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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.

Text classification is a common task in natural language processing (NLP), where the objective is to assign predefined categories or labels to a given text. Detecting sarcasm and classifying sentiment and dialect in NLP has practical applications, including spam detection, topic classification, and sentiment analysis. However, sarcasm and sentimental expressions, such as irony, humor, or criticism, can be difficult to identify through traditional NLP methods due to their implicit nature. To address this, we propose a Modified Switch Transformer (MST) for detecting sarcasm and classifying sentiment and dialect in Arabic text data. Our approach includes two key contributions: Variational Enmesh Expert’s Routing ( $VE_{e}R$ ) and Probabilistic Projections ( $P_{\phi} $ ). The switch transformer model incorporates probabilistic projections using a Variational Spatial Gated Unit-MLP to enhance the embedding generation mechanism. This updated mechanism introduces a variational aspect, providing dynamic control over the flow of information in the network, in contrast to the simpler embedding generation phase used in the original switch transformer. Moreover, we incorporate Variational Enmesh Expert’s Routing, which utilizes a hierarchical set of Variational experts, where each expert is a small and variational-directed acyclic graph network. The $VE_{e}R$ routing technique allows the network to dynamically choose which path to take at each layer based on the input, using a set of weights learned during training to determine the best route for a given input. Instead of optimizing route paths deterministically, we utilize Variational Inference and model each route as a random variable from a distribution. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of the Modified Switch Transformer (MST) model on the ArSarcasm Dataset, which includes Arabic language data related to sarcasm, dialect, and sentiments. We compare the performance of our proposed model with existing state-of-the-art models in the literature. The results show that the switch transformer outperforms other models in detecting sarcasm and also performs well in classifying sentiment and dialect.

Introduction: There is a necessitated need for canvassing and prioritizing measures towards rabies elimination beyond existing statuesque post-exposure prophylaxis. Moreover, there is a need to characterize the psychological and intrusive experiences of dog-bite victims to portray a picture beyond the public health perspective. Objective: To get an expressive understanding of the psychological and lived-in experience of dog bite victims' to complement existing concepts. Method: The study was conducted at the anti-rabies clinic(ARC) of SMHS hospital which receives animal bite cases from the whole of Kashmir valley. Participants were selected purposefully based on the inclusion criteria, and data saturation was reached with eleven participant interviews. One to one in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven (11) dog bite victims, using a preformed interview guide. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method to describe the individualistic experiences faced in peculiar conditions with familiar phenomena embedded in them. Results: Data analysis yielded three overarching themes and nine subthemes viz:-1.Spiritual and emotional ineffectualness. (Suffering and affliction, Spiritual sulkiness, Emotional emergence) 2. Flashbacks of being hindered and defenseless. (Lack of focus in one's work, lacking the courage to protect, Being shaky)3. Social and economical implications. (Financial loss, group and peer detachment, preferring isolation) Conclusion: The results of this study showed that dog bite patients experience an unpleasant phenomenon in the face of being bitten by the dogs and are subjected to severe psychological pressures that require attention and support of medical professionals, psychologists and government authorities.

We collected surface snow samples from three different glaciers – Yala, Thana, and Sachin – in the central and western Himalayas to understand the spatial variability and radiative impacts of light-absorbing particles. The Yala and Thana glaciers in Nepal and Bhutan, respectively, were selected to represent the central Himalayas. The Sachin glacier in Pakistan was selected to represent the western Himalayas. The samples were collected during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2016. The samples were analyzed for black carbon (BC) and water-insoluble organic carbon (OC) through the thermal optical method. The average mass concentrations (BC 2381 ng g−1; OC 3896 ng g−1; dust 101 µg g−1) in the western Himalayas (Sachin glacier) were quite high compared to the mass concentrations (BC 358 ng g−1, OC 904 ng g−1, dust 22 µg g−1) in the central Himalayas (Yala glacier). The difference in mass concentration may be due to the difference in elevation, snow age, local pollution sources, and meteorological conditions. BC in surface snow was also estimated through Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) simulations at the three glacier sites during the sampling periods. Simulations reasonably capture the spatial and seasonal patterns of the observed BC in snow but with a relatively smaller magnitude. Absolute snow albedo was estimated through the Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) model. The absolute snow albedo reduction ranged from 0.48 % (Thana glacier during September) to 24 % (Sachin glacier during May) due to BC and 0.13 % (Yala glacier during September) to 5 % (Sachin glacier during May) due to dust. The instantaneous radiative forcing due to BC and dust was estimated in the range of 0 to 96.48 and 0 to 25 W m−2, respectively. The lowest and highest albedo reduction and radiative forcing were observed in central and western Himalayan glaciers, respectively. The potential source regions of the deposited pollutants were inferred using WRF-Chem tagged-tracer simulations. Selected glaciers in the western Himalayas were mostly affected by long-range transport from the Middle East and central Asia; however, the central Himalayan glaciers were mainly affected by local and south Asia emissions (from Nepal, India, and China) especially during the pre-monsoon season. Overall, south Asia and west Asia were the main contributing source regions of pollutants.

Background: COVID-19 disease has been associated with multiple organs and causes various symptoms depending on the organ involved. Histological findings in the lungs, such as microthrombi, perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, and necrosis/infarction, can also be seen in the histopathology of the appendix of COVID-19 +ve patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. In this research article, the histopathology reports of the appendix of COVID-19 +ve patients presenting with acute appendicitis, either antigen or PCR positive, are compared with those of non-COVID patients who presented with acute appendicitis. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0, and Pearson’s Chi-Square and Cramer's V tests were performed for analysis. Results: Comparing the histopathology reports of COVID-19 +ve and non-COVID patients presenting with acute appendicitis, an appendix of COVID-19 +ve patients shows microthrombi; perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates, and necrosis/infarction. Conclusion: Patients who are COVID-19 +ve presenting with acute appendicitis should be treated surgically as soon as possible to reduce the risk of acute presentation, ultimately leading to perforation, and not wait for the patient to recover from COVID infection first.

Introduction:Immunization is one of the splendid public health interventions that remarkably reduced child morbidity, mortality, and disability. Despite attaining substantial immunization coverage in Kashmir, assessment of the immunization system is quintessential for sustaining the gains and exploring the gaps. Objective: To assess the gaps in the delivery of routine immunization services in Kashmir Valley. Method: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with thirty-two (32) important stakeholders, who were purposively selected as they play an active role in the planning and implementation of the Immunization Program and devise strategies at different levels of healthcare delivery. At the state level, SEPIO and SMO were interviewed at the District level, DIO/Deputy CMO was interviewed in all ten (10) districts of Kashmir Valley. From all ten Districts, two Medical-Blocks were selected from each District, and one Block Medical Officer and one Medical Officer were interviewed alternatively from each Medical-Block. Results: The thematic qualitative analysis approach was used and the analysis process generated five themes. Each of these themes included many sub-themes. 1. Factors facilitating the implementation of Routine Immunization (RI), 2. Limitations and deficits related to knowledge, attitude, monitoring, 3. Constraints encountered in the implementation of (RI) program, 4. Difficulties in the implementation of RI revealed by respondents, 5. Transformational steps to bridge gaps in the delivery of Immunization (RI) Conclusion: There were visible deficits related to knowledge, attitude, and monitoring among health professionals. Certain constraints encountered in the implementation of the program were financial constraints in the training of health care professionals and human resources constraints. The study showed the need for transformational steps to bridge gaps in the delivery of the Immunization (RI), which included regular monitoring and review meetings, teamwork and peer learning, training, and improvement in cold chain maintenance.

BackgroundWithin Kashmir, which is one of the topographically distinct areas in the Himalayan belt of India, a total of 2,236 cumulative deaths occurred by the end of the second wave. We aimed to conduct this population-based study in the age group of 7 years and above to estimate the seropositivity and its attributes in Kashmir valley.MethodsWe conducted a community-based household-level cross-sectional study, with a multistage, population-stratified, probability-proportionate-to-size, cluster sampling method to select 400 participants from each of the 10 districts of Kashmir. We also selected a quota of healthcare workers, police personnel, and antenatal women from each of the districts. Households were selected from each cluster and all family members with age 7 years or more were invited to participate. Information was collected through a standardized questionnaire and entered into Epicollect 5 software. Trained healthcare personnel were assigned for collecting venous blood samples from each of the participants which were transferred and processed for immunological testing. Testing was done for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-spike IgM, IgG antibodies, and anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. Weighted seropositivity was estimated along with the adjustment done for the sensitivity and specificity of the test used.FindingsThe data were collected from a total of 4,229 participants from the general population within the 10 districts of Kashmir. Our results showed that 84.84% (95% CI 84.51–85.18%) of the participants were seropositive in the weighted imputed data among the general population. In multiple logistic regression, the variables significantly affecting the seroprevalence were the age group 45–59 years (odds ratio of 0.73; 95% CI 0.67–0.78), self-reported history of comorbidity (odds ratio of 1.47; 95% CI 1.33–1.61), and positive vaccination history (odds ratio of 0.85; 95% CI 0.79–0.90) for anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. The entire assessed variables showed a significant role during multiple logistic regression analysis for affecting IgM anti-spike antibodies with an odds ratio of 1.45 (95% CI 1.32–1.57) for age more than 60 years, 1.21 (95% CI 1.15–1.27) for the female gender, 0.87 (95% CI 0.82–0.92) for urban residents, 0.86 (95% CI 0.76–0.92) for self-reported comorbidity, and an odds ratio of 1.16 (95% CI 1.08–1.24) for a positive history of vaccination. The estimated infection fatality ratio was 0.033% (95% CI: 0.034–0.032%) between 22 May and 31 July 2021 against the seropositivity for IgM antibodies.InterpretationDuring the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, 84.84% (95% CI 84.51–85.18%) of participants from this population-based cross-sectional sample were seropositive against SARS-CoV-2. Despite a comparatively lower number of cases reported and lower vaccination coverage in the region, our study found such high seropositivity across all age groups, which indicates the higher number of subclinical and less severe unnoticed caseload in the community.

Background: Earlier serosurveys in India revealed seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) of 0.73% in May–June 2020 and 7.1% in August–September 2020. A third serosurvey was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) in India. Methods: The third serosurvey was conducted in the same 70 districts as the first and second serosurveys. For each district, at least 400 individuals aged ≥10 years from the general population and 100 HCWs from subdistrict-level health facilities were enrolled. Serum samples from the general population were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S1-RBD) proteins of SARS-CoV-2, whereas serum samples from HCWs were tested for anti-S1-RBD. Weighted seroprevalence adjusted for assay characteristics was estimated. Results: Of the 28,598 serum samples from the general population, 4585 (16%) had IgG antibodies against the N protein, 6647 (23.2%) had IgG antibodies against the S1-RBD protein, and 7436 (26%) had IgG antibodies against either the N protein or the S1-RBD protein. Weighted and assay-characteristic-adjusted seroprevalence against either of the antibodies was 24.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.0–25.3%]. Among 7385 HCWs, the seroprevalence of anti-S1-RBD IgG antibodies was 25.6% (95% CI 23.5–27.8%). Conclusions: Nearly one in four individuals aged ≥10 years from the general population as well as HCWs in India had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by December 2020.

Snow is a dominant water resource in high-mountain Asia (HMA) and crucial for mountain communities and downstream populations. Snow cover monitoring is significant to understand regional climate change, managing meltwater, and associated hazards/disasters. The uncertainties in passive optical remote-sensing snow products, mainly underestimation caused by cloud cover and overestimation associated with sensors' limitations, hamper the understanding of snow dynamics. We reduced the biases in Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua daily snow data and generated a combined daily snow product for high-mountain Asia between 2002 and 2019. An improved MODIS 8 d composite MOYDGL06* product was used as a training data for reducing the underestimation and overestimation of snow in daily products. The daily MODIS Terra and Aqua images were improved by implementing cloud removal algorithms followed by gap filling and reduction in overestimated snow beyond the respective 8 d composite snow extent of the MOYDGL06* product. The daily Terra and Aqua snow products were combined and merged with the Randolph Glacier Inventory version 6.0 (RGI 6.0) described as M*D10A1GL06 to make a more complete cryosphere product with 500 m spatial resolution. The pixel values in the daily combined product are preserved and reversible to the individual Terra and Aqua improved products. We suggest a weight of 0.5 and 1 to snow pixels in either or both Terra and Aqua products, respectively, for deriving snow cover statistics from our final snow product. The values 200, 242, and 252 indicate snow pixels in both Terra and Aqua and have a weight of 1, whereas pixels with snow in one of the Terra or Aqua products have a weight of 0.5. On average, the M*D10A1GL06 product reduces 39.1 % of uncertainty compared to the MOYDGL06* product. The uncertainties due to cloud cover (underestimation) and sensor limitations, mainly larger solar zenith angle (SZA) (overestimation) reduced in this product, are approximately 32.9 % and 6.2 %, respectively. The data in this paper are mainly useful for observation and simulation of climate, hydro-glaciological forcings, calibration, validation, and other water-related studies. The data are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.918198 (Muhammad, 2020) and the algorithm source code at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3862058 (Thapa, 2020).

Device simulation was employed to investigate the effect of metal back contact electrodes on the performance of n-type CdS/p-CIGS thin film solar cells using varying thicknesses of absorber layer at operating temperature of 300K. The effect of working temperatures was also studied from 300K to 400K in steps of 10K. The simulations were carried out using standard solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) 3.3.03 version software. The results showed better efficiencies at the optimized thickness of 3µm for all the back contact electrodes under study. The maximum efficiencies of 17.5 %, 15.5 %, 11.5 %, 3.5 % and 3 % were estimated for CIGS thin film solar cell at 300 K for platinum, gold, cobalt, silver and copper back contact electrodes respectively. The efficiency decreases as the operating temperatures increases from 300 K to 400 K. It is recommended that the optimized thickness of 3 µm is appropriate as absorber layer for efficient and cost effective CIGS thin film solar cells for economic reasons.

Abstract Nigella sativa is known for the safety profile, containing a wealth of useful antiviral compounds. The main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is being considered as one of the most attractive viral target, processing the polyproteins during viral pathogenesis and replication. In the current investigation we analyzed the potency of active component, thymoquinone (TQ) of Nigella sativa against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The structures of TQ and Mpro was retrieved from PubChem (CID10281) and Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 6MO3) respectively. The Mpro and TQ were docked and the complex was subjected to molecular dynamic (MD) simulations for a period 50ns. Protein folding effect was analyzed using radius of gyration (Rg) while stability and flexibility was measured, using root means square deviations (RMSD) and root means square fluctuation (RMSF) respectively. The simulation results shows that TQ is exhibiting good binding activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, interacting many residues, present in the active site (His41, Cys145) and also the Glu166, facilitating the pocket shape. Further, experimental approaches are needed to validate the role of TQ against virus infection. The TQ is interfering with pocket maintaining residues as well as active site of virus Mpro which may be used as a potential inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 for better management of COVID-19.

الأمثال مجموعة من أفكار الشعوب وعاداتها وعقائدها وتقاليدها المتوارثة جيلاً بعد جيل، وهي مرآة تعكس ثقافات الشعوب بصفة عامة، ومن أكثر أساليب التعبير الشعبية انتشارا وشيوعا، وأقدرها على مساعدة المتكلم للوصول إلى هدفه بأقل جهد وفي أقصر وقت. وقد حظيت الأمثال باهتمام كبير وعناية عظيمة لدى الأدباء العرب وحكمائها وشعرائها نظرا للأهمية التي تكتسبها في الثقافة العربية لما فيها من إيجاز اللفظ وإصابة المعنى وغيرها. وكما تهتم العرب بفن المثل وبحسن استعماله في كلامهم، كذا الشعب اليوربوي القاطنون في الجنوب الغربي لدولة نيجيريا يولون استخدام الأمثال في ثنايا حديثهم اهتماما أعظم وعناية كبرى لأن المثل عند حصان الكلام الذي يركبه المتكلم إلى هدفه. ولأهمية المثل لدى الشعبين جاءت هذه الدراسة لتتناول المثل من حيث مفهومه، وأنواعه، ومصادره، وكيفية استعماله في الكلام لدى الشعبين. وقد نسج الباحث في جمع مواد الدراسة وفحصها وتحليلها على منوال المنهج الوصفي مع الاستعانة بالمنهج التاريخي. ومما توصلت إليه الدراسة من النتائج أن المثل ظاهرة أدبية شعبية وعالية عرفتها شعوب العالم وبالأخص الشعب العربي واليوربوي، وأن مفهومه وأنواعه وخصائصه متقاربة جدا، وأن غالبية أمثال أمة أو شعب يتكرر بألفاظها وبمعنانيها في أمثال الشعوب الأخرى مع اختلاف عروقها ولغاتها وتباعد أماكنها. Proverbs are collection of peoples' customs, beliefs, and traditions inherited from one generation to another and one of the most popular methods of expression assisting the speaker effectively and efficiently. Proverbs have received great attention and concern among the Arabs. Similarly, the Yoruba people of Nigeria are interested in proverb and its good usage in every task, as according to them, it is as if a horse of speech which the speaker rides to his goal. By virtue of the importance of proverb among them, this study addresses proverb in terms of its concept, types, sources, and how it is used in their speech. In the collection, examination and analysis of data, the researcher makes use of the descriptive and historical methods. Among of the research findings are: (i) proverb is a literary phenomenon popularly known and used by peoples in the world, particularly in Arab and Yoruba. (ii) The concept, types, and characteristics of proverbs among the two nations are very close, and (iii) Most of their proverbs are repeated by others, despite the difference in their customs, languages and geographical area.

Snow is a significant component of the ecosystem and water resources in high-mountain Asia (HMA). Therefore, accurate, continuous, and long-term snow monitoring is indispensable for the water resources management and economic development. The present study improves the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra and Aqua satellites 8 d (“d” denotes “day”) composite snow cover Collection 6 (C6) products, named MOD10A2.006 (Terra) and MYD10A2.006 (Aqua), for HMA with a multistep approach. The primary purpose of this study was to reduce uncertainty in the Terra–Aqua MODIS snow cover products and generate a combined snow cover product. For reducing underestimation mainly caused by cloud cover, we used seasonal, temporal, and spatial filters. For reducing overestimation caused by MODIS sensors, we combined Terra and Aqua MODIS snow cover products, considering snow only if a pixel represents snow in both the products; otherwise it is classified as no snow, unlike some previous studies which consider snow if any of the Terra or Aqua product identifies snow. Our methodology generates a new product which removes a significant amount of uncertainty in Terra and Aqua MODIS 8 d composite C6 products comprising 46 % overestimation and 3.66 % underestimation, mainly caused by sensor limitations and cloud cover, respectively. The results were validated using Landsat 8 data, both for winter and summer at 20 well-distributed sites in the study area. Our validated adopted methodology improved accuracy by 10 % on average, compared to Landsat data. The final product covers the period from 2002 to 2018, comprising a combination of snow and glaciers created by merging Randolph Glacier Inventory version 6.0 (RGI 6.0) separated as debris-covered and debris-free with the final snow product MOYDGL06*. We have processed approximately 746 images of both Terra and Aqua MODIS snow containing approximately 100 000 satellite individual images. Furthermore, this product can serve as a valuable input dataset for hydrological and glaciological modelling to assess the melt contribution of snow-covered areas. The data, which can be used in various climatological and water-related studies, are available for end users at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.901821 (Muhammad and Thapa, 2019).

The utility of patient-derived tumor cell lines as experimental models for glioblastoma has been challenged by limited representation of the in vivo tumor biology and low clinical translatability. Here, we report on longitudinal epigenetic and transcriptional profiling of seven glioblastoma spheroid cell line models cultured over an extended period. Molecular profiles were associated with drug response data obtained for 231 clinically used drugs. We show that the glioblastoma spheroid models remained molecularly stable and displayed reproducible drug responses over prolonged culture times of 30 in vitro passages. Integration of gene expression and drug response data identified predictive gene signatures linked to sensitivity to specific drugs, indicating the potential of gene expression-based prediction of glioblastoma therapy response. Our data thus empowers glioblastoma spheroid disease modeling as a useful preclinical assay that may uncover novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and associated molecular alterations.

Radio refractivity, which is the bending of a radio signal as it propagates through media, is very important in works involving terrestrial atmospheric electromagnetic propagation such as point-to-point microwave communication, terrestrial radio and television broadcast and mobile communication system. This study focused on the West African region where it was found that the refractivity varies exponentially with height (N=NoeH/h) and from the coast towards the desert: the average surface refractivity (No) for West Africa was found to be around 342 N-units, while the average scale height (h) was found to be around 8.01 km. Generally, the refractivity gradient was found to range between −46.48 and −29.51 N-units/km (k-factor value of between 1.23 and 1.42) across West Africa, splitting the region between sub- and super-refraction. The variation in refraction type was found to follow a seasonal pattern across the West African region, with sub-refraction dominating during the dry season and super-refraction dominating most part in the coastal area during the wet season.

Abstract In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.

Abstract Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.

Abstract For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

This study demonstrates a novel, facile and one-pot approach to synthesize silica nanoparticles with silver at core and crust (SiNP-AgCC). A modified Stöber method was used to make SiNP-AgCC. A significant reduction in the size of SiO2 nanoparticles was seen, with 2–5 nm AgNPs being uniformly distributed on the surface and 10–20 nm AgNPs in the center. A typical mesoporous SiO2 particle (SiNP) produced using the Stöber method was transformed to nanoporous SiO2 by this modified Stöber method. Nanoporous SiO2 particles with silver in the center are advantageous for slow and consistent Ag+ release, which was confirmed by Ag+ ion release test. Antibacterial activities of the samples were tested to evaluate the disinfection performance of the samples on gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using disk diffusion and the LB-agar method. SiNP-AgCC showed prolonged silver release for more than 20 days and improved antibacterial properties even after five days of incubation. Keywords: SiO2-AgNPs nanocomposite, SiO2-AgNPs @ Core and Crust, Modified Stöber method, Silver release, Antibacterial properties

Five new derivatives of 4,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)pyrimidine (DTP) were designed by structural modification with the aim to tune the electro-optical and charge transfer properties. The effect of oligocene and oligocenothiophene incorporation/substitution was investigated on various properties of interests. The smaller hole reorganization energy revealed that compounds 1-5 might be good hole transfer contenders. The smaller hole reorganization energy of newly designed five DTP derivatives than the pentacene showed that prior compounds might be good/comparable hole transfer materials than/to that of pentacene. The computed electron reorganization energy of DTP derivatives 1-5 are 124, 185, 93, 95 and 189 meV smaller than the meridional-tris (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (mer-Alq3) illuminating that electron mobility of these derivatives might be better/comparable than/to referenced compound.

Abstract Snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is an economically important freshwater fish, mostly found in northern areas of water reservoirs of Pakistan. The current study was conducted in River Swat to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn) in tissues of Schizothorax plagiostomus. Tissues were extracted and dissolved in perchloric acid (HClO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) along with hotplate. The heavy metals, zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) were determined using Perkin Elmer 2380 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results shows great variation in the content of the metal related to tissue type and sampling sites. A high concentration of bioaccumulation was reported at Charbagh, whereas lowest at Odigram: Charbagh>Landakai>Odigram. In the same way, Cr was the most accumulated heavy metal followed by lead, nickel, and Zinc:

Empirical based approaches play an important role in tunnel excavation and support system design. These approaches are considered to be very effective in optimising the process of tunnel excavation and particularly tunnel widening. Several reliable empirical approaches have been developed, however the selection or utilisation of an appropriate empirical method for designing the widening of a tunnel is still a challenging task. Therefore, in this work, the analysis of seven different empirical design approaches was carried out to determine the rock mass behaviour during tunnel widening in high in-situ stress state. These approaches include New Austrian Tunnelling Method, Rock Mass Rating, Rock Mass Quality, Rock Mass Index, Rock Structure Rating, Geological Strength Index and Basic Quality Index. On the basis of simulated statistical results obtained from the said empirical approaches, it was found that the application of Rock Mass Quality approach is highly effective in the tunnel widening since it can satisfactorily incorporate the equivalent dimensions and in-situ stress condition of widened tunnel. The method furnishes optimised reinforcement and support design. Additionally, this study also produces reliable data related to the initial excavation of tunnel which can be helpful in defining precise rock mass parameters during tunnel widening.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants were grown with saline–sodic water (SSW) by treating with potassium (K @ 100 and 200 mg K2O kg−1 soil) and farm yard manure (FYM @ 5 and 10% of soil, w/w). Irrigation with untreated SSW caused soil salinization/sodification, leading to an increase in electrical conductivity (EC) of 165% and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 100% with the subsequent increase of 736% in shoot Na+, a decrease of 52% in shoot K+ and 94% in shoot K+:Na+ratio compared to canal water. SSW also decreased physiological activities: 31% relative water content (RWC), 34% membrane stability index (MSI), 51% protein, 33% chlorophyll and 58% photosynthetic rate compared to canal water. Integrated application of K and FYM, at higher level, decreased soil EC by 54% and SAR 43%, and shoot Na+ 57% with a corresponding improvement in soil organic matter 166%, shoot K+ 360%, shoot K+:Na+ratio 987%, RWC 34%, MSI 37%, protein 60%, photosynthetic rate 102%, superoxide dismutase 92%, peroxidase 78% and catalase 52% compared to SSW without K and/or FYM. In conclusion, exogenous application of K and FYM could be a promising approach to use brackish water in agriculture on a sustainable basis.

The purpose of the current article is to explore the boundary layer heat transport flow of multiphase magnetic fluid with solid impurities suspended homogeneously past a stretching sheet under the impact of circular magnetic field. Thermal radiation effects are also taken in account. The equations describing the flow of dust particles in fluid along with point dipole are modelled by employing conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy, which are then converted into non-linear coupled differential equations by mean of similarity approach. The transformed ODE’s are tackled numerically with the help of efficient Runga-Kutta method. The influence of ferromagnetic interaction parameter, viscous dissipation, fluid-particle interaction parameter, Eckert number, Prandtl number, thermal radiation parameter and number of dust particles, heat production or absorption parameter with the two thermal process namely, prescribed heat flux (PHF) or prescribed surface temperature (PST) are observed on temperature and velocity profiles. The value of skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt number are calculated for numerous physical parameters. Present results are correlated with available for a limited case and an excellent agreement is found. Keywords: Ferromagnetic interaction parameter, Dusty magnetic fluid, stretching sheet, Magnetic dipole, Heat source/sink, Thermal radiation

An effective scheme to formulate high performance and multifunctional cement based mortar composites reinforced with varying lengths of carbon fibers has been devised. The detailed investigations pertaining to the fracture response of composites in cracks initiation and progression phases, their conducting mechanism and volumetric stability were performed with varying loads of 6mm and 12mm long carbon fibers at two different w/c ratios i.e. 0.45 and 0.50. The experiments concluded that an optimum addition of carbon fibers results in substantial improvement of fracture properties alongside significant reduction in electrical resistivity and total plastic shrinkage. The field emission scanning electron microscopy of the cryofractured specimen revealed crack arresting actions of uniformly distributed carbon fibers through successful crack bridging and branching phenomenon.

The removal of heavy metals from our environment especially wastewater is now shifting from the use of conventional removal method such as chemical precipitation, coagulation and membrane filtration to the use of bioremoval method. The presence of heavy metals in the environment is of major concern because of their toxicity, bioaccumulating tendency, and threat to human life and the environment. In recent years, many low cost sorbents such as microalgae, fungi bacteria and lignocellulosic agricultural by-products have been investigated for their biosorption capacity towards heavy metals. In this project, the focus is on bioremoval of heavy metals in wastewater using marine microalgae. The study will be emphasize on the efficiency of two marine microalgae named Nannochloropsis oculata and Tetraselmis chuii in treating the Lead (Pb) content in industrial wasterwater. An experiment on the effect of various Pb concentration (10/20/40/60/80/100mg/L) towards the microalgae has been studied. The obtained result showed that the content of chlorophyll-A in the microalgae sample, after 7 days of exposures to Pb, decreased as the Pb concentration increased. Besides that, Tetraselmis chuii was found to be more sensitive compared to Nannochloropsis oculata where both were able to tolerate the Pb concentration of up to only 20mg/L and 60mg/L, respectively.

Weed management is a primary concern in direct seeded rice (DSR) cropping because weed growth becomes a major constraint on crop yield. A two year field study was set up to evaluate the effect of various weed control measures on crop growth, grain yield and grain quality of DSR. The experiment involved five different weed control measures: hand weeding, hoeing, inter-row tine cultivation, inter-row spike hoeing and herbicide treatment (Nominee 100 SC). The extent of weed control (compared to a non-weeded control) ranged from 50-95%. The highest crop yield was obtained using hand weeding. Hand weeding, tine cultivation and herbicide treatment raised the number of fertile rice tillers formed per unit area and the thousand grain weight. Tine cultivation provided an effective and economical level of weed control in the DSR crop.

The ancient oasis-city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate still retains the most important and outstanding cultural heritage of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The larger area of Abu Dhabi Emirate comprised of archaeological sites, cultural landscapes and historic buildings dating back to 3rd millennium to the recent pre-oil era. Traditional materials like stone, earth and palm wood were used in combination with local construction methods. For the last seven years the newly formed Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)1 has been actively involved in conservation of built heritage in Abu Dhabi Emirate with the help of its Conservation Section. Documentation prior to any conservation and restoration works is considered as a basic pre-requisite for understanding an historic building or site. It is a process which continues during the conservation of any monument and is the only accurate tool for recording information in order to understand the structure, ultimately leading to the management of cultural heritage. Application and use of tools, ranging from basic manual techniques to 3D laser scanning, based on the best practices and international guidelines the exercise will help in establishing a documentation lab with standard procedures, specifications and tools for the documentation and monitoring the built heritage of Abu Dhabi Emirate. This paper will discuss a range of case studies and will demonstrate how documentation and monitoring of the built heritage has augmented the various conservation initiatives on a variety of building types.

In this paper, the effect of renewable energy resources (RERs), demand response (DR) programs and electric vehicles (EVs) is evaluated on the optimal operation of a smart distribution company (SDISCO) in the form of a new bi-level model. According to the existence of private electric vehicle parking lots (PLs) in the network, the aim of both levels is to maximize the profits of SDISCO and the PL owners. Furthermore, due to the uncertainty of RERs and EVs, the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) method is applied in order to limit the risk of expected profit. The model is transformed into a linear single-level model by the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions and tested on the IEEE 33-bus distribution system over a 24-h period. The results show that by using a proper charging/discharging schedule, as well as a time of use program, SDISCO gains more profit. Furthermore, by increasing the risk aversion parameter, this profit is reduced.

Proper training on the preventive measures against COVID-19 among health-care workers is crucial for mitigating the spread of viral infection. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a brief web-based module on the practice of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among respective health-care workers. A comparative study was conducted with a total of 500 participants. A self-reported questionnaire was used for both pre- and post-intervention evaluation. The post-intervention assessment was conducted 1-2 weeks following the intervention. The difference in the practice of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes during work hours was recorded. We found that the intervention resulted in an evident difference in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer by the participating doctors before examining the patient. Interns showed a much higher propensity to wash their hands for at least 20 s, relative to other health-care workers. The difference between pre- and post-intervention handwashing for >5 times/day was 6.5% in females and 4.5% in males. In short, the study was able to demonstrate that a web-based health education module is an effective tool for the education and promotion of preventative measures in hospital setups, which may ultimately aid in halting the spread of COVID-19 among health-care workers.