomb interactions. One approach to seek material systems as hosts of such emergent phases is to realize localization of electronic wavefunctions due to the geometric frustration inherent in the crystal structure, resulting in flat electronic bands. Recently, such efforts have found a wide range of exotic phases in the two-dimensional kagome lattice, including magnetic order, time-reversal symmetry breaking charge order, nematicity, and superconductivity. However, the interlayer coupling of the kagome layers disrupts the destructive interference needed to completely quench the kinetic energy. Here we demonstrate that an interwoven kagome network—a pyrochlore lattice—can host a three dimensional (3D) localization of electron wavefunctions. Meanwhile, the nonsymmorphic symmetry of the pyrochlore lattice guarantees all band crossings at the Brillouin zone X point to be 3D gapless Dirac points, which was predicted theoretically but never yet observed experimentally. Through a combination of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, fundamental lattice model and density functional theory calculations, we investigate the novel electronic structure of a Laves phase superconductor with a pyrochlore sublattice, CeRu2. We observe evidence of flat bands originating from the Ce 4f orbitals as well as flat bands from the 3D destructive interference of the Ru 4d orbitals. We further observe the nonsymmorphic symmetry-protected 3D gapless Dirac cone at the X point. Our work establishes the pyrochlore structure as a promising lattice platform to realize and tune novel emergent phases intertwining topology and many-body interactions.

Abstract Here we review scanning tunneling microscopy research on the surface determination for various types of kagome materials, including 11-type (CoSn, FeSn, FeGe), 32-type (Fe3Sn2), 13-type (Mn3Sn), 135-type (AV3Sb5, A = K, Rb, Cs), 166-type (TbMn6Sn6, YMn6Sn6 and ScV6Sn6), and 322-type (Co3Sn2S2 and Ni3In2Se2). We first demonstrate that the measured step height between different surfaces typically deviates from the expected value of ±0.4 ∼0.8Å, which is owing to the tunneling convolution effect with electronic states and becomes a serious issue for Co3Sn2S2 where the expected Sn-S interlayer distance is 0.6Å. Hence, we put forward a general methodology for surface determination as atomic step geometry imaging, which is fundamental but also experimentally challenging to locate the step and to image with atomic precision. We discuss how this method can be used to resolve the surface termination puzzle in Co3Sn2S2. This method provides a natural explanation for the existence of adatoms and vacancies, and beyond using unknown impurity states, we propose and use designer layer-selective substitutional chemical markers to confirm the validity of this method. Finally, we apply this method to determine the surface of a new kagome material Ni3In2Se2, as a cousin of Co3Sn2S2, and we image the underlying kagome geometry on the determined Se surface above the kagome layer, which directly visualizes the p-d hybridization physics. We emphasize that this general method does not rely on theory, but the determined surface identity can provide guidelines for first-principles calculations with adjustable parameters on the surface-dependent local density of states and quasi-particle interference patterns.

Abstract The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory, and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. We further demonstrate that this gapless, antiferromagnetic Dirac nodal line is enforced by the combination of magnetism, space-time inversion symmetry, and nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry. The corresponding drumhead surface states traverse the whole surface Brillouin zone. YMn2Ge2 thus serves as a platform to exhibit the interplay of multiple degenerate nodal physics and antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the magnetic nodal line displays a d-orbital dependent renormalization along its trajectory in momentum space, thereby manifesting Hund’s coupling. Our findings offer insights into the effect of electronic correlations on magnetic Dirac nodal lines, leading to an antiferromagnetic Hund nodal line.

Abstract Spider species are important for maintaining ecological balance, controlling insect populations, and providing potential sources of medicinal compounds. Highlighting the importance of spider species, the present study was aimed at exploring the diversity of spider fauna and species richness in various habitats in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from March 2021 to December 2021. Spiders were collected through different methods: pitfall traps, cryptic searching, ground hand collection, aerial hand collection, and vegetation beating. Then, the captured spiders were washed in alcohol and preserved in a combination of 80% alcohol and 20% glycerol for further observation. Identification was carried out with the help of available spider identification keys and literature. A total of 578 specimens representing 29 species from 17 families and 26 genera were collected and identified. Family Lycosidae was the most dominant family (13.49%), followed by Salticidae (10.2%), Araneidae (8.47%), Tetragnathidae (7.61%), Pholicidae (6.4%), Oxyopidae (5.88%), Thomisidae (5.7%), Clubionidae (5.53%), Sicariidae (5.19%), Scytodidae (5.01%), Corinnidae (4.67%), Agelenidae (4.32%), Cheiracanthiidae and Sparassidae (4.15%), Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae (3.97%) and Theridiidae was the rarest among all (1.21%). The most commonly identified species are Hippasa partita, Lycosa poonaesis, Lycosa terrestris, Draposa oakleyi, Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus nigli, Thyene imperialis, Thyene bivittate and Hasarius adansoni. Argiope versicolor, Neoscona theisi, Tetragnatha extensa, Crossopriza lyoni, and Oxyopes Javanus. During the present study, it was observed that spider species were abundantly found in warm areas from May to August, which demonstrates that the spider fauna of the study area is very rich but has yet to be explored.

Abstract Charge density wave (CDW) orders in vanadium-based kagome metals have recently received tremendous attention, yet their origin remains a topic of debate. The discovery of ScV6Sn6, a bilayer kagome metal featuring an intriguing $$\sqrt{3}\times\sqrt{3}\times3$$ 3 × 3 × 3 CDW order, offers a novel platform to explore the underlying mechanism behind the unconventional CDW. Here, we combine high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, Raman scattering and density functional theory to investigate the electronic structure and phonon modes of ScV6Sn6. We identify topologically nontrivial surface states and multiple van Hove singularities (VHSs) in the vicinity of the Fermi level, with one VHS aligning with the in-plane component of the CDW vector near the $$\bar{K}$$ K ¯ point. Additionally, Raman measurements indicate a strong electron-phonon coupling, as evidenced by a two-phonon mode and new emergent modes. Our findings highlight the fundamental role of lattice degrees of freedom in promoting the CDW in ScV6Sn6.

IntroductionResearchers in the learning sciences have been considering methods of analysing and representing group-level temporal data, particularly discourse analysis, in Computed Supported Collaborative Learning for many years.MethodsThis paper compares two methods used to analyse and represent connections in discourse, Discrete Time Markov Chains and Epistemic Network Analysis. We illustrate both methods by comparing group-level discourse using the same coded dataset of 15 high school students who engaged in group work. The groups were based on the tools they used namely the computer, iPad, or Interactive Whiteboard group. The aim here is not to advocate for a particular method but to investigate each method’s affordances.ResultsThe results indicate that both methods are relevant in evaluating the code connection within each group. In both cases, the techniques have supported the analysis of cognitive connections by representing frequent co-occurrences of concepts in a given segment of discourse.DiscussionAs the affordances of both methods vary, practitioners may consider both to gain insight into what each technique can allow them to conclude about the group dynamics and collaborative learning processes to close the loop for learners.

Abstract The current study evaluates the antibacterial activity of Camponotus compressus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) body crude extracts. The increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria has prompted the world to turn its attention towards insects in the search for new sources of antibacterial compounds. The body crude extract obtained with different solvents were tested against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae). Standard disc diffusion method was used to perform the activity. The extracts of C. compressus were investigated for their effectiveness against all resistant pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible, exhibiting a high average growth inhibition, while Bacillus subtilis showed a lower average growth inhibition zone. Our findings regarding the inhibitory effect of C. compressus extracts show the presence of a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound. This will be helpful in the search for novel natural antibiotics against robust pathogenic bacterial strains.

Photocatalytic responses and synergistic effects of V2O5, TiO2, and V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures with varied ratios have been investigated, revealing promising outcomes. The successful synthesis of nanostructures and heterostructures was verified through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Notably, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectral studies confirmed that the optical band gap of V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures increases with higher TiO2 concentrations. These findings enhance our understanding of the agglomerated heterostructures of V2O5/TiO2, particularly with ratios of 1:1 and 1:3, showcasing potential applications in photocatalysis. Furthermore, their performance was subjected to Malachite Green dye degradation using a solar simulator, achieving an impressive efficiency of 93.29%. Additionally, the photocatalytic efficacy was assessed through reusability experiments over three cycles. Remarkably, the heterostructures exhibited stability across these cycles, suggesting their potential for extended use in diverse photocatalytic purposes. The importance of these results is the applicability of our fabricated V2O5/TiO2 heterostructures as a photocatalyst with high performance, especially in the realm of sustainable and efficient dye degradation processes.

Background: The roll-coating process plays an important role in many industries for its practical applications, such as paint, PVC-coated fabrics and plastic industries. Roll coating is commonly used to put thin coating films over continuous substrates such as foils and papers. There are several roll-to-roll coating methods, including forward and roll over web. However, the reverse roll coating study of the non-Newtonian fluid model is presented in this paper. The constitutive equation for the viscoelastic Carreau fluid model as the non-Newtonian fluid is derived using the momentum and energy equations. To simplify the nonlinear systems of partial differential equations, appropriate non-dimensional parameters are employed to convert them into systems of ordinary differential equations. Method: By taking the Weissenberg number as a small parameter, a series solution is obtained for considerable quantities like pressure gradient, axial velocity, flow rate, pressure distribution, and temperature distribution using the perturbation method. In contrast, the numeric outcome of some quantities of engineering interest, like flow rate, coating thickness, share stresses, and separation points, are calculated. Streamlines in 2D and 3D are also drawn to observe the flow pattern. To validate the solution, the problem is also solved numerically with the BVP Midrich method. The analysis of the results demonstrates a satisfactory agreement between the analytical and numerical solutions. Results: The graphical investigation examines the influence of different fluid parameters on velocity profile, shear stress, pressure profile, temperature profile, and pressure gradient. A comprehensive mechanism behind these outcomes is deliberated. It has been observed that velocity rises on increasing the Weissenberg number; however, velocity decreases in the case of the velocities ratio. Further, the Brickman number has a significant influence on the temperature profile and has increased with the increase in the Brickman number. Moreover, the separation point and coating thickness decrease with the velocities ratio increase. The results accuracy is checked against papers that have already been published. The comparison reveals good agreement; therefore, the resultant analytical model gives new ways to forecast film thickness and explain influence parameters. Hence, these factors may help in an efficient coating process and improve the substrate life.

Abstract The spacetime light cone is central to the definition of causality in the theory of relativity. Recently, links between relativistic and condensed matter physics have been uncovered, where relativistic particles can emerge as quasiparticles in the energy-momentum space of matter. Here, we unveil an energy-momentum analogue of the spacetime light cone by mapping time to energy, space to momentum, and the light cone to the Weyl cone. We show that two Weyl quasiparticles can only interact to open a global energy gap if they lie in each other’s energy-momentum dispersion cones–analogous to two events that can only have a causal connection if they lie in each other’s light cones. Moreover, we demonstrate that the causality of surface chiral modes in quantum matter is entangled with the causality of bulk Weyl fermions. Furthermore, we identify a unique quantum horizon region and an associated ‘thick horizon’ in the emergent causal structure.

Direct imaging and tuning of flat band localization in kagome materials remains a challenge. Here, scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission spectroscopy are used to study FeSn, revealing real-space localization and magnetic tuning of the flat band state within the Fe3Sn kagome lattice layer.

An isothermal and incompressible flow of a magnetohydrodynamici (MHD) viscoplastic fluid has been examined while passing through the area among two co-rotating rolls. Applying lubrication approximation theory (LAT), the basic flow equations of mass and momentum are derived and subsequently non-dimensionalized. Exact solutions of velocity and pressure gradient distributions are evaluated. To evaluate the complex integrals, Trapezoidal rule for numerical integration is used. The significant engineering parameters like, the roll separation force, maximum pressure and the power transferred to the fluid by the rolls, are also numerically computed. The results demonstrate that the velocity field and pressure gradient are significantly affected due to the presence of the viscoplastic parameter. Magnetic field is found to be the controlling parameter for power input, separating force, and distance among attachment and detachment points, being extremely beneficial for the roll coating process. It has been learnt through this study that MHD can be an effective tool in the coating industry to regulate the engineering quantities in which coating thickness is the most important.

The 2,4-Dicholorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a herbicide used against broad leave herbs and it is carcinogenic and mutagenic in nature, which need to be remediated to avoid negative impact on the living organisms. In view of promising adsorption efficiency of composite materials, the present investigation is focused on the preparation of polypyrrole (PPY) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) based composites. The composites were characterized for surface properties and thermal stability. The prepared composite was utilized for the sequestration of 2,4-D from aqueous solution in column mode as function of bed height, flow rate and 2,4-D concentration. Thomas model was applied to the rate of adsorption at different 2,4-D concentrations, flow rates and bed heights to predict the breakthrough curves. The BDST (bed depth service time) model was also applied to predict the breakthrough curves as function of bed heights. The biosorption capacities of SB and PPY/SB were 6.1 and 8.63 (mg/g), respectively. The results indicated that sugarcane bagasse composite with PPY is efficient adsorbent for the remediation of 2,4-D and could have potential for the removal of herbicides from effluents.

Introduction: Medical professionalism is an essential part of training and professional development of medical students. Unprofessional behavior in medical school may lead to professional misconduct in the future careers. The Learner’s Attitude of Medical Professionalism Scale (LAMPS) is a self-assessment questionnaire. It has been used in this study to assess and compare self-reported attitudes about different domains of medical professionalism among First and Final Year studentsand Faculty of Shalamar Medical and Dental College (SMDC). LAMPS has been used to identify the gaps in the attitudes of medical students and professionals, which can be addressed through a training program of professionalism.Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in SMDC from June to Dec 2018. First Year and Final Year Students and Faculty were recruited by non-probability convenience sampling. The sample size was calculated by the Cochran’s Formula, keeping the level of significance at 5% and margin of error at 3%. The reliability of LAMPS using Cronbach’s alpha is 0.7. It has been validated by 32experts followed by pilot testing. The domains of professionalism were scored according to Likert Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24. T-test was used for comparison of the means.Results: There were a total of 204 study participants; 88 students from First Year, 78 from Final Year and 38 Faculty Members. Honor/Integrity was the most valued trait and Excellence/Autonomy wasthe lowest scored domain of medical professionalism. There was a significant difference among attitudes of the First and Final Year students in the domains of Excellence/Autonomy and Altruism.Excellence/Autonomy and Honor/Integrity showed a significant difference between the Final Year students and Faculty.Conclusions: Medical students and faculty have significantly different views of certain attributes of professionalism. Honor/Integrity was the most valued trait and Excellence/Autonomy was the lowest valued trait of medical professionalism.

Abstract Despite scorpion diversity has long been acknowledged, the mystery of how it develops remains unresolved. The geographical distribution, species abundance and biodiversity of scorpions fauna in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is poorly explored with many aspects like morphological, geographical, ecological and phylogenetically. As a result of faunaistic study on scorpions a total of 171 specimens from various regimes, Charsadda, Mardan, Peshawar and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from March 2018 to October 2018 were collected. GarminTM GPS V Plus device. The software Arc GIS 10.2 was used to create maps of the study areas. Pitfall traps were used to gather samples from sandy habitats and pastureland. Five species Hottentotta tamulus Fabricius, 1798, with (35%), Scorpiops pseudomontanus Kovarik and Ahmed, 2009, (26%), Orthochirus fuscipes Pocock, 1900, (15%), Hottentotta buchariensis Birula, 1897, (13%) and Deccanometrus latimanus Pocock, 1894, (11%) were detected in our proposed study. The research indicates that abundance and temperature have a favorable connection, while abundance and humidity get a negative correlation. The value of evenness shows the strong equilibrium between the effectiveness of sampling species, and the Shannon's index suggests that the Pakistani region has a high level of scorpion variety.

Abstract The aims of the present research was to find out the diversity of family Araneidae in district Swat Pakistan and to provide updated checklist of the family Araneidae from Pakistan. Also their occurrence throughout the year was given from District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data was collected from January 2018 to December-2018 from seven different Tehsils of District Swat by using different methods like pitfall trap, ground hand collection, air hand collection and were then preserved in plastic vials and appendorf tubes by using 70% ethanol. Camera mounted on microscope was used for photography. By using literature from World Spider Catalog, 2022, spiders were identified to species level. In a ttal of 1243 specimens of family Araneidae 4 genera and 7 species were identified. Dominant species with great number of specimen collected was Cyrtophora citricolla with 229 (18.4%) samples, followed by Bojaranius mitificus (15.7%), Neoscona Scylla (15.4%), Argiope lobata (14.8), Neoscona theisi (14.6%) and Neoscona polyspinippes (13.8%) respectively. While lowest collection was done of Argiope versicolor with 90 (7.3%) samples. High occurrence of spiders was studied during July 187 samples. Fluctuation in temperature can affect the diversity of spiders observed and recorded in present study with lowest collection done in low temperature. Moreover, the humidity also play a great role in spiders’ population and occurrence.

Abstract The nature of phase transition from an antiferromagnetic SDW polaronic Mott insulator to the paramagnetic bipolaronic CDW Peierls insulator is studied for the half-filled Holstein-Hubbard model in one dimension in the presence of Gaussian phonon anharmonicity. A number of unitary transformations performed in succession on the Hamiltonian followed by a general many-phonon averaging leads to an effective electronic Hamiltonian which is then treated exactly by using the Bethe-Ansatz technique of Lieb and Wu to determine the energy of the ground state of the system. Next using the Mott–Hubbard metallicity condition, local spin-moment calculation, and the concept of quantum entanglement entropy and double occupancy, it is shown that in a plane spanned by the electron–phonon coupling coefficient and onsite Coulomb correlation energy, there exists a window in which the SDW and CDW phases are separated by an intermediate phase that is metallic.

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the association between environmental organic pollutants with type 2 diabetes. This prospective study was conducted in Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus Karachi in duration from January 2016 to June 2017. This study was ethically approved from the Institutional Review Board of FUUAST. The study included 50 male and female convenient subjects with type 2 diabetes. Subject with other type of diabetes was excluded. Consent was obtained by each individual. Self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The comparative results suggest that the maximum level of summation polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) mean value was found in age group 27-33 as 0.695 mg/kg in 73% having total individual eleven. Median (interquartile range) of pesticides levels among subjects with normal weight, over weight and obesity were 0.49 (0.26-2.13), 1.53 (0.60-2.65), and 1.60 (1.23-2.05) respectively. It was observed that Organochlorine pesticides (OCS) levels of subjects with overweight and obesity were almost similar (P-value > 0.05) but significantly higher as compared to subjects with normal weight (P-value < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between PCB levels of subjects in terms of body mass index (BMI). In present study we trace the important elements involve in the deposition of persistent organic pollutants and established an association between pollutants with etiology of diabetes and associated disorders such as obesity.

Abstract The current research work aims to provide knowledge about the diversity of spiders’ fauna and their occurrence throughout the year from District Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Research data were collected from March-2015 to January-2017 from seven different localities of Charsadda District by using the camera, bottle, plastic bags, paraffin films, field book and 70% of ethylene alcohol and 20% of glycerine were used as chemicals. By using special identification keys, spiders were differentiated into families, genera and species. During the study time, a total of 2734 specimens of spiders were collected belonging from 35 genera, 15 families and 44 species were identified. Salticidae was the dominant family according to genera studied plus spiders samples numbers collected with 10 genera and 616 species specimens count. The high occurrence of spiders was studied during July. The result of the current study also shows a reduction of spider’s species in December due to lowering the temperature. The current study shows that Salticidae were the dominant family as capered to other species. The occurrence of spiders species greatly depends on changing the weather condition. The present study also shows great fluctuation in spider’s occurrence with changing of hot climate to colder during the study duration. Moreover, the wet season plays a great role in spiders’ population increase and growth.

Magnetotransport, the response of electrical conduction to external magnetic field, acts as an important tool to reveal fundamental concepts behind exotic phenomena and plays a key role in enabling spintronic applications. Magnetotransport is generally sensitive to magnetic field orientations. In contrast, efficient and isotropic modulation of electronic transport, which is useful in technology applications such as omnidirectional sensing, is rarely seen, especially for pristine crystals. Here a strategy is proposed to realize extremely strong modulation of electron conduction by magnetic field which is independent of field direction. GdPS, a layered antiferromagnetic semiconductor with resistivity anisotropies, supports a field-driven insulator-to-metal transition with a paradoxically isotropic gigantic negative magnetoresistance insensitive to magnetic field orientations. This isotropic magnetoresistance originates from the combined effects of a near-zero spin-orbit coupling of Gd3+-based half-filling f-electron system and the strong on-site f-d exchange coupling in Gd atoms. These results not only provide a novel material system with extraordinary magnetotransport that offers a missing block for antiferromagnet-based ultrafast and efficient spintronic devices, but also demonstrate the key ingredients for designing magnetic materials with desired transport properties for advanced functionalities.

Abstract A Weyl semimetal has Weyl nodes that always come in pairs with opposite chiralities. Notably, different ways of connection between nodes are possible and would lead to distinct topologies. Here we identify their differences in many respects from two proposed models with different vorticities. One prominent feature is the behaviour of zeroth Landau levels (LLs) under magnetic field. We demonstrate that the magnetic tunneling does not always expel LLs from zero energy because the number of zero-energy modes is protected by the vorticity of the Weyl nodes, instead of the chirality. Other respects in disorder effects for weak (anti-)localization, surface Fermi arcs, and Weyl-node annihilation, are interesting consequences that await more investigation in the future.

Single-atomic impurities may induce novel quantum state, but they are unexplored in topological magnets. Here, the authors report spin-down polarized bound states which further interact with neighboring states to form spin-orbit split quantized orbitals in a topological magnet Co3Sn2S2.

Frustrated kagome magnets host both fermionic and bosonic excitations, but evidence of their interplay has been elusive. Here, the authors report a pronounced renormalization of electron bands near the Fermi surface due to the coupling with a flat phonon band in a kagome paramagnet, CoSn.

The search for magnetic Weyl fermion remains a challenge. Here, the authors report angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and magnetotransport measurements resolving the topological properties of Weyl fermion quasiparticles in magnetic non-centrosymmetric crystal PrAlGe.

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-“B” & “O”, blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetic’s patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Abstract Pakistan is an agricultural country and fisheries play a very important role in the economic development of the country. Different diseases are prevalent in Pakistani fish but information related to the causative agents is not well-known. Keeping in view the significance of bacterial pathogens as the causative agents of multiple fish diseases, the present study was conducted for identification, characterization and analysis of virulence genes of Aeromonas spp. isolated from diseased fishes. A total of fifty fish samples having multiple clinical indications were collected from different fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. For isolation of Aeromonas spp. samples were enriched and inoculated on Aeromonas isolation medium. Isolates were identified and characterized by different biochemical tests, Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E kit and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. All isolates were screened for three putative virulence genes including aerolysin (aer), haemolysin (hyl) and heat labile cytotonic enterotoxin (alt). Seven isolates of Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila were retrieved and identified based on API 20E. These isolates were further confirmed as A. hydrophila on the basis of PCR assays. Three isolates were detected positive for the presence of virulence genes (alt and hyl). Whereas aerolysin (aer) gene was not present in any of A. hydrophila isolates. The present study confirmed A. hydrophila as the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome and motile Aeromonas septicemia in fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. Moreover, detection of two virulence genes (alt and hyl) in A. hydrophila isolates is a threat for fish consumers of study area.

Abstract The assessment of the comparative effect of biosal (phytopesticide), deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroids) were made against two fodder pests, Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi by filter paper impregnation method. The activity of total protein contents, GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) and GOT (glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase) were affected in Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda cyhalothrin. The activity of total protein contents in H. modestus was 31.053%, 4.607%, and 24.575%, against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The activity of total protein contents was observed as 24.202%, 15.25%, and 56.036% against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and biosal, respectively in H. ocimumi. The activity of GOT was observed as 98.675% for biosal 33.95% for deltamethrin and 83.619% for lambda-cyhalothrin in H. modestus. The GOT activity was estimated in H. ocimumi as 78.831%, 47.645%, and 71.287% against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The efficacy of GPT enzyme against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin was calculated as 89.26%, 73.07%, and 47.58%, respectively in H. modestus. The H. ocimumi showed GPT activity as 77.58% for biosal, 68.84% for deltamethrin, and 52.67% for lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively.

Abstract This study determines the associations among serum lipid profiles, risk of cardiovascular disease, and persistent organic pollutants. Using Gas chromatography technique, the intensity of toxic pollutant residues in serum samples of Hypertensive patients were measured. Based on statistical analysis, the effects of different covariates namely pesticides, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile duration was checked using the logistic regression model. Statistical computation was performed on SPSS 22.0. The P-values of F-Statistic for each lipid profile class are greater than 0.01 (1%), therefore we cannot reject the null hypothesis for all cases. The estimated coefficients, their standard errors, Wald Statistic, and odds ratio of the binary logistic regression model for different lipid profile parameters indicate if pesticides increase then the logit value of different lipid profile parameters changes from -0.46 to -0.246 except LDL which increases by 0.135. The study reports a significantly increased threat of cardiovascular disease with increased concentrations of toxic pollutants.

The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory, and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. We further demonstrate that this gapless, antiferromagnetic Dirac nodal line is enforced by the combination of magnetism, space-time inversion symmetry, and nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry. The corresponding drumhead surface states traverse the whole surface Brillouin zone. YMn2Ge2 thus serves as a platform to exhibit the interplay of multiple degenerate nodal physics and antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the magnetic nodal line displays a d-orbital dependent renormalization along its trajectory in momentum space, thereby manifesting Hund's coupling. Our findings offer insights into the effect of electronic correlations on magnetic Dirac nodal lines, leading to an antiferromagnetic Hund nodal line.

The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in preventative measures and restrictions for Bangladesh during the summer of 2020—these unstable and stressful times led to multiple social problems (e.g., domestic violence and divorce). Globally, researchers, policymakers, governments, and civil societies have been concerned about the increase in domestic violence against women and children during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In Bangladesh, domestic violence against women and children has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we investigated family violence among 511 families during the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants were given questionnaires to answer, for a period of over ten days; we predicted family violence using a machine learning-based model. To predict domestic violence from our data set, we applied random forest, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes machine learning algorithms to our model. We employed an oversampling strategy named the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and the chi-squared statistical test to, respectively, solve the imbalance problem and discover the feature importance of our data set. The performances of the machine learning algorithms were evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score criteria. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and confusion matrices were developed and analyzed for three algorithms. On average, our model, with the random forest, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes algorithms, predicted family violence with 77%, 69%, and 62% accuracy for our data set. The findings of this study indicate that domestic violence has increased and is highly related to two features: family income level during the COVID-19 pandemic and education level of the family members.

Southern Pakistan (Sindh) is one of the hottest regions in the world and is highly vulnerable to temperature extremes. In order to improve rural and urban planning, it is useful to gather information about the recurrence of temperature extremes. In this work, return levels of the daily maximum temperature Tmax are estimated, as well as the daily maximum wet-bulb temperature TWmax extremes. We adopt the peaks over threshold (POT) method, which has not yet been used for similar studies in this region. Two main datasets are analyzed: temperatures observed at nine meteorological stations in southern Pakistan from 1980 to 2013, and the ERA-Interim (ECMWF reanalysis) data for the nearest corresponding locations. The analysis provides the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year return levels (RLs) of temperature extremes. The 90 % quantile is found to be a suitable threshold for all stations. We find that the RLs of the observed Tmax are above 50 °C at northern stations and above 45 °C at the southern stations. The RLs of the observed TWmax exceed 35 °C in the region, which is considered as a limit of survivability. The RLs estimated from the ERA-Interim data are lower by 3 to 5 °C than the RLs assessed for the nine meteorological stations. A simple bias correction applied to ERA-Interim data improves the RLs remarkably, yet discrepancies are still present. The results have potential implications for the risk assessment of extreme temperatures in Sindh.

Weyl semimetals are interesting because they are characterized by topological invariants, but specific examples discovered to date tend to have complicated band structures with many Weyl points. Here, the authors show that TaIrTe4 has only four Weyl points, the minimal number required by time-reversal symmetry.

Abstract Topological metals and semimetals (TMs) have recently drawn significant interest. These materials give rise to condensed matter realizations of many important concepts in high-energy physics, leading to wide-ranging protected properties in transport and spectroscopic experiments. It has been well-established that the known TMs can be classified by the dimensionality of the topologically protected band degeneracies. While Weyl and Dirac semimetals feature zero-dimensional points, the band crossing of nodal-line semimetals forms a one-dimensional closed loop. In this paper, we identify a TM that goes beyond the above paradigms. It shows an exotic configuration of degeneracies without a well-defined dimensionality. Specifically, it consists of 0D nexus with triple-degeneracy that interconnects 1D lines with double-degeneracy. We show that, because of the novel form of band crossing, the new TM cannot be described by the established results that characterize the topology of the Dirac and Weyl nodes. Moreover, triply-degenerate nodes realize emergent fermionic quasiparticles not present in relativistic quantum field theory. We present materials candidates. Our results open the door for realizing new topological phenomena and fermions including transport anomalies and spectroscopic responses in metallic crystals with nontrivial topology beyond the Weyl/Dirac paradigm.

In this article, a mathematical model of a blade coating analysis of the thin film of a Williamson fluid is developed when it passes through the small gap between a blade and a moving substrate. The conservation equations in light of lubrication approximation theory (LAT) are non-dimensionalized and solutions for the velocity, volumetric flow rate and pressure gradient are presented analytically using Adomian decomposition method. Results of the important engineering quantities like coating thickness, pressure distribution, stresses and the power input are obtained. Some results are shown graphically while others are given in tabulated form. It is found that material parameter is used to control flow rate, coating thickness, power input and the pressure distribution. Keywords: Williamson fluid, Blade coating analysis, Lubrication approximation theory, Adomian decomposition method, Perturbation approximation