Search

This research focuses on finding the relationship between social backgrounds of university students and their adaptability to university environment. Students were asked to tell about improvement of academic and social performance of their batch mates since first semester. In the process, interviews of 120 engineering students from third and fourth years were conducted. Interviews of female students were 15. The results indicate that academic and social adaptability of students from rural or humble backgrounds is higher than upper or middle class students. Findings suggest that students from low socioeconomic status and backward areas were more adaptable to change, they generally showed more work improvement and personality grooming than other students though they were more reluctant to go out from their comfort zone. The study also shows that low SES students were hesitant to go to co-gatherings and communicating with students of opposite sex. Together these findings provide important understanding of how SES affects students’ adaptability and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two authors seize space as Muslim women feminist social work educators and researchers. We challenge and hopefully silence homogenizing, essentialist and Islamophobic constructions. The first author is a hijabi, Indo-Caribbean, able-bodied cis-heterosexual Muslim feminist; the second author is a disabled, queer Muslim of South Asian heritage. We identify as racialized and firmly rooted in intersectional critical feminist perspectives. Using an autoethnographic, conversation-based approach, we share our narratives (lived experiences) in social work academe. Navigating feminisms, Muslimness, strategic essentialism and Islamophobia while engaging in a critical praxis, we attempt to bring together contradictory discourses for critical examination. We engage with the following questions: How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in social work academe? How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in critical social work feminist spheres? And what do Muslim feminist futures look like in social work academe? Our lived experiences as racialized Muslim feminists are standpoint perspectives which offer situated knowledges that disempower dominant social work discourses. Social work can no longer be reactionary and preserve the status quo; it must move forward with foresight and be an active player in dismantling inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Liver transplant (LT) is the only definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). This review aims to explore current global LT practices, with an emphasis on challenges and disparities that limit access to LT in different regions of the world. Methods: A detailed analysis was performed of present-day liver transplant practices throughout the world, including the etiology of liver disease, patient access to transplantation, surgical costs, and ongoing ethical concerns. Results: Annually, only 10% of the patients needing a liver transplant receive an organ. Currently, the USA performs the highest volume of liver transplants worldwide, followed by China and Brazil. In both North America and Europe, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming the most common indication for LT, compared to hepatitis B and C in most Asian, South American, and African countries. While deceased donor liver transplant remains the most performed type of LT, living donor liver transplant is becoming increasingly popular in some parts of the world where it is often the only option due to a lack of well-developed infrastructure for deceased organ donation. Ethical concerns in liver transplantation fundamentally revolve around the definition of a deceased donor and the exploitation of living donor liver donation systems. Conclusion: Globally, liver transplant practices and outcomes are varied, with differences driven by healthcare policies, inequities in healthcare access, and ethical concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing a combination of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoforming and 3D-printed cylindrical patterns, we carefully engineer a linear resistive temperature sensor. This intricate process involves initial PET thermoforming, yielding a hollow cylindrical chamber. This chamber is then precisely infused with a composite fluid of graphite and water glue. Ensuring electrical connectivity, both ends are affixed with metal wires and securely sealed using a hot gun. This cost-effective, versatile sensor adeptly gauges temperature shifts by assessing composite fluid resistance alterations. Its PET outer surface grants immunity to water and solubility concerns, enabling application in aquatic and aerial settings without extra encapsulation. Rigorous testing reveals the sensor's linearity and stability within a 10 °C to 60 °C range, whether submerged or airborne. Beyond 65 °C, plastic deformation arises. To mitigate hysteresis, a 58 °C operational limit is recommended. Examining fluidic composite width and length effects, we ascertain a 12 Ω/°C sensitivity for these linear sensors, a hallmark of their precision. Impressive response and recovery times of 4 and 8 s, respectively, highlight their efficiency. These findings endorse thermoforming's potential for fabricating advanced temperature sensors. This cost-effective approach's adaptability underscores its viability for diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing primarily from qualitative interviews conducted between 2017 and 2018, this empirical study tells a granular story of how legal actors mobilised during the Lawyers' Movement in Pakistan (2007–2009) from the perspective of lawyer-leaders who organised, steered and sustained support for the Movement through rapidly shifting political conditions. By underscoring the contribution of lawyer-leaders in empowering judges, the article seeks both to displace uncritical assumptions and arguments about courts as the nucleus of legal mobilisation in Pakistan, and to highlight the crucial role of political parties in the restoration of the judiciary against the backdrop of disintegrating lawyer-judge coalitions. Given Pakistan's political context of a 'hybrid regime', the article reflects on the unsuitability of the 'legal complex' theory of 'political liberalism' for analysing and understanding the Movement, and locates it instead in the literature on legal mobilisation in authoritarian regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We report outcomes and novel characterization of a unique cohort of 42 individuals with persistently indeterminate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, the majority of whom are HIV viral controllers. Methods Eligible individuals had indeterminate or positive HIV serology, but persistently undetectable HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by commercial assays and were not taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Routine investigations included HIV Western blot, HIV viral load, qualitative HIV-1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), coinfection screen, and T-cell quantification. Research assays included T-cell activation, ART measurement, single-copy assays detecting HIV-1 RNA and DNA, and plasma cytokine quantification. Human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity was defined as ≥3 bands on Western blot; molecular positivity was defined as detection of HIV RNA or DNA. Results Human immunodeficiency virus infection was excluded in 10 of 42 referrals, remained unconfirmed in 2 of 42, and was confirmed in 30 of 42, who were identified as HIV elite controllers (ECs), normal CD4 T-cell counts (median 820/mL, range 805–1336), and normal CD4/CD8 ratio (median 1.8, range 1.2–1.9). Elite controllers had a median duration of elite control of 6 years (interquartile range = 4–14). Antiretroviral therapy was undetected in all 23 subjects tested. Two distinct categories of ECs were identified: molecular positive (n = 20) and molecular negative (n = 10). Conclusions Human immunodeficiency virus status was resolved for 95% of referrals with the majority diagnosed as EC. The clinical significance of the 2 molecular categories among ECs requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone modifying agents BMAs (oral and IV bisphosphonates, denosumab) are used to treat bone loss due to endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR +) early breast cancer and non-metastatic prostate cancer (NMPC). Timely initiation of appropriate sequential therapy is imperative to reduce cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL). This narrative review summarizes current literature regarding management of CTIBL in HR + early breast cancer and NMPC patients. Risk factors for fragility fractures, screening strategies, optimal timing for the treatment, dosing/duration of therapy, and post treatment monitoring have not been clearly defined in HR + early breast and NMPC patients receiving endocrine therapy. This review aims to discuss the utility of fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool for the prevention and management of CTIBL, osteoanabolic therapy for imminent fracture risk reduction, and sequential therapy options. Using predefined terms, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on CTIBL in HR + breast and NMPC patients. We included randomized clinical trials, meta-analysis, evidence-based reviews, observational studies, and clinical practice guidelines. Fracture risk assessment tools (FRAX) guide therapy for osteoporosis in patients with early HR + breast cancer and NMPC. BMAs to prevent bone loss should be initiated at higher T-score than recommended by FRAX in premenopausal HR + breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure, oophorectomy and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy, post-menopausal women with HR + breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy, and NMPC patients with androgen deprivation therapy. Sequential therapy with osteoanabolic agents as first line treatment offers a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with high imminent fracture risk. Due to limited data in cancer patients regarding management of osteoporosis, a dosing schedule similar to osteoporosis is considered appropriate. Risk stratification to identify vulnerable patient population, choosing the appropriate sequential therapy, and close monitoring of patients at the risk of bone loss can potentially reduce the mortality, morbidity, and health care cost related to CTIBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical kinetics is a branch of chemistry that is founded on understanding chemical reaction rates. Chemical kinetics relates many aspects of cosmology, geology, and even in some cases of, psychology. There is a need for mathematical modelling of these chemical reactions. Therefore, the present research is based on chemical kinetics-based modelling and dynamics of enzyme processes. This research looks at the two-step substrate-enzyme reversible response. In the two step-reversible reactions, substrate combines with enzymes which is further converted into products with two steps. The model is displayed through the flow chart, which is then transformed into ODEs. The Atangana-Baleanu time-fractional operator and the Mittag-Leffler kernel are used to convert the original set of highly nonlinear coupled integer order ordinary differential equations into a fractional-order model. Additionally, it is shown that the solution to the investigated fractional model is unique, limited, and may be represented by its response velocity. A numerical scheme, also known as the Atangana-Toufik method, based on Newton polynomial interpolation technique via MATLAB software, is adopted to find the graphical results. The dynamics of reaction against different reaction rates are presented through various figures. It is observed that the forward reaction rates increase the reaction speed while backward reaction rates reduce it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) harbors a plethora of flavonoids that impart its health-promoting properties. To understand its biosynthesis and accumulation, a comparative expression analysis of flavonoid biosynthetic genes encoding enzymes responsible for synthesizing the main structure of flavonoids has been conducted in two differentially performing peanut varieties (PG 1247 and Bari 2011) in response to photoperiod and water availability. Transcript profiling of flavonoid biosynthetic genes indicated time-dependent expression of genes except for AhFLS in selected varieties in response to photoperiod variation. Many genes depicted a low degree of variation within varieties and water-deficient treatments. However, AhANS showed the highest variation for stress duration and varieties. In conclusion, this study has characterized the role of flavonoid biosynthesis in peanuts in response to photoperiod and water availability. Moreover, correlation analysis unraveled the coordination among the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constitutional Foundings in South Asia is as important an addition to understanding constitutionalism in South Asia as it is a work of wider interest to scholars of comparative constitutional law everywhere, featuring all the eight countries of SAARC in one impressive volume for the first time. In this review, we critically explore the two larger premises of Constitutional Foundings: an inclusive-regional approach to comparative constitutionalism, and a history-centred method for theory-building on constitution-making and its aftereffects. We argue that if we are to truly look beyond western liberal constitutionalism for contextualizing constitution-making, we need to move in the direction of embedding the field as much as possible within the existing political history debates on South Asia. We accordingly suggest ways for bridging the gaps between case study, history and comparative theory in the context of constitutionalism in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are envisioned to transform the propagation space into a smart radio environment (SRE) to realize the diverse applications of sixth‐generation (6G) wireless communication. By smartly tuning the massive number of elements via controller, an RIS can passively phase‐shift the electromagnetic (EM) waves to enhance the system performance. The absence of radio‐frequency (RF) chains makes RIS an energy‐efficient and cost‐effective solution for future wireless networks. In this paper, the state‐of‐the‐art research on different aspects of RIS‐assisted communication is explored. Specifically, the fundamentals of RIS are first introduced, including the RIS's structure, operating principle, and deployment strategies. The emerging applications of RISs are then comprehensively discussed for 6G wireless networks. In addition, the crucial challenges for RIS‐assisted networks are elaborated, namely, RIS channel state information (CSI) acquisition and passive beamforming optimization. Furthermore, the recent research contributions leveraging the artificial intelligence (AI) based techniques for channel estimation, phase‐shift optimization, and resource allocation in RIS‐assisted networks are presented. Finally, to provide effective guidance for future research, important research directions for realizing RIS‐assisted network are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A memristor is a fundamental electronic device that operates like a biological synapse and is considered as the solution of classical von Neumann computers. Here, a fully printed and flexible memristor is fabricated by depositing a thin film of metal–non-metal (chromium-nitrogen)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2). The resulting device exhibited enhanced performance with self-rectifying and forming free bipolar switching behavior. Doping was performed to bring stability in the performance of the memristor by controlling the defects and impurity levels. The forming free memristor exhibited characteristic behavior of bipolar resistive switching with a high on/off ratio (2.5 × 103), high endurance (500 cycles), long retention time (5 × 103 s) and low operating voltage (±1 V). Doping the thin film of TiO2 with metal–non-metal had a significant effect on the switching properties and conduction mechanism as it directly affected the energy bandgap by lowering it from 3.2 eV to 2.76 eV. Doping enhanced the mobility of charge carriers and eased the process of filament formation by suppressing its randomness between electrodes under the applied electric field. Furthermore, metal–non-metal-doped TiO2 thin film exhibited less switching current and improved non-linearity by controlling the surface defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic processes are one of the main contributors for the presence of heavy metals in air, land and water sources, leading to environmental pollution. In the present study, Bacillus altitudinis MT422188 was used for determining its potential role in zinc bioremediation. After the bacterium was isolated and characterized, its optimum growth conditions were determined. The growth parameters, antioxidative and biosorption potential, motility and chemotactic behavior, as well as physicochemical nature of the isolate was determined in the presence and absence of zinc. Optimum growth was observed at pH 7, 37 °C and at 1 mM phosphate. Minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be 20 mM for Zn2+ whereas metal resistance pattern for other heavy metal ions was Cu2+ (30 mM) > Ni2+ (25 mM) > Cr6+ (18 mM) > Pb2+ (12 mM) > Co2+ (8 mM) > Cd2+ (5 mM) > Hg2+ (3 mM). EC50 was found to be 3.4 mM Zn2+. Biosorption experiments in the presence of metal, DCCD and DNP in both live and killed cells demonstrated metal uptake, intracellular Zn2+ accumulation and adsorption by ATP independent efflux system. It was also found to effectively remove 81 mg/L and 87 mg/L after a period of 4 and 8 days, respectively. In the presence of Zn2+, positive chemotaxis was demonstrated where Zn2+ acted as a chemoattractant. Zn2+ induced elevated levels of GR, SOD and POX, while APOX and CAT activity were inhibited by it. The appearance of 92 kDa protein band in B. altitudinis under Zn2+ stress confirmed the induction of metallothionein. FTIR analysis revealed the active role of amide, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups in combating Zn2+ stress. SEM and EDS analysis revealed surface adsorption of Zn2+ ions by bacterial cells. The experimental data obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo second-order kinetics, indicating it to be an efficient biosorbent for Zn2+. This study revealed the potential application of B. altitudinis MT422188 in the bioremediation of Zn2+ from polluted wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisi stellati fructus (ASF) is the fruit of Illicium verum Hook F. (Chinese star anise), which is native to many countries, and is a significant Chinese medicinal herb. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major fatal types of cancers with multiple stages and a poor prognosis. The present review aims to discuss the bioactive properties of ASF and its phytocompounds against GC, with a particular insight into the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in its anti-GC mechanism. Furthermore, it highlights the potential mechanism of action of major phytocompounds of ASF against GC. Clinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) regarding the action of ASF and its major bioactive compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, d-limonene, and honokiol against GC were reviewed. For this review, search of literature was performed in Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus related to ASF and its phytocompounds, from which only relevant studies were chosen. Major bioactive compounds of ASF and their extracts have proven to be effective against GC due to the mechanistic action of these compounds involving signaling pathways that target cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, and tumor metastasis in GC cells. Existing reports of these compounds and their combinatory effects with other modern anticancer agents have also been reviewed. From its traditional use to its role as an anticancer agent, ASF and its bioactive phytocompounds have been observed to be effective in modern research, specifically against GC. However, further studies are required for the identification of molecular targets and pharmacokinetic potential and for the formulation of anti-GC drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At-home sampling is key to large scale seroprevalence studies. Dried blood spot (DBS) self-sampling removes the need for medical personnel for specimen collection but facilitates specimen referral to an appropriately accredited laboratory for accurate sample analysis. To establish a highly sensitive and specific antibody assay that would facilitate self-sampling for prevalence and vaccine-response studies. Paired sera and DBS eluates collected from 439 sero-positive, 382 sero-negative individuals and DBS from 34 vaccine recipients were assayed by capture ELISAs for IgG and IgM antibody to SARS-CoV-2. IgG and IgM combined on DBS eluates achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.9% (95%CI 96.6 to 99.3) and a specificity of 99.2% (95% CI 98.4 to 100) compared to serum, displaying limits of detection equivalent to 23 and 10 WHO IU/ml, respectively. A strong correlation (r = 0.81) was observed between serum and DBS reactivities. Reactivity remained stable with samples deliberately rendered inadequate, (p = 0.234) and when samples were accidentally damaged or 'invalid'. All vaccine recipients were sero-positive. This assay provides a secure method for self-sampling by DBS with a sensitivity comparable to serum. The feasibility of DBS testing in sero-prevalence studies and in monitoring post-vaccine responses was confirmed, offering a robust and reliable tool for serological monitoring at a population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of steroid antibiotic wick with Ichthammol Glycerol wick in the management of Acute Otitis Externa in terms of tenderness and clearance of discharge/debris. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: ENT Out Patient department of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar and Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from May to Nov 2018. Methodology: A total of 250 patients were included and divided into two groups of 125 each. After necessary suction clearance topical Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (Cipotec-D) wick was placed in auditory canal of group A patients and topical Glycerol/Ichthammol wick was placed in group B. Follow up visits were done on 3rd and 7th day of starting the treatment. Results: Group A patients responded better in terms of tenderness (88%) however both groups had similar response in terms of discharge reduction (7.2% vs 6.4%). In terms of efficacy neither of the treatment proved more efficacious compared to the other (p-value 0.058). Conclusion: While steroid antibiotic wick is significantly more efficient in terms reducing tenderness, in terms of overall efficacy and discharge reduction Ichthammol/glycerol is equally effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study critically examined, from an interpretive perspective, 14 life stories of LBTQ Muslim women across North America. This paper explored how LBTQ Muslim women navigated Muslim and LGBTQ hegemonic norms and exclusions as they negotiated and lived out identity intersections. Transnational and critical race feminisms, intersectionality, and critical Islamic liberationist approaches to gender and sexuality framed the project. The study findings suggested that LBTQ Muslim women resisted hegemonic norms by mapping out alternative paths grounded in Islam, and in living out lives in LGBTQ communities. Participants discussed their experiences of being "othered" within LGBTQ communities, how they challenged the notion of a monolithic Islam, how they expanded coming-out frameworks to include their own experiences, as well as how they asserted their own religious agency and resistance. Participants demonstrated that living out an intersectional identity was a complex task where constant negotiations of positionality were transpiring concurrently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental contamination and wastewater discharge from industrial activities are global issues that must be addressed immediately. The uncontrolled discharge of dangerous organic compounds constitutes a significant environmental risk. To solve this issue, heterogeneous photocatalysis with semiconductor metal oxides has appeared as an environmentally benign method for wastewater treatment. Our research aims to create a new iodine-doped magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite and test its ability to break down the refractory methylene blue dye by photocatalytic techniques using sunlight. The I-Fe 3 O 4 -GO composite was synthesized using a facile ultrasonication-assisted co-precipitation method. Several physiochemical techniques were employed for detailed characterization, including SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, and Raman spectroscopy. The band gap value of 2.6 eV was measured using a tauc plot. The I-Fe 3 O 4 -GO nanocomposite showed 95% methylene blue degradation under sunlight in about an hour. The improved catalytic efficiency of the synthesized photocatalyst was attained at pH 8, with an I-FeGO dose of 50 mg/100 mL and an oxidant dose of 14 mM. The photocatalyst displayed exceptional photostability after five consecutive reusability cycles. Response surface methodology was the statistical tool for evaluating several interacting parameters for optimizing dye degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. The infection has now catapulted into a full-blown pandemic across the world, which has affected more than 2 million people and has led to approximately 150,000 fatalities all over the world (WHO). In this review, we elaborate all currently available data that shed light on possible methods for treatment of COVID-19, such as antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, convalescent plasma, and potentially effective vaccines. Additionally, ongoing and discontinued clinical trials that have been carried out for validating probable treatments for COVID-19 are discussed. The review also elaborates the prospective approach and the possible advantages of using convalescent plasma and stem cells for the improvement of clinical symptoms and meeting the demand for an instantaneous cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelet neural networks (WNN) combine the strength of artificial neural networks and the multiresolution ability of wavelets. Determining the structure and, more specifically, the appropriate number of neurons in a WNN is a time-consuming process. We propose a type of multidimensional evolutionary WNN and, using an acrobot, evaluate this approach with two benchmark nonlinear control tasks: a height task and a hand-stand task. To facilitate direct comparison with other methods, we report on swing-up and balance times. In 50 trials, the controllers produced faster swing-up times—1.0 s for the best controller and 2.3 s on average—than any other methods reported in the literature. Moreover, the controller with the best swing-up time had a maximum balance time of 1.25 s, surpassing most other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews and critically analyzes the Canadian Association for Social Work Education—Association Canadienne Pour La Formation En Travail Social's (CASWE-ACFTS') Accreditation Standards and Procedures from a Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIESC) lens to examine how such are addressed in relevant documents. The CASWE-ACFTS Queer Caucus undertook a lead role in examining 'diversity' in the documents as it serves as an umbrella term for SOGIESC and other intersecting positionalities. This paper iterates an initial response in the CASWE-ACFTS Queer Caucus' ongoing consultation with the CASWE-ACFTS's Education Policy Committee's work on Education Policy and Accreditation Standards 2019 (EPAS2019). The content analysis of the documents reveals that SOGIESC issues are not adequately addressed and this has implications for undergraduate and graduate social work curricula in Canada. The authors provide recommendations that address the integration of SOGIESC in CASWE-ACFTS's Accreditation Standards and Procedures documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive drug, being widely enjoyed and open handedly taken all around the world. The use of tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolates etc is quite common without any sort of consideration to its overuse and lethal impact on health. Persistently inclusive findings suggested a direct relationship between caffeine use and cigarette smoking. Accordingly, intake of caffeine and nicotine is always recognized as a formidable combination, intimidating the survival of smokers. Objective: The present study was designed to explore prevalence of the prospect caffeine use disorder among cigarette smokers along with demographic considerations. Methodology: It was a qualitative study having sample of 30 cigarette smoker students, with the age ranged from 16 to 25 years being interviewed from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Caffeine Use disorder checklist was developed on the basis of DSM-V criteria as an interview guide. The first four items of the check list reflects the symptoms from DSM-V, essential for diagnosing the problem. Results: Results showed that 47% were suffering from caffeine use disorder. Out of 30 individuals 14 were found to be addicted to caffeine. Furthermore, the findings of the study showed that the addiction is higher among the individual who were older in this sample. Conclusion: The study has the implication for the mental health professionals for devising the intervention plan and for reducing the health threatening impact of such addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of products of β-galactosidase (βGS) catalyzed reaction i.e. glucose and galactose and their structurally related compound vitamin C (VC) on the catalytic activity of native and PANI-CS-NC and PANI-CS-Ag-NC adsorbed βGS. Results indicated a decline in catalytic activity of soluble enzyme in the presence of all investigated compounds. The order of inhibition was found to be VC < glucose < galactose. However, the immobilized preparations were found more resistant to inactivation caused by the added compounds. About 48% activity was retained by PANI-CS-Ag-NC-βGS in the presence of galactose (5%, w/v), while the native enzyme exhibited only 18% of its original activity. A significant decrease in absorbance and fluorescence intensity was evaluated in soluble enzyme incubated in the presence of all investigated compounds. Three-dimensional fluorescence graphs, CD and FT-IR spectroscopic studies illustrated noteworthy conformational changes in the secondary structure and microenvironment of the soluble enzyme in the presence of VC and tested sugars. These results suggest that both PANI-CS-NC and PANI-CS-Ag-NC bound βGS are more resistant to the exposure caused by the higher concentration of added glucose, galactose, and VC and, therefore, can be effectively utilized for the production of a hassle-free lactose nano-biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study on the Pakistan Lawyers' Movement and its aftermath aims to add to our knowledge of judicial empowerment processes, particularly the role of lawyers in mobilising for an independent judiciary, and the conditions for political lawyering as an effective pathway to judicial empowerment. In exploring these processes and conditions of empowerment, the study also examines their relationship with the longerterm outcomes of empowerment as well as the nexus between judicial empowerment and accountability of legal institutions. The study marshals evidence from multiple sources - including 35 qualitative interviews with movement leaders and participants, and a representative survey of active litigators in the Lahore District judiciary - to show, firstly, that the conditions that create successful mobilisation for judicial empowerment can significantly limit the systemic benefits of such mobilisation and, secondly, that the conditions for and the pathway to empowerment may deeply constrain the accountability of the empowered actors and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of IoT devices has led to more electronic waste production, which harms the environment and human health. Self-powered sensor systems are a solution, but they often use toxic materials. We propose using biocompatible peanut skin as the active material for a self-powered humidity sensor (PSP-SPHS) through integration with a peanut-skin-based triboelectric nanogenerator (PSP-TENG). The PSP-TENG was characterized electrically and showed promising results, including an open circuit voltage (162 V), short circuit current (0.2 µA), and instantaneous power (2.2 mW) at a loading resistance of 20 MΩ. Peanut skin is a great choice for the sensor due to its porous surface, large surface area, eco-friendliness, and affordability. PSP-TENG was further used as a power source for the PSP-humidity sensor. PSP-SPHS worked as a humidity-dependent resistor, whose resistance decreased with increasing relative humidity (%RH), which further resulted in decreasing voltage across the humidity sensor. This proposed PSP-SPHS exhibited a good sensitivity (0.8 V/RH%), fast response/recovery time (4/10 s), along with excellent stability and repeatability, making it a potential candidate for self-powered humidity sensor technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersensitivity of the immune system is caused by elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the serum, in response to a discrete allergen leading to allergic reactions. IgE-mediated inflammation is regulated by the cascade of defense related signaling molecules including interleukin-6 (IL-6) that plays pivotal role in the survival and maturation of mast cells during an allergic reaction. IL-6 mediated defense responses are tightly regulated by Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3), an inhibitory molecules of Janus Kinase-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling, in a negative feedback mechanism. The given study focuses on the assessment of crosstalk between SOCS3 and IL-6 to unravel the molecular significance of SOCS3 and IL-6 in the diagnosis and prognosis of allergy. The expression study of SOCS3 through real-time PCR analysis revealed, a 5.9 mean fold increase in SOCS3 expression in atopic cases in comparison to control cases. Moreover, IL-6 has, also, been found significantly enhanced in the serum level of atopic cases (26.4 pg/ml) as compared to control cases (3.686 pg/ml). Female population was found to be at a higher risk to develop atopic condition than male population as females exhibited higher expression of both SOCS3 and IL-6 than males. Furthermore, the polymorphic study of IL-6 promoter region (IL-6 174-G/C) in atopic population has reasserted the importance of SOCS3 and IL-6 in the diagnosis and prognosis of allergy. Expression of SOCS3 and IL-6 serum levels were found to be highly correlated. Therefore establishing the role of IL-6 (-174-G/C) polymorphism on the expression of SOCS3 and IL-6 in atopic cases. Notably, the study established SOCS3 and IL-6 as potential targets for the diagnosis/prognosis of allergy and for the development of reliable therapeutic strategies to control atopic conditions in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The activity yields for nanocomposites bound β-galactosidase were 85% and 123%. • Multi-fold enhanced catalysis was observed in bound enzyme in presence of ions. • Significant conformational changes were observed in the immobilized β-galactosidase. • Immobilized preparations can provide lactose-free milk at a low cost. Abstract β-Galactosidase is vital to dairy industries because it catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose making it useful for lactose intolerant patients to consume milk and its products. The present study demonstrates the effect of metal ions commonly found in milk, namely Zn2+, K+, Ca2+ and Mn2+ on the activity of native and polyaniline chitosan nanocomposites bound Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase. In polyaniline chitosan silver nanocomposite adsorbed β-galactosidase, a multi-fold enhancement in catalytic activity was observed in the presence of cocktail of Zn2+, K+, Ca2+ and Mn2+ ions. 3D fluorescence, CD and FTIR studies established significant conformational changes in the secondary structure of polyaniline chitosan silver nanocomposite bound β-galactosidase on addition of metal ions as compared to the native and other bound enzyme. This enhanced catalytic efficiency of the immobilized enzyme in presence of metal ions can promote its economic use for lactose hydrolysis in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the outcome of Laparoscopic Transabdominal Pre Peritoneal Mesh Repair in our local setup. Design: Observational study. Place & Duration of Study: Surgical E Ward, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Patients & Methods: One year from June 2014 to June 2015; both male and female were included in the study. Initial 50 cases were included in this study. All the data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Results: There was only one female (2%) and 49 males (98%). With mean age of 36.46 ±14.53 years, right sided hernia was more common than left, indirect hernia was more common than direct. The mean duration of surgery was 62.05± 15.42 minutes. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.34 ± 0.5days. Mean VAS at 24 hours post operatively was 2.70 ±1.05 which was reduced to 1.24 ± 0.43 at 1 week follow up. Wound complications were negligible and there was zero recurrence at 3 month follow up. Conclusion: Due to its excellent post-operative profile and patient satisfaction TAPP procedure for inguinal hernia repair is an ideal intervention in expert hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • BDNF levels are lower in MDD with SI than MDD with NSI (p = 0.016). • BDNF differed in MDD with mild-to-moderate suicidal ideation without active intent. • Findings extend neurotrophic hypothesis of depression to include suicidal ideation in MDD. Abstract The "neurotrophic hypothesis of depression" posits that low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Low levels of BDNF have also been found in individuals with suicide attempts, in MDD or other disorders, suggesting that low BDNF may also be associated with suicidality. We assessed serum BDNF in 68 physically healthy and unmedicated (for at least 6 weeks) MDD subjects, who expressed no suicidal ideation (NSI; N = 40) or endorsed suicidal ideation (SI; N = 28), but were not actively suicidal, and in healthy controls (HC; N = 76). Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in MDD with SI compared to NSI MDD but were not significantly correlated with total Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) severity or severity on any HDRS subscale. Covarying for age, sex, body mass index, platelets, perceived stress, smoking and physical activity did not alter the significant association between BDNF and SI. SI status was not significantly different between HC and MDD. Our findings show an association between low serum BDNF and SI in individuals with less than severe and non-active suicidal intent, suggesting that the individual symptom of suicidality may extend the neurotrophic hypothesis of depression to include suicidal ideation within MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed considering the ubiquitous presence of sodium in restaurant menus, the rapid growth of U.S. fast food operations globally, the impact of fast food on human health, and recent legislative steps to label sodium content. A strong correlation was found between calories and protein content versus sodium contents. Similar brand named menu items had different nutrient and sodium content in selected countries. When portion sizes of meat and cheese are controlled sodium can be reduced without sacrificing the flavor of the foods and in addition reducing the calories provided by selected menu items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students, particularly ethnic minorities in the US, are at a high risk for obesity and health complications. This study determines the type of foods that African-American college students are choosing to eat, and what factors influence those choices. Findings show that fresh fruits, whole grain bread, grilled chicken, and salad top the list of food choices. Knowledge of nutrition labels, gender, weight management, and eating facilities are among the factors found to influence these choices. Managerial implication of findings for the foodservice industry, and other interest groups are discussed. Directions for future research are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the anti-LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) campaigns’ rise to power at the United Nations (UN), nation state sovereignty (of the member states), and criminalization LGBTQI assembly and association. Emphasis is placed on how these arguments are implemented and affect the social and political landscapes of LGBTQI rights promotion. Findings from primary interviews (conducted with UN bodies, agencies, and affiliates) are critically analyzed. The article concludes by challenging the arguments posed against LGBTQI rights being taken up as human rights from a social justice perspective and social work’s role in protecting and supporting these marginalized populations in the international arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is having established complications including Allergic reactions, infectious complications, hemolysis, fluid over load, transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) and immune suppression, therefore it must be used cautiously. Objectives: To evaluate the inappropriate use of FFPs, to carry out an audit of appropriateness of FFP transfusion with reference to international guidelines and set foundations for blood bank and transfusion protocols. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Period: 6 months, 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2016. Methods: During which FFP transfusion requests made to the blood bank by various units of the hospital were studied including general surgery, surgical ICU, general medicine, medical ICU, gynecology and obstetrics. Seventy Six requests were received that were judged using 6 variables: indication for FFP use, sampling errors, laboratory analysis errors, interpretation errors, dosage of FFP (number of units being transfused) and timing of FFP transfusion. Score of "1" was given for each correct variable. After matching data to the international protocols, a score of 4-5 was taken as appropriate and <3 was classified as inappropriate. Results: Twenty Seven (35.5%) FFP transfusions were done with a score of 4-5 and were considered appropriate while 49(64.5%) FFP transfusions were given a score of 3 or less and were considered inappropriate. Conclusions: Almost two third of FFP were used inappropriately in our hospital, the commonest indication being acute Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and mostly requested from surgical units. Maximum cases of inappropriate transfusions were due to wrong sampling techniques and wrong dosage calculations. Most inappropriate transfusions were done in MICU. It is recommended that annual clinical audit of all blood products usage should be conducted. Local guidelines for physicians and training programs for nurses and paramedics regarding proper use of blood products should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infection is an infectious disease that requires immediate treatment. It can occur in any age group and involves both genders equally. The present study was to check the resistance of some antibiotics and to assess the antibacterial potential of three extracts of three plants against notorious bacteria involved in urinary tract infections. Along with assessing the antibacterial activity of plant extracts, we checked for the anticancer potential of these extracts against the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and A2780. Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Determinations of total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, total alkaloid content, total tannin content, total carotenoid content, and total steroid content were performed. The disk diffusion method was used to analyze the antibacterial activity of plant extracts. Ethanolic extract of Selenicereus undatus showed sensitivity (25–28 mm) against bacteria, whereas chloroform and hexane extracts showed resistance against all bacteria except Staphylococcus (25 mm). Ethanolic extract of Pistacia vera L. showed sensitivity (22–25 mm) against bacteria, whereas chloroform and hexane extracts showed resistance. Ethanolic extract of Olea europaea L. showed sensitivity (8–16 mm) against all bacteria except Staphylococcus, whereas chloroform and hexane extracts showed resistance. Positive controls showed variable zones of inhibition (2–60 mm), and negative control showed 0–1 mm. The antibiotic resistance was much more prominent in the case of hexane and chloroform extracts of all plants, whereas ethanolic extract showed a sensitivity of bacteria against extracts. Both cell lines, MCF-7 and A2780, displayed decreased live cells when treated with plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte disturbances are frequently encountered in critically ill oncology patients. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia as well as hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia are among the most commonly encountered electrolyte abnormalities. In the intensive care unit, management of critical electrolyte disturbances is focused on initial evaluation and immediate treatment plan to prevent severe complications. A PubMed search was performed to identify best available evidence for evaluation and management of dysnatremias, hypocalcemia, and hypercalcemia. Current literature was reviewed regarding the management of electrolyte disturbances. The role of new therapeutic options, for example, vaptans for hyponatremia, teriparatide for hypocalcemia, and denosumab for hypercalcemia, is discussed. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are expected to reduce adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelet Neural Networks are a combination of neural networks and wavelets and have been mostly used in the area of time-series prediction and control. Recently, Evolutionary Wavelet Neural Networks have been employed to develop cancer prediction models. The present study proposes to use ensembles of Evolutionary Wavelet Neural Networks. The search for a high quality ensemble is directed by a fitness function that incorporates the accuracy of the classifiers both independently and as part of the ensemble itself. The ensemble approach is tested on three publicly available biomedical benchmark datasets, one on Breast Cancer and two on Parkinson’s disease, using a 10-fold cross-validation strategy. Our experimental results show that, for the first dataset, the performance was similar to previous studies reported in literature. On the second dataset, the Evolutionary Wavelet Neural Network ensembles performed better than all previous methods. The third dataset is relatively new and this study is the first to report benchmark results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to work out a high yield procedure for immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β- galactosidase on polyaniline cobalt multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite (PANI/Co/MWCNTNC) by physical adsorption and covalent attachment via glutaraldehyde. The binding was confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy along with Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The immobilization yields obtained for adsorbed and cross-linked enzymes were 93% and 97%, respectively. The covalently immobilized enzyme was remarkably more stable at extremes of pH and temperature compared to native and adsorbed enzymes. The K i values were found to increase ten-folds for covalently immobilized β- galactosidase indicating that this immobilized enzyme was markedly more resistant to galactose inhibition. The covalently attached enzyme retained 92% activity after its 10th successive reuse compared to the adsorbed β -galactosidase which exhibited 74% of its initial activity. Furthermore, no significant change was noticed in the band intensity of pBR 322 plasmid when exposed to free and bound nanocomposite. The covalently bound enzyme exhibited superiority in terms of stability and reusability when compared to the adsorbed and native β- galactosidase. The results, presented here demonstrate an efficient method of immobilization of β- galactosidase on PANI/Co/MWCNTNC in order to construct a convenient and novel biosensor for the detection of lactose concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelet Neural Networks (WNNs) are complex artificial neural systems and their training can be a challenge. In the past, most common training schemes for WNNs, such as gradient descent, have been restricted to training only a subset of differentiable parameters. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary method to train both differentiable and non-differentiable parameters using the concept of Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP). The approach was evaluated on the two-spiral task and on real-world datasets for the detection of breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. In our experiments, the performance of the proposed method was comparable to several standard methods of classification. On the breast cancer dataset, the performance was better than other non-ensemble and multistep processing methods. The experimental results show how the performance of WNNs depends on the number of wavelons used. The presented case studies demonstrate that the proposed WNNs perform competitively in comparison to several other methods and results reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the views of Homi K. Bhabha concept of hybridity which was employed in linguistics and in racial theory in the nineteenth century. Topics discussed include discourses about race, post-colonialism, identity, anti-racism and multiculturalism, and globalization, developed from its roots as a biological term; analysis of vernacular-anglophone hybridities and postcolonial culture; and hybridity of vernacular languages.

This study suggests the development of a biocompatible and eco-friendly humidity sensor fabricated by using a naturally available potato peel bio-waste as the substrate and the humidity sensitive material. Entire fabrication process of this potato peel-based humidity sensor (PPHS) took less than two minutes owing to the facile and handmade patterning of silver interdigitated electrodes on the surface of dry potato peel. The fabricated humidity sensor yielded a high sensitivity (70 kΩ/ % RH) due to the presence of abundant polar hydrophilic functional groups. The achieved results were stable for more than seven days and repeatable data was obtained for three different samples. Furthermore, a quick response/recovery time of 0.96/1.65 s was recorded for nose breathing with a small hysteresis of only 0.21 % for adsorption and desorption process. The sensor exhibited a good linearity (R2 = 0.997) in the practical applications-based humidity sensing range of 40–85 % RH. Efficient use of PPHS was successfully demonstrated in multiple applications including medical diagnosis, skin care, real-time environment monitoring and touchless sensing owing to its biocompatibility and nonhazardous nature. In addition to the above listed multifunctional applications of PPHS, economic use of potato peel in commercial devices can help in recycling the worldwide wastage of this bio-waste. [Display omitted] • A novel potato peel bio-waste based high performance humidity sensor is developed. • Sensor was used for environment monitoring, medical diagnosis, non-touch sensing and testing commercial moisturizers. • Fast response time/recovery time (0.96/1.65 s) and small hysteresis of only 0.21 %. • Recycling the worldwide wastage of potato peel bio-waste to reduce its decomposition burden on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literary criticism of the book "A Passage to India" by E. M. Forster is presented. It discusses the revisitation and reconceptualization of the eighteenth century and of the legacies of Enlightenment, respectively. It absorbs and reorganizes the aberrant narratives of Enlightenment Orientalism.

OBJECTIVE: To understand various sources of stress and assess coping strategies among medical students of Al-Nafees Medical College, Islamabad. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cross sectional observational study. PLACE AND DURATION: The survey was carried out on the MBBS students of Al-Nafees Medical College Islamabad from 11th May, 2015 to 3rd July, 2015. METHODOLOGY: The undergraduate MBBS students of Al-Nafees Medical College were approached in the study. The socio- demographic determinants included the class of the participants, their age, gender, country of birth, their degree before MBBS and parents' educational level. The objectives of the study intended to determine the prevalence of stress among medical students, to identify various stressors experienced by undergraduate medical students during their graduation and assessing medical students' coping strategies for various stressors during their undergraduate medical education. The structured questionnaire comprised on closed-ended questions based on the specified objectives mentioned above. RESULTS: The response rate came out to be 91%. The prevalence of distressed students came out to be 52.5%. Regarding the distribution of stressors according to students' responses, it was found that the top stressor considered by majority of the students was having too much course content to be learnt. Students also considered having shortage of time, difficulty in retaining course content and taking frequent examination as potent stressors. The majority of the students (above 80%) use religion as a coping response while about 55% of the students approach their parents for the use of emotional support when stressed. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the prevalence of the stress is quite high amongst the medical students. The top stressors in our cohort were mostly related to academic issues and poor time management skills. Majority of the students cope with stress using religion while the other coping strategy used by distressed students includes self-blame, venting of emotions through anger and frustration and distracting themselves by logging on to facebook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Detects antibodies which prevent the virus receptor from attaching to cells. • Predicts and measures virus-neutralising antibody. • Very high specificity and sensitivity. • Identifies risk persons who would benefit from immune plasma therapy. • Species and class neutral. Accurate and sensitive detection of antibody to SARS-CoV-2 remains an essential component of the pandemic response. Measuring antibody that predicts neutralising activity and the vaccine response is an absolute requirement for laboratory-based confirmatory and reference activity. The viral receptor binding domain (RBD) constitutes the prime target antigen for neutralising antibody. A double antigen binding assay (DABA), providing the most sensitive format has been exploited in a novel hybrid manner employing a solid-phase S1 preferentially presenting RBD, coupled with a labelled RBD conjugate, used in a two-step sequential assay for detection and measurement of antibody to RBD (anti-RBD). This class and species neutral assay showed a specificity of 100 % on 825 pre COVID-19 samples and a potential sensitivity of 99.6 % on 276 recovery samples, predicting quantitatively the presence of neutralising antibody determined by pseudo-type neutralization and by plaque reduction. Anti-RBD is also measurable in ferrets immunised with ChadOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and in humans immunised with both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. This assay detects anti-RBD at presentation with illness, demonstrates its elevation with disease severity, its sequel to asymptomatic infection and its persistence after the loss of antibody to the nucleoprotein (anti-NP). It also provides serological confirmation of prior infection and offers a secure measure for seroprevalence and studies of vaccine immunisation in human and animal populations. The hybrid DABA also displays the attributes necessary for the detection and quantification of anti-RBD to be used in clinical practice. An absence of detectable anti-RBD by this assay predicates the need for passive immune prophylaxis in at-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade has seen an increase in the number of ethnic restaurants in the United States. With the American demographic becoming more diverse and changing food trends, the objective of this study was to investigate African American college students’ food habits, the importance of image attributes and preferences in selecting an ethnic restaurant. The findings revealed a hierarchy of preferences and the most important image attributes were cleanliness and quality of food. Four image attributes discriminated three groups of ethnic restaurant patrons, namely, frequent, less frequent, and more frequent patrons. Marketing implications for foodservice operations is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A fast learning neuroevolutionary algorithm for both feedforward and recurrent networks is proposed. The method is inspired by the well known and highly effective Cartesian genetic programming (CGP) technique. The proposed method is called the CGP-based Artificial Neural Network (CGPANN). The basic idea is to replace each computational node in CGP with an artificial neuron, thus producing an artificial neural network. The capabilities of CGPANN are tested in two diverse problem domains. Firstly, it has been tested on a standard benchmark control problem: single and double pole for both Markovian and non-Markovian cases. Results demonstrate that the method can generate effective neural architectures in substantially fewer evaluations in comparison to previously published neuroevolutionary techniques. In addition, the evolved networks show improved generalization and robustness in comparison with other techniques. Secondly, we have explored the capabilities of CGPANNs for the diagnosis of Breast Cancer from the FNA (Finite Needle Aspiration) data samples. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm gives 99.5% accurate results, thus making it an excellent choice for pattern recognitions in medical diagnosis, owing to its properties of fast learning and accuracy. The power of a CGP based ANN is its representation which leads to an efficient evolutionary search of suitable topologies. This opens new avenues for applying the proposed technique to other linear/non-linear and Markovian/non-Markovian control and pattern recognition problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]