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This study introduces an innovative approach involving the synthesis of lead-free halide double perovskite (LFHDP) solar cell Cs2AgBiBr6 and that with the doping of trans-polyacetylene (t-PA) via the sol–gel method. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, we confirm the cubic structure and, in addition, an observable growth in grain size attributed to t-PA doping. A comprehensive exploration of optical parameters, including band gap, refractive index, electronegativity, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constant was conducted through UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The pristine Cs2AgBiBr6 exhibited a band gap energy (Eg) of 1.9 eV, while with t-PA doping the Eg decreased to 1.84 eV, indicating a notable enhancement in light absorption. The calculated optical electronegativity is 0.49 which suggests a shift towards a more covalent nature. The J-V curve shows parameters for pristine thin film as Jsc of 5.13 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.92 V, FF of 0.69, and the efficiency of 3.29 %. On the other hand, the t-PA doped thin film exhibits improvement of the parameters which are Jsc of 5.7 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.929 V, and FF of 0.75, leading to a significantly elevated efficiency of 3.98 %. This enhanced efficiency is 20.97 % higher than that of the pure Cs2AgBiBr6, clearly showing an uplifted performance. In addition to the experiment, computational method based on finite difference time domain technique was used to check the stability of the material. The study shows the mechanical and dynamical stability of the Cs2AgBiBr6.

The objective of this study is to discuss the Islamic perspective of Impact Investment, and to analyze its characteristics and requirements in the light of the guidelines given by the Islam. There are very limited studies that focus on the investment with the intention to achieve measurable social and /or environmental impact along with financial return in accordance with Islamic principles. Islamic principles provide a complete guideline for investment to generate wealth. The guidelines according to Sharia rules include: income from legitimate sources, business activities must be performed under the scope of social and environmental benefits, and equivalent sharing of risk and return. Impact Investment recently identified as a possible solution by academic researchers that propose various methods to solve the economic, social and environmental issues with the intention of measurable impact alongside financial return. How ever, to motivate Muslim entrepreneurs in this particular field, it is necessary to align the objective of impact investment with Islamic principles (Maqasid-al-Shariah). The objective of this effort is to present a workable model to Muslim entrepreneurs to transform simple investment into Islamic impact investment. The paper is divided in different parts; in the next section we briefly introduce the basic notion of impact investment, its purpose and different motives. In the following section, the detailed literature on the notion of Impact investment is discussed. After the literature review, the Islamic point of view is presented in the light of Quran and Hadiths. Conclusion of the paper is presented at the end of the paper.

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is a malignant neoplasm which is classified into various types defined by underlying molecular factors such as estrogen receptor positive (ER+), progesterone receptor positive (PR+), human epidermal growth factor positive (HER2+) and triple negative (TNBC). Early detection of ER+ and TNBC is crucial in the choice of diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategy. Here we report the key genes associated to ER+ and TNBC using RNA-Seq analysis and machine learning models. Three ER+ and TNBC RNA seq datasets comprising 164 patients in-toto were selected for standard NGS hierarchical data processing and data analyses protocols. Enrichment pathway analysis and network analysis was done and finally top hub genes were identified. To come with a reliable classifier which could distinguish the distinct transcriptome patterns associated to ER+ and TNBC, ML models were built employing Naïve Bayes, SVM and kNN. 1730 common DEG’s exhibiting significant logFC values with 0.05 p-value threshold were identified. A list of top ten hub genes were screened on the basis of maximal clique centrality (MCC) which included CDC20, CDK1, BUB1, AURKA, CDCA8, RRM2, TTK, CENPF, CEP55 and NDC80.These genes were found to be involved in crucial cell cycle pathways. k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) model was observed to be best classifier with accuracy 84%, specificity 66% and sensitivity 95% to differentiate between ER+ and TNBC RNA-Seq transcriptomes. Our screened list of 10 hub genes can thus help unearth novel molecular signatures implicated in ER+ and TNBC onset, prognosis and design of novel protocols for breast cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Plants have an impact on the economy because they are used in the food and medical industries. Plants are a source of macro- and micronutrients for the health of humans and animals; however, the rise in microbial diseases has put plant health and yield at risk. Because there are insufficient controls, microbial infections annually impact approximately 25 % of the world's plant crops. Alternative strategies, such as biocontrol, are required to fight these illnesses. This review discusses the potential uses of recently discovered microorganisms because they are safe, effective, and unlikely to cause drug resistance. They have no negative effects on soil microbiology or the environment because they are environmentally benign. Biological control enhances indigenous microbiomes by reducing bacterial wilt, brown blotch, fire blight, and crown gall. More research is required to make these biocontrol agents more stable, effective, and less toxic before they can be used in commercial settings.

Background: Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) continues to pose a significant risk to public health in developing countries, including Pakistan. This study investigated the epidemiological factors linked to suspected and confirmed S. typhi infections in Peshawar’s hospital population. Methodology: A total of 5735 blood samples of patients with suspected enteric fever were collected from September 2022 to November 2023. S. typhi infection was confirmed using microbiological culture of blood samples, biochemical-based tests, and DNA-sequencing methods. Drug sensitivity testing on cultures was conducted as per the CLSI guidelines. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of 5735 samples stratified by S. typhi infection status, and risk factors were assessed by applying logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Results: The number of confirmed typhoid fever cases in this hospital-based study population was 691 (/5735, 12.0%), more prevalent in males (447/3235 13.8%) and children (0–11 years) (429/2747, 15.6%). Compared to children, the risk of S. typhi infection was lower in adolescence (adjusted OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42–0.66), adulthood (19–59 years; aOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.25–0.38), and older adulthood (aOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04–0.18) (p < 0.001). Compared to males, the risk of S. typhi infection was lower in females (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.56–0.80; p = 0.002). Living in a rural residence (compared to urban) was associated with a higher risk of infection (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.16–1.63; p = 0.001), while access to a groundwater source (compared to municipal water supply) led to a lower risk (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.43–0.73; p = 0.002). Vaccination demonstrated a robust protective effect (aOR = 0.069; 95% CI = 0.04–0.11, p = 0.002). For those with typhoid infections, clinical biomarker analysis revealed the presence of leucopenia (65/691, 9.4%), thrombocytopenia (130/691, 18.8%), and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (402/691, 58.2%) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (690/691, 99.9%) levels. Worryingly, among the positive S. typhi isolates, there was a high prevalence of drug resistance (653/691), including multidrug-resistant (MDR 82/691, 11.9%) and extensively drug-resistant types (XDR, 571/691, 82.6%). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of age, sex, locality, water source, and vaccination status in shaping the epidemiological landscape of S. typhi in the Peshawar district. It implies that expanding vaccination coverage to the broader population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in the district of Peshawar, would be beneficial.

In this article, we address the challenge of solving the nonlinear fractional Burger’s KdV equation, time-fractional Burger’s equation, and the fractional modified Burger’s equation. This is achieved by employing the Caputo and conformable derivatives. To tackle these equations, we introduce a new numerical method which is the combination of the local fractional Mohand transform and the Adomian decomposition method. This choice is driven by its straightforward methodology and reduced computational complexity. Moreover, to demonstrate the versatility of this technique, we provide several illustrative examples along with their corresponding exact or approximate solutions. These solutions are accompanied by graphical representations, further enhancing the clarity of the presented approach.

Purpose Laparoscopic approach to colonic tumor requires skill set and resources to be established as routine standard of care in most centers around the world. It presents particular challenge in country like Pakistan due to economic constrain and lack of teaching and training opportunities available for surgeons to be trained to deliver such service. The aim of this study is to look into changing practice of our institution from conventional approach of open to laparoscopic surgery for right colon cancer. Methods Consecutive patients between January 2010 to December 2018 who presented to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre with diagnosis of right colon (cecum, ascending and transverse colon) adenocarcinoma and underwent surgical resections were included in this study. Results A total of 230 patients with adenocarcinoma of the right colon underwent curative resections during the study period. Of these, 141 patients (61.3%) underwent laparoscopic surgery while open resection was performed in 89 patients (38.7%). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III (80.9% vs. 54.8%, P = 0.021) was significantly better if these patients underwent laparoscopic surgery while a trend toward better DFS (96.7% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.111) was also observed in AJCC stage II patients, although this difference was not significant. Conclusion This study demonstrates the adoption of a laparoscopic approach for right colon cancer over 10 years. With a standardized approach and using the principle of oncological surgery, we incorporated this in our minimally invasive surgery practice at our institution.

Numerous studies on the distribution of building dangers have been conducted during the last few decades. Even though the current study gives significant insights into the matter, construction industry members are nonetheless concerned about the risks of contracting. A study product was developed to help contracting parties identify, quantify, and assign each construction risk to address this issue. To supplement the model worksheets, flowcharts were created to determine which party should carry which risk, legal research was conducted, and risk allocation guidelines were produced to generate acceptable contract language to address the identified risks. This article focuses on the most significant risks to the project's timeliness, quality, and budget.

Objective: To emphasize on the early wound complications of the above-mentioned procedure. Study Design: Retrospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at department of Surgical Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center, from Jan 2014 to Dec 2019. Methodology: A total of 84 patients were included in the study who underwent extra levator abdominoperineal excision. It was a retrospective study with convenient sampling. The data was retrieved from Hospital information system (HIS) that is a fully electrotonic system and is prospectively maintained. Variables were expressed as median and IQR was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. The p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Wound infection was observed in 32 (38.09%) of the patients. Wound dehiscence was seen is 5 (5.95%) of the patients. Median day of detection of infection was day 10 (5-22). Median hospital stay was 7 (4-22) days. On multivariate analysis the correlation of Body mass index with perineal wound infection was statistically significant with p-value of 0.045. Conclusion: Extra levator abdominoperineal excision is a procedure with significant perineal wound complication rate. The occurrence of perineal wound complications is multifactorial. Judicial use of the procedure is warranted.

This time series study is carried out to determine effect of sources of electricity production on environmental degradation in Pakistan in context of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Moreover, this study also examines effect of rural and urban population on environmental degradation. This study considers carbon emissions from electricity and heat as a proxy for environmental degradation. Unit root tests are applied to determine level of integration of time series variables. Bounds test is applied to examine long run relationship among variables. This study finds that hydro, natural gas and nuclear sources of electricity production have negative significant effect on environmental degradation whereas electricity production from oil sources has positive and significant effect on environmental degradation. Electricity from coal has positive effect on environmental degradation but its effect is not significant. Results of the study confirms EKC hypothesis in Pakistan. Besides, results indicate that rural population and urban population is negatively and positively associated with environmental degradation respectively. This study suggests that energy policy has to be design in such manner that on one hand, it tackles energy crisis, on other hand, it leads to sustainable development in Pakistan.

Carbon emissions constitute a large portion of greenhouse gases that are responsible for global warming and climate change. This study examines the impact of export variety on carbon emissions along with foreign direct investment (FDI) and technological development as determinants of environmental degradation in Pakistan. Moreover, this study is conducted in the context of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis (EKC). This study applies dynamic ordinary least squares and error correction models for long-term and short-term estimates, respectively. The results indicate that the EKC hypothesis is valid in the long term. This implies that Pakistan’s economy reached the threshold level of income, after which an increase in income was not responsible for environmental degradation. Export variety restrains environmental degradation in the short term and is not a significant factor in the long term. Energy consumption has aggravated environmental degradation, while FDI and technological development are restraining environmental degradation. Policy measures are recommended to curb environmental degradation in Pakistan.

This article develops a within-host viral kinetics model of SARS-CoV-2 under the Caputo fractional-order operator. We prove the results of the solution’s existence and uniqueness by using the Banach mapping contraction principle. Using the next-generation matrix method, we obtain the basic reproduction number. We analyze the model’s endemic and disease-free equilibrium points for local and global stability. Furthermore, we find approximate solutions for the non-linear fractional model using the Modified Euler Method (MEM). To support analytical findings, numerical simulations are carried out.

Introduction Individuals with schizophrenia are at a high risk of physical health comorbidities and premature mortality. Cardiovascular and metabolic causes are an important contributor. There are gaps in monitoring, documenting and managing these physical health comorbidities. Because of their condition, patients themselves may not be aware of these comorbidities and may not be able to follow a lifestyle that prevents and manages the complications. In many low-income and middle-income countries including Pakistan, the bulk of the burden of care for those struggling with schizophrenia falls on the families.Objectives To determine the rate of self-reported physical health disorders and risk factors, like body mass index (BMI) and smoking, associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in cases of schizophrenia compared with a group of mentally healthy controls.Design A case-controlled, cross-sectional multicentre study of patients with schizophrenia in Pakistan.Settings Multiple data collection sites across the country for patients, that is, public and private psychiatric OPDs (out patient departments), specialised psychiatric care facilities, and psychiatric wards of teaching and district level hospitals. Healthy controls were enrolled from the community.Participants We report a total of 6838 participants’ data with (N 3411 (49.9%)) cases of schizophrenia compared with a group of healthy controls (N 3427 (50.1%)).Results BMI (OR 0.98 (CI 0.97 to 0.99), p=0.0025), and the rate of smoking is higher in patients with schizophrenia than in controls. Problems with vision (OR 0.13 (0.08 to 0.2), joint pain (OR 0.18 (0.07 to 0.44)) and high cholesterol (OR 0.13 (0.05 to 0.35)) have higher reported prevalence in controls. The cases describe more physical health disorders in the category ‘other’ (OR 4.65 (3.01 to 7.18)). This captures residual disorders not listed in the questionnaire.Conclusions Participants with schizophrenia in comparison with controls report more disorders. The access in the ‘other’ category may be a reflection of undiagnosed disorders.

In this study, three gravity-driven membrane (GDM) reactors with flat sheet membrane modules and various biocarriers (synthetic fibers, lava stones, and sands) were operated for municipal wastewater treatment. The effects of water head, periodically cleaning protocol, and operation temperature on the GDM reactor performance were illustrated in terms of membrane performance and water quality. The results indicated that: (1) the cake layer fouling was predominant (>~85%), regardless of reactor configuration and operation conditions; (2) under lower water head, variable water head benefited in achieving higher permeate fluxes due to effective relaxation of the compacted cake layers; (3) the short-term chemical cleaning (30–60 min per 3–4 days) improved membrane performance, especially when additional physical shear force was implemented; (4) the lower temperature had negligible effect on the GDM reactors packed with Icelandic lava stones and sands. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment costs of the three GDM reactors were estimated, ranging between 0.31 and 0.37 EUR/m3, which was greatly lower than that of conventional membrane bioreactors under lower population scenarios. This sheds light on the technical and economic feasibility of biocarrier-facilitated GDM systems for decentralized wastewater treatment in Iceland.