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Abstract Background Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting around 2% of children and young adults worldwide, characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Genetic factors contribute to the development of ID phenotypes, including mutations and structural changes in chromosomes. Pathogenic variants in the HCFC1 gene cause X-linked mental retardation syndrome, also known as Siderius type X-linked mental retardation. The MN1 gene is necessary for palate development, and mutations in this gene result in a genetic condition called CEBALID syndrome. Methods Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing variants in two affected families, A and B, from various regions of Pakistan. Affected individuals in these two families presented ID, developmental delay, and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co-segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing. Results In an X-linked family A, a novel hemizygous missense variant (c.5705G > A; p.Ser1902Asn) in the HCFC1 gene (NM_005334.3) was identified, while in family B exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous nonsense variant (c.3680 G > A; p. Trp1227Ter) in exon-1 of the MN1 gene (NM_032581.4). Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of these variants with ID in each family. Conclusions The investigation of two Pakistani families revealed pathogenic genetic variants in the HCFC1 and MN1 genes, which cause ID and expand the mutational spectrum of these genes.

There are three challenges in building a "smart city": technology, human resources, and government. A collaborative climate must be created to meet these challenges. The policy direction and the application of collaborative governance in developing a "smart city" in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, are described here. This study used the "collaborative governance" approach to dissect this research. This type of research is qualitative, and descriptive methods are used. Information is obtained based on the "smart city policy plan" adjusted to the regional Medium-Term Development Plan and the draft document for the "smart city master plan for the" city of Balikpapan. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with several parties from the local government involved in the "smart city implementation council." Meanwhile, research supporting data was conducted based on searching various information from online sources, scientific articles, research journals, and several literary sources. The focus of the development of the "smart city of" Balikpapan City is directed at developing a livable city based on a sustainable environment. "Collaboration with Pentahelix," which is interdependent, is a prerequisite for the successful development of a "smart city" in which the vision of the mission of the City of Balikpapan is supported.

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is an endemic and endangered species with significant economic and ecological value in Vietnam. A better understanding of the genetic architecture of the species will be useful when planning management and conservation. We aimed to characterize the transcriptome of C. parthenoxylon, develop novel molecular markers, and assess the genetic variability of the species. First, transcriptome sequencing of five trees (C. parthenoxylon) based on root, leaf, and stem tissues was performed for functional annotation analysis and development of novel molecular markers. The transcriptomes of C. parthenoxylon were analyzed via an Illumina HiSeqTM 4000 sequencing system. A total of 27,363,199 bases were generated for C. parthenoxylon. De novo assembly indicated that a total of 160,435 unigenes were generated (average length = 548.954 bp). The 51,691 unigenes were compared against different databases, i.e. COG, GO, KEGG, KOG, Pfam, Swiss-Prot, and NR for functional annotation. Furthermore, a total of 12,849 EST-SSRs were identified. Of the 134 primer pairs, 54 were randomly selected for testing, with 15 successfully amplified across nine populations of C. parthenoxylon. We uncovered medium levels of genetic diversity (PIC = 0.52, Na = 3.29, Ne = 2.18, P = 94.07%, Ho = 0.56 and He = 0.47) within the studied populations. The molecular variance was 10% among populations and low genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.06) indicated low gene flow (Nm = 2.16). A reduction in the population size of C. parthenoxylon was detected using BOTTLENECK (VP population). The structure analysis suggested two optimal genetic clusters related to gene flow among the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed higher genetic variation within populations (90%) than among populations (10%). The UPGMA approach and DAPC divided the nine populations into three main clusters. Our findings revealed a significant fraction of the transcriptome sequences and these newlydeveloped novel EST-SSR markers are a very efficient tool for germplasm evaluation, genetic diversity and molecular marker-assisted selection in C. parthenoxylon. This study provides comprehensive genetic resources for the breeding and conservation of different varieties of C. parthenoxylon.

Abstract Heavy-metal ATPases (HMAs) play a vital role in plants, helping to transport heavy metal ions across cell membranes.However, insufficient data exists concerning HMAs genes within the Arecaceae family.In this study, 12 AcHMA genes were identified within the genome of Areca catechu, grouped into two main clusters based on their phylogenetic relationships.Genomic distribution analysis reveals that the AcHMA genes were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes. We further analyzed their physicochemical properties, collinearity, and gene structure.Furthermore, RNA-seq data analysis exhibited varied expressions in different tissues of A. catechu and found that AcHMA1, AcHMA2, and AcHMA7 were highly expressed in roots, leaves, pericarp, and male/female flowers. A total of six AcHMA candidate genes were selected based on gene expression patterns, and their expression in the roots and leaves was determined using RT-qPCR under heavy metal stress. Results showed that the expression levels of AcHMA1 and AcHMA3 genes were significantly up-regulated under Cd2 + and Zn2 + stress. Similarly, in response to Cu2+, the AcHMA5 and AcHMA8 revealed the highest expression in roots and leaves, respectively. In conclusion, this study will offer a foundation for exploring the role of the HMAs gene family in dealing with heavy metal stress conditions in A. catechu.

Abstract The enzyme glutamine synthetase (GLN) is mainly responsible for the assimilation and reassimilation of nitrogen (N) in higher plants. Although the GLN gene has been identified in various plants, there is little information about the GLN family in cotton (Gossypium spp.). To elucidate the roles of GLN genes in cotton, we systematically investigated and characterized the GLN gene family across four cotton species (G. raimondii, G. arboreum, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense). Our analysis encompassed analysis of members, gene structure, cis-element, intragenomic duplication, and exploration of collinear relationships. Gene duplication analysis indicated that segmental duplication was the primary driving force for the expansion of the GhGLN gene family. Transcriptomic and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses indicated that the GhGLN1.1a gene is responsive to N induction treatment and several abiotic stresses. The results of virus-induced gene silencing revealed that the accumulation and N use efficiency (NUE) of cotton were affected by the inactivation of GhGLN1.1a. This study comprehensively analyzed the GhGLN genes in Gossypium spp., and provides a new perspective on the functional roles of GhGLN1.1a in regulating NUE in cotton.

Quadratic thermal radiation is a fundamental term within the field of radiative heat transfer, which pertains to the interaction of thermal radiation. It encompasses a quadratic correlation between temperature and radiative qualities. Although linear thermal radiation is more prevalent in numerous everyday applications, non-linear thermal radiation is important in some situations, particularly where a more precise representation of the radiative transfer of heat is required. The phenomenon assumes a crucial function in some contexts that need enhanced accuracy in modeling radiative heat transfer. In view of this, the present investigation is carried out to examine the hybrid nanofluid flow across a cylinder under the influence of quadratic, nonlinear and linear thermal radiation and activation energy. The governing system of nonlinear differential equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations via similarity transformations. The current study presents the results utilizing the shooting and Runge-Kutta Fehlberg 45 numerical scheme. The outcomes show that the curvature constraint will improve all three profiles while solid fraction decreases velocity and raises the other two profiles. Quadratic thermal radiation shows less temperature distribution, followed by linear and non-linear thermal radiation cases. The rate of thermal distribution improves 0.60 % for linear thermal radiation case, 0.52 % for nonlinear thermal radiation case and 0.656 % for quadratic thermal radiation case from hybrid nanofluid to nanofluid. Further, the rate of mass transfer shows 0.068 % improvement for from hybrid nanofluid to nanofluid. The results provide useful insights that may be used to enhance system efficiency across various applications, including but not limited to the mechanics of fluids, chemical technology, and thermal administration.

Introduction: RAD51D has been reported as a breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) predisposition gene, particularly among Caucasian populations. We studied the prevalence of RAD51D variants in Pakistani BC/OC patients. Materials and methods: In total, 371 young or familial BC/OC patients were thoroughly analyzed for RAD51D sequence variants using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography pursued by DNA sequencing of differentially eluted amplicons. We also assessed the pathogenic effects of novel variants using in-silicoalgorithms. All detected RAD51D variants were investigated in 400 unaffected controls. Results: No pathogenic RAD51D variant was detected. However, we identified nine unique heterozygous variants. Of these, two missense variants (p.Pro10Leu and p.Ile311Asn) and one intronic variant (c.481-26_23delGTTC) were classified as in silico-predicted variants of uncertain significance (VUS), with a frequency of 0.8% (3/371). The p.Pro10Leu variant was detected in a 28-year-old female BC patient of Punjabi ethnic background, whose mother and maternal cousin had BCs at ages 53 and 40, respectively. This variant was also detected in 1/400 (0.25%) healthy controls, where the control subject’s daughter had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The p.Ile311Asn variant was identified in a female BC patient at age 29 of Punjabi ethnicity and in 1/400 (0.25%) healthy controls, where the control subject’s daughter had Hodgkin’s disease at age 14. A novel intronic variant, c.481-26_-23delGTTC, was found in a 30-year-old Punjabi female BC patient but not in 400 healthy controls. Conclusion: No pathogenic RAD51D variant was identified in the current study. Our study data suggested a negligible association of RAD51D variants with BC/OC risk in Pakistani women.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution for tackling antibiotic resistance in monogastric animals, providing innovative methods to enhance animal health and well-being. This review explores the novel use of nanotechnology-based nanomaterials as substitutes for antibiotics in monogastric animals. With growing global concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable practices in animal husbandry, nanotechnology offers a compelling avenue to address these challenges. The objectives of this review are to find out the potential of nanomaterials in improving animal health while reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics. We examine various forms of nanomaterials and their roles in promoting gut health and also emphasize fresh perspectives brought by integrating nanotechnology into animal healthcare. Additionally, we delve into the mechanisms underlying the antibacterial properties of nanomaterials and their effectiveness in combating microbial resistance. By shedding light on the transformative role of nanotechnology in animal production systems. This review contributes to our understanding of how nanotechnology can provide safer and more sustainable alternatives to antibiotics.

Abstract Background Ensuring that seeds germinate and emerge normally is a prerequisite for cotton production, esp. in areas with salinized soil. Priming with mepiquat chloride (MC) can promote seed germination and root growth under salt stress, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, physiological and biochemical experiments revealed that MC-priming promotes the tolerance of cotton seeds to salt stress by increasing the ability of antioxidant enzymes related to the ascorbate–glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results Results revealed that treatment with inhibitors of abscisic acid (ABA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis reduced the positive effects of MC-priming. Similarly, MC-priming increased the contents of ABA and GABA under salt stress by stimulating the expression levels of GhNCED2 and GhGAD4 and the activity of calmodulin-binding (CML) glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Further analysis showed that an inhibitor of ABA synthesis reduced the positive impacts of MC-priming on the content of GABA under salt stress, but the content of ABA was not affected by the GABA synthesis inhibitor. Furthermore, a multi-omics analysis revealed that MC-priming increased the abundance and phosphorylation levels of the proteins related to ABA signaling, CML, and Ca2+ channels/transporters in the MC-primed treatments, which resulted in increased oscillations in Ca2+ in the MC-primed cotton seeds under salt stress. Conclusion In summary, these results demonstrate that MC-mediated ABA signaling operates upstream of the GABA synthesis generated by GAD by activating the oscillations of Ca2+ and then enhancing activity of the AsA-GSH cycle, which ensures that cotton seeds are tolerant to salt stress.

Solar energy is seen as a good option to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation. However, PV panels produce unnecessary heat energy during power generation which increases the temperature and affects the efficiency of PV cells. This article investigates the performance of PV modules using aluminum heat sinks and forced air cooling techniques. A cooling circuit configuration connecting a 6-inch pipe plenum with 5 T-shaped pipes is installed under the solar cell to provide better cold air distribution to the PV panels. The study was conducted on-site and in real-time conditions in a public hospital with high energy consumption as it operates continuously throughout the year. The combination of the two methods has optimized the performance of solar panels in terms of efficiency and electrical energy output. The average electrical efficiency of the studied PV panels is 17% and is very close to the PV module efficiency of 19.38% under standard test conditions (STC). The actual energy yield recorded for the installed PV panel is 12.35% higher than the estimated solar energy output under nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) conditions. The results of the study show that solar energy generation can be optimized by considering the design, use of materials and proper cooling methods even when using the same solar panel.

Abstract Background BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) are the most frequently investigated genes among Caucasian pancreatic cancer patients, whereas limited reports are available among Asians. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of BRCA1/2 germline variants in Pakistani pancreatic cancer patients. Methods One hundred and fifty unselected and prospectively enrolled pancreatic cancer patients were comprehensively screened for BRCA1/2 germline variants using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution melting analyses, followed by DNA sequencing of the variant fragments. The novel variants were analyzed for their pathogenic effect using in-silico tools. Potentially functional variants were further screened in 200 cancer-free controls. Results Protein truncating variant was detected in BRCA2 only, with a prevalence of 0.7% (1/150). A frameshift BRCA2 variant (p.Asp946Ilefs*14) was identified in a 71-year-old male patient of Pathan ethnicity, with a family history of abdominal cancer. Additionally, we found a novel variant in BRCA2 (p.Glu2650Gln), two previously reported variants in BRCA1 (p.Thr293Ser) and BRCA2 (p.Ile2296Leu) and a recurrent nonsense variant in BRCA2 (p.Lys3326Ter). These variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). It is noteworthy that none of these VUS carriers had a family history of pancreatic or other cancers. Conclusions In this first study, BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant is identified with a low frequency in pancreatic cancer patients from Pakistan. Comprehensive multigene panel testing is recommended in the Pakistani pancreatic cancer patients to enhance genetic understanding in this population.

This research aims to explore and examine the civil law implications for individuals who are Khuntsa and have changed their identities, with a focus on the perspectives of Islamic Law and Civil Law in Indonesia. The research adopts a normative legal approach with a prescriptive nature, emphasizing the analysis of legislation and case studies. If this process is carried out and followed by a legal application to change their gender identity through the court system, and the judge approves it, there will be legal implications. Additionally, it is essential to consider religious perspectives, especially Islam. To address the issues arising from the civil law implications for Khuntsa individuals who have changed their identities based on court rulings, specific regulations governing their status and position are necessary. This is aimed at ensuring legal certainty in such cases.

Abstract Viral infections in humans are responsible for fatalities worldwide and contribute to the incidence of various human ailments. Controllable targeted medicine delivery against many illnesses, including viral infection, may be significantly aided by using bacteria and bacteria-derived products. They may accumulate in diseased tissues despite physical obstacles, where they can launch antiviral immunity. The ability to genetically and chemically modify them means that vaccinations against viral infections may be manufactured and delivered to affected tissues more safely and effectively. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in the field of utilizing bacteria and bacterial derivatives as carriers for administering medication to treat viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, and Ebola virus. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Intellectual disability (ID) is a condition that varies widely in both its clinical presentation and its genetic underpinnings. It significantly impacts patients’ learning capacities and lowers their IQ below 70. The solute carrier (SLC) family is the most abundant class of transmembrane transporters and is responsible for the translocation of various substances across cell membranes, including nutrients, ions, metabolites, and medicines. The SLC13A3 gene encodes a plasma membrane-localized Na+/dicarboxylate cotransporter 3 (NaDC3) primarily expressed in the kidney, astrocytes, and the choroid plexus. In addition to three Na + ions, it brings four to six carbon dicarboxylates into the cytosol. Recently, it was discovered that patients with acute reversible leukoencephalopathy and a-ketoglutarate accumulation (ARLIAK) carry pathogenic mutations in the SLC13A3 gene, and the X-linked neurodevelopmental condition Christianson Syndrome is caused by mutations in the SLC9A6 gene, which encodes the recycling endosomal alkali cation/proton exchanger NHE6, also called sodium-hydrogen exchanger-6. As a result, there are severe impairments in the patient’s mental capacity, physical skills, and adaptive behavior. Methods and results Two Pakistani families (A and B) with autosomal recessive and X-linked intellectual disorders were clinically evaluated, and two novel disease-causing variants in the SLC13A3 gene (NM 022829.5) and the SLC9A6 gene (NM 001042537.2) were identified using whole exome sequencing. Family-A segregated a novel homozygous missense variant (c.1478 C > T; p. Pro493Leu) in the exon-11 of the SLC13A3 gene. At the same time, family-B segregated a novel missense variant (c.1342G > A; p.Gly448Arg) in the exon-10 of the SLC9A6 gene. By integrating computational approaches, our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ID in individuals with SLC13A3 and SLC9A6 mutations. Conclusion We have utilized in-silico tools in the current study to examine the deleterious effects of the identified variants, which carry the potential to understand the genotype-phenotype relationships in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Salinity stress can significantly impact productivity in agricultural area with limited water re-sources. Our study focused on how plants under salt stress respond to phosphorus availability in terms of growth and biochemical reactions in cotton genotypes. Two cotton genotypes with different P efficiencies (SK39 and JM21) were used in a hydroponic experiment with 300 mM NaCl and three P treatments (10, 20, and 30 mM). Salinity stress decreases root growth, shoot growth, biomass production, and chlorophyll content, according to the experimental findings. In treated plants, it also increased the levels of oxidative stress. However, this effect was alleviated by phosphorus therapy, which controlled the production of proline, total soluble sugars, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interestingly, salt-sensitive JM21 responded to phosphorus supplementation more favorably than salt-tolerant SK39. Our research emphasizes the critical role that phosphorus especially P20 plays increasing the salinity stress sensitivity of cotton plants and offers insightful in-formation on the mechanisms underlying the role of phosphorus in reducing salinity stress effects. This study also revealed interspecific variability in cotton genotypes and characteristics, primarily represented by attributes related to cotton growth and morphological indicators such as dry matter biomass.

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is resurging globally. Molecular typing allows for the investigation of its epidemiology. In Pakistan and other nations, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum has developed widespread macrolide resistance in the past decade. A study at the Peshawar Regional Blood Centre from June 2020-June 2021 analyzed serum samples from 32,812 blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to assess circulating T. pallidum strains and antibiotic resistance. Blood samples were initially screened for T. pallidum antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). CMIA-reactive samples underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted the polA, tpp47, bmp, and tp0319 genes. PCR-positive samples were further analyzed for molecular subtyping using a CDC-developed procedure and tp0548 gene examination. All PCR-positive samples were analyzed for the presence of point mutations A2058G and A2059G in 23S rRNA, as well as the G1058C mutation in 16S rRNA. These mutations are known to impart antimicrobial resistance to macrolides and doxycycline, respectively. Out of 32,812 serum samples, 272 (0.83%) were CMIA-reactive, with 46 being PCR-positive. Nine T. pallidum subtypes were identified, predominantly 14d/f. The A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA was found in 78% of cases, while G1058C in 16S rRNA and A2059G in 23S rRNA were absent. The research found donor blood useful for assessing T. pallidum molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance, especially when chancres are not present. The prevalent subtype was 14d/f (51.85%), and the high macrolide resistance of 36 (78%) indicates caution in using macrolides for syphilis treatment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Brachyolmia is a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders characterized by a short trunk, short stature, scoliosis, and generalized platyspondyly without significant deformities in the long bones. DASS (Dental Abnormalities and Short Stature), caused by alterations in the LTBP3 gene, was previously considered as a subtype of brachyolmia.The present study investigated three unrelated consanguineous families (A, B, C) with Brachyolmia and DASS from Egypt and Pakistan. In our Egyptian patients, we also observed hearing impairment. Exome sequencing was performed to determine the genetic causes of the diverse clinical conditions in the patients. Exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous splice acceptor site variant (LTBP3:c.3629-1G > T; p. ?) responsible for DASS phenotypes and a known homozygous missense variant (CABP2: c.590T > C; p.Ile197Thr) causing hearing impairment in the Egyptian patients. In addition, two previously reported homozygous frameshift variants (LTBP3:c.132delG; p.Pro45Argfs*25) and (LTBP3:c.2216delG; p.Gly739Alafs*7) were identified in Pakistani patients.This study emphasizes the vital role of LTBP3 in the axial skeleton and tooth morphogenesis and expands the mutational spectrum of LTBP3. We are reporting LTBP3 variants in seven patients of three families, majorly causing brachyolmia with dental and cardiac anomalies. Skeletal assessment documented short webbed neck, broad chest, evidences of mild long bones involvement, short distal phalanges, pes planus and osteopenic bone texture as additional associated findings expanding the clinical phenotype of DASS. The current study reveals that the hearing impairment phenotype in Egyptian patients of family A has a separate transmission mechanism independent of LTBP3.

In this study, the resistance of selected canola genotypes to the mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) was investigated. Molecular characterization of plant resistance was conducted, and genetic variability was observed between the resistant (KS-75) and susceptible (Abaseen) genotypes of brassica. Three RAPD markers were identified that were associated with the resistance. This study was conducted to compare the genetic data between two genotypes (KS-75 resistant and Abaseen susceptible), with an average of 4.3 bands per primer. The amplification bands per primer ranged from 9 to polymorphic fragments of 8, with fragment sizes ranging from 450 to 1700 base pairs to 9 kilo base pairs (kbps). Amplification of the largest fragment in 9 kbps using four primers (A 1–12, B 1–12, K 1–12 and L 1–12) resulted in a mean 92 percent identity index between the first two resistant and susceptible genotypes. KS-75 resistant had the highest mean genetic diversity of 92 percent, while Abaseen susceptible had the lowest mean genetic diversity of 8 percent. Out of the three markers tested, two were found to be positively associated with aphid resistance, while one was negatively correlated. These markers can be used to help develop a pre-emptive strategy for aphid resistance in brassica species, without having to simultaneously select for yield and quality related traits.

Abstract Background The bitter gourd fruit yields are not at a desirable level due to maleness. Maleness is one of the biggest difficulties with bitter gourd, reducing fruit yields substantially. On the other hand, plant stages are the most important consideration for PGR application because of their sensitive responsiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to determine how bitter gourd plants respond to plant growth regulators, namely PGR0 (control: application of water as control treatment), PGR1 (GA3-Gibberellic acid, 100 mgL−1), PGR2 (NAA-Naphthalene acetic acid, 100 mgL−1), and PGR3 (MH- Maleic hydrazide, 100 mgL−1) at three application phases, S1: soaking of seeds; S2: four-leaf; and S3: flower bud in terms of vegetative development, male–female flower sex alteration, and fruit features including bioactive compounds. Results Physiological, floral and yield characteristics of bitter gourd exposed significant changes by GA3 and MH at various stages. The number of leaves plant−1, the fresh mass of the plant, and the fresh mass of fruit and fruit dry matter content were enhanced remarkably for MH application at the seed soaking stage except for plant height and the number of branches plant−1. MH increased the number of female flowers plant−1, the number of fruits plant−1 and the yield at the 4-leaf stage of application. PGRs substantially influenced the quantity of sugar, chlorophyll, total carotenoids, protein, and water content at various phases of their application but not on ascorbic acid, TSS, or total phenol concentration. Conclusions For sex expression and yield attributes, 100 mgL−1 MH at the 4-leaf stage would be effective in bitter gourd. Exogenous NAA showed a considerable dual influence on plant development and antioxidant enzyme activity in bitter gourd fruits.

Physician burnout is a global concern that can lead to exhaustion, ineffectiveness, and poor health outcomes. Burnout has been linked to a variety of societal and professional variables worldwide. This cross-sectional, multi-centered study was conducted by face-to-face interviews between April 2019 and December 2021 at sixty-two (62) tertiary level hospitals to identify potential risk factors for burnout among Bangladeshi physicians, which is essential for preventing adverse impact on their well-being, improving overall quality of life, and facilitating measures to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. A simple random sampling technique in conjunction with a structured questionnaire was used to collect a total of 1434 responses, assuming 20 % of the sample as non-responsive. Univariate, bivariate, and multinomial logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and associate the level of severity. The distribution of burnout status differs significantly at distinct covariate levels, such as working place, working hour, prevalence of potential interpersonal conflicts (subsequent increase of adjusted odds ratios i.e.; 6.52, 8.82, 11.41, and 37.07 is observed for physicians having interpersonal conflicts with both co-workers & family members), job dissatisfaction, annoyed feeling while dealing with patients (adjusted odds ratios are 529.68, 518.26,983.87 and 849.57 respectively) and some other significant factors of the physicians. This study also reveals that the female physicians, physicians with age 40–49, physicians with additional liabilities, physicians with job dissatisfaction, less salary compared to the workload, less flexibility and security at the job sector as well as obese physicians are at high risk of burnout. These results are statistically significant with a p value ≤ 0.05. To reduce burnout of Bangladeshi physicians, it is necessary to address the risk factors, create supportive workplaces, maintain a healthy work-life balance, provide opportunities for self-care, and promote mental health.

In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the laminar time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of ethylene glycol-based aluminum oxide nanofluid through a rectangular channel with contracting/expanding porous walls. We investigate the influence of aggregation/non-aggregation of nanoparticles, as well as the presence of thermal radiation. By imposing self-similarities in space and time, we obtain a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations governing the flow. To solve these equations, we employ a well-known semi-analytical technique known as the Method of Moments (MoM). Additionally, we compare our results with the outcomes achieved through an application of another commonly utilized numerical approach (shooting technique with the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg scheme). The comparison shows an excellent agreement that endorses the accuracy of the calculated solutions. The velocity and temperature profiles obtained from our analysis exhibit variations due to the changes in involved dimensionless parameters. We present these variations through graphical representations along with their explanations. Interestingly, our study reveals that the aggregation of nanoparticles influences the fluctuations caused by other parameters, and to some extent, suppresses them. Consequently, we observe less deviation among the velocity and temperature curves for the aggregation case compared to the non-aggregation case. These findings have significant implications in real-world engineering and industry. The understanding of the flow behavior of nanofluids through expanding/contracting rectangular channels can aid in the design and optimization of various engineering systems, such as heat exchangers and microfluidic devices. Additionally, our study provides valuable insights into the effects of nanoparticle aggregation and thermal radiation in such systems, offering opportunities for enhancing their efficiency and performance.

In this paper, we establish a new iterative process for approximation of fixed points for contraction mappings in closed, convex metric space. We conclude that our iterative method is more accurate and has very fast results from previous remarkable iteration methods like Picard-S, Thakur new, Vatan Two-step and K-iterative process for contraction. Stability of our iteration method and data dependent results for contraction mappings are exact, correspondingly on testing our iterative method is advanced. Finally, we prove enquiring results for some weak and strong convergence theorems of a sequence which is generated from a new iterative method, Suzuki generalized non-expansive mappings with condition (C) in uniform convexity of metric space. Our results are addition, enlargement over and above generalization for some well-known conclusions with literature for theory of fixed point.

In 2014–15, Pakistan’s provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) launched a decentralised power generation initiative, installing over 356 small hydro power units to provide electricity to over 2.5 million people in its mountainous regions. This initiative built on the foundation of prior community-based mini/micro hydro-power projects (MHPPs) deployed in the region since the 1980s that have experienced mixed success; by 2020, over 150 units were non-operational. This paper investigates the socio-technical factors influencing the success and failure of these projects, focusing on outcomes and processes integral to community MHPPs. The study analyses the critical implications of MHPPs for socio-economic welfare, gender equity and democratic governance through extensive primary research including field observations at 40 sites, questionnaire surveys with community residents in three in-depth case-studies, and expert interviews with local policymakers and project developers. Analysis shows that electricity provision from MHPPs has had positive outcomes for the communities in terms of improved education, poverty alleviation and economic growth, alongside enhanced access to information and gains in women’s entrepreneurship and health. Nonetheless, the study also identifies significant shortcomings in the processes involved in community MHPPs related to inadequate technical assessments, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as challenges arising from undemocratic governance mechanisms and inequitable participation. By teasing out the multiple socio-technical dimensions that shape infrastructure resilience of MHPPs in KPK, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable community energy projects and informs policy for decentralised energy transitions that ensure democratic alignment and inclusive design.

The present study concentrates on the motion of a third-grade fluid with magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) over a stretching surface. Additionally, the Cattaneo–Christov model is employed to derive information about the heat flux, which is subsequently utilized to ascertain the heat transmission properties. The inquiry involves an assessment of the impact of thermal relaxation time on the boundary layer. The considered fluid is a type of non-Newtonian fluid that deal with both shear thinning and shear thickening behaviors. The study also involved calculating all normal stress components that are not accounted for by either the power law model or the second grade model. The motion of fluid is attributed by linear stretching, and the momentum flow is observed with the help of Soret–Dufour effects. The Cattaneo and Christov model is particularly beneficial for describing transmission of heat in materials with high thermal conductivity, where the classical Fourier’s law may not be accurate. The examination of the transport properties of velocity, heat, and mass involves the consideration of the temperature effect on variable viscosity and thermal conductivity, which are linearly associated with each other. A set of partial differential equations (PDEs) that are nonlinear in nature has been derived, and some boundary conditions have been identified that yield satisfactory results. Using similarity transformation a system of nonlinear PDE’s are modify into dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations (ODE’s). The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied in a convenient manner to obtain solutions for transform equations, while the impact of relevant flow parameters is visually demonstrated. Adequate graphical and tabular results are achieved using a semi-analytical approach. Moreover, the Cattaneo–Christov equation can provide a better understanding of the thermal behavior. It allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the thermal response, ensuring that the heat transfer models used are appropriate for such conditions.