Search

The SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, 'coronavirus disease 2019' (Covid-19), posed a major threat to health and the international economy during past few years. It is believed that vaccine can stop the rapid spread of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Sinopharm vaccine in terms of mortality and severity of the disease among Covid-19 positive patients. This observational cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan/CMH Teaching Hospital (Poonch Medical College), Rawalakot AJK Pakistan from July 2021 to September 2021. Total 350 individuals with greater than or equal to 18 years of age, who were tested positive for Covid-19, were included. Patients who had received two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart were considered as vaccinated. The Sinopharm vaccination status was checked among patients. The severity of Covid-19 was categorized as mild, moderate and severe. A log rank regression test was applied to determine significant difference in disease severity and survival rate. The patients age range was 25-60 years (the patients mean age was 55 years). The majority of participants, 69.1% (n=242), were vaccinated by Sinopharm, and 30.9% (n=108) were non-vaccinated. Most patients had mild disease 80% (n=280) followed by moderate disease 9.7% (n=34), and severe disease 6.6% (n=23), and stratification analysis had significant (p ≤ 0.05) association between vaccinated individuals and disease severity. The overall mortality rate was 3.7%. The mortality rate was 8% (n=9) in none vaccinated individuals, whereas 1.65% (n=4) in vaccinated individuals. The Sinopharm vaccine after both doses was found effective in reducing mortality and disease severity by 98.3% and 94.4%. The study concluded that Sinopharm vaccine after two doses at least 28 days apart given to patients, after two weeks of vaccination is highly effective in reducing the mortality, disease severity and hospital admission in Covid-19 positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work explores a systematic investigation of the microstructural, optical, and dielectric properties of W1−xNixO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) samples and their application in supercapacitors. The sol–gel auto-combustion process was used to synthesize these samples, and a number of analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize them. The Rietveld refined XRD patterns confirm the monoclinic phase with space group P21/n in a single phase. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the functional groups associated with stretching and bending vibrational modes at various wavenumbers. Raman spectroscopy ensures the phase purity of the materials and shows a blue shift with Ni doping. SEM microscopy reveals a uniform surface morphology as well as particle agglomeration at the surface. UV–visible studies reveal a significant decrease in the bandgap (2.13–1.81 eV) as the Ni concentration is increased. Dielectric studies show that as the frequency rises, the dielectric constant decreases and becomes saturated at higher frequencies. The highest value of the dielectric constant (ε') is observed for the 4% Ni-doped WO3 sample. The electrochemical and capacitive properties have been characterized and studied using CV and EIS analysis. Cyclic voltammetry tests were carried out in the range of − 0.2 to 0.8 V with varying scan rates (5–100 mVs−1), exhibiting a significantly large area under the CV curve, hence higher values of specific capacitance. The maximum specific capacitance at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1 for each sample of W1−xNixO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) is found to be 126.671, 192.31, 278.52, and 128.58 Fg−1, respectively, in 2M KOH electrolyte. Thus, the synthesized samples exhibit potential for application as electrode materials for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the mathematical model of heat and porous media equations being considered in fractional form. The Laplace residual power series method and the Laplace Adomian decomposition technique are used to compare the solutions of the fractional heat transfer and porous media equations. For this reason, a few examples are presented to understand the fractional heat transfer and porous media equations in its more accurate form. The results show the simple and sophisticated procedures of the two proposed analytical approaches, where partial differential equations are considered with fractional derivatives. The outcomes of the described methods demonstrate that they have an accurate algorithm to construct with exceptionally precise cost calculation capabilities. The obtained results are presented through tables and graphs and the approximate results are found in great contact with exact solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates smog prevention and mitigation policy strategies as well as the role of environmental education to adopt preemptive measures in Pakistan. Inhabitants of South Punjab (Pakistan) suffer from severe air pollution as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices. Existing literature on the effects of smog in metropolitan settings, as well as measures undertaken elsewhere, were evaluated. Specific challenges such as crop residue burning, automobile, industrial pollutants and interior air quality impacting smog levels were emphasized in case studies. Current environmental education programs in the region, as well as factors impacting learning, were also evaluated. The research concluded that environmental education, source reduction through rules, incentives, and community engagement are all necessary to combat pollution. Opportunities to enhance policies aimed at industries such as brick kilns and boost public acceptability of efforts remain. Environmental stewardship may be boosted through improved educational infrastructure and creative teaching practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic composites of (1 − x)BaTi0.98Ni0.02O3–(x)CoFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) were prepared through conventional solid‐state reaction route. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies along with the Rietveld refinement endorse the multiphase nature of the nanocomposite samples. The XRD peaks of the tetragonal bare barium titanate and the inverse cubic spinel of cobalt ferrite nanostructures phase can be identified separately. The tetragonality ratio of the bare barium titanate drops with the addition of the guest material, i.e., cobalt ferrite in the ferroelectric matrix. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirm the main absorption bands near 540–560 cm−1, corresponding to the metal‐oxide absorption band (ν1 mode), and are related to the stretching modes of the Ti–O bonds. The Raman spectra also signify the two symmetries confirming the nanocomposites' ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases. The surface morphology studies reveal the hexagonal and spherical shape of the grains in the nanostructures and nanocomposites. The energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra confirm the presence of all the elements in the samples. The ferroelectricity in the nanocomposite drops due to fluctuations in the valence state of Fe2+/Fe3+ that enhances the leakage current of the nanocomposites. The magnetic moment and dielectric constant of the nanocomposites are enhanced as the guest compound CoFe2O4 is added to the bare BaTi0.98Ni0.02O3. Thus, the simultaneous coexistence of ferroelectric and magnetic ordering at room temperature confirms the multiferroic behavior of the nanostructure and the nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, digital competencies, social media usage, and work performance in Pakistan's automobile sector. The research explores the roles of trust, mindfulness, shared vision, digital competency, knowledge transfer, and network ties within this industry. The automobile industry demands high levels of employee performance, and social media networks are increasingly used for communication and interaction. This research hypothesizes that social media usage fosters employee trust, leading to better interaction and knowledge transfer. Additionally, mindfulness training is proposed to enhance work performance and reduce employee turnover. A quantitative approach with a conceptual framework will test these hypotheses. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how these factors influence work performance in the Pakistani automobile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovative design of thin, multiphase flexible composite systems with good mechanical properties, low density and improved EMI shielding properties at low filler content has become a key area of research. In this work, we report the low temperature synthesis of three-dimensional ternary composites (PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO) by oxidative chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of two different binary composites, viz. NFO@CNTs and NFO@RGO. Enhanced impedance matching is achieved by varying the ratio of the carbon allotropes (CNTs and RGO) to the ferrite component. The synthesis of NFO, PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO is validated by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the synthesis of core–shell structures of PANI/NFO@CNTs and PANI/NFO@RGO, where the binary composites (NFO@CNTs and NFO@RGO) serve as a core onto which a tubular PANI layer was coated. Shielding effectiveness of 22.36 dB (99.41% attenuation) is exhibited by the ternary composite PANI/NFO@CNTs (8 : 1), while for PANI/NFO@RGO (20 : 1) a total shielding effectiveness of 31 dB equivalent to 99.92% attenuation was observed at a thickness of 2 mm. The ternary composite PANI/NFO@RGO (20 : 1) 4 mm showed a maximum SET of 43 dB corresponding to 99.996% attenuation of incident EM waves. The enhanced EMI shielding properties of the synthesized ternary composite systems are accredited to good impedance matching, effective dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms and good conductivity, which facilitate multiple reflections and scattering of incident radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second Language Acquirers face difficulty in learning grammar of the second language due to traditional teaching methods. The present experimental research observed Eclectic method of teaching on grammar learning capability of grade VI second language learners. The investigation explored the effectiveness of eclectic method on teaching of English grammar, and assessed academic achievement of the students in the subject of English grammar at grade VI learners. The aim of the research was to compare the achievements of controlled and experimental group at elementary level. Randomly selected groups of learners (Controlled and Experimental) from grade VI were taken and they were pretested. The experimental group was taught by the researchers using Eclectic method of teaching for 18 credit hours. The test-Retest was applied to judge the efficacy of the Eclectic teaching method. The collected data were analyzed by using frequencies, mean, and standard deviations in SPSS. Comparison (Pretest) of experimental and controlled group scores of the subject reflected that there was no significant difference between the results of the test identified. The null hypothesis, "there is no significance of difference between the mean scores of the controlled group and experimental group of subject" was rejected at 0.05 level. Applying Anova was applied for the final findings. The main findings showed that the children who were taught through eclectic method performed better. It can be concluded that eclectic method of teaching language put significance impact on student's achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to study the comparison of the conduction mechanism in bare barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) nanoparticles and tetraethyl orthosilicate-coated (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 (x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt. %) nanoparticles. The modified sol–gel method was adopted for the synthesis of these nanoparticles. The structures, morphologies, elemental composition, vibrational modes, and dielectric properties of these nanoparticles were studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dielectric measurements, respectively. The crystallite size and particle size of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles decreased with SiO2 coatings, which can be attributed to the confinement of crystal growth of these nanoparticles with the coating. It was found that these (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 nanoparticles have a uniform spherical shape, are non-agglomerated, and have a narrow particle size distribution. At room temperature, these (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 nanoparticles showed distinctive behavior with varying frequency and SiO2 coatings. The experimental results in this work may provide fundamental support to the research and development of materials for energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tarbela Dam is a wetland in Pakistan but most of the natural landscape has been deforested and modified due to deforestation. The present study was planned to know avian diversity of Tarbela Dam, Indus River, Pakistan, which was unexplored till now. This one year research was carried out in the vicinity of the Tarbela reservoir, Indus River, Pakistan, from March 2018 to February 2019. The data were collected early in the morning (4:00 am to 7:00 am) and before sunset (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Data were collected from eight sub sites i.e. Kalabat, Galla, Pehure, Sobra, Labadam, Kiara, Balongi and Kabbal. During the study period, the total avian population recorded was 2697 while species were 63. The Shannon-wiener diversity index was as Kalabat (3.666), Galla (3.762), Pehure (3.662), Sobra (3.765), Labadam (3.63), Kiara (3.783), Balongi (3.585) and Kabbal (3.703). The highest Evenness index (E= 0.7993) was noted from Sobra and the lowest Evenness index (E= 0.6182) was documented from Pehure. The highest Richness/Margalef (R=10.03) was recorded from Pehure and Kiara. It may be concluded that Tarbela Dam has high avian diversity to date and should be declared a Ramsar site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper new class of Bell-based Apostol-type Frobenius-Genocchi polynomials and derive some explicit and implicit summation formulas and symmetric identities is proved by using different analytical means and applying generating functions. These results extend some known summations and identities of generalized Apostol-type Frobenius-Genocchi polynomials and Bell-based Apostol-type Frobenius-Genocchi polynomials. Then, we determine the first few zero values of Bell-based Apostol-type Frobenius-Genocchi polynomials and draw the graphical representations for these zero values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to tailor the multiferroic as well as dielectric properties, we have synthesized BiFeO3 (BFO) and Ni-doped BFO nanoparticles of composition BiFe1-xNixO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.07) via the sol-gel method. The influence of Ni-doping at the Fe site of BiFeO3 on the structural, dielectric, and multiferroic properties was investigated via various characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, polarization-electric field (P-E) loop tracer, and LCR meter. The Raman spectra reveal the rhombohedral distorted perovskite structure of the samples in the R3c space group. The frequency dependent dielectric measurements at room temperature show that the dielectric constant for the pristine sample is an order of magnitude lower than the 1% Ni-doped BFO sample. It is also evident that the ac conductivity increases with the increase in frequency as well as Ni content. Further, the universal dielectric response (UDR) phenomenon is responsible for the dielectric behavior of all the samples in the whole frequency range except for the BiFeO3 and BiFe0.97Ni0.03O3 samples. These samples exhibit deviation from UDR phenomenon at higher frequencies. The room temperature hysteresis (M-H) loops exhibit the saturation in magnetization at higher magnetic fields. The result demonstrates a significant influence on the saturation magnetization with the Ni doping in BFO, prompting the ferromagnetic nature of the samples. The saturation magnetization of the 7% Ni-doped sample is approximately six times higher than the pristine one. The saturated P-E hysteresis loops establish the ferroelectric nature of the synthesized samples that are enhanced significantly on Ni doping. Thus, the doping of Ni in BiFeO3 improves the multiferroic properties of the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties of bare BaTiO3 are weaker than the PbTiO3, which limits its magnetoelectric applications. To overcome these problems, a small amount of Pb was doped in BaTiO3 via a solid-state reaction route to improve the multiferroic properties of the compound. In this way, the modified single-phase Ba1-xPbxTiO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.075) samples have demonstrated improved characteristics and desirable application in the area of microwave tunable devices and multi-layered ceramics capacitors. Rietveld refinement technique ensures that the samples retain their parent perovskite tetragonal phase in P4mm space group. The presence of the metal oxide and several bands were finalized through the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study. The elemental composition and the oxygen vacancies were confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggesting two valence states, i.e., Ti3+ and Ti4+ of titanium, in both undoped and doped samples. In addition, XPS spectra also confirm that the Pb-doped BaTiO3 samples are less defective than the undoped ones. The Raman spectra reveal the distorted tetragonal perovskite structure of the samples in the P4mm space group by confirming the four fundamental Raman modes. The dielectric studies in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 5 MHz at room temperature reveal an increase in dielectric constant on Pb doping at the Ba site. The dielectric data analyzed in the framework of the universal dielectric response (UDR) model exhibit no deviation from linear behavior. The a.c. conductivity is found to enhance with the increase in Pb content due to the small polaron hopping conduction mechanism between the Pb and Ba ions. The field-dependent magnetization suggests the diamagnetic nature of the undoped BaTiO3 sample and feeble ferromagnetism in the doped samples. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops reveal linearly raised polarization parameters on Pb content. The existence of both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phenomena confirms the multiferroic nature of Pb doped BaTiO3 system at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intrusions emphasize on dynamic facets of phytonutrients due to strong antioxidant capacity. For the purpose, turmeric polyphenol i.e. curcumin was firstly extracted through conventional and supercritical extraction techniques following the preparation of microcapsule using maltodextrin and gelatin as enrobing material by freeze drying method. Afterwards, four types of designer bread weremade; turmeric (T1), microencapsulated nutraceuticalCSE (T2) and nutraceuticalSFE enriched breads (T3) along with control (T0). Physicochemical profile of resultant prototypes showed that addition of microencapsulated nutraceuticalSFE enhanced volume and phenolics from 572.60±7.56 to 686.20±8.25 cm³ and50.22±1.70 to 81.12±3.48 mg GAE/100g whilst hardness decreased from 2.97±0.11 to 3.36±0.10 kg/cm² compared to control. Furthermore, hedonic response also improved with maximum scores for bread volume, crust color, symmetry and evenness in bake;8.01±0.39, 7.04±0.21, 3.83±0.16 and 1.94±0.05, respectively. Regarding internal parameters, highest scores for grain, crumb color, aroma, taste and texture were 12.32±0.38, 8.14±0.26,8.05±0.26, 16.41±0.61 and 13.02±0.52, correspondingly. Conclusively, microencapsulated nutraceuticalSFE enhances both antioxidant and sensorial profile of designer bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intrusions emphasize on dynamic facets of phytonutrients due to strong antioxidant capacity. For the purpose, turmeric polyphenol i.e. curcumin was firstly extracted through conventional and supercritical extraction techniques following the preparation of microcapsule using maltodextrin and gelatin as enrobing material by freeze drying method. Afterwards, four types of designer bread weremade; turmeric (T1), microencapsulated nutraceuticalCSE (T2) and nutraceuticalSFE enriched breads (T3) along with control (T0). Physicochemical profile of resultant prototypes showed that addition of microencapsulated nutraceuticalSFE enhanced volume and phenolics from 572.60±7.56 to 686.20±8.25 cm³ and50.22±1.70 to 81.12±3.48 mg GAE/100g whilst hardness decreased from 2.97±0.11 to 3.36±0.10 kg/cm² compared to control. Furthermore, hedonic response also improved with maximum scores for bread volume, crust color, symmetry and evenness in bake;8.01±0.39, 7.04±0.21, 3.83±0.16 and 1.94±0.05, respectively. Regarding internal parameters, highest scores for grain, crumb color, aroma, taste and texture were 12.32±0.38, 8.14±0.26,8.05±0.26, 16.41±0.61 and 13.02±0.52, correspondingly. Conclusively, microencapsulated nutraceuticalSFE enhances both antioxidant and sensorial profile of designer bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is thought to predispose patients to wide variety of thrombotic disease, including Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). While such fact is established in literature to occur during the acute infection, data regarding the long term thrombotic effects of COVID-19 are still unclear. Aim and Objectives: To determine the special coronary angio-graphic findings, the procedural and clinical success of revascularization among post COVID-19 patients presenting with STEMI. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on a 100 patients who presented to emergency departments of Ain shams university hospitals with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and underwent primary PCI, during a period of 6 months: From January to June of 2022. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group (A) the Post COVID-19 group, comprising 50 patients who developed COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, as diagnosed at the time by RT-PCR or a CT chest of CORADS-IV or more - and group (B) the Control group, comprising 50 patients who deny COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, endorsed by a negative COVID-19 antibody test. A subgroup analysis was done where patients in group (A) were further divided into two subgroups: the Early Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI within 8 weeks of infection and comprising 16 patients, and the Late Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI >8-24 weeks post infection and com-prising 34 patients. The groups were compared as regards clinical, angiographic, laboratory and echocardiographic outcomes of percutaneous intervention. Results: Our study demonstrated that patients who developed STEMI within 8 weeks of a COVID-19 infection (the Early Post-COVID subgroup) showed a statistically significant high thrombus burden on angiography, at 81.3% versus 48% of the control group. A high thrombus burden was defined in our study as having a modified thrombus grade of 4 or more. This subsequently resulted in higher use of pre-dilatation (56.2% versus 24%) and thrombus aspiration (43.8% versus 4%) in the Early Post- COVID subgroup, both at a statistically significant level (P-values = 0.015 and 0.001 respectively). Coronary No-Reflow was a much more frequent complication following PCI in the Early post-COVID subgroup (62.5%) compared to the Control group (22%). These patients also suffered a lower Ejection Fraction on Echocardiography (Mean 36% versus 43.4%) and a larger LVIDs (Mean 47mm versus 43.9mm) as compared to the Control group. This data translated clinically into a higher MACE among the Early Post-COVID patients, at 31.3% versus 6% of the control group. Of note that these differences were not as evident upon comparing the whole post COVID group to the control group. Conclusion: We concluded that the thrombogenic effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of STEMI persists even after resolution of the infection but gradually declines overtime. It affects the angiographic, procedural and overall clinical success of revascularization during in-hospital stay. This effect is maximal during the first 8 weeks after infection, but declines thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with the study of MHD non-Newtonian nanofluid flow over a stretching/shrinking cylinder along with thermal radiation effects. Two-component slip mechanism models, namely Brownian motion and thermophoresis of nanofluid for the mass and energy transportation, developed by Buongiorno, are used. Convective heat transfer and nonuniform magnetic field are retained for the expanding/contracting cylinder. Variable thermal conductivity and heat generation effects along with slip boundary conditions are utilized over the cylinder surface. By utilizing the similarity transformation, these governing partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). To obtain numerical results, these ODE'S are solved by the shooting method using MATLAB software. The impact of different parameters like variable thermal conductivity, radiation parameter, magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, Brownian motion parameter, the magnetic parameter, Weissenberg number, the viscosity ratio parameter and mass transfer parameter, on the velocity, temperature and concentration is discussed graphically. Further, the Sherwood number, Nusselt number, the skin friction coefficient are also discussed through figures. It is noted through analysis that the speed of the nanofluid reduces for the higher Weissenberg number and expanding cylinder. For the contracting cylinder, i.e., for the negative unsteadiness parameter, the velocity increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main limitations of radiation therapy is the resistance of tumor cells. This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) and tumor radiosensitivity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Medical case files, pathological results for EGFR and EML4-ALK, and computerized tomography scans of patients with NSCLC treated with thoracic radiation therapy were analyzed. Results: The sample size was 101 patients with mean age 58.43 ± 9.89 years. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean reduction of long tumor diameter during the early treatment phase in EGFR-positive versus EGFR-negative patients (p value = 0.04) and in short tumor diameter during the late treatment phase in EGFR-positive versus EGFR-negative patients (p value = 0.04). Conclusion: Patients with overexpression of EGFR mutations are more radiosensitive during the early treatment phase, and EML4-ALK mutations were less radiosensitive regardless of phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the physical mechanism of the electro-osmosis fluid flow within a non-uniform channel. Fluid model is characterized by the constitutive relation of the Oldroyd 4-constant fluid. We retrieved the Poisson equations by utilizing the mass and momentum conservation models in order to obtain the mathematical formulation of the given problem. The methodology used in obtaining the solution is classified into three different steps. Firstly, we linearized the given differential equations to ascertain the potential Debye–Huckel function. Secondly, we implemented the widely-used assumptions like low Reynolds number and long wavelength to reduce the momentum (partial differential) equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. Thirdly, we solved the simplified differential equations numerically by using the shooting method. Subsequently, we have calculated the graphical results to evaluate the influence of various emerging parameters such as the electroosmotic parameter, viscoelastic fluid parameters and non-uniform parameter on the fluid flow within a non-uniform channel. We have also computed several features of peristaltic pumping for the case of Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity. Our results reveal that the behavior of velocity magnitude shows an increasing trend by enhancing the values of the electroosmotic parameter, whereas it also manifests a decreasing trend if the value of the non-uniform parameter is raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at high level and cost-effective production of phytase by Aspergillus niger under solid state fermentation adopting the response surface optimization method. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and Central composite design (CCD) of Response surface methodology (RSM) were employed for screening and optimization of cultural conditions for maximum phytase production. Among 8 factors, incubation temperature, initial pH, incubation period, NH4NO3 and tween-40 were identified as significant factors by Plackett-Burman design (PBD) due to their positive effect on phytase production. Then, the optimization of these significant factors was conducted by Central Composite design (CCD), and incubation period (6 days), incubation temperature (35°C), initial pH (6), NH4NO3 (0.75%) and tween-40 (0.6%) were found to be optimum levels for best enzyme production. After statistical optimization, maximum amount of phytase production was obtained i.e. 406.45 IU/g, as it was 297.25 IU/g using conventional one factor at a time (OFAT) optimization approach. There was 1.37-fold increase in phytase yield using response surface methodology (RSM). These results indicated the efficacy of the response surface methodology to enhance phytase production by Aspergillus niger using solid state fermentation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency analysis of regional rainfall is very important in the design of the civil structure as well as the nonstructural problem. In the present study an attempt has been made to find out the best fitted distribution(s) to enlighten the rainfall trends in Balochistan and Sindh. The secondary data is obtained from Pakistan metrological department for the period 1980 to 2015. Firstly, we have checked the basic assumption such as randomness and identically of distribution of the observed data series by using Run test and Mann Whitney test. Further, three parameter distributions named as Generalized extreme value, Weibull and Frechet three parameters distributions, and compared with two parameters Weibull, Frechet and Log logistic distributions. The parameters of the three and two parameters candidate distributions were obtained by using maximum likelihood and probability weighted moment methods. The performances of the candidate distributions were checked out by using Kolmogorov Smirnove test at 5 percent level of significance. Moreover, probability density functions graphs were used to indorse the behavior and the theoretical framework of the rainfall distributions of selected sites. Furthermore, quantiles were estimated for future prediction. The resultant estimates depicted that two parameters distributions and three parameters distributions were the most appropriate for annual maximum rainfall series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal water splitting over 1550 °C‐reduced CeO2 and Ce0.95Fe0.05O2−δ is studied. Hydrogen production over Ce0.95Fe0.05O2−δ was found to be equal to 2.53 × 10−4 mol(H2) goxide−1 which is higher than that observed on CeO2. The reaction kinetics for Ce0.95Fe0.05O2−δ is also found to be faster. The oxides are studied by X‐ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). XRD results show that Fe is substituted for Ce4+ in the as prepared oxides. Fe3+ cations substitution also decreases the CeO2 crystallites size. Heating to 1100 °C increases their size, although the Fe‐containing oxide still shows smaller crystallites when compared with CeO2 alone. The activation energy for surface reduction of CeO2, extracted from TPR, is found to be slightly higher (1.58 eV) than that of bulk reduction (1.43 eV). While high resolution TEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy before reaction show that Fe cations are homogenously distributed, those after reaction show in addition to the growth of the crystallites size, Fe segregation to the edges of the crystals, although no detachment of Fe oxide particles is seen. The mechanism of water dissociative adsorption and hydrogen re‐combinative desorption is discussed in which the role of Ce–O–Fe sites is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has emerged as the most prominent global environmental issues and there is a need to evaluate its impact on agriculture. It is need of the hour to determine suitable transplanting time for rice in this changing climate scenario to have better yield. The experiment was conducted to study the response of transplanting dates and seedlings densities on fine rice variety "Super Basmati" at Agronomic Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan during 2017. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications, because of two factors and four levels of each; split plot design was carried out. Main plots were assigned seedlings hill-1 viz. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seedlings, while sub-plots were of four different transplanting dates i.e. 18th July, 25th July, 1st August and 8th August. Data was recorded on flag leaf area (cm2), chlorophyll content (µ g cm-2), plant height (cm), number of fertile tillers hill-1, number of unfertile tillers hill-1, panicle length (cm), spikelet fertility (%), number of grains panicle-1, 1000-grain weight(g), biological yield (kg ha-1), grain yield (kg ha-1), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and Harvest index (%). Seedling density showed significant differences for traits such as unfertile tiller hill-1, while transplanting dates also indicated significant differences for biological yield, grain yield, plant height, spikelet fertility (%), 1000-grain yield and number of unfertile tiller per plant. Seedling densities and transplanting dates interaction also showed significant differences for various parameters under study. Data revealed that 3 seedlings hill-1 transplanted on 18th July gave maximum grain yield (4700 kg ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.70). Therefore, fine rice variety "Super Basmati" is recommended for transplanting on 18th July by using 3 seedling hill-1 under the environmental conditions of Dera Ismail khan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often have neurocognitive impairment. People with HIV make riskier decisions when the outcome probabilities are known, and have abnormal neural architecture underlying risky decision making. However, ambiguous decision making, when the outcome probabilities are unknown, is more common in daily life, but the neural architecture underlying ambiguous decision making in people with HIV is unknown. Eighteen people with HIV and 20 controls completed a decision making task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Participants chose between a certain reward and uncertain reward with a known (risky) or unknown (ambiguous) probability of winning. There were three levels of risk: high, medium, and low. Ambiguous > risky brain activity was compared between groups. Ambiguous > risky brain activity was correlated with emotional/psychiatric functioning in people with HIV. Both groups were similarly ambiguity-averse. People with HIV were more risk-averse than controls and chose the high-risk uncertain option less often. People with HIV had hypoactivity in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and fusiform gyrus during ambiguous > medium risk decision making. Ambiguous > medium risk brain activity was negatively correlated with emotional/psychiatric functioning in individuals with HIV. To make ambiguous decisions, people with HIV underrecruit key regions of the default mode network, which are thought to integrate internally and externally derived information to come to a decision. These regions and related cognitive processes may be candidates for interventions to improve decision-making outcomes in people with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two new Wells-Dawson type polyoxometalatehybrids named as [(C4H9)4N]10H2[{C7H14O4C(CH2O)3P2V3W15O59] (D.Poms@Lig1), [(C4H9)4N)]5H2[C2H4OC(CH2O)3 P2V3W15O59] (D.Poms@Lig-2) have been synthesized with good percentage yields (65 and 75%, respectively). The newly prepared hybrids were characterized successfully by FT-IR, 1H, 13C, 31P, 51V NMR and UV-Visible spectroscopic methods. Parent Dawson polyoxometalates and ligands molecules display the strong metal-oxo (V–O) vibrational bands at 700 cm–1. After interaction, there is a little fluctuations in these vibrational bands and appeared at 757 and 750 cm–1 for V–O of D. Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. The strong peaks appeared at 824, 718 and 803, 754 cm–1 are assigned for ν(W–O–W) D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. In 1H NMR, the chemical shift value 2.95–2.94 ppm was observed C–CH2–O for D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. In 13C NMR, signal appears at 62.92 and 62.75 ppm are assigned for –CH2–C–CH2– for D.Poms@Lig-1, D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. 51V NMR spectra showed peaks at –541.00 and –541.87 ppm for D.Poms@Lig-1 and D.Poms@Lig-2, respectively. 31P NMR spectra showed two peaks at δ = [–13.44, –7.19] ppm and [–13.44, –7.25] ppm for D.Poms@Lig-1, and D.Poms@Lig-1, respectively. The UV-Visible absorption spectra showed that there is just a little bit change in the intensity of the absorption bands among the absorption spectra of the ligands, hybrid compounds and parent Dawson POM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of graph invariants referred to today as topological indices are inefficient progressively acknowledged by scientific experts and others to be integral assets in the depiction of structural phenomena. The structure of an interconnection network can be represented by a graph. In the network, vertices represent the processor nodes and edges represent the links between the processor nodes. Graph invariants play a vital feature in graph theory and distinguish the structural properties of graphs and networks. A topological descriptor is a numerical total related to a structure that portray the topology of structure and is invariant under structure automorphism. There are various uses of graph theory in the field of basic science. The main notable utilization of a topological descriptor in science was by Wiener in the investigation of paraffin breaking points. In this paper we study the topological descriptor of a newly design hexagon star network. More preciously, we have computed variation of the Randic0 R0, fourth Zagreb M4, fifth Zagreb M5, geometric-arithmetic GA; atom-bond connectivity ABC; harmonic H; symmetric division degree SDD; first redefined Zagreb, second redefined Zagreb, third redefined Zagreb, augmented Zagreb AZI, Albertson A; Irregularity measures, Reformulated Zagreb, and forgotten topological descriptors for hexagon star network. In the analysis of the quantitative structure property relationships (QSPRs) and the quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs), graph invariants are important tools to approximate and predicate the properties of the biological and chemical compounds. We also gave the numerical and graphical representations comparisons of our different results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2018 and 2019 on different mungbean genotypes to find a resistant to thrips and to determine the impact of weather factors on the Megalurothrips distalis population. In 2018 twenty-five mungbean genotypes were screened against M. distalis. During 2019 three genotypes each of resistant (13TM-04, AZRI-06, NM-16), susceptible (Dera-M, Sawat-I, NM-98) and intermediate reaction (NM-06, 12TM-03, NM-11) towards thrips infestation were chosen for final screening based on per flower thrips population density at 4 days intervals commencing from the first appearance of thrips up to maturity stage of the crop. Maximum HPSI, 15% was recorded in Dera -M while the minimum was recorded on 13TM-04 and NM-16 with 8% of each. Yield and the yield contributing characteristics were also assessed from which NM-16 and 13TM-04 exhibited statistically similar results and produced the highest yields at 935 and 902.8 kg/ha respectively. During both study years and on cumulative basis thrips population fluctuation had positive results and showed a significant correlation with maximum and average temperature. The average number of thrips during 2018, 2019 as well as both years combined showed a non-significant correlation with minimum temperature while negative and highly significant correlation was observed with average relative humidity and rainfall. Maximum temperature was the most important factor which contributed maximum i.e. 51.1% and 55.8% role followed by rainfall which showed 14.8% and 4% role during 2018 and 2019 respectively in the fluctuation of thrips population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adesha Cameron 1912, Indadesha Quicke 1986 and Aneuradesha Quicke 1986 are rarely found genera previously recorded only from India and Malaysia. In the present study these genera are reported for the first time from Pakistan, represented by four species: Indadesha achterbergi Quicke, Aneuradesha harleyi Quicke, Adesha albolineata Cameron and Adesha acuta Quicke collected from four host plants viz., guava (Psidium guajava), citrus (Citrus reticulata), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and maize (Zea mays). Effects of ecological factors and weather conditions on the distribution of recorded taxa were also studied from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Chakwal. The study reveals that members of the tribe Adeshini are more likely to be found from April to August and with low rainfall. An illustrated key to genera and species from Pakistan, host plants, abundance, distribution and spatio-temporal graphical representation of Adeshini related to weather parameters are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of new crop varieties with desirable traits is a continuous process. A crop variety becomes susceptible to various biotic and abiotic plant stresses with the passage of time, thus, necessitating replacement by genotypes possessing better productivity potential and inbuilt tolerance against different stresses. In this perspective, this article reports the progress of a new chickpea kabuli variety "Noor-2013" developed through conventional plant breeding techniques and possesses improved yield potential, extra bold seed size and ability to tolerate different diseases. In 1999-00, two local genotypes, K-96033 (female parent) and K-92029 (male parent) were crossed to create genetic variability for grain size by selecting high yielding recombinants with bold grains. For this purpose, from filial generation one (F1) seed, an F2 population was raised and 299 single plant selections (SPS) were made which were advanced to subsequent generations (F3 to F5) over the years in plant-to-row progenies using the pedigree method of plant selection. Only high yielding recombinants with bold grains were advanced to the next generations. Finally, a promising uniform line "K-60062" later named as "Noor-2013" with pedigree C.19/19/19/109/148/161/62 was selected from F6 recombinants during 2005-06. Later, this line was evaluated for yield potential, and disease reaction during 2006-2013. On an average in different yield trials (station, adaptation and national), this strain produced 32.3% higher yield in comparison to check varieties/standards (Punjab-Noor, CM-2008, CM-2000 and Noor-91). In this process, the candidate variety "Noor-13" achieved a potential yield of 3282 kg ha-1 in national uniform yield trials (NUYTs) during 2010-11 conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. The grains of this new variety is beige in colour, ram-headed with the 100-grain weight of 34 g. Wider-canopy spread with semi-erect to semi-spread growth habit, bold grains, higher grain yield, resistance to fusarium oxysporum and moderately resistance to ascochyta rabiei are its salient characteristics. This article concludes that the art of conventional plant breeding still leads the modern era of biotechnology in crop varietal development with desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized BiFeO3 (BFO) and Bi0.5La0.5Fe1−xCrxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) samples via sol–gel process with the objective to explore the influence of La/Cr co-doping on the structural, optical, dielectric and multiferroic properties of BFO. Rietveld refinement analysis and Raman active modes affirm single-phase and rhombohedral crystal structure of the samples in R3c space group. The UV–visible-DRS data reveal a systematic reduction of the bandgap and increase in the Urbach energy (Eu) with the increase of La/Cr content in BFO matrix. The temperature-dependent dielectric measurements divulge that the BFO has the highest dielectric constant, and relaxation peak shifts with the rise in frequency that proposes the possibility of the thermally activated relaxation mechanism which also supported through the Vogel–Fulcher model. The magnetic hysteresis (M–H) loops exhibit ferromagnetic nature of all the samples at room temperature except BFO. The P–E hysteresis loops display ferroelectric behavior with higher values of polarization and coercive field in the doped samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-substituted nickel–zinc ferrite nanoparticles, i.e., N i 0.5 - x C o x Z n 0.5 F e 2 O 4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were prepared by the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the prepared samples crystallized in cubic spinel structure, whereas the scanning electron microscopy study exhibited a change in the morphology of grains due to Co2+ substitution. 57Fe Mössbauer measurements suggested that the presence of iron is only in the Fe3+ oxidation state which is randomly distributed over the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. However, the fraction of Fe3+ ions present at the octahedral site strongly depends on the unusual site preference of substituted Co2+ ions for the tetrahedral site. Thus, the cationic distribution between both the sites altered with increasing Co2+ substitution. Significant enhancement in the resistive properties is found with increasing Co2+ substitution and the obtained values are ~ 104 times higher than that reported for their bulk counterparts. This improvement in the resistive properties is elucidated based on changes in the microstructure and cation redistributions due to Co2+ substitution. Here, we report that the colossal resistivity (3.82 × 1010 Ω cm) and diminished tangent loss (~ 0.01) for the sample with x = 0.2 make this composition interesting for high-frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Ichneumonidae; Pimplinae; Xanthopimpla; Pothwar; New country record EN Ichneumonidae Pimplinae Xanthopimpla Pothwar New country record INTRODUCTION Pimplinae is the most studied group of family Ichneumonidae as parasitoids of important Lepidopterous pest of agriculture crops (Brooks and Wahl, 1987; Matsumoto and Konishi, 2007). Townes and Chiu (1970) described the genus Xanthopimpla from Indo-Australian area with 22 species groups to classify the large number of species. Xanthopimpla punctata, Xanthopimpla stremmator, and Xanthopimpla flavelinate are reported as new additions from Pothwar region of Pakistan. Pimpia transversalis Vollenhoven, 1879 Xanthopimpla ruficornis Krieger, 1899 Zanthopimpla appendiculata Cameron, 1902 Xanthopimpla brunneciornis Cameron, 1903 Xanthopimpla kandyensis Cameron, 1905 Xanthopimpla lissonola Cameron, 1906 Neopimpla punctata Kvroiwa, 1908 Xanthopimpla punctata Morley, 1913 Diagnosis: Areola complete enclosed by carina 0.4-0.5x as long as wide. [Extracted from the article]

Cobalt-doped zinc oxide, i.e., Zn 1 - x Co x O (x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of wurtzite structure in all prepared samples. Impedance spectroscopy was employed to understand the dielectric as well as resistive characteristics of synthesized samples. The partial replacement of Co at Zn lattice sites not only reduced the dielectric properties but also enhanced the resistive properties of prepared samples up to x = 0.04 of Co doping. The leakage current density curves displayed a significant reduction in leakage current for x = 0.04 sample, whereas the leakage conduction mechanism transformed from an ohmic to space-charge-limited conduction with increasing electric field. Moreover, the energy band gap was found to increase gradually up to x = 0.04 of Co doping and afterwards band gap started to decrease. Here, the observed variations in the obtained results are explained in term of variation in crystallite size and doping-induced defects. Based on the obtained results, it is proposed that the sample with x = 0.04 is a potential candidate for the optoelectronic and high-frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the kinetics of biogas production by co-digestion of Eichhornia crassipes supplemented with sugar mill effluent. The influence of digester temperature (30 and 40 °C) on biogas production during the anaerobic digestion of mixed substrates was evaluated. Experimental values obtained in 15 days batch study revealed that the digester incubated at 40 °C produced higher biogas production (6771 mL) than the digester incubated at 30 °C (6325 mL). For digester incubated at 40 °C, value of kinetic constants i.e. µm (biogas production potential), λ (lag phase) and P (cumulative biogas production) were 0.21 day−1, 8.89 days and 6862.60 mL, respectively, while values of µm,λ and P for other digester (incubated at 30 °C) were 0.20 day−1, 9.47 days and 6426.47 mL, respectively. Modified Gompertz plot showed significant coefficient of determination (0.99) for co-digestion process at both temperatures. Digester incubated at 40 °C was found with maximum drop in pH (6.4), chemical oxygen demand (488.89 mg L−1), total solids (21.49%), total kjeldahl nitrogen (0.82%), total organic carbon (14.19%) and volatile solids (16.53%) on 15th day of hydraulic retention time. Analysis of co-substrate by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of organic compounds responsible for biogas production. These results proved that biogas production can be enhanced in co-digestion process at 40 °C with simultaneous treatment of industrial effluent. The present study will be useful for the integrated management of biomass and industrial waste for energy recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Pr0.8Ca0.2MnO3 has been synthesized through solid state reaction route and phase purity is analyzed using synchrotron XRD. Magnetization M(T) showed Mn spin alignment due to ferromagnetic ordering around 125 K (TC), whereas M(H) showed an onset of non-linear behavior from 200 K and with temperature re-orientation of magnetic moment is discussed. The modulation of relaxation processes revealed different formations of impedance plane plots with temperatures. A change in equivalent circuit models from (R1C1)(R2Q2) to (R1C1)(R2Q2)(R3Q3) at 100 K is being reported. The analysis of the impedance data is carried out by calculating impedance of grains and grain boundaries. Fitted parameters derived from these equivalent circuit parameters showed a change in conduction mechanism from small polaronic hopping model (SPH) to Mott's variable range hopping (MVRH) model, around 125 K (TC). Carriers hop to larger distance with multiple activation energies and are described by MVRH below TC. Above this temperature, different trap centers start facilitating these carriers through SPH. Dielectric relaxation shows dispersion around 125 K and the origin of this polarization lies close to the relaxation derived from the grains and their interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the magnetic and electrical response of the sol-gel synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. Changes in the impedance plane plots with temperature have been discussed and correlated to the microstructure of the material. Thermally activated hopping carriers between Fe3+-Fe2+ and Ni2+-Ni3+ ions have been determined for a decrease in the resistance of the sample and a change in the conduction mechanism around 318 K. The mixed spinel structure and broken exchange bonds due to small size effects are due to the canted spin structure at the surface of the nanoparticles. The magnetization is found to be influenced by the surface spin canting and anisotropy. We have established the semiconducting to metallic transition (SMT) temperature to be around 358 K in terms of localized and delocalized eg electrons along with a transition from less conductive [Fe3+-O2--Fe3+] and [Ni2+-O2--Ni2+] linkage to more conductive [Fe3+-Fe2+] and [Ni2+-Ni3+] linkage at the octahedral B site. A decrease in the dielectric constant with temperature has been discussed in terms of the depletion of space charge layers due to the repulsion of delocalized eg electrons from the grain boundary planes. The anomalies in tangent loss and conductivity data around 358 K are discussed in the context of the SMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we address the issue of microstructural changes in the electrical properties of charge ordered polycrystalline La0.50Ca0.50MnO3+δ sample during thermal cycling through impedance spectroscopy. The modulations of relaxation time with temperatures and different thermal cycling shows different magnitudes of impedance plane plots. Thermal cycling induces varying mechanical and electrical stresses in the grains and in the grain boundaries, changing the resistance of the grains (R1) and the grain boundaries (R2) by changing the boundary potentials and trap state scattering cross sections. At metal-insulator transition temperature (MIT), R1 increases with polynomial first order and R2 increases with polynomial second order. The values of R1 and R2 show different orders of variations along with reversible and irreversible behaviors around and below MIT. We report a method by virtue of which charge ordering temperature TCO has been determined with the change in the magnitude of grain boundary resistance by thermal cycling. Localization of charge carriers in the traps with thermal cycling around MIT and delocalization of charge carriers with different frequencies have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the microscopic nature of the charge/orbital ordering (COO) in polycrystalline La0.50Ca0.50MnO3+δ sample at different temperatures. The modulations of relaxation time with temperatures show different behaviors of Z′ and Z″. An equivalent circuit model (R1C)(R2Q) has been employed to investigate the electrical parameters of La0.50Ca0.50MnO3+δ at different temperatures. The resistance of grain and grain boundaries shows maxima at metal-insulator (MI) transition temperature (≈153 K). Three temperature zones have been identified. In the first temperature zone which has been from 85 to 140 K, below MI transition temperature, melting of COO with strong Jahn–Teller (JT) distortions has been reported. In the second zone, around MI transition temperature, melting and collapse of COO with weak JT distortion result in colossal drop in Z′. In the third temperature zone, above MI transition temperature, charge ordering (CO) around 203 K and onset of short range CO at 253 K have been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-based alloys are materials of choice for engineering applications such as bearings and gears owing to their low cost, ease of manufacture, high strength, availability, and good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction. In this study, Fe–Cu–Sn composite containing varying percentage of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is developed using simple single stage compaction and sintering. The friction and wear behaviors of these composites were studied ball-on-disc tribometer in which EN8 steel ball was used. It was found that with the increase in percentage of MoS2 from 0 to 3 wt% the coefficient of friction and wear rate substantially decreases from around 0.85 to 0.25. The wear mechanism in base composition (0% MoS2) is observed to be adhesive and abrasive, whereas mild abrasive wear was observed in the 3 wt% MoS2 composite. The hardness of composite was also found to improve with the increase in MoS2 weight fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes, owing to natural delicacy and good nutritional profile, are consumed around the globe. Farmers apply various pesticides to combat danger of pest attack which in turn may endanger the health of consumers. In the present work, pesticides were sprayed on mature grapes (Perlette and Black varieties), and after 24 h, these grapes were processed into various products in order to investigate the impact of different processings on pesticide residues. Five grape products (juice, jam, nectar, squash, raisins) were developed each using two processing methods; processing-1 (P1) and processing-2 (P2). The products depicted residue trends as follows i.e. juice < nectar < raisin < jam < squash with overall means of 4.38 ± 0.70 < 4.88 ± 0.70 < 5.47 ± 0.72 < 5.81 ± 0.72 < 6.48 ± 0.75 mg kg-1 in Perlette variety; and 4.09 ± 0.67 < 4.54 ± 0.66 < 5.03 ± 0.67 < 5.26 ± 0.67 < 5.90 ± 0.69 mg kg-1 in Black variety. Before processing, raw produce had residues corresponded to recommended dose (RD), double dose (DD) and triple dose (TD) of 4.89 ± 0.92, 8.31 ± 1.52, and 13.05 ± 2.47 mg kg-1, respectively. Juice showed residues corresponding to P1 and P2 with values of 1.021 ± 0.182 and 0.84 ± 0.15 mg kg-1, respectively, at RD. Nectar had 1.42 ± 0.252 and 1.06 ± 0.19 mg kg-1 residues at foresaid processing relevant to RD. Jam had 2.07 ± 0.38 and 1.55 ± 0.27 mg kg-1 residues, while squash had 2.43 ± 0.42 and 2.20 ± 0.39 mg kg-1 residues, respectively, at RD. Raisins had 1.96 ± 0.35 and 1.28 ± 0.23 mg kg-1 residues at two processings at RD, respectively. Similar dissipation trend was also revealed by DD and TD at both processing levels which were different for each product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out under the ecological conditions of three locations in Turkey (Bilecik, Sivas and Bingol) during 2016 aiming to investigate the variations in yield and yield components of common vetch and to evaluate in different environmental conditions the best performing genotypes using the GGE Biplot analysis. 5 lines and 8 commercial cultivars were used as plant material. GGE biplot analysis concluded that plant height, forage yield, biological yield and straw yield were included in component 1. Dicle genotype was found superior in terms of forage yield and dry matter yield, while Kralkizi genotype reflected its potential for biological and straw yield. Findings of this study are suggesting that the common vetch, plant height, forage yield, biologic yield, straw yield are important traits and can be used as selection criteria for the evaluation of best performing common vetch genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]