Search

This case study presents an account of the implementation of the Pedagogical Partnership Program (PPP) at a leading university in Pakistan. The PPP was unique in two main ways: (a) it was the first of its kind in any higher education institution in Pakistan and (b) it was launched during COVID-19. The launch of the program during COVID offers insights into how partnerships can be a unique support system for students and faculty in difficult times. We share several lessons learned from our experiences leading the PPP and from the feedback we received on end-of-partnership reports. These lessons have been critical to how we continued to think about the evolution of the program and its impact on students and faculty/staff at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Through our analysis, we aim to add a new contextual perspective on partnerships in South Asia as a developing area of the world for partnership initiatives.

Abstract Aims The objective of this research is to develop an effective cardiovascular disease prediction framework using machine learning techniques and to achieve high accuracy for the prediction of cardiovascular disease. Methods In this paper, we have utilized machine learning algorithms to predict cardiovascular disease on the basis of symptoms such as chest pain, age and blood pressure. This study incorporated five distinct datasets: Heart UCI, Stroke, Heart Statlog, Framingham and Coronary Heart dataset obtained from online sources. For the implementation of the framework, RapidMiner tool was used. The three‐step approach includes pre‐processing of the dataset, applying feature selection method on pre‐processed dataset and then applying classification methods for prediction of results. We addressed missing values by replacing them with mean, and class imbalance was handled using sample bootstrapping. Various machine learning classifiers were applied out of which random forest with AdaBoost dataset using 10‐fold cross‐validation provided the high accuracy. Results The proposed model provides the highest accuracy of 99.48% on Heart Statlog, 93.90% on Heart UCI, 96.25% on Stroke dataset, 86% on Framingham dataset and 78.36% on Coronary heart disease dataset, respectively. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of the study have shown remarkable potential of the proposed framework. By handling imbalance and missing values, a significantly accurate framework has been established that could effectively contribute to the prediction of cardiovascular disease at early stages.

The goal of this study was to examine the characteristics of electrically induced retinal damage. A retinal prosthesis must be both effective and safe, but most research related to electrical stimulation of the retina has involved measures of efficacy (for example, stimulus threshold), while relatively little research has investigated the safety of electrical stimulation. In this study, a single platinum microelectrode was inserted into the vitreous cavity of normally-sighted adult Long Evans pigmented rats. In one group of animals, no contact was made between the electrode and the retina and current pulses of 0.05 (n = 3) and 0.2 (n = 6) μC/phase were applied. In a second group, visible contact (slight dimpling of the retina) was made between the electrode and the retina and current pulses of 0.09 (n = 4) μC/phase were applied. In both cases, stimulus pulses (biphasic, cathodic first, 1 ms/phase) were applied for 1 h at 100 Hz. Also, control experiments were run with no electrical stimulation with retina contact (n = 4) and with no retinal contact (n = 3). After stimulation, the animal was survived for 2 weeks with ocular photography and electroretinography (ERG) to document changes. During the follow-up period, retinal changes were observed only when the electrode contacted the retina, with or without electrical stimulation. No difference was noted in ERG amplitude or latency comparing the test eye to the stimulated eye. Histological analysis was performed after sacrifice at 2 weeks. A semi-quantitative method for grading 18 features of retina/RPE/choroidal appearance was established and integer grades applied to both test and control eyes. Using this method and comparing the most severely affected area (highest grade), significant differences ( p < 0.05) were noted between experiments with retinal contact and without retinal contact in all features except inner nuclear layer thickness. No difference was noted within a group based on the intensity of electrical stimulus applied. The size of the affected area was significantly larger with both retinal contact and electrical stimulation compared to withretinal contact alone. We conclude that mechanical pressure alone and mechanical pressure with excessive electrical stimulation causes damageto the retina but that electrical stimulation coupled with mechanical pressure increases the area of the damage.

Electrochromic (EC) thin films have received considerable attention due to their potential applications in various fields such as smart windows, electrochromic displays, and energy storage devices. This review highlights various methods used for the fabrication and functionalization of EC films for various applications. Various techniques for EC thin film deposition ranging from solution-processable, low-temperature approaches such as sol-gel, spin coating, dip coating, and spray pyrolysis, to advanced techniques for deposition such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and sputtering are summarized in this review. In addition, various applications of EC thin films and the outcome of different deposition approaches on the opto-electrochromic properties of EC thin films have been discussed elaborately. This review has the potential to spark the interest of researchers from a broad range of disciplines, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanotechnology and materials science.

Food dyes with a diverse set of colorants stimulate appetite and enhance aesthetic charm of food on table but at the same time these dyes contaminate the aquatic and biological ecosystems due to their cytotoxic and carcinogenic potentials. Herein, we report magnetite catalyzed removal of sunset yellow dye from water through catalytic degradation and ozonation. The magnetite catalyst revealed about 83% catalytic degradation and 92% catalytic ozonation performance toward sunset yellow dye at 100 and 25 min, respectively. Furthermore, the persulphate/magnetite/O3 hybrid system revealed superior performance compared to the persulphate/magnetite under identical conditions. Kinetic studies revealed that the dye degradation data followed second-order kinetics, suggesting that the dye removal process is physicochemical in nature. This study further demonstrates that the persulfate/magnetite/O3 hybrid system can efficiently decompose sunset yellow dye in aqueous solution compared to the Fenton’s reagent and simple catalytic decomposition processes which is attributed to its unique structural features.

Financial technology (fintech) is a rapidly evolving industry. As in any high-growth industry, a significant challenge is the acquisition of top talent, especially university graduates. However, most experts in this field have not been formally trained in an academic environment. Degrees in Fintech did not exist until recently. In this study, we developed a fintech domain knowledge framework for digital payments to facilitate the creation of higher education programs that address the gap in the fintech talent pool. We posited that the proposed domain knowledge provides opportunities for higher education to initiate degree programs. In this study, we review the fintech space and focus the proposed framework on the largest fintech cluster--digital payments.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are valued as safe, functional bio-ingredients in food. Produced by microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria (LAB), they enhance the rheological and sensory properties of food products. In this study, Limosilactobacillus reuteri C66 (EPS-C66), was utilized to produce EPS. EPS-C66 was isolated, purified, and characterized for its rheological properties and biofunctionalities. Molecular weight was 3.7 × 105 Da. Three monosaccharides (arabinose, mannose, and glucose) were identified. At 10 mg/mL, EPS-C66 exhibited significant scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, achieving 67.9 % and 31.3 %, respectively. Additionally, it reduced the viability of Caco-2 and MCF-7 cancer cells by 93.7 % and 61.4 %, respectively. EPS-C66 also demonstrated antibacterial effects against S. aureus, S. typhimurium, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli, with ranges of 5.9, 6.1, 6.0, and 5.7 log CFU/mL, respectively. The current study highlights that EPS-C66 can enhance the health benefits and rheological properties of foods, contributing to the development of novel functional foods.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound-guided core biopsy in staging axillary lymph nodes in clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer patients using histopathology as the gold standard. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Mekran Medical College, Turbat, Pakistan, from April 2023 to September 2023. The study included breast cancer patients who were clinically negative for lymph node involvement. Ultrasound-guided core biopsies were performed on suspicious axillary lymph nodes by experienced radiologists, with histopathological analysis serving as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy were calculated to assess diagnostic performance. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and axillary ultrasound findings were also recorded. Results: A total of 132 invasive breast cancer patients were included, with a mean age of 57.67 ± 13.03 years. The majority of patients were diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for 113 (85.6%) cases. Hormone receptor positivity was prevalent, with estrogen receptor positivity in 119 (90.2%) and progesterone receptor positivity in 116 (87.9%) cases. The most common immunohistochemistry subtype was Luminal B, present in 66 (50%) patients, followed by Luminal A in 51 (38.6%) patients. Most tumors were of moderate grade 77 (58.4%) and early-stage (pT1) 63 (47.7%). Ultrasound-guided core biopsy exhibited a sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 100%, with positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 89.2% respectively, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of 93.9%. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided core biopsy demonstrates strong diagnostic performance in identifying metastatic axillary lymph nodes in clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer patients.

The Galerkin approach for numerically resolving higher-order Complex Differential Equations (CDEs) in a rectangular domain in the complex plane is presented in this work. Taylor polynomial functions are used in this method as basis or weighted functions. The CDE is converted into a matrix equation by employing the proposed method. A system of linear and nonlinear equations with unknown Taylor coefficients for linear and nonlinear CDEs, respectively, is represented by the resultant matrix equation. Results pertaining to this method’s error analysis are discussed. The existing Taylor and Bessel Collocation methods are compared with the numerical results of the proposed method for linear CDEs, and the existing exact solutions and numerical results of the proposed method for nonlinear CDEs are also compared. The comparative results are displayed graphically for the real (ℜe) and imaginary (ℑm) parts, respectively, as well as in tabular form containing absolute error E(z) and maximum absolute error L∞norm. The methodology of this study focused on the Galerkin integral domain which is a rectangle shape in the complex plane and Taylor polynomial is the shape function. Matrix formulation procedure and iterative technique are implemented to find out the undetermined Taylor coefficients.

BackgroundRetinal degeneration is a major cause of irreversible blindness. Stimulation with controlled low-level electrical fields, such as transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES), has recently been postulated as a therapeutic strategy. With promising results, there is a need for detailed molecular characterization of the therapeutic effects of TES.MethodsControlled, non-invasive TES was delivered using a custom contact lens electrode to the retinas of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a model of retinal degeneration. DNA methylation in the retina, brain and cell-free DNA in plasma was assessed by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and gene expression by RNA sequencing.ResultsTES induced DNA methylation and gene expression changes implicated in neuroprotection in the retina of RCS rats. We devised an epigenomic-based retinal health score, derived from DNA methylation changes observed with disease progression in RCS rats, and showed that TES improved the epigenomic health of the retina. TES also induced DNA methylation changes in the superior colliculus: the brain which is involved in integrating visual signaling. Lastly, we demonstrated that TES-induced retinal DNA methylation changes were detectable in cell-free DNA derived from plasma.ConclusionTES induced DNA methylation changes with therapeutic effects, which can be measured in circulation. Based on these changes, we were able to devise a liquid biopsy biomarker for retinal health. These findings shed light on the therapeutic potential and molecular underpinnings of TES, and provide a foundation for the further development of TES to improve the retinal health of patients with degenerative eye diseases.

Pesticide residue monitoring in river water is obligatory for their negative ecotoxicological consequences. The current-use pesticides (CUPs) include a diverse range of synthetic pesticides registered by regulatory bodies worldwide as an alternative to the banned organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Nowadays, CUPs are preferred for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes due to their low persistence and moderate toxicity. This work aimed to optimize a rapid, sensitive salting-out assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (SALLME) method for the simultaneous determination of seven multi-class CUPs. An optimized dose of C18, GCB, and PSA was employed to facilitate an effective and commercially viable clean-up for routine analysis of pesticide residues, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The optimized SALLME method showed good repeatability and reproducibility, along with low LOD and LOQ values, according to the SANTE/11,312/2021 guidelines. The method validation parameters confirmed the applicability of the optimized SALLME method for trace-level residue analysis in river water. The core advantages of the validated method are: • The method follows simple steps and is cost-effective for the routine analysis of multi-class pesticide residues in river water. • The analytical method is simple and highly sensitive; this could be extended to detect and quantify other pesticides depending on their physicochemical properties.

The quality of water significantly affects the health and walefare of all orginisms, highlighting the importance to develop low-cost and efficient wastewater treatment methods. Herein, we report the fabrication, characterization, and utilization of a polymer-based ternary nanocomposite (CuO–SiO2/PVA) for the removal of Nile Blue (NB) and Methylene Blue (MB) contaminants from wastewater, along with exploring its potential biological activities. We have successfully employed the cost-effective sol–gel and in-situ polymerization approaches to fabricate the CuO–SiO2/PVA based ternary composite, utilizing Cu(NO3)2·3H2O:Glycerol:TEOS:PVA in a ratio of 8:2:3:4. The desired fabrication of nanocomposite was confirmed through UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscope), EDX (energy dispersive X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), and TGA (thermogravimetric analysis). In addition to its biological potentialthe performance of the nanocomposite in catalytic / photocatalytic removal of NB and MB dyes is investigated and compared. The higher photodegradation performance of the composite for NB (85%) dye than for MB (76%) dye indicates that variables such as chemical structure, charge, molecular mass, and pH sensitivity of the dyes can influence the catalyst's removal potential. This composite is considered to have a higher capability for removing pollutants and microorganisms from wastewater.

AbstractDid populist leadership in the US and Brazil hinder effective management of Covid-19 at the international level? The study carries out exploratory research to understand leadership styles of Donald Trump in US and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil and their populist response to international cooperation and institutional coordination related to the global pandemic. Using a comparative approach, the study reviews how populist style of leadership in the two states has impacted on international cooperation and collaboration during Covid-19. The research employs a liberal institutional approach, referring to global institutions, international health protocols, and global cooperation as necessary avenues for dealing with the global health crisis. The article argues that US and Brazilian leadership response in handling the crisis demonstrated populist features, challenging international cooperation while discrediting international health institutions and protocols. In doing so, the two leaders undermined transnational and global institutional cooperation, while they blamed outsiders, associating them with the outbreak of the pandemic. In evading responsibility, the two states populist leaderships’ orientation undermined effective management internationally by blaming (and calling them ‘others’) foreigners, immigrants and ethnicities (mainly Chinese) for the spread of Covid-19.

The growing demand for renewable energy sources has driven research efforts towards highly efficient electrochemical processes, especially the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) which is an essential component in renewable hydrogen production. Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) have been recognised as promising catalysts for exceptional HER activities owing to their unique electronic and geometrical features. This comprehensive review highlights the effective correlation between computational modelling and experimental research in fabricating new SACs and better understanding their catalytic mechanisms in the HER. Furthermore, the review briefly describes the choice of metals and tailoring the electronic structure, as well as exploring the influence of the reaction parameters on the catalytic activity of SACs for HER. Concluding remarks alongside future perspectives on the improvement of SACs for HER are emphasised. It is hoped that this review will pave the way for rational design of highly effective, low-cost and stable SACs for sustainable hydrogen production.

The aim of this study is to develop a modified QuEChERS method to analyze the thiamethoxam (TMX) and its metabolite clothianidin (CLO) in Okra. Using the developed analytical method the residue level of the neonicotinoid pesticides thiamethoxam (TMX) and its metabolite clothianidin (CLO) was determined in okra. The extraction was carried out using acetate buffer (1.5 g sodium acetate and 3.0 g anhydrous magnesium sulfate) in acetonitrile, and then the extract was cleaned up with optimized dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) sorbents. The method linearity in a wide range (0.001–1.0 mg/L) with (R2≥0.9996), selectivity, accuracy (recoveries in the range of 86.9–97.8 %), precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 5.8 %), limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.0007 and 0.002 mg/kg, respectively, and matrix suppression effect (ME) was observed -19.86 and -7.76 % for TMX and CLO, respectively. A total of 100 samples were collected from different market places in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The developed method coupled with LC-MS/MS was applied to determine the residue amount in the collected samples. In 43 % of the samples, TMX residues were found in the range of 0.0051- 0.214 mg/Kg. The maximum residue limit (MRL) of TMX and CLO in okra is 0.010 mg/kg; in 30 % of collected samples, TMX residue exceeds the MRL levels. The residue data were applied to estimate the human health risk.

Effective wastewater treatment is essential due to the dye environmental threats. Photocatalysis offers an eco-friendly dye degradation solution. Herein, we report a double Z-scheme photocatalyst, i.e. LaFeO3/Boron-doped g-C3N4/Fe2O3 (LFO/B-CN/FO), fabricated via a hydrothermal method. The formation of this ternary system is supported by structural, surface, and morphological analyses. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrated the crystallization behavior of the composite. Because of synergetic effects in the ternary composite and boron doping, the optical band gap energy is reduced to 1.6 eV. Under visible light irradiation, the LFO/B-CN/FO nanocomposite degraded navy-blue dye by 98% in 130 min at neutral pH, surpassing CN, B-CN, and binary composites of B-CN with LFO and FO. The degradation process was rationalized using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, which confirmed high catalytic efficiency. The double Z-scheme heterojunction enhanced light absorption, charge separation, and carrier lifetime, hence improving the photocatalytic activity. Overall, the as-fabricated LFO/B-CN/FO ternary composite outperformed reference catalysts in terms of chemical reactivity, optical characteristics, and electrical performance. This work opens up a new route for the design and fabrication of double Z-scheme ternary composite photocatalysts for potential wastewater treatment and renewable energy applications.

Biochar is a porous, high-surface-area, black carbon-rich product that offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to replace conventional charcoal. However, its specific structure and limited biodegradability pose challenges for its widespread applications. Photocatalysis is suggested as an alternative approach to harness solar energy and transform it into solar fuels. Interestingly, nanomaterials-based photocatalysts with tailored energy band properties and non-toxic characteristics, high surface areas, enhanced stability, and tunable pore sizes, have gained attention for their potential in diverse applications. Therefore, existing research on biochar-based photocatalysis systems (BBPs) aims to address different environmental issues. Interestingly, BBPs offer benefits such as excellent electrical conductivity, versatile functional groups, large surface area, and multiple surface-active sites, promoting high charge mobility, electron reservoir, superior charge separation, and small bandgap. This review provides a comprehensive overview of BBPs developments, including synthesis methods and properties. The fusion of BBPs is used in CO2 conversion, photocatalytic H2 generation, CO2 reduction, pollutants, dyes, and pharmaceutical degradation. Although the intermarriage of BBPs has potential benefits, their effectiveness may be compromised when modified photocatalysts are incorporated, which may negatively influence carrier generation efficiency and overall performance. Therefore, there is empty room for further research on their physical properties, effectiveness, long-term stability, and reusability of BBPs.

Background: The provision of dental care in Pakistan is limited, with less than 5% of the population having access to qualified dental practitioners. The lack of contextually relevant local dental guidelines further adds to the problem. We developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and referral pathways to improve primary care for common oral diseases. Methods: Using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach, recommendations from source guidelines (developed in Europe and the United States) were adopted (retained as is or with minor changes), adapted (modified according to the local context), or excluded (omitted due to lack of local relevance). The guidelines included diseases such as periodontitis, dental pain, intraoral swelling, and oral cavity malignancies. The end result was a set of locally relevant CPGs, which were then used to formulate referral pathways, with the incorporated suggestions being based on a thorough evidence review process. Results: We included four recommendations, three of which were adopted with minor modifications to the referral pathway. These changes focused on assessing potentially malignant oral conditions and counseling for risk factors. No content changes were needed for the CPGs of the other two disorders. We developed referral pathways for three specific oral conditions, detailing primary care physicians’ roles in diagnosis, initial treatment, and timely referral. Conclusion: Contextually relevant dental CPGs and referral pathways can improve patient outcomes in Pakistan. Our study produced four additional recommendations focused on risk factor counselling and mitigation, which could potentially reduce the burden of oral malignancies in our local population.

Recently, there have been significant developments in advanced porous materials, especially with types like porous organic polymers, metal-organic frameworks, hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, zeolites, and porous aromatic frameworks. These materials are gaining attention for their remarkable characteristics, including high surface area, adjustable pore sizes, strong adsorption capacity, stability under various conditions, effective catalytic properties, and good electrical conductivity, making them useful across a range of applications. This review article highlights the various types, structures, and synthesis methods of POPs, MOFs, HOFs, COFs, zeolites, and PAFs, in addition to their important applications such as hydrogen generation, gas sensing, CO2 conversion, pollutant degradation, CO2 capture, hydrogen evolution/oxygen evolution reactions, and batteries. Lastly, the future perspective of APMs along with the necessary steps to be taken and embraced in order to make them usable for long-term and large-scale applications will help in opening new innovative gateways to the research field.