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Abstract The purpose of the current work was to develop and characterize ethosomes of vitamin D3 gel that could more effectively work against psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Due to vitamin D3 role in proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes, it has become an important local therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis. In this research we have initiated worked on ethosomes gels containing vitamin D3 to treat psoriasis. Soya lecithin 1–8% (w/v), propylene glycol and ethanol were used to create the formulations, which were then tested for vesicle size, shape, surface morphology, entrapment effectiveness, and in vitro drug permeation. The drug encapsulation efficiency of ethosomes was 96.25% ± 0.3. The particle sizes of the optimized ethosomes was 148 and 657 nm, and the PDI value was 0.770 ± 0.12 along with negative charge − 14 ± 3. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies confirmed the absence of interactions between vitamin D3 and other ingredients. It was determined that the total amount of medication that penetrated the membrane was 95.34% ± 3. Percentage lysis was very negligible for all strengths which were found less than 15%. Based on our research, ethosomes appear to be safe for use. The vitamin D3 ethosomal gel order, description, pH, and viscosity were all within the specified ranges, according to the findings of a 6-month investigation into the stability profile of the completed system. In this research, we successfully prepared ethosomes loaded with vitamin D3 and then converted it into gel for patients’ easy applications.

The use of nanosized particles is becoming more popular for the topical treatment of skin conditions. In this research work, we created and investigated the effects of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing hyaluronic acid and tretinoin. Solvent emulsification diffusion method was used to prepare the SLN formulation and characterized for their physicochemical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm that hyaluronic acid and tretinoin were incorporated in the SLN. Furthermore, X-ray diffractogram, thermal analysis including DSC and TGA and in vitro dissolution, permeation tests were also performed along with microbial assessment. Clinical studies in human were performed to evaluate the effect of the SLN on skin wrinkles. The SLN was 750 ± 31.29 nm in size, with a zeta potential of 13.07 ± 0.75 mV and a narrow polydispersity index of 0.24 ± 0.12. The entrapment efficiency of tretinoin was found to be 90.07 ± 4.79%. Clinical studies in healthy human volunteers demonstrated that 90% of the tested individuals had improved skin conditions (reduction in wrinkles), by at least one grade after 4 weeks of treatment. Regarding the development on SLN, it was found that the internal phase concentration did not considerably affect the physicochemical and microbiological properties. Therefore, Hyaluronic acid has potential for the development of SLN applicable to cosmetic formulations, especially for skin. These findings show that the developed SLN have potential for use as cosmetics in the future.

This research paper focuses on investigating the phenomenon of entropy generation, specifically within the context of blood flow. Blood is modeled as a three-layered liquid model, with micropolar and Newtonian fluids occupying the center and periphery sections of the tube, respectively. A narrow glycocalyx layer adjacent to the wall is regarded as indicating a permeable area caused by the accumulation of carbohydrates and fibrous tissues within the tube wall. Further, the walls of the cylinder are taken as permeable. The objectives of this study include understanding the mechanisms and factors contributing to entropy generation in blood patterns, exploring the relationship between entropy generation and flow characteristics, and analyzing the impact of entropy generation on the overall energy efficiency of the system. The transformation of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) from partial differential equations (PDEs) can be accomplished by employing a similarity approach that combines shooting methods with the inculcation of the RK-4 method. This integrated technique facilitates the transformation process effectively. Then, MATLAB software is used to plot graphs for accuracy purposes. Under various physical limitations, the comparison study demonstrates that trihybrid nanoliquids exhibit ultrahigh thermal efficiency compared to ordinary nanoliquids, and incorporating these nanofluids enhances entropy generation, temperature, and Bejan profiles, improving thermal conductivity and energy transfer. This integration ensures sustained performance over time, benefiting from carefully selected nanoparticles for stability optimization. As a result, these fluids are extremely useful for industrial applications, particularly filtration and ultrahigh heat.

Electrocatalytic water splitting is regarded as a promising approach to produce hydrogen, which is a clean and renewable fuel. The process is mainly constrained due to the sluggish proton-coupled four-electrode transfer process at the anode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with high overpotential requirement. Herein this work, we used a one-step hydrothermal method for the in-situ synthesis of CoSe nanoparticles over the surface of carbon nanotube-based fiber (CNTs fiber) and utilized it as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the electrochemical water splitting process. Surface-modified fiber showed excellent performance towards OER with a low overpotential (η10 = 414 mV) and Tafel slope (77 mVdec−1). We also exploited the same material as cathode, which exhibited an excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the counterpart with improved catalytic performance as compared to bare CNTs materials. During the HER process in the cathodic potential region, the electrocatalyst displayed a current density of 10 mAcm−2 at an overpotential of 496 mV. Furthermore, the electrocatalyst exhibited excellent performance during the testing for the overall water splitting. The outcomes reveal that the fabricated electrode can be potentially applied as an efficient and flexible electrode to derive the hydrogen as fuels during the overall electrochemical water splitting reaction.

Objectives: Plant viruses are a significant contributor to the economic losses experienced in numerous plant species. Begomoviruses exhibit a wide range of host species, encompassing both cultivated and non-cultivated plants. The kudzu plant, scientifically known as Pueraria montana, is indigenous to the Southeast Asian region. Moreover, it exhibits varied attributes with regards to its utilization in the fields of medicine, food, cosmetics, and the herbal industry. Methods: During a routine survey, some P. montana plants having typical symptoms of yellowing, mosaic, and mottle were observed in areas including Fort-Minro (FM) and Anari of district Dera Ghazi Khan and Maari (MA) of district Rajanpur. The genomic DNA was extracted from the collected samples. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rolling circular amplification (RCA) was carried out to isolate the DNA and DNA- β from the collected plant specimens. An evolutionary research was conducted to assess the lineage of this virus inside a novel geographical region. Results: A 500-bp amplicon size was obtained from the samples of the FM and MA, while the approximately 2.7-kb amplicon size of its full genome was obtained from the samples of both locations. The results of the sequence analysis demonstrated conclusively that the plants in question are infected with Kudzu mosaic virus (KMV). The evolutionary history analysis has confirmed the virus's lineage in a new region, and the nucleotide frequencies of obtained sequences were variable. Conclusion: The presence of a novel bipartite begomovirus in the tropical region has been substantiated using a phylogenetic and evolutionary investigation. The observation of a white fly population on infected plants has also suggested that the transmission of this virus through the migration of this insect vector can be a viable mechanism.

The current study was carried out to screen 10 isolates (ARS-01–ARS-10) of Rhizoctonia. solani from potato tubers cv. Kuroda, which were collected from various potato fields in Multan, Pakistan. The isolates were found to be morphologically identical, as the hyphae exhibit the production of branches at right angles and acute angles often accompanied by septum near the emerging branches. Anastomosis grouping showed that these isolates belonged to AG-3. A pathogenicity test was performed against the susceptible Kuroda variety and among the isolates, ARS-05 exhibited the highest mean severity score of approximately 5.43, followed by ARS-09, which showed a mean severity score of about 3.67, indicating a moderate level of severity. On the lower end of the severity scale, isolates ARS-06 and ARS-07 displayed mean severity scores of approximately 0.53 and 0.57, respectively, suggesting minimal symptom severity. These mean severity scores offer insights into the varying degrees of symptom expression among the different isolates of R. solani under examination. PCoA indicates that the severe isolate causing black scurf on the Kuroda variety was AG-3. A comprehensive analysis of the distribution, genetic variability, and phylogenetic relationships of R. solani anastomosis groups (AGs) related to potato crops across diverse geographic regions was also performed to examine AG prevalence in various countries. AG-3 was identified as the most widespread group, prevalent in Sweden, China, and the USA. AG-5 showed prominence in Sweden and the USA, while AG-2-1 exhibited prevalence in China and Japan. The phylogenetic analysis unveiled two different clades: Clade I comprising AG-3 and Clade II encompassing AG-2, AG-4, and AG-5, further subdivided into three subclades. Although AGs clustered together regardless of origin, their genetic diversity revealed complex evolutionary patterns. The findings pave the way for region-specific disease management strategies to combat R. solani’s impact on potato crops.

Sirolimus, a potent immunosuppressant, has been demonstrated to have remarkable activity in inhibiting allograft rejection in transplantation. The objective of the study was to fabricate microsponge mini tablets with enhanced solubility and bioavailability. β-Cyclodextrin and NEOCEL C91 were selected to prepare the microsponges (SLM-M) to improve the stability and solubility of sirolimus. The current study involved the quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion technique to design sirolimus-loaded microsponges that were further compressed into mini tablets 4 mm in diameter. Solid-state characterization, dissolution at different pH values, stability, and pharmacokinetic profiles with IVIVC data were analyzed in humans. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the formulations, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to assess the drug stability of the compressed microsponge minitablets. The API changed from the crystalline state to an amorphous state, as shown by XRD and DSC. The compressed mini tablets showed a 4-fold enhancement in the drug dissolution profile. A toxicology investigation suggested that mini tablets were safe. In humans, the bioavailability of sirolimus compressed mini tablets from SLM-M was significantly improved. The results suggest that mini tablets prepared with β-cyclodextrin and NEOCEL C91 by a quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion process might be an alternative way to improve the bioavailability of sirolimus. In addition, the manufacturing process is easily scalable for the commercialization of drugs to market.

ABSTRACTNitrate contamination of groundwater has become a serious threat to the environmental health. In this study, nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) and granular activated carbon (GAC) were fabricated and characterized by some advanced analytical techniques including SEM, BET, XRD, and FTIR to investigate their structural properties. Batch experiments were conducted for the adsorption of nitrate from water. The effect of various parameters including pH, adsorbent dose, initial nitrate concentration, and contact time was investigated. The nZVI showed maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 104.20 mg/g for nitrate at optimum conditions (pH 2, initial concentration 50 ppm, adsorbent dose 3.75 g/L at room temperature), while GAC has shown qmax 81.07 mg/g at optimum conditions (pH 6, initial concentration 50 ppm, adsorbent dose 3.75 g/L at room temperature). Equilibrium data of nitrate adsorption by nZVI and GAC followed the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.999) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. ANOVA and RCBD approaches were used to evaluate and check the significant level of various parameters.

Tacrolimus (TL) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressive drug widely used to manage various skin disorders. Herein, we report a TL-loaded microsphere gel formulation with severe atopic dermatitis effects that are required to manage skin disorders. The current study adopted a modified emulsion solvent evaporation technique to synthesize TL-loaded microspheres, which were further converted into gels for skin use. Characterization of the synthesized formulation was performed by differential dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and drug release. A Franz diffusion cell was used to study the diffusion of TL for up to 8 h at pH 6.8 and 5.5. Evaluation of cell viability was determined by MTT assay and showed higher IC50 values compared to the plain drug. RNA extraction, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), and reverse transcription were also performed to determine the expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2. Particle size determination was performed by a zeta sizer, and the TL microsphere size was 1745 ± 70 nm with a good polydispersity (0.337 ± 0.12). The drug entrapment efficiency was also very good at 60% ± 10, and the drug release was 93.9% ± 3.5 within 8 h. An in vitro diffusion study of the formulation also showed improved permeability at both pH values (4.5 and 5.5). The findings of the hemolytic tests demonstrated that TL-MG at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL did not produce any hemolysis. A dose-dependent pattern of cytotoxicity was found during the cell viability assay, with an IC50 value of 787.55 ± 12.78 µg/mL. There was a significant decrease in the IL-2 level in the TL-MG group compared to the other groups. TL-MG microspheres were nontoxic carriers for tacrolimus delivery, with greater loading capacity, a significant release profile, and enhanced cellular uptake with improved permeability.

This study examines the flow and heat transfer of a finite thin layer of a hybrid nanofluid across an unstable stretching surface with varying thermal conductivity and viscous dissipation effects. A hybrid nanofluid model is considered to comprise two different types of nanoparticles, Go and Ag, with kerosene oil used as a base fluid. To study the phenomenon of thermal conduction, a modified version of Fourier’s law model is adopted because in the power-law model, the thermal conductivity depends on the velocity gradient. A system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is obtained by considering the similarity transformations over the obtained rheological system of partial differential equations which is then tackled by a well-known numerical approach, i.e., the bvp4c MATLAB technique. The rheological impacts of the power-law index, solid volume fraction, film thickness, Eckert number, and modified Prandtl number on temperature and velocity fields are graphically discussed and illustrated. In the presence of nanoparticles, the temperature of the working fluid is enhanced and the power-law index has an inverse relation with the velocity of the hybrid nanofluid.

Common inflammatory conditions of the airways, such as chronic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, and seasonal and chronic allergic rhinitis, can significantly impact the health and quality of life of a patient. Intranasal corticosteroids are recommended as a part of the treatment plan for each of these conditions because they can help reduce symptoms by reducing inflammation. In this randomized, controlled trial, 30 individuals with rhinitis were enrolled to compare the efficacy of a new nano formulation of Fluticasone Propionate nano-nasal spray (FP-NNS) with the commercially available FP-NS nasal spray in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (15 to 60 years). Patients were administered 50 µg doses of FP-NNS in the morning and evening. This regimen was administered as a nasal spray during a 4-week phase evaluating its efficacy and safety. Each efficacy endpoint was analyzed using analysis of variance. More of our clinical studies have demonstrated that FP-NNS decreases inflammatory markers in both adults and children.

The main objective of the current research work was to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled delivery of mometasone furoate for potential nasal delivery. The optimized sol–gel method was used for the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Synthesized nanoparticles were processed through Zeta sizer, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, and BET analysis for structural characterization. The in vitro dissolution test was performed for the inclusion compound, while the Franz diffusion experiment was performed for permeability of formulation. For the determination of expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. The MTT assay was also performed to determine cell viability. Synthesized and functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles showed controlled release of drugs. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the corresponding functional groups of drugs within mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Zeta sizer and thermal analysis confirmed the delivery system was in nano size and thermally stable. Moreover, a highly porous system was observed during SEM and TEM evaluation, and further it was confirmed by BET analysis. Greater cellular uptake with improved permeability characteristics was also observed. As compared to the crystalline drug, a significant improvement in the dissolution rate was observed. It was concluded that stable mesoporous silica nanoparticles with significant porosity were synthesized, efficiently delivering the loaded drug without any toxic effect.

Common inflammatory airway disorders, such as seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, and nasal polyposis, can have a significant impact on patient health and quality of life. Intranasal corticosteroids are recommended as part of treatment plans for each of these illnesses because they reduce inflammation and thus symptoms. In order to compare the efficacy and safety of a new nano formulation of mometasone furoate nano-nasal spray (MF-NNS) with a commercially available nasal spray called mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, 20 rhinitis patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial (10 to 50 years). Patients were given 50 mcg MF-NNS doses in the morning and evening. This regimen was administered as a nasal spray for a 3-week efficacy and safety phase. The primary endpoints changed from baseline in the subjects’ congestion as determined by the physicians’ assessment of allergic rhinitis. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate all efficacy end points. More clinical trials have shown that MF-NNS reduces both objective and subjective markers of inflammation in adults, adolescents, and children.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to make pH-sensitive HPMC/Neocel C19-based interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs) that could be used to treat different diseases. An assembled novel carrier system was demonstrated in this study to achieve multiple functions such as drug protection and self-regulated release. Methods: Misoprostol (MPT) was incorporated as a model drug in hydroxyl-propyl-methylcellulose (HPMC)- and Neocel C19-based IPNs for controlled release. HPMC- and Neocel C19-based IPNs were fabricated through an aqueous polymerization method by utilizing the polymers HPMC and Neocel C19, the initiator ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS), the crosslinker methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), and the monomer methacrylic acid (MAA). An IPN based on these materials was created using an aqueous polymerization technique. Samples of IPN were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analysis (TGA), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The effects of the pH levels 1.2 and 7.4 on these polymeric networks were also studied in vitro and through swelling experiments. We also performed in vivo studies on rabbits using commercial tablets and hydrogels. Results: The thermal stability measured using TGA and DSC for the revised formulation was higher than that of the individual components. Crystallinity was low and amorphousness was high in the polymeric networks, as revealed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The results from the SEM analysis demonstrated that the surface of the polymeric networks is uneven and porous. Better swelling and in vitro results were achieved at a high pH (7.4), which endorses the pH-responsive characteristics of IPN. Drug release was also increased in 7.4 pH (80% in hours). The pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs showed improvement in our work with hydrogel. The tablet MRT was 13.17 h, which was decreased in the hydrogels, and its AUC was increased from 314.41 ng h/mL to 400.50 ng h/mL in hydrogels. The blood compatibility of the IPN hydrogel was measured using different weights (100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg; 5.34%, 12.51%, 20.23%, and 29.37%, respectively). Conclusions: As a result, IPN composed of HPMC and Neocel C19 was successfully synthesized, and it is now possible to use it for the controlled release of MPT.

Purpose: Numerous carbohydrate polymers are frequently used in wound-dressing films because they are highly effective materials for promoting successful wound healing. In this study, we prepared amikacin (AM)-containing hydrogel films through the cross-linking of chitosan (CS) with folic acid along with methacrylic acid (MA), ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS), and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). In the current studies, an effort has been made to look at the possibilities of these materials in developing new hydrogel film wound dressings meant for a slow release of the antibiotic AM and to enhance the potential for wound healing. Methods: Free-radical polymerization was used to generate the hydrogel film, and different concentrations of the CS polymer were used. Measurements were taken of the film thickness, weight fluctuation, folding resistance, moisture content, and moisture uptake. HPLC, FTIR, SEM, DSC, and AFM analyses were some of the different techniques used to confirm that the films were successfully developed. Results: The AM release profile demonstrated regulated release over a period of 24 h in simulated wound media at pH 5.5 and 7.4, with a low initial burst release. The antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacterial strains exhibited substantial effectiveness, with inhibitory zones measuring approximately 20.5 ± 0.1 mm. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility assessments demonstrated remarkable cell viability, surpassing 80%, specifically when evaluated against human skin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. Conclusions: The exciting findings of this study indicate the promising potential for further development and testing of these hydrogel films, offering effective and controlled antibiotic release to enhance the process of wound healing.

Wound healing faces significant challenges in clinical settings. It often contains a series of dynamic and complex physiological healing processes. Instead of creams, ointments and solutions, alternative treatment approaches are needed. The main objective of the study was to formulate bacitracin zinc-loaded topical patches as a new therapeutic agent for potential wound healing. A free radical polymerization technique was optimized for synthesis. Polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG-8000) was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid in aqueous medium, using Carbopol 934 as a permeation enhancer and tween 80 as surfactant. Ammonium persulfate and N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) were utilized as initiator and cross-linker. FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM were performed, and patches were evaluated for swelling dynamics, sol-gel analysis, in vitro drug release in various media. A Franz diffusion cell was used for the permeation study. Irritation and wound healing with the drug-loaded patches were also studied. The characterization studies confirmed the formation of a cross-linked hydrogel network. The highest swelling and drug release were observed in formulations containing highest Polyethylene glycol-8000 and lowest N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide concentrations. The pH-sensitive behavior of patches was also confirmed as more swelling, drug release and drug permeation across skin were observed at pH 7.4. Fabricated patches showed no sign of irritation or erythema as evaluated by the Draize scale. Faster wound healing was also observed with fabricated patches compared to marketed formulations. Therefore, such a polymeric network can be a promising technology for speeding up wound healing and minor skin injuries through enhanced drug deposition.

Leader follower formation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) has found numerous applications such as surveillance of critical infrastructure, industrial automation and disaster management emergency. For completion of high precision group tasks, the choice of appropriate control mechanism is of utmost importance. In presence of environmental effects,external disturbances and parametric uncertainties in the UAVs and UGV models, the controller design process is a challenging task. In order to address the aforementioned problems and to ensure minimum tracking errors and fast convergence of the states, this article proposes an adaptive robust formation and trajectory tracking control scheme for a leader follower formation of UAVs and UGV using Non-Singular Terminal Super Twisting Sliding Mode Control Method.Adaptive compensators are derived based on Lyapunov function method and stability of the proposed controllers is guaranteed. Two variants of the control schemes namely Adaptive Super Twisting SMC (AST-SMC) and Adaptive Non-Singular Terminal Super Twisting SMC (ANSTS-SMC) are tested using numerical simulations performed in MATLAB/Simulink. From the results presented, and with the proposed ANSTS-SMC control scheme, the measured $[X~Y]$ tracking errors for leader, follower1 and follower2 UAVs are $[{0~0.01}]m$ , $[{0.01~0.02}]m$ and $[{0.01,~0.02}]m$ respectively, While with the AST-SMC method the peak $[X~Y]$ tracking errors for leader, follower1 and follower2 UAVs are $[{0.05~0.05}]m$ , $[{0.1~0.2}]m$ and $[{0.05~0.1}]m$ respectively. The proposed leader follower formation can be effectively used to monitor solar/PV panels and cables in large solar parks.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe joint pain. Herein, we report lornoxicam loaded cellulosic microsponge gel formulation with sustained anti-inflammatory effects that are required to manage arthritic pain. The microsponges were formulated using quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion method employing four different surfactant systems, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Tween80, Gelucire 48/16 and Gelucire 50/13. All the lornoxicam loaded microsponge formulations were extensively characterized with a variety of analytical tools. The optimized microsponge formulation was then converted into gel formulation. The lornoxicam loaded microsponge gel formulation had adequate viscosity and sufficient pharmaceutical properties as confirmed by the texture analysis and the drug release followed Super case II transport. It is noteworthy that we described the preparation of a new cellulosic polymers based microsponge system for delivery of lornoxicam to provide quick as well as lasting (sustained) anti-inflammatory effects in rats using carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. We were able to demonstrate a 72% reduction in inflammation within 4 h using the optimize transdermal gel formulation utilizing Transcutol P as permeation enhancer and with the aid of skin micro-piercing by microneedles, hence, demonstrating the potential of this microsponge gel formulation in arthritis management.

A mathematical model is created to analyze the impact of Thompson and Troian slip boundaries over a contracting/expanding surface sustaining nanofluid-containing carbon nanotubes along a stagnation point flow. Both multi-wall (MWCNTs) and single-wall (SWCNTs) carbon nanotubes are taken into consideration, with water serving as the base liquid. The flow is obtained due to the stretching or contracting of the surface. The thermal radiation, activation energy, buoyancy impacts, and chemical processes called quartic autocatalysis are additionally added to the original mathematical model. The MATLAB-constructed bvp4c function involving the three-stage Lobatto IIIa formula for the numerical results of dimensionless velocity, concentration, and temperature profiles are used. By contrasting it against a published paper in this limited instance, it is determined whether the suggested mathematical model is legitimate. In this sense, a remarkable consensus is achieved. Graphical representations are used to depict the behavior of many non-dimensional flow variables, such as the slip velocity parameter, the inertia coefficient, the porosity parameter, and the solid volume fraction. Surface drag force computations are reported to examine the effects at the permeable stretching surface. It has been shown that increasing the slip velocity factor increases the fluid streaming velocity while decreasing the surface drag force. If the endothermic/exothermic coefficient increases, the local thermal transfer efficiency falls. For nanofluids, the changing viscosity factor increases axial velocity while decreasing temperature distribution. Additionally, the solid volumetric fraction improves the temperature distributions by lowering the concentration profile and speed.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSN) are porous inorganic materials that have been extensively used for drug delivery due to their special qualities, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. MSN is a promising drug delivery system to enhance the efficacy and safety of drug administration in nasal diseases like chronic rhinitis (CR). In this study, we used the sol-gel technique for MSN synthesis and incorporate fluticasone propionate (FP) for intranasal drug administration for the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). In order to confirm the particle size, shape, drug release, and compatibility, various instruments were used. MSN was effectively prepared with average sizes ranging between 400 ± 34 nm (mean ± SD) as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while zeta potential verified in all cases their positive charged surface. To investigate MSN features, the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement were used. The loaded compound was submitted to in vitro dissolution tests, and a remarkable dissolution rate improvement was observed compared to the crystalline drug in both pH conditions (1.2 and 7.4 pH). By using an MTT assay cell viability was assessed. The expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 were also measured using mRNA extraction from rat blood. Other characterizations like acute toxicity and hemolytic activity were also performed to confirm loaded MSN safety. Loaded MSN was incorporated in nasal spray prepared by using innovator excipients including poloxamer. After this, its nasal spray’s physical characteristics were also determined and compared with a commercial product (Ticovate).

A simple, specific, accurate and economic reverse phase liquid chromatographic method was developed for the estimation of Sofosbuvir in all polymorphic form. Mobile phase contain acetonitrile and 0.05M ammonium acetate (pH 7.6) in ratio of 50:50 (v/v). A logarithmic calibration curve was plotted from 10 µg/mL to 60 µg/mL (r = 0.9989) for sofosbuvir, with the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.245 μg/mL and 0.816 μg/mL, respectively. The developed method was highly validated and practiced for the assurance of sofosbuvir raw materials with acceptable and non-objectionable accuracy and precision results (recovery 99–102%, RSD

The discounted {0-1} knapsack problem (D{0-1}KP) is a multi-constrained optimization and an extended form of the 0-1 knapsack problem. The DKP is composed of a set of item batches where each batch has three items and the objective is to maximize profit by selecting at most one item from each batch. Therefore, the D{0-1}KP is complex and has found many applications in real economic problems and other areas where the concept of promotional discounts exists. As DKP belongs to a binary class problem, so the novel binary particle swarm optimization variant with modifications is proposed in this paper. The acceleration coefficients are important parameters of the particle swarm optimization algorithm that keep the balance between exploration and exploitation. In conventional binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), the acceleration coefficients of each particle remain the same in iteration, whereas in the proposed variant, fitness-based acceleration coefficient binary particle swarm optimization (FACBPSO), values of acceleration coefficients are based on the fitness of each particle. This modification enforces the least fit particles to move fast and best fit accordingly, which accelerates the convergence speed and reduces the computing time. Experiments were conducted on four instances of DKP having 10 datasets of each instance and the results of FACBPSO were compared with conventional BPSO and the new exact algorithm using a greedy repair strategy. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms PSO-GRDKP and the new exact algorithm in solving four instances of D{0-1}KP, with improved convergence speed and feasible solution time.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: There is scantiness of evidence-based knowledge of anti-viral therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VLP) in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. This report is an attempt to rationalise the safety and effectiveness of SOF and VLP in haemodialysis patients in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: Twenty treatment-naïve patients were incorporated in this study. Patients on maintenance haemodialysis are being administered SOF and VLP. Before initiation of treatment, all necessary investigations such as viral load, liver fibro scan, genotyping and upper GI endoscopy were made. Patients received 400 mg/day and 100 mg/day dose of SOF and VLP, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age was 25 to 53 years; 30% were male and 70% were female as categorized. No one of these has clinical affirmation of progression of cirrhosis. The most prevalent genotype was genotype 4 that was found in 45% of cases and the second most evident was genotype 1 in 25% of cases and genotype 5 in 30% of cases. Time span of antiviral therapy was 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: SOF and VLP based direct antiviral agents were effectual, puissant and were aptly tolerated in patients on MHD. This drug combination was well tolerated in haemodialysis patients. Not a single patient discontinued this combination therapy due to severe complications.

Rainfed farmers are among the most vulnerable farming communities to climate change in Pakistan because of the heavy reliance of crop farming on rain and of farmers’ livelihoods on crop farming. The best and most timely responses against climate change are suitable adaptation measures. Accurately perceiving the risks associated with climate change is an essential factor for planning and then implementing adaptations. Using farm household-level data of 400 rainfed farmers collected through a well-designed and field-tested questionnaire, this study examines the association between various adaptation stages (climate risk perceptions, adaptation planning, and implementation of adaptation) and their determinants using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The findings indicate that farmers’ perceptions of climatic changes are in line with historical climatic data. Climate risk management (CRM) trainings and digital agriculture extension and communication (DAEC) services (indicators of formal institutional arrangements) show a highly significant impact on all adaptation stages. Input market distance, farmer cooperative meetings (an indicator of informal institutional arrangement), off-farm income, education, and number of male family members are among the other key determinants. A highly significant association between various adaptation stages indicates that accurate climate risk perceptions lead to planning and implementation of adaptations. When risk perceptions are underestimated or lacking, then adaptations do not occur. The results further indicate that the timely availability of reliable information on advanced agricultural inputs, weather parameters, crop farming advisory services, and market information could help rainfed farmers devise sound adaptations to minimize risks associated with climate change. The study recommends the provision of CRM trainings and DAEC services to provide a better understanding and promote sound adaptation planning through the adaptive capacity enhancement of rainfed farming communities for sustainable production and livelihood security.

Skid-steered vehicles (SSV) are gaining huge importance in the market due to their applications like construction, agricultural work, material handling etc. The accuracy of performing such tasks require a robust control algorithm. The design of such controller is very challenging task due to external disturbances caused by wheel-ground interaction and aerodynamic effects. This paper proposes robust fractional and integral order fuzzy sliding mode controllers (FSMC, FFSMC) for a skid-steered vehicles with varying coefficient of friction and a displaced center of gravity (CG). FFSMC controller reduces the outcome of forces generated as a result of ground tire interaction during skidding and friction variations. The proposed controllers are implemented for a four-wheel SSV under high-speed turning motion. A simulation environment is constructed by implementing the SSV dynamics with wheel-road model and the performance of the proposed algorithms is tested. The simulation test is conducted for a Pioneer-3AT (P-3AT) robot SSV vehicle with displaced CG and variable coefficient of tires friction. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed FFSMC algorithm in term of reduced state errors and minimum chattering. The proposed controller compensates the effect of different responses of the wheels generated as a result of variable CG. The chattering phenomenon generated by conventional SMCs is also minimized by fuzzy tuning approach.

The current study reports the fabrication and biological evaluation of hydroxy propyl β-cyclodextrin-g-poly(acrylic acid)/gelatin (HP-β-CD-g-poly(AA)/gelatin) semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPN) for colonic delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP). The prepared hydrogels showed pH-dependent swelling and mucoadhesive properties. The mucoadhesive strength of hydrogels increased with an increasing concentration of gelatin. Based on the swelling and mucoadhesive properties, AG-1 was chosen as the optimized formulation (0.33% w/w of gelatin and 16.66% w/w of AA) for further analysis. FTIR revealed the successful development of a polymeric network without any interaction with DSP. SEM images revealed a slightly rough surface after drug loading. Drug distribution at the molecular level was confirmed by XRD. In vitro drug release assay showed pH-dependent release, i.e., a minute amount of DSP was released at a pH of 1.2 while 90.58% was released over 72 h at pH 7.4. The optimized formulation did not show any toxic effects on a rabbit’s vital organs and was also hemocompatible, thus confirming the biocompatible nature of the hydrogel. Conclusively, the prepared semi-IPN hydrogel possessed the necessary features, which can be exploited for the colonic delivery of DSP.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-affected patients are 1,123,000 and counting while more than 59,000 corroborated mortalities have occurred around the globe, as depicted by the data gathered through Johns Hopkins University. More than 228,000 people have reportedly recovered from COVID-19 till April 4 2020. Italy has the second highest deaths of COVID-19 in the world. There is dire need to evaluate the pattern of COVID-19 in Pakistan and compared with other developed countries. World Health Organization has developed website to provide latest data in form of new reported cases, mortality and recoveries. In Pakistan, mortality rate was found less than other developed countries and this hypothesis may be wrong that Pakistan neither will nor effected with virus due to climate conditions. The presented study had two objectives. The first was to describe the latest situation if COVID-19 in Pakistan and other developed countries. Second objective was to determine the latest situation about mortility rate in Pakistan and other developed countries. Comparative data was sketched and presented in the form of graph for 5 countries including Pakistan. All the data was obtained form WHO websites and from Pakistan government officials websites. Data was collected from Jan-2020 to 4 April-2020.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the illness seeking behavior and self-medication among students of private medical college in Peshawar. METHODOLOGY: This study was a cross sectional descriptive study. It was conducted from September till December 2018. Study setting was a private medical college of Peshawar. A total of 250 students were recruited after taking well informed consent. Sampling technique was stratified sampling, from every academic year proportional number of students was selected for the study. Pilot study to check feasibility of questionnaire was done on 10% sample size. Data was collected from students by face-to-face interviews. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The study data regarding illness-seeking behaviors among medical students showed that 162 (64.8%) out of 250 practiced self-medication. The common illness was fever, headache and sore throat. Students used pain-killers and antibiotics without getting consultation. CONCLUSION: Self-medication is common among medical students of all five professional years in medical college of Gandhara University Peshawar. Regarding illness seeking behaviors most of the students preferred self-medication as most of the time medicines are available without prescription in the medical stores. However, still some percentage of students prefers to consult doctors or pharmacist before taking any medicine for their illness. KEYWORDS: Illness, Behavior, Self-Medication, Medical Students, Headache

Objective: To examines factors affecting households' knowledge regarding water contamination and identify health issues related to drinking contaminated water. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The information was collected from the households living in the surroundings of the Lai sewer of Rawalpindi city, from August 2019 to December 2019. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-two (162) households were randomly selected and interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire for pre-testing. The Ordered Logit model was used to analyze the data and identify determinants affecting households' knowledge regarding water contamination. Results: The education level of households, income, proximity to the Lai sewer, health issue, and access to health advice had significant positive effects on their knowledge regarding water contamination. The study showed that vomiting (51.67%), abdominal pain (48.19%), and diarrhea (42.68) were the main health issues reported by the households. Conclusion: Effective community awareness programs regarding hazards of water contamination are important to prevent adverse health outcomes.

Recently, formation flying of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) found numerous applications in various areas such as surveillance, industrial automation and disaster management. The accuracy and reliability for performing group tasks by multiple UAVs is highly dependent on the applied control strategy. The formation and trajectories of multiple UAVs are governed by two separate controllers, namely formation and trajectory tracking controllers respectively. In presence of environmental effects, disturbances due to wind and parametric uncertainties, the controller design process is a challenging task. This article proposes a robust adaptive formation and trajectory tacking control of multiple quad-rotor UAVs using super twisting sliding mode control method. In the proposed design, Lyapunov function-based adaptive disturbance estimators are used to compensate for the effects of external disturbances and parametric uncertainties. The stability of the proposed controllers is guaranteed using Lyapunov theorems. Two variants of the control schemes, namely fixed gain super twisting SMC (STSMC) and adaptive super twisting SMC (ASTSMC) are tested using numerical simulations performed in MATLAB/Simulink. From the results presented, it is verified that in presence of disturbances, the proposed ASTSMC controller exhibits enhanced robustness as compared to the fixed gain STSMC.

All over the world, road congestion is among the most prevalent transport challenges usually in urban environments which not only increases fuel consumption and emission of harmful gases, but also causes stress for the drivers. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) enables a better use of the infrastructure by connecting vehicles to other vehicles as well as infrastructure and thus delivers a faster communication opportunity to ensure safe and secure driving. Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is one of the latest information and communication technologies which offers ubiquitous connectivity among several smart devices. The use of mobile (cellular) M2M communications has emerged due to the wide range, high reliability, increased data rates, decreased costs as well as easy and short-term deployment opportunities. Since the radio spectrum is a scarce resource, M2M traffic can potentially degrade the performance of mobile networks due to the large number of devices sending small-sized data. This paper presents an efficient data multiplexing scheme by using Long-Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced) Relay Nodes, which aggregates M2M traffic to maximize radio resource utilization. Extensive system-level simulations are performed using an LTE-Advanced-based model developed in the RIVERBED modeler to evaluate the performance of the proposed data multiplexing scheme. Simulation results show that approximately 40 % more smart M2M devices used in ITS and logistics are served per LTE-Advanced cell under the present system settings.

The limited aqueous solubility of many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is responsible for their poor performance and low drug levels in blood and at target sites. Various approaches have been adopted to tackle this issue. Most recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have gained attention of pharmaceutical scientists for bio-imaging, bio-sensing, gene delivery, drug solubility enhancement, and controlled and targeted drug release. Here, we have successfully incorporated the poorly water soluble antiviral drug velpatasvir (VLP) in MSN. These spherical particles were 186 nm in diameter with polydispersity index of 0.244. Blank MSN have specific surface area and pore diameter of 602.5 ± 0.7 m2/g and 5.9 nm, respectively, which reduced after successful incorporation of drug. Drug was in amorphous form in synthesized VLP-loaded silica particles (VLP-MSN) with no significant interaction with carrier. Pure VLP showed poor dissolution with progressive increment in pH of dissolution media which could limit its availability in systemic circulation after oral administration. After VLP loading in silica carriers, drug released rapidly over a wide range of pH values, i.e., 1.2 to 6.8, thus indicating an improvement in the solubility profile of VLP. These particles were biocompatible, with an LD50 of 448 µg/mL, and in-vivo pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that VLP-MSN significantly enhanced the bioavailability as compared to pure drug. The above results clearly demonstrate satisfactory in-vitro performance, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and in-vivo bioavailability enhancement with VLP-MSN.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of anxiety & its risk factors among working and non-working women. METHODOLOGY: Study design was descriptive observational. The study duration was seven months (June – December 2016). It was a community based study. Sample size for this study was calculated on 52% prevalence of anxiety Pakistan. A total of 400 women were selected (200 working and 200 non-working women). A semi structured questionnaire was used along with Taylor manifest anxiety scale as study tool. Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. RESULTS: The frequency of anxiety was 58%. Anxiety was more among working women than non-working women. Most of the women were literate 65.5%. Majority of the women having anxiety were living in nuclear family. The age group most effected was between 21-35 years (67%), 58% were married, single were 34% and 8% were either divorced or widow. Approximately 58% of women with anxiety had less than 2 children and 42% were having more than 2 children. Approximately 88% women with anxiety belonged from low and middle income group having less than 20,000/-PKR and 20,001-50,000/-PKR household income respectively. Only 12% belonged from high group having more than 50,001/- PKR. Conclusions: Anxiety is more common among working women. Married women living in nuclear family system, being single, young age group between 21-35 years, less than 2 children and low household income were the key risk factors.

Gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is a general complaint worldwide and it is able to produce several complications which comprises of esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal stricture. There are several challenges which are linked with GERD management. Firstly, no symptoms which does not associate with the cure of esophageal abrasions. Secondly, proton pump inhibitors (PPPIs), present usual maintenance for GERD are unsuccessful in the most of patients, having non-erosive ailment. GERD is prolonged complaint of gastrointestinal tract. The frequency is going to be rise worldwide. From the previous year’s study, we are able to understanding its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and management. According to Montreal definition GRED, it comprises of extra esophageal indications as well as esophageal indications of this ailment, rather patient obsessed and symptom-centered. Suggestion is that this disorder can be surely detected by the indications merely.

Objective: The primary aims of cosmetic survey is to identify the prevalence of use of kajal and mascara in our community, to highlight the eye and eyelid infections among females using kajal and mascara and to identify the prevalence of Cosmetic-induced Eye infections. Methods: A30 questionnaire quantitative and qualitative (mixed approach) method is used. Data of 100 participants is used to describe the variables. Each participant’s score will be summed and calculate the possible points for each answer determining the prevalence of eye infection in females. The frequency of eye cosmetic use is examined and correlated with %age of cosmetic induced eye and eyelid infections. Results: 28% females have developed eyelid infection after using mascara and kajal. 87% females suffered from cosmetic eye infection for 1 day, 10% for 3 days & 3% for 5 days. 80% females view is cosmetic infection occurs due to others eye cosmetics use, 13% due to use of low branded eye cosmetic & 7% due to use of contaminated cosmetic. 40% female treated eye infection with home remedies, 28% females visit the ophthalmologist and 32% shows carelessness. Conclusion: The incidence of cosmetic eye infection will be reduced by use of branded eye cosmetic, removing eye make-up carefully at the end of the day, splashing of water and cleaning of eye regularly. Allergic conjunctivitis (Inflammation of cornea), Iritis/Eye inflammation (Inflammation of iris), Eye dermatitis (Inflammation of skin Eye) and Blepharitis (Inflammation of Eyelids) are the commonly cosmetic induced Eye infection.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine various possible plants that are having anti-dengue activity which can be further employed to determine the active biological ingredient responsible for this activity and can be extracted for its practical use as there is no specific treatment for dengue but dengue fever is spreading at an alarming rate worldwide affecting millions of people every year and is complicated by Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Method: A systematic review of the available literature was conducted for the papers published up to year 2015. This article reviews various plants having anti-dengue activity along with their biological and geographical origin. Conclusion: Constituents derived from medicinal plants may be used for cure and control of this disease. Need of the hour is to develop a drug that is safe, effective, non-toxic, can increase platelet count and has efficacy against all serotypes. Structural analysis of their active constituents may lead to the development of effective anti-dengue drugs.

The Australian Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. (syn. Phoma rabiei) population has low genotypic diversity with only one mating type detected to date, potentially precluding substantial evolution through recombination. However, a large diversity in aggressiveness exists. In an effort to better understand the risk from selective adaptation to currently used resistance sources and chemical control strategies, the population was examined in detail. For this, a total of 598 isolates were quasi-hierarchically sampled between 2013 and 2015 across all major Australian chickpea growing regions and commonly grown host genotypes. Although a large number of haplotypes were identified (66) through short sequence repeat (SSR) genotyping, overall low gene diversity (Hexp = 0.066) and genotypic diversity (D = 0.57) was detected. Almost 70% of the isolates assessed were of a single dominant haplotype (ARH01). Disease screening on a differential host set, including three commonly deployed resistance sources, revealed distinct aggressiveness among the isolates, with 17% of all isolates identified as highly aggressive. Almost 75% of these were of the ARH01 haplotype. A similar pattern was observed at the host level, with 46% of all isolates collected from the commonly grown host genotype Genesis090 (classified as “resistant” during the term of collection) identified as highly aggressive. Of these, 63% belonged to the ARH01 haplotype. In conclusion, the ARH01 haplotype represents a significant risk to the Australian chickpea industry, being not only widely adapted to the diverse agro-geographical environments of the Australian chickpea growing regions, but also containing a disproportionately large number of aggressive isolates, indicating fitness to survive and replicate on the best resistance sources in the Australian germplasm.

Machine-type communication (MTC) is an emerging communication trend where intelligent machines are capable of communicating with each other without human intervention. Mobile cellular networks, with their wide range, high data rates, and continuously decreasing costs, offer a good infrastructure for implementing them. However, power consumption is a great issue, which has recently been addressed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) by defining power-saving mechanisms. In this paper, we address the problem of modeling these power-saving mechanisms. Currently existing modeling schemes do not consider the full range of states in the discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism in LTE-A networks. We propose a semi-Markov based analytical model, which closes this gap and shows very good results in terms of predicting performance evaluation metrics, such as the power-saving factor and wake-up latency of MTC devices compared to simulation experiments. Furthermore, we offer an evaluation of the DRX parameters and their impact on power consumption of MTC devices.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of different risk factors leading to Acute Respiratory Infections among children under two years To determine the most susceptible age group and to compare frequency of disease in both genders METHODOLOGY Study design was cross sectional observational. Duration of the study was three months (September – November 2014. Study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar namely Khyber Teaching hospital & Hayatabad Medical Complex. A total of 200 children under 2 years of age who were attending outpatient department of two tertiary hospitals of Peshawar were studied. After getting consent from parents of children, data was collected from parents. A semi structured questionnaire was used as study tool. Pilot study was conducted prior to the actual study to check the feasibility of questionnaire. Children with acute respiratory tract infections were included in the study while immune compromised and children with other serious systemic diseases were excluded from the study Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. RESULTS Frequency of acute respiratory infections was common among males (65%) as compare to female children under two year of age. The most susceptible age group was found to be less than 06 months (46%), then is 7-12 months (33%). Environmental risk factors found to be involved in cases of ARI were poverty (73.5%), rural residency with poor cross ventilation in houses (poor or no cross ventilation 66%), no or partial immunization was 35% with malnutrition of sick children 76% may contribute to development of illness more quickly than other children. Illiteracy among mothers (78%) and 39% among fathers CONCLUSIONS ARI is more common in infants less than 6 months of age and males are more affected as compared to female children. Poor socioeconomic status, Illiteracy, poor or no cross ventilation in houses, poor immunization status and malnutrition are the key risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of diarrhea and its risk factors among children under-five years of age. METHODOLOGY: Study design was descriptive observational. Duration of the study was three months (Jan – March 2014). Study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals of Peshawar namely Lady reading hospital, Khyber teaching hospital & Hayatabad Medical Complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample size for this study was calculated based on diarrhea prevalence of 21% in Peshawar by using WHO sample size calculator. A total of 450 children under 5 years of age who were attending outpatient department of three tertiary hospitals of Peshawar were studied. After getting consent from parents of children, data was collected from parents. A semi structured questionnaire was used as study tool. Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. RESULTS: Frequency of diarrhea was found to be 59% among those 450 children who attended pediatric OPD. Most susceptible age group was less than 2 years (88%). Common risk factors found to be involved in cases of diarrhea were illiteracy of mothers 77%, poverty 86.4% parents were having household income less than 20,000 PKR per month, bottle feeding 34%, improper hygiene (83% either don’t wash or occasionally wash hands before feed, 52.3% mothers wash their hands with plain water after attending toilet), Joint families 58%, lack of proper immunization 54%, lack of clean drinking water 66%. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea is more common in younger children i.e.; less than 2 years of age. Illiteracy, low household income, bottle feeding, hand washing especially after attending toilet, joint family system and poor immunization status are the key risk factors.

The ever-growing Internet of Things (IoT) data traffic is one of the primary research focuses of future mobile networks. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards like Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) have been designed for broadband services. However, IoT devices are mainly based on narrowband applications. Standards like LTE-A might not provide efficient spectrum utilization when serving IoT applications. The aggregation of IoT data at an intermediate node before transmission can answer the issues of spectral efficiency. The objective of this work is to utilize the low cost 3GPP fixed, inband, layer-3 Relay Node (RN) for integrating IoT traffic into 5G network by multiplexing data packets at the RN before transmission to the Base Station (BS) in the form of large multiplexed packets. Frequency resource blocks can be shared among several devices with this method. An analytical model for this scheme, developed as an r-stage Coxian process, determines the radio resource utilization and system gain achieved. The model is validated by comparing the obtained results with simulation results.