Search

Magnetoelectric coupling and switching charge density in multiferroics have gained the attention of researchers around the world for energy storage, energy harvesting, and their potential applications for pulsating devices. In multiferroics, the absence of inversion symmetry and the presence of antiferromagnetic symmetry give rise to intriguing magnetoelectric coupling. In this paper, bi-phase composites, (1–x)Bi0·9La0·1FeO3 + xSrCoO3for x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 are made by a facile and time-saving sol–gel auto-combustion technique. For this, we employed lanthanum-doped BiFeO3to avoid the volatilization of bismuth ions. The composition 0.8Bi0·9La0·1FeO3+ 0.2SrCoO3(x = 0.2) showed the maximum polarization (Pmax = 2.45 × 10−3 μC/cm2) and effective interfacial interactions depicting symmetrical magnetoelectric coupling response with least distortion along with significant switching charge density (i.e., Qsw = – 2.124 × 10−5 μC/cm2). Whereas reduction in leakage current density is observed with the inclusion of SrCoO3contents into pure BLFO during polarization phenomena, confirming its insulating properties. Switching charge density from the positive-up- negative-down sequence not only ensured the suitability of switching applications in pulsating devices but also displayed its reliability and long-term stability. The symmetric magnetoelectric coupling showed its potential use in piezoelectric actuators and energy harvester applications. Magnetic attributes and multidomain structures were confirmed by the vibrating sample magnetometer. The maximum value of the squareness ratio appears to be 0.1035 confirming the existence of a multidomain structure for all samples. These outcomes suggest that this particular composition seems extremely viable in developing ultra-sensitive pulsating devices attributed with significant switching charge density.

Graphical abstract:

Calotropis procera(Aiton) W. T. Aiton, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is C3evergreen plant species in arid and semi-arid areas of the Punjab Province, Pakistan. It grows in a variety of habitats like salt affected and waterlogged area, desert/semi-desert, roadside, wasteland, graveyard, forest, crop field, coastline, and river/canal bank. A total of 12 populations growing in different ecological regions were sampled to evaluate their growth, physio-biochemical, and anatomical responses to specific environmental condition. Population adapted to desert/semi-desert showed vigorous growth (plant height, shoot length, and number of leaves), enhanced photosynthetic level (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll), and apparent anatomical modifications such as increased stem radius, cuticle thickness, storage parenchyma tissues (cortex and pith), and vascular bundles in stems, while the maximum of midrib and lamina thickness, epidermal cells, cuticle thickness, cortical proportion, abaxial stomatal density, and its area in leaves. There was high plasticity in structural and functional features of these populations, which enable them to survive and tolerate under such hot and dry desert environment. Population of saline areas exhibited very critical modifications to sustain under salt prone environment. At physiological level, it possesses the maximum amount of organic osmolytes (glycine betaine and proline) and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD)), while at anatomical level, it showed intensive sclerification, large phloem region (inner and outer), pith parenchyma cells, and metaxylem vessels in stems and leaves. The population of dry mountains showed very distinctive features, such as increased shoot ionic contents (K+and Ca2+), collenchyma and sclerenchyma thickness in stems, trichomes size, and numerous small stomata on abaxial surface of leaves. It is concluded that no definite or precise single character can be taken as a yardstick for adjudging the biomass production in this rubber bush weed population.

Arsenic is regarded as a highly toxic element that naturally exists in ground drinking water. Owing to its inherent carcinogenic nature, arsenic free water becomes necessary for a healthy life. To remove arsenic from the ground drinking water, the Bahawalnagar district of Pakistan was chosen for sample collection. For the complete removal of dissolved arsenic contents (AsIII/AsV), ferrites have been found to be very effective in purifying natural water. In this study, sulphur-doped copper ferrites (CuFe2SxO4−x) were synthesized for the first time using a hydrothermal strategy. XRD results revealed that CuFe2SxO4−xhas spinel cubic structures, whereas SEM results illustrate that spherical morphologies indicate higher adsorption of arsenic over CuFe2SxO4−x. The purity and elemental compositions were confirmed by EDX results, whereas the stability was revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). For the quantitative study, dissolved arsenic contents were converted into an arsenomolybdate complex (AMC). The adsorption of AMC on CuFe2SxO4−xwas found to be a spontaneous process (ΔG= −13.41 kJ mol−1). The adsorption kinetic performances of CuFe2SxO4−xfor AMC were well fitted by pseudo first order and had the correlation coefficient R2= 0.95458. The adsorption isotherm data for AMC removal were fitted with the Langmuir model (R2= 0.99981), whereas an electrostatic relationship between CuFe2SxO4−xand AMC (R2= 0.66186) was revealed by the Temkin model. The maximum adsorption capacity observed on CuFe2SxO4−xwas 188.8 mg g−1, which is higher than those from previous reports.

Future networks are expected to use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning applications intensely. The primary focus of machine learning techniques will be on intelligent automation and decision‐making based on information learned from network functions, resources, and users. The research community has studied several schemes for using machine learning in communications and networks in the last two decades. However, the schemes mainly focus on learning the state information of individual network functions and resources and performing their optimization in a standalone fashion. Recently, a study group from the International Telecommunication Union has outlined machine learning pipeline requirements. It addresses several aspects of machine learning operations, such as model selection, data sources, and action points. However, the mechanisms to define the state of network functions and resources for different network layers and domains are yet to be explored. Therefore, in addition to the above, specific studies are required for cross‐layer and administrative domain knowledge sharing and holistic optimization. Without considering the holistic view, applying machine learning to optimizing individual functions and resources may result in nonoptimal and unexpected behaviors instead of having any positive effect. The need for global and deep holistic learning has recently been identified in the literature; however, no implementation of the above scheme has been studied or evaluated for networks. This article proposes a novel approach, implementing global and deep holistic learning in wireless networks toward fulfilling the requirements of future intelligent networks. It also proposes an objective function‐based feature engineering for wireless networks. Experimental results of the proposed scheme show significant improvements in the network performance and accuracy of the machine learning models. Moreover, applications of transfer learning to base learners for network functions and resources can significantly expedite decision‐making with reduced computational costs.

Naturally adapted populations of a leafy succulent desert halophyte Salsola imbricatawere evaluated for growth patterns, and, structural and functional modifications, that ensures their success in highly salt-affected habitats. The populations were collected from five diverse habitats least saline (DWF-Derawar Fort), moderately saline (TWT-Trawaywala Toba and BWD-Bailahwala Dahar), and highly saline (LAS-LadamSir and PAS-Pati Sir) along with rhizospheric soil samples. All population showed very specific modifications, i.e., increased root cross-sectional area, epidermal and endodermal thickness, sclerification in cortical and stellar region, proportion of storage parenchyma, and widened metaxylem vessels at root level. Decreased phloem area, pith thickness, and cell area and increased stem cross-sectional area, epidermal thickness, sclerification in vascular bundles, cortical region thickness, and enlarge metaxylem vessels was recorded in stems. Leaf modifications included increased leaf thickness due to thickened midrib, lamina, epidermis and cortical cells. Contrarily, much reduced vascular bundles, mainly the phloem region, decreased mesophyll thickness, and narrow xylem vessels were observed in leaves. The populations inhabiting highly saline environment showed better growth, salt exclusion, internal structural, and increased uptake of Na+, K+, and Ca2+in roots and shoots. These strategies of S. imbricataseemed to be evolutionary, which may be evolved in response to environmental adversities over long spanning period.

Context Allelopathy is recognised as a potential technology to control weeds, and could also be a suitable approach for enhancement of crop yield. Aims The study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic role of Averrhoa carambola leaf extract on growth, anatomical and physiological features of three wheat lines, namely 3094, 7076 and A2011. Methods Three dilutions i.e. 0% (control), 15% and 30% of the leaf aqueous extract were applied at 15day intervals (total five applications) on wheat lines until maturity. Key results All wheat lines showed differential behaviour to allelochemicals of A. carambola leaf extract. Increased root area was accompanied by a high proportion of storage parenchyma tissues and enlarged vascular bundles in line 3094. Disintegration of root cortical parenchyma and complete transformation of chlorenchyma into sclerenchyma in stem was recorded in all wheat lines, particularly at the highest concentration of leaf extract. Line 7076 showed very different behaviour, as it possessed a proportionally enlarged root cortex, enlarged stem vascular bundles and increased leaf thickness, primarily at the highest concentration of leaf extract. Line A2011 was relatively more sensitive, indicating a significant reduction (P Conclusions A low concentration (15%) of leaf extract promoted growth and development, whereas a higher concentration caused significant reduction in growth and anatomical attributes. Implications A lower dose of Averrhoa leaf extract promoted growth and development in all wheat lines, and hence can be used as a growth promoter. A higher concentration is important for eradicating unwanted plants.

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the impact of corruption (CP) on income inequality (IN) by considering the size of informal sector (IFS) at different levels of percentiles. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a panel quantile regression approach for a sample of 50 developing countries. The study also applies panel co-integration (Kao residual co-integration test) in order to examine the long-run relationship between CP and IN. Findings: This paper using a panel quantile regression approach shows that the high incidence of IFS in an economy marginalizes CP's positive effect because it works as a source of poor peoples' livelihood and skillful individuals. The spread of IFSs in the developing economies may raise earnings among groups and individuals who remain unemployed. Moreover, the results show that CP creates asymmetry in income distribution; fascinatingly, the asymmetric income distribution is high when CP is at higher percentiles. Research limitations/implications: Due to non-availability of IFS, we restrict our analysis up to 50 developing countries. Practical implications: CP devastates the effectiveness of institutions over time. Therefore, the government should have to take bold steps to reduce CP in society. Another policy implication of this study is that the government should reduce CP to decrease IN in less developing countries. Moreover, to increase the net base, the authorities need to bring IFS under the umbrella of regulation to avoid inequality in society. In developing economies, a higher part of labor force is related to IFS; therefore, our findings suggest a dire need to reduce labor exploitation in IFS. The policymakers can reduce labor exploitation by reducing the size of IFS, which ultimately reduces IN. Social implications: On the basis of the authors’ findings, this paper further suggests that it is mandatory for government to reduce CP in order to reduce IN. Moreover, to reduce IN, one needs to reduce the size of IFS. Originality/value: This study is unique as it is the first that examined the role of IFS in establishing the effect of CP on IN for developing countries at different percentiles.

The mountain ecosystem is a perfect podium to investigate the impact of climate change on overall community structure and species composition. The Potohar region in Pakistan was chosen to study changes in grass-species diversity and the distributional pattern along an altitudinal range of 1000 m (from 400 m to 1400 m). The major objectives of the study were to prepare grass-species listing and species composition, and patterns of their dominance and distribution at various habitats. Three sites separated by a distance of 50 km were selected at each altitude and three transect lines (each of 100 m) were laid at a distance of 500 m. Then five sub-transect lines were laid at distance of 50 m on which five quadrats (1 × 1 m2) were laid systematically with a distance of 10 m between the successive quadrats. The diversity of the grass species is high and 114 species were recorded therein. Six grasses, Aristida adscensionis, Cynodon dactylon, Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Dichanthium annulatum and Panicum orientale, are widely distributed at all altitudinal ranges. Species like A. adscensionis, Cenchrus ciliaris, C. jwarancusa, C. dactylon, Ochthochloa compressa, Panicum antidotale, Paspalum distichum and Phragmites karka dominate because of their high degree of tolerance to multiple stresses. These dominant grasses are highly palatable and support livestock and endemic wildlife species. The distributional range of other grasses is altitudinal-specific and is directly linked to the physiographic parameters and climate variables that influence species richness, dominance, community structure and species distributional pattern along altitudinal gradients. Over-harvesting for essential oil and other medicinal purposes are identified as major threats to species like Cymbopogon martini and Chrysopogon zizanioides. The findings of this study are useful in investigating the composition of grass species of the sub-mountainous rangelands and in developing conservation strategies for rare and endangered species in future studies. Species abbreviations are presented in table 1

Over the last twenty years, a significant focus has been on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which belong to a family of porous materials. These materials are being studied as precursors or templates for creating metal oxides (MOs) and composites used in the future of electrochemical energy storage applications. MOFs are attractive because of their unique features, such as their significant specific surface areas (SSAs), customizable structures, and adjustable pore sizes. The selection of electrode materials is crucial in determining the practical effectiveness of batteries and supercapacitors (SCs). Electrode materials derived from MO composites, synthesized from MOFs, have demonstrated outstanding properties such as elevated reversible capacity, cycle performance, and remarkable rate capability. These aspects make them particularly desirable candidates for electrode materials. This review investigates the potential applications of MO composites derived from MOFs in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), Potassium ion batteries (KIBs), Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs), and SCs. The study comprehensively summarizes these applications current understanding, employing information from published literature and experimental findings. In wrap-up, the review paper explores the challenges and possibilities for future research on MO composites derived from MOFs. These ideas come from what experts already know and from real-life facts. They give a solid base for figuring out what to study next in this area.

Supercapacitors (SCs) possess the capacity to function as fundamental electrochemical storage technology inside intermittent renewable energy sources, effectively mitigating the disparity between batteries and conventional capacitors. Considerable investigation has been undertaken into electrode materials from transition metals oxide (TMO) composites to explore their potential value in the SCs field. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these materials have limitations, including the hindered transport of electrons and ions and subpar electronic conductivity. The limitations mentioned above provide substantial obstacles to the electrochemical efficacy of these materials within the context of energy storage applications. The advancement of electrode materials developing transition metals is of dominant significance in attaining elevated energy density, enhanced specific power, and accelerated charging/discharging rates. Consequently, this enhances the overall efficacy of SCs. This review objectives to give a comprehensive summary of the recent progress made in electrode materials, specifically TMO composites. The primary objective of this study is to analyze and evaluate the diverse morphologies, components, and power characteristics linked to these materials. Furthermore, our study provides valuable insights into the potential of TMO-based hybrid electrode materials in SCs. The objective is to enhance their performance and promote their adoption of extensive energy storage and conversion applications. This review aims to contribute to the progress of these materials and their potential prospects in the field.

ABSTRACTAlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings with various bilayer numbers (1, 2, 4, and 6) were deposited on high speed steel (HSS) via arc ion plating technology. The effects of bilayer numbers on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. XRD and TEM results showed that the solid solution (Al, Cr, Mo) N was the main phase in the AlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings. As compared with the AlCrN/AlCrMoN-1 coating, the AlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings showed the improved adhesion, hardness and tribology performance. The AlCrN/AlCrMoN-4 coating showed the highest adhesion (Lc2 = 52 N) and micro-hardness (3500 HK0.05). The AlCrN/AlCrMoN-4 coating also exhibited the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate both at room temperature and high temperature due to the optimal structure and good overall performance.

AlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings with various bilayer numbers (1, 2, 4, and 6) were deposited on high speed steel (HSS) via arc ion plating technology. The effects of bilayer numbers on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. XRD and TEM results showed that the solid solution (Al, Cr, Mo) N was the main phase in the AlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings. As compared with the AlCrN/AlCrMoN-1 coating, the AlCrN/AlCrMoN multilayer coatings showed the improved adhesion, hardness and tribology performance. The AlCrN/AlCrMoN-4 coating showed the highest adhesion (Lc2?=?52 N) and micro-hardness (3500 HK0.05). The AlCrN/AlCrMoN-4 coating also exhibited the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate both at room temperature and high temperature due to the optimal structure and good overall performance.

With the advancement in nanotechnology, we are experiencing transformation in world order with deep insemination of nanoproducts from basic necessities to advanced electronics, health care products and medicines. Therefore, nanoproducts, however, can have negative side effects and must be strictly monitored to avoid negative outcomes. Future toxicity and safety challenges regarding nanomaterial incorporation into consumer products, including rapid addition of nanomaterials with diverse functionalities and attributes, highlight the limitations of traditional safety evaluation tools. Currently, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are envisioned for enhancing and improving the nano-bio-interaction simulation and modeling, and they extend to the post-marketing surveillance of nanomaterials in the real world. Thus, hyphenation of machine learning with biology and nanomaterials could provide exclusive insights into the perturbations of delicate biological functions after integration with nanomaterials. In this review, we discuss the potential of combining integrative omics with machine learning in profiling nanomaterial safety and risk assessment and provide guidance for regulatory authorities as well.

Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is an emerging field among researchers. Currently the development of plant-mediated biogenic nanoparticles is gaining much attention. It is notable that the biogenic nanoparticles particularly silver nanoparticles are therapeutically more effective than its chemically synthesized form. Thus, here in, the development of silver nanoparticles (Fj-AgNPs) using aqueous extract of ripe fruit of Flacourtia jangomasas a reducing agent is investigated. The developed Fj-AgNPs were additionally compared with ammine modified silver nanoparticles (Am-AgNPs), developed through chemical route using the reported approach and confirm the phyto-reduction of Ag+to Ag0.UV–visible spectrum has exhibited a peak at 418 nm and FTIR peak profile (at 1587.6, 1386.4, and 1076 cm−1with corresponding compounds) in addition to the diffraction peak at 38°, 44°, 64°,78° in PXRD spectrum confirmed the synthesis of Fj-AgNPs with 8.29 nm average crystallite size. Enhanced anti-bacterial effect is observed in the case of Fj-AgNPs as compared to Am-AgNps. These results refer to the idea that the use of the aqueous extract of ripe fruit of Flacourtia jangomascould be a good replacement of EDTA in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Graphic abstract:

The term autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is the subgroup of ichthyosis, which describes a highly heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of the skin characterized by cornification and defective keratinocytes differentiation associated with mutations in at least 14 genes including PNPLA1. To study the molecular basis of the Pakistani kindreds (A and B) affected by ARCI, whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the DNA samples of affected members was performed followed by Sanger sequencing of the candidate gene to hunt down the disease-causing sequence variant/s. WES data analysis led to the identification of a novel nonsense sequence variant (c.892C>T; p.Arg298*, family A) and a recurrent missense variant (c.102C>A; p.Asp34Glu, family B) in PNPLA1mapped to the ARCI locus in chromosome 6p21.31. Validation and cosegregation analysis of the variants in the remaining family members of the respective families were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The current investigation expands the spectrum of PNPLA1mutations and helps establish the proper clinico-genetic diagnosis and correct genotype-phenotype correlation.

Mixed transition metal oxides have become highly effective electrode materials due to their remarkable cyclic stability and improved capacitance, which has consequently led them to display exceptional electrochemical performance. In this work, a facile synthesis of Sr2Fe2O5/reduced graphene oxide composites was carried out through a solvothermal technique to investigate the electrochemical performance. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the cubic perovskite structure of Sr2Fe2O5. The morphological analysis revealed well-defined grains with sharp boundaries, having uniformly distributed porous regions. The stoichiometric ratios of sample compositions were confirmed using elemental analysis. The electrolyte employed for the electrochemical characterizations was 1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH), carried out using three-electrode cell. The composite sample Sr2Fe2O5/15% reduced graphene oxide showed excellent electrochemical performance compared to other samples. It demonstrated a maximum specific capacitance of ∼360.29 F g−1at a lower scan rate of 0.01 V s−1, as observed using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical analysis of this electrode through the GCD system has a high value of capacitance ∼1110 F g−1followed by a high energy density value of ∼32.76 Wh kg−1, respectively. The Nyquist plot revealed less barrier to charge transfer. Therefore, the comprehensive investigation of this electrode material suggested that this as-synthesized composite could be utilized in high-performance energy storage devices.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered remarkable energy storage technology because of their prolonged cycling longevity and power density (Pd). However, the constrained energy density (Ed) of SCs presents a notable barrier to their widespread adoption. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize developing and exploring novel electrode materials to improve their electrochemical performance within SCs usage. The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in SCs has been subject to thorough investigation by researchers, primarily due to their noteworthy attributes, including but not limited to high porosity, customizable pore structure, and substantial specific surface area (SSA). The main objective of this review is to provide a compressive overview of the latest developments in the realm of pure MOFs and their associated composites, encompassing both MOF composites and MOF derivatives. Particular emphasis is placed on their utilization in the context of SCs applications. Furthermore, we provided individual viewpoints concerning the current challenges and prospective developments of these materials within the framework of SCs application.

Significant advancements in materials science have urged researchers to hunch new outlooks, whereby MXene composites have shown some outstanding physicochemical characteristics. The effectiveness of MXene composites in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices has opened a pavement for minimizing the ongoing energy crisis. In this context, MXene-based composites are highly in demand as an active material in various electrochemical applications. This comprehensive review provides an up-to-date look at the latest methods used to make MXene composites. The study thoroughly explores different materials and how they can be used in electrochemical energy systems. This includes applications in supercapacitors, lithium-ion, and non‑lithium-ion batteries, and various energy storage devices. The review offers a clear and engaging perspective, diving into the possibilities and challenges that could shape future research in MXene composites for electrochemical energy applications. The main aim is to support the development of high-quality MXene-based composites and expand their potential uses in energy storage and conversion systems.

Radio- and photodynamic therapies are the first line of cancer treatments but suffer from poor light penetration and less radiation accumulation in soft tissues with high radiation toxicity. Therefore, a multifunctional nanoplatform with diagnosis-assisted synergistic radio- and photodynamic therapy and tools facilitating early prognosis are urgently needed to fight the war against cancer. Further, integrating cancer therapy with untargeted metabolomic analysis would collectively offer clinical pertinence through facilitating early diagnosis and prognosis. Here, we enriched scintillation of CeF3nanoparticles (NPs) through codoping Tb3+and Gd3+(CeF3:Gd3+,Tb3+) for viable clinical approach in the treatment of deep-seated tumors. The codoped CeF3:Gd3+,Tb3+scintillating theranostic NPs were then coated with mesoporous silica, followed by loading with rose bengal (CGTS-RB) for later computed tomography (CT)- and magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided X-ray stimulated synergistic radio- and photodynamic therapy (RT+XPDT) using low-dose, one-time X-ray irradiation. The results corroborated an efficient tumor regression with synergistic RT+XPDT relative to single RT. Global untargeted metabolome shifts highlighted the mechanism behind this efficient tumor regression using RT, and synergistic RT+XPDT treatment is due to the starvation of nonessential amino acids involved in protein and DNA synthesis and energy regulation pathways necessary for growth and progression. Our study also concluded that tumor and serum metabolites shift during disease progression and regression and serve as robust biomarkers for early assessment of disease state and prognosis. From our results, we propose that codoping is an effective and extendable technique to other materials for gaining high optical yield and multifunctionality and for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Critically, the integration of multifunctional theranostic nanomedicines with metabolomics has excellent potential for the discovery of early metabolic biomarkers to aid in better clinical disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Security information and event management (SIEM) systems are generally used to monitor the network for malicious activities. These systems are capable of detecting a wide range of malicious activities in the network using built-in rules to generate alerts on malicious activities. Although SIEM systems provide comprehensive reports about each alert including relevant details such as, severity score, events, and events counts. However, a key limitation of SIEM systems is not presenting the rule’s status in real time before an alert is raised. This paper presents a novel visual tool that enables security analyst to grasp visually, and in real time a complete overview of SIEM rules execution, and alert circumstances that may happen in advance based on near-miss situation. Apart from the real time rules analysis, it also enables security analysts to explore the reasoning behind the alerts in an organized and efficient manner via security questions. The essence of the approach is to evaluate and visualize the current status of each rule execution according to pre-compiled conditions in real time. We demonstrate the utility of our approach using IBM QRadar events data to support the informative analysis of different rules in real time, and security questions based insight about the rules via story page.

Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the therapeutic failure of antituberculosis therapy (ATT). The aim of this study is to explore the role of adding cholecalciferol to the standard ATT in improving the therapeutic outcome among the naïve patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

We the listed author(s) are pointing out some unintentionally leftover irregularities

This study examined how and when the initial use of blended learning induces future intention for blended learning among students of business and management education in Pakistan. We used the mechanism of cognitive flexibility for change and two boundary conditions: the perceived quality of online teaching and the immersive learning experience, to understand the relationship between students' initial use of blended learning in a mandatory setting and their intention for future use of blended learning. The data was obtained from 589 students enrolled in different degree programs at 22 leading business schools in Pakistan. The results unveiled that the initial use of mandatory blended learning positively predicted students' future intention to use blended learning and that cognitive flexibility for change mediated this relationship. The perceived quality of online teaching moderated the direct relationships between students' initial use of blended learning and their cognitive flexibility change and future intention to use it. The students’ immersive experience of the online component of blended learning further moderated the relationship between their cognitive flexibility for change and future intention to use blended learning. The findings offer valuable insights for successfully implementing blended learning in management education to meet future challenges and remain competitive amongst business schools in the emerging virtual world.

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable bone fragility disorder usually caused by dominant variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes. Over the last few years, 17 genes including 12 autosomal recessive and five autosomal dominant forms of OI, involved in various aspects of bone formation, have been identified.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing followed by conventional Sanger sequencing was performed in a single affected individual (IV-3) in a family.ResultsHere, we report the clinical and genetic characterization of OI type 3 in a consanguineous family with four affected members. Clinical examinations revealed low bone density, short stature, severe vertebral compression fractures, and multiple long bone fractures in the affected members. Exome sequencing revealed a biallelic pathogenic splice acceptor site variant (c.359-3C>G) in a wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family 1 (WNT1) gene located on chromosome 12q13.12.ConclusionWe report a biallelic splice site variant underlying OI type 3 and the first case from the Pakistani population.

Taguchi method has been realized efficient for output improvement in research and development stage; so that high-quality items can be quickly produced at lower costs. Optimization of emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) for chromium extraction is achieved by Taguchi method. One of the main objectives of this work deals with the extraction of Cr(VI) using tri-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) as a carrier. Six parameters, namely carrier, surfactant, and internal phase concentration, feed phase pH, stirring speed and emulsion/external feed phase ratio, were chosen as the control factors while the initial concentration of chromium was chosen as the external noise factor. The results have been analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. From our results, combinations of all factors studied have a potential interaction. It can be noticed that the optimum external to emulsion ratio is the highest level. Indeed, this trend leads to treating large volumes of more dilute Cr(VI) solutions. This reflects the importance of ELM in which our system deviates from equilibrium that means a high mass transfer occurred. Maximum contribution for Cr(VI) extraction is obtained as 89.498% for TOPO concentration followed by Span 80 (4.393%), and the other parameters have a lower significance on ELM process (ranging from 1.750% to 1.299%).