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In this work, pure and S–N/WO3 (1%–7%) nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed for the degradation of MB dye. Optical properties, vibrational analysis, morphology, structural analysis, and photocatalytic activity of the samples have been evaluated using a variety of characterization techniques, including UV–vis, PL, FTIR, SEM, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns showed that the stability of the orthorhombic phase of WO3 was affected by the concentrations of S and N. In SEM, nanospheres with an average size of 80 nm of NPs have been observed. The PL results showed that the e−, h+ recombination rate for the S–N7%/WO3 sample was the lowest. The degradation of MB dye has also been investigated in order to investigate the photocatalytic performance. Remarkably, S–N7%/WO3 shows the best results, with a maximum degradation of 90% in 120 min. The stability of the improved catalyst was tested using recycling and trapping studies. S–N7%/WO3 catalyst's exceptional photocatalytic activity highlights its potential use in wastewater treatment. This study will be helpful for manufacturing innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethod(s)ResultsConclusionTo evaluate co-morbid sociomedical conditions affecting corneal donor endothelial cell density and transplant suitability.Corneal donor transplant information was collected from the CorneaGen eye bank between June 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016. A natural language processing algorithm was applied to generate co-morbid sociomedical conditions for each donor. Variables of importance were identified using four machine learning models (random forest, Glmnet, Earth, nnet), for the outcomes of transplant suitability and endothelial cell density. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values were generated, with beeswarm and box plots to visualize the contribution of each feature to the models.With a total of 23,522 unique donors, natural language processing generated 30,573 indices, which were reduced to 41 most common co-morbid sociomedical conditions. For transplant suitability, hypertension ranked the top overall variable of importance in two models. Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of smoking, and alcohol use appeared consistently in the top variables of importance. By SHAP feature importance, hypertension (0.042), alcohol use (0.017), ventilation of donor (0.011), and history of smoking (0.010) contributed the most to the transplant suitability model. For endothelial cell density, hypertension was the sociomedical condition of highest importance in three models. SHAP scores were highest among the sociomedical conditions of hypertension (0.037), alcohol use (0.013), myocardial infarction (0.012), and history of smoking (0.011).In a large cohort of corneal donor eyes, hypertension was identified as the most common contributor to machine learning models examining sociomedical conditions for corneal donor transplant suitability and endothelial cell density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the association between area-level socioeconomic deprivation and orbital trauma among emergency ophthalmology consults. We conducted a cross-sectional study using 5-year Epic data for all hospital-based ophthalmology consults at the University of Maryland Medical System, and the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) data for area-level socioeconomic deprivation. We ran multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between the DCI quintile 5 distressed score and orbital trauma. A total of 3,811 cases of acute emergency consults were identified, of whom 750 (19.7%) had orbital trauma and 2,386 (62.6%) had other traumatic ocular emergencies. The odds of orbital trauma among people living in a distressed community were 0.59 (95% CI 0.46–0.76) times the odds for those living in a prosperous community. Among White subjects, the odds of orbital trauma for people living in a distressed community were 1.71 (95% CI 1.12–2.62) times the odds for those living in a prosperous community; among Black subjects, the OR was 0.47 (95% CI 0.30–0.75; p-interaction = 0.0001). Among women, the OR for orbital trauma among those living in a distressed community was 0.46 (95% CI 0.29–0.71); among men, the OR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.52–0.97; p-interaction = 0.03). Overall, we found an inverse association between higher area-level socioeconomic deprivation and orbital trauma among both men and women. The association varied by race, such that there was an inverse association with higher deprivation among Black subjects in contrast to a positive association among White subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionCone dystrophy is a heterogeneous hereditary retinal disorder with disease symptoms appearing in the late first or early second decades of life.A consanguineous Pakistani family with three affected individuals underwent detailed clinical and genetic investigation.The proband, a 63-years old male, showed severely reduced day vision, a visual acuity of counting fingers (CF), color vision deficiency, high myopia and photophobia. Fundus images showed bilateral peripapillary atrophy, bilateral dull foveal reflex, tilted disc, tessellated fundus, and hyperfluorescence at the peripheral superior temporal arcade and leak at an early stage. OCT macula and angiography findings suggested traction near the disc in the right eye and sub-retinal fluid at the fovea in the left eye. Retinal layers were normal toward the periphery but disorganized near the disc. Full visual field tests showed bilateral central scotoma, while single visual field tests indicated bilateral generalized depression of the visual field. The proband showed normal bilateral intraocular pressure, normal choroidal vessels, and unremarkable anterior segment. Exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense variant (POC1B:NM_172240.3:c.1391T>C;p.L464P) in the proband. Existing evidence supported pathogenicity of the identified variant in the family.In conclusion, we document a first-ever Pakistani family with POC1B-related cone dystrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of characterization of all graphs where the deletion of an edge results in decrease or increase in the energy is far from completion. To be more exact, we solve this problem for Inverse Sum Indeg energy. We compute the ISI energies of edge deleted graphs of Kn$$ {K}_n $$, Kn,n$$ {K}_{n,n} $$, Kn,n,n$$ {K}_{n,n,n} $$, and star graph, finally we compare the respective energies from the original graphs. We give different graphs where both cases can happen. This serves as partial solutions of the modified version of the hard to crack problem posed by Gutman to characterize all graphs whose energy decreases after deletion of an edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen storage capabilities of the metal–organic framework (MOF) CALF-20 are examined experimentally with both cryogenic and near-ambient temperatures. This framework has a pore size that is nearly ideal for cryogenic hydrogen storage. Density functional theory (DFT) studies provide insights into the hydrogen binding sites within CALF-20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination is one of the biggest environmental issues the world is currently experiencing, and it is a result of growing industry and urbanization. The main causes of contaminated water are the textile industry and the colours included in waste effluent. The production of polymeric ferrite composites is the focus of this investigation. To the best of our knowledge these combinations of polymer and ferrites have not been synthesized before. The purpose of using these polymeric ferrite composites was to eliminate the artificially reactive Orange-122 dye from aqueous solutions. Various factors were optimized to get the best clearance, including pH (2–12), composite dose (0.01–0.3 g), contact time (10–120 min), temperature, and beginning dye concentration (20–200 mg/L). The acidic range (2–5) was shown to have the maximum dye removal of reactive dye, and the ideal composite dose was found to be 0.03 g/50 mL. Within the first sixty to ninety minutes, balance was reached. At 120–150 mg L–1, the maximum level of reactive dye clearance was attained. As the temperature was raised, the chosen dye was more effectively removed, indicating that the process was endothermic. Various models, including thermodynamic, kinetic, and equilibrium models, were used to verify. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the association between self-rated poor physical health (srPPH), a validated proxy measure of health-related quality of life, and age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality (AACVM) rates across overall U.S. counties and within various demographics. Nationwide county-level analysis. We analyzed county-level data spanning 2010–2019 from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This analysis included data from 2892 counties with complete records on srPPH and AACVM. srPPH was defined as the age-adjusted average number of days respondents reported being in poor physical health over the past 30 days. To estimate the average srPPH per resident in each county, the CDC utilized validated statistical models applied to BRFSS data. To assess the association between srPPH and AACVM, we employed Poisson Generalized Linear Mixed Models, generating incident rate ratios (IRRs). Out of the 307,045,647 residents living in 2892 U S. counties in 2010, 8,157,571 (2.7 %) cardiovascular deaths were recorded during the study period. Counties where residents reported the greatest number of physically unhealthy days—indicative of higher srPPH—experienced the highest AACVM rates, despite significant decreases in overall AACVM rates from 2010 to 2019. Moreover, srPPH was independently associated with higher AACVM rates (IRR: 1.018; 95 % CI: 1.011 to 1.025) across most demographic groups, except Hispanics. This association was particularly strong among middle-aged (45–64 years old) women and elderly (≥65 years old) non-Hispanic Black individuals. srPPH may serve as a valuable community health marker that can help identify populations at risk for cardiovascular mortality, independent of other social determinants of health. When used in combination with objective measures of cardiovascular health, this metric can enhance targeted screening and intervention efforts in high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid syndrome, a complex endocrine disorder, involves the dysregulation of the thyroid gland, impacting vital physiological functions. Common causes include autoimmune disorders, iodine deficiency, and genetic predispositions. The effects of thyroid syndrome extend beyond the thyroid itself, affecting metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. Thyroid syndrome is associated with severe cases of thyroid dysfunction, highlighting the potentially life-threatening consequences of untreated or inadequately managed thyroid disorders. This research aims to propose an advanced meta-learning approach for the timely detection of Thyroid syndrome. We used a standard thyroid-balanced dataset containing 7,000 patient records to apply advanced machine-learning methods. We proposed a novel meta-learning model based on a unique stack of K-Neighbors (KN) and Random Forest (RF) models. Then, a meta-learning Logistic Regression (LR) model is built based on the collective experience of stacked models. For the first time, the novel proposed KRL (KN-RF-LR) method is employed for the effective diagnosis of Thyroid syndrome. Extensive research experiments illustrated that the novel proposed KRL outperformed state-of-the-art approaches, achieving an impressive performance accuracy of 98%. We vindicated the performance scores through k-fold cross-validation and enhanced performance using hyperparameter tuning. Our research revolutionized the timely detection of thyroid syndrome, contributing to the enhancement of human life by reducing thyroid mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, metal-doped quaternary nano ferrites (Co0.5Zn0.25M0.25Fe2O4, M = Ba, Cu, Mn, Ni and Sr) were synthesized and evaluated for their efficiency in removing Direct Orange-108 Acid Dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorption performance of these materials was systematically investigated under various conditions. Optimal pH levels for dye removal were found to be pH 2 (41.45 mg/g), pH 2 (36.37 mg/g mg/g), pH 4 (31.13 mg/g), pH 4 (44.75 mg/g), and pH and 3 (39.62 mg/g) at optimal dosage of 0.05 g/50 mL and at an initial concentration of at 75 ppm and 50 ppm for Co0.5Zn0.25Ba0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Cu0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Mn0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Ni0.25Fe2O4 and Co0.5Zn0.25Sr0.25Fe2O4 respectively. Additionally, the study revealed that an optimum temperature of 40 °C enhanced the adsorption efficiency, resulting in adsorption capacities of 41.92 mg/g, 40.56 mg/g, 33.22 mg/g, 48.00 mg/g, and 43.71 mg/g for Co0.5Zn0.25Ba0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Cu0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Mn0.25Fe2O4, Co0.5Zn0.25Ni0.25Fe2O4 and Co0.5Zn0.25Sr0.25Fe2O4 respectively. The shaking time with optimal results were obtained at 45 and 60 min. Similarly, as a photocatalyst have optimal pH at 2, 3 and 4, optimum dose 0.05 g/50 mL, initial concentration of dye was 50 and 75 ppm with contact time of 45 and 60 minutes at 40 °C as optimum temperature. The pseudo second order adsorption kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption equilibrium isotherm displayed strong fitting for experimental data. While degradation kinetic follow BMG and second kinetic model. NH4OH solution showed maximum desorption The thermodynamic study demonstrated the exothermic character. The adsorption study of real textile effluents was also conducted that yielded valuable information. Highlights: Novel metal doped quaternary nano ferrites Co0.5Zn0.25M0.25Fe2O4 (M = Ba, Cu, Mn, Ni and Sr) were synthesized, characterized, and used for dye adsorption. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic model fitted best and proved most appropriate for this study. The size, changeable properties and shape are the most notable characteristics of nano ferrites, therefore the use of ferrites in many applications is enhancing day by day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects that live in a microbially rich environment have a distinct gut microbiota that gives various benefits to the host, including infection-resistant metabolites. The current study isolated and assessed putative probiotic enterococcal strains from the guts of Periplaneta americana found in household sewage systems, utilizing biochemical and molecular biological approaches. The enterococcal strains demonstrated intense antibacterial activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative human infections. The active compound responsible for antimicrobial activity was lactic acid in strains NPL1311 and NPL1312 and a proteinaceous moiety in strain NPL1314; both exhibited lytic activity against pathogens and demonstrated thermotolerance and stability during refrigerated storage conditions. In vitro testing revealed that the strains lacked deleterious enzyme activities, had no adverse effect on the gut mucosal barrier, and lacked potentially transferable antibiotic resistance genes. Select enterococcal strains were tested for probiotic properties and demonstrated good resistance to human oral, gastric, and intestinal stressors. The two strains also showed bile salt deconjugation, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant potential, ability to break down lactose, and a suite of enzymes of industrial interest. The prospective probiotic strains were also metabolically versatile, allowing them to thrive on diverse carbohydrate substrates, enhancing their chances of competing and surviving in new gut environs. When tested under physiologically gut-relevant conditions mimicking shear flow, the putative probiotic strains could adhere to mucosal surfaces, implying better colonization potential. Due to their significant probiotic qualities, the E. faecium strains reported here should be researched further using genomic and in vivo techniques for clinical therapy and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption is a highly effective method for wastewater quality adjustment, offering advantages such as low cost and availability of adsorbents. This study investigates the efficient removal of Anionic Actas Pink dye (AAPD), a major contributor to environmental pollution. Green adsorbents including lead oxide (PbO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium oxide (CdO), and copper oxide (CuO) were synthesized via eco-friendly routes for AAPD removal. Maximum adsorption capacities (qe) were observed at pH 7 (PbO, ZnO, CdO) and pH 2 (CuO and native) with values of 83.83 mg/g at 100 ppm, 75.65 mg/g at 100 ppm, 70.50 mg/g 75 ppm, 61.21 mg/g at 150 ppm, and 52.69 mg/g at 150 ppm, respectively, using an adsorbent dose of 0.05 g/50 mL at temperature of 37°C, and 90 min contact time. Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm for all adsorbents except native, with PbO also fitting Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. Kinetics adsorption data supported pseudo-second-order, while thermodynamic analysis indicated spontaneous and exothermic nature. Effects of electrolytes, surfactants, and desorption were also evaluated. Characterization through FTIR, SEM, and XRD confirmed the morphology and functional groups of these nano-quantum dots. Citrus limon peel-based biosynthesis offers sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives, highlighting their potential for dye adsorption. Highlights: Explore cost-effective and efficient adsorption methods for wastewater treatment Discover effective adsorbents capable of efficiently removing Anionic Actas Pink Sustainable synthesis of green quantum dot was made using agricultural waste Gain insights into adsorption mechanisms through robust modeling techniques [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the results of a study that was conducted to evaluate the performance of field-produced aramid fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures used for resurfacing applications and compare it to that of polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. Twelve test sections were constructed as part of resurfacing projects in Ohio. Two aramid fibers from different sources were used in these projects. During the construction of the test sections, loose asphalt mixtures were collected and were used to prepare samples. Different tests were conducted on the prepared samples. These included the following: semicircular bend and indirect tensile asphalt cracking to evaluate the cracking resistance of prepared samples, the asphalt concrete cracking device test to evaluate the low-temperature cracking resistance of prepared samples, and the Hamburg wheel tracking test to evaluate the resistance of samples to rutting and moisture damage. Results indicated that the effects of the addition of aramid fiber to asphalt mixture vary depending on the type of aramid fiber and mixture properties. In general, Fiber A and Fiber B significantly improved the cracking resistance of mixtures with PG 64-22. Furthermore, mixtures with PG 64-22 binder and aramid fibers had similar or higher cracking resistance as compared to those with PG 70-22M asphalt mixture. The addition of fibers improved the resistance of reinforced mixtures to rutting and moisture damage. The fibers slightly improved the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. Statistical analysis of testing results indicated that the properties related to the cracking resistance of the fiber mixtures did not significantly change during production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addictive, illicit drugs pose a high threat of relapse. The deaths related to illicit drugs have substantially increased in the last decade. Globally, the illicit drug trade poses a significant challenge to public health and law enforcement. It is essential to utilize advanced analytical methodologies that can characterize illegal substances precisely to monitor these drugs. Surfaced-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a valuable tool, providing distinct capabilities for analyzing illegal substances. Surface enhancement enables far more sensitive detection and identification of illicit drugs by suppressing the fluorescence and enhancing the Raman signals. In this regard, a simple method with limited sample processing has been established to characterize illicit drugs that include methamphetamine (MAMP) (ice), bhang, marijuana (cannabis), opium, and diacetylmorphine (heroin). Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for the identification of the characteristic SERS spectral features of these drugs. This article examines the potential application of SERS in the characterization of illicit substances, focusing on its ability to contribute significantly to law enforcement and forensic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yamaguchi reagent, based on 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (TCBC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), is an efficient tool for conducting the intermolecular (esterification) reaction between an acid and an alcohol in the presence of a suitable base (Et3N or iPr2NEt) and solvent (THF, DCM, or toluene). The Yamaguchi protocol is renowned for its ability to efficiently produce a diverse array of functionalized esters, promoting high yields, regioselectivity, and easy handling under mild conditions with short reaction times. Here, the recent utilization of the Yamaguchi reagent was reviewed in the synthesis of various natural products such as macrolides, terpenoids, polyketides, peptides, and metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae are exclusively aquatic photosynthetic organisms that are microscopic or macroscopic, unicellular or multicellular and distributed across the globe. They are a potential source of food, feed, medicine and natural pigments. A variety of natural pigments are available from algae including chlorophyll a, b, c d, phycobiliproteins, carotenes and xanthophylls. The xanthophylls include acyloxyfucoxanthin, alloxanthin, astaxanthin, crocoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin, fucoxanthin, loroxanthin, monadoxanthin, neoxanthin, nostoxanthin, perdinin, Prasinoxanthin, siphonaxanthin, vaucheriaxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, while carotenes include echinenone, α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene. These pigments have applications as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals and in the food industry for beverages and animal feed production. The conventional methods for the extraction of pigments are solid-liquid extraction, liquid-liquid extraction and soxhlet extraction. All these methods are less efficient, time-consuming and have higher solvent consumption. For a standardized extraction of natural pigments from algal biomass advanced procedures are in practice which includes Supercritical fluid extraction, Pressurized liquid extraction, Microwave-assisted extraction, Pulsed electric field, Moderate electric field, Ultrahigh pressure extraction, Ultrasound-assisted extraction, Subcritical dimethyl ether extraction, Enzyme assisted extraction and Natural deep eutectic solvents. In the present review, these methods for pigment extraction from algae are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims Methodology Result Conclusion The purpose of this research is to quantify the knowledge of students about HIV, social media contribution, and their satisfaction with the government and society's acceptance of HIV patients.A cross‐sectional survey of 579 participants was conducted at Punjab University, University of Peshawar, Karachi University, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences University, and Quaid‐i‐Azam University. Student self‐administered surveys included demographics, knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and PLWHA acceptability.The response rate was 96.5%. The four variables are knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and HIV patient acceptance. The knowledge score in married males (Beta = –0.075) and married females (Beta = –0.022), government satisfaction in married males (Beta = 0.087) and females (–0.412), social media rumors in married males (Beta = –0.125) and married female (Beta = –0.301, and HIV acceptance in society married male –0.301 and married female 0.07. the knowledge and government satisfaction, score showed that males had higher knowledge about HIV than married females. Married women say HIV acceptability in society is strong, whereas men believe social media spreads less misinformation. Similarly, there is a negative correlation between government satisfaction social media rumors (–0.687**) and HIV acceptance in society (–0.687**). HIV acceptance has a strong correlation with knowledge (0.711**) and social media rumors (0.727**). The p < 0.001 indicates that there is a significant correlation.Sufficient knowledge and the positive role of social media, effective government contributions to eradicate HIV, and more awareness and knowledge can significantly change the attitude of the community toward PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) molecules attracted huge attention from the photovoltaic community for their potential use in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we designed a series of NFA materials (AR1–AR9) for OSCs by altering end-capped moieties. We employed various advanced density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent (TD-DFT) approaches to characterize this designed AR1–AR9 series. Compared to the synthetic reference molecule (R), designed molecules AR1–AR9 revealed a smaller bandgap (1.85 eV), and improved absorption spectra (λmax 741 nm) in comparison to R (λmax 668 nm), indicating the better potential for the tailored molecules. Furthermore, the designed series (AR1–AR9) shows lower reorganization energy values (for holes and electrons) and lower binding energies (0.323 eV), whereas, improved charge mobilities, showing them better candidates for OSCs. Moreover, frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), open-circuit voltages (Voc) and improved charge-transfer characteristics have also been investigated. These findings revealed that all developed NFAs exhibited a wide range of exciton dissociation constants and enhanced absorption efficiency with a relatively lower LUMO energy level. Therefore, we believe that these materials will be beneficial in boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSC devices by improving their optoelectronic and photophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrastructure boom has driven up cement demand to 30 billion tons annually. To address this and promote sustainable construction, researchers are developing solutions for carbon-neutral building practices, aiming to transform industrial waste into an eco-friendly alternative. This study aims to develop and enhance the mechanical and durability properties of alkali-activated composites (AACs) by incorporating varying amounts (5, 10, 15, and 20%) of finely ground bagasse ash (GBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Results indicate that higher GBA content initially reduces the 7th and 14th-day strength but results in increased strength at later ages. The optimum 28-day strength is achieved with a 10% GBA content, leading to a 10% increase in compressive strength, 8% increase in tensile strength, and 12% increase in flexural strength. Additionally, the incorporation of GBA enhanced the resistance of the composite to chloride ingress, thus reducing its conductance and increasing the overall durability. This study demonstrated the potential of GBA as an eco-friendly material, emphasizing the significance of tailored AACs formulations for durable and sustainable construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates 2D benchmark flow around a circular cylinder, utilizing the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations alongside the continuity and energy equations. The numerical solution is achieved through finite element discretization for space variable, combined with a second‐order Crank–Nicolson scheme for time integration. The computational results are derived using the FEATFLOW finite element based library package. Our study focuses on the dimensionless form of the flow equations and examines three key dimensionless parameters: drag, lift, and pressure drop. Upon applying finite element method (FEM) discretization, the system is converted into a set of linear or nonlinear ordinary differential equations or algebraic equations for steady‐state scenarios. We then apply the Newton–Raphson method as the outer nonlinear solver, and the multigrid method for efficiently resolving the linear subproblems. To ensure numerical accuracy, we evaluated the L2$$ {L}_2 $$ and H1$$ {H}&#x0005E;1 $$ errors, confirming that the experimental order of convergence matches the theoretical predictions. Flow profiles were both graphically represented and tabulated, offering a detailed understanding of the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study extends our prior research on drought responses in three date palm cultivars (Khalas, Reziz, and Sheshi) under controlled conditions. Here, we investigated their drought stress adaptive strategies under ambient environment. Under natural field drought conditions, three date palm cultivars experienced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varying regulations in their physiological attributes. Specifically, chlorophyll content, leaf RWC, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration reduced significantly, while intercellular CO2 concentration and water use efficiency increased. Through suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH), a rich repertoire (1026) of drought-responsive expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified: 300 in Khalas, 343 in Reziz, and 383 in Sheshi. Functional analysis of ESTs, including gene annotation and KEGG pathways elucidation, unveiled that these cultivars withstand drought by leveraging indigenous and multifaceted pathways. While some pathways aligned with previously reported drought resilience mechanism observed under controlled conditions, several new indigenous pathways were noted, pinpointing cultivar-specific adaptations. ESTs identified in three date palm cultivars were enriched through GSEA analysis. Khalas exhibited enrichment in cellular and metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and metal ion binding. Reziz showed enrichment in biological regulation, metabolic processes, signaling, and nuclear functions. Conversely, Sheshi displayed enrichment in organelle, photosynthetic, and ribosomal components. Notably, ca. 50% of the ESTs were unique and novel, underlining the complexity of their adaptive genetic toolkit. Overall, Khalas displayed superior drought tolerance, followed by Reziz and Sheshi, highlighting cultivar-specific variability in adaptation. Conclusively, date palm cultivars exhibited diverse genetic and physiological strategies to cope with drought, demonstrating greater complexity in their resilience compared to controlled settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Hui-Shia model is developed to reveal the efficiency of a deficient interphase on the tensile modulus of polymer halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposites. "Lc" as essential HNT length providing full stress transferring is defined and effective HNT size, effective HNT concentration, and efficiency of stress transferring (Q) are expressed by "Lc". Furthermore, the influences of all terms on the "Q" and nanocomposite's modulus are clarified, and also the calculations of the model are linked to the tested data of some nanocomposites. Original Hui-Shia model overpredicts the moduli, but the innovative model's predictions appropriately fit the measured data. Lc = 200 nm maximizes the sample's modulus to 2.6 GPa, but the modulus reduces to 2.11 GPa at Lc = 700 nm. Therefore, there is a reverse relation between the sample's modulus and "Lc". Q = 0.5 produces the system's modulus of 2.1 GPa, while the modulus of 2.35 GPa is achieved at Q = 1 providing a direct relation between the nanocomposite's modulus and "Q". Generally, narrow and big HNTs, along with a low "Lc", enhance the "Q", because a lower "Lc", reveals a tougher interphase improving the stress transferring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confidentiality of secret information is one of the mandatory issue of digitally modernized era of science and technology. Due to availability of several online web applications and social media usages nowadays, information is transmitted with ease. The privacy of these digital information can be addressed by using different encryption mechanisms. We have proposed digital information privacy preserving scheme based on three-dimensional chaotic self-exciting single disk homopolar system. Moreover, we have designed a circuit implementations of three-dimensional chaotic self-exciting single disk homopolar dynamical system. The suggested encryption scheme is tested against different security performance analyses which clearly reflects the affectedness of our encryption scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article discusses the importance of the relationship between cultural awareness (CA) training and post-training reflection in the health-care sector, and considers the implications for future developments for CA training in relation to content, audience, process and format. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 77 health and social care professionals (HCSPs) took part in a 4-h CA training, 25 of whom also opted for an additional optional reflection hour. The results reported on in this paper are drawn from the experiences of the 25 participants in the optional reflection sessions (RSs), using a thematic analysis approach. Findings: Participants highly valued the "safe space" in both the CA workshop and the optional follow-on RS, enabling them to share experiences, revisit topics and feel supported to put things into practice. They also reported a growing confidence in dealing with intercultural challenges, in particular in asking questions and being curious about topics they did not understand. Originality/value: This research points towards a strong recommendation for open-ended CA training, allowing participants to articulate their experiences, fears and concerns. It also highlights the importance of a follow-on RS as an integral part of CA training; both of these were found to offer opportunities for strengthening HSCPs' skills and facilitate the transition of learning from the workshop context into the workplace, with the ultimate aim of reducing inequalities in the quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population density of the domesticated bee, Apis mellifera is affected on a large scale by pesticide application and climate changes. Furthermore, contamination of bee flora with insecticide residue is another cause of honeybee mortality. The current study assessed the toxicity of five insecticides, namely bifenthrin (Talstar®10EC), endosulfan (Thiodon®35EC), imidacloprid (Confidor®200SL), ethofenprox (Trebon®30EC) and diafenthiuron (Polo®500SC) against haemocytes of the honeybee, A. mellifera under standard laboratory conditions. Analysis for counts of total haemocytes, differential haemocytes, and abnormalities was determined for larvae, pupae, and adult worker bees of A. mellifera. The haemolymph samples were assessed soon after, 30 and 60 min for selected insecticides applied at a concentration of recommended field doses. The total count of haemocytes was found to be significantly maximum in larval and pupal stages (35818 cells/mm3, 3387 cells/mm3) while lowest (5493 cells/mm3) in adult workers, but differential counts of haemocytes remained somewhat insignificant for all insecticides applied. Variation of total haemocytes count of honeybee resulted for all tested insecticides. Results revealed an increase in haemocytes count (6662 cells/mm3, 7237 cells/mm3, 7081 cells/mm3) of adult honeybees exposed to diafenthiuron, ethofenprox, and imidacloprid soon after application; however, these counts dropped (4506 cells/mm3, 4262 cells/mm3, 3481 cells/mm3, 4325 cells/mm3) after sixty minutes of application for all tested insecticides except for bifenthrin when compared with the untreated adult honeybee. While for differential count, granulocytes and plasmatocyte numbers increased in adult worker A. mellifera after the application of insecticides. Haemocytes immune response to insecticides exhibited abnormalities of various degrees, such as denucleation, cell shape distortion and agglutination. The findings indicate that insecticides influence the immunity of A. mellifera by altering of total and differential count of haemocytes, possibly leading to increased mortality and loss of the colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Transformational Leadership in hospital organizations is very important, where hospitals are organizations that have a complex environment, there is a lot of unclear information. With the increase in health services to the community along with changes in demographics, changes in health service technology, and the adoption of new information technology. So performance measurement is important in order to improve the quality of health services. The aim of this research is to find out how transformational leadership influences the success of hospitals management information systems (HMIS). The method used was a quantitative descriptive and verification survey with 181 respondents from 15 hospital in the city of Bandung. The sampling technique uses proportionate stratified random sampling. Data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS). The findings of the proposed hypothesis are that the quality of technology, transformational leadership, and users have a significant effect on service performance. Users can mediate technology quality, transformational leadership and service performance. Conclusion of the study is the novelty of the development of the information system success model by adding the context of transformational leadership in evaluating the success of the information system, where transformational leadership has a positive effect on improving the performance of hospital management information system services through users. Implications of the results of this study contribute to the development of an information system success model that can be used to evaluate the success of information systems in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated responses to threats are important for predator evasion in many species. This study examines the effect of developmental social experience on antipredator behavior and group cohesion in a highly gregarious catfish that communicates via tactile interaction, Corydoras aeneus. We reared fish either in a mixed‐age group of age‐matched peers and adult C. aeneus (mixed‐age condition, or MAC), or with age‐matched peers only (same‐age condition, or SAC). A startle test was conducted with small groups of subadults from either social rearing condition. Prior to any startle events, SAC subadults had increased tactile communication compared to MAC subadults, but SAC individuals were overall less active. SAC fish exhibited a stronger antipredator response to startles, and were more likely to freeze or take refuge in cover in response to a startle than MAC fish. MAC fish tended to respond to startle events by maintaining or decreasing their cohesion, whereas SAC fish tended to maintain or increase their cohesion. These behavioral differences are attributed to MAC fish developing with group protection as a result of shoaling with adults, resulting in reduced antipredator responses when reared with adults. This study underscores how social context during development can be critical in shaping how individuals perceive and respond to potential threats in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To screen the synthesized analogues for their in vitro DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Due to their high efficacy and inexpensiveness compared to natural antioxidants, synthetic antioxidants are frequently used. The current work is primarily concerned with investigating the free radical scavenging activity of derivatives of thiobarbituric acid, based on the findings of the literature review. Methods: A series of N,N-diethylthiobarbiturates (I–XVII) were synthesized, and screened for their DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results and discussion: Limited structure-activity relationship has been established on the basis of different substituents and their varying positions. These synthetic compounds showed varying degree of inhibition in the range of IC50 values 20.28 ± 0.15 to 286.19 ± 0.16 μM. Limited structure-activity relationship was revealed that hydroxyl containing compounds (V) (IC50 = 20.28 ± 0.15 μM), (IV) (IC50 = 22.89 ± 0.19 μM), and (I) (IC50 = 26.34 ± 0.03 μM) showed comparable free radical scavenging activities with standard quercetin (IC50 = 16.96 ± 0.14 μM). Conclusions: The study indicates that N,N-diethylthiobarbiturate derivatives have the potential to be synthetic antioxidants since they have strong DPPH radical scavenging action. Additionally, molecules with hydroxyl substituting demonstrate efficacy that is comparable to that of the natural antioxidant quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize azine analogues of 1,2-diphenylethan-1-one while assessing their ability to scavenge free radicals with DPPH. In order to explore these compounds' potential as novel antioxidant agents with possible applications in the pharmaceutical, neutraceutical, and other industries, we synthesized them. Methods: The initial steps involved reacting 1,2-diphenylethan-1-one and additional amount of hydrated hydrazine in an ethanol solvent to produce the needed hydrazone, which paved the way for a two-step reaction that produced azine derivatives. Ultimately, a number of substituted aldehydes that are aromatic were heated by reflux condition, catalyzed by acetic acid with the obtained hydrazone to produce the azine derivatives in high yields. Results: These synthetic derivatives were screened for their anti-oxidant activity, compound (IIe) (IC50 = 24.13 ± 0.27 µM), (IIf) (IC50 = 29.11 ± 0.41 µM), and (IIg) (IC50 = 31.12 ± 0.44 µM) attributed the most excellent activity, however compound (IIc) and (IId) were found as significant DPPH free radical scavenging agents with IC50 values 46.21 ± 0.12 and 49.23 ± 0.54 µM, respectively while compound (IIa) and (IIb) displayed less anti-oxidant effect with IC50 values 55.11 ± 0.24 and 66.21 ± 0.12 µM. Conclusions: The study shows that the azine derivatives under investigation have promising potential as synthetic antioxidants due to their significant DPPH radical scavenging action. Furthermore, compounds containing electron-donating groups exhibit antioxidant activity comparable to that of ascorbic acid, an antioxidant that occurs naturally. These findings highlight the antioxidant qualities of the synthetic azine derivatives and suggest potential applications as medical treatments for oxidative stress-related illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is widely growth in arid and semi-arid region where, drought is common and a limiting factor for crop production. Potassium plays a key role in enhancing plant growth under drought condition. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of K fertilization with and without NP on maize growth grown in sandy loam soil under adequate and deficit irrigation conditions. The following treatments were investigated in pot experiment: (1) control with no fertilizer application (C); (2) 128 kg N + 328 kg P2O5 ha-1 (NPK0); (3) 128 kg N + 328 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 152.5 kg K2O ha1 (NPK1); (4) 128 kg N + 328 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 305 kg K2O ha-1 (NPK2); and 128 kg N + 328 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 457.5 kg K2O ha-1 (NPK3). Treatments were investigated under adequate and deficit soil moisture content. Each pot filled with 3.5 kg air-dry soil and seeded with maize and pots were watered according to the treatments. The results indicated that plant growth and nutrient uptake were significantly reduced under water stress condition. The application of NP increased plant growth and nutrient uptake and further were increased with K application. K application also enhanced plant tolerance to deficit soil moisture condition. In addition, K enhanced nutrient uptake and leaf chlorophyll content. Based on the results, it can be concluded that application of NP for maize was not adequate to achieve the highest plant growth, unless it is combined with K application. In addition, K application enhances plant tolerance to water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we offer a model for estimating the tunneling conductivity of polymer-graphene nanocomposites based on interfacial properties, the proportion of networked graphene, and the wettability value between the polymer medium and the filler. The interfacial properties are influenced by the minimum diameter of the nanosheets (Dc), whose conductivity can be transferred to the medium via interfacial conduction (τ). These parameters impact the actual aspect ratio and the volume proportion of the filler, which, in turn, control the onset of percolation and the proportion of nanosheets in the network. We apply all these parameters to develop a novel model for estimating the conductivity of graphene systems. The predictions obtained from this model across different parameter ranges are discussed. Additionally, experimental measurements are employed to evaluate the proposed equations. High filler conductivity enhances the nanocomposite's conductivity by a strong interfacial conduction. However, the conductivity cannot be transferred to the polymer medium under condition of weak interfacial conduction. Furthermore, a robust interphase and a small Dc contribute to increased conductivity. Ultimately, the developed equations accurately predict the onset of percolation and conductivity, validated by real experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) is considered one of the most important entomopathogenic microorganisms. It produces potent toxins against insects. Therefore, the present study investigates the bioacaricidal properties of B. thuringiensis on the Hyalomma tick species. Firstly, we identify Hyalomma ticks based on morphological screening and molecular characterization. The cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene was selected for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which resulted in the amplification of 656 bp. The amplified products were sequenced, and the isolated (COX1) gene of ticks was submitted to the gene bank of NCBI (Accession No. OR077934.1). The nucleotide sequences were retrieved from the NCBI data bank by BLASTn analysis, which confirmed that all obtained sequences belong to genus Hyalomma, and multiple alignments confirmed that the sequence of Hyalomma anatolicum Tandojam‐isolate (HA‐TJ) 100% aligned with Hyalomma analoticum KP792577.1, Hyalomma detritum KP792595.1, Hyalomma excavatum KX911989.1, and H. excavatum OQ449693.1. The generated phylogenetic tree confirmed that sequences of HA‐TJ COX1 clustered with a single clad of H. analoticum, H. excavatum, and H. detritum. The acaricidal effect of B. thuringiensis toxins B. thuringiensis spore crystal mix (BtSCM) and B. thuringiensis crystal proteins (Btcps) was evaluated against larvae and adult life stages of Hyalomma ticks in vitro. We applied Btcps and BtSCM separately with different concentrations and calculated the mortality percentage. Adult mortality was estimated at the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 15th days posttreatment and larval mortality after 24 h. During treatment of the adult life stage, at first, ticks were immersed in different concentrations of Btcps and BtSCM for 5 min after the treatments, and the samples were transferred to sterile containers and placed in an incubator with 80% humidity at 23°C. Furthermore, Btcps produced the highest mortality on Day 15, 89 ± 1.00% at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days produced 83 ± 1.91%, 70 ± 1.15%, and 61 ± 1.00%, respectively. BtSCM produced mortality of 69 ± 1.91% on Day 15 at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days at 57 ± 2.51%, 37 ± 1.91%, and 34 ± 2.00%. The present study revealed that B. thuringiensis toxins produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mortality rate in adults of Hyalomma ticks. Additionally, Btcps and BtSCM were used to treat the larval stage. The treatments were applied to calculate the mortality percentage via the Laravel packet test. At a 1500 μg/mL concentration, Btcps resulted in the highest mortality of 98 ± 1.15%; this was followed by 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, which produced mortalities of 76 ± 1.63%, 60 ± 1.63%, and 56 ± 1.63%, respectively. In addition, BtSCM produced a mortality rate of 79 ± 2.51% at a concentration of 1500 μg/mL. Furthermore, 75 ± 2.51%, 65 ± 1.91%, and 58 ± 1.15% mortality were observed at concentrations of 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, respectively. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in larval mortality compared to the control group. We conclude that B. thuringiensis toxins are applicable as a bioacaricide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-step methodology has been developed utilizing the models of Paul and Takayanagi to determine the modulus of polymer halloysite nanotube (HNT) products. Initially, HNTs and the adjacent interphase are considered as pseudoparticles, and their modulus is evaluated using the Paul model. Subsequently, the modulus of a nanocomposite, consisting of a polymer medium and pseudoparticles, is predicted by Takayanagi equation. The impacts of various factors on the modulus of the products are analyzed, and the results from the two-step method are compared with experimental data from different samples. It has been observed that the modulus of samples progressively increases with an increase in interphase depth. Also, a higher interphase modulus contributes to an enhanced modulus of samples. Nevertheless, excessively high interphase moduli (Ei > 60 GPa) result in only a marginal improvement in the modulus of nanocomposites. Additionally, narrower HNTs are advantageous for producing stronger samples, though the modulus of the nanocomposites slightly diminishes at very high HNT radii (R > 55 nm). The outputs of two-step method agree with the experimental moduli of various HNT-filled systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to healthcare providers is a key factor in reducing cancer incidence and mortality, underscoring the significance of provider density as a crucial metric of health quality. We sought to characterize the association of provider density on hepatobiliary cancer population‐level incidence and mortality. Study Design: County‐level hepatobiliary cancer incidence and mortality data from 2016 to 2020 and provider data from 2016 to 2018 were obtained from the CDC and Area Health Resource File. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to evaluate the relationship between provider density and hepatobiliary cancer incidence and mortality. Results: Among 1359 counties, 851 (62.6%) and 508 (37.4%) counties were categorized as urban and rural, respectively. The median number of providers in any given county was 104 (IQR: 44–306), while provider density was 120.1 (IQR: 86.7–172.2) per 100,000 population; median household income was $51,928 (IQR: $45,050–$61,655). Low provider‐density counties were more likely to have a greater proportion of residents over 65 years of age (52.7% vs. 49.6%) who were uninsured (17.4% vs. 13.2%) versus higher provider‐density counties (p < 0.05). Moreover, all‐stage incidence, late‐stage incidence, and mortality rates were higher in counties with low provider density. On multivariable analysis, moderate, and high provider density were associated with lower odds of all‐stage incidence, late‐stage incidence, and mortality. Conclusion: Higher county‐level provider density was associated with lower hepatobiliary cancer‐related incidence and mortality. Efforts to increase access to healthcare providers may improve healthcare equity as well as long‐term cancer outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) is one of the three Hylobatidae species found in the Peninsular Malaysia region. Studies on primate gut microbiota have yet to be conducted in Malaysian Hylobatidae, but previous studies have covered Cercopithecidae. Knowledge of the gut microbiota of endangered captive Malaysian Hylobatidae primates is important for health assessment and conservation management. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota profile of captive white-handed gibbons using the metabarcode 16S rRNA gene. Two H. lar fecal samples collected from the mother and twin infant at Zoo Melaka were used for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The NGS data were analyzed on the basis of amplicon sequence variation. The gut microbiota of H. lar was dominated by phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidota because of their important roles in fermentation and nutrient assimilation from plant-based food sources. Predominance of genus Prevotella in the gut microbiota of H. lar indicates that the captivity condition causes the gut microbiota of gibbons to resemble that of humans and associates with fiber-rich diets. Variation in the bacterial community profile between the mother and the infant indicated differences in dietary adaptations and physiological state. This study can be used as an indicator of gibbon health levels through gut microbiome screening and can be used when considering Malaysian primate health welfare and captive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mineralogy of the Martian mantle is essential for constructing geochemical and geophysical models of Mars. This study employs the pMELTS program to determine the mineralogy at the solidus from 11 published bulk silicate Mars (BSM) compositions, within a pressure range of 2–5 GPa. The pMELTS results align with experimental data and calculations from another thermodynamic program (Perple_X/stx11). Mineral modes from compositional models based on Martian meteorite geochemistry show relatively consistent abundances modes (olivine: 48–56 wt%, orthopyroxene: 20–25 wt%, clinopyroxene: 15–17 wt%, garnet: 6–9 wt%). In contrast, mineral modes from compositional models that are not based on Martian meteorite geochemistry exhibit a wider range of olivine and garnet abundances. Additionally, we constrained the mineral modes of the Martian mantle using trace element partitioning and partial melting models. Our calculations indicate that melts derived from mantle sources with a hypothesized garnet content of 5–10 wt% closely match the analyzed compositions of shergottites, validating the garnet mode (6–9 wt%) constrained in our pMELTS calculations. Extracting low‐degree (<4 wt%) melts from a BSM to form depleted Martian mantle (DMM) does not significantly alter the mineralogical modes of solid residues, but it does lead to substantial trace elemental depletion in the DMM. Therefore, enriched, intermediate, and depleted shergottite sources are likely characterized by similar mineral modes yet differ in incompatible element abundances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The most commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are high-grade fever, cough and body aches with atypical symptoms ie vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. The primary purpose of this research was to ascertain the frequency of gastrointestinal problems experienced by patients due to COVID-19. Goal was to determine whether or not there was a correlation between the severity of COVID-19 disease and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in studied individuals. Methods: The study was conducted at the Gastroenterology Department, PEMH Rawalpindi, Pakistan from January 2022 to January 2023. Confirmed inpatient cases of COVID-19 disease were recruited, referred to Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) verified the presence of COVID-19 in the patients of this research study. Results: There were 345 patients (335 men and 10 women), with 116 patients exhibiting gastrointestinal symptoms and only 27 patients presented with severe disease. Diarrhoea and anorexia were the most frequently reported digestive symptoms with a frequency of 44 (12.8 %) and 34 (9.9 %), respectively. Clinical outcomes and disease severity were not significantly different between patients with and without digestive issues. Conclusion: The course of a COVID-19 infection seems to include gastrointestinal symptoms, which include, but are not limited to vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, etc. Numerous gastrointestinal symptoms are linked to COVID-19 infection even in the absence of respiratory symptoms. As a result, COVID-19 infection should be taken into account for individuals who primarily present with gastrointestinal symptoms. The establishment of personalised COVID-19 therapies will be aided by an understanding of the varying susceptibility of the individual gastrointestinal system to SARSCoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Islamic scriptures mention the use of corporal punishment parenting strategies to rectify behaviour in children. However, many Islamic scholars strongly warn against employing corporal punishment as a discipline strategy. This discussion paper aimed to examine the misconceptions surrounding the use of corporal punishment as a parenting strategy in religious teachings and explores the sociocultural norms that act as a barrier to effective Islamic parenting practices. This discussion asserts that parenting practices engaging corporal punishment discipline strategies are not an inherent part of Islamic doctrine and both historic and contemporary Islamic scholars endorse alternative, peaceful parenting strategies in line with Islamic values. Dissemination of a holistic understanding of religious teachings regarding parenting strategies within the Muslim population is needed. It discusses the recommendations for educational opportunities to encourage and promote effective parenting strategies, which aim to avoid the use of corporal punishment in Muslim communities and nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image classification is an important application for deep learning. With the advent of quantum technology, quantum neural networks (QNNs) have become the focus of research. Traditional deep learning-based image classification involves using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from the image and a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) network to create the decision boundaries. However, quantum circuits with parameters can extract rich features from images and also create complex decision boundaries. This paper proposes a hybrid QNN (H-QNN) model designed for binary image classification that capitalizes on the strengths of quantum computing and classical neural networks. Our H-QNN model uses a compact, two-qubit quantum circuit integrated with a classical convolutional architecture, making it highly efficient for computation on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices that are currently leading the way in practical quantum computing applications. Our H-QNN model significantly enhances classification accuracy, achieving a 90.1% accuracy rate on binary image datasets. In addition, we have extensively evaluated baseline CNN and our proposed H-QNN models for image retrieval tasks. The obtained quantitative results exhibit the generalization of our H-QNN for downstream image retrieval tasks. Furthermore, our model addresses the issue of overfitting for small datasets, making it a valuable tool for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to establish Pakistan's National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) have been underway for the past 15 years, and therefore it is necessary to gauge the current progress to channelize efforts into areas that need improvement. This article assessed Pakistan's NSDI implementation efforts through well-established approaches, including the SDI readiness model, organizational aspects, and state of play. The data were collected from Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) experts. The findings underscored challenges related to human resources, SDI education/culture, long-term vision, lack of awareness of geoinformation (GI), sustainable funding, metadata availability, online geospatial services, and geospatial standards hindering NSDI development in Pakistan. However, certain factors exhibit favorable standings, such as the legal framework for NSDI establishment, web connectivity, geospatial software availability, the unavailability of core spatial datasets, and institutional leadership. Thus, to enhance the development of NSDI in Pakistan, recommendations include bolstering financial and human resources, improving online geospatial presence, and fostering a long-term vision for NSDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental hazards may influence health outcomes and be a driver of health inequalities. We sought to characterize the extent to which social–environmental inequalities were associated with surgical outcomes following a complex operation. In this cross-sectional study, patients who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, coronary artery bypass grafting, colectomy, pneumonectomy, or pancreatectomy between 2016 and 2021 were identified from Medicare claims data. Patient data were linked with social–environmental data sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry data based on county of residence. The Environmental Justice Index social–environmental ranking (SER) was used as a measure of environmental injustice. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between SER and surgical outcomes. Among 1,052,040 Medicare beneficiaries, 346,410 (32.9%) individuals lived in counties with low SER, while 357,564 (33.9%) lived in counties with high SER. Patients experiencing greater social–environmental injustice were less likely to achieve textbook outcome (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.94-0.96, P < 0.001) and to be discharged to an intermediate care facility or home with a health agency (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.96-0.98, P < 0.001). Cumulative social and environmental inequalities, as captured by the Environmental Justice Index SER, were associated with postoperative outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing a range of surgical procedures. Policy makers should focus on environmental, as well as socioeconomic injustice to address preventable health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision agriculture-based orchard management relies heavily on the accurate delineation of tree canopies, especially for high-value crops like mangoes. Traditional GIS and remote sensing methods, such as Object-Based Imagery Analysis (OBIA), often face challenges due to overlapping canopies, complex tree structures, and varied light conditions. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of mango orchard mapping by developing a novel deep-learning approach that combines fine-tuned object detection and segmentation techniques. UAV imagery was collected over a 65-acre mango orchard in Multan, Pakistan, and processed into an RGB orthomosaic with a 3 cm ground sampling distance. The You Only Look Once (YOLOv7) framework was trained on an annotated dataset to detect individual mango trees. The resultant bounding boxes were used as prompts for the segment anything model (SAM) for precise delineation of canopy boundaries. Validation against ground truth data of 175 manually digitized trees showed a strong correlation ( R 2 = 0.97), indicating high accuracy and minimal bias. The proposed method achieved a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.94% and root mean square error (RMSE) of 80.23 sq ft against manually digitized tree canopies with an average size of 1290.14 sq ft. The proposed approach effectively addresses common issues such as inaccurate bounding boxes and over- or under-segmentation of tree canopies. The enhanced accuracy can substantially assist in various downstream tasks such as tree location mapping, canopy volume estimation, health monitoring, and crop yield estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are persistently underrepresented in clinical drug trials worldwide, despite increasing multiple long‐term conditions and significant prescribing in this demographic. We discuss systemic challenges such as the exclusion of people with comorbid conditions and the lack of assessment for comorbidities as modifiers of treatment effects and highlight the rising trend of polypharmacy, especially among the oldest age groups, which is linked to a significant percentage of unplanned hospitalizations and medication errors. The consequences of these trends prompted the United Kingdom National Overprescribing review, culminating in a set of recommendations for drug development tailored to older adults. Building on this, two critical reports released in April 2023 by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) are discussed. These reports emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, advocating for ethical frameworks and methodologies that cater to the complex needs of older adults. The development of inclusive criteria, innovative statistical methodologies, and the integration of patient‐reported outcomes are needed to address the persistent barriers to older adult participation in research, suggesting that pragmatic trials, exemplified by the UK's RECOVERY trial during the COVID‐19 pandemic, could pave the way for more inclusive research practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower is a climate-resilient, quality oilseed with high resistance to water scarcity, soil salinity, and frost-prone areas, and it has a wide range of applications in daily life, ranging from food to pharmaceutical to industrial. Adapting high-quality oil-content-producing safflower cultivars can help reduce costs and reduce precious foreign exchange in countries like Pakistan. Exotic germplasm imported from the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), consisting of 145 exotic safflower accessions and four local control cultivars were planted under semi-arid conditions in Faisalabad, Pakistan, during winter 2018-19 and 2019-20 season using an augmented design with unreplicated entries and replicated checks. Genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) analysis revealed significant variation among the accessions of safflower for achene yield plant-1, heads plant-1, and branches plant-1. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant but negative correlation between days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. The results revealed larger achene yields and earlier maturity in safflower planted in early winter. Biplot analysis found that five of the tested accessions had higher achene yield plant-1, while four of the other accessions had a higher percentage of oil than the control, which was the local safflower check-31, which had the highest oil content and best quality traits. Furthermore, the dendrogram revealed that four safflower accessions exhibited higher morphological uniqueness across the investigated traits during both years of study, which can be employed for future varietal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plentiful quantities of agro-waste are generated after utilizing commercially valuable parts of the agrobiomass and often go to waste or are burned in the open air, resulting in environmental pollution. Herein, bio-nanocomposite is prepared using agro-waste-based activated carbon as a support and loading waste peel-mediated synthesized nanoparticles over it. The method used is cost-effective and simple due to its ease of synthesis and the availability of tons of agro-waste for sustainable agro-waste management. In the present work, orange peel extract is used to synthesize iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) that are loaded over activated carbon derived from ice-apple fruit shell waste (IFSAC), based on the seventh principle of Green Chemistry. Batch studies were conducted using bio-nanocomposite to evaluate its adsorptive removal efficiency for Pb (II) ions from water. The optimum conditions obtained for a Pb (II) ion concentration of 25 ppm were pH 5.5 at 40 °C for 120 minutes and stirring at 120 RPM. The maximum removal (99.44%) of Pb (II) at an adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g 10 mL-1 of bio-nanocomposite was achieved. Kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were also calculated to determine the viability of removal. The findings demonstrated that agro-wastes could be converted into useful assets for the sustainable development of the ecosystem, viz. ice-apple shell residue-derived nanocomposites (IONP@IFSAC) was verified to be a cost-effective adsorbent for the mitigation of lead from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]