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Abstract The modern world is facing the issue of emerging pollutants for its sustainable development. We report a detailed study on the abatement of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by Be12O12 nanocage. Five different geometries of Be12O12 nanocage with CIP i.e., Com-A, Com-B, Com-C, Com-D and Com-E are optimized. All the complexes show chemisorption with the highest adsorption energies (E ads) of − 39.86 kcal/mol for Com-E followed by Com-A, Com-B, Com-C and Com-D without any structural change. The O and F atoms of ciprofloxacin (CIP) interacts strongly with the Be atoms of the nanocage respectively. Charge transfer from the nanocage to CIP reveals strong interaction in all the optimized complexes, with maximum charge transfer of -0.199 e for Com-E with the smallest bond lengths of 1.52 Å and 1.63 Å. The decrease in the bandgap of the optimized geometries witnesses increase in the sensing ability of the adsorbent and demonstrates strong interaction between the adsorbent and adsorbate supporting the adsorption energies. The positive values of Hb and ∇2ρb for all complexes reveals strong interaction of electrostatic nature between CIP and Be12O12 nature which is supported by different tools of DFT. The overall study suggests Be12O12 an efficient, reusable adsorbent for the purification of water from CIP and therefore Be12O12 can be used effectively to eliminate antibiotics from water.

Abstract Wearables offer a promising solution for enhancing remote monitoring (RM) of heart failure (HF) patients by tracking key physiological parameters. Despite their potential, their clinical integration faces challenges due to the lack of rigorous evaluations. This review aims to summarize the current evidence and assess the readiness of wearables for clinical practice using the Medical Device Readiness Level (MDRL). A systematic search identified 99 studies from 3112 found articles, with only eight being randomized controlled trials. Accelerometery was the most used measurement technique. Consumer-grade wearables, repurposed for HF monitoring, dominated the studies with most of them in the feasibility testing stage (MDRL 6). Only two of the described wearables were specifically designed for HF RM, and received FDA approval. Consequently, the actual impact of wearables on HF management remains uncertain due to limited robust evidence, posing a significant barrier to their integration into HF care.

Introduction: For knee osteoarthritis, intra-articular injections of Hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid have individually shown promise, nevertheless, the rate at which symptoms improve is a limiting factor for both treatments. Aims and Objectives: To compare mean pain score in patients receiving combination of intra-articular Hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid versus Hyaluronic acid alone in osteoarthritic knee. Place and Duration of Study: The randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Orthopedic Department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from June 11, 2021, to December 11, 2021. Materials and Methods: The study comprised a total of 64 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria and after providing informed written consent with 32 patients each assigned to the Hyaluronic acid plus corticosteroid group (Group A) and Hyaluronic acid alone group (Group B). Lottery method was used to randomly divide patients into two groups. Pain was assessed at baseline and at 3 months via visual analog scale. All the data was recorded on preset performa and analyzed via SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 64 patients enrolled in study, 15.6% were male and 34.4% were females in HA+CS group and 12.5% were male and 37.5% were females in HA alone group. Distribution of knee side, 9.4% patients had right while 40.6% had left side in HA + CS group and 23.4% had right while 26.6% had left side in HA alone group. Mean age of HA + CS group was 59.22±8.027 years and mean age of HA alone group was 57.34±6.378 years. Mean pain score was 01 in HA+CS group versus 4.13 in HA group (p

Garlic exhibits antimicrobial activity and it may serve as a feed additive for ruminants, yet quantitative summaries of its effects are lacking. Therefore, the current study evaluated the addition of various garlic products as feed additives on ruminal fermentability and ruminant performance using a meta-analysis method. The database was compiled from 37 articles with 157 comparison studies in Scopus and PubMed. The data sets were analysed using a random-effects model in OpenMEE software and the bias publication was evaluated by using Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) software. The results revealed that garlic significantly increased the percentage of propionate, butyrate, valerate and iso-butyrate, as well as the total number of rumen bacteria, dry matter intake, crude protein intake and ruminant average daily gain (p

In South Asia, federalism has significant importance, which is the primary cause of the partition of Indo-Pak. Muslim League and Congress ideologically supported federalism. Simultaneously, Congress supports centralization, and the Muslim League prefers decentralization models. These opposite federalism models do not significantly support both states’ cultural norms and values. Therefore, the question arises: what type of federalism was adopted by Indo-Pak regions? How do constitutions differentiate the current federal models? Before 1973, both countries constitutionally followed the centralized tendencies and managed them in different dimensions. The Indian federalism model of federation succeeded in regulating ethnic conflicts. However, the Pakistani model failed to accommodate the cultural polarization that caused the disintegration of Bengal from Pakistan in 1973. This study analyzed and examined the constitutional analogous of both federal models. Therefore, it is essential to attempt the comparative analysis of the Indo-Pak Federal Models in light of the federalism theory. The federalist assumed the principles, i.e. Supremacy of the Constitution, Division of powers, Bicameralism, and Judicial review.

Abstract Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) is a promising candidate as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIB), with a theoretical capacity of 1 117 mAhg−1. Nevertheless, MoO3 has inherent lower electronic conductivity and suffers from significant volume expansion during the charge–discharge cycle, which hinders its ability to attain a substantial capacity and cyclability for practical applications. In this study, a novel material design strategy is reported for LIB anodes containing MoO3 and hard carbon (HC) architecture fabricated using a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. MoO3/HC as anode materials are evaluated for LIBs, which demonstrate an exceptional performance with a capacity of 953 mAhg−1 at a discharging rate of 0.2 C. Additionally, MoO3/HC anode demonstrated exceptional rate capability during fast charging at 5 C and achieved a capacity of 342 mAhg−1. The MoO3/HC anode demonstrates remarkable cycle life, retaining over > 99% Coulombic efficiency after 3 000 cycles at a rate of 0.2 C. The exceptional performance of MoO3/HC anode can be attributed to the novel material design strategy based on a multi‐layered structure where HC provides a barrier against the possible volumetric expansion of LIB anode.

Developing thermoelectric films without substrates—free-standing films—eliminates substrate-induced effects on performance and meets the flexibility requirements of emerging wearable thermoelectric applications. This study investigates Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide (GZO), composed of abundant and non-toxic elements, to fabricate a substrate-free GZO film via 3D printing and compares its structural, chemical, and thermoelectric properties with those of a substrate-constrained GZO film produced through chemical deposition. Both films exhibited uniform crystal structures and phase purity; however, the substrate-constrained film displayed additional diffraction peaks, suggesting potential substrate interactions. The 3D-printed free-standing film effectively eliminated the tensile stresses observed in the substrate-constrained film. FE-STEM analysis revealed nanostructures with homogeneous elemental distribution in both films, though the substrate-constrained film showed discontinuities, such as pores, likely caused by post-deposition annealing treatment. XPS analysis highlighted differences in chemical states and elemental compositions between the films, influenced by fabrication methods, substrate-induced stresses, and surface energy mismatches. The free-standing GZO film developed through 3D printing exhibited a more balanced incorporation of Zn and O, as it was not subject to substrate or post-deposition annealing constraints. Consequently, it demonstrated a 14 % increase in electrical conductivity and a 91 % improvement in the Seebeck coefficient compared to the substrate-constrained film, resulting in a higher room-temperature power factor of 261 nW/m·K2. These findings underscore the potential of 3D-printed free-standing GZO films to advance thermoelectric applications, offering a promising alternative to overcome the challenges of substrate-constrained films and further drive innovation in the field.

Abstract A series of novel Schiff base derivatives (1–28) of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were synthesized in a multi-step reaction. All the synthesized Schiff bases were obtained in high yields and their structures were determined by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and HR-ESI–MS spectroscopy. Except for compounds 22, 26, 27, and 28, all derivatives show excellent to moderate α-glucosidase inhibition. Compounds 5 (IC50 = 12.84 ± 0.52 µM), 4 (IC50 = 13.64 ± 0.58 µM), 12 (IC50 = 15.73 ± 0.71 µM), 13 (IC50 = 16.62 ± 0.47 µM), 15 (IC50 = 17.40 ± 0.74 µM), 3 (IC50 = 18.45 ± 1.21 µM), 7 (IC50 = 19.68 ± 0.82 µM), and 2 (IC50 = 20.35 ± 1.27 µM) shows outstanding inhibition as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 = 873.34 ± 1.67 µM). Furthermore, a docking study was performed to find out the interaction between the enzyme and the most active compounds. With this research work, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid Schiff base derivatives have been introduced as a potential class of α-glucosidase inhibitors that have remained elusive till now.

In this paper, the deconvolution of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) data into the Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRTs) is employed to provide a detailed examination of degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries. Using an nth RC model with Gaussian functions, this study achieves enhanced separation of overlapping electrochemical processes where Gaussian functions yield smoother transitions and clearer peak identification than conventional piecewise linear functions. The advantages of employing Tikhonov Regularization (TR) with Gaussian functions over Maximum Entropy (ME) and FFT methods are highlighted as this approach provides superior noise resilience, unbiased analysis, and enhanced resolution of critical features. This approach is applied to LIB cell data to identify characteristic peaks of the DRT plot and evaluate their correlation with battery degradation. By observing how these peaks evolve through cycles of battery aging, insights into specific aging mechanisms and performance decline are obtained. This study combines experimental measurements with DRT peak analysis to characterize the impedance distribution within LIBs which enables accelerated detection of degradation pathways and enhances the predictive accuracy for battery life and reliability. This analysis contributes to a refined understanding of LIB degradation behavior, supporting the development of advanced battery management systems designed to improve safety, optimize battery performance, and extend the operational lifespan of LIBs for various applications.

The optoelectronic devices play a crucial role in our daily lives by seamlessly integrating optics and electronics, enabling technologies like smartphones, solar cells, and optical communication. Solar cells have been very vital in terms of providing sustainable and clean energy. Conventional Perovskite-based solar cells possess limitations like stability and toxicity. Recently, ABO4-type materials have gained attention in optoelectronic devices due to their structural stability and suitable optoelectronic properties for solar cell applications. The structural, electronic, and optical properties of AgWO4 and PdWO4 have been explored using the first principal simulations in line with density functional theory (DFT) using WIEN2K simulation software. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof Generalized-Gradient-Approximation (PBE-GGA) is acclimated to optimize the geometry of both materials under consideration. Trans-Balha modified Becke-Johnson approximation (TB-mBJ) approximation is implemented to study materials' optoelectronic properties. Structural analysis revealed the stable structure of AgWO4 and PdWO4 in the monoclinic phase with increasing lattice parameters and decreased unit cell volume upon replacement of Ag with Pd cation on the A site. Both materials ' negative values of ground state energies indicate the stability of both compounds. Upon analysis of the band structure of AgWO4 and PdWO4, it is found that both materials possess a band gap of 1.34eV and 0.73eV,respectively, signifying that both materials under consideration are semiconductors, with a potential for a controlled flow of electrical charges, coming up with promising various optoelectronic applications. Optical characteristics were explored and examined in depth in the framework of hypothetical dielectric constant. It has been discovered that the dielectric function has a broad span of energy integrity when it comes to its dielectric function. Materials with narrow bandgaps and excellent UV light absorption were found suitable for optoelectronic and solar cell applications.

Abstract A library of novel bis-Schiff base derivatives based on thiobarbituric acid has been effectively synthesized by multi-step reactions as part of our ongoing pursuit of novel anti-diabetic agents. All these derivatives were subjected to in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory potential testing after structural confirmation by modern spectroscopic techniques. Among them, compound 8 (IC50 = 0.10 ± 0.05 µM), and 9 (IC50 = 0.13 ± 0.03 µM) exhibited promising inhibitory activity better than the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 0.27 ± 0.04 µM). Similarly, derivatives (5, 6, 7, 10 and 4) showed significant to good inhibitory activity in the range of IC50 values from 0.32 ± 0.03 to 0.52 ± 0.02 µM. These derivatives were docked with the target protein to elucidate their binding affinities and key interactions, providing additional insights into their inhibitory mechanisms. The chemical nature of these compounds were reveal by performing the density functional theory (DFT) calculation using hybrid B3LYP functional with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The presence of intramolecular H-bonding was explored by DFT-d3 and reduced density gradient (RGD) analysis. Furthermore, various reactivity parameters were explored by performing TD-DFT at CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method.

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects the agricultural sector and poses a significant threat to sustainable crop production. Nanoparticles (NPs) act as biostimulants and significantly mitigate abiotic stress. In this context, this experiment was designed to assess the effects of foliar application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at 200 and 400 ppm on the growth of eggplant (Solanum melongena) seedlings under moderate (75 mM) and high (150 mM) salinity stress. The TiO2-NPs employed were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The seedlings were assessed physiologically, growth-wise, and biochemically. The seedlings were significantly affected by their physiological attributes (Fv′/Fm′, Fv/Fm, NPQ), growth (root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass, dry biomass, leaf greenness), antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APx, GR), stress indicators (H2O2, MDA), and toxic ion (Na+) concentrations. The maximum decrease in physiological and growth attributes in eggplant seedling leaves was observed with no TiO2-NP application at 150 mM NaCl. Applying TiO2-NPs at 200 ppm showed significantly less decrease in Fv’/Fm’, root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass, dry biomass, and leaf greenness. In contrast, there were larger increases in SOD, POD, CAT, APx, GR, and TSP. This led to less accumulation of H2O2, MDA, and Na+. No significant difference was observed in higher concentrations of TiO2-NPs compared to the control. Therefore, TiO2-NPs at 200 ppm might be used to grow eggplant seedlings at moderate and high salinity.

Lead-based piezoelectric materials cause many environmental problems, regardless of their exceptional performance. To overcome this issue, a lead-free piezoelectric composite material was developed by incorporating different percentages of carbon fiber (CF) into the ceramic matrix of Bismuth Sodium Titanate (BNT) by employing the microwave sintering technique. The aim of this study was also to evaluate the impact of microwave sintering on the microstructure and the electrical behavior of the carbon-fiber-reinforced Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 composite (BNT-CF). A uniform distribution of the CF and increased densification of the BNT-CF was achieved, leading to improved piezoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of a phase-pure crystalline perovskite structure consisting of CF and BNT. A Field Emission Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed that utilizing microwave sintering at lower temperatures and shorter dwell times results in a superior densification of the BNT-CF. Raman Spectroscopy confirmed the perovskite structure of the BNT-CF and the presence of a Morphotropic Phase Boundary (MPB). An analysis of nanohardness indicated that the hardness of the BNT-CF increases with the increasing amount of CF. It is also revealed that the electrical conductivity of the BNT-CF at a low frequency is significantly influenced by the amount of CF and the temperature. Moreover, an increase in the carbon fiber concentration resulted in a decrease in dielectric properties. Finally, a lead-free piezoelectric BNT-CF showing dense and uniform microstructure was developed by the microwave sintering process. The promising properties of the BNT-CF make it attractive for many industrial applications.

Introduction: Fractures in the distal femur are quite rare, comprising around 0.4% of all fractures and 3% of femoral fractures. Managing distal femur fractures has been a subject of debate, but recent developments favor indirect reduction and minimally invasive approaches. The objective is to find a harmonious equilibrium between the mechanical stability of the fractured segments and their biological viability. Given their elevated complication rate, achieving optimal restoration of functional anatomy and ensuring stable fixation is imperative for prompt recovery from distal femoral fractures. Comparison of less invasive stabilization system versus dynamic condylar screw fixation in treatment of distal femur fractures is subject of ongoing debate as to which one is better. Aims and Objectives: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of distal femur fractures treated with less invasive stabilization system versus dynamic condylar screw fixation. Place and Duration of study: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from July 2, 2020, to January 1, 2021. Material and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore over a six-month duration. In total 104 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Orthopedic Department via Emergency and OPD. Demographic data and medical histories were taken. The sample size consisted of 52 patients in each group, with random allocation to either the LISS (A) or DCS (B) groups determined by a lottery method. Follow-up appointments were scheduled for all patients at one month, three months, and six months post-surgery. Radiological outcome was evaluated at each follow-up visit while functional outcome assessed at sixth monthly follow up. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS: version 22, considering p ? 0.05 as significant. Results: Frequency of functional outcome was i.e. excellent (32.7%), good (14.4%), fair (2.9%) in group A and excellent (27.9%), good (31.7%), fair (7.7%) in group B (p-value>0.05). Mean fusion time was 18.67±3.04 in group A and 19.62±4.36 in group B (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate no substantial distinction between the two groups. Using DCS or LISS, both methods yield favorable outcomes with negligible complications in the management of distal femoral fractures. Both systems effectively reduce soft tissue injury.

Gadani is internationally renowned for its extensive ship-breaking operations, positioning it as one of the globe's primary ship-breaking hubs. A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the presence of organic contaminants in the air within Gadani, encompassing the areas surrounding ship-breaking facilities, proximate residential settlements, and adjacent roadways. Passive air samplers were employed to collect a total of 30 air samples. The analytical results unveiled a notably elevated concentration of specific organic compounds, with a pronounced prevalence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the ship-breaking yard. Notably, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and DDE were detected at substantially lower levels. In particular, sites in close proximity to ship-breaking activities exhibited elevated concentrations of PCBs (Σ7PCB 0.065429 to 7.345714 ng/sample), PAHs (Σ8PAH 2.44 to 134.23 ng/sample), and SCCPs (0.18 to 25.6 ng/sample). Conversely, DDTs and DDE demonstrated higher concentrations near residential settlements. The evaluation of Molecular Diagnostic Ratios for PAHs revealed anthracene/anthracene + phenanthrene ratios of 0.88, 0.69, and 0.5 for ship-breaking areas, roadside locations, and community surroundings, respectively. Furthermore, the benz[a]anthracene/benz-[a]anthracene + chrysene molecular ratios were measured at 0.77 (ship-breaking sites), 0.82 (roadside), and 0.83 (community), respectively. The molecular ratio of fluoranthene/fluoranthene + pyrene at ship-breaking sites was 0.23, while roadside and community ratios were 0.36 and 0.89, respectively. These findings underscore the significant contribution of ship-recycling activities to the atmospheric release of SCCPs, PCBs, and PAHs, emphasizing the global imperative for responsible ship recycling practices.

Abstract Aims Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease in which periods of clinical stability are interrupted by episodes of clinical deterioration known as worsening heart failure (WHF). Patients who develop WHF are at high risk of subsequent death, rehospitalization, and excessive healthcare costs. As such, WHF could be seen as a separate disease stage and precursor of advanced HF. Whether WHF has a substantial health, societal, and economic impact evidence regarding its multifactorial nature and the specific barriers in treatment, including advanced HF therapies, remains scarce. The CHAIN‐HF registry aims to describe the incidence, characteristics, current treatment, and outcomes of WHF. Additionally, it will promote structured regional collaboration and educate on increasing awareness for WHF and describe the implementation of guideline directed medical therapy and utilization of advanced HF therapies in a collaborative network. Methods and results The CHAIN‐HF registry is a prospective, observational, and multicentre study from the collaborating hospitals (Rijnmond HF Network) in the Rotterdam area. Unselected and consecutive patients (irrespective of ejection fraction) with a WHF event will be included. Comprehensive data including demographics, co‐morbidities, treatment, and in‐hospital and post‐discharge outcomes will be collected. Notably, data on socio‐economic status, treatment decisions, and referral for advanced HF therapies will be included. Conclusions CHAIN‐HF will be the first prospective, dedicated WHF registry in a collaborative network of hospitals that will provide robust real‐world evidence on the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of WHF. Moreover, it will provide information on of the value of regional collaboration to improve awareness and outcomes of WHF.

This study investigated the effects of replacing maize silage (MZS) with high-sugar sorghum silage (HSS) or forage sorghum silage (FSS) without additional grain supplement in the diets of dairy cows on nutrient digestibility, milk composition, nitrogen (N) use, and rumen fermentation. Twenty-four Chinese Holstein cows (545 ± 42.8 kg; 21.41 ± 0.62 kg milk yield; 150 ± 5.6 days in milk) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8 cows/treatment). The cows were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing (dry matter basis) either 40% MZS (MZS-based diet), 40% HSS (HSS-based diet), or 40% FSS (FSS-based diet). The study lasted for 42 days, with 14 days devoted to adaptation, 21 days to daily feed intake and milk production, and 7 days to the sampling of feed, refusals, feces, urine, and rumen fluid. Milk production was measured twice daily, and digestibility was estimated using the method of acid-insoluble ash. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA in SPSS 22.0 according to a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were used as fixed effects and cows as random effects. The results indicate that MZS and HSS had greater crude protein but less neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and a lower pH than FSS (p ≤ 0.04). High starch contents in MZS and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in HSS were observed (p < 0.01). While the highest starch intake was observed for the MZS-based diet, the highest WSC intake was noted for the HSS-based diet, and the highest NDF, ADF, ADL intake was observed for the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The diets, including MZS and HSS, had greater digestibility than that of FSS (p ≤ 0.03). Feeding MZS- and HSS-based diets increased the yield, fat, and protein content of the milk, as well as feed conversion efficiency (p ≤ 0.03). However, feeding the MZS- and HSS-based diets decreased the contents of milk urea N, urinary urea N, and urinary N excretion more than the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The N use efficiency tended to increase relative to diets containing MZS and HSS compared with FSS (p = 0.06 and p = 0.09). Ruminal ammonia-N and pH were lower, but total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate were higher in cows fed the HSS- and MZS-based diets compared to those fed the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.03). It appears as though replacing MZS with HSS in the diet of cows without additional grain supplements has no negative influence on feed intake, milk yield, N utilization, or ruminal fermentation.

Oil spills on water surface and shoreline have caused significant water pollution, and one of the ways to deal with them is to use oil sorbents. An effective sorbent provides high oil uptake and retention values, high selectivity, super-fast uptake kinetics, and sufficient mechanical strength to ensure practical application under different conditions. In this regard, synthetic sorbents made up of graphene, carbon nanotubes, and polymers in the form of aerogels, thin films, pads, and non-woven fibers have been widely explored. However, none of them addresses all the attributes of an ideal oil sorbent. Aerogels provide extremely high uptake values, but they are so light that it is difficult for the end user to handle them. On the other hand, thin films and non-woven fibers can quickly absorb oil but suffer from low uptake capacity with low retention values. Similarly, commercial oil sorbent pads have sufficient mechanical strength, but low uptake capacity compared to aerogels. Herein, we present a super oil sorbent with a porous structure using a facile energy-efficient approach. The as-prepared sorbent comprises a porous thin film with micropores and macro-cavities, resulting in super-fast uptake kinetics and a high oil uptake value of 85 g/g. Moreover, tensile test results confirm sorbent’s effectiveness in spill response. Lastly, our unique design does not involve expensive hydrophobic functionalization and thus utilizes lower embodied energy and generates lower carbon footprints.

Amongst various techniques to prepare thin films, spin coating takes less time to make thin films, is less energy-intensive, is easier to use, and provides reproducible results quickly. It is observed that such a user-friendly and quick process has hardly been explored to prepare polyolefin-based free-standing porous or nonporous thin films. Herein, we report a free-standing thin film of at least 5μmmade from polypropylene using the spin coating technique. Our methodology utilizes lower embodied energy and generates lower carbon footprints than the conventional melt extrusion technique. The thin films prepared from the spin coating technique was investigated with DSC, XRD, SEM, XPS, etc., which suggested the heated thin films showed more crystallinity and strength compared to unheated thin films. The SEM images revealed a fibrous structure with a pore size range from 1-10μm. The tensile strength and modulus of the as-prepared thin films were found to be 7 MPa and 583 MPa, respectively. Also, enthalpy change of 84 J/g and relative crystallinity of 41% were obtained. The as-prepared thin film can be used in various applications with minor modifications, such as in coating layers on the solid surface, porous sorbent, and filtration membrane.

The Sohnari Member of the Early Eocene Laki Formation is massively deposited in the Southern Indus Basin of Pakistan and is considered a potential source rock to generate hydrocarbons. However, the detailed paleoclimatic, paleoweathering, and depositional conditions of the Sohnari Member have not been studied earlier. This research mainly discusses the detailed mineralogical (bulk and clay) and elemental geochemistry of the Laki Formation from two outcrop sections (Jhimpir and Lakhra) in the Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan. The bulk minerals, including quartz (low), hematite, calcite, halite, gypsum, and clay minerals such as kaolinite, chlorite, smectite and illite have been discussed here. These results demonstrate the paleo-environment of studied area was arid with enhanced saline and weak to strong oxidizing depositional conditions. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) values in Jhimpir and Lakhra sections are in the ranges of 41.30–97.93 and 22.30–96.19, respectively, indicating that the Sohnari sediments experienced weak to intense chemical weathering in the source area. The interpretation of the A–CN–K ternary diagram is consistent with the clay mineral contents in the studied sediments, which is characterized by the predominance of kaolinite, gibbsite and chlorite, demonstrating the weak to strong weathering state under warm and humid climatic conditions. The chemical indices such as Sr/Ba, δU, V/Cr, Ni/Co, and Cu/Zn, U/Th and Ba/Ga show that Sohnari rocks of Early Eocene Laki Formation underwent strong evaporation, oxic water column with warm to humid and minor contact of cold climatic conditions. Based on our present data, it can be concluded that the sediments of Sohnari Member of Laki Formation from Jhimpir and Lakhra areas of Southern Indus Basin in Pakistan are related to Indio-Eurasian collision and came from the Indian shield rocks that were deposited in a brackish water body with a minor contact of the freshwater oxidizing paleo-environment depositional conditions.

IntroductionHeavy metals such as iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, silver, zinc, nickel, and arsenic have accumulated in soils for a long time due to the dumping of industrial waste and sewage. Various techniques have been adapted to overcome metal toxicity in agricultural land but utilizing a biological application using potential microorganisms in heavy metals contaminated soil may be a successful approach to decontaminate heavy metals soil. Therefore, the current study aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from a medicinal plant (Viburnum grandiflorum) and to investigate the growth-promoting and heavy metal detoxification potential of the isolated endophytic bacteria Agrococus tereus (GenBank accession number MW 979614) under nickel and zinc contamination.MethodsZinc sulfate and nickel sulfate solutions were prepared at the rate of 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg in sterilized distilled water. The experiment was conducted using a completely random design (CRD) with three replicates for each treatment.Results and DiscussionInoculation of seeds with A. tereus significantly increased the plant growth, nutrient uptake, and defense system. Treatment T4 (inoculated seeds), T5 (inoculated seeds + Zn100 mg/kg), and T6 (inoculated seeds + Ni 100 mg/kg) were effective, but T5 (inoculated seeds + Zn100 mg/kg) was the most pronounced and increased shoot length, root length, leaf width, plant height, fresh weight, moisture content, and proline by 49%, 38%, 89%, 31%, 113%, and 146%, respectively. Moreover the antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and super oxidase dismutase were accelerated by 211 and 68% in contaminated soil when plants were inoculated by A. tereus respectively. Similarly the inoculation of A. tereus also enhanced maize plants’ absorption of Cu, Mn, Ni, Na, Cr, Fe, Ca, Mg, and K significantly. Results of the findings concluded that 100 mg/kg of Zn and Ni were toxic to maize growth, but seed inoculation with A. tereus helped the plants significantly in reducing zinc and nickel stress. The A. tereus strain may be employed as a potential strain for the detoxification of heavy metals

The purpose of this article is to present some new nonlinear retarded integral inequalities which can be utilized to study the existence, stability, boundedness, uniqueness, and asymptotic behavior of solutions of nonlinear retarded integro-differential equations, and these inequalities can be used in the symmetrical properties of functions. These inequalities also generalize some former famous inequalities in the literature. Two examples as applications will be provided to demonstrate the strength of our inequalities in estimating the boundedness and global existence of the solution to initial value problems for nonlinear integro-differential equations and differential equations which can be seen in graphs. This research work will ensure opening new opportunities for studying nonlinear dynamic inequalities on a time-scale structure of a varying nature.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries remain a cost-effective choice in various industries. Accurate State of Charge (SOC) estimation is crucial for effective battery management systems. This paper thoroughly examines the behavior of Open-Circuit Voltage (OCV) during hysteresis in FLA batteries, proposing a novel hysteresis modeling approach based on this behavior to enhance the SOC estimation accuracy. Additionally, we introduce an Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (AUKF) to further refine the SOC estimation precision. Experimental validation confirms the effectiveness of the proposed hysteresis modeling. A comparative analysis against the traditional Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) under random charge/discharge profiles underscores the superior performance of AUKF, showcasing an improved convergence to the correct SOC value and a significant reduction in the SOC estimation error to approximately 2%, in contrast to the 5% error observed with the traditional UKF.

Wild fruits and vegetables (WFVs) have been vital to local communities for centuries and make an important contribution to daily life and income. However, traditional knowledge of the use of wild fruits is at risk of being lost due to inadequate documentation. This study aimed to secure this knowledge through intermittent field visits and a semi-structured questionnaire. Using various ethnobotanical data analysis tools and SPSS (IBM 25), this study identified 65 WFV species (52 genera and 29 families). These species, mostly consumed as vegetables (49%) or fruits (43%), were predominantly herbaceous (48%) in wild and semi-wild habitats (67%). 20 WFVs were known to local communities (highest RFC), Phoenix sylvestris stood out as the most utilized species (highest UV). Surprisingly, only 23% of the WFVs were sold at markets. The survey identified 21 unique WFVs that are rarely documented for human consumption in Pakistan (e.g., Ehretia obtusifolia, Euploca strigosa, Brassica juncea, Cleome brachycarpa, Gymnosporia royleana, Cucumis maderaspatanus, Croton bonplandianus, Euphorbia prostrata, Vachellia nilotica, Pongamia pinnata, Grewia asiatica, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Morus serrata, Argemone mexicana, Bambusa vulgaris, Echinochloa colonum, Solanum virginianum, Physalis angulata, Withania somnifera, Zygophyllum creticum, and Peganum harmala), as well as 14 novel uses and five novel edible parts. Despite their ecological importance, the use of WFVs has declined because local people are unaware of their cultural and economic value. Preservation of traditional knowledge through education on conservation and utilization could boost economies and livelihoods in this and similar areas worldwide.

Abstract The local farmers of Central Punjab, Pakistan have been using indigenous grasses as vital components of ruminant diets, but little is reported about their nutritional potential. Hence this study investigated nutritive potential of a selection of ethnobotanically important fodder grasses. Multiple nutritional parameters (proximate components, fibre fractions), secondary metabolites (phenolics, tannins) and in vitro digestibility values were determined. Furthermore, the legitimacy of ethnobotanical knowledge of local inhabitants about these grasses was also verified. The results suggested that majority (77%) of these grasses can be regarded as good quality fodders because of their high protein (169 g/kg) and good digestibility (457 g/kg) with moderate fibre (≤ 602 g/kg), lignin (≤ 50 g/kg) and secondary metabolites (total phenols ≤ 87 g/kg, total tannins ≤ 78 g/kg, condensed tannins ≤ 61 g/kg). Pearson correlation between nutritional parameters indicated that in vitro digestibility values were positively correlated with crude proteins (IVDMD, r = + 0.83 and IVOMD, r = + 0.83 respectively) and negatively correlated with fibre (NDF, r = − 0.91), ADF, r = − 0.84 and ADL, r = − 0.82) contents. Moreover, a positive relationship was identified between ethnobotanical knowledge and laboratory findings for studied grasses. Spearman correlation test showed that ranking of grasses based on ethnobotanical preferences were highly correlated (r values) with the laboratory results for CP (0.85), NDF (− 0.76), ADF (− 0.72) and ADL (− 0.62). The resilient complementarities between ethnobotanical preferences and nutritive analysis authenticate farmer’s traditional knowledge, which needed to be aligned with the corresponding scientific data. Farmers can use these findings for appropriate fodder selection and development of precise supplements for feeding ruminants within a sustainable and economically viable livestock industry for food security.

Groundwater quality of taluka Chachro was investigated by analyzing thirty-two groundwater samples for drinking purpose. Multivariate statistical approaches with GIS interpolations (IDW) were applied for the identification of significant geochemical processes governing the groundwater quality.. Results showed the concentrations of physiochemical parameter in the study area exceeded the prescribed level of WHO guidelines. The EC and TDS varied from 2593-18950 µS/cm and 1659-12128 mg/l, respectively. The Ca, Mg, Na, and K range from 36-288, 17-272, 420- 3280, and 9.5-101 mg/l, respectively. While, Cl, HCO3, SO4, and NO3 varied from 539-5738, 210-1150, 79-870, and 6.66-17.13 mg/l respectively. The mean values of EC, TDS, Na, Cl, HCO3, SO4, and NO3 were higher than the prescribed level of WHO 2011. Higher concentrations above the acceptable limits were recorded for K 96.15%, SO4 88.46%, and HCO3 82.16% of analysed samples. Multivariate statistical analysis suggested that the input of natural processes have influenced groundwater quality which resulted in changing the groundwater chemistry of taluka Chachro. The results revealed the dominant trend among the cations was Na>Ca>Mg>K while among the anions it was Cl>HCO3>SO4. Based on the drinking water quality index 50% were unsuitable for drinking.

In this paper, the deconvolution of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) data into the Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRTs) is employed to provide a detailed examination of degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries. Using an nth RC model with Gaussian functions, this study achieves enhanced separation of overlapping electrochemical processes where Gaussian functions yield smoother transitions and clearer peak identification than conventional piecewise linear functions. The advantages of employing Tikhonov Regularization (TR) with Gaussian functions over Maximum Entropy (ME) and FFT methods are highlighted as this approach provides superior noise resilience, unbiased analysis, and enhanced resolution of critical features. This approach is applied to LIB cell data to identify characteristic peaks of the DRT plot and evaluate their correlation with battery degradation. By observing how these peaks evolve through cycles of battery aging, insights into specific aging mechanisms and performance decline are obtained. This study combines experimental measurements with DRT peak analysis to characterize the impedance distribution within LIBs which enables accelerated detection of degradation pathways and enhances the predictive accuracy for battery life and reliability. This analysis contributes to a refined understanding of LIB degradation behavior, supporting the development of advanced battery management systems designed to improve safety, optimize battery performance, and extend the operational lifespan of LIBs for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability, in vitro digestibility, and rumen degradation characteristics of silage mixtures with different ratios of sweet sorghum (SS) and aerial parts of licorice (LC). (2) Methods: Five mixtures were produced on a dry matter (DM) basis: (i) 0%SS + 100%LC (0%SS); (ii) 25%SS + 75%LC (25%SS); (iii) 50%SS + 50%LC (50%SS); (iv) 75%SS + 25%LC (75%SS); and (v) 100%SS + 0%LC (100%SS). First, the chemical composition of the silages was measured before and after fermentation. Next, the aerobic stability, dynamic microbial colonization and dynamic volatile fatty acids of the mixed silage after fermentation were determined for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days. Finally, the parameters related to gas production and the characteristics of the gas production were determined. At the same time, the rate of degradation of the chemical composition of the mixed silage in the rumen was studied. (3) Results: (a) As the proportion of SS increased, pH, ammonia, butyric acid, acetate, and aerobic stability showed a decreasing trend, but lactic acid content gradually increased. (b) The content of the fermentation and gas production parameters were significantly higher in 100%SS and 50%SS than others (p < 0.05). (c) The rate of degradation of DE, ME, Neg, DM, CP, ADF, NDF, and ADL of 50%SS in the rumen of sheep was significantly higher than others (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, ensiling SS and LC mixtures can improve silage quality, especially if the SS and LC are ensiled together at a ratio of 50:50.

Abstract Climate change exhibits great variation on different flanks and at different elevations in the same mountain range. To investigate the complexity of the geographic patterns of climate and phenology in the Qinling–Daba mountains (QDM), in the North–South transition zone of China, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of daily air temperature and precipitation data measured at 118 national weather stations (1969–2018). The principal findings were as follows. (1) Overall, a significant trend of warming was detected in all seasons over the past 50 years, with rates of increase of 0.347, 0.125, 0.200 and 0.302 °C/10a, in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Precipitation did not show significant variation at most stations in different seasons. (2) The rising rate of air temperature varied considerably between different flanks. Generally, air temperature change on northern flanks was greater than on southern flanks in all seasons. The tendency of air temperature change was greater in spring and winter than in summer and autumn on different flanks in the QDM. (3) The rate of increase in high-elevation regions was greater than in low-elevation regions in summer, autumn and winter, e.g., 0.440, 0.390 and 0.456 °C/10a at 3000–4000 m and 0.205, 0.218 and 0.303 °C/10a at 0–1000 m, respectively. However, in spring, the rate of increase in low-elevation regions were higher than in high-elevation regions, e.g., 0.369 °C/10a at 0–1000 m and 0.317 °C/10a at 3000–4000 m.

The article was retracted by the authors based on detected errors in the data processing.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is becoming increasingly important as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Since no effective therapy currently exists other than lipid apheresis, the recommendation remains to optimally adjust all other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). In a Northwest German population study, the frequency of elevated Lp(a) levels and all other CVRF was investigated. The aim was to investigate whether individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels were also more likely to have other CVRFs. To date, 4602 individuals have been enrolled in the study, and blood pressure, weight, lipids, diabetes, medications, and pre-existing conditions were recorded in addition to Lp(a). In addition, questionnaires assessed physical activity, psychological stress, depression, and brain dysfunction. All participants received detailed individual recommendation about their CVRF and its treatment. In the further follow-up of 5 years, it will be examined how persons with elevated Lp(a) implemented these recommendations in comparison with participants without elevated Lp(a). The first group Lp(a) 120 nmol/L of 538 (11.7%). 81.6% of all participants had one or more CVRF. Age, sex, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and exercise did not differ among the 3 groups. As expected, LDL-Cholesterol was significantly elevated in the Lp(a) >120 nmol/L group despite significantly more frequent use of statins. Significantly more often hypertensive patients were found in the Lp(a) >120 nmol/L group who were inadequately controlled by medication and significantly less often persons without further CVRF. No differences existed in the frequency of psychological stress, depression, and mild cognitive impairment. CVRF occur with comparable frequency in individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels. However, individuals with Lp(a) above 120 nmol/L were more likely to have poorly controlled blood pressure, elevated LDL-C, and less likely to have no other risk factors. This underlines that in case of Lp(a) elevation all further CVRF should be intensively adjusted, especially in case of strongly elevated values >120 nmol/L. However, these recommendations have not been adequately implemented in clinical care in this population to date.

IntroductionIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, governmental restrictions led to the closure of sports facilities for several months. To date, only subjective and fitness-tracking related data on physical activity during the pandemic are available. Using data of a chip-controlled fitness circuit, training data as a measure of physical performance before and after the lockdown during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic will show the impact of the training interruption on exercise performance in middle-aged and older adults. The re-training data are analyzed, to extract practical recommendations.MethodsObjective training data of 17,450 participants [11,097 middle-aged (45–64 yrs), 6,353 older (≥65 yrs)] were exported from chip-controlled milon® fitness circuit systems before and after the first COVID-19 related lockdown in Germany. The change in the product of training weight (sum of lifting and lowering the training weight) and repetitions on the leg extension resistance exercise device (leg score) between the last three training sessions before the lockdown and the first ten training sessions after individual training resumption as well as the last training session before the second lockdown in October 2020 was analyzed.ResultsParticipants who trained with high intensity before the lockdown, experienced deleterious effects of the training interruption (middle-aged group: −218 kg, older group: ~−230.8 kg; p < 0.001 for change in leg score from to post-lockdown) with no age effect. Participants training with a leg score of more than 3,000 kg did not resume their leg score until the second lockdown.ConclusionThe interruption of training in a fitness circuit with combined resistance and endurance training due to the lockdown affected mainly those participants who trained at high intensity. Apparently, high-intensity training could not be compensated by home-based training or outdoor activities. Concepts for high-intensity resistance training during closure of sports facilities are needed to be prepared for future periods of high incidence rates of infectious diseases, while especially vulnerable people feel uncomfortable to visit sports facilities.Trial registrationIdentifier, DRKS00022433.

The current experiment is designed to evaluate the effect of different aquafeeds (farm-made versus commercial) on growth, body composition, oxidative capacity, and fatty acid profile in the semi-intensive composite culture system. For this, 1,100 fingerlings/acre having initial body weight and length, Labeo rohita (61.34 g, 171 mm), Catla catla (71.45 g, 181 mm), and Cyprinus carpio (30.80 g, 91 mm) were randomly distributed to 16 ponds and randomly fed on eight different diets (n = 2 pond/diet) in a completely randomized research design. Aquafeed were farm-based diets (D1–D2) and commercial aquafeed (D3–D8). The farm-made diets contained various crude protein levels of maize gluten (24.9%) and rice polish (7.3%), whereas commercial diets were procured from commercial feed plants (AMG, Supreme, Aqua, Star Floating, Hi-Pro, and Punjab feed). The growth performance of carps (L. rohita and C. catla) was significantly improved (p0.05) across the treatments. These results also prove that the increase in the dietary protein level and lipid content can improve the fish’s body’s crude protein and fat levels. Feeding D3 improved the production performance, oxidative status, and fatty acid profile in composite major carps culture systems. Thus, based on growth, survival, and body composition, it is concluded that D3 and D4 may be recommended for a commercial culture of major carps. Dietary treatments had no significant impact (p>0.05) on water’s physical–chemical properties. Calcium content and alkalinity varied (p

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the negative impact of unforeseen contaminants such as metals in commonly consumed food items, which pose a threat to human well-being. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the levels of these contaminants to guarantee the safe consumption of these food items. The goal of the current research is to determine the levels of essential (EMs: Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) and potentially toxic metals (PTMs: Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) in various brands of wheat-based sweets. One hundred samples were collected and analysed via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Also, the current study was to investigate the distribution, correlation, and multivariate analysis of 13 metals (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to interpret the metals’ association. The concentration (mg/kg) ranges of EMs were, in order, Mg (12.70–65.67), Ca (24.02–209.12), Mn (1.32–9.61), Fe (4.55–111.23), Co (0.32–8.94), Cu (2.12–8.61), and Zn (2.60–19.36), while the concentration (mg/kg) ranges of PTMs were, in order, Al (0.32–0.87), Cr (0.17–5.74), Ni (0.36–1.54), Cd (0.16–0.56), and Pb (0.14–0.92), and As was not detected in any sample under investigation. The HCA data revealed that Co, Al, and Ni form clusters with other metals. Sweets are prepared at high temperatures, and the elevated temperatures can increase the likelihood of Ni and Al leaching from stainless steel. Tolerable dietary intake (TDI) values for Ni were higher than the values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The CR value found for the Ni and Cr was at the threshold level of cancer risk, if an amount of 25 g were to be used over a lifetime. In a nutshell, this study highlights the monitoring of EM and PTM levels in wheat-based sweets, and from a food safety perspective, the study is important for consumers of wheat-based sweets.