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Simple Summary: This cross-sectional study evaluated management factors contributing to tick infestation in 96 livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan. Data collected via in-person interviews and statistical analysis revealed soft bedding as a significant risk factor. Other factors included lack of quarantine, improper drainage, infrequent veterinary visits and hot seasons. Strict quarantine practices, hard bedding, improved farm structure and a combination of tick control remedies were emphasized. Collaboration among farmers, veterinarians and researchers was deemed essential. Tick infestation poses an important challenge to livestock in Pakistan. Farm management practices and environmental variables can influence tick infestation prevalence in animals. To this end, a cross-sectional survey of 96 farms in four different geographical districts (24 farms from each district) was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan, between October 2021 and January 2022. An epidemiological questionnaire was designed focusing on farm management practices and their impact on tick infestations at these farms. Data were collected via in-person interviews. Regional and farm-specific variables' associations were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test and Fischer's exact test, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify significant risk factors. This study identified that using soft bedding materials, e.g., wheat straw, leaf litter or plain soil posed a significant risk of tick infestation. Additionally, the absence of quarantine measures, open sheds and inadequate drainage were found as contributing factors in univariable analysis. Higher tick prevalence in the hotter seasons highlighted the influence of Punjab's extreme weather on tick infestation. Despite regular veterinary visits and the use of acaricidal drugs, the prevalence of tick infestation at these farms suggested potential drug resistance in the ticks. The study recommended establishing quarantine practices, improving farms' drainage systems and bedding and using a combination of chemical and traditional remedies to tackle drug resistance in ticks. Education and awareness programs on tick-borne diseases and control measures are advocated to reduce the tick infestation burden on animals. Further research on longitudinal studies to better understand tick population dynamics and develop effective acaricides is encouraged. This called for collaborative control efforts among farmers, veterinarians and research institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the compressive strength and drying shrinkage behavior of cement and LC3‐50‐based cementitious composites containing glass powder. A total of four, i.e., 20, 35, 50, and 60 MPa, strengths of cementitious composites were targeted by varying the mix composition and water‐to‐cement ratios. In all four composite mix types, locally available glass powder was used as 0, 5, 10, and 15% added as a partial replacement of cement and LC3‐50. The novelty of this research is the addition of waste glass powder as an alternative to silica fume, especially in a high‐strength composite (including 50 and 60 MPa). The aim was to investigate the efficiency of waste glass powder in providing eco‐friendly composites. The compressive strength was determined following ASTM C 109 standard and the drying shrinkage test followed ASTM C 157 standard. The results of compressive strength in the enhancement using up to 10% waste glass powder are beneficial in enhancing strength and reducing drying shrinkage. Furthermore, the use of LC3‐50 initially reduced compressive strength up to 14 days while increased at 28 days compared to OPC. Contrariwise, the initial drying shrinkage was higher in LC3‐50 specimens and lower at later ages compared to OPC. A detailed investigation of existing shrinkage models for mortar/composite is assessed, and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis worldwide and a potential health risk in Pakistan due to socio-economic reasons and lack of awareness, veterinary health and modern dairy-processing facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the burden of brucellosis in hospitalized patients of selected districts of Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, a total of 280 serum samples were collected from suspected patients in districts Lahore, Okara and Khushab between 2016 and 2018. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 89 (31.8%) sera by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and Brucella abortus DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 42 (15%) samples. In univariable analysis, the seroprevalence varied significantly (p < 0.05) between districts with Lahore indicating 41/101 (40.6%) Odds ratio (OR) = 53.98 (7.22–403.67; 95% CI), Okara 47/99 (47.5%) OR = 71.4 (9.55–533.65; 95% CI) and Khushab 1/80 (1.3%) as reference. Similarly, exposure to aborted materials and a history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05), posing OR = 2.91 (1.58–5.36; 95% CI) and OR = 4.48 (2.56–7.84; 95% CI) risk. However, consumption of raw milk and history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05) in multivariable analysis indicating OR = 1.91 (1.09–3.34; 95% CI) and OR = 4.92 (2.76–8.75; 95% CI), respectively. The association of history of blood transfusion as a brucellosis risk factor underscores the need to create brucellosis awareness programs both at public and institutional levels in the medical and veterinary fields, as well as facilities and capacity building to delve deeper into the epidemiology of brucellosis in the country. Particular attention should be paid to chronically infected patients. Therefore, laboratory modernization, standardization and validation of the diagnostic tests, and staff trainings are required. Finally, pasteurization of the milk is recommended before consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPs), which are gaining prominence as sustainable materials due to their biodegradability and eco-friendliness. In this study, we aimed to gain a profound understanding of the mechanical behavior of selected NFRPs. Static structural analysis was conducted to simulate tensile effects, while vibrational analysis was performed to predict natural frequencies. The results indicated that all fibers exhibited minimum stress at the 67.5° angle and maximum stress at the 22.5° angle during tensile testing. Additionally, minimum deformation occurred at the 0° angle, whereas maximum deformation was observed at the 67.5° angle. Interestingly, the NFRPs exhibited similar natural frequencies for the lower modes (1st and 2nd), with negligible alterations due to fiber angles. The core aim of this study is to showcase the practicality and viability of the investigated NFRPs by employing sophisticated finite element analysis to anticipate their material behavior beforehand, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the natural frequencies, stresses, and deformations with traditional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites, thereby exploring the potential of NFRPs as feasible alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydatid disease is an endemic disease that affects many regions of the world. Even surgeons in nonendemic regions face the condition, so they should be familiar with the best way to treat it. Aim: This study aims to determine the effectiveness new trocar-cannula system, the Palanivelu Hydatid System (PHS), a new, safe approach for laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid disease. Place and Duration: In the surgical department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar for the duration from Jan 2019 to December 2021. Methods: The Palanivelu Hydatid System was used to perform laparoscopic surgery on 40 patients of hepatic hydatid disease. The trocar-cannula system technique was utilised as well as the method of surgery was elaborated in detailed. A total of 40 patients were included in this study. Results: The maximum of patients complained of pain and the majority had one cyst only. The liver's right lobe was most frequently affected. Four patients had bilateral cysts. In 77.8% of cases, the Palanivelu Hydatid System was used to merely remove the hydatid cyst. Due to the large size of the cysts, which nearly filled the entire left liver lobe in 11.2% of cases, a left lobectomy was performed. Omentoplasty was used to treat the residual cavity. A follow-up period was 1-year on average recurrence was seen in one patient only. Conclusion: For the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease, we advise Palanivelu Hydatid System. We have discovered that it works best for avoiding spillage, completing trans-cystic fenestration, removing the contents of hydatid cysts and handling with cystbiliary communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cement industry is expanding rapidly around the globe, despite its significant contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions. Likewise, in Pakistan, the cement industry produces million tons of cement and has a history of contributing as high as 10% of the country's carbon dioxide emissions annually. The most effective technique for reducing carbon dioxide emissions is to use supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3-50) is a recently developed cement blend comprised of 50% clinker, 30% calcined clay, 15% raw limestone, and 5% gypsum by weight. The focus of this research is to assess the mechanical properties and durability performance of LC3-50 cement composition formulated using raw materials from Pakistan. The comprehensive case study would help advance the research and commercialization activities in the country. In this study, compressive strength, split tensile, flexural, and pull-out tests were performed for evaluating the mechanical properties. For the assessment of durability, water permeability, sorptivity, carbonation, and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) tests were performed as per the available standards. It is concluded that the use of LC3-50 instead of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) improved the strength and durability of the end concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic nanostructures have become popular for applications in therapeutics, catalysts, imaging, and gene delivery. Molecular dynamics simulations are gaining influence to predict nanostructure assembly and performance; however, instantaneous polarization effects due to induced charges in the free electron gas are not routinely included. Here we present a simple, compatible, and accurate polarizable potential for gold that consists of a Lennard–Jones potential and a harmonically coupled core-shell charge pair for every metal atom. The model reproduces the classical image potential of adsorbed ions as well as surface, bulk, and aqueous interfacial properties in excellent agreement with experiment. Induced charges affect the adsorption of ions onto gold surfaces in the gas phase at a strength similar to chemical bonds while ions and charged peptides in solution are influenced at a strength similar to intermolecular bonds. The proposed model can be applied to complex gold interfaces, electrode processes, and extended to other metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]