Search

This study is illuminating the distinctiveness of Particulate matter having 2.5μm size (PM2.5) with water soluble ions like SO4-2, NO3- and Cl- along with carbonaceous aerosols (i.e. BCIR and BCUV) as well as elemental profile for the period December 2012 to January 2013 at residential cum industrial site to investigate the quality of air of the mega city Karachi. Twenty-six samples have been collected for 24-hours during the study period on PTFE samples. Mean concentration of PM2.5 is found to be 112μg/m3 which is much higher than the WHO guideline (i.e.25 μg/m3). Both, BCUV and BCIR, have high contents during the study period i.e. 3.85μg/m3 and 5.09μg/m3 mean values respectively. Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Er, Lu, Pb, W, Sn, Sb and Ce were also examined in elemental analysis from which Al, Si, S, Ca and Fe shows relatively higher concentrations among the targeted elements. Pearson‘s correlation shows that PM2.5 is significantly correlated with BC whereas SO4-2 and NO3- originate from similar sources. HYSPLIT backward air mass trajectories show that regional sources are contributing in high concentrations of fine particulates.

Blessed relationships (BRs) bring together technology, sexuality, and economics within a consumerist environment. Academic literature has used ‘blesser’ and ‘sugar daddy’ interchangeably, and online reports have explained how BRs, as a new South African cultural option of structuring relationships, differ from sugar relationships because they represent a new product on offer in relationship shopping. This essay critically evaluates academic and selected online sources to understand the allure and controversy of BRs. Research focuses predominantly on ‘controversial’ frames of health and moral risks. However, labels, such as ‘blesser’ and ‘sugar daddy’ discursively construct different sexual domains. After reviewing literature and online information, the essay presents a nomenclature of transactional relationships that considers the agential and discursive subtleties of BRs. Implications and research recommendations for the structuring of relationships, given newer options for lifestyle, companionship, and sexuality, which BRs have made publicly visible, conclude the essay.

Background: Cognitive training helps to promote healthy aging and ease activities of daily living for older adults. Recently, experiments have been conducted using robots to perform this cognitive training.Methods: A review was conducted to examine the effects of computer-based cognitive interventions for older adults who were either healthy or experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A second study also examined the evolution of socially assistive robots (SAR) and their effectiveness at administering cognitive training for older adults.Results: Eighty-one studies published between 2009 and 2019 were identified for review, 56 of which focused on computerized cognitive training (CCT) while 25 examined the use of robotics. Twenty-four of the 56 CCT studies met the inclusion criteria. These were further classified into two groups: studies which used self-designed programs, and studies using commercially available ones. Of the 25 studies examining the use of robotics in cognitive intervention 7 met the inclusion criteria. Review shows that CCT improves cognitive function but that robots are more effective tools for improving cognition.Conclusion: It can be concluded that CCT is beneficial for older adults and though there are drawbacks to this approach they are overcome by the introduction of robots into the training process. Culture, language, and socio-economic considerations vis-a-vis robot design and training methodology should be included in future research.

Upholding the sexual and reproductive rights of all women and girls has been flagged as a global priority. However, the hetero-patriarchal actions and systems within which female sexuality and reproduction is situated not only disenfranchises women of these rights, but it sometimes usurps these rights from them, without them knowing. One such act, is the practice of stealthing. This conceptual article argues that the stealthing trend is a relevant construct in the human and social sciences because it has a detrimental impact on female sexuality and gender-based sexual violence. Through both a conceptual scrutiny of the construct and through online narratives of stealthing, this article not only establishes stealthing as a distinctive form of gender-based sexual violence, it also establishes it as a practice that deviously subjugates female sexuality and reproduction under the guise of sexual autonomy and sexual consent.

Owing to progressive population aging, elderly people (aged 65 and above) face challenges in carrying out activities of daily living, while placement of the elderly in a care facility is expensive and mentally taxing for them. Thus, there is a need to develop their own homes into smart homes using new technologies. However, this raises concerns of privacy and data security for users since it can be handled remotely. Hence, with advancing technologies it is important to overcome this challenge using privacy-preserving and non-intrusive models. For this review, 235 articles were scanned from databases, out of which 31 articles pertaining to in-home technologies that assist the elderly in living independently were shortlisted for inclusion. They described the adoption of various methodologies like different sensor-based mechanisms, wearables, camera-based techniques, robots, and machine learning strategies to provide a safe and comfortable environment to the elderly. Recent innovations have rendered these technologies more unobtrusive and privacy-preserving with increasing use of environmental sensors and less use of cameras and other devices that may compromise the privacy of individuals. There is a need to develop a comprehensive system for smart homes which ensures patient safety, privacy, and data security; in addition, robots should be integrated with the existing sensor-based platforms to assist in carrying out daily activities and therapies as required.

Despite the remarkable progress in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their instability and rapid degradation over time still restrict their commercialization. A 2D capping layer has been proved to overcome the stability issues; however, an in-depth understanding of the complex degradation processes over a prolonged time at PSC interfaces is crucial for improving their stability. In the current work, we investigated the stability of a triple cation 3D ([(FA0.83MA0.17)Cs0.05]Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3) and 2D/3D PSC fabricated by a layer-by-layer deposition technique (PEAI-based 2D layer over triple cation 3D perovskite) using a state-of-art characterization technique: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A long-term stability test over 24 months was performed on the 3D and 2D/3D PSCs with an initial PCE of 18.87% and 20.21%, respectively, to suggest a more practical scenario. The current-voltage (J-V) and EIS results showed degradation in both the solar cell types; however, a slower degradation rate was observed in 2D/3D PSCs. Finally, the quantitative analysis of the key EIS parameters affected by the degradation in 3D and 2D/3D PSCs were discussed.

The future photovoltaic technologies based on perovskite materials are aimed to build low tech, truly economical, easily fabricated, broadly deployable, and trustworthy solar cells. Hole transport material (HTM) free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are among the most likely architectures which hold a distinctive design and provide a simple way to produce large-area and cost-effective manufacture of PSCs. Notably, in the monolithic scheme of the HTM-free PSCs, all layers can be printed using highly reproducible and morphology-controlled methods, and this design has successfully been demonstrated for industrial-scale fabrication. In this review article, we comprehensively describe the recent advancements in the different types of mesoporous (nanostructured) and planar HTM-free PSCs. In addition, the effect of various nanostructures and mesoporous layers on their performance is discussed using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. We bring together the different perspectives that researchers have developed to interpret and analyze the EIS data of the HTM-free PSCs. Their analysis using the EIS tool, the limitations of these studies, and the future work directions to overcome these limitations to enhance the performance of HTM-free PSCs are comprehensively considered.

Nanostructured bio-photocatalyst hydroxyapatite (HAp) was synthesized by a simple and productive wet chemical precipitation method to explore the photocatalytic performance of the material for degradation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye. Wet chemically synthesized nano-HAp was characterized through x-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, N _2 -adsorption–desorption, thermo gravimetric analyzer, Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis absorption techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of RBBR under ultraviolet irradiation was examined and ∼80% degradation was achieved in 120 min by using nano-HAp. The photocatalytic degradation followed Parabolic Diffusion kinetics. Fast degradation kinetics and removal of RBBR dye was achieved by nano-HAp due to modification of surface entities leading to suppression of photo-generated electron-hole recombination. This makes nano-HAp a remarkable bio-photocatalyst material for removing dyes from water.

A 23-years-old male patient came to the Surgical Oncology clinic in Saudi National Hospital, Makkah with complaint of non-healing wound present on the medial side of the right thigh since three months. A detailed history wastaken and it was revealed that this was a fast growing lesion and recurred im- mediate after surgical excision. The previous surgery had been carried out three months back in India. On the clinical examination it was revealed that it wasan irregular, ill-defined lesion, hard in consistency, not adherent to the underlying structures, and hence highly suspicious of malignancy. Diagnostic workups were done including biopsy, metastatic workup including computer tomography (CT) scan chest abdomen and pelvis. On the basis of histopathology, it was diagnosed as dermatofi- brosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). The case was presented in the Sarcoma Tumour Board and ac- cording to Tumour Board's recommendation, surgical excision was conducted.Patient was sent for anaesthesia assessment and after complete blood workup, and pre-anaesthesia assessment, pa- tient was booked for elective resection of tumour. The tumour was successfully excised with all negative margins confirmed on the frozen section and finally the sample was sent for histopathology. Post-excision, patient was followed in surgical oncology clinic for local and systemic recurrence and it was concluded after three years follow-up, that there was no local and systemic recurrence. The dermatofibrosarcoma has high potential for local recurrence and surgical excision with 2 cm negative margins is the treatment of choice without adjuvant radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been believed to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation of inflammatory cytokines with 25-hydroxy vitamin D and ROS. METHODS:100 RA patients and 50 healthy age and sex matched individuals were included in the study. Patients were further divided on the basis of presence or absence of rheumatoid factor and disease severity. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were monitored by chemiluminescent immunoassay. 10% hematocrit was used to detect the level of ROS by spectro fluorometer. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17) were determined in plasma by ELISA. RESULTS:The level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D was found to be decreased in RA patients in comparison to the control group. However the level of ROS and inflammatory cytokines were found to be elevated in RA patients in comparison with the healthy controls, with the increase being more pronounced in seropositive and RA patients having high disease severity. Inflammatory cytokines showed negative correlation with 25-hydroxy vitamin D and positive correlation with ROS. CONCLUSION:This study for the first time shows the association of inflammatory cytokines with 25-hydroxy vitamin D and ROS in RA patients. The results suggest that 25-hydroxy vitamin D being an immune modulator is decreased in the serum of RA patients. Further ROS and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA and are responsible for increasing the severity of disease.

Background: It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure (HF) today. Despite the fact that HF is one of the most common reasons people aged 65 years and older are admitted into the hospital, few studies describe the self-care in this older adult population. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to review the current literature on self-care in this population to better understand the influence of selected factors on self-care and health outcomes. Methods: A literature search was completed and resulted in including 28 studies. Results: Multiple factors have been reported as barriers to self-care including depression and presence of peripheral arterial disease. Factors having a positive effect on self-care are male gender, number of cardiologist referrals, and self-efficacy. There were few studies that described the association between cognitive functioning and self-care. There is a lack of strong evidence to support the association between self-care and health outcomes such as readmission rate, but recent studies suggest that a 30-day readmission is not a valid predictor of health outcomes. Implications: The assessment of the psychological factors and health care resource utilization patterns that may influence self-care is recommended. More research that addresses the role of cognitive factors in influencing self-care is needed.

The conflict between economic growth and keeping greenhouse gases (GHG) at controllable levels is one of the ultimate challenges of this century. The aim of Kyoto Protocol is to keep the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) below a certain threshold level. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of CO2 emission on economic growth by conducting the regional analysis of PIC nations i.e. Pakistan, India and China. The study also provides the detail information regarding the atmospheric emission by applying decomposition analysis. It is suggested that environmental policies need more attention in the region by keeping the differences aside. So, the emission trading is considered to be the new concept. The approach should be introduced to tackle down the global warming in the region. Now it is time to respond because the low Carbon Economy is the reality.

Microbial phytases, especially from fungal and bacterial sources, have received much attention as food additives in human nutrition and as feed supplements for monogastric animals. An effective expression screening method for recombinant production of this enzyme on a small scale is industrially desirable. An effort has been made in this work to clone and express phytase genes from Aspergillus sp. and Escherichia coli with the selected host, vector and inducer combination. Albeit the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies by fungal phytase, recombinant E. coli appA was effectively expressed in a cost-effective manner in the periplasm of BL21plysS using an inducer concentration of 0.01 mM in 4 h of growth. Enzyme was purified in three consecutive steps and functional studies were carried out.

Lipohypertrophy has been a recognized complication of insulin therapy. Despite improvements in insulin purity and the introduction of recombinant human insulin, its prevalence has remained high particularly in those with a poor glycemic control. Injection of insulin into a site of lipohypertrophy, although painless, may lead to erratic absorption of insulin, with the potential for poor glycemic control and unpredictable hypoglycemia. Rotation of injection sites can reduce the frequency of the problem but does not abolish it. The importance of this complication is not only cosmetic but also in its impact on insulin absorption, and hence glycemic control. Lipohypertrophy is characterized by a benign "tumor-like" swelling of fatty tissue secondary to subcutaneous insulin injections. A strong association of lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy with insulin antibodies might suggest that autoimmune phenomena with insulin play a role in the development of both. Presented here is a young type 1 diabetic on human insulin with poor glycemic control who developed lipohypertrophy at the injection sites around the umbilicus.

Background: Pulmonary artery banding is a palliative surgical procedure used as a staged-approach to operative correction of congenital heart defects leading to right ventricular volume overload and pulmonary hypertension. This study was carried to find out effectiveness of two-stage procedure of VSD closure following PA-banding in congenital VSD and significant pulmonary hypertension. Material & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, from January 2003 to March 2012. Record of patients having congenital VSD with significant pulmonary hypertension who underwent two-stage operation (PA-banding followed by VSD-closure), was studied. Results: Forty-five patients with congenital VSD and severe pulmonary hypertension underwent PA-banding. Out of these, 33 patients had subsequent PA-debanding and VSD-closure. Male to female ratio was 2:1 (22 males: 11 females). Among these, 30(90.90%) patients had successful VSD-repair, while 3(9.09%) patients died. The median interval between PA-banding and VSD-closure was 2.05 years. The morbidity included one patient having MPA bleed during PA-banding which was immediately repaired and another patient had CVA post-VSD repair which improved during follow-up. Follow-up was available in 29/30 (96.67%) successfully repaired VSD patients. It ranged 2-5 years, with mean 2 years and 9 months. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up. Conclusion: In congenital VSD associated with severe pulmonary hypertension, two-stage repair is safe and effective technique with acceptable morbidity and mortality.