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Abstract The CMS detector, including its muon system, has been operating at the CERN LHC in increasingly challenging conditions for about 15 years. The muon detector was designed to provide excellent triggering and track reconstruction for muons produced in proton–proton collisons at an instantaneous luminosity ( $$\mathcal {L}$$ L ) of $$1 \times 10^{34}$$ 1 × 10 34 cm $$^{-2}$$ - 2 s $$^{-1}$$ - 1 . During the Run 2 data-taking period (2015–2018), the LHC achieved an instantaneous luminosity of twice its design value, resulting in larger background rates and making the efficient detection of muons more difficult. While some backgrounds result from natural radioactivity, cosmic rays, and interactions of the circulating protons with residual gas in the beam pipe, the dominant source of background hits in the muon system arises from proton–proton interactions themselves. Charged hadrons leaving the calorimeters produce energy deposits in the muon chambers. In addition, high-energy particles interacting in the hadron calorimeter and forward shielding elements generate thermal neutrons, which leak out of the calorimeter and shielding structures, filling the CMS cavern. We describe the method used to measure the background rates in the various muon subsystems. These rates, in conjunction with simulations, can be used to estimate the expected backgrounds in the High-Luminosity LHC. This machine will run for at least 10 years starting in 2029 reaching an instantaneous luminosity of $$\mathcal {L} = 5 \times \text {10}^\text {34}\,\text {cm}^\text {-2}\,\text {s}^\text {-1}$$ L = 5 × 10 34 cm -2 s -1 and increasing ultimately to $$\mathcal {L} = 7.5 \times \text {10}^\text {34}\,\text {cm}^\text {-2}\,\text {s}^\text {-1}$$ L = 7.5 × 10 34 cm -2 s -1 . These background estimates have been a key ingredient for the planning and design of the muon detector upgrade.

The efficacy of roasted sesame oil (SO) on the oxidation deterioration of sunflower oil (SFO) during heating was investigated. The concentrations of SO in the SFO were 0, 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The oxidation profile of oil samples was monitored by evaluating the generation of oxidation products and chemical alterations in the oils' composition during heating at frying temperature (180 °C). The results showed that the oxidation parameters (free fatty acid, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, total oxidation status, thiobarbituric acid value, and color index) increased significantly in SFO compared to blends or SO during thermal treatment. During heating, the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was reduced with increased level of saturated fatty acids; these results were observed more in SFO than those of SO or blend oils. However, the presence of SO in SFO reduced the decomposition of PUFA. In Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the peak intensities were significantly altered in SFO compared to the blend oils during heating. Based on the most analytical data, it may be agreed that the heating at frying temperature led to the generation of relatively higher contents of oxidative products in SFO compared to blend oils, showing a lower degree of oxidation occurred in blends. The best frying performance for the SFO was achieved by using 30% SO extracted from the roasted sesame seed. This study showed the proper blending of high polyunsaturated oil with SO can produce oil blends with high nutritional values and enhanced stability for daily cooking and deep-frying applications.

The aim of this paper is to present and analyze the fractional optimal control model for COVID-19 and diabetes co-dynamics, using the Atangana-Baleanu derivative. The positivity and boundedness of the solutions was shown by the method of Laplace transform. The existence and uniqueness of the solutions of the proposed model were established using Banach fixed point Theorem and Leray–Schauder alternative Theorem. The fractional model was also shown to be Hyers-Ulam stable. The model was fitted to the cumulative confirmed daily COVID-19 cases for Indonesia. The simulations of the total number of hospitalized individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and diabetes, at different face-mask compliance levels, when vaccination strategy is maintained reveals that the total number of hospitalized co-infection cases decreases with increase in face-mask compliance levels, while maintaining COVID-19 vaccination. The simulation results show that to curtail COVID-19 and diabetes co-infections, policies and measures to enforce mass COVID-19 vaccination and strict face-mask usage in the public must be put in place. To further cut down the spread of COVID-19 and diabetes co-infection, time dependent controls are added into the fractional model, and the obtained optimal control problem investigated via the Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle.

Abstract Morphometric measurement and roosting ecology of Pteropus medius were aimed to find out in Mansehra district of KP, Pakistan. Total 3149 numbers of bats were found in eight biological spots visited; Baffa Doraha, Darband, Dadar, Jallu, Hazara University, Garhi Habibullah Chattar Plain and Jabori, in total 299 numbers of different species of trees including; Morus alba, Pinus raxburghi, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Morus nigra, Grevillea robusta, Brousonetia papyrifera,Platanus orientalis, Ailanthus altissima, Hevea brasiliensis and Populus nigra. Morphometric features were measured and found vary according to sex of the bats. The average wing span, wing`s length from tip of wing to neck, from thumb to tip of wing and the body`s length from head and claws were recorded to be 102.98 cm, 49.07cm, 28.7 cm and 22.78 cm respectively in males while 93.67 cm, 44.83cm, 24.78cm and 22.78 cm respectively in female bats. Mean circumference of the body including wings and without wing were measured as 22.78 cm and 17.29 cm in males and that of female were 20.07 cm and 16.9 cm. Average length of thumb 3.64 cm, ear`s length 3.1 cm, snout 5.62cm, eye length were 1.07 cm for both sexes and length between the feet in extended position were16.3 cm. Generally different measurement of males bodies were found to be greater than female such as mean body surface area, mass, volume and pressure were found to be 2691.79 cm2, 855.7gm,1236.4 ml and 295.77 dyne/ c m 3for male and 2576.46 cm2, 852.71gm,1207 ml and 290.2 dyne/ c m 3 respectively for female. While weight and density for both males and females bats were same with mean of 8.59 newton and 0.701 g/m3. Findings of current reports can add valued information in literature about bats, which can be used for species identification and conservation.

The research based on cross-sectional data was conducted to develop a comprehensive characterization of the situation of students in higher education. In this regard, analysis of differences in various gender-related socio-economic characteristics was conducted that may motivate future systematic annual analysis of tertiary education demographics. To address the purpose of the study, first of all, the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad was purposively selected as a study population. Next, primary data was collected through well designed and pretested questionnaire from randomly selected 185 total students of second semester during under-graduate academic session 2019-20. Descriptive statistics show that traditional opinion of rural-male centered agricultural education was no more present because now 40% of student body was coming from urban areas as well as enrollment of female students in agricultural sciences was also increasing. Results further show that in many aspects females enjoy near parity with males. Female students were comparatively spending less on food and mobile-related items during studies despite their higher income family status. Even female students were significantly surpassing males based on the previous school, college and first semester examinations. Comparatively higher proportion of females planning to continue agricultural education up to Ph.D implies that gender disparity in agricultural education is diminishing. Given forthcoming changes in the agrarian economy of Pakistan and the country being signatory to sustainable development goals, it is suggested that the government should enhance safe pick and drop facilities particularly to females to lessen disparities in agricultural education. Similarly, more job placements should be arranged to absorb forthcoming agriculture graduates in the market. Finally, large sample-based studies on finding the statistical relationships among socio-economic characteristics of agriculture graduates is also suggested to give input for the development of the agriculture sector of the country.

Introduction TDuring COVID-19 pandemic, it was noticed that it was students who were mostly affected by the changes that aroused because of the pandemic. The interesting part is whether students’ well-being could be associated with their fields of study as well as coping strategies. Objectives In this study, we aimed to assess 1) the mental health of students from nine countries with a particular focus on depression, anxiety, and stress levels and their fields of study, 2) the major coping strategies of students after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an anonymous online cross-sectional survey on 12th April – 1st June 2021 that was distributed among the students from Poland, Mexico, Egypt, India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Philippines, and Bangladesh. To measure the emotional distress, we used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and to identify the major coping strategies of students - the Brief-COPE. Results We gathered 7219 responses from students studying five major studies: medical studies (N=2821), social sciences (N=1471), technical sciences (N=891), artistic/humanistic studies (N=1094), sciences (N=942). The greatest intensity of depression (M=18.29±13.83; moderate intensity), anxiety (M=13.13±11.37; moderate intensity ), and stress (M=17.86±12.94; mild intensity) was observed among sciences students. Medical students presented the lowest intensity of all three components - depression (M=13.31±12.45; mild intensity), anxiety (M=10.37±10.57; moderate intensity), and stress (M=13.65±11.94; mild intensity). Students of all fields primarily used acceptance and self-distraction as their coping mechanisms, while the least commonly used were self-blame, denial, and substance use. The group of coping mechanisms the most frequently used was ‘emotional focus’. Medical students statistically less often used avoidant coping strategies compared to other fields of study. Substance use was only one coping mechanism that did not statistically differ between students of different fields of study. Behavioral disengagement presented the highest correlation with depression (r=0.54), anxiety (r=0.48), and stress (r=0.47) while religion presented the lowest positive correlation with depression (r=0.07), anxiety (r=0.14), and stress (r=0.11). Conclusions 1) The greatest intensity of depression, anxiety, and stress was observed among sciences students, while the lowest intensity of those components was found among students studying medicine. 2) Not using avoidant coping strategies might be associated with lower intensity of all DASS components among students. 3) Behavioral disengagement might be strongly associated with greater intensity of depression, anxiety, and stress among students. 4) There was no coping mechanism that provided the alleviation of emotional distress in all the fields of studies of students. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction There are no conclusive findings about the possible protective role of religion on students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, more research is needed. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the level of emotional distress and religiosity among students from 7 different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were collected by an online cross-sectional survey that was distributed amongst Polish (N = 1196), Bengali (N = 1537), Indian (N = 483), Mexican (N = 231), Egyptian (N = 565), Philippine (N = 2062), and Pakistani (N = 506) students (N = 6642) from 12th April to 1st June 2021. The respondents were asked several questions regarding their religiosity which was measured by The Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), the emotional distress was measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results Egypt with Islam as the dominant religion showed the greatest temple attendance (organizational religious activity: M=5.27±1.36) and spirituality (intrinsic religiosity: M=5.27±1.36), p

The present work evaluated the impact of microwave pre-treatment on the storage stability, fatty acids and triacylglycerol contents in black cumin seed oil (BCO) during storage at 62 ºC. During storage, the oxidative indicator values (free acidity, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, TOTOX, specific extinctions and thiobarbituric acid) for the oils increased faster in untreated oil samples than in the microwaved samples. The degradation rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and triacylglycerol species (LLL and OLL) during storage were higher in untreated samples compared to treated ones, indicating that oxidation proceeded more slowly in the treated samples. During storage, the generation of hydroperoxides, their degradation and the formation of secondary oxidation products as investigated by FTIR, were lower in the treated oils. In conclusion, microwave pre-treatment prior to oil extraction reduced the oxidative degradation of oil samples, thereby increasing the storage stability of BCO.

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive pest of agricultural crops especially cotton crop in Pakistan. It has ability to form rosette flowers, bolls and makes them unable to open. Thus it deteriorates cotton seed quality which has significant impact on yield reduction. Increasing trend of insecticides has resulted in insecticide resistance, environmental pollution and risks of human health. Integrated pest management has key role to reduce negative impacts. Besides of several other components, pheromone traps are best monitoring and mass capturing tool for bollworms in agricultural crops. The study was conducted to check relation of pink bollworm mass trapping in pheromone traps relating to environmental factors during three years study 2018 to 2020. Results indicated that pink bollworm has two peak activity periods during study years. Standard weeks (SW) 11 to 15 and 31-35 were highly active while SW 20 to 26 was inactive periods of pink bollworm. Adult moth population captures in pheromone traps was 3.14, 4.41 and 6.75/ trap during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Highest peaks were 11.12, 11.85, 15.94 /trap with maximum, minimum, average temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall of 29.43: 36.59: 35.28°C, 11.31: 21.36: 22.80°C, 20.37: 28.96: 29.04°C, 54.66: 61.23:58. 36% and 0.00, 0.00, 0.00 mm, during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Temperature 20- 30°C had significant impacts to speed activities of pink bollworm. Minimum (r= -0.165, -0.144, -0.582) and maximum (r= -0.078, -0.045, -0.192) temperatures had negative and non- significant correlation with population in pheromone traps while average temperature had positive and significant correlation (r= 0.112, 0.290, 0.486) during study years. Average temperature had maximum impact of 20.9 (0.01), 20.7 (0.03) and 9.3 (0.07) % on population variability during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Population trends of pink bollworm had shown increasing trends during the subsequent years. Pheromone traps proved best monitoring tool of pink bollworm to integrate into integrated pest management strategy.

In the present investigation, nanochitosan-polyurethane dispersions (NCS-PUs) were prepared via polymerization process and applied on polyester cotton fabric (PCF) as a finishing agent. A prepolymer of PU with NCO functionality was synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and DMPA (2, 2-dimethylol propionic acid) was extended with NCS. The structural characterization of NCS-PUs was monitored by FTIR analysis. Pad dry cure technique was adopted for the application of NCS-PUs on pre-dyed and printed PCF samples. The PCF samples (dyed and printed) were tested for antibacterial activity, Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and tear & tensile strength properties. The UPF values in case of 10% PUB1 to PUB6 application was recorded to be 40.5, 42.30, 44.10, 47.50, 54.30 and 37.80, respectively, whereas the tensile strength improved up to 8.1% in case of 10% NCS-PUs application and these value was increased when 20% NCS-PUs was applied. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram positive and negative strains (S. aureus and E. coli). The PCF samples finished with NCS-PUs showed higher antimicrobial activity, protection against UV and tensile strength versus unfinished sample with NCS-PUs. Results revealed that the NCS-PUs significantly improved the properties of PCF (both of dyed and printed samples), hence, the NCS-PUs can be applied as finishing agent to enhance the antimicrobial activity along with protection from UV radiation.

Due to excessive use of antibiotics, resistance against microorganisms is developed. An alternative use of antibiotics, natural remedies from plants have been used against infectious diseases. In the current study, bioactive compounds from Calotropis procera (C. procera) root were extracted and chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) were used asa carriers and for the delivery to treat induced infection. Different concentration of C. procera extracts (25–75 mg/mL) were loaded on CS-PVA membrane and applied on the induced wounds in rabbits. Wound reduction was recorded for 12 days. On 6th day, small tissue from healing area were collected and subject to histopathology for tissue regeneration. The antioxidant activity (DPPH, TPC and TFC) was also investigated of CS-PVA loaded C. procera root extract. The DPPH free radical inhibition for 75 mg/mL were recorded up to 66.37%. The TPC and TFC contents were recorded to be 36.52 ± 5.12 GAE mg/g of DW (dry weight) and 24.49 ± 6.27 CE mg/g of DW (dry weight), respectively. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to control (Rifampicin). The zones of inhibition were recorded to be 18.50 ± 2.30 and 20.40 ± 4.20, respectively for CS-PVA membrane loaded with 75 mg extracts along with Rifampicin 28.50 ± 2.5 and 30.50 ± 1.38. The CS-PVA membranes were also studied for swelling and biodegradability. The biodegradability was increased, while swelling was decreased of CS-PVA membranes loaded with extract. The bioactive compounds from the CS-PVA loaded with extract released in controlled and sustainable way. Result revealed that CS-PVA loaded C. procera root extract has promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and could possibly be employed for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Purpose: Predicting healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) has the potential to revolutionise the prevention and control of transmissible infections. Existing prediction models for HAIs, however, fail to capture fully the contact-driven nature of infectious diseases. Here, we investigate the epidemiological predictivity of patient contact patterns through a forecasting model for hospital-onset COVID-19 infection (HOCI). Methods & Materials: Our cohort comprises all patient admissions at a large London NHS Trust between 1/04/2020 and 1/04/2021. For patients, we consider (i) their hospital pathway, (ii) patient contacts, and (iii) date of COVID-19 infection. We consider rolling 14-day windows and forecast patient infection over the subsequent 7 days. Over each window, we construct a patient contact network and compute network features that capture contact centrality. We then combine network features, hospital environmental variables and patient clinical data to predict subsequent infections. Results: A total of 51,157 patient admissions/episodes were observed during the study. Across all models, we find that contact-network features showed the highest performance (0.91 AUC-ROC). A reduced model with the six most predictive variables was almost as predictive and contained five features from patient contact (including direct contact with and network proximity to infectious cases) and only one environmental variable (length of stay). Conclusion: Our results reveal that the number of direct contacts and network proximity to infectious patient(s) are highly predictive of HOCI. Such contact-based risk factors are easily extracted from routinely collected electronic health records providing a highly accessible route to improve personalised disease prognostics in future models.

The aim of this paper is to investigate stability of an isothermal glass tube drawing process through control parameters by the method of linear stability analysis. We want to see how the process parameters effect stability of the physical system being considered. For this purpose, we not only prove the existence and uniqueness of the solutions of steady state isothermal tube drawing model but also determine its numerical solution. To perform linear stability analysis, steady state numerical solution is incorporated in the eigenvalue problem, formulated by linearizing the isothermal model. The eigenvalue problem is then solved numerically to determine the critical draw ratio which indicates the onset of instabilities. To the end, stability of the process is analyzed using three different values of space step size. We also observe and discuss the effect of density, viscosity and pressure on stability of the isothermal tube drawing model.

Nanotechnology gained much attention and nanomaterials have diverse applications in every field of life and researchers are consistently working on the methodology for the fabrication of NPs. Different chemical, biological and physical methods are in practice for the fabrication of NPs and under the current scenario of pollution, the application of eco-benign methods is of paramount importance. Biogenic synthesis versus other methods proved to be highly efficient for the fabrication of NPs at the nano-scale. It is also an eco-friendly, cost-effective and one-pot synthesis procedure. The use of less energy, less reaction time and ambient conditions are other advantages of the green synthesis. The NPs have been successfully prepared biogenically and employed in different fields, i.e., medicine, biosensors, electrochemistry, biomedicine, water treatment, electronics, photo-electronics and catalysis. Among, noble metal based NPs, Pt has diverse applications and the biogenic synthesis, characterization and applications of Pt NPs have been discussed in this study. The biogenic synthetic route includes plant extract (leaves, roots, flower, peels, stem, bark) and biological derivatives. The plant extracts contain flavonoids, polyphenolics, cannabinoids, terpenes, glycosides, sugars, amine, carbonyl, proteins, aldehyde, amide and alcohols, which reduce, cap and stabilize the metal ions in the solution. The reaction conditions effect on biogenic fabrication of Pt is discussed; the structure and sizes were also compared. The applications of the biogenic Pt NPs in different fields along with future prospects are discussed.

Abstract Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an imaging modality using multi-section single-shot spin echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence which is extremely sensitive for detection of water motion within intra, extra, and transcellular regions. This character is important to differentiate between brain tumors either low (benign) or highly (malignant) cellular tumors. Objective To evaluate the role of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in evaluation and differentiation between different brain posterior fossa tumors in children and adults. Patients and methods The study included 34 patients with different brain posterior fossa tumors for evaluation by conventional MRI (using 1.5 T MRI PHILIPS Achieva 2.1 Best Netherland) and DWI. Results Our study showed that mean ADC values were significantly different between the four groups of posterior fossa tumors in children: juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and brain stem glioma while mean ADC values were not significantly different between posterior fossa tumors in the adult group. Regions of interest were manually positioned, and all values were automatically calculated and expressed in 10−3 mm2/s. Conclusion DWI is an ideal additional imaging technique, which is a rapid, easy, non-invasive imaging modality, with no contrast injection needed. It has been widely applied in the differentiation between posterior fossa brain tumors and in the diagnosis of various intracranial diseases.

Green synthesis gaining a significant importance for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) and NPs-based biocomposites gained much attention in biological applications. In the current study, gold (Au) nanoparticles were prepared via green approach using cinnamon extract. The Au nanocomposite (NC) was prepared with MnO2 nanofiber mesh structure. The NC was characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, EDX, UV–visible and DLS techniques. The MnO2 nanofibers diameter was in 10–25 nm range, which was arranged in a mesh form and Au NPs was combined with nanofibers randomly. The MnO2-Au NC antimicrobial activity was measured against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antimicrobial activity of MnO2-Au NC was highly promising against tested microorganisms in comparison to control (ciprofloxacin, a standard drug). The antimicrobial activity of MnO2-Au NC was found in following order; > S. aureus > E. coli > P. aeruginosa with the zones inhibition of 22, 18 and 15 (mn), respectively. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values were 316, 342 and 231 (µg/mL) for E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. In view of promising antimicrobial activity, the MnO2-Au NC prepared via green approach could have potential applications in medical field and future study can be engrossed on the biocompatibility evaluation of MnO2-Au NC using bioassays.

In this manuscript, a new nonlinear model for the rapidly spreading Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is developed. We incorporate an additional class of vaccinated humans which ascertains the impact of vaccination strategy for susceptible humans. A complete mathematical analysis of this model is conducted to predict the dynamics of Corona virus in the population. The analysis proves the effectiveness of vaccination strategy employed and helps public health services to control or to reduce the burden of corona virus pandemic. We first prove the existence and uniqueness and then boundedness and positivity of solutions. Threshold parameter for the vaccination model is computed analytically. Stability of the proposed model at fixed points is investigated analytically with the help of threshold parameter to examine epidemiological relevance of the pandemic. We apply LaSalle’s invariance principle from the theory of Lyapunov function to prove the global stability of both the equilibria. Two well known numerical techniques namely Runge–Kutta method of order 4 (RK4), and the Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) method are employed to solve the system of ODE’s and to validate our obtained theoretical results. For different coverage levels of voluntary vaccination, we explored a complete quantitative analysis of the model. To draw our conclusions, the effect of proposed vaccination on threshold parameter is studied numerically. It is claimed that Corona virus disease could be eradicated faster if a human community selfishly adopts mandatory vaccination measures at various coverage levels with proper awareness. Finally, we have executed the joint variability of all classes to understand the effect of vaccination strategy on a disease dynamics.

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups’ levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Healthcare facility staff use a wide variety of cleaning and disinfecting products during their daily operations, many of which are associated with respiratory or skin irritation or sensitization with repeated exposure. The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of cleaning and disinfection product use, glove use during cleaning and disinfection, and skin/allergy symptoms by occupation and identify the factors influencing glove use among the healthcare facility staff. A questionnaire was administered to the current employees at a midwestern Veterans Affairs healthcare facility that elicited information on cleaning and disinfection product use, glove use during cleaning and disinfection, skin/allergy symptoms, and other demographic characteristics, which were summarized by occupation. The central supply/environmental service workers (2% of the total survey population), nurses (26%,), nurse assistants (3%), and laboratory technicians (5%) had the highest prevalence of using cleaning or disinfecting products, specifically quaternary ammonium compounds, bleach, and alcohol. Glove use while using products was common in both patient care and non-patient care occupations. The factors associated with glove use included using bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds and using cleaning products 2–3 or 4–5 days per week. A high frequency of glove use (≥75%) was reported by workers in most occupations when using quaternary ammonium compounds or bleach. The use of alcohol, bleach, and quaternary ammonium compounds was associated with skin disorders (p < 0.05). These research findings indicate that although the workers from most occupations report a high frequency of glove use when using cleaning and disinfection products, there is room for improvement, especially among administrative, maintenance, and nursing workers. These groups may represent populations which could benefit from the implementation of workplace interventions and further training regarding the use of personal protective equipment and the potential health hazards of exposure to cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

Coffee production is a global industry with roasteries throughout the world. Workers in this industry are exposed to complex mixtures of gases, dusts, and vapors including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, coffee dust, allergens, alpha-diketones, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Adverse respiratory health outcomes such as respiratory symptoms, reduced pulmonary function, asthma, and obliterative bronchiolitis can occur among exposed workers. In response to health hazard evaluations requests received from 17 small- to medium-sized coffee facilities across the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted investigations during 2016–2017 to understand the burden of respiratory abnormalities, exposure characteristics, relationships between exposures and respiratory effects, and opportunities for exposure mitigation. Full-shift, task-based, and instantaneous personal and area air samples for diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione and other VOCs were collected, and engineering controls were evaluated. Medical evaluations included questionnaire, spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Exposure and health assessments were conducted using standardized tools and approaches, which enabled pooling data for aggregate analysis. The pooled data provided a larger population to better address the requestors' concern of the effect of exposure to alpha-diketones on the respiratory heath of coffee workers. This paper describes the rationale for the exposure and health assessment strategy, the approach used to achieve the study objectives, and its advantages and limitations.

Abstract Dengue fever vectored by the mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the most rapidly spreading insect-borne diseases. Current reliance of dengue vector control is mostly on chemical insecticides. Growing insecticide resistance in the primary mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, limits the effectiveness of vector control through chemical insecticides. These chemical insecticides also have negative environmental impacts on animals, plants and human health. Myco-biocontrol agents are naturally occurring organisms and are found to be less damaging to the environment as compared to chemical insecticides. In the present study, entomopathogenic potential of local strains of fungi isolated from soil was assessed for the control of dengue vector. Local fungal isolates presents better alternative to introducing a foreign biocontrol strain, as they may be better adapted to environmental conditions of the area to survive and may have more entomopathogenic efficacy against target organism. Larvicidal efficacy of Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium proliferatum was evaluated against Aedes aegypti. Local strains of F. equiseti (MK371718) and F. proliferatum (MK371715) were isolated from the soil of Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan by using insect bait method. Larvicidal activity of two Fusarium spp. was tested against forth instar larvae of A. aegypti in the laboratory, using concentrations 105, 106, 107 and 108 conidia /ml. LC50 values for F. equiseti after 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h of exposure were recorded as 3.8x 108, 2.9x107, 2.0x107, and 7.1x106 conidia /ml respectively while LC50 values for F. proliferatum were recorded as 1.21x108, 9.6x107, 4.2x107, 2.6x107 conidia /ml respectively after 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h of exposure. The results indicate that among two fungal strains F. equiseti was found to be more effective in terms of its larvicidal activity than F. proliferatum against larvae of A. aegypti.

Abstract The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

Abstract Compound nanoparticle drug delivery system plays an important role in the interaction with lymph nodes. There are three primary types of lymphocytes: B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. When the cells of the immune system turn carcinogenic, they assault body cells. The lymph fluid plays an important role in attacking healthy cells of the body; hence, this paper aimed to design a drug delivery system, which can efficiently direct nanoparticles to target the infected cells, helping in high-speed elimination of such cells. The proposed design depends on the interaction between these molecules, and the intelligent nano-controller has the ability to guide the nanoparticles by anaerobic contact. The proposed design proved that the smaller the nanoparticle size and density, the less dynamic viscosity of the liquid would be, which would reflect its resistance to flow. In addition, it was concluded that hydrogen molecules play a significant role in reducing lymphatic fluid resistance due to their low density.

In the recent years, text-based digital forensic has evolved into a major research domain that supports digital investigation. A piece of text can be a critical source of information that is written by somebody with respect to writing style, usage of typical vocabulary, and so on. In this paper, we present a unified approach for intelligent association analysis of text of how much a piece of text is related to a person with respect to his stylometric writing features. The latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based approach emphasizes on instance-based and profile-based classification of an author’s text. Here, LDA suitably handles the high dimensional and sparse data by allowing more expressive representation of text. The presented approach is an unsupervised computational methodology that can handle the heterogeneity of the dataset, diversity in writing styles of authors, and the inherent ambiguity of Urdu language text. A large corpus was collected for performance testing of the presented approach. The results of the experiments show the superiority of the proposed approach over the state-of-the-art representations and other algorithms used for authorship attribution. Manifold contributions of the presented paper are use of improved sqrt-cosine similarity with LDA topics to measure similarity in vectors of text documents for the forensic analysis purpose, construction of a large data set of 6000 documents of articles, and achievement of (92% f1-measure) results on articles without using any labels for authorship attribution task.

Vat photopolymerization (VP), a type of additive manufacturing process that cures resin to build objects, can emit potentially hazardous particles and gases. We evaluated two VP technologies, stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), in three separate environmental chambers to understand task-based impacts on indoor air quality. Airborne particles, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and/or specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored during each task to evaluate their exposure potential. Regardless of duration, all tasks released particles and organic gases, though concentrations varied between SLA and DLP processes and among tasks. Maximum particle concentrations reached 1200 #/cm3 and some aerosols contained potentially hazardous elements such as barium, chromium, and manganese. TVOC concentrations were highest for the isopropyl alcohol (IPA) rinsing, soaking, and drying post-processing tasks (up to 36.8 mg/m3), lowest for the resin pouring pre-printing, printing, and resin recovery post-printing tasks (up to 0.1 mg/m3), and intermediate for the curing post-processing task (up to 3 mg/m3). Individual VOCs included, among others, the potential occupational carcinogen acetaldehyde and the immune sensitizer 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (pouring, printing, recovery, and curing tasks). Careful consideration of all tasks is important for the development of strategies to minimize indoor air pollution and exposure potential from VP processes.

Introduction Dementia’s prevalence increases due to population aging, it has become a major public health concern. Objectives To estimate the incidence of dementia and to describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attended in the psychiatry department of Gabes (Southern of Tunisia). Methods It was a retrospective descriptive study including all the patients who attended for the first time in the psychiatry department of Gabes, from the 1st January, 2010 to December 31, 2018, and who were diagnosed with dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Socio-demographic and clinical data were assessed. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used as a neuropsychological examination. Results We included 98 patients. The mean annual hospital incidence of dementia was 2.38%. The mean age was 76.5 ± 9.8 years. Patients were married (68%), illiterate (68%) and jobless (42.9%). A family history of dementia was noted in 39.8% of patients. The common cardiovascular comorbidity was high blood pressure (41.8%). Among our patients, 30 (30.6%) were smokers. The mean age of onset of dementia was 73 ± 11 years. The mean duration of untreated dementia was 3 years [3 months to 11 years]. First symptoms were mainly memory disorders (57.3 %) and behavioral disorders (17.3%) The mean MMSE score was 14 ± 4.8. Alzheimer’s disease was the most frequent etiology of dementia (80 cases, 82.7%). Conclusions Our study shows a high incidence of dementia and made it possible to draw up a socio-demographic and clinical profile of dementia patients. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Peak exposures are of concern because they can potentially overwhelm normal defense mechanisms and induce adverse health effects. Metrics of peak exposure have been used in epidemiologic and exposure studies, but consensus is lacking on its definition. The relevant characteristics of peak exposure are dependent upon exposure patterns, biokinetics of exposure, and disease mechanisms. The objective of this review was to summarize the use of peak metrics in epidemiologic and exposure studies. A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and NIOSHTIC-2 databases was conducted using keywords related to peak exposures. The retrieved references were reviewed and selected for indexing if they included a peak metric and met additional criteria. Information on health outcomes and peak exposure metrics was extracted from each reference. A total of 1,215 epidemiologic or exposure references were identified, of which 182 were indexed and summarized. For the 72 epidemiologic studies, the health outcomes most frequently evaluated were: chronic respiratory effects, cancer and acute respiratory symptoms. Exposures were frequently assessed using task-based and full-shift time-integrated methods, qualitative methods, and real-time instruments. Peak exposure summary metrics included the presence or absence of a peak event, highest exposure intensity and frequency greater than a target. Peak metrics in the 110 exposure studies most frequently included highest exposure intensity, average short-duration intensity, and graphical presentation of the real-time data (plots). This review provides a framework for considering biologically relevant peak exposure metrics for epidemiologic and exposure studies to help inform risk assessment and exposure mitigation.

Roasted coffee and many coffee flavorings emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Exposures to VOCs during roasting, packaging, grinding, and flavoring coffee can negatively impact the respiratory health of workers. Inhalational exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione can cause obliterative bronchiolitis. This study summarizes exposures to and emissions of VOCs in 17 coffee roasting and packaging facilities that included 10 cafés. We collected 415 personal and 760 area full-shift, and 606 personal task-based air samples for diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, and acetoin using silica gel tubes. We also collected 296 instantaneous activity and 312 instantaneous source air measurements for 18 VOCs using evacuated canisters. The highest personal full-shift exposure in part per billion (ppb) to diacetyl [geometric mean (GM) 21 ppb; 95th percentile (P95) 79 ppb] and 2,3-pentanedione (GM 15 ppb; P95 52 ppb) were measured for production workers in flavored coffee production areas. These workers also had the highest percentage of measurements above the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for diacetyl (95%) and 2,3-pentanedione (77%). Personal exposures to diacetyl (GM 0.9 ppb; P95 6.0 ppb) and 2,3-pentanedione (GM 0.7 ppb; P95 4.4 ppb) were the lowest for non-production workers of facilities that did not flavor coffee. Job groups with the highest personal full-shift exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were flavoring workers (GM 34 and 38 ppb), packaging workers (GM 27 and 19 ppb) and grinder operator (GM 26 and 22 ppb), respectively, in flavored coffee facilities, and packaging workers (GM 8.0 and 4.4 ppb) and production workers (GM 6.3 and 4.6 ppb) in non-flavored coffee facilities. Baristas in cafés had mean full-shift exposures below the RELs (GM 4.1 ppb diacetyl; GM 4.6 ppb 2,3-pentanedione). The tasks, activities, and sources associated with flavoring in flavored coffee facilities and grinding in non-flavored coffee facilities, had some of the highest GM and P95 estimates for both diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Controlling emissions at grinding machines and flavoring areas and isolating higher exposure areas (e.g., flavoring, grinding, and packaging areas) from the main production space and from administrative or non-production spaces is essential for maintaining exposure control.

Introduction: Respiratory hazards in the coffee roasting and packaging industry can include asthmagens such as green coffee bean and other dust and alpha-diketones such as diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione that can occur naturally from roasting coffee or artificially from addition of flavoring to coffee. We sought to describe the burden of respiratory abnormalities among workers at 17 coffee roasting and packaging facilities.Methods: We completed medical surveys at 17 coffee roasting and packaging facilities that included interviewer-administered questionnaires and pulmonary function testing. We summarized work-related symptoms, diagnoses, and spirometry testing results among all participants. We compared health outcomes between participants who worked near flavoring and who did not.Results: Participants most commonly reported nose and eye symptoms, and wheeze, with a work-related pattern for some. Symptoms and pulmonary function tests were consistent with work-related asthma in some participants. About 5% of workers had abnormal spirometry and most improved after bronchodilator. Health outcomes were similar between employees who worked near flavoring and who did not, except employees who worked near flavoring reported more chronic bronchitis and ever receiving a diagnosis of asthma than those who did not work near flavoring.Conclusion: The symptoms and patterns likely represent overlapping health effects of different respiratory hazards, including green coffee bean and other dust that can contribute to work-related asthma, and diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione that can contribute to obliterative bronchiolitis. Healthcare providers and occupational health and safety practitioners should be aware that workers at coffee roasting and packaging facilities are potentially at risk for occupational lung diseases.

Applications of Heliostats for solar power tower plants increased in the recent years. Most of the solar power tower plants installed are on flat terrain and they may be subjected to wind loads. In the present study, a refined method for calculating the wind loads on heliostats is presented, here called the Sandia 92-method. The first step in the Sandia-92 method is to adjust the required wind speed value to the wind speed at the center of the mirror array at a height H above ground. Hence, the performance of heliostats with different pedestal heights can be compared. The design of heliostat must be calculated in-field and the calculation of isolated heliostat wind loads should not be taken as a reference. Also, the presence of well studied fences reduces considerably wind loads on heliostats placed in the front rows.

Genotypic differences in phosphorus (P) acquisition and/or utilization can be exploited to enhance the efficiency of P fertilizers and crop productivity on P-deficient soils. Wheat genotypes were evaluated for relative growth rate, P absorption, transport and utilization in a hydroponic study at deficient P (10 µM) and adequate P (200 µM) levels. Phosphorus deficiency drastically reduced dry matter production, P accumulation in root and shoot, relative growth rate (RGR) of shoot, P absorption rate (PAR), and P transport rate of wheat genotypes. However, root- shoot ratio, RGR of root, and P utilization rate (PUR) of shoot and root increased significantly (P ? 0.001) in response to P deficiency. The genotypes SDW-4, SWD-6, YCBW-10 were found superior regarding dry biomass production and relative growth rate of shoot at low P, and therefore can be considered as P-efficient. Strong positive correlation of shoot dry matter with PUR of shoot (r = 0.80, P ? 0.001), while a non-significant relationship with PAR (r = 0.12, P ? 0.05) showed that P utilization was the dominant mechanism for high P efficiency in most of genotypes under P deficiency. The P-efficiency of SDW-6 and YCBW-10 at low P level could be explained by their higher PAR and PUR. However, P utilization appeared to be the main strategy for high P efficiency in SDW-4. The results suggested that wide variations exist among wheat genotypes for mechanisms responsible for P efficiency under low P supply which can be exploited in breeding ventures.

Low yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.) in Pakistan can be attributed to number of factors, however, cultivation of low-yielding cultivars is a serious and an important issue. Yield in bottle gourd can be improved by using adaptable high-yielding cultivars. The present investigation was carried out with ten cultivars of bottle gourd to evaluate their performance for various horticultural attributes. Cultivars grown under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad exhibited significant variation in number of horticultural attributes. The genotype G6 (Akash Green gold) was found to possess maximum internodal length (3.61 cm) while, G2 (Arya 187 F1) recorded maximum leaf area (89.29 cm2). The cultivar G4 (Akash F1 hybrid) and G8 (Kohli Long hybrid) was noted for higher fruit diameter (11.96 cm) and fruit length (13.23 cm), respectively. The cultivar G2 (Arya 187 F1) was found to be superior and promising for more fruit weight, higher number of fruits per vine and elevated fruit yield, thus it can be recommended to farmers for commercial cultivation. Moreover, outcome of this bottle gourd characterization exhibiting signi?cant variations can be organized in accordance to their usefulness for identi?cation of morphological traits, fruit characters and seed attributes.

Objectives: To determine Y-chromosome microdeletion of azoospermia factor (AZF) loci and the concomitant testicular pathology in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic infertile men. Patients and methods: DNA from blood and semen of 50 azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic infertile men (study group) and 54 healthy fertile men (control group) was investigated for microdeletion in AZF loci, using several Sequence-Tagged Site (STS) markers for AZF. Additionally, testicular biopsies from infertile men were examined to evaluate testicular morphological changes. Results: 22% (11/50) of the patients of the study group had at least one microdeletion in one or more loci of the AZF sub-regions. Sixteen microdeletions were found in the DNA extracted from blood, while 19 microdeletions were found in the DNA extracted from semen. Microdeletions were detected in the 3 AZFb loci in one case, in both AZFb and AZFc loci in another and in two AZFc loci in a third case; 8 cases had sporadic microdeletions in a single locus. Moreover, the incidence of both AZFb and AZFc microdeletions was 14% (DNA from blood) and 16% (DNA from semen), whereas AZFa microdeletions were found in only 2% (DNA from blood) and 4% (DNA from semen) of the patients. The testicular biopsies revealed variable histological changes ranging from hyalinized seminiferous tubules to arrested spermatogenesis. No microdeletion was detected in the control subjects. Conclusion: Y-chromosome microdeletions of the AZF loci are frequently seen in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic infertile men and are usually associated with impaired spermatogenesis and variable degrees of testicular histological changes.

Balanced boron (B) supply is essential for growth, yield and fiber quality of cotton crop. The wide disparity in genotypic response and narrow range between B deficient and toxic levels in soil makes it difficult to achieve the quality cotton production. A field study was conducted during Kharif season 2013 to compare ten cotton genotypes of Pakistan for their production and quality traits by growing under B deficient and B adequate conditions. Treatments for B rates i.e. B deficient (control) and B adequate (2.0 kg B ha-1) were applied in main plots and ten cotton genotypes were grown in sub-plots arranged in split plot design with three repetitions. Boron application produced variable effects on growth, yield and fiber quality of cotton genotypes, but the degree of effects was varied from genotype to genotype. Adequate application of B significantly enhanced plant height (8.4%), sympodia per plant (6.4%), bolls per plant (10.0%), boll weight (8.6%), seed-cotton yield (18.7%), leaf B content (14.1%), lint production (5.2%) and reduced the microniare value by 7.1% of all genotypes. Cotton genotypes significantly varied among each other in all the growth, yield and quality traits, except fiber length under both B regimes. Genotype CIM-589 produced the maximum bolls per plant, the highest seed-cotton yield per plant and retained the highest B in its leaves under both B conditions. The best fiber quality was produced by IR-NIBGE 1524 with longest fibers under B deficiency condition. Our findings confirm that the adequate level of B nutrition had pronounced effects on various growth and yield associated traits as compared to fiber quality traits of cotton genotypes.

Spindle cell/mesenchymal tumors of the kidney are rare. The diagnosis is supported mainly by the application of ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IH) and in-situ hybridization (FISH). An accurate diagnosis is essential because early management by complete resection and adjuvant chemotherapy improves the prognosis dramatically. Synovial sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing sarcoma are infrequent malignancies which usually present in soft tissues but rarely in the kidney. The challenge for the pathologists is to histologically differentiate between different types of sarcomas such as PNET/Ewing’s sarcoma, sarcomatous dedifferentiated renal cell carcinoma, metastasis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nephroblastoma and angiomyolipoma. Methods: We report from our experience six exemplary rare cases that presented in the kidney as spindle/round cell tumors. Results: We have arrived at the accurate diagnosis after performing a large panel of IH and FISH. Conclusion: In summary we advise an immunohistochemical panel for round/spindle cell tumors of the kidney and for unclear cases we advise to add (FISH) to get the correct diagnosis, as they are completely different regarding surgical approach and post-operative adjuvant therapy.

Aluminium base alloy (Al-Cu-Si) was reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particles, in various percentage compositions from 0-20 wt%. Silicon carbide particle size of 20µm was selected. The molten slurry of SiC reinforced base aluminium metal was casted through green and dry sand casting methods and solidification process was carried out under ambient conditions. A selected population of total casted samples were subjected to T6 heat treatment process, followed by evaluation of mechanical properties of hardness, tensile strength and impact loading. The micro sized SiC particles were preheated up to 300C prior pouring into the melted metal, for subsequent removal of residual gases and moisture content. A continuous manual stirring method was used for homogenous distribution of reinforced particle in molten slurry. The experimental results revealed that the highest parameters of hardness, impact energy and tensile strength were achieved in the T6 heat treated specimens having highest percentage composition (20%) of Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles

We report the development of a chemical sensor based on a Co(II) phthalocyanine acrylate polymer (Co(II)Pc-AP) for perchlorate anion detection. We have used two types of transducers, silicon nitride (Si3N4) and hafnium oxide (HfO2). The adhesion of the Co(II)Pc-AP on different transducers and their surface qualities have been studied by contact angle measurements. We have studied the pH effect on Al/Si/SiO2/HfO2/electrolyte capacitance values for different phosphate buffer solutions (PBS). This optimization step has allowed a sensitivity value of about 44 mV decade−1 towards H+ ions. The fabricated sensors based on Si3N4 and HfO2 transducers functionalized with a Co(II)Pc-AP membrane have been characterized by C(V) measurements for different perchlorate concentrations (from 10−7 to 10−2 M). The sensor developed with the HfO2 transducer shows better performances compared to that based on Si3N4: a larger detection range (10−7 to 10−2 and 10−3 to 10−2 M, respectively) and lower detection limits (10−7 and 10−3 M). The specificities of our perchlorate sensor have been tested for some interfering ions (nitrate, sulfate and carbonate).

Le développement des systèmes de climatisation a un impact environnemental de plus en plus important de par leurs consommations énergétiques. Le ‘dessiccant cooling’ représente une technologie innovante permettant de rafraîchir une ambiance par les changements d’état de l’eau et l’exploitation de l’énergie solaire. Notre travail consiste en l’étude d’un système de rafraîchissement évaporatif par dessiccation couplé à une installation solaire, permettant ainsi de réduire la consommation électrique et utilisant une énergie propre et gratuite. Les résultats trouvés montrent que le système permet de contrôler l’humidité et fournit donc des conditions de confort acceptables, ce qui confirme qu’il est bien adapté pour des zones humides, telles que les villes côtières de notre pays.

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is a popular state estimation method for nonlinear dynamical models. The model error covariance matrix is often seen as a tuning parameter in EKF, which is often simply postulated by the user. In this paper, we study the filter likelihood technique for estimating the parameters of the model error covariance matrix. The approach is based on computing the likelihood of the covariance matrix parameters using the filtering output. We show that (a) the importance of the model error covariance matrix calibration depends on the quality of the observations, and that (b) the estimation approach yields a well-tuned EKF in terms of the accuracy of the state estimates and model predictions. For our numerical experiments, we use the two-layer quasi-geostrophic model that is often used as a benchmark model for numerical weather prediction.

Phosphorus (P) nutrition is indispensable for plant growth and development. Seven wheat varieties (Sarsabz, Kiran-95, Khirman, NIA-Amber, NIA-Sunhari, NIA-Sunder and NIA-Saarang) were evaluated for their growth response to P deficient (0.02 mM) and adequate (0.20 mM) levels in hydroponic culture. A factorial combination of treatments, repeated four times, was arranged in a completely randomized design. Wheat varieties differed significantly (P< 0.01) in shoot and root dry matter production, root: shoot ratio, shoot and root P concentration and uptake, and shoot P utilization efficiency. Shoot P uptake and utilization efficiency were strongly correlated (r = 0.89, r = 0.77) with shoot dry matter production. On the basis of shoot dry matter production and P utilization efficiency, cultivars were grouped into four categories. NIA-Sunder, Sarsabz and Kiran-95 were efficient as well as responsive (ER) genotypes. Khirman, NIA-Sunhari, NIA-Saarang and NIA-Amber were categorized as non-efficient and non-responsive (NENR) genotypes. Prevalence of such genetic variations among these wheat cultivars can be useful in developing P- efficient genotypes.

The core objective of this research was to determine the oil characteristics and nutrient contents of Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds. Characteristics of seed oils revealed higher degree of unsaturation and as determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) reported herein the major unsaturated fatty acids were linoleic acid (52.6% in N. sativa and 42.5% in T. foenum-graecum), followed by oleic acid (23.5% in N. sativa and 20% in T. foenum-graecum), while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (16% in N. sativa and 10.5% in T. foenum-graecum). Triacylglycerols and neutral lipids were found to be most abounded components recorded to 78.4 and 93.2% for N. sativa and 84.8 and 93.2% for T. foenum-graecum, respectively. The seed oils, therefore, have potential for use as domestic and industrial oils. Compositional analysis revealed that both samples contained considerable amounts of protein (20% in N. sativa and 28% in T. foenum-graecum) and high amount of lipid (37%) in N. sativa seeds. The seeds are shown to be rich sources of potassium, calcium and sodium and other elements. Nutrient information reported herein illustrates the benefits to public health for consumers of these plant seeds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v26i1.6

ActuellementActuellement Actuellement ActuellementActuellement, le coût énergétique du procédé de dessalement d’osmose inverse représente jusqu’à 50 % du coût du mètre cube d’eau produite. La réduction de la consommation spécifique d’énergie est un enjeu majeur afin de satisfaire la demande croissante avec meilleure qualité et à moindre coût. L’objectif de cette étude est de minimiser les consommations énergétiques spécifiques des stations de dessalement basées sur le procédé d’osmose inverse. Un modèle mathématique a été développé et un programme sous l’environnement Matlab a été élaboré en utilisant la méthode du gradient projeté dont le principe de base est le calcul des dérivés sous contraintes. Plusieurs configurations ont été étudiées à savoir, un système sans récupération d’énergie, et avec récupération d’énergie en utilisant un échangeur de pression PX. Les résultats obtenus montrent que le système de récupération par un échangeur de pression est de loin le meilleur dispositif permettant d’atteindre une consommation spécifique d’énergie minimale variant de 2.17 à 2.27 kWh/m3.

Uranium and trace elements were studied in few hundred samples from phosphatic formations in Syria. Uranium and trace elements were enriched in phosphorites facies compared to carbonate and siliceous facies. Uranium content of Syrian phosphorite by fission track method shows that uranium is related to the apatite mineral and organic matter. The concentration of uranium in phosphatic elements depends on the quality of these elements (grains, biogenic-elements). Further, uranium is relatively mobile during biomicritisation, coating and weathering. Investigation of uranium extraction from phosphoric acid produced at Homs plant (G.F.S) by using phosphate concentrate from Khneifiss and Charquieh mines, have been carried out in a micro pilot and pilot plant scales. The result shows that the yield of uranium extraction from H3 PO4 is more than 95%.

La nécessité de réduire les émissions de dioxyde de carbone (CO2) a conduit à revaloriser les moteurs à combustion externe fonctionnant selon le cycle de Stirling. Les moteurs Stirling connaissent depuis peu une vogue nouvelle, car ils sont silencieux, non polluants, acceptent tout type de chaleur externe et demandent peu de maintenance. Ce moteur a été utilisé avec succès pour la conversion de l’énergie solaire en électricité par la technologie dite ‘Dish Stirling System’ qui utilise un moteur Stirling placé au foyer d’un concentrateur parabolique. Dans cette étude, une modélisation dynamique d’un moteur Stirling de type gamma basée une approche quasi stationnaire a été présentée. Ce modèle, qui prend en compte les différentes pertes thermiques et mécaniques dont le moteur Stirling est le siège, a conduit à l’écriture d’important système d’équation algébro différentielles. Le programme de calcul développé sous Matlab a permis, dans le but d’améliorer les performances du moteur Stirling, d’optimiser les paramètres géométriques et physiques, tels que la géométrie des échangeurs, la température du réchauffeur et du refroidisseur, les volumes morts et la vitesse de rotation.

Farmers in rural areas of almost all the districts of Bangladesh cultivate different varieties of edible plant karela to satisfy nutritional requirements. Herein, we report on the characteristics of seed oils and nutrients and mineral contents of seeds from three varieties of karela. Most of the physicochemical characteristics were significantly (P < 0.05) affected with the samples tested. Seed oils of all varieties displayed a higher degree of unsaturation and in GLC reported herein, only five fatty acids were identified. The profiles of fatty acid composition were not wholly similar in all varieties in which unsaturated fatty acids represented more than 72%, α-eleostearic acid having been detected in the amount of 50.36-53.22%. Acylglycerol classes were estimated to be monoacylglycerols (1.18-2.01%), diacylglycerols (1.83-2.98%), and triacylglycerols (91.11-93.03%) whereas lipid classes included neutral lipids (86.83-91.09%), glycolipids (4.37-7.43%), and phospholipids (3.22-4.62%). Of the major energy producing nutrients, all varieties contained large amounts of lipid (33.93-36.21%) and protein (18.23-21.36%), and potentially useful amounts of calcium (383.45-440.96 μg/g), iron (41.10-45.03 μg/g), and other essential minerals. The nutrient information presented in this report should stimulate the local public health authorities in Bangladesh to consider the question of recommending the vegetable karela to be consumed by adults and children alike in Bangladesh, including pregnant women and others with higher than normal nutritional requirements.

Citrus Greening Disease (CGD) was critically reviewed with respect to its history, origin, symptomatology, host range, pathogenic association, identification and detection, transmission and management. It is evident that the citrus disease has emerged as a potential serious threat to citrus production in all the citrus growing countries of the world including Pakistan. It is has been proved that in Pakistan the greening disease is the major cause of citrus decline; hence it is necessary to formulate definite planning and strategies.

The aim of this paper is to initiate the study of coincidence best proximity point problem in the setup of generalized metric spaces. Some results dealing with existence and uniqueness of a coincidence best proximity point of mappings satisfying certain contractive conditions in such spaces are obtained. An example is provided to support the result proved herein. Our results generalize, extend, and unify various results in the existing literature.