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This article addresses the question of how early modern Sufis dealt with yoga. Some scholars have argued that a movement of Sufi reform occurred in South Asia during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, representing a shift towards legal Islam, which would call for the rejection of non-Islamic practices. This explanation overlooks the rhetorical construction of Sufi claims of spiritual status and shari‘a legitimacy, and it fails to distinguish eighteenth-century examples from the very different reform movements created in the nineteenth century in response to European colonialism. This article considers as a case study Nala-yi ‘Andalib (“The Nightingale’s Lament”), the central text produced by the pre-colonial founder of the “pure Muhammadi path”, Muhammad Nasir ‘Andalib (d. 1758), with the help of intertextual references to the masterpiece of his son, Khwaja Mir Dard (d. 1785), ‘Ilm al-Kitab (“Knowledge of the Book”). The consequence of their evaluation of yoga was not the systematic rejection of non-Islamic practices, but a guarded acknowledgement of their efficacy within a framework that used Indic references as a straw man for intra-Islamic debates.

This article addresses the question of how early modern Sufis dealt with yoga. Some scholars have argued that a movement of Sufi reform occurred in South Asia during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, representing a shift towards legal Islam, which would call for the rejection of non-Islamic practices. This explanation overlooks the rhetorical construction of Sufi claims of spiritual status and shari'a legitimacy, and it fails to distinguish eighteenth-century examples from the very different reform movements created in the nineteenth century in response to European colonialism. This article considers as a case study Nala-yi 'Andalib ("The Nightingale's Lament"), the central text produced by the pre-colonial founder of the "pure Muhammadi path", Muhammad Nasir 'Andalib (d. 1758), with the help of intertextual references to the masterpiece of his son, Khwaja Mir Dard (d. 1785), 'Ilm al-Kitab ("Knowledge of the Book"). The consequence of their evaluation of yoga was not the systematic rejection of non-Islamic practices, but a guarded acknowledgement of their efficacy within a framework that used Indic references as a straw man for intra-Islamic debates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citronellol (CT) is a monoterpene alcohol present in the essential oil of plants of the genus Cymbopogon and exhibits diverse pharmacological activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cell lines. Silymarin (SIL) was used as a standard drug. MTT, crystal violet assay, DAPI, and PI staining were carried out to assess the effect of ethanol and CT on cell viability. RT-PCR determined the molecular mechanisms of hepatoprotective action of CT. CT ameliorated cell viability and restricted ethanol-induced cell death. DAPI and PI staining showed distinct differences in cell number and morphology. Less cell viability was observed in the diseased group obviously from strong PI staining when compared to the CT- and SIL-treated group. Moreover, CT showed downregulation of interleukin (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), collagen type 1 A 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and glutathione peroxidase-7 (GPX-7) levels. Molecular docking studies supported the biochemical findings. It is concluded that the cytoprotective activity of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity might be explained by its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and collagen-regulating effects.

Lightweight materials with better resistance to sliding wear are prominent candidates for automobile brake drums, clutch pads and cylinder block applications to facilitate fuel economy. This attempt is reserved to cater to materials with higher tribological quality needs. Less dense foamy pumice stone particles were involved in three different percentages (5, 10, and 15 wt%) to reinforce lightweight AZ31 Mg alloy. A stir-assisted squeeze casting technique was pursued to process the composite and refine the grain structure. A phase detection, elemental mapping and microstructure study were done through X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. An experimental dry sliding wear scrutiny was administered using a pin-on-disc apparatus by considering: (i) ambient and elevated temperature environments and (ii) three different levels of loads. The results reveal a significant drop in wear loss and a frictional coefficient for 15% pumice-loaded composite than the base alloy. Post-wear examination acknowledges the fact that the ambient temperature wear is governed by adhesive-abrasive wear and high temperature is by abrasive wear mechanisms. Worn-out scrutiny authenticates the presence of oxide layers and their role in lubrication. A comparative study with previous works upholds the novel magnesium composite is the right candidate for the mentioned automobile applications.

Breast milk, produced by the mammary glands of lactating mothers, is the most cost-effective and nutritionally balanced source of nourishment for infants during their first six months. It contains the right amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for healthy growth and development, and it’s also rich in antibodies, hormones, and immunoglobulins, which offer substantial protection against various infectious diseases. Over the past few decades, however, breast milk substitutes like infant formula have been industrially produced, but these are not only more costly than breast milk but also lack its quality and protective properties. To address the inappropriate marketing of these substitutes and to encourage breastfeeding, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted an International Code in 1981. Despite this, infant formulas are widely advertised to consumers through different media outlets like newspapers, online platforms, and business websites. This aggressive marketing can shape cultural perceptions, making formula use seem more common and innovative, which can have negative implications. When these products are heavily promoted and used, it can lead to a decline in the nutritional and health status of infants, especially in low-income families. A 2003 study showed that ten million children worldwide die before their fifth birthday, but breastfeeding has the potential to save 1.3 million of those lives. The use of formula has been linked to a higher risk of premature deaths and hospitalizations in infants

This study aims to determine how competence, motivation, and job satisfaction affect employee performance at PT Bank Mega, Tbk Makassar Area. The data collection technique was carried out through distributing questionnaires, with the number of samples determined as many as 132 respondents. The data analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The findings of this study indicate that the competency variable has a positive and significant influence on employee performance at PT Bank Mega, Tbk Makassar Area. Work motivation variable has a positive and significant influence on employee performance. Job satisfaction variable also has a positive and significant influence on employee performance at PT. Bank Mega, Tbk Makassar Area.

Neonatal mortality remains a pressing global concern, with millions of infants succumbing to preventable causes within their first month of life. One promising solution that has gained attraction is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), an innovative and cost-effective approach that has demonstrated remarkable success in improving survival rates among newborns. Neonatal morbidity and mortality can be reduced by providing KMC to babies. KMC is a simple yet powerful intervention that involves continuous skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her preterm or low birth-weight infant. Pakistan bears a heavy burden of neonatal mortality, with a reported rate of 42 deaths per 1,000 live births as of the latest data. Implementing Kangaroo Mother Care in a country as diverse and populous as Pakistan presents a unique set of challenges. However, the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and healthcare professionals have made commendable efforts to integrate KMC into the existing healthcare system.

This article discusses the impact and challenges of Transnational Islamic groups on strengthening Religious Moderation in Indonesia in promoting a balanced, tolerant and peaceful understanding of Islam, both at the local and global levels. This article was written using the exposition report method which relies on the strength of the author's opinion in reviewing literature facts about Transnational Islam and Religious Moderation in Indonesia. The concepts of Transnational Islam and Religious Moderation in this article are positioned in a face-to-face relationship, where Transnational Islam is positioned as a challenge for strengthening Religious Moderation in Indonesia. This article concludes that Transnational Islamic Groups, which in terms of ideology and religious practices contain a spirit of religious exclusivism, exclusivism, and violent extremism, are a challenge to religious moderation in Indonesia. These three spirits were formulated by the religious moderation program with the abbreviation REEVE. Based on these three challenge formulations, it can be understood that Strengthening Religious Moderation as a public policy is the Indonesian government's response to exclusive, extreme and radical religious practices which have a negative impact on the harmonization of social life in society and at the same time endanger the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

The present investigation focuses on the microstructural behavior and mechanical properties of Aluminium alloy 2024 reinforced with SiC nanoparticles by applying the Friction Stir Processing (FSP) technique. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used to find the optimal process parameters. The experiment used the expected best process parameters, which confirmed the predicted highest value for the mechanical characteristic. Traverse speed, axial load, and rotating speed are the main factors affecting aluminum metal matrix composite. Hence, this experiment examined the effects of five different tool spinning speeds, specifically 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 rpm. Weld samples are fabricated wherein the stir zone contains SiC nanoparticles. The results of the study indicate that the optimal welding rotational speed of 1000 rpm has a significant impact on the microstructure, wear rate, and microhardness. Specifically, it was observed that the stirred zone exhibited enhanced wear resistance compared to other zones. The study's findings revealed that after implementing friction stir processing (FSP), a well-defined shear zone was observed on the advancing side of the stir zone. Additionally, it is found that the uniform dispersion and strong bonding of SiC particles with an aluminium matrix further enhance wear resistance.

Background and aim: As the spleen plays a significant role in immunity, the aim was to investigate the associations of different body composition markers derived from various sources with spleen volume in a general population sample. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional data of 1095 individuals (570 women; 52%) aged between 30 and 90 years were collected in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-START-2). We measured spleen volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Body composition markers were derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, including absolute fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as from MRI, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and liver fat content. Sex-stratified-adjusted linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of body composition markers with spleen volumes. Results: We observed positive associations of body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio, absolute FM, absolute FFM, and VAT and SAT with spleen volume in men and women. An 8.12 kg higher absolute FFM was associated with a 38.4 mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.7–50.1) higher spleen volume in men and a 5.21 kg higher absolute FFM with a 42.6 mL (95% CI: 26.2–59.0) higher spleen volume in women. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that obesity-related body composition markers and FFM are associated with a higher spleen volume. Particularly, higher absolute FFM showed a strong association with a larger spleen volume in both men and women. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical significance of body composition markers on large spleen volume.

In this study, biocrude was successfully produced by the hydrothermal liquefaction of municipal solid waste collected from the landfill site of Lahore, the capital of Punjab, Pakistan, boasting a population of 12 million and an annual waste collection of 10 million tons. The hydrothermal liquefaction process was performed at reaction parameters of 350 °C and 165 bars with 15 min of residence time. The solid waste was found to have 78 % dry matter, 22 % moisture contents, 22.2 % ash, 22.69 MJ/kg higher heating value, 52.062 % C, 8.007 % H, 0.764 % N, and 39.164 % O. Non-catalytic process only produced 10.57 % oil, however when using the catalytic process, the biocrude yield improved to 17.61 %, with 22.61 % energy recovery for biocrude and 12.14 % for solids, when using 2 g dose of K2CO3. The resultant biocrude has a 28.61 MJ/kg higher heating value, having 60.28 % C and 9.28 % H. In contrast, the aqueous phase generated had 4.43 pH, 71.5 g/L TOC, and 1.35 g/L Total Nitrogen. TGA indicated that biocrude contains approximately 80 % of volatile fractions of different fuels. The organic compounds having the six highest peak areas in GC-MS were Ethyl ether 25.74 %, 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl 9.08 %, 2-propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy 5.62 %, Silane, dimethyl (docosyloxy) butoxy 5.08 %, 1-Hexanol, 2-ethyl 4.53 %, and. Phenol 4.07 %. This work makes the first-ever successful use of indigenous solid waste from a landfill dumping site in Lahore to successfully produce useful biocrude with aims of waste reduction and management, circular economy, and energy recovery.

This paper focuses on the derivation of a new two-parameter discrete probability distribution. The new model is derived by mixing Poisson and Loai distributions and is named “Poisson Loai Distribution”. The paper explores various mathematical properties of the new model, introducing a count-regression model based on this distribution. The parameters of the model are estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method. A comprehensive simulation study is utilized to assess the behavior of derived estimators. The importance of the proposed distribution is confirmed through the analysis of three real datasets. It is found that the suggested distribution has the greatest match when compared to all rival distributions, and it may be a viable alternative for assessing dispersed count data.

This article discusses the determinism of Islamic theology in shaping the laws and movement patterns of Indonesian history. The aim is to explore how religions in Indonesia play a central role in shaping individual and group actions, as well as determining the movement patterns of modern Indonesian history. This discussion uses the speculative historical philosophy concept of historical determinism. In conclusion, the Indonesia historical driving force or it historical pattern are influenced by the theological ideas of religions in Indonesia, including Islam. This is reflected in the formulation of periodization of Indonesian history which is based on the periodization of Indonesian history, which is built on the basis of power entities characterized by religion and the identity of its rulers which is related to a particular religion. Apart from that, its influence can also be read in the style of historiography that developed in Indonesia which is related to religious affairs.

The human JC polyomavirus (JCV) is a widespread, neurotropic, opportunistic pathogen responsible for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) as well as other diseases in immunosuppressed individuals, including granule cell neuronopathy, JCV-associated nephropathy, encephalitis, and meningitis in rare cases. JCV classification is still unclear, where the ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) has grouped all the strains into human polyomavirus 2, with no classification on clade and subclade levels. Therefore, JCV strains were previously classified using different genomic regions, e.g., full-length, VP1, and the V-T intergenic region etc., and the strains were grouped into several types related to various geographic locations and human ethnicities. However, neither of these classifications and nomenclature contemplates all the groups described so far. Herein, we evaluated all the available full-length coding genomes, VP1, and large T antigen nucleotide sequences of JCV reported during 1993–2023 and classified them into four major phylogenetic clades, i.e., GI-GIV, where GI is further grouped into two types GI.1 and GI.2 with five sub-clades each (GI.1/GI.2 a-e), GII into three (GII a-c), GIII as a separate clade, and GIV into seven sub-clades (GIV a-g). Similarly, the phylogeographic network analysis indicated four major clusters corresponding to GI-GIV clades, each with multiple subclusters and mutational sub-branches corresponding to the subclades. GI and GIV clusters are connected via GI.1-e reported from Europe and America, GII, GIII and GIV clusters are connected by GII-b and GII-c strains reported from Africa, while GIV cluster strains are connected to the Russia-Italy JCV haplotype. Furthermore, we identified JCV-variant-GS/B-Germany-1997 (GenBank ID: AF004350.1) as an inter-genotype recombinant having major and minor parents in the GI.1-e and GII-a clades, respectively. Additionally, the amino acid variability analysis revealed high entropy across all proteins. The large T antigen exhibited the highest variability, while the small t antigen showed the lowest variability. Our phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses provide a new approach to genotyping and sub-genotyping and present a comprehensive classification system of JCV strains based on their genetic characteristics and geographic distribution, while the genetic recombination and amino acid variability can help identify pathogenicity and develop effective preventive and control measures against JCV infections.

In a variety of industries, including transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, diesel engines are often employed. Due of rising prices and environmental concerns, researchers examined whether biodiesels might replace diesel. The current study looks into American Saffron Oil's feasibility as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The transesterification technique is used to extract American saffron oil methyl este(ASOME), which is then examined for its physical and chemical properties in accordance with ASTM standards. Diesel fuel and American Saffron Oil methyl ester are mixed on a volume basis to create a variety of fuel blends, including B20, B40, and B60. The test results showed that the 20 % ASOME mix had better performance and reduced emissions. Also, utilizing DIESEL-RK simulation software, diesel engine tests are conducted for the B20, B40, and B60 under identical operating circumstances. Moreover, diesel engine testing for the B20, B40, and B60 are carried out using DIESEL-RK simulation software under comparable operating circumstances. Results of simulation software tests show improved engine performance and reduced pollutants. When experimental data is compared to DIESEL-RK modeling software, it is found that brake thermal efficiency increased by 5.7 % and emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide decreased by 2.5 % and 14.3 %, respectively.

Background: Gynecological issues and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose significant challenges to women's health, particularly in developing nations. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to modern reproductive healthcare facilities, economic constraints, and entrenched cultural norms. Consequently, most of the Pakistani population relies on traditional ethno-medicinal healthcare systems. This preference stems from the ease of access, affordability, widespread availability, and inherent trust placed in these alternative healthcare methods. Aim/objective: The inquiry aimed to report details on the application of conventional uses of plants in the health field in rural areas that could contribute to advancing the natural discovery of drugs. The objective of this analysis is to provide researchers with information on conventional and empirical knowledge of plant species concerning women's diseases. Methodology: Information on the common use of medicinal plants in treating women's diseases was gathered from electronic databases. As a keyword for the quest, ethnobotany, and ethnopharmacology were used together with gynecological complications. Result: The work of the current analysis has revealed that 217 plant species belonging to 89 families have been used in Pakistan's rural communities. The majority of plant species belong to the Apiaceae family, followed by the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and other families. The biological interpretation of plants used in rural communities of Pakistan revealed that herbs and trees are the dominant forms with 58 % and 23 % respectively while shrubs and sub-shrubs with a low percentage of 17 % and 2 %. In natural preparation, leaves 29 %, flowers 22 %, seeds 14 %, fruits 14 %, roots 13 %, bark 7 %, and stems 5 % were the most used parts respectively and aerial parts, dried pericarp, bulb, bud, berry, latex, wood, rhizome, husk, fruit coat, oil, resins, twigs, and shoot were also used in minimum percentage. A multitude of plant species have found extensive application in the management of diverse women's health issues. These encompass concerns such as fatigue, mood fluctuations attributed to menstrual problems, gonorrhea, complications related to pregnancy, cravings for specific foods, throbbing breast pain, abdominal and pelvic cramps, excessive vaginal discharge, mastitis, irritability, abortion-related matters, headaches, uterine hemorrhage, Menorrhagia, Amenorrhea, Menopause, Vomiting Abortion, infertility and lactation challenges, as well as the regulation of lochia flow. Conclusion: This review provides remarkable information about the use of medicinal plants against women's diseases in the rural communities of Pakistan. It opens the gateway for the discovery of natural drug development.

Non-Fourier relation elucidates conduction of heat subjected to finite thermal wave proliferation speed whereas non-Fick relation reports anomalous diffusion differing from orthodox Fickian conduct. Their applications encompass the modeling of heat-mass transference in biological tissues, environmental engineering and micro/nanoscale systems. These models improve prediction precision in heterogeneous, complex or non-equilibrium environments. Here an attempt is made to model Darcy-Forchheimer dual convected viscoplastic material flow confined by stratified slippery surface. Modeling is based on magnetohydrodynamics, thermal stratification, temperature-dependent conductivity, temperature-dependent diffusivity, chemical reaction and solutal stratification. Deploying similarity variables, the nonlinear coupled complex partial differential expressions are transfigured into a system of coupled ordinary differential expressions. This process streamlines the problem, making it more convenient and assisting the utilization of numerical schemes to solve the simplified differential system. This system is then computed numerically deploying bvp4c algorithm. The outcomes related to drag force are derived and compared with previously reported findings in the existing literature. The comparison demonstrates a high level of agreement between the results obtained in this study and those from prior research. This study provides a comprehensive inspection of specific parameters and their characteristics on concentration, velocity and temperature. Results show that the Hartman number, inertia coefficient parameter, Casson parameter, porosity parameter and velocity slip parameter reduce Casson fluid velocity while reverse scenario is witnessed for mixed convection parameter. Besides the concentration distribution is an escalating function of Hartman number, solutal ratio, mass diffusivity and chemical reaction parameters whereas a reducing trend is found for solutal relaxation time, power index, solutal stratified parameters and Schmidt number.

This study aims to investigate the blends of supplementary cementitious ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) with limestone powder (LSP) as mineral admixtures to partially replace cement (up to 30 %) in self-consolidating paste (SCP) systems made at respective water demands. Besides the control formulation (100 % cement), the first set of SCP systems includes GGBFS alone as a partial substitute of cement (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %), whereas the second set contains blends of 10 % GGBFS with 10 % and 20 % LSP. For all the seven formulations (1 control, 4 binary and 2 ternary), tests were performed to determine their water demand, setting times and flow behavior, hydration kinetics, mechanical strengths and microstructural properties. Results showed that the fresh and hardened state properties of SCP systems incorporating GGBFS and LSP led to an increase in strength, hydration kinetics were slightly improved and hence enhancement of strength and microstructure of SCP systems. Reduction in initial and final setting times recorded with increased LSP from 10 % to 20 % in ternary SCP formulations. Early compressive strength due to LSP increased in ternary SCP systems as compared to binary formulations, which reflected synergy between GGBFS and LSP in SCP systems. Moreover, environmental assessment results indicate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by substituting cement with GGBFS and LSP. These findings indicate that both GGBFS and LSP can be successfully used in developing high performance and environment friendly self-compacting concrete (SCC).

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is proving to be hazardous to the environment. To replace the OPC, geopolymers (GPs) are introduced. However, to fully replace the OPC by GPs extensive laboratory tests are required to assess the long-term and short-term properties of GPs in different scenarios. Given the shortage of time for performing such extensive testing, artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze the properties of GPs. In this study, different AI techniques such as artificial neuro network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and gene expression programming (GEP) are used to obtain the predictive models for estimating the compressive strength of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag-based GP concrete. Different statistical parameters are used to evaluate the performance of predictive models. Similarly, sensitivity and parametric analysis are also conducted on the input parameters. Additionally, multiple linear regression was also performed on the whole database. After comparing all the results, it was concluded that GEP is the best AI technique to predict the compressive strength of GP-based concrete.

Sustainable development in the building industry can be achieved through the use of versatile cementitious composites. Thus, incorporating nanoparticles into cement composites can create materials with enhanced performance and numerous applications. The utilization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the construction industry has great promise for developing efficient solutions to establish a sustainable ecosystem with diverse characteristics. However, forecasting the characteristics of these composites is a significant challenge due to their intricate composite structure and nonlinear behavior. Designing and conducting laboratory experiments on diverse samples and across multiple age groups is challenging, time-consuming, and costly. Moreover, there is presently a lack of a forecasting model that can predict concrete's compressive strength (fc') with nanoparticles. Three machine learning (ML) techniques, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), linear regression (LR), and artificial neural network (ANN), were used to predict the fc' of nanocomposites containing CNTs in this research. A thorough database consisting of 282 data entities for the CNTs-based concrete and the model's reliability was assessed using the R2 test and statistical error analysis. The ANN model had the most outstanding R2 value of 0.885, while the KNN and LR models had R2 values of 0.838 and 0.744, respectively. Moreover, RReliefF analysis is utilized to evaluate the primary components in predicting concrete outcomes. This research shows that the properties of CNT-based concrete composites are greatly affected by the water-to-binder ratio, followed by the proportions of cement and coarse aggregates. The ML algorithms exhibited superior generalization capabilities, suggesting their enhanced potential for accurate predictions of CNTs-based concrete properties.

Alkali-activated composites (AACs) have attracted considerable interest as a promising alternative to reduce CO2 emissions from Portland cement production and advance the decarbonisation of concrete construction. This study describes the data-driven predictive modelling to anticipate the compressive strength (CS) of AACs. Four different modelling techniques have been chosen to forecast the CS of AACs using the selected data set. The decision tree (DT), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), bagging regressor (BR), and AdaBoost regressor (AR) were employed to investigate the precision level of each model. When it comes to predicting the CS of AACs, the results show that the AR model performs better than the BR model, the MLP model, and the DT model by providing a higher value for the coefficient of determination, which is equal to 0.91, and a lower MAPE value, which is equal to 13.35%. However, the accuracy level of the BR model was very near to that of the AR model, with the R2 value suggesting a value of 0.90 and the MAPE value indicating a value of 14.43%. Moreover, the graphical user interface has also been developed for the strength prediction of alkali-activated composites, making it easy to get the required output from the selected inputs.

The optimized use of nanomaterials in concrete for developing resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure is vital for our built environment. Therefore, the current study aims to optimize the dosages and particle sizes of colloidal nano-silica in developing high-performance, sustainable cement mortar. For this purpose, compressive strength, water absorption, porosity, and microstructure tests were performed on mortars containing different dosages and particle sizes (NS80, NS250, NS250Al, NS500) of colloidal nano-silica. For comparison, tests were also performed on control mortars and mortars containing metakaolin and silica fume. The microstructure of cement pastes was examined through SEM-based BSE imaging with elemental mapping through EDS and FTIR analyses. Additionally, global warming potential (GWP) as well as embodied energy (EE) were also analyzed for all mortar mixtures. The results demonstrated that smaller nano-sized particles (NS500) at a lower dosage (3%) showed improved compressive strength and densified microstructure compared to all other mixes. However, larger nano-sized particles (NS80) at medium (5%) and high dosages (10%) had the highest impact on compressive strengths due to the formation of low and medium Ca-based C-S-H and C-A-S-H phases. Furthermore, the results of greater compressive strength of NS80 mortars under medium and high dosages were supported by their lowest water absorption and apparent porosity. When compared with the control and all other mixes, the mortar mixes containing medium and high doses of NS80 had lower embodied energy/MPa and CO2-eq intensity/MPa, indicating their significant contribution to producing green concrete with a lower environmental impact.

Abstract Background Radiation exposure is a significant hazard associated with invasive Cardiology, with most studies based on primary operator exposure. This prospective, observational study aimed to find out over lead radiation exposure as effective dose acquired by non-physician staff comprising scrub technicians and rotating staff in the cath laboratory. Effective dose (ED) measured per procedure via Raysafe i2®dosimeter badges worn by both rotating staff and scrub technicians over lead aprons along with dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time (FT) and procedure time (PT) in minutes was collected prospectively over forty-six invasive Cardiology procedures. Results This study shows that rotating staff acquire higher ED in comparison with their scrub technician colleagues in diagnostic, interventional and electrophysiology cases. However, a statistically significant difference in radiation exposure of both staff groups was demonstrated in diagnostic and interventional Cardiology procedures, with p values of 0.04 and 0.01, respectively. Conclusions These findings highlight occupational role and mobility around fluoroscopic sources as major factors in radiation exposure, which should be addressed within current radiation protection practices.

Environmental sustainability concerns have led to exploring alternative fuels like biodiesel in transportation. However, biodiesel engines emit pollutants like NOx, CO, and PM, posing health and environmental risks. This review explores the use of Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3), Ruthenium Oxide (RuO2), Titanium Oxide (TiO2), Cerium Oxide (CeO2), Graphene Oxide, Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) and other nanoparticles, in biodiesel engine. It focuses on their unique properties, characterization, emission control, environmental impact, and engine performance. The study emphasizes the significance of different biodiesel blends, compositions, and nanoparticle additions in determining engine performance and emissions. Results vary based on nanoparticle type, size, concentration, and blend composition. The review examines the impact of nanoparticles on various aspects of biodiesel blends, including density, viscosity, cetane number, calorific value, and flash points. It found that nanoparticle additives significantly influence Brake Thermal Efficiency and combustion efficiency. The study also found that nanoparticle-enhanced biodiesel blends have improved ignition properties, faster evaporation, higher oxygen content, and elevated cetane numbers, leading to cleaner combustion and more environmentally friendly engine operation. The research supports the beneficial effects of nanoparticles on biodiesel characteristics and emissions reduction. The review suggests that nanoparticles in biodiesel engines can improve fuel characteristics, engine performance, and emissions reduction but cautions against potential environmental and health risks. The findings suggest further research and optimization for sustainable and efficient engine performance in pursuing greener transportation fuels, highlighting the potential of nanoparticles in biodiesel blends.

Abstract Physicochemical and phytochemical assessment of leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in different agroclimatic conditions is essential to highlight their compositional variability and evaluate the most suitable bunch of agroclimatic and agronomic practices. B. juncea is one of the important leafy vegetables that serve as source of vitamin A and C and iron, and plenty of antioxidants. This in situ research was executed to assess the quality variability of B. juncea grown in different agroecosystems. Leaves’ samples of B. juncea were procured from 15 farmers’ fields exhibiting different agroclimatic conditions i.e., elevation, nutrient management, temperature, irrigation, and tillage practices. Leaves’ samples were subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analysis, i.e., moisture, pH, TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential. In the leaves’ samples of B. juncea, the target properties were found to vary significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in different agroclimatic conditions. The moisture content, ascorbic acid, phenolic content, carotenoids, and antioxidants were found in the range of 62.7–79.3%, 74–91 mg/100 g, 49.2–49.2 mg GAE/100 g, 436.3–480 mg β carotene/100 g, 32.7–46.67%, respectively. This study elaborates the significant variation of physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of B. juncea due to the prevailing agroclimatic conditions. This necessitates the appropriate choice of B. juncea concerning its composition and ecological conditions of its cultivation in the prospective health benefits.