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The convolutional neural networks (CNNs) functioning on geometric learning for the urban large-scale 3D meshes are indispensable because of their substantial, complex, and deformed shape constitutions. To address this issue, we proposed a novel Geometry-Aware Multi-Source Sparse-Attention CNN (GeoSparseNet) for the urban large-scale triangular mesh classification task. GeoSparseNet leverages the non-uniformity of 3D meshes to depict both broad flat areas and finely detailed features by adopting the multi-scale convolutional kernels. By operating on the mesh edges to prepare for subsequent convolutions, our method exploits the inherent geodesic connections by utilizing the Large Kernel Attention (LKA) based Pooling and Unpooling layers to maintain the shape topology for accurate classification predictions. Learning which edges in a mesh face to collapse, GeoSparseNet establishes a task-oriented process where the network highlights and enhances crucial features while eliminating unnecessary ones. Compared to previous methods, our innovative approach outperforms them significantly by directly processing extensive 3D mesh data, resulting in more discerning feature maps. We achieved an accuracy rate of 87.5% when testing on an urban large-scale model dataset of the Australian city of Adelaide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ca2+ signals orchestrate spatial-temporal patterns regulating plant growth and stress. • Ca2+ sensors like CaM/CBL decode signatures to actuate divergent programs. • Compartmentalized Ca2+ signaling integrates intra/extracellular cues for stress. • Ca2+ signature dynamics encoded by channels/pumps activate stress genes. • Engineering Ca2+ sensor-effector modules enhances abiotic stress resilience. Calcium ions (Ca2+) serve as ubiquitous signaling molecules and are involved in diverse biological processes, particularly pivotal in plant growth and stress response. When plants sense environmental changes, an initial response involves an intracellular shift in free Ca2+ levels, with the spatiotemporal characteristics influenced by the nature, intensity, and duration of the stimulus. Decoding and relaying these changes into biological processes require the utilization of Ca2+ sensors. Abiotic stresses impact plant physiology and development by causing environmental fluctuations beyond optimal ranges. Abiotic stressors encompass suboptimal temperature, osmotic disturbances, hazardous ions, and nutrient deficiency. Recognizing and transducing signals in response to these stressors involve multiple components and methods due to their complexity. Additionally, plants contend with biotic factors, triggering calcium signaling cascades. However, understanding of gene functions related to managing specific transient calcium signals during particular stresses is limited. This review delves into the emerging conceptual implications of Ca2+ signaling in plant abiotic stress responses at both intracellular and extracellular levels. It also explores the potential influence of Ca2+ signaling on various agricultural stresses in future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Translation and validation of important scales in other languages reduce bias in reporting the functional status of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To translate the Back Pain Functional Scale into Urdu (BPFSu), adapt it for use in other cultures, and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHOD: According to Beaton guidelines, translation and cultural adaption was carried out. On 100 Urdu-literate men and women aged 18–60 years with lower back pain, the final BPFSu was assessed for psychometric qualities. First at baseline and again after 7 days, participants completed the BPFSu, the Functional Rating Index (FRI), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). RESULTS: Internal consistency of the BPFSu was excellent (Cronbach's alpha: 0.937). No floor and ceiling effects were found Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.882, CI 95%; 0.830–0.919) was achieved. Spearman correlation coefficient showed criterion validity with the NPRS (rho = â ⁢ ˆ ⁢ ’ 0.701, p ⩽ 0.001) and Pearson correlation coefficient showed construct validity with the FRI (r = â ⁢ ˆ ⁢ ’ 0.740, p ⩽ 0.001). The minimum detectable changes were 9.96, while the standard error of measurement was 3.6. CONCLUSION: The BPFSu is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing physical function in individuals experiencing low back discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on investigating the propagation of acoustic waves in a cylindrical waveguide with higher‐order derivative‐based boundary conditions and a sound absorbent lining. The mode‐matching method is employed to solve the governing boundary value problem, utilizing continuity conditions for pressure and velocity at waveguide interfaces. The objective is to establish a theoretical framework for analyzing and optimizing the acoustic performance of the waveguide, considering the influence of crucial parameters. The study's findings hold significant practical implications in acoustic engineering and noise control, enabling accurate prediction of acoustic wave behavior and facilitating the design of effective noise reduction measures and optimized sound‐absorbing materials in various applications. Additionally, the numerical techniques developed here can be extended to address more complex waveguide geometries and boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structures are recommended to be designed and constructed with the integration of structural health monitoring techniques to ensure that they can dissipate a large amount of energy without considerable damage when subjected to earthquakes. Hysteretic (H), friction (F), viscous (V), and viscoelastic (VE) dampers were employed in this study to observe the response of buildings using the commercially available software ETABS. The effect of different dampers along with configurations on three prototype concrete buildings (3, 5, and 10-storey) was studied by performing a time history analysis. Initially, the response of the buildings was observed in terms of storey drifts, base shear, and displacement without using dampers, while gradually increasing the damping ratio from 0 to 40%. Subsequently, the response of the buildings was evaluated in terms of displacements and base shear using various types of dampers with different configurations. The analysis results demonstrated that the effectiveness of viscous and viscoelastic dampers is higher for 3 and 5-storey buildings, while friction and hysteresis dampers are more suitable for 10-storey buildings. This information enables informed decisions regarding the performance and maintenance of dampers, contributing to the overall resilience and durability of structures in seismic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue of the journal Sensors, titled "Emerging AI+X-Based Sensor and Networking Technologies including Selected Papers from ICGHIT 2022–2023." The special issue features selected papers from the 10th and 11th International Conferences on Green and Human Information Technology (ICGHITs), which were held in Korea and Thailand. The conferences focused on the theme of "Emerging Artificial Intelligent (AI)+X technology" and "Hyper Automation + Human AI" respectively. The selected papers cover various topics such as network security, routing protocols, signal detection, and clustering mechanisms, all incorporating AI-based methods. The issue also includes papers on topics like secure authentication, distance estimation in RFID systems, energy optimization in smart homes, blockchain technology, and radar signal detection. The authors emphasize the importance of both technology and humanity in advancing green and information technologies. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To compare the risk factors for MRSA colonization in healthy newborns, born of mothers with and without MRSA colonization. Methods: This case control study was conducted in post-natal unit of Lady Willingdon Hospital, affiliated with King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January to June 2017. The vaginal and anterior nares swabs for MRSA culture were collected from mothers within six hours before planned delivery and the neonatal anterior nares swabs for MRSA culture were taken within one hour of birth. All the samples were cultured in Paediatric Microbiology laboratory in Mayo Hospital. Data were analyzed through SPSS 20.0 and logistic regression was applied for risk factors analysis. Results: Out of total 80 mothers and their newborns, 15 (18.75%) mothers and 16 neonates (20%) were MRSA colonized. The frequency of MRSA colonization in mothers’ anterior nares and vaginal swab was 17.5% and 1.25% respectively. The significant risk factors were prolonged rupture of membranes for >18 hours (p-value 0.02, odds ratio 11.85, 95% CI 1.41-99.3), birth weight <2500 grams (p-value 0.01, odds ratio 5.39, 95% CI 1.35-21.4), history of presence of meconium (p-value 0.006, odds ratio 7.30, 95% CI 1.78-29.8). The non-significant factors were age of mother (p-value 0.682, odds ratio 0.765, 95% CI 1.0.212-2.76), parity (p-value 0.185, odds ratio 3.82, 95% CI 0.46-31.66), gestation (p-value 0.615, odds ratio 0.797, 95% CI 0.714-0.89), mode of delivery (p-value 0.576, odds ratio 0.543, 95% CI 0.062- 4.76), sex of baby (p-value 0.546, odds ratio 0.683, 95% CI 0.196-2.37) and presentation of baby at birth (p-value 0.47, odds ratio 0.795, 95% CI 0.71-0.89) Conclusion: The presence of meconium, prolonged rupture of membranes and low birth weight were the significant risk factors for MRSA colonization in healthy new-borns, born to mothers with and without MRSA colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Internet of underwater things (IoUT) for underwater monitoring is known worldwide for smart interlinked underwater things that exhibit the capacity to monitor the vast unexplored waters of the oceans. Concept of IoUT has been derived from Internet of Things (IoT) in order to acquire the exquisite benefits of networking in underwater environment. IOT standards and technologies do not work well in underwater environment, such as infrared, Wi‐Fi, and radio frequency (RF) due to high channel errors and limited range up to few meters. Acoustic waves, however, can be used to communicate both in shallow and deep oceans due to their low frequency (kHZ) signal. In context of IoUT, communication based on acoustic links enables different applications such as underwater exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster prevention even without availability of GPS facility like free space environment. In unpredictable and changing underwater environment, energy efficiency becomes a major challenge during data routing along multiple devices. Batteries of the sensor nodes, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cannot be removed with easiness and difficult to recharge, and the only way out is efficient sensor node selection for relaying to save massive amount of energy. Energy aware channel routing protocol (ECARP) does not consider the depth of the node while selecting the relay nodes to forward the data. Relay node selection in underwater Internet of things (IOUT) is a primary problem addressed in this research based on channel state information (CSI) for establishing best path to relay information among IOUT devices. Our major focus was to develop better technique for the relay node selection using a CSI and select relay node by looking at its depth from ocean surface and residual energy in the proposed ED‐CARP. Simulation results validate that proposed ED‐CARP can decrease the communication cost and increase the network lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we substantiate the appositeness of the mode‐matching technique to study the scattering response of bridging elastic plates connecting two flexible duct regions of different heights. We present two different solution schemes to analyze the structure‐borne and fluid‐borne radiations in the elastic plate‐bounded waveguide. The first scheme supplements the mode‐matching technique with the so‐called tailored‐Galerkin approach that uses a solution ansatz with homogeneous and integral parts corresponding to the vibrations of the bridging elastic plate and the cavity, respectively. In the second scheme, we supplement the mode‐matching technique with the modal approach wherein the displacement of the bridging elastic plate is projected onto the eigenmodes of the cavity. To handle the non‐orthogonality of the eigenfunctions, we invoke generalized orthogonality relations. An advantage of the proposed mode‐matching schemes is that they provide a convenient way of incorporating a variety of edge conditions on the joints of the plates, including clamped, pin‐joint, or restraint connections. The numerical analysis of the waveguide scattering problems substantiates that edge connections on the joints have a significant impact on the scattering energies and transmission loss. Furthermore, it appears that the transmission loss and structural vibration attenuation in the expansion chamber may be improved by adjusting chamber dimensions and excitation modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses are a significant constraint to plant production globally. Identifying stress-related genes can aid in the development of stress-tolerant elite genotypes and facilitate trait and crop manipulation. The primary aim of this study was to conduct whole transcriptome analyses of the salt-tolerant faba bean genotype, Hassawi-2, under different durations of salt stress (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) at the early vegetative stage, to better understand the molecular basis of salt tolerance. After de novo assembly, a total of 140,308 unigenes were obtained. The up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were 2380, 2863, 3057, 3484, and 4820 at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. Meanwhile, 1974, 3436, 2371, 3502, and 5958 genes were downregulated at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. These DEGs encoded various regulatory and functional proteins, including kinases, plant hormone proteins, transcriptional factors (TFs) basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), Myeloblastosis (MYB), and (WRKY), heat shock proteins (HSPs), late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, dehydrin, antioxidant enzymes, and aquaporin proteins. This suggests that the faba bean genome possesses an abundance of salinity resistance genes, which trigger different adaptive mechanisms under salt stress. Some selected DEGs validated the RNA sequencing results, thus confirming similar gene expression levels. This study represents the first transcriptome analysis of faba bean leaves subjected to salinity stress offering valuable insights into the mechanisms governing salt tolerance in faba bean during the vegetative stage. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of precise gene regulatory mechanisms and holds promise for the development of novel salt-tolerant faba bean salt-tolerant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of people not only need to be fed but must also be nourished better under conditions that hamper agricultural production such as climate change, unsustainable food consumption, and political crises. Micronutrients are important for human health, but raw materials such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, and their derived products are usually not measured for their nutrient content. Product quality is mainly defined by shelf-life, gustatory, and techno-functional properties. Food is a product of a more or less complex supply chain. Each stakeholder in that chain influences the quality and nutritional profile of the final product, with interactions between stakeholders. Multidisciplinary research and education about nutrients from farm to fork will be necessary to establish global supply chains for all food products, thus guaranteeing optimized and standardized nutritional profiles for better human nutrition in the future. In the future, 8–10 billion people will need to be fed by our agriculture and food production system. Moreover, currently up to five billion people are already affected by malnutrition including undernutrition, inadequate consumption of micronutrients, and overweight. A healthy and sustainable diet will therefore play a pivotal role in our future, but most food products are traded and consumed based only on techno-functional or gustatory properties. We wish to stimulate a debate on the urgent need for multidisciplinary research and education to realize future diets with enhanced nutritional profiles. In particular, there is a need to better measure and understand the factors that influence the nutrients of food products along the global supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study reports the application of Galerkin and tailored-Galerkin procedures to model the vibrational response of a membrane bounded cavity connected to the elastic plates with different types of edge conditions. The plates contain clamped or pin-jointed type of edge conditions on finite edges, while the membranes are assumed to contain fixed, free, or spring-like edge conditions. Both Galerkin and tailored-Galerkin techniques require the priori solutions to determine the displacements of bridging membranes. In the first approach, the priori solution is expressed in terms of Fourier series which changes by varying the conditions on the edges of membranes. However, in late approach, a unique description of displacements can address a variety of edge conditions. The accuracy of these approaches is confirmed through the satisfaction of conserved power identity and through the reconstruction of matching condition with the truncated form of the solutions. In the modeled configuration, the vibrational energy propagates along the walls as well as through the fluid, and is affected by the variation of edge conditions. Moreover, the role of edge conditions is significant for structure-borne radiation only and is negligible for fluid-borne radiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quadriceps isokinetic strength parameters of athletes and non-athletes. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2019 at the Pakistan Sports Board, Islamabad. The sample size was 81, selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique and calculated by the Rao Soft tool. The 41 participants were in the athletes' group, and 40 were in the non-athletes' group. Individuals with a history of sprain, strain, or fracture in the lower limbs within the last six months were excluded. The self-structured questionnaire includes demographic data, waist-to-hip ratio, thigh circumference, peak torque values and agility t-test score. The isokinetic strength of the right lower limb (RLL) was measured via Biodex system Pro 3. Data was analyzed through SPSS 22, and an independent t-test was applied for analysis between groups. Pearson test was used for the correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Athletes had significantly higher quadriceps muscle strength than non-athletes (p<0.001), indicating the positive impact of regular sports participation and physical training. Quadriceps peak torque positively correlated with thigh circumference (r=0.60, p<0.001), consistent with previous studies. Surprisingly, athletes exhibited a weak to moderate negative correlation between quadriceps peak torque and agility (r=-0.35, p<0.05), suggesting a potential trade-off between muscle mass and agility performance. Increased muscle bulk may compromise speed and flexibility. CONCLUSION: Athletes demonstrated superior quadriceps muscle strength, emphasizing the positive influence of sports involvement and physical training; thigh circumference positively correlated with Quadriceps peak torque, and Agility negatively correlated with quadriceps peak torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the level of awareness of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus control among urban and rural patients. Materials & Methods: A Comparative Cross-sectional study was conducted at Ganga Ram, Sheikh Zayed, and PSRD Hospital, Lahore by using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The data from 362 participants were gathered and analyzed from November 2021 to April 2022. Participants who had type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for 10 years, aged 34-68 years, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 to 34.9kg/m2 were included and those with micro and macrovascular complications were excluded from this study. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Board of PSRD College of Rehabilitation (Ref#PSRD/CRS/IAJ/REC/Letter-002). Semi-structured questionnaires that comprised pharmacological, diet, and exercise components were used for data collection after getting informed consent from participants. Results: Results of this study show Mean±SD of age in urban and rural 49.7011±7.38161, 48.3457±7.09693 years, BMI 27.6858±4.27858, 27.6551±4.27986kg/m2 respectively. The Mean±SD of pharmacological awareness in urban and rural 4.4483±0.44174, 4.3085±0.55392, and exercise awareness was 1.4415±.49789, 1.4368±.49742 showed no significant difference while diet awareness to control diabetes was 3.8391±1.10043, 2.7553±1.44922, with significant difference(p-value< 0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that there is no significant difference between urban and rural patients for pharmacological and exercise awareness and a significant difference in diet management in diabetes control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms, like other fungi, are unique in the living world They have been assigned to the kingdom of Myceteae. Lentinula edodes(shiitake), is second‐largest and most often consumed edible mushroom in the world. Shiitake mushroom possess large capability to be used as food as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, fatty acids, amino acids, etc. In current study powdered form mushroom used to form semisolid extract in selected fractions (Butanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, chloroform and aqueous). The aim of the current study was to explore phytoconstituents which have biological activities in selected fractions (n. hexane chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of methanolic extract of Lentinula edodes.GC‐MS, and HPLC analysis presented the secondary metabolites in all the selected fractions under taken. Chloroform fraction had the highest total phenolic, and total flavonoid which exhibited the maximum in vitro antioxidant ABTS potential (74.78±0.83) potential at 350 μg/mL while ethyl acetate has moderate and n‐hexane shows least concentration. Hemolysis essay showed less than 10 % lysis of RBC, s which indicates that fractions under study are active, and safe to use as herbal medicine. Biomolecules detected through HPLC and GC‐MS in fractions under study showed significant inhibition in paw inflammation (1.18±0.06) and yeast induced pyrexia (36.8±0.68) in dose dependent manner. Furthermore, In‐silico study showed that 4H‐Furo[3,2‐b] pyrrole‐5‐carboxylic acid have a strong interaction to NADPH oxidase, Myeloperoxidase as compared to standard Melatonin which shows best antioxidant compound which was confirmed in chloroform fraction.The outcomes of this research indicated that L. edodes significantly reduced inflammation and have ability to scavenge free radicals, prevent protein denaturation, also indicate the possible use in food and nutraceutical applications as an antioxidant, antipyretic, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We isolated two new triterpenoidal glycosides from Albizia kalkora (Roxb.) Prain and assessed their fungicidal effects against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) causing wilt in tomato crop. The new triterpenoidal glycosides [albizioside A (1) and albizioside B (2)] were isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of A. kalkora extract. Their structures were elucidated by IR, 1D and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry. In-vitro antifungal studies showed that compound 1 had promising antifungal properties causing 89.3 % growth inhibition as compared to 90.0 % inhibition by synthetic fungicide benomyl at 200 mg mL-1. Compound 2 showed 73.3 % inhibition in fungal growth at the same concentration. This study concluded that both the phytochemicals may be developed as natural fungicides to avoid the harmful effects of synthetic fungicides. Furthermore, derivatives of both the phytochemicals may also enhance their antifungal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a precious natural resource that is vital to various aspects of life. Punjab is experiencing groundwater stress due to urbanization and population growth, leading to overuse and reduced aquifer recharge. Sustainable groundwater supplies can only be created through better management and artificial recharge techniques. This study uses multi-influencing factor, literature-based, and combined techniques to identify and characterize groundwater-managed aquifer recharge potential sites (GWMARPSs) in Punjab. There are limitations to the previous work in this field, and these factors have not been used to estimate GWRPSs in the study area. The study uses GIS and RS techniques to overlay twelve geo-informative layers, with rainfall being the most significant factor. High-quality data and observations from the field are incorporated into the model. The study classifies the GWMARPSs into five categories, with Punjab having 0.34%, 13.29%, 60.68%, 25.26%, and 0.43% of the least, poorly, moderately, well-, and highly suitable sites. Punjab's southern regions are least suitable for recharge, while some areas in eastern and northern Punjab are well-suited for recharge. Alluvial plains, valleys, low-lying areas, and areas with volcanic landforms are classified as least to poorly suitable zones. Model predictions are validated using piezometric level data and ROC and exhibit good performance (AUC, 0.74). This study could serve as a baseline for future groundwater research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil is an important annual food legume crop, nitrogen fixer and provides a substantial amount of protein, carbohydrate, minerals, and vitamin content. The use of molecular markers to assess genetic diversity is crucial for crop improvement, efficient management, and conservation of plant genetic resources. The current study aimed to determine the genetic diversity among lentil genotypes using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. Therefore, we evaluated a collection of 36 lentil genotypes, including 20 from Yemen, Saudi Arabia (7), Egypt (4), and Bangladesh (3), and (2) genotypes from the International Center for Research in Dry Area (ICARDA) using 21 SRAP primer combinations. The amplified fragments showed a high level of useful polymorphic amplified fragments (775 out of 782) indicating a higher degree of variation. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.31 to 0.39 with an average of 0.33 for each primer. The UPGMA trees, based on Jaccard similarity index matrices, separated the genotypes into four main clusters according to their geographical origin. The population structure supported the major groups and attested to their great degree of differentiation. The highest lentil population was found at K = 3, K = 5, and K = 7 levels, showing purity and admixture ancestry among the lentil population. This study highlighted the wide genetic diversity among the studied lentil genotypes and demonstrated the effectiveness of the SRAP technique in determining the genetic variability of lentil. Furthermore, it could be used to establish the genetic peculiarity of ecotypes when applying for the obtainment of origin and agro-morphological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The usage of immunotherapy to treat skin malignancies in transplant patients requires weighing the risk of acute organ transplant rejection with the potential reduction of antitumor efficacy by transplant immunosuppression. Reducing the duration of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment may help prevent acute transplant rejection and late immune-related adverse events. Case presentation: An allogenic kidney transplant patient who developed regionally metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma received four cycles of pembrolizumab with complete response to therapy. Therapy was discontinued due to fatigue, significant cancer response, and to reduce the risk of acute graft rejection. His renal function remained stable, and he achieved subsequent durable response after treatment discontinuation. Conclusion: Organ transplant recipients with complete response to immunotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may continue to respond despite early treatment cessation. This may reduce the risks of late immunerelated adverse events and acute graft rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novelty of this research lies in the development of a new battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles, which utilizes an artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy logic-based adaptive droop control theory. This innovative approach offers several advantages over traditional BMS systems, such as decentralized control architecture, communication-free capability, and improved reliability. The proposed BMS control system incorporates an adaptive virtual admittance, which adjusts the value of the virtual admittance based on the current state of charge (SOC) of each battery cell. This allows the connected battery cells to share the load evenly during charging and discharging, which improves the overall performance and efficiency of the electric vehicle. The effectiveness of the proposed control structure was verified through simulation and experimental prototype testing with three linked battery cells. The small signal model testing demonstrated the stability of the control, while the experimental results confirmed the system's ability to evenly distribute the load among battery cells during charging and discharging. We introduce a unique battery management system (BMS) for electric cars in this paper. Our suggested BMS was implemented and tested satisfactorily on a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. When compared to typical BMS systems, the results show a surprising 15% increase in overall energy efficiency. Furthermore, the adaptive virtual admission function resulted in a 20% boost in battery life. These large gains in energy efficiency and battery longevity demonstrate our BMS's efficacy and superiority over competing systems. Overall, the proposed BMS represents a significant innovation in the field of electric vehicle battery management. This combination of ANN and adaptive droop control theory based on fuzzy logic provides a highly efficient, reliable, and economical solution for EV battery cell management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesized using Leptadenia pyrotechnica leaf extract for the first time. Monometallic NPs were also obtained for comparison. The characterization of the prepared NPs was carried out using various techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The latter confirmed the crystalline nature and diameter of the monometallic and bimetallic NPs of Ag and ZnO. The SEM images of the prepared NPs revealed their different shapes. The biological activities of the NPs were evaluated concerning their antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The antibacterial activities were measured using the time-killing method. The results demonstrated that both the monometallic and bimetallic NPs inhibited the growth of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The antioxidant activities of the NPs were evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and their cytotoxicity was checked using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The results indicated that the controlled quantity of the monometallic and bimetallic NPs did not affect the viability of the cells. However, the decreased cell (L-929) viability suggested that the NPs could have anticancer properties. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet and 4-nitrophenol was investigated using the prepared Ag/ZnO NPs, examining the factors affecting the degradation process and conducting a kinetic and thermodynamic study. The prepared Ag/ZnO NPs demonstrated good photocatalytic degradation (88.9%) of the methyl violet (rate constant of 0.0183 min−1) in comparison to 4-nitrophenol (NPh), with a degradation rate of 81.37% and 0.0172 min−1, respectively. Overall, the bimetallic NPs showed superior antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and photocatalytic properties compared to the monometallic NPs of Ag and ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have been extensively exploited for their immense pharmacological and immune-supporting potential. Fruit of Citrullus colocynthis has several active secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils that are used in traditional medicines as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agents. In this study, phytoconstituents in organic fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of the methanolic extract of C. colocynthis were analyzed and identified by FT-IR, HPLC, and GC-MS analysis. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant scavenging (76 ± .769%) and anti-inflammatory (40 ± .473%) activities at the concentration of 3 mg/mL. Similarly, antidiabetic effect was measured by inhibition of a-amylase where, ethyl acetate fraction (77 ± .844%) exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity. Among all organic fractions, ethyl acetate exhibited strong antimicrobial potential followed by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against selected pathogenic bacteria. Various concentrations of the ethyl acetate extract were tested in-vivo for cytotoxicity and results indicated minor morphological changes in liver cells including ballooning, fatty droplets, and slight accumulation of extracellular matrix even at concentrations of 400 mg/kg. In-silico study showed that stigmasta-7,16-dien-3-ol had a strong interaction with COX-1 and COX-2 to reduce inflammation. The abovementioned results indicate the pharmacological strengths of C. colocynthis to fight several diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of Pakistan started focusing on the cultivation of olive trees to meet the rising demand for edible oil, save foreign exchange, and improve the farming community's livelihoods. It is a matter of fact that training plays an important role in building the farmer's capacities, raising awareness, and providing them with modern knowledge by enhancing their performance to achieve the ultimate goals. However, farmers struggle to manage the olive crop due to a lack of practical knowledge and training sessions on advanced production techniques. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, it was imminent to assess the awareness level and adoption of olive growers of the Pothwar region of Punjab so that they can contribute effectively to the uplift of agriculture as well as their livelihoods. Pothwar region comprises Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi districts. Three districts (Chakwal, Jhelum, and Attock) were purposively selected due to the maximum number of olive growers. The olive growers' list with a minimum of 50 plants was collected from the Department of Agriculture (Extension). A total sample size of 310 farmers was selected through a purposive sampling procedure by using Morgan and Krejcie table as the total population (Olive growers in the targeted research areas) is 1500. Data were collected through a face to face interviews with the help of an interview schedule. The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and MS. Office software were considered for analysis. According to the results, about 51% of the respondents in the study belonged to old age (above 45) and about 53.2% of the respondents were having matric education. Furthermore, results from correlation analysis showed that education, the number of olive trees and motivation to grow olive trees have a highly positive significant relationship with the level of awareness about olive cultivation practices. The systematic promotion of fortnightly and monthly training of olive growers without any discrepancy should be planned under realistic monitoring and evaluation. Agricultural extension department should arrange the training for different progressive farmers' fields to develop an interest in updating their knowledge and analyzing their problems that will bring positive outcomes in olive production of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is a major constraint in the production of cotton crop across the Africa and Asia which is caused by a complex of begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae). Cotton leaf curl Khokhran virus and associated Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuKoV/CLCuMB) complex are important agents of CLCuD which transmitted by whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci species complex. Information regarding the transmission efficiency of CLCuKoV/CLCuMB by whitefly cryptic species is seriously lacking in Pakistan, therefore present study is conducted for comparison of transmission efficiency of CLCuKoV/CLCuMB by two characterized whitefly cryptic species (Asia II-1 and Asia II-5). Whitefly cryptic species were reared separately on Nicotiana benthamiana plants infected with CLCuKoV/CLCuMB for 24 or 48 h and these infected whitefly cryptic species were transferred to un-infected cotton and alternative host plants for 24 or 48 h. The first experiment results showed that Asia II-1 was able to transmit CLCuKoV/CLCuMB with high efficiency in cotton and bitter gourd plants as compared to the Asia II-5 while other host plants did not develop symptoms. Further in the second experiment results revealed that Asia II-1 was able to transmit CLCuKoV/CLCuMB with high efficiency from symptomatic bitter gourd to cotton plants as compared to Asia II-5 which did not show symptoms of transmission. Infection symptoms were confirmed by visual inspection after 30 days and PCR analysis. We found the percentage of virus infection symptoms in alternate host plants differed between two whitefly cryptic species due to varying transmission efficiencies. This research finding advances our understanding to explore the whitefly cryptic species involved in the transmission of CLCuD and will aid in the development of management strategies for control of whitefly cryptic species and CLCuD transmission in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of Pakistan started focusing on the cultivation of olive trees to meet the rising demand for edible oil, save foreign exchange, and improve the farming community's livelihoods. It is a matter of fact that training plays an important role in building the farmer's capacities, raising awareness, and providing them with modern knowledge by enhancing their performance to achieve the ultimate goals. However, farmers struggle to manage the olive crop due to a lack of practical knowledge and training sessions on advanced production techniques. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, it was imminent to assess the awareness level and adoption of olive growers of the Pothwar region of Punjab so that they can contribute effectively to the uplift of agriculture as well as their livelihoods. Pothwar region comprises Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi districts. Three districts (Chakwal, Jhelum, and Attock) were purposively selected due to the maximum number of olive growers. The olive growers' list with a minimum of 50 plants was collected from the Department of Agriculture (Extension). A total sample size of 310 farmers was selected through a purposive sampling procedure by using Morgan and Krejcie table as the total population (Olive growers in the targeted research areas) is 1500. Data were collected through a face to face interviews with the help of an interview schedule. The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and MS. Office software were considered for analysis. According to the results, about 51% of the respondents in the study belonged to old age (above 45) and about 53.2% of the respondents were having matric education. Furthermore, results from correlation analysis showed that education, the number of olive trees and motivation to grow olive trees have a highly positive significant relationship with the level of awareness about olive cultivation practices. The systematic promotion of fortnightly and monthly training of olive growers without any discrepancy should be planned under realistic monitoring and evaluation. Agricultural extension department should arrange the training for different progressive farmers' fields to develop an interest in updating their knowledge and analyzing their problems that will bring positive outcomes in olive production of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and mortality of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus has been gradually increasing globally over the last few decades. The evolution of different modalities, including immunotherapies, has changed the treatment paradigm of metastatic anal cancers. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune-modulating therapies form the backbone of treatment of anal cancer in various stages. Most anal cancers are linked to high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 are responsible for an anti-tumor immune response triggering the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This has led to the development and utilization of immunotherapy in anal cancers. Current research in anal cancer is moving forward to discover ways to incorporate immunotherapy in the treatment sequencing in various stages of anal cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination, adoptive cell therapy, and vaccines are the areas of active investigations in anal cancer in both locally advanced and metastatic settings. Immunomodulating properties of non-immunotherapies are incorporated to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitors' effectiveness in some of the clinical trials. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential role of immunotherapy in anal squamous cell cancers and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are the second most prevalent metal oxide, owing to their characteristics of low cost, safe, and easily prepared. ZnO NPs have been found to exhibit unique properties which show their potential to be used in various therapies. Numerous techniques have been devised for the manufacture of zinc oxide because it is one of the nanomaterials that has received major research interest. Mushroom sources are proven to be efficient, ecologically friendly, inexpensive, and safe for humankind. In the current study, an aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of Lentinula edodes (L. edoes) was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The biosynthesis of ZnO NPs was achieved by using the reducing and capping capability of an L. edodes aqueous fraction. Bioactive compounds from mushroom, such as flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, are used in the green synthesis process to biologically reduce metal ions or metal oxides to metal NPs. Biogenically synthesized ZnO NPs were further characterized by using UV–Vis, FTIR, HPLC, XRD, SEM, EDX, zeta sizer and zeta potential analyses. The FTIR showed the functional group at the spectra in the range 3550–3200 cm−1 indicated the presence of the hydroxyl (OH) group, while bands in the range 1720–1706 cm−1 indicated C=O carboxylic stretches bonds. Furthermore, the XRD pattern of ZnO NPs created in the current study was found to be nanocrystals which are hexagonal. The SEM analysis of ZnO NPs showed spherical shapes and size distributions in the range 90–148 nm. Biologically synthesized ZnO NPs have substantial biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential. Biological activities showed significant antioxidant (65.7 ± 1.09), antidiabetic (85.18 ± 0.48), and anti-inflammatory potential (86.45 ± 0.60) at 300 µg inhibition in paw inflammation of (1.1 ± 0.06) and yeast-induced pyrexia (97.4 ± 0.51) at 10 mg in a dose-dependent manner. The outcomes of this research indicated that ZnO NPs significantly reduced inflammation and have the ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent protein denaturation, while also indicating their possible use in food and nutraceutical applications to treat various ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-component system (TCS) genes regulate a wide range of biological activities in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including plants. TCS plays an important role in cellular responses to external stimuli, such as biotic and abiotic factors. In plants, this system supports cell division, leaf senescence, stress response, chloroplast division, and nutrient signaling. There are three kinds of proteins responsible for the appropriate functioning of the TCS system: histidine kinases (HKs), histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HPs), and response regulators (RRs). The results of the current study revealed that Vigna radiata has 54 genes encoding potential TCS proteins, which were divided into three subgroups: 18 HKs, 9 HPs (seven true and two pseudos), and 27 RRs (8 type-A, 8 type-B, 3 type-C, and 8 PRRS). The anticipated TCS genes were widely dispersed across all eleven chromosomes and had family-specific intron/exon structures. After investigating TCS genes in a variety of plant species, we determined that Vigna HK (L)s, HPs, and RRs have closer evolutionary relationships with other legume genes. Gene duplication, including segmental and tandem types, is the most frequent source of gene family expansion. Multiple stress-related cis-elements were predicted in the promoter sequences of the VrTCS genes. RNA-seq data analysis demonstrated that VrTCS genes were expressed in clusters of upregulated and downregulated groups in response to drought stress. Moreover, these clusters were differentially expressed as early or late responses to drought stress. Real-time qPCR showed that VrHK2, VrHK3, VrPHYE, VrHP4.1, VrRR5.2, and VrRR10 genes were upregulated, while VrRR3 and VrHP6.1 genes were downregulated in response to drought stress. The current study highlights the architecture of V. radiata TCS and provides a robust framework for subsequent functional evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal products are preferable to synthetic medicines, and the use of traditional medicines is increasing day-by-day. The current study was designed to evaluate the potentials of bioactive compounds from Citrullus colocynthis by performing FTIR, HPLC, and GC-MS analyses, which explore the good concentration of the secondary metabolites, such as gallic acid (74.854 ppm), vanillic acid (122.616 ppm), and ferulic acid (101.045 ppm) with considerable bioactivities. Antimicrobial protein was estimated by performing SDS-PAGE, ranging from 15 to 70 kDa in all protein fractions. The current study also checked the cytotoxicity of the bioactive compounds in the active fraction of C. colocynthis, and to perform this activity, the groups of rats were arranged with 16 rats randomly divided into four groups (three experimental and one control) by administering various dosage of methanolic fractions in dose-dependent manner. Histopathology was conducted on the livers of the rats after 15 days of sacrifice under deep anesthesia. In liver cell slides examined at the maximum dose of 600 mg/kg, minimal morphological changes, such as slight ballooning, nuclear variation, vacuolar degeneration, and hydropic degeneration, were observed. Furthermore, the in silico analysis identified bioactive compounds as potential drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is of high importance for a healthy and sustainable diet for the growing world population, partly due to its high mineral content. However, several minerals are bound in a phytate complex in the grain and unavailable to humans. We performed a series of trials to compare the contents of minerals and phytic acid as well as phytase activity in several varieties from alternative wheat species spelt, emmer and einkorn with common wheat. Additionally, we investigated the potential of recent popular bread making recipes in German bakeries to reduce phytic acid content, and thus increase mineral bioavailability in bread. For all studied ingredients, we found considerable variance both between varieties within a species and across wheat species. For example, whole grain flours, particularly from emmer and einkorn, appear to have higher mineral content than common wheat, but also a higher phytic acid content with similar phytase activity. Bread making recipes had a greater effect on phytic acid content in the final bread than the choice of species for whole grain flour production. Recipes with long yeast proofing or sourdough and the use of whole grain rye flour in a mixed wheat bread minimized the phytic acid content in the bread. Consequently, optimizing food to better nourish a growing world requires close collaboration between research organizations and practical stakeholders ensuring a streamlined sustainable process from farm to fork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the modeling and analysis of acoustic scattering from an elastic membrane disc located in a cylindrical waveguide that may involve structural discontinuities. The physical problem is governed by Helmholtz's equation and involves higher order boundary conditions at the interfaces. The Mode-Matching (MM) method in conjunction with Galerkin formulation is developed to solve the governing boundary value problems. The solution procedure is first applied on two prototype problems to formulate the theoretical frame work, which is then used to analyze the structural response of the elastic membranes attached at the mouth of the cylindrical expansion chamber. The aforementioned solution method yields the linear algebraic systems containing infinite equations. These systems are truncated first and then are numerically solved. From the numerical experiments, it is found that geometrical and material properties of the structure significantly affect the transmission loss as well as the scattering energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton-wheat (CW) is an important cropping system in Pakistan; however, delayed cultivation of cotton after wheat significantly deceases system productivity. Late-sown cotton crop suffers from heat stress, high fruit shedding and infestation of various pests and cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV). Therefore, early sowing of cotton is preferred to overcome these challenges. However, cotton planting is overlapped with the harvesting of wheat crop in CW cropping system. Since fallow land is unavailable, relay intercropping of cotton in wheat crop seems a viable option for early planting. This three-year field study evaluated the role of relay cropping of cotton in improving the productivity of CW cropping system and lowering CLCV infestation. Wheat was planted in 22.5 cm rows with no row skipped (W1), one row skipped after every three (W2), and six rows (W3) for planting cotton in 0.75 and 1.50 m apart rows. Early cotton was planted in fallow land (C1) and standing wheat in 0.75 (C2) and 1.50 m (C3) apart rows and conventional planting after wheat harvesting (C4). Yield losses of wheat crop ranged from 8.16 to 19.81% in W3 and W2, respectively compared W1. However, C2 and C3 treatments improved cotton yield by 86.07% and 64.89% suppressed CLCV infestation by 68.14% and 65.86%, respectively compared to C4. Moreover, net benefits from relay cropping (W2C2) were 2190.1 $ ha-1 in 2013–14, 1954.4 $ ha-1 in 2014–15 and 2559.5 $ ha-1 in 2015–16 in comparison with C1 (1543.5, 1311.7 and 1892.3 $ ha-1 during 2013–14, 2014–15 and 2015–16, respectively). The W2 resulted in higher cotton yield compared to W3 which is mainly attributed to double number of cotton rows in W2 than W3. It is concluded that cotton relay cropping (W2C2) resulted in the highest economic returns with minimum CLCV infestation. Therefore, W2C2 is recommended for improving the system productivity of CW cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is an important staple crop since its proteins contribute to human and animal nutrition and are important for its end-use quality. However, wheat proteins can also cause adverse human reactions for a large number of people. We performed a genome wide association study (GWAS) on 114 proteins quantified by LC-MS-based proteomics and expressed in an environmentally stable manner in 148 wheat cultivars with a heritability > 0.6. For 54 proteins, we detected quantitative trait loci (QTL) that exceeded the Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold and explained 17.3–84.5% of the genotypic variance. Proteins in the same family often clustered at a very close chromosomal position or the potential homeolog. Major QTLs were found for four well-known glutenin and gliadin subunits, and the QTL segregation pattern in the protein encoding the high molecular weight glutenin subunit Dx5 could be confirmed by SDS gel-electrophoresis. For nine potential allergenic proteins, large QTLs could be identified, and their measured allele frequencies open the possibility to select for low protein abundance by markers as long as their relevance for human health has been conclusively demonstrated. A potential allergen was introduced in the beginning of 1980s that may be linked to the cluster of resistance genes introgressed on chromosome 2AS from Triticum ventricosum. The reported sequence information for the 54 major QTLs can be used to design efficient markers for future wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vertical jump is a critical activity for performance in different sports. Different types of interventions showed effects on vertical jumps. Still there is lack of comparative evidence between Post - isometric relaxation of Quadriceps and core stability exercises in vertical jump performance. Objective: To determine the role of post isometric relaxation of quadriceps and core stability exercises in vertical jump performance. Methods: A Randomized Clinical Trial, conducted in Islamic International University after having the ethical permission from Institutional review Board of Riphah International University Islamabad. Sampling technique was Non-probability convenience sampling with the sample size of 30 athletes, that were divided by sealed and envelop method into core stability exercise treated group (n=17) and Post isometric relaxation treated group (n= 13). Male Athletes within age range of 20-35 years and playing at the domestic level were included and athletes with history of sprain or strain in lower limbs within last 6 month, having neuromusculoskeletal and cardiovascular pathology were excluded from the study. Force plate was used to measure the different parameters of jump. Data were entered and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of group A and B was 20.35 + 2.01 and 20.03 + 2.42 in years respectively. BMI of core stability exercise treated group and Post isometric relaxation treated group was 22.35 + 2.32, 22.58 + 1.95 respectively in kg/m2. Comparison between core stability exercise treated group and Post isometric relaxation treated group showed that there was no significant immediate effects (F= 1.235; p= 0.852) of treatment on three style of jumps. Conclusion: No significant immediate effects of treatment on three styles of jumps was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to evaluate the biological potential of bioactive compounds in the selected fractions of Trichodesma indicum. The results showed that the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of ethanolic extract of the whole plant T. indicum were rich in TPCs (total phenolic content) i.e 499.80 and 744.65 mg of gallic acid equivalents per g, respectively, while TFCs (total flavonoid content) were 42.48, and 55.02 mg of catechin equivalents per g, respectively. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of phenolics i. e., chlorogenic acid (252.35 ppm), ferulic acid (92.56 ppm), caffeic acid (28.72 ppm), cinnamic acid (28.97 ppm), syringic acid (23.75 ppm), gallic acid (7.28 ppm) and flavonoids i. e. myricetin (72.1 ppm), Quercetin (57.3 ppm) in a selected fraction of T. indicum ethanolic extract. The significant potential of antioxidants was observed through ABTS, DPPH, and H2O2 methods. The highest % inhibition of inflammation was observed in ethyl acetate fraction by performing in‐vitro and in‐vivo assays, 87.57 % and 79.18 % (P<0.05) respectively. The thrombolytic activity of the T. indicum fractions was observed in the range from 9.85 % to 27.26. GC‐MS coupled with molecular docking depicted the inhibition of COX‐1 and COX‐2 by the GC‐MS‐identified compound 9,19‐Cyclolanost‐24‐en‐3‐ol, (3. Beta.)‐ (−9.6 kJ/mol). The in‐silico anti‐proliferative analysis was conducted by using BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancerous protein against GC‐MS identified compounds among which stigmasterol (−8.0 kJ/mol) was observed for high binding affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the treatment of various diseases. Thymus vulgaris, a medicinal plant, has been extensively used for biological and pharmaceutical potential. The current study was performed to check the biopotential of active biological compounds. The GC-MS analysis identified 31 compounds in methanolic crude extract, among which thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eugenol are the main phytoconstituents present in T. vulgaris. The HPLC analysis quantified that flavonoids and phenolic acids are present in a good concentration in the active fraction of ethyl acetate and n-butanol. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups such as phenols, a carboxylic group, hydroxy group, alcohols, and a benzene ring. Among both fractions, ethyl acetate showed high antioxidant activity in the DPPH (84.1 0.88) and ABTS (87.1 0.89) assays, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was done in vitro and in vivo by using a carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, while the hexane-based extract showed high anti-inflammatory activity (57.1 0.54) in a dose-response manner. Furthermore, the lead compound responsible for inhibition in the denaturation of proteins is thymol, which exhibits the highest binding affinity with COX1 (−6.4 KJ/mol) and COX2 (−6.3 KJ/mol) inflammatory proteins. The hepatotoxicity analysis showed that plant-based phytoconstituents are safe to use and have no toxicity, with no necrosis, fibrosis, and vacuolar degeneration, even at a high concentration of 800 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, the in silico analysis of HPLC phytochemical compounds against gastric cancer genes showed that chlorogenic acid exhibited anticancer activity and showed good drug-designing characteristics. Thrombolysis and hemolysis are the major concerns of individuals suffering from gastric cancer. However, the T. vulgaris fractions showed thrombolysis from 17.6 to 5.4%; similarly, hemolysis ranged from 9.73 to 7.1% at a concentration of 12 mg/mL. The phytoconstituents present in T. vulgaris have the potential for multiple pharmacological applications. This should be further investigated to isolate bioactive compounds that can be used for the treatment of different ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) in maternal plasma has inspired the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) approaches for various genetic fetal screening including rhesus D typing, sex determination, aneuploidies, and single-gene disorders. Noninvasive determination of paternally inherited beta-thalassemia mutations in maternal total cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) by using allele-specific amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) real-time PCR (RT-PCR) in concordance with the conventional invasive method. An observational study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Blood Transfusion in collaboration with the genetics resource center from March 2021 to August 2021. A total number of 26 couples were selected having a history of previously affected children with beta-thalassemia. A routine chorionic villus sampling (CVS) invasive procedure was carried out, and the mutation analysis was done using conventional PCR. To assess NIPT, a total cf-DNA was also extracted from maternal plasma and analyzed using allele-specific ARMS RT-PCR. Based on conventional PCR testing, 13 of 26 couples were found having beta-thalassemia carriers with homozygous mutation, and 13 couples were carriers with heterozygous mutations. Further to assess NIPT, the cf-DNA of 13 pregnant females among the couples with different mutational patterns was analyzed by allele-specific ARMS RT-PCR to detect paternally inherited mutations. In comparison with conventional PCR, 11 cases (84.6%) were matched successfully, while two cases (15.4%) had no concordance with conventional invasive prenatal testing (IPT). NIPT using maternal cf-DNA by allele-specific ARMS RT-PCR can be feasible to screen paternal inherited mutant alleles to rule out pregnant women from invasive procedures where the test would be negative for paternal inheritance. However, a low amount of fetal DNA in maternal plasma is a limiting factor and required further improvement to enrich fetal cf-DNA for complete concordance with conventional IPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an important bast fiber crop, and a source of fiber to many industries. This crop is diploid (2n = 2x = 36) in nature, and belongs to Malvaceae family. Kenaf breeding is directed to develop the new cultivars that are better in fiber production, fiber quality, resistant to anthracnose, photo-insensitivity, resistant to salt and drought stresses, and so on. This review describes the various successes in kenaf breeding, and reports the future opportunities. The various classical and advanced breeding approaches have great potential to achieve the goals. However, the recent approaches in plant breeding and biotechnology could have more prospective to accelerate the kenaf breeding. These may include genomic selection, CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system, and other omics-based approaches. We suggest that the integration of recent approaches with classical ones has vital importance in improving the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of kenaf breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare ultrasound guided and palpatory method of radial artery Catheterization in terms of number of attempts, total time required, frequency of catheterization in first attempt and haematoma formation after the procedure. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Intensive Care Units of Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center Lahore and Sharif Medical City Hospital. Period: June to December 2021. Material & Methods: 126 patients were included using nonprobability purposive sampling and divided into group A: ultrasound, B: palpatory group. Number of attempts, total time, successful1st attempt and presence of haematoma was recorded and analyzed to compare outcome. Results: In 85.7% patients of group A, catheterization was done in first attempt while 74.6% in group B. In group A, the mean number of attempts was 1.14 ± 0.35 and 1.29 ± 0.52 in group B (p=0.08). Haematoma rate was 12.7% in group A while 22.2% in B. Mean total time was 71.0 ± 26.4 minutes in group A and 95.5 ± 62.3 in group B. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided radial artery catheterization is better than the palpatory method, particularly in middle aged patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the near-field meta-steering method, the near electric-field phase distribution is dynamically altered by rotating a pair of phase-gradient metasurfaces that are typically made out of dielectric lattices or metal patterns printed on bonded dielectric substrates. As a lightweight alternate, a new class of fully metallic metasurfaces (MMs) is proposed in this article. The lack of dielectrics not only substantially reduces the cost and weight but also increases its potential in space and high-power applications. More importantly, the new MMs are designed such that they can be made by cutting narrow slots in fully planar thin metal sheets, retaining structural rigidity while reducing the complexity, cost, and weight. The same MM works for any polarization. Each cell in the new MMs has close to ideal phase shift and transmission magnitude greater than −0.9 dB. A prototype was designed and fabricated to validate this MM-based beam-steering concept in the Ku-band. The maximum measured steering range in zenith is ±42°, with a full 360° steering in the azimuth. The measured 3 dB gain bandwidth is 700–800 MHz (5.6%–6.4%), and the measured gain variation (scan loss) when steering over the whole range is 2.2–4.5 dB. The weight density and thickness of each MM are 0.88 g/cm2 and $0.8\lambda _{0}$ , respectively. Including the feed, the total antenna height is $4.9\lambda _{0}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C. difficile infections (CDI) are potentially deadly and serious infections. • Around 35% of CDI cases recur despite antibiotic treatment. • This meta-analysis pooled 580 participants across 6 trials. • Odds ratio of 1.82 (95% CI = 1.37–2.41) was reported favoring fecal microbiota use. • In-treatment group efficacy was 72% (95% CI = 68–76%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes an electromagnetic-wave beam-scanning antenna system using a simple rotation of a pair of near-field graded-dielectric plates (GDPs). The antenna system requires an electromagnetic (EM) illuminator, with nearly symmetric aperture field distribution, as the base antenna and two types of GDPs: one radially graded dielectric (RGD) and two linearly graded dielectric (LGD) plates. The RGD first focuses the beam of the base antenna in the broadside direction, and the LGD then tilts the focused beam at an offset angle. For some types of base antennas, having fairly uniform aperture phase distributions, an RGD may not be required and only a pair of LGDs are sufficient. Irrespective of the antenna configuration, using a simple rotation of the two LGDs, the beam can be scanned to any position within a large conical region. The antenna system presented as a proof of concept has a resonant-cavity antenna as the base antenna and three graded-dielectric plates. The aperture length of the antenna system is 6 λ 0 and its height is 2.2 λ 0. The results predicted by numerical simulations indicate that the antenna system has highest peak directivity of 21 dBi. The beam can be scanned to any direction within a cone having an apex angle of 20 °. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A monoterpene and bioactive component of the plant Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), rosiridin has beneficial effects on the human central nervous system and enhances brain function. The goal of this scientific study was to determine if rosiridin might shield rats from neurocognitive problems induced by scopolamine. Methods: To track the potential toxicities in rats, the acute toxicity in rats was clarified. Rosiridin at a dose of 10 mg/kg was tested in rats for 14 days. At the conclusion of the investigation, behavioral parameters that were used to identify the rats' cognitive and motor abilities were evaluated. Several biochemical parameters were estimated using the prepared homogenate, including acetylcholine esterase (AChE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), radical scavengers produced by the body (Catalase-CAT, superoxide dismutase-SOD, and reduced glutathione-GSH), indicators of oxidative and nitrative burnout, pro-inflammatory (Interleukins- IL-1β, IL-6, interferon gamma IFN-ꝩ, and tumor necrosis factor-TNF-α), and cell apoptosis caspases 3 and 9. Results and Conclusion: A significant behavioral parameter restoration was seen in the rosiridin-treated group, including reduction in latency time during acquisition and retention trial in the Morris water maze test, and percentage of spontaneous alterations in the y-maze test, when compared to the disease control group that received scopolamine; rosiridin also altered the oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers, as well as restoring Ach and ChAT activities and normalizing GSH, SOD, MDA, TNF-α, nitrate, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-ꝩ, caspases 3 and 9 levels. The results imply that rosiridin limits the effect of scopolamine on rat cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the effect of basalt fibers (BFs) added in high strength concrete (HSC) to tailor its mechanical and microstructural response on being exposed to fire. Thermo-mechanical behavior of reference and modified formulations was monitored in ambiance alongside the exposed elevated temperatures till 100°C, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C. The dose of BFs was maintained as 1% and 2% by weight of cement in modified HSC formulations. The specimens were subjected to the controlled heat ramp of 5°C/min, to attain the desired temperature elevation with a hold time of 150 min. The heated specimens were then cooled by air till ambiance to test for residual properties. The test results revealed significant improvement in thermo-mechanical properties of BFs reinforced HSC formulations after being exposed to fire. Micro-forensics evidenced the homogenized distribution of BFs alongside their crack arresting actions throughout the matrix, contributing to the added residual performance. The matrix morphology of BFs reinforced HSC was also monitored to endorse any physical or chemical change in the hydration product. Moreover, numerical equations based on statistical analysis were formulated that can predict the fire behavior of modified HSC samples with BFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of constructed wetlands (CWs) is a promising approach for the remediation of hydrocarbon-polluted wastewater. The amendments of CWs with nutrients, surfactants, and aeration enhances the removal of pollutants from wastewater. The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of external stimulants, i.e., nutrients, surfactant, and aeration on hydrocarbons degradation potential of CWs. The CWs mesocosms were developed by the vegetation of Phragmites australis and amendments with nutrients (20 mg l−1 N, 2.6 mg l−1 P, and 16.4 mg l−1 K), surfactant Tween 20 (0.2%, v/v), and aeration (7 mg l−1) for the remediation of diesel-spiked water (2%, w/v). The comparative analysis showed that the addition of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration individually enhanced total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) reduction, and maximum TPHs reduction (88.4%) was achieved after 60 days in the mesocosms amended with the combination of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration. Among different individual treatments, the aeration (alone) also played a pivotal role in TPHs reduction (61%). The least (12%) reduction in TPHs was achieved in the mesocosms supplied with surfactant only. This study revealed that the combined application of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration in CWs enhanced its hydrocarbons degradation performance. The biodegradability of crude oil-polluted wastewater is not efficient. It is mainly due to the low bioavailability of hydrocarbons, and less amount of nutrients and dissolved oxygen in the wastewater. This study explores the importance of the amendments of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration on the enhanced performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) for the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated water. The application of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration in CWs not only enhanced hydrocarbon degradation and toxicity reduction but also improved plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosiridin is a compound extracted from Rhodiola sachalinensis; water extracts of Rhodiola root elicit positive effects on the human central nervous system and improve brain function. They are also thought to be beneficial to one's health, in addition to being antioxidants. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-Huntington's effect of rosiridin against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced Huntington's disease (HD)-like effects in rats. Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity in rats was elucidated to track the conceivable toxicities in the rats. The effectiveness of rosiridin at a dosage of 10 mg/kg was evaluated against several dose administrations of 3-NPA-induced HD-like symptoms in the rats for 22 days. At the end of the study, behavioral parameters were assessed as a hallmark for the cognitive and motor functions in the rats. Similarly, after the behavioral assessment, the animals were sacrificed to obtain a brain tissue homogenate. The prepared homogenate was utilized for the estimation of several biochemical parameters, including oxidative stress (glutathione, catalase, and malondialdehyde), brain-derived neurotrophic factor and succinate dehydrogenase activity, and the glutamate and acetylcholinesterase levels in the brain. Furthermore, inflammatory mediators linked to the occurrence of neuroinflammation in rats were evaluated in the perfused brain tissues. Results: The rosiridin-treated group exhibited a significant restoration of behavioral parameters, including in the beam-walk test, latency in falling during the hanging wire test, and percentage of memory retention during the elevated plus-maze test. Further, rosiridin modulated several biochemical parameters, including oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nitrite, and acetylcholinesterase as compared to disease control group that was treated with 3-NPA. Conclusions: The current study exhibits the anti-Huntington's effects of rosiridin in experimental animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrosarcoma is a challenging cancer originating from fibrous tissues, marked by aggressive growth and limited treatment options. The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), has opened new pathways for understanding and treating this malignancy. These ncRNAs play crucial roles in gene regulation, cellular processes, and the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to explore the impact of ncRNAs on fibrosarcoma's pathogenesis, progression, and resistance to treatment, focusing on their mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential. A comprehensive review of literature from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on the dysregulation of ncRNAs in fibrosarcoma, their contribution to tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and their cellular pathway interactions. NcRNAs significantly influence fibrosarcoma, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Their function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors makes them promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding their interaction with the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing more effective treatments for fibrosarcoma. Targeting ncRNAs emerges as a promising strategy for fibrosarcoma therapy, offering hope to overcome the shortcomings of existing treatments. Further investigation is needed to clarify specific ncRNAs' roles in fibrosarcoma and to develop ncRNA-based therapies, highlighting the significance of ncRNAs in improving patient outcomes in this challenging cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and deadly primary brain tumor type, with a discouragingly low survival rate and few effective treatments. An important function of the EGFR signalling pathway in the development of GBM is to affect tumor proliferation, persistence, and treatment resistance. Advances in molecular biology in the last several years have shown how important ncRNAs are for controlling a wide range of biological activities, including cancer progression and development. NcRNAs have become important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and they may affect the EGFR pathway by either directly targeting EGFR or by modifying important transcription factors and downstream signalling molecules. The EGFR pathway is aberrantly activated in response to the dysregulation of certain ncRNAs, which has been linked to GBM carcinogenesis, treatment resistance, and unfavourable patient outcomes. We review the literature on miRNAs, circRNAs and lncRNAs that are implicated in the regulation of EGFR signalling in GBM, discussing their mechanisms of action, interactions with the signalling pathway, and implications for GBM therapy. Furthermore, we explore the potential of ncRNA-based strategies to overcome resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies, including the use of ncRNA mimics or inhibitors to modulate the activity of key regulators within the pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung inflammatory disorders are a major global health burden, impacting millions of people and raising rates of morbidity and death across many demographic groups. An industrial chemical and common environmental contaminant, formaldehyde (FA) presents serious health concerns to the respiratory system, including the onset and aggravation of lung inflammatory disorders. Epidemiological studies have shown significant associations between FA exposure levels and the incidence and severity of several respiratory diseases. FA causes inflammation in the respiratory tract via immunological activation, oxidative stress, and airway remodelling, aggravating pre-existing pulmonary inflammation and compromising lung function. Additionally, FA functions as a respiratory sensitizer, causing allergic responses and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in sensitive people. Understanding the complicated processes behind formaldehyde-induced lung inflammation is critical for directing targeted strategies aimed at minimizing environmental exposures and alleviating the burden of formaldehyde-related lung illnesses on global respiratory health. This abstract explores the intricate relationship between FA exposure and lung inflammatory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, allergic inflammation, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. • Lung disorders from formaldehyde impact millions, raising morbidity and death globally. • Formaldehyde, a common pollutant, poses severe risks to respiratory health. • Formaldehyde triggers inflammation in lungs through immune and oxidative stress. • Formaldehyde acts as a sensitizer, causing allergies and pneumonitis in some. • Understanding Formaldehyde's effects is key to mitigating lung disease burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linguistics heterogeneity and multilingualism is a world-wide phenomenon in this modern era. Pakistan is a multilingual region and there is a large population of speakers who use Punjabi language. They are semi-speakers of Punjabi because they are not proficient in this language but use it occasionally. This study aims to describe and investigate multilingual situation among Punjabi speakers who are losing their language and using other languages like Urdu, English and Arabic in different functional domains. This study is an effort for investigating Punjabi language vitality in Punjab. This article identifies the domains where Punjabi is used and also those domains where other languages are utilized. The researcher used randomly selected sample of 132 participants for this study and a questionnaire was used under survey technique of research for collection of data. The findings of this study can be concluded that Punjabi speakers in Pakistan are part of a multilingual speech community where their mother tongue has not gained high status and they are semi-speakers of Punjabi. As a result, they acquire other languages and switch to them depend upon in which context or domain they are to talk. Most of them use Punjabi, Urdu, English and Arabic in different specific domains. Multilingualism and code switching of these Punjabi semi-speakers for the purpose of using languages in their certain domains have been resulting in reducing and weakening the vitality of Punjabi language in their speech community and language shift is happening from Punjabi to Urdu and English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]