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Abstract Although there is a continuous increase in available molecular data, not all sequence identities in public databases are always properly verified and managed. Here, the sequences available in GenBank for Fuscoporia (Hymenochaetales) were validated. Many morphological characters of Fuscoporia overlap among the species, emphasizing the role of molecular identification for accuracy. The identities of 658 Fuscoporia GenBank internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were assessed using ITS phylogeny, revealing 109 (16.6%) misidentified and 196 (29.8%) unspecified sequences. They were validated and re-identified based on the research articles they were published in and, if unpublished, based on sequences from the type, type locality-derived sequences, or otherwise reliable sequences. To enhance the resolution of species delimitation, a phylogenetic assessment of a multi-marker dataset (ITS + nrLSU + rpb2 + tef1) was conducted. The multi-marker phylogeny resolved five of the twelve species complexes found in the ITS phylogeny and uncovered five new Fuscoporia species: F. dolichoseta, F. gilvoides, F. koreana, F. reticulata, and F. semicephala. The validated ITS sequences in this study may prevent further accumulation of misidentified sequences in public databases and contribute to a more accurate taxonomic evaluation of Fuscoporia species.

Fractional integral inequalities have become one of the most useful and expansive tools for the development of many fields of pure and applied mathematics over the past few years. Many authors have just recently introduced various generalized inequalities that involved the fractional integral operators. The main goal of the present study is to incorporate the concept of strongly $ \left(s, m\right) $-convex functions and Hermite-Hadamard inequality with Caputo-Fabrizio integral operator. Also, we consider a new identity for twice differentiable mapping in the context of Caputo-Fabrizio fractional integral operator. Then, considering this identity as an auxiliary result, new mid-point version using well known inequalities like Hölder, power-mean, Young are presented. Moreover, some graphs of obtained inequalities are given for better understanding by the reader. Finally, we discussed some applications to matrix inequalities and spacial means.

This study investigates the occurrence of flow boiling in a microchannel with a uniform cross-sectional area. The primary emphasis is placed on the attributes and qualities of deionized water when it is subjected to temperatures lower than its boiling point. The experiments utilized deionized water as the working fluid in a rectangular microchannel with a consistent cross-sectional shape. The experiments were conducted at an input temperature of 80°C, with a mass flux of 200 kg/m²s and a heat flux ranging from 1.735 to 625.1 kW/m². The increase in wall superheat is exactly proportional to the increase in heat flow, indicating that the onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) occurs at a far lower point in nanofluid channels compared to bare channels. The observed rise in heat transfer coefficient (HTC) at a mass flow rate of 200 kg/m²s suggests that nanofluids in microchannels demonstrate a similar pattern to microchannels without nanoparticles. The average heat transfer coefficient (HTC) for microchannels filled with nanofluids containing silver (Ag), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTS), and a combination of Ag and MWCNTS (in a 1:1 ratio) is enhanced by 9%, 14.5%, and 18.01%, respectively, compared to the microchannel without any additives. The pressure drop decreases significantly as the wall heat flux increases due to the reduced viscosity of the liquid. However, the phenomenon of pressure decrease experiences a change throughout the boiling process. The pressure reduction in microchannels containing nanofluids has a similar trend to that of the microchannel without any additives, where an increase in heat flow corresponds to an increase in pressure drop. The pressure drop for Ag, MWCNTS, and the Ag plus MWCNTS mixture is respectively 3.3%, 4.4%, and 10.4% higher compared to the bare channel. This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of deionized water and nanofluids in microchannels under various heat conditions.

Objective: to compare pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics with no antibiotics for removing an impacted mandibular third molar tooth to avoid Infection. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Ayyub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, Pakistan from Jan 2018 to June 2018 Methodology: Two hundred four study participants were divided into two groups: those with their third mandibular molar teeth impacted and those without. One Group was given an antibiotic before surgery; the other received a placebo. Both groups were followed after surgery and were observed for the development of post-operative Infection. Results: There were 204 participants in our study whose age group ranged from 17-30 years, (mean age 23.89±2.39 years). Of 204 individuals, 182(89.2%) were treated well, whereas 22 individuals were diagnosed with Infection (10.8%). 18 individuals (17.6%) developed Infection in the Placebo Group, whereas 4(3.9%) patients developed infection in the Antibiotic Group. Conclusion: The frequency of post-operative infections is reduced in individuals with an impacted third mandibular molar tooth who are given antibiotics before surgery.

In this paper, we present a wavelet collocation method for efficiently solving singularly perturbed differential–difference equations (SPDDEs) and one-parameter singularly perturbed differential equations (SPDEs) taking into account the singular perturbations inherent in control systems. These equations represent a class of mathematical models that exhibit a combination of differential and difference equations, making their analysis and solution challenging. The terms that include negative and positive shifts were approximated using Taylor series expansion. The main aim of this technique is to convert the problems by using operational matrices of integration of Haar wavelets into a system of algebraic equations that can be solved using Newton’s method. The adaptability and multi-resolution properties of wavelet functions offer the ability to capture system behavior across various scales, effectively handling singular perturbations present in the equations. Numerical experiments were conducted to showcase the effectiveness and accuracy of the wavelet collocation method, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for analyzing and solving SPDDEs in control system.

Due to increasing urbanization and population growth, municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a significant environmental concern in developing countries. Inadequate waste management systems lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and economic losses. While considering the challenges and limitations, policymakers and authorities need to opt for such waste management scenarios that are environmentally friendly and resolve energy issues. Ten MSWM scenarios were developed and evaluated using seven different criteria. Four multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, namely fuzzy logic, AHP, TOPSIS, and PROMETHEE II, were employed to rank the scenarios and identify the most appropriate option for solid waste management in Lahore. This study highlights that the optimal waste management approach comprises a composition of 54% anaerobic digestion, 37% gasification, and 9% landfill technologies. These percentages collectively represent the most suitable and effective strategies for the city's waste management needs. All the MCDM techniques consistently produce similar results. These scenarios have broader applicability across cities in Central Asia and beyond. The study's findings are aligned to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly MSWM practices. These findings endorse implementing strategies and measures aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and the responsible handling of waste, serving as a valuable reference for various regions.

The present experimental study investigates the thermal and hydraulic performance of Ethylene Glycol (EG)-based ZnO nanofluids (NFs) in circular minichannel test sections, each of 330 mm in length and 1.0–2.0 mm inner diameters. The experiments were conducted under steady-state constant heat flux and laminar flow conditions. The stable ZnO/EG-based NFs were synthesized using a standard two-step method in varying nanoparticles (NPs) loadings (0.012–0.048 wt%). The morphological characteristics, crystal structure, and specific surface area (SSA) showed that the NPs were sized in nm, possessing excellent crystal structure and enhanced surface area. Thermal conductivity (TC) and viscosity (VC) of the NFs were examined in the 20–60 °C temperature range. Both TC and VC possessed an increasing trend with the rise in concentration of the NPs. However, with the temperature rise, TC increased while the VC decreased and vice versa. The highest enhancements in TC and VC were 14.38 % and 15.22 %, respectively, at 40 °C and 0.048 wt% of NPs loading. The highest enrichment recorded in the local and average heat transfer coefficient (HTC) were 14.80 % and 13.48% in a minichannel with 1.0 mm inner diameter, respectively. It was directly proportional to the NPs loading and volume flow rate of the NFs. The friction factor was also directly proportional to the test section's inner cross-sectional area, while the pressure gradient showed an inverse behavior. An inverse relationship was recorded for the volume flow rate of the NFs and vice versa. Maximum friction factor and the pressure drop for all three minichannel test sections were recorded as 34.58 % and 32.16 %, respectively. The well-known Shah correlation predicted the local and average HTC within ±15.0 %, while the friction factor and the pressure gradient were well predicted by the Darcy correlation within the ±10.0 % range.

Purpose of program: A key barrier to becoming a living kidney donor is an inefficient evaluation process, requiring more than 30 tests (eg, laboratory and diagnostic tests), questionnaires, and specialist consultations. Donor candidates make several trips to hospitals and clinics, and often spend months waiting for appointments and test results. The median evaluation time for a donor candidate in Ontario, Canada, is nearly 1 year. Longer wait times are associated with poorer outcomes for the kidney transplant recipient and higher health care costs. A shorter, more efficient donor evaluation process may help more patients with kidney failure receive a transplant, including a pre-emptive kidney transplant (ie, avoiding the need for dialysis). In this report, we describe the development of a quality improvement intervention to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness of the donor candidate evaluation process. We developed a One-Day Living Kidney Donor Assessment Clinic, a condensed clinic where interested donor candidates complete all testing and consultations within 1 day. Sources of information: The One-Day Living Kidney Donor Assessment Clinic was developed after performing a comprehensive review of the literature, receiving feedback from patients who have successfully donated, and meetings with transplant program leadership from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. A multistakeholder team was formed that included health care staff from nephrology, transplant surgery, radiology, cardiology, social work, nuclear medicine, and patients with the prior lived experience of kidney donation. In the planning stages, the team met regularly to determine the objectives of the clinic, criteria for participation, clinic schedule, patient flow, and clinic metrics. Methods: Donor candidates entered the One-Day Clinic if they completed initial laboratory testing and agreed to an expedited process. If additional testing was required, it was completed on a different day. Donor candidates were reviewed by the nephrologist, transplant surgeon, and donor coordinator approximately 2 weeks after the clinic for final approval. The team continues to meet regularly to review donor feedback, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. Key findings: The One-Day Clinic was implemented in March 2019, and has now been running for 4 years, making iterative improvements through continuous patient and provider feedback. To date, we have evaluated more than 150 donor candidates in this clinic. Feedback from donors has been uniformly positive (98% of donors stated they were very satisfied with the clinic), with most noting that the clinic was efficient and minimally impacted work and family obligations. Hospital leadership, including the health care professionals from each participating department, continue to show support and collaborate to create a seamless experience for donor candidates attending the One-Day Clinic. Limitations: Clinic spots are limited, meaning some interested donor candidates may not be able to enter a One-Day Clinic the same month they come forward. Implications: This patient-centered quality improvement intervention is designed to improve the efficiency and experience of the living kidney donor evaluation, result in better outcomes for kidney transplant recipients, and potentially increase living donation. Our next step is to conduct a formal evaluation of the clinic, measuring qualitative feedback from health care professionals working in the clinic and donor candidates attending the clinic, and measuring key process and outcome measures in donor candidates who completed the one-day assessment compared with those who underwent the usual care assessment. This program evaluation will provide reliable, regionally relevant evidence that will inform transplant centers across the country as they consider incorporating a similar one-day assessment model.

Nanoscale Science and Technology (NST) is a rapidly evolving field with profound implications for various industries and our everyday lives. However, misconceptions among learners can hinder their ability to grasp the fundamental concepts of NST, thereby impeding their potential contributions to this advancing domain. Concept maps (CM) and conceptual change texts (CCT) are graphical and written representations of knowledge that enable learners to visualize relationships between concepts and assess the coherence of their understanding. In this pursuit, we engage with the concept of rehabilitation for misconceptions, viewing the learning process as a transformative journey akin to cognitive rehabilitation. Through this CM-CCT constructivist approach, learners are encouraged to engage in critical reflection, self-questioning, and peer discussions, which facilitate the identification of misconceptions. Moreover, CM-CCT provide a structured framework for presenting accurate information about NST, offering a clear depiction of the hierarchical and interconnected nature of nanoscale phenomena. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CM-CCT in correcting the misconceptions of undergraduate university students regarding nanotechnology and the taxonomy of nonmaterial. Prior to the implementation of the CM-CCT, an assessment of pre-existing knowledge of the students was performed through the structure of the observed learning outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy. A quasi-experimental research design was carried out. A total of 70 undergraduate university students, divided into two intact groups, were cross-examined for the study. Further, before and after the instructional tools, an achievement test based on nanotechnology and classification of nonmaterial was conducted, covering all six cognitive domains of the Bloom taxonomy of educational objectives. Data analysis revealed that the instructional tools based on constructivist approach had a statistically significant impact on students for elimination of their misconceptions about nanotechnology, nano science and classification of nonmaterial.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurological disorder caused by epigenetic silencing of the FMR1 gene. Reactivation of FMR1 is a potential therapeutic approach for FXS that would correct the root cause of the disease. Here, using a candidate-based shRNA screen, we identify nine epigenetic repressors that promote silencing of FMR1 in FXS cells (called FMR1 Silencing Factors, or FMR1- SFs). Inhibition of FMR1-SFs with shRNAs or small molecules reactivates FMR1 in cultured undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and post-mitotic neurons derived from FXS patients. One of the FMR1-SFs is the histone methyltransferase EZH2, for which an FDA-approved small molecule inhibitor, EPZ6438 (also known as tazemetostat), is available. We show that EPZ6438 substantially corrects the characteristic molecular and electrophysiological abnormalities of cultured FXS neurons. Unfortunately, EZH2 inhibitors do not efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, limiting their therapeutic use for FXS. Recently, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based approaches have been developed as effective treatment options for certain central nervous system disorders. We therefore derived efficacious ASOs targeting EZH2 and demonstrate that they reactivate FMR1 expression and correct molecular and electrophysiological abnormalities in cultured FXS neurons, and reactivate FMR1 expression in human FXS NPCs engrafted within the brains of mice. Collectively, our results establish EZH2 inhibition in general, and EZH2 ASOs in particular, as a therapeutic approach for FXS.

Background: Common symptoms of Chronic Non-atrophic Gastritis (CNAG) include nausea, stomach distension, and abdominal pain. The Houtou Jianweiling Tablet (HTJWT) is a chinese patent medicine (CN1368229A) and it has been used clinically for more than 20 years with proven clinical efficacy in treating CNAG, prompted us to establish the clinical efficacy and safety of HTJWT on patients with mild to moderate CNAG symptoms in Pakistani population.Methods: This phase II, double-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled trial was conducted in a single center between November 2022 and February 2023 in Pakistan. In a ratio of 1:1, total 240 CNAG patients with erosion identified by pathological biopsy and gastroscopy were randomly assigned to control (Omeprazole) group (n = 120) and the treatment (HTJWT) group (n = 120). Patients in the treatment group received orally four HTJWT (0.38g/tablet), three times a day and one placebo of Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet prior to breakfast, daily. On the other hand, patients in the control group received one Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet (20 mg/tablet) prior to breakfast and four placebo of HTJWT, thrice a day. The patients consumed the investigated drugs (i.e., treatment and control) treatment regimen was followed for a duration of 28 days. The safety of the patients were evaluated through adverse events, serious adverse events and laboratory tests such as blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests. Vital signs like; blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate for all the patients were recorded. The cardiac status of the patients were assessed through electrocardiogram (ECG). The primary efficacy indicators were the improvement rate of gastric distention and gastralgia as the main clinical symptoms. Secondary indicators were visual analogue score (VAS); improvement rate of secondary clinical symptoms and signs; improvement rate of total clinical signs and symptoms; the disappearance/remission rate of Gastric pain and, remission/disappearance time of gastric distension; and the negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The outcomes among each group were compared using the chi-square test.Results: Patients in both groups had good drug compliance (80%–120%), and there was no statistically significant difference in the patients’ baseline characteristics. The clinical improvement rate was found to be 91.1% in the treatment group and 91.0% in the control group with negligible variation among the two groups (p = 0.9824; 95% confidence interval: -0.0781–0.0798). Similarly, hardly no difference was found in the negative conversion rate of H. pylori between the treatment group and the control group (i.e., 70.1% and 71.8% respectively, p = 0.8125). There were no significant differences in respiratory rate, vital signs, blood pressure, laboratory results for blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests between the two groups. The ECG assessment carried out for the treatment and control group revealed no considerable difference. Margin variation in the disappearance time of gastric pain (p = 0.1860) and remission rate (p = 0.5784) between the two groups were observed. The control group exhibited a faster remission period for gastrointestinal discomfort indications as compared to treatment group (p = 0.0430). Only one patient in the control group experienced mild to moderate adverse events, namely,; epigastric pain and dyspepsia. The results were consistent with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis that included patients who were 100% compliant to the assigned therapy.Conclusion: The lower limit of confidence interval (CI, 95%) for the differences in the effective rate between the treatment and the control groups was found to be −0.0781 which is greater than −0.15, hence the treatment group is non-inferior to the control group. The therapeutic dosage used in the trial and treatment period did not cause any significant adverse event, and there were no obvious changes in the ECG profile, vital signs and biochemistry of the patients. Based on the clinical efficacy evaluation and reported adverse events, it can be concluded that the HTJWT is a safe and effective traditional chinese medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic non-atrophic gastritis with mild to moderate symptoms.Clinical Trial Registration: [www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT04672018].

Most of the dyes used in various industries are non-biodegradable and carcinogenic in nature. Therefore, elimination of dyes from textile wastes is mandatory to safeguard the life of human, aquatic animals and aquatic plants. In this connection an effective and eco-friendly hydrogel was synthesized from acrylamide, cellulose, clay, and copper salt abbreviated as AMPS(PHE-Ce)/MC-Cu. The fabricated hydrogel was used as sorbent and catalyst for the adsorption and catalytic reduction of basic blue 3. SEM analysis showed granular texture with small holes or cracks which is basic criteria for an adsorbent surface. The results showed that the BET surface area and the Langmuir surface area were, respectively, 27.87 and 40.32 m2/g. The FTIR analysis confirmed the synthesis of hydrogel, as is evident from peaks at 3500, 3439, 2996, 2414, and 1650 cm−1, which indicated the presence of OH or NH, -C-O-C-, CH3, (CO), C–N bonds correspondingly. Thermal stability was confirmed by TGA analysis where weight loss in three stages has been observed. The presence of copper was confirmed through EDX (5.02%) indicating the incorporation of cupper nanoparticles in hydrogel surface. The high adsorption capability of 1590 mg/g as recorded for basic blue-3 dye indicates it to be an efficient adsorbent. The swelling behavior characterized by Fickian diffusion up to 7898% clearly indicated significant swelling. Pseudo 2nd-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm models were more fit in unfolding kinetics and isothermal data indicating chemisorption with monolayer sorption as evident from the high R2 values (0.999) of each model. Thermodynamics considerations indicated that the adsorption process is endothermic with a positive enthalpy value of 1371.32 Jmol-1. The positive entropy value of 19.70 J/mol.K signifies a higher degree of disorder at the solid-liquid interface. The findings provided a valuable insights into the hydrogel's capacity to adsorb cationic dyes and reduce them catalytically, pointing towards its potential applications in addressing environmental challenges.

IntroductionAlpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a delayed allergic reaction due to specific IgE antibodies targeting galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), a carbohydrate found in red meat. This condition has gained significant attention globally due to its increasing prevalence, with more than 450,000 cases estimated just in the United States alone. Previous research has established a connection between AGS and tick bites, which sensitize individuals to α-gal antigens and elevate the levels of specific IgE. However, the precise mechanism by which tick bites influence the host’s immune system and contribute to the development of AGS remains poorly understood. This study investigates various factors related to ticks and the host associated with the development of AGS following a tick bite, using mice with a targeted disruption of alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (AGKO) as a model organism.MethodsLone-star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and gulf-coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) nymphs were used to sensitize AGKO mice, followed by pork meat challenge. Tick bite site biopsies from sensitized and non-sensitized mice were subjected to mRNA gene expression analysis to assess the host immune response. Antibody responses in sensitized mice were also determined.ResultsOur results showed a significant increase in the total IgE, IgG1, and α-gal IgG1 antibodies titers in the lone-star tick-sensitized AGKO mice compared to the gulf-coast tick-sensitized mice. Pork challenge in Am. americanum -sensitized mice led to a decline in body temperature after the meat challenge. Gene expression analysis revealed that Am. americanum bites direct mouse immunity toward Th2 and facilitate host sensitization to the α-gal antigen.ConclusionThis study supports the hypothesis that specific tick species may increase the risk of developing α-gal-specific IgE and hypersensitivity reactions or AGS, thereby providing opportunities for future research on the mechanistic role of tick and host-related factors in AGS development.

Tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis are both granulomatous diseases. Here, we compared the immunological microenvironments of granulomas from TB and sarcoidosis patients using in situ sequencing (ISS) transcriptomic analysis and multiplexed immunolabeling of tissue sections. TB lesions consisted of large necrotic and cellular granulomas, whereas “multifocal” granulomas with macrophages or epitheloid cell core and a T-cell rim were observed in sarcoidosis samples. The necrotic core in TB lesions was surrounded by macrophages and encircled by a dense T-cell layer. Within the T-cell layer, compact B-cell aggregates were observed in most TB samples. These B-cell clusters were vascularized and could contain defined B-/T-cell and macrophage-rich areas. The ISS of 40–60 immune transcripts revealed the enriched expression of transcripts involved in homing or migration to lymph nodes, which formed networks at single-cell distances in lymphoid areas of the TB lesions. Instead, myeloid-annotated regions were enriched in CD68, CD14, ITGAM, ITGAX, and CD4 mRNA. CXCL8 and IL1B mRNA were observed in granulocytic areas in which M. tuberculosis was also detected. In line with ISS data indicating tertiary lymphoid structures, immune labeling of TB sections expressed markers of high endothelial venules, follicular dendritic cells, follicular helper T cells, and lymph-node homing receptors on T cells. Neither ISS nor immunolabeling showed evidence of tertiary lymphoid aggregates in sarcoidosis samples. Together, our finding suggests that despite their heterogeneity, the formation of tertiary immune structures is a common feature in granulomas from TB patients.

Climate change (CC) is the menace of the hour impacting every facet of human existence. Regional CC and its impact studies are crucial in that they contribute to global change. The current study aims to investigate the prevalence of CC in Charsadda, Pakistan and its impact on vegetation and hydrology of the region to understand microclimate variability contribution to global CC. Utilizing local climate data for 20 years (2001–2020), Modified Mann-Kendall and Sen’s Slope statistics were employed to determine monthly and seasonal trends in climate variables. Significant changing climate variables were regressed on Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite dataset viz. normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Due to the prominent climate factor impacting vegetation, NDVI was further correlated to MODIS land surface temperature (LST). Floods being the conspicuous climate calamity were mapped for 2005 and 2010 using satellites Landsat 5 and 7 dataset viz. normalized difference water index (NDWI) with flood risk assessment by watershed delineation. The findings revealed significant (p < 0.05) variability in climate variables (average monthly and summer maximum temperature, and average monthly and summer precipitation) that are driving CC and impacting vegetation and hydrology in the region. Temperature and solar radiation affect NDVI adversely while precipitation and relative humidity has positive impact on vegetation. NDVI varied greatly spatiotemporally, often increasing but worsening in some areas (Shabqadar, Abazai, Palai and Charsadda city with NDVI = 0.1–0.3) of the study region as a result of extreme weather events. Temporally, NDVI improved with an overall positive trend with a stage (2007–2016) of noticeable zigzag fluctuation. Spatial grids with higher LST (>40°C) were either devoid of or with sparse NDVI (

In this research, we conduct a computational investigation into the mixed convection flow of copper/water nanofluids (NFs) within a rectangular cavity, utilizing the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The cavity is uniquely configured with five high-temperature obstructions (HOBs), and we vary their dimensions and positions to evaluate Nusselt numbers (Nu) across a range of Richardson numbers (Ri). The three walls of the cavity, excluding the moveable top wall, are thermally insulated, while the latter is maintained at a lower temperature. A constant magnetic field (MCF) exerts influence within the cavity, with Ri spanning from 0.01 to 100, HOBs ranging from 0.1 to 0.5, and HOBs at the bottom wall spanning from 0.25 to 0.4. This numerical investigation is executed using a customized in-house code, focusing on examining heat transfer (HTR) dynamics within the cavity. Our findings reveal that augmenting the height of the HOBs and positioning them closer to the cold wall significantly enhances the average Nusselt number (Nuav). Conversely, an increase in Ri leads to a reduction in Nuav on the cold wall. Specifically, the most notable enhancement, with a 66.7 % increase in Nuav, occurs at Ri = 0.01 when HOBs are elevated from 0.1 to 0.5. On the other hand, an increment in Ri from 0.01 to 100 results in a 79.4 % reduction in Nuav. Furthermore, elevating the HOBs from 0.25 to 0.4 produces a substantial 44.3 % increase in Nuav.

As environmental awareness takes centre stage in business, entrepreneurship research has established a dedicated subfield for sustainability-driven ventures. The growing emphasis on sustainable business practices has led entrepreneurship research to identify entrepreneurship-related sustainability as a critical subfield. However, the inconsistent terminology used, such as “green entrepreneurship,” “ecopreneurship”, and “entrepreneurship” (ENP), reflects the fragmented nature of research in this area. A Systematic Literature Review on entrepreneurship-related sustainability was conducted to address this, focusing on the term “enviropreneurship” and applying PRISMA guidelines for transparency and methodological standardization. A total of 67 research articles published between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed to identify key themes and subthemes. This analysis resulted in a comprehensive definition of ENP and a cohesive research agenda for the future. The findings revealed significant shortcomings in standardized reporting procedures, highlighting the need for greater methodological openness and harmonization. To address this, the widespread adoption of PRISMA principles adapted to the specific needs of ENP research is advocated to enhance rigour, comparability, and reliability in this multidisciplinary field. Categorizing the research articles provided valuable insights into the research direction and specific focus areas, revealing a shift towards practical application and evaluation alongside conceptual exploration and analysis, which is inherent to any research field.

Blockchain is a distributed system where transactions are recorded on blocks. The blocks are linked with previous blocks creating a chain of blocks that ensures the integrity of the blockchain. Throughput operates as a pivotal performance indicator in blockchain contributing to its popularity among organizations and individual users. To achieve optimized use of blockchain for an increasing number of users, accurate prediction of performance at different timestamps is necessary. In this paper, two recurrent neural network (RNN)–based predictive models, i.e., long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) are proposed that predict the performance (throughput) of blockchain in different scenarios. Moreover, the study analyzes blockchain data to find optimal block size, impact of block size on performance, and uncover the relationship between performance and block size. The RNN models are evaluated using a dataset collected from Hyperledger Caliper on the HF framework 2.3. This study found that the performance of LSTM is approximately close to GRU regarding evaluation metrics MAE and RMSE. However, GRU is more suitable for practical applications and performs better overall. This study also shows a Spearman correlation value of 0.032, which is indicative of a weak association between the two factors.

One of the most farmed fishes is the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Its production has increased by 20% annually on average during the last 20 years, but the occurrence of fish diseases, especially bacterial such as Aeromonas hydrophila infections, is hindering its activities. Also, the incorporation of plant-derived substances in aquafeeds is limited since they frequently contain different antinutritional factors, like nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs). However, supplementing fish diets with β-mannanase could increase growth, antioxidants, and immunity. Despite the advantage of β-mannanase, its effects on growth, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and immunity in African catfish need to be elucidated. This study examined the effects of dietary β-mannanase on the growth performance, liver enzymes, antioxidant profiles, immunity, and protection of African catfish, C. gariepinus, against A. hydrophila infection. Five isonitrogenous diets were prepared to have 400 g/kg crude protein and supplemented with β-mannanase at 0, 1500, 3000, 4500, or 6000 thermostable endo, 1,4-β-mannanase units (TMUs)/kg diet and fed to 300 juveniles of the African catfish, C. gariepinus (mean weight 12.1 ± 0.1 g) for 12 weeks. Then, 10 fish from each tank received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL of A. hydrophila (5.0 × 105 CFU/mL) and observed for 14 days. Results showed dietary β-mannanase levels considerably improved growth performance but did not affect fish survival. Also, amylase, protease, and lipase levels were significantly promoted in the fish fed with β-mannanase-fortified diets than the control group (p

Carnosine is an endogenous di-peptide (β-alanine -L- histidine) involved in maintaining tissue homeostasis. It is most abundant in skeletal muscle where its concentration has been determined in biopsy samples using tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Carnosine levels can also be assessed in intact leg muscles by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) or in blood and urine samples using mass spectrometry. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how carnosine levels from these distinct compartments are correlated with each other when measured in the same individual. Furthermore, it is unclear which measurement modality might be most suitable for large-scale clinical studies. Hence, in 31 healthy volunteers, we assessed carnosine levels in skeletal muscle, via 1H-MRS, and in erythrocytes and urine by MS-MS. While muscle carnosine levels were higher in males (C2 peak, p = 0.010; C4 peak, p = 0.018), there was no sex-associated difference in urinary (p = 0.433) or erythrocyte (p = 0.858) levels. In a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, race, and diet, there was a positive association between erythrocyte and urinary carnosine. However, no association was observed between 1H-MRS and erythrocytes or urinary measures. In the relationship between muscle versus urinary and erythrocyte measures, females had a positive association, while males did not show any association. We also found that 1H-MRS measures were highly sensitive to location of measurement. Thus, it is uncertain whether 1H-MRS can accurately and reliably predict endogenous carnosine levels. In contrast, urinary and erythrocyte carnosine measures may be stable and in greater synchrony, and given financial and logistical concerns, may be a feasible alternative for large-scale clinical studies.

Microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and potential sexual transmission stand as prominent complications associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The absence of FDA-approved drugs or vaccines presents a substantial obstacle in combatting the virus. Furthermore, the inclusion of pregnancy in the pharmacological screening process complicates and extends the endeavor to ensure molecular safety and minimal toxicity. Given its pivotal role in viral assembly and maturation, the NS2B-NS3 viral protease emerges as a promising therapeutic target against ZIKV. In this context, a dipeptide inhibitor was specifically chosen as a control against 200 compounds for docking analysis. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations extending over 200 ns were conducted to ascertain the stability of the docked complex and confirm the binding of the inhibitor at the protein's active site. The simulation outcomes exhibited conformity to acceptable thresholds, encompassing parameters such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), ligand-protein interaction analysis, ligand characterization, and surface area analysis. Notably, analysis of ligand angles bolstered the identification of prospective ligands capable of inhibiting viral protein activity and impeding virus dissemination. In this study, the integration of molecular docking and dynamics simulations has pinpointed the dipeptide inhibitor as a potential candidate ligand against ZIKV protease, thereby offering promise for therapeutic intervention against the virus.

The extension of interval-valued and real-valued functions known as fuzzy interval-valued function (FIVF) has made substantial contributions to the theory of interval analysis. In this article, we explore the importance of h-Godunova-Levin fuzzy convex and preinvex functions and also develop the new generation of the Hermite-Hadamard and trapezoid-type fuzzy fractional integral by the implementation of generalized fuzzy fractional operators having modified version of the Bessel-Maitland E1vBMF function as its kernel. Moreover, we extract some well-known inequalities from our main results.

The deployment of omics technologies has obtained an incredible boost over the past few decades with the advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, innovative bioinformatics tools, and the deluge of available biological information. The major omics technologies in the limelight are genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics. These biotechnological advances have modernized crop breeding and opened new horizons for developing crop varieties with improved traits. The genomes of several crop species are sequenced, and a huge number of genes associated with crucial economic traits have been identified. These identified genes not only provide insights into the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of crop traits but also decipher practical grounds to assist in the molecular breeding of crops. This review discusses the potential of omics technologies for the acquisition of biological information and mining of the genes associated with important agronomic traits in important food and fiber crops, such as wheat, rice, maize, potato, tomato, cassava, and cotton. Different functional genomics approaches for the validation of these important genes are also highlighted. Furthermore, a list of genes discovered by employing omics approaches is being represented as potential targets for genetic modifications by the latest genome engineering methods for the development of climate-resilient crops that would in turn provide great impetus to secure global food security.

IntroductionTicks rely on robust cellular and humoral responses to control microbial infection. However, several aspects of the tick's innate immune system remain uncharacterized, most notably that of the immune cells (called hemocytes), which are known to play a significant role in cellular and humoral responses. Despite the importance of hemocytes in regulating microbial infection, our understanding of their basic biology and molecular mechanisms remains limited. Therefore, we believe that a more detailed understanding of the role of hemocytes in the interactions between ticks and tick-borne microbes is crucial to illuminating their function in vector competence and to help identify novel targets for developing new strategies to block tick-borne pathogen transmission.MethodsThis study examined hemocytes from the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) at the transcriptomic level using the 10X genomics single-cell RNA sequencing platform to analyze hemocyte populations from unfed, partially blood-fed, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis-infected ticks. The functional role of differentially expressed hemocyte markers in hemocyte proliferation and Ehrlichia dissemination was determined using an RNA interference approach.Results and discussionOur data exhibit the identification of fourteen distinct hemocyte populations. Our results uncover seven distinct lineages present in uninfected and Ehrlichia-infected hemocyte clusters. The functional characterization of hemocytin, cystatin, fibronectin, and lipocalin demonstrate their role in hemocyte population changes, proliferation, and Ehrlichia dissemination.ConclusionOur results uncover the tick immune responses to Ehrlichia infection and hematophagy at a single-cell resolution. This work opens a new field of tick innate immunobiology to understand the role of hemocytes, particularly in response to prolonged blood-feeding (hematophagy), and tick-microbial interactions.

Road accidents are a major cause of injuries and deaths worldwide. Many accident victims lose their lives because of the late arrival of the emergency response team (ERT) at the accident site. Moreover, the ERT often lacks crucial visual information about the victims and the condition of the vehicles involved in the accident, leading to a less effective rescue operation. To address these challenges, a new Internet of Things (IoT)-based system is proposed that uses on-vehicle sensors to detect and report the accident to rescue operator without any human involvement. The sensor data are automatically transmitted to a remote server to create a visual representation of the accident vehicles (which existing systems lack), facilitating the situation-based rescue operation. The system tackles any false reporting issue and also sends alerts to the victim’s family. A mobile application has also been developed for eyewitnesses to manually report the accident. The proposed system is evaluated in a simulated environment using a remote-controlled car. The results show that the system is robust and effective, automatically generating visuals of accident vehicles to facilitate informed rescue operation. The system has the potential to aid the ERT in providing timely first aid and, thus, saving human lives.

Oral cancer (OC) is the most common cancer in Pakistani males and the second most common in females. Major risk factors include peculiar chewing habits, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and molecular pathways. However, less data is available for this avertible cancer regarding its association with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and chewing habits in this region. Therefore, this study was done to determine the prevalence of HR-HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its correlation with p16 and chewing habits. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy specimens of 186 samples were tested for HR-HPV type 16/18 by PCR, followed by p16 immunostaining (IHC) in a subset of cases (n = 50). Appropriate statistical tests were applied to find the association between HR-HPV/p16 and peculiar chewing habits with significance criteria of p0.05). It was concluded that HR-HPV prevalence in OSCC was very low in our population, with no statistically significant correlation with p16 and chewing habits. These results suggest the role of HR-HPV as an independent risk factor in OSCC in the local setting.

Abstract Background: Post-transplant infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and local standardized antimicrobial treatment guidelines may contribute to improved clinical outcomes. Our study assessed the rate of therapeutic compliance with local standard guidelines in the treatment of common infections in SOTR, and their associated outcomes. Methods: Consecutive adult SOTRs admitted to the transplant floor from January–September 2020 and were treated for an infectious syndrome were followed until discharge or for 30 days following the date of diagnosis, whichever was shorter. Data was extracted from electronic medical records. Guideline compliance was characterized as either appropriate, effective but unnecessary, undertreatment, or inappropriate. Results: Nine hundred and thirty-six SOTR were admitted to the transplant ward, of which 328 patients (35%) received treatment for infectious syndromes. Guidelines were applicable to 252 patients, constituting 275 syndromes: 86 pneumonias; 82 urinary tract infections; 40 intra-abdominal infections; 38 bloodstream infections; and 29 C. difficile infections. 200/246 (81%) of infectious syndromes received appropriate or effective but unnecessary empiric treatment. In addition, appropriate tailoring of antimicrobials resulted in a significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted OR of 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.38; P = .002). Lastly, we found that guideline-compliant empiric therapy was found to prevent the development of multi-drug resistance in a time-dependent analysis (adjusted HR of 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.52; P = .001). Conclusion: Our data show that adherence to locally developed guidelines was associated with reduced mortality and resistant-organism development in our cohort of SOTR.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a major concern in modern industries. Chinese industries are growing rapidly and delivering products and services to the market. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working style of every type of industry. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of leadership style and industry type on the regulatory environment. This research also aims to determine the impact of the regulatory environment on CSR from the perspective of Chinese industries. Data based on a sample size of 599 was used for data analysis, and Smart PLS 3.0 was used for the results of measurement model assessment and structural model assessment. This study highlighted that industry type and leadership style have a significant positive impact on the regulatory environment and CSR. The framework of this research is based on the identified research gap, and the findings of this study are significant for Chinese policymakers. Furthermore, the research also asserted practical implications that are reliable to advance practices in the regulatory environment and achieve CSR by Chinese firms. This study has several limitations that are required to be significantly addressed for the sustainability of organizations.

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the major pathogenic bacteria responsible for causing severe outbreaks at fish farms and is also a major global public health concern. This bacterium harbors many virulence genes. The current study was designed to evaluate the antidrug and virulence potential of A. hydrophila by amplifying its antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes using PCR and examining their effects on fish tissues and organs. A total of 960 fish samples of Channa marulius and Sperata sarwari were collected from four sites of the rivers of the Punjab, Pakistan. A. hydrophila isolates were subjected to biochemical identification and detection of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes by PCR. We retrieved 181 (6.46%) A. hydrophila isolates from C. marulius and 177 (6.25%) isolates from S. sarwari. Amplification through PCR revealed the incidence of virulence genes in 95.7% of isolates in C. marulius and 94.4% in S. sarwari. Similarly, amplification through PCR also revealed occurrence of AMR genes in 87.1% of isolates in C. marulius and 83.9% in S. sarwari. Histopathological examination revealed congestion (5.2%) and hepatocyte necrosis (4.6%) in liver, lamellar fusion (3.3%) and the presence of bacterial colonies (3.7%) in gills, fin erosion (6%), and the presence of biofilms (3.5%) in tail fins of infected fish. Phylogenetic tree analysis of 16S rRNA and gyrB gene of A. hydrophila revealed 100% and 97% similarity, respectively, with 16S rRNA gene and gyrB of A. hydrophila isolated in previous studies. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates demonstrated resistance to sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, neomycin, and norfloxacin, while susceptibility to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, and intermediate resistance was observed against cefotaxime. The results concluded that examined fish samples were markedly contaminated with virulent and multidrug strains of A. hydrophila which may be of a potential health risk. The study emphasizes the responsible antimicrobial use in aquaculture and the urgent need for effective strategies to control the spread of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in A. hydrophila.

Introduction. This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods. The multidimensional research included malaria patients admitted to different hospitals of district Kohat during January and December 2021. Stool samples and blood were assembled from the patients. Giemsa-stained microscopy-positive samples were processed by the immunochromatography technique (ICT) to identify Plasmodium species. Common viral infections such as viral hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, and dengue (DENV) were analyzed by ICT kits while SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through real-time PCR. Furthermore, the intestinal helminths were identified using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results. Among 1278 patients, 548 were diagnosed with malaria, 412 (75.2%) were positive for P. vivax infection, 115 (21%) for P. falciparum, and 21 (3.8%) for mixed malaria infection (P. vivax/P. falciparum), with a higher incidence among males (65.2%) than females (34.8%). Coinfection with helminths was positive in 215 (39.3%) malaria patients. The most common infections were caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides species (42.6%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis (31.7%) and hookworm. A total of 24.6% of malaria-positive cases were also coinfected with different viruses with higher frequencies of confection for HAV (8.2%) and DENV (6.2%), respectively. The patients revealed higher incidence of coinfections with P. falciparum (57%) as compared with P. vivax (39.2%) and mixed infections (3.7%). Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the study population exhibited a significant incidence of coinfections with intestinal helminth and viral malaria.

The role of iterative algorithms is vital in exploring the diverse domains of science and has proven to be a powerful tool for solving complex computational problems in the most trending branches of computer science. Taking motivation from this fact, we develop and apply a modified four-step iterative algorithm to solve the fixed point problem in the Hadamard spaces using a total asymptotic nonexpansive mapping. MATLAB R2018b is used for numerical experiments to ensure a better convergence rate of the proposed iterative algorithm with existing results.

Research is continuously being pursued to treat cancer patients and prevent the disease by developing new medicines. However, experimental drug design and development is a costly, time-consuming, and challenging process. Alternatively, computational and mathematical techniques play an important role in optimally achieving this goal. Among these mathematical techniques, topological indices (TIs) have many applications in the drugs used for the treatment of breast cancer. TIs can be utilized to forecast the effectiveness of drugs by providing molecular structure information and related properties of the drugs. In addition, these can assist in the design and discovery of new drugs by providing insights into the structure-property/structure-activity relationships. In this article, a Quantitative Structure Property Relationship (QSPR) analysis is carried out using some novel degree-based molecular descriptors and regression models to predict various properties (such as boiling point, melting point, enthalpy, flashpoint, molar refraction, molar volume, and polarizability) of 14 drugs used for the breast cancer treatment. The molecular structures of these drugs are topologically modeled through vertex and edge partitioning techniques of graph theory, and then linear regression models are developed to correlate the computed values with the experimental properties of the drugs to investigate the performance of TIs in predicting these properties. The results confirmed the potential of the considered topological indices as a tool for drug discovery and design in the field of breast cancer treatment.

The financial performance of Chinese public and private sector banks is changing over time. There is no stability in the financial performance of Chinese banks which hurts businesses and the market. The purpose of current research was to determine the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on driving the sustainable financial performance of Chinese banks. From methodological perspective, data was collected from 329 banking sector employees from China to partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is employed for data analysis. The research used SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 4 as statistical analysis tools. This research confirmed that achieving sustainability in financial performance for Chinese banks can be achieved with CSR influenced by technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations. This research has statistically confirmed that transformational leadership leading to CSR with technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations can make significant improvements in financial performance. The framework developed by current research is a novel contribution to the literature. The findings of this research improve the literature on the banking sector and advanced performance. Furthermore, this research has highlighted significant ways that can help the banking sector employees to improve their financial performance with sustainability.

This study investigates the impact of board governance mechanism on investment efficiency (IE) in PSX-listed firms. The study also examines the role of institutional ownership (IO) in board-IE relationships. In addition, we extend our analysis to re-examine this relationship by splitting the sample into two groups, i.e., the introductory phase of corporate governance (CG) i.e., 2004 to 2013, and revised codes of CG (2014 to 2018) to examine the impact of these separately on IE. The sample data comprises 155 non-financial PSX-listed firms from 2004 to 2018. IE is measured using firms' growth opportunities. The random effect model is used to test the study's hypotheses. A robustness test is also performed to validate the study's findings. The paired-sample t-test results show a significant improvement in IE after revising the CG codes in 2012. According to the regression results, board size has a significant direct, whereas board diversity has a significant inverse effect on IE. Regarding moderating effect, IO was found to moderate the relationship between board independence and IE significantly. Furthermore, it was discovered that following the issuance of revised CG codes-2012, the level of board independence and diversity increased in PSX-listed firms; however, only diversity positively impacted IE, and board independence had no impact on IE from 2014 to 2018. Despite the issuance of revised CG codes-2012, the level of CG among PSX-listed firms is low, which is a source of concern for regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.

A topological index is a structural descriptor of any molecule/nanostructure that characterizes its topology. In the QSAR and QSPR research, topological indices are employed to predict the physical characteristics associated with bioactivities and chemical reactivity within specific networks. 2D nanostructured materials have many exhibit numerous chemical, mechanical, and physical features. These nanomaterials are exceptionally thin, displaying high chemical functionality and anisotropy. For applications necessitating robust surface interactions on a small scale, 2D materials stand out as the optimal choice due to their expansive surface area and status as the thinnest among all discovered materials. This paper characterized the neighborhood irregular topological invariants of nanostructures TUC4C8[p, q] and GTUC[p, q] and derived closed form expressions for them. A comparative analysis is then performed on the basis of these computed indices.

Workplace events play a significant role in shaping the performance of employees and organizations. Negative events, in particular, require careful attention due to their severe impact on employee wellbeing and performance. Workplace bullying and incivility are two negative events that can cause significant harm to employees and contribute to poor performance. This study examines the effects of workplace bullying and incivility on employee performance in the presence of perceived psychological wellbeing (PWB), with the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS) considered for both independent variables and employee performance (EP). The study focuses on female nurses working in the healthcare sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The results of the study indicate that workplace bullying and incivility have adverse effects on employee performance and that PWB mediates these relationships. Moreover, perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between both predictors and the employee performance criterion. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment to mitigate the negative effects of workplace bullying and incivility on employee performance.

This research focuses on the relationship between the tensile strength of PLA material and several 3D printing parameters, such as infill density, layer height, print speed, and extrusion temperature, utilizing the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method of Additive Manufacturing (AM). Tensile strength of the samples was determined in compliance with ASTM D638 standard, and the experiments were carried out according to a planned arrangement. Six distinct methods were used to optimize the tensile strength: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Cohort Intelligence (CI). Several runs of the optimization methods demonstrated their consistency in producing the same values of tensile strength, indicating their reliability. The optimization results showed that JAYA performed better than the other algorithms, resulting in a material with the maximum tensile strength of 55.475 N/mm2. Validation experiments were carried out to confirm the efficacy of these algorithms. The results showed that the ideal input parameters produced tensile strength values that closely matched the anticipated values with a low percentage error. The benefits of applying these algorithms to improve the tensile strength of PLA materials for 3D printing are demonstrated by this study, which also offers insightful information about how to optimize FDM procedures.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to threaten health worldwide, and account for a significant portion of deaths and illnesses. In both developing and industrialized nations, they challenge their health systems. There are several traditional uses of Cucurbitaceae seeds in Pakistan, India, Iran, and China, including treating cardiovascular, neurological, and urogenital diseases.Methods: In the present work, integrated techniques of metabolomics profiling and computational cardiomyocyte stimulation were used to investigate possible mechanisms of C. melo in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction. In vitro, vasoconstrictions, paired atria, and in vivo invasive blood pressure measurement models were performed to explore the mechanism of action of C. melo hydroethanolic seed extract (Cm-EtOH).Results: Results showed that Cm-EtOH demonstrates NO-based endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) vasorelaxant response, negative chronotropic and inotropic response in the atrium, and hypotensive effects in normotensive rats. Results also revealed that Cm-EtOH decreases cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reverts the altered gene expressions, biochemical, and metabolites in ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) rats. The extract additionally reversed ISO-induced MI-induced oxidative stress, energy consumption, and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, C. melo seeds increased EDRF function, energy production, and antioxidant capacity to treat myocardial and vascular disorders. In computational cardiomyocyte simulation, gallic acid reduced action potential duration, upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax), and effective refractory period.Conclusion: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of C. melo seeds to treat cardiovascular diseases and provides mechanistic insight into its antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities.

Staggered vegetation patches (central and outer) in an open channel have a significant effect on flow structure and river geomorphology. Although investigation on vegetation patches has been done in the past, however none of the past studies was carried out for varying submergence conditions from outer to central patches or for layered staggered patches with varying submergence. This knowledge gap has been attempted to bridge in this study. In this research work, a numerical technique has been used to analyze the flow behavior in a riverine flow by modeling central and outer vegetation patches as rigid elements in a rectangular channel. The influence of various vegetation patch configurations and submergence conditions were studied on flow characteristics. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package FLUENT was used for simulation purposes. Results showed that the flow in the central region of the channel was highly non-uniform, having a longitudinal distribution of velocities with alternating peaks and troughs throughout the central portion of the channel. However, in the outer regions, the velocity pattern acquired sawtooth distribution inside the patch regions (PR) but stabilized in the free regions (FR). Outer FR has 9% less velocities as compared to central FR. Moreover, the inflection point in velocity profiles and the bulge in contour plots was observed which triggered the shear layer at the top of submerged vegetation and at the interface of outer FR and central PR or vice versa. A complex pattern of secondary flow was also observed due to the turbulence anisotropy in the channel and its magnitude ranged from 0.1 to 3.7% of average velocity U. The results also showed that the state of submergence has a notable effect on the flow blockage and percentage of discharge passing through various regions.

The fast depletion of conventional fuel supplies has forced the world to find suitable substitutes to overcome the expected energy crisis. Fossil fuels also contribute to global warming because of their harmful emissions. Biofuels are sustainable and environment friendly. Biodiesel can be sourced from both edible and non-edible oils to replace fossil fuels. To avoid a shortage of food supply, it is preferred to produce biodiesel from non-edible oils. In this research, Litchi chinensis seed oil (LSO) is used as a feedstock to synthesize biodiesel employing transesterification using a microwave oven. The catalyst, potassium hydroxide (KOH), used in this research was extracted from potato waste. Sun-dried potato waste was converted into ash. The produced ash is then dissolved in distilled water, leading to a 34% yield of KOH. The transesterification achieves a 92.9% conversion rate under the conditions: 30% microwave power utilization, a catalyst loading of 15% (W/W), a stirring speed of 700 RPM, and a methanol concentration of 70% (V/V) with an 8-min reaction time. Response surface methodology (RSM), in comparison with artificial neural networks (ANNs), has been utilized for the optimization of biodiesel yield, giving efficient results with errors of 0.003% for RSM and 0.005% for ANN. Consequently, the study reports optimized biodiesel yields of 92.9% (experimental), 93.27% (RSM), and 92.40% (ANN). Physicochemical properties such as kinematic viscosity (4.4 mm2/s) at 40°C, density (875 kg/m3) at 15°C, cetane number (53.2), calorific value (38.8 MJ/kg), flash point (175°C), oxidative stability (6.1 h), and cold flow properties were determined with respect to the ASTM and EN standards. The findings reveal that biofuels primarily support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, with the prime focus on “affordable and clean energy” and “climate action,” respectively.

Introduction: Due to hurricane damage, building residents or businesses must be relocated during the recovery time, which leads to time-related expenses (TRE), also known as additional living expenses (ALE) or extra expense coverage (EEC) or business interruption insurance (BIC). TRE are difficult to predict since they depend on the damage and time necessary to repair the building as well as on external factors such as damaged utilities and the availability of labor and materials, among other issues.Methods: In this study, we developed a new TRE hurricane vulnerability model for mid/high-rise buildings. The model combines estimates of repair time (Trepair), delay time (Tdelay), and utilities downtime (Tdown) to predict overall recovery time (Treco).Results: The outputs of the model include 1) TRE vulnerability matrices, which yield probabilities of Trepair, Tdelay, Tdown, Treco, and TRE conditional on either maximum 3-s wind speed or overall building damage ratio; 2) the corresponding vulnerability curves, which yield the mean values as a function wind speed or damage ratio.Discussion: Insurers can use these results to project TRE, and emergency managers and urban planners can use the recovery times to characterize the resilience of coastal communities. This paper summarizes the methodology and illustrates its implementation and results. The selected results of Treco are compared with the recovery times provided using the HAZUS-MH Hurricane Model.

Introduction: Real-world evidence (RWE) in health technology assessment (HTA) holds significant potential for informing healthcare decision-making. A multistakeholder workshop was organised by the European Health Data and Evidence Network (EHDEN) and the GetReal Institute to explore the status, challenges, and opportunities in incorporating RWE into HTA, with a focus on learning from regulatory initiatives such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU®).Methods: The workshop gathered key stakeholders from regulatory agencies, HTA organizations, academia, and industry for three panel discussions on RWE and HTA integration. Insights and recommendations were collected through panel discussions and audience polls. The workshop outcomes were reviewed by authors to identify key themes, challenges, and recommendations.Results: The workshop discussions revealed several important findings relating to the use of RWE in HTA. Compared with regulatory processes, its adoption in HTA to date has been slow. Barriers include limited trust in RWE, data quality concerns, and uncertainty about best practices. Facilitators include multidisciplinary training, educational initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration, which could be facilitated by initiatives like EHDEN and the GetReal Institute. Demonstrating the impact of “driver projects” could promote RWE adoption in HTA.Conclusion: To enhance the integration of RWE in HTA, it is crucial to address known barriers through comprehensive training, stakeholder collaboration, and impactful exemplar research projects. By upskilling users and beneficiaries of RWE and those that generate it, promoting collaboration, and conducting “driver projects,” can strengthen the HTA evidence base for more informed healthcare decisions.

The Amudarya River (ADR) is the largest source of freshwater in Central Asia providing livelihood to millions of people by extracting water for agriculture. However, the over-exploitation has created some critical environmental issues. For example, almost no water for the delta and the Aral Sea, which was once the 4th largest lake in the world. The present study focused on the assessment of environmental flow requirements (E-flows) in the basin. However, the main challenges in the accomplishment were the unavailability of natural streamflow, which is necessary for E-flow assessment, and sparse and limited hydroclimatic data. A hydrologic model was configured to simulate naturalized streamflow using the meteorological data from the Climate Research Unit. Four hydrological methods (i.e., Tennant, low flow index (7Q10), flow duration curve analysis (Q90, and Q95), and flow duration curve shifting (FDCS)) and all-method mean were applied to estimate E-flows at 34 sites on all tributaries of the ADR. According to FDCS, 7Q10, Q90, and Q95, E-flows should be 46%, 37%, 30%, and 25% of naturalized mean annual flow (NMAF), respectively, and on average, it should be 35% of NMAF, assessed by the all-methods mean. For low-flow (October–March) and high-flow (April–September) months, E-flows were determined to be 20–30% and 40–98% of NMAF, respectively. E-flow evaluation with the current environmental conditions showed very serious concerns because no sites met the environmental flow requirements below Kerki. This study will be guidelines to improve the riverine ecosystem and for future sustainable development in the region.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory impairment and cognitive decline, with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation playing pivotal roles in its pathogenesis. Among potential candidates, vitamin B1 (Vit. B1) has gained attention for its neuroprotective potential due to anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Vit. B1 in an AD-like mouse model induced by scopolamine (SCOP). Administering Vit. B1 (300 µg/kg) with SCOP (1 mg/kg) is hypothesized to alleviate memory impairment and neuroinflammation. Behavioral tests, including Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests, revealing Vit. B1 ability to restore both long-term and short-term memory, especially in the prob test compared to SCOP-treated mice. Western blot analysis revealed Vit. B1′s role in reversing SCOP-induced changes by suppressing oxidative stress through NrF-2 and HO-1 proteins and inhibiting TLR4 receptor activation that upregulates TNF-α and NF-kβ, contributing to memory dysfunction. Molecular docking studies explored the binding affinity of TLR4 signalling pathway proteins. Results confirmed VitB1′s inhibitory effect on TLR4/md2 activation and its higher binding preference, underscored by experimental confirmation. Overall, these findings highlight Vit. B1′s neuroprotective potential as a therapeutic approach in AD and suggest a potential avenue for novel therapeutic strategies, warranting further preclinical and clinical research.

In the present study, Allium cepa L. leaves extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (Ag/Au/rGO NC’s) were synthesized and demonstrated their biological and electrochemical sensing applications. Interestingly, the synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs was achieved rapidly within 1 h and 4 h, respectively. Whereas the production of both reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Ag/Au/rGO NC’s was achieved at 96 h. The achieved results from the UV–Vis spectrum of 432 nm for AgNPs and 550 nm of AuNPs and the shifting of the characteristic GO absorption band of 230 nm into 270 nm as well as an absence of 305 nm confirmed the rGO synthesis. In addition, HR-XRD analyses confirmed the JCPDS file No. 04–0783 and 01–1174 pertaining to Ag and Au NPs. Further, the Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and EDS analyses confirmed the evidence of nanomaterials biosynthesis. A polydisperse, spherical shaped average size AgNPs of 1 to 30 nm, spherical and triangular shaped AuNPs with an average size of 1 to 120 nm, and silk like appearance of a thin layered graphene sheet in rGO were observed through TEM. Also, the recorded results evident the uniform decoration of Ag and Au NPs into the rGO sheet. The electrochemical properties of as-synthesized materials were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. Interestingly, the Ag/Au/rGO NC’s modified electrode exhibited higher electrical conductivity and good electrocatalytic properties towards the electrooxidation of nitrite in a neutral medium than other nanomaterials. Eventually, Ag/Au/rGO NC’s confirmed the enhanced antibacterial against Gram-negative bacteria and dose dependent antifungal inhibitory activities against foodborne fungal pathogens of Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria alternata, and phytopathogenic fungus of Curvularia lunata and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at the maximum tested conc. of 2 mg/mL, compared to other nanomaterials. From the result of zebrafish embryotoxicity (ZET), the highest toxicity was observed for AgNPs at 0.19 μg/mL. But in the case of Ag/Au/rGO NC’s the reduced toxicity was observed. Hence, the achieved results concluded the Ag/Au/rGO NC’s could be suitable for development of both as biomaterials for biomedical and effective sensors for environmental applications.