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Background: This retrospective study assesses patient satisfaction following short-segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in thoracolumbar fractures. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study, which was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic KTH Hospital in Peshawar from January 2020 to January 2021. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively. The satisfaction score was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and divided into four categories: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. The results showed that 81% of the patients were very satisfied and 19% were satisfied with the procedure. The mean VAS score was 8.58 ± 0.67. No significant differences were found in the satisfaction scores between male and female patients (p=0.731). This study provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of short segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and highlights the importance of post-operative follow-up in determining patient satisfaction. Objection: The study provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of short-segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and highlights the importance of postoperative follow-up in determining patient satisfaction.

Background: Some observational evidence suggests an effect of hormones on Osteoarthritis (O.A.), especially in premenopausal women. Aim: To determine the frequency of knee osteoarthritis among postmenopausal females. Secondly, assess the symptoms and severity of stiffness and pain. Thirdly, to assess the effect of Osteoarthritis on quality of life. Methods: The study was conducted among 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis among postmenopausal females. Aged above 45 years were included in the study. Male Participants with Amenorrhea and Traumatic Knee Injury were excluded from the study. The non-probability sampling was used for sample selection. The sample size was calculated using an open-Epi tool. Results: Most women with symptoms sometimes and often in knee osteoarthritis experience moderate and severe knee pain in rest and activity. Most women have moderate and severe difficulty in activities of daily living, difficulty in sport and recreation function, and disturbance in their quality of life in knee osteoarthritis of postmenopausal women. This study can help raise awareness and provide valuable insights into the challenges and limitations that postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis face daily. This can help develop more targeted and effective interventions that address the unique needs of this population. Conclusion: The study concludes that postmenopausal females have knee osteoarthritis that produces symptoms with severe pain. Their functional, daily, sports and recreational activities are moderately affected by the quality-of-life effects. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Postmenopausal women, Rehabilitation, Quality of life, Stiffness, Pain

Introduction: One of the familiar Pulmonary tuberculosis includes TB spine especially in developing countries [1].Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis approximately involves 14% of patients, with 1% to 8 % having osseous diseases of which 30% to 50% have spinal involvement. The results of this study will direct policy makers of health management system to conceive significant involvement at clinical as well as community level. Objective: To determine the outcome in terms of improvement in segmental kyphosis in patients with thoraco-lumber spine TB medicated with combination of debridement (radical), cage fixation and grafting bones. Material and Methods: 73 patients were taken as total sample. Researchers had taken detailed history of patients and then clinically examined. All patients in whom clinical suspicion of spinal tuberculosis found was subjected to spinal cord and vertebral imaging, CT scan X-rays as well as MRI spine. Radiographs were reported by consultant radiologist. Results: 48 years was mean age of patients. Among them 65% patients were male and female patients were 35%. Furthermore segmental kyphosis has been improved in 93%victims and has not been improved in 7% victims with thoraco-lumber spinal TB spine managed with combination of cage fixation, radical debridement and grafting of bones.

Perovskites are a significant class of materials with diverse uses in modern technology.

Green Human Resource Management (henceforth, green HRM) has gained worldwide recognition nowadays. It brings together human capital for the welfare and sustainability of the organization. Green HRM undertook eco-friendly human resource practices, promoting higher efficiency, lowering costs, and better relationships among employees. It also helps the organization reduce CO2 emissions by resorting to e-filing, online job advertising, online conferencing, online interview, online advertisement so on and so forth. This study, therefore, aims to examine the manager’s perception about Green Human Resource Management and its practices in the corporate sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (henceforth, KP), Pakistan. Data has been collected from the corporate sector of KP using a questionnaire. The sample size consists of 64 managers. A total of 24 questions have been asked from the managers of KP’s corporate sector about green HRM. The questionnaire was divided into three different categories. The data analysis shows that on average 63 percent of the managers do green practices and 38 percent do not, 64 percent of managers do eco-friendly practices in their industries while 53 percent of managers do not, and 42 percent of managers are working to expand the sphere of green HRM practices but 57 percent of managers do not work as such to expand green HRM practices in their organization. The study suggests that organizations need to start giving training on Environmental Management, designing waste management policy, using public transport, employees’ hiring and firing based on green actions, using software to go green, and incentives to employees for maintaining a green work environment.

Background: Codman was the scientist who first used the term frozen shoulder in 1934.He explained usual characteristics of steady start of pain around insertion of deltoid muscles, sleeping problems and restriction in external movement and active as well as passive elevation, but with a normal radiological appearance. Moreover no satisfactory discussion on the top appropriate procedure of disease management despite of this information of the pathology. A few learnings describe that hydrostatic distension and intra articular steroid injections lessen pain within a short period if given at the start of the disease. Objective: To find and compare the efficacy of hydrostatic shoulder distention with intra articular steroid injection in idiopathic frozen shoulder. Material and methods: 142. (71 in each group) is the total sample taken. Class a patients were injected steroid mixed with Lignocaine intraarticularly while patients in Class B were injected with some another solution. All patients of both groups were allowed for different movement exercises on instruction of a physiotherapist for some days. Patients were then asked at six weeks follow up. Result: In this study 38 years is mean age in class a while in class B mean age was 40 years.

Hereditary neurological disorders (HNDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. These disorders arise from the impaired function of the central or peripheral nervous system due to aberrant electrical impulses. More than 600 various neurological disorders, exhibiting a wide spectrum of overlapping clinical presentations depending on the organ(s) involved, have been documented. Owing to this clinical heterogeneity, diagnosing these disorders has been a challenge for both clinicians and geneticists and a large number of patients are either misdiagnosed or remain entirely undiagnosed. Contribution of genetics to neurological disorders has been recognized since long; however, the complete picture of the underlying molecular bases are under-explored. The aim of this study was to accurately diagnose 11 unrelated Pakistani families with various HNDs deploying NGS as a first step approach. Using exome sequencing and gene panel sequencing, we successfully identified disease-causing genomic variants these families. We report four novel variants, one each in, ECEL1, NALCN, TBR1 and PIGP in four of the pedigrees. In the rest of the seven families, we found five previously reported pathogenic variants in POGZ, FA2H, PLA2G6 and CYP27A1. Of these, three families segregate a homozygous 18 bp in-frame deletion of FA2H, indicating a likely founder mutation segregating in Pakistani population. Genotyping for this mutation can help low-cost population wide screening in the corresponding regions of the country. Our findings not only expand the existing repertoire of mutational spectrum underlying neurological disorders but will also help in genetic testing of individuals with HNDs in other populations.

OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of renal lithiasis among patients coming to Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. METHODOLOGY This Observational cross-sectional study was undertaken at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, period (January 2021 to August 2021). Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 61 patients. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained prior to data collection. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze data. RESULTS Out of 160 patients, 61(37.5%) patients were having renal calculi. Among those 61 patients, n=49(80%) were male participants and 12(20%) female participants said that they are having renal calculi. The age of the participants was 12-65years. The proportion of males was approximately higher as compared to the females. Most of the participants have renal calculi at the time of the examination. CONCLUSION There is a high rate of renal lithiasis in mostly male patients and at young ages. These demographic factors may be potentially associated with the occurrence of renal lithiasis. Further research is required to study these factors in detail in relation to renal lithiasis

Accurate detection of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is critical for risk stratification and treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Poor-quality staging MRI has been associated with decreased survival in this population, but technical factors differentiating good from poor quality screening MRIs remain undefined. To test the hypothesis that key technical factors are associated with accurate MRI diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis in children with leptomeningeal seeding brain tumors.MRIs acquired at outside facilities and repeated in our institution within 35 days for 75 children with leptomeningeal seeding tumors were assessed for slice thickness and gap; use of T2 FLAIR + Contrast, acquisition plane of 3DT1WI + Contrast (brain); axial T1 + Contrast sequence, and use of pre-contrast T1 images (spine). Reported findings were recorded as positive, negative, or equivocal for LM and classified as true positive (TP; unequivocal metastasis), false negative (FN; not reported), false positive (FP; resolved without treatment), or true negative. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Fisher's exact test were used to assess technical differences between TP and FN MRIs.Rate of LM detection was greater with smaller interslice gap in brain (P = 0.003) and spine (P = 0.002); use of T2 FLAIR + Contrast (P = 0.005) and sagittal plane for 3DT1WI + Contrast (P = 0.028) in brain; and use of alternatives to axial TSE/FSE in spine (P = 0.048). Slice thickness was not significant. Pre-contrast T1WI did not contribute to LM diagnosis in spine.Using post-contrast T2 FLAIR and sagittal 3DT1 in brain, small/no interslice gap, and avoiding TSE/FSE axials in spine may facilitate leptomeningeal metastasis detection in children with brain tumors.

Owing to the tremendous energy storage capacity of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes), they have been efficiently utilized as a promising candidate in the field of super-capacitors. The energy storage capacity of MXenes can be further enhanced using metal dopants. Herein, we have reported the synthesis of pristine and nickel doped niobium-carbide (Nb2C) MXenes, their computational and electrochemical properties. Upon introduction of nickel (Ni) the TDOS increases and a continuous DOS pattern is observed which indicates coupling between Ni and pristine MXene. The alterations in the DOS, predominantly in the nearby region of the Fermi level are profitable for our electrochemical applications. Additionally, the Ni-doped sample shows a significant capacitive performance of 666.67 F g-1 which can be attributed to the additional active sites generated by doping with Ni. It is worth noting that doped MXenes exhibited a capacitance retention of 81% up to 10 000 cycles. The current study unveils the opportunities of using MXenes with different metal dopants and hypothesize on their performance for energy storage devices Owing to the tremendous energy storage capacity of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes), they have been efficiently utilized as a promising candidate in the field of super-capacitors. The energy storage capacity of MXenes can be further enhanced using metal dopants. Herein, we have reported the synthesis of pristine and nickel doped niobium-carbide (Nb2C) MXenes, their computational and electrochemical properties. Upon introduction of nickel (Ni) the TDOS increases and a continuous DOS pattern is observed which indicates coupling between Ni and pristine MXene. The alterations in the DOS, predominantly in the nearby region of the Fermi level are profitable for our electrochemical applications. Additionally, the Ni-doped sample shows a significant capacitive performance of 666.67 F g-1 which can be attributed to the additional active sites generated by doping with Ni. It is worth noting that doped MXenes exhibited a capacitance retention of 81% up to 10 000 cycles. The current study unveils the opportunities of using MXenes with different metal dopants and hypothesize on their performance for energy storage devices

In this work, the structural, electronic, magnetic and elastic properties of the xenon-based fluoroperovskites XeMF3 (M = Ti, V, Zr, Nb) have been studied using density functional theory.

This study examines the physical, mechanical, microstructural, and attenuation properties of high-density concrete exposed to temperatures ranging from 200°C to 1200°C. For this purpose, heavy-density concrete containing 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% dolerite aggregates was developed and compared with three ordinary concrete mixes. Pre- and post-heated concrete specimens were evaluated for mass and density loss, compressive strength, rebound hammer, X-ray and gamma-ray attenuation, Half Value Layer (HVL), and Ten Value Layer (TVL) along with microstructural properties determined by scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray. The results showed that the incorporation of 75% dolerite aggregate during pre- and post-heating yielded high compressive strength whereas low mass and density loss. The same mixture showed significant improvement in gamma ray shielding at all temperatures. The Half Value Layer and Ten Value Layer values showed a reduction in the thickness of concrete as a shield. It is recommended that dolerite heavy-density concrete is a potential radiation shield at high temperatures ranging from 200°C–1200°C in fourth-generation nuclear power plants.

In the last twenty years’ Pakistani media have experienced remarkable progress and transformation in its role. There have been serious setbacks in current years. Almost more than one hundred private TV channels are currently broadcasting. Pakistan is one of the unsafe counties of the world for journalists as per the 2020 report of the International Federation of Journalists Pakistan. Pakistan has been a war zone for almost forty years, where 140 journalists were killed in Pakistan from 2000 to 2020 but still, Pakistani law does not guarantee journalists' safety. Are they feeling safe and secure and which steps will be important for journalists’ security and safety? This researcher is qualitative. The data have been collected by conducting interviews and applying the social responsibility theory to investigate, what is about the freedom of speech because this theory describes the claims that the journalist always plays a responsible role of passing the information with freedom and the task of the press is to make journalism better.

OBJECTIVES: Antenatal care focuses on the complication of obstetric conditions and to provide information about lifestyle, pregnancy, and delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant females regarding the antenatal care in government hospitals, Peshawar. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in tertiary care government hospitals of Peshawar. A convenient sampling technique was used to select participants from gynecology outpatients departments. Sample size was calculated using Riosoft sample size calculator. 280 participants responded to the antenatal care questionnaire. The study was approved from ethical review board of Khyber Medical University. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants were 28.7 years. Most of the pregnant mothers had limited understanding regarding the antenatal care. The study provided significant association of knowledge regarding antenatal care with husband support, parity of the women and participant education level (p

The politics of the Holy land is of crucial importance to the followers of the three Abrahamic religions in terms of religious beliefs, which metamorphosed into military and political significance in the 20th Century. The United States (U.S) support for Israel is especially visible during the republican presidencies. The U.S had five republican presidents from 1980 to 2020, and their evangelical beliefs shaped American foreign policy toward this region, a policy that may loosely be termed as affected by Christian Zionism, which was originally a 16th Century religious Puritan movement, who latter shaped into Christian political movement. U.S Christian Zionism reiterates favourable images of Jews and is pessimistic about peace in Holy land. Christian Zionists believe Lord has bestowed the land of Palestine to Jews and have held up this claim since the turn of the 20th Century. This paper first describes the fundamental nature of Christian Zionism, their view of the modern Israel and resultant political and military policies. This also focuses Christian Zionists support of republican presidents and specially President Trump relationship with Christian Zionism. The shifting of U.S embassy to Jerusalem, the formal approval to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by President Trump are studied.

OBJECTIVES: The accuracy of clinical tests (Lachman, McMurray, Anterior Drawer) in the diagnosis of knee joint injuries in comparison to arthroscopy taken as gold standard. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar for 3 years. Total of 48 patients were recruited in the study. Data was collected after ethical approval from the hospital ethical committee using consecutive non-probability sampling techniques. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients. Arthroscopy examination was taken as a gold standard. Data analysis was performed using statistical software SPSS 21 and MEDCALC online software for calculating sensitivity and specificities of the clinical tests. RESULTS: Mean age was 26.4+6.5 years. Lachman and Anterior Drawer tests were noted to have 91.67% and 66.67% sensitivity for anterior cruciate ligament while McMurray test was noted only 66.67% sensitive for both meniscal injuries. On the other hand, Lachman was 95.8% specific, McMurray was 77.78%, and Anterior Drawer was 79.2% specific. Regarding accuracy, Lachman was 93.7%, McMurray 70.8% and Anterior Drawer was 72.9% accurate. CONCLUSION: Among clinical examination and specific examination tests, Lachman has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy followed by Anterior Drawer test and MacMurray for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries of knee joint.

the chalcopyrite alloys Cu1–xNaxTlSe2, with x = 0.00, 0.25, and 0.50 were studied through density functional theory calculations. The Wu–Cohen generalized gradient and the Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson approximations have been employed to describe the exchange–correlation potential. Energy band structure analysis reveals that CuTlSe2 is a semi-metal, while Cu0.25Na0.75TlSe2 and Cu0.50Na0.50TlSe2 alloys are semiconductors with gaps of approximately 0.17 eV and 0.35 eV, respectively. The total and partial densities of states were calculated and discussed. Examining the charge density, we point out the formation of the Na–Se ionic bond when Cu is replaced by the Na atom, which is responsible for the metal–semiconductor transition in the Cu1–xNaxTlSe2 alloys. Moreover, variations of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic and lattice thermal conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit of the Cu1–xNaxTlSe2 alloys with temperature and chemical potential were explored. The obtained results show that the value of the figure of merit increases when doping CuTlSe2 with sodium to reach 0.46 and 0.87 for p-type Cu0.75Na0.25TlSe2 and n-type Cu0.50Na0.50TlSe2, respectively the chalcopyrite alloys Cu1–xNaxTlSe2, with x = 0.00, 0.25, and 0.50 were studied through density functional theory calculations. The Wu–Cohen generalized gradient and the Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson approximations have been employed to describe the exchange–correlation potential. Energy band structure analysis reveals that CuTlSe2 is a semi-metal, while Cu0.25Na0.75TlSe2 and Cu0.50Na0.50TlSe2 alloys are semiconductors with gaps of approximately 0.17 eV and 0.35 eV, respectively. The total and partial densities of states were calculated and discussed. Examining the charge density, we point out the formation of the Na–Se ionic bond when Cu is replaced by the Na atom, which is responsible for the metal–semiconductor transition in the Cu1–xNaxTlSe2 alloys. Moreover, variations of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic and lattice thermal conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit of the Cu1–xNaxTlSe2 alloys with temperature and chemical potential were explored. The obtained results show that the value of the figure of merit increases when doping CuTlSe2 with sodium to reach 0.46 and 0.87 for p-type Cu0.75Na0.25TlSe2 and n-type Cu0.50Na0.50TlSe2, respectively

In this chapter, we have focused on the journey of sorting genes and the connotation of genetic counseling started. In a literal sense, we will understand how genetic counseling could contribute to identifying pathogenicity and penetrance of genetic mutation/s in high-risk individual/s or populations. Great strides have been achieved in terms of diagnosis, management, and treatment of various genetic disorders due to rapid advancements in genetic research. The national Thalassemia Prevention Program of Cyprus has been one of the earliest and most celebrated successes in lowering the disease burden and improving life quality and survival rate in patients. The knowledge regarding gene/s and variant/s is quite instrumental for making important reproductive decisions and therapeutic interventions for both rare and common disorders. We also touch upon the associated ethical issues and challenges.

Background Hepatic iron content (HIC) is an important parameter for the management of iron overload. Non-invasive HIC assessment is often performed using biopsy-calibrated two-dimensional breath-hold Cartesian gradient echo (2D BH GRE) R2 * -MRI. However, breath-holding is not possible in most pediatric patients or those with respiratory problems, and three-dimensional free-breathing radial GRE (3D FB rGRE) has emerged as a viable alternative. Purpose To evaluate the performance of a 3D FB rGRE and validate its R2 * and fat fraction (FF) quantification with 3D breath-hold Cartesian GRE (3D BH cGRE) and biopsy-calibrated 2D BH GRE across a wide range of HICs. Study type Retrospective. Subjects Twenty-nine patients with hepatic iron overload (22 females, median age: 15 [5-25] years). Field strength/sequence Three-dimensional radial and 2D and 3D Cartesian multi-echo GRE at 1.5 T. Assessment R2 * and FF maps were computed for 3D GREs using a multi-spectral fat model and 2D GRE R2 * maps were calculated using a mono-exponential model. Mean R2 * and FF values were calculated via whole-liver contouring and T2 * -thresholding by three operators. Statistical tests Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was assessed using Bland-Altman and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare R2 * and FF values among the three acquisitions. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, respectively, were used to test for significant differences between R2 * and FF values obtained with different acquisitions. Statistical significance was assumed at P Results The mean biases and ICC for inter- and intra-observer reproducibility were close to 0% and >0.99, respectively for both R2 * and FF. The 3D FB rGRE R2 * and FF values were not significantly different (P > 0.44) and highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.98) with breath-hold Cartesian GREs, with mean biases ≤ ±2.5% and slopes 0.90-1.12. In non-breath-holding patients, Cartesian GREs showed motion artifacts, whereas 3D FB rGRE exhibited only minimal streaking artifacts. Data conclusion Free-breathing 3D radial GRE is a viable alternative in non-breath-hold patients for accurate HIC estimation. Level of evidence 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Cadmium substituted Z-type hexaferrites are prepared via the sol-gel route. The phase temperature of pre-sintered materials is studied from the thermal analysis. The single-phase of Z-type hexaferrite is found through X-ray diffraction investigation. The Crystallite sizes of the entire samples are evaluated within the range of 14–15 nm. The Fe–O stretching vibration band at 566 cm−1 is confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Saturation magnetization (Ms) coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr) is examined by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The magnitude of Ms has been increased from 45.41 to 56.35 emu/g with an increase of Cd2+ concentration. The magnitude of Hc increased from 950.79 to 2186.95 Oe with an increment of Cd2+ concentration. Small values of squareness ratio (less than 0.5) showed the hard and single magnetic domain nature of the materials. The dielectric properties were analyzed using an impedance analyzer. Dielectric parameters show an increasing trend with the substitution of Cd2+. The maximum values of quality factor up to 17,000 and 10,000 are observed for sample Ba2·85Cd0·15Co2Fe24O41 at 1 GHz and 2.7 GHz, respectively. The high value of the Q-factor shows that these ferrites can be applicable for the formation of resonant circuits and multilayer chip inductors.

Background Enforced social distancing (i.e., lockdowns) greatly facilitated control of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). While access to hospitals was restricted, outpatient care continued remotely. The aim of this study was to determine the satisfaction of patients with severe asthma with telemedicine, and the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on severe asthma patients on biologics therapy. Methods A cross-sectional survey of patients with severe asthma scheduled to receive biologic therapy at our hospital during the lockdown. The survey had sections about demographic data, asthma history, subjective perception of change in asthma control with biologic agent, the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on access to maintenance therapy for asthma, asthma exacerbation management, and satisfaction with telephone follow-up. Results Fifty-four patients participated (response rate 93.1%; male 17; mean age 46.7 years). All had been on biologic therapy for over 3 months (mean 38.4 months ± standard deviation 26.5 months). Of the 45 patients living in Riyadh, 9 did not receive biologic therapy. Five of the nine patients living outside Riyadh did not receive biologic therapy. Alarmingly, 16 (29.6%) had insufficient medications, and 27 (50%) had difficulty obtaining medications. Fifty (92.6%) had telephone follow-up, 31 (57.4%) were satisfied with telemedicine. Conclusion Many patients were satisfied with telemedicine, so this could be used to deliver routine outpatient tertiary care postpandemic. However, logistics around supplying medications and biologics must be considered in plans preparing for the second wave of COVID-19.

In this work, the structural, electronic, magnetic and elastic properties of the xenon-based fluoroperovskites XeMF

This study reports the theoretical investigations on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of titanium-based fluoro-perovskites MTiF

Fuel cell technology based on stationary and mobile applications is needing new hydrogen storage materials equipped with huge gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities. Examining the fundamental properties of hydrides is an important part of such process, mainly to understand the structure change's impact on the hydrogen storage. Herein, we applied ab-initio density functional theory using full potential linear augmented plane method to explore the effect of rubidium and cesium doping in sodium borohydride, NaBH4. The electronic structure calculations exposed the semiconducting nature of NaBH4 and derived doped structures NaRbBH4 and NaCsBH4. The hydrogen (H2) storage capacity is found 10.66 wt %, 3.27 wt % and 2.36 wt % within a reasonable free energy of −28.514 kJ/mol, −29.709 kJ, −28.51 kJ/mol for NaBH4, NaRbBH4 and NaCsBH4 respectively from quasi-harmonic approximation. Also, we extracted the heat capacity and Debye temperature from vibrational analysis based on phonon calculation. The discovered features show the potential use of presented sodium borohydrides for practical H2 storage devices.

A field study was conducted at village Sardheri, district Charsadda for the year 2017 in order to evaluate the efficacy of bio-insecticides and synthetic agrochemicals against the aphids and Helicoverpa. armigera on Okra. There were eight treatments including control. The highest % reduction control of aphids after 3rd spray was 91.2 recorded for T6 treatment and T5 was the next superior treatment having a % reduction of 86.2. The highest percent reduction in pod damage (75.5%) was recorded for T6 after 3rd spray, while T5 was the next superior treatment and the pod borer damage was noted to be 72.2%. T5 yielded the highest mean produce of Okra per plant and was recorded to be 446.3 g. These findings revealed that bio-insecticide can be effectively used to control aphid population as well as the fruit infestation of Okra and improving the yield of Okra. The bio-insecticides can also lower the inputs of residues in the crops and pose least toxicity to non-targeted organism and also readily degradable.

Strengthening of structural members is a common practice around the world that may arise due to deterioration of concrete with age or upgradation of design code. This paper aims to elucidate a technique used for strengthening of the reinforced concrete beam for flexural capacity by using externally welded steel angles and steel bars. For this motive, three beams were strengthened with external steel angles and three with external steel bars. The external strengthening steel elements were attached at the bottom of the beam with shear reinforcement. Control samples without external steel angles and steel bars for comparison purposes were also prepared. All reinforced concrete beams were first constructed using a concrete ratio of 1:2:4, and then external steel elements were added to existing flexural reinforcement by using a fillet weld with tee joints having thickness and length of 5/16" (7.9 mm) and 6" (152.4 mm), respectively. Fourth point loading criteria were used to investigate the flexural capacity of beams in positive bending. All beams were designed strong enough in shear, to resist the ultimate loads without shear failure. Test results indicated that beams strengthened with this technique have an average increase of 238% with steel angles and 106% with steel bars, in load-carrying capacity than control samples. Strengthened beams showed a uniform crack pattern. Moreover, the concrete cover made a good bond with existing concrete and was strong enough to withstand ultimate loads. Conclusively, the steel angles and steel bars can be used as an external strengthening material, to enhance the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete beams.

Cancer is the primary cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause in developing countries. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Risk factors for CRC include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and smoking. CRC has a poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to reduce related deaths. Recently, studies have focused more on molecular testing to guide targeted treatments for CRC patients. The most crucial feature of activated immune cells is the production and release of growth factors and cytokines that modulate the inflammatory conditions in tumor tissues. The cytokine network is valuable for the prognosis and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer as they can aid in the cost-effective and non-invasive detection of cancer. A large number of interleukins (IL) released by the immune system at various stages of CRC can act as “biomarkers”. They play diverse functions in colorectal cancer, and include IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33, TNF, TGF-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are pro-tumorigenic genes. However, there are an inadequate number of studies in this area considering its correlation with cytokine profiles that are clinically useful in diagnosing cancer. A better understanding of cytokine levels to establish diagnostic pathways entails an understanding of cytokine interactions and the regulation of their various biochemical signaling pathways in healthy individuals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of some interleukins as immunological biomarkers of CRC.

Owing to the tremendous energy storage capacity of two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes), they have been efficiently utilized as a promising candidate in the field of super-capacitors. The energy storage capacity of MXenes can be further enhanced using metal dopants. Herein, we have reported the synthesis of pristine and nickel doped niobium-carbide (Nb

Background: Sputum smear microscopy examination and culture for tuberculosis (TB) remain a fundamental tool of diagnosis but may be negative up to 50% case of active pulmonary TB. Bronchoscopy to obtain sputum is invasive and not readily available. Alternative methods of obtaining sputum specimens are crucial in suspected pulmonary TB cases who are unable to expectorate. In this context, it may be beneficial to stimulate sputum production by administering a mist of hypertonic saline produced by ultrasonic nebulization. The aims of the study are to describe the experience of a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia with sputum induction (SI) for the investigation of patients suspected to have sputum scare TB. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients suspected of sputum scare TB and investigated with SI were included. Standard descriptive statistics were used. Categorical data presented as frequency were compared using the Chi square test. Continuous data presented as mean ± standard deviation were compared using Student's t test. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. Results: Of 252 patients with suspected TB who underwent SI, 78 (31%) were ultimately diagnosed to have TB. Culture of induced sputum confirmed the diagnosis of TB in 44 (56.4%) of these patients. However, the diagnosis of TB would have been missed in 13.5% of the cohort if no further investigations were done. The incidence of complications was low. No patients required hospitalization or specialist intervention. Conclusions: SI is safe well tolerated and inexpensive. It may reduce the need for bronchoscopy in patients with suspected sputum scare TB. However, around 20% of TB can be missed by SI unless further investigations are performed. Hence, patients suspected to have sputum scare TB in whom the risk of bronchoscopy is high, a clinical decision on the appropriateness of empirical therapy is often required.

Nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) are two most important essential nutrients promoting plant growth and yield traits of all crops. NP fertilizers are easy to use and quick in releasing nutrients. A field experiment was conducted at Oilseed section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam to determine the effects of different doses of NP fertilizers on the time of maturity, vegetative growth and yield and yield related traits of sunflower variety HO-1. The six NP fertilizer levels viz. T1 = 0-0 (control), T2 = 80-40, T3 = 100-50, T4 = 150-50, T5 = 120-50 and T6 = 120-75 NP kg ha-1 were set in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that all the parameters of sunflower were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by different NP fertilizer doses. It was observed that maximum 184.25 (cm) plant height, 6.66 (cm) stem girth, 28.19 (cm) head diameter, 1161.92 seeds head-1, 90.33 (g) seed index and 2172.00 (kg ha-1) seed yield was achieved by applying 150-50 NP fertilizer kg ha-1. It was also noted that 150-50 NP kg ha-1 promoted the sunflower crop to mature early by enhancing vegetate growth. The poor performance for all growth, yield and maturity parameters were observed in the treatment where no NP fertilizer was applied (control). It was concluded that growth and seed yield was increased by increasing the application of NP fertilizers up to 150-50 NP kg ha-1 and thus recommended to get better growth and yield performance of sunflower crop in locality

As digital content transmission through the internet is convenient and quick, so the outspread of digital content is very high. However, along with this incredible speed and ease, current communication technologies and computers have also brought with them plenty of digital rights management complications. Digital Rights Management Systems are designed to limit the access to the utilization, alternation, and distribution of persevered digital content. This article scrutinized two recent schemes of Lee et al. and Yu et al. and it is found that these schemes are suspected to an insider attack, stolen smart-card attack, Daniel of services (Dos) attack, and impersonation attack. Furthermore, their proposal also suffers from incorrect issues. To fix these flaws, a robust anonymous authentication scheme using biometrics for Digital Rights Management System is proposed in this article. The proposed scheme is checked for correctness and its security is proved through BAN logic. The performance of the scheme is also analyzed using computation time and communication time. The results show that the designed scheme is highly secure with the same computation and communication cost as the existing protocols.

The free-market approach of work has risen for the past few years. The on-demand workforce has a preference to stay in nontraditional employment and are generally satisfied with their income and the elasticity of employment that contingent work offers. Independent workers are also less likely to grow their careers in the same manner as a traditional job ensues, and market prevalence influences their wages comparatively more. This paper analyzes the influence which gig economy has posed on the growth of the employee and examines the benefits and deficits of contingent pay and noncontingent pay. In the assessment of conventional employment, corporate compensations such as retirement plans and health insurance add significant value to organizational service. The uncertainty of payment, as well as variable timelines of compensation, disallow a contingent worker to privately retain insurances and savings plans, whereas an employer in a firm typically offers such allowances as standard. This comparison suggests that the value lost in the gig economy is, in fact, the corporate occupational benefits and not the steady noncontingent salary.

A field study was conducted to investigate the effect of botanical extracts i.e. neem oil emulsified with NIFA adjuvant, turmeric and hinge crude extracts and neem oil in combination with white oil emulsified with NIFA adjuvants and the synthetic insecticides i.e. emamectin and bifenthrin on the control of Helicoverpa armigera on tomato crop. It was found that the highest control of H. armigera was observed for emamactin and the lowest was recoded for control. Similarly, the highest yield of tomato was recoded for neem-white oil treatment and lowest infestation was recorded for emamactin benzoate. The neem oil and neem oil in combination with white oil emulsified with NIFA adjuvant also showedbetter results than bifenthrin and hinge and turmeric crude extracts in controlling the larvae population of H. armigera. On the basis of these findings, neem oil and neem oil combined with white oil is the best management technique for controlling the H. armigera, as these agents pose least environmental hazards and are relatively nontoxic to beneficial insects and humans and readily photodegrade. Keywords

Soil is a medium for plant growth and provides support, minerals and water to the plant for survival. Soil salinity declines availability of water to the plant, affect microorganisms growth, and water drainage capacity of soil, which adversely affect plant growth and development. In the present work the effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on growth and yield of salinity stressed tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was studied. Salinity levels (0 [control, no NaCl], 30 and 60 mM of NaCl) were applied to the soil and IAA concentrations (0 [control, no IAA], 100 and 200 ppm) were sprayed on the plants after ten days of salinity treatment. The statistical analysis showed that salt stress conditions adversely affected plant height, branches per plant, stem diameter, fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit length, total chlorophyll content, root length, root fresh weight, roots dry weight, and yield per plant, while IAA application to salinity stressed tomato plants rescued the plants and had significantly positive effects on growth and yield of tomato plants. In the light of above results, it is concluded that foliar application of IAA may rescue the salinity stressed tomato plants.

Hereditary Spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are heterogeneous group of degenerative disorders characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower limbs, combined with additional neurological features. This study aimed to identify causative gene variants in two nonrelated consanguineous Pakistani families segregating HSP. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a total of five individuals from two families including four affected and one phenotypically normal individual. The variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis. In family A, a novel homozygous variant c.604G > A (p.Glu202Lys) was identified in the CYP2U1 gene with clinical symptoms of SPG56 in 3 siblings. Whereas, a previously reported variant c.5769delT (p.Ser1923Argfs*28) in the SPG11 gene was identified in family B manifesting clinical features of SPG11 in 3 affected individuals. Our combined findings add to the clinical and genetic variability associated with CYP2U1 and SPG11 variants highlighting the complexity of HSPs. These findings further emphasize the usefulness of WES as a powerful diagnostic tool.

One of the ancient construction materials used for wall construction includes the use of locally available soil (basic earth) stabilized with cement. Driven by the need to source locally available materials in remote communities and to reduce the carbon footprint arising from hauling of materials over long distances, the use of the rammed earth (RE) technology is regaining popularity. In this study, the rebound hammer values, corresponding to compressive strength of the RE material demonstrated a positive trend with aging. Further, the application of two different ramming head diameters (15.24 cm vs. 7.62 cm diameter) for compaction, revealed that the smaller head results in higher density, lower void ratio, higher compressive strength and better compaction near the end corners of the tested wall. The compressive strength of the material calculated using rebound hammer, showed a positive effect when cement was substituted with 15% of industrial waste additives. Interestingly, the same mix reported 23% higher strength when exposed to wetting-drying cycles as compared to a reference mix under ambient conditions. Overall, the exposure of the specimens to alternating wetting and drying cycles presented a positive impact on the strength of the RE material. Furthermore, the pulse speed recorded by using Ultrasonic pulse velocity equipment revealed a similar trend for the RE material with and without additives when compared to same exposure conditions. On the other hand, uni-axial compressive test results on cylindrical specimens illustrated 34% higher strength for sample prepared without any industrial additive on exposure to wet-dry cycle, while the sample with 15% additives reported 25% increased strength under ambient conditions. The experimental results also highlighted the significance of more lifts on the resulting strength of the material. Therefore, the findings of this paper present useful baseline data for RE that can be used when comparing tests conducted on existing RE structures made of similar materials.

Five Central Asian Republics (CARs) got independence in December 1991 as a result of the collapse of the USSR. Politically, economically, strategically and geographically Central Asia is regarded as the Heart of Asia. This region is the hub of the natural resources. It became a battle ground for the states which have interest in its hydrocarbon reserves. The paper examines the ongoing competition between China and India for the resources of Central Asia. Both of these countries are eyeing the huge potential of trade relations with this large market. They were also trying to create energy partnerships with the gas- and oil-rich region. This resulted in competition between the two countries inof the region. This article describes China and India as competitors in this region. As a neighbouring country, this engagement of China and India has serious implications for Pakistan.

A hydrogen storage material can also be used as a potential and effective solid reducing agent in addition to its applications as an important energy carrier. The density function theory has been used to find the structural and optoelectronic properties of the Li2NH compound. The exchange-correlation functional based GGA (generalized gradient approximation) is applied for calculating structural and optoelectronic properties. The expression for the formation is used to identify the stability, which is further confirmed by calculating the structural properties of Li2NH. The calculations of the band structure show that a direct band gap is present between the occupied Li and N orbitals. A deep analysis of the optical properties was performed under incident photon radiation at energies up to 14 eV. Our calculated refractive index n(0) and the static part of the dielectric constant e2(0) are analogous to the experimental and other reported theoretical value.

Microcephaly (MCPH) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by non-progressive intellectual disability, small head circumference, and small brain size compared with the age- and sex-matched population. MCPH manifests as an isolated condition or part of another clinical syndrome; so far, 25 genes have been linked with MCPH. Many of these genes are reported in Pakistani population, but due to a high rate of consanguinity, a significant proportion of MCPH cohort is yet to be explored. MCPH5 is the most frequently reported type, accounting for up to 68.75% alone in a genetically constrained population like Pakistan. In the current study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on probands from 10 families sampled from South Waziristan and two families from rural areas of the Pakistani Punjab. Candidate variants were validated through Sanger sequencing in all available family members. Variant filtering andin silicoanalysis identified three known mutations inASPM, a MCPH5-associated gene. The founder mutation p.Trp1326*was segregating in 10 families, which further confirmed the evidence that it is the most prominent mutation in Pashtun ethnicity living in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Furthermore, the previously known mutations p.Arg3244*and p.Arg1019*were inherited in two families with Punjab ethnic profile. Collectively, this study added 12 more families to the mutational paradigm ofASPMand expanded the Pakistani MCPH cohort.

GPR56 gene is best known for its pivotal role in cerebral cortical development. Mutations in GPR56 give rise to cobblestone-like brain malformation, white matter changes and cerebellar dysplasia. This study aimed to identify causative variant in a consanguineous family having five individuals affected with developmental delay, mild to severe intellectual disability, speech impairment, strabismus and seizures. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify mutation in affected individuals. Variants were filtered and further validated by Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis. A novel frameshift variant c.1601dupT leading to p.Ala535GlyfsTer17) was identified in GPR56 gene by whole exome sequencing and subsequent filtering. All five affected individuals were homozygous for the mutant allele while four asymptomatic individuals carried the variant in heterozygous state. Radiological findings of a representative patient presented features of GPR56-associated cobblestone like brain malformation. MRI findings suggested paucity of sulci, dilated ventricular system and brainstem atrophy. The microgyria were observed in a simplified gyral pattern (cobblestone). This single bp insertion, and the consequent frameshift, results in the truncation of GPR56 protein. This could result in a malformed cortex giving the brain a cobblestone like shape. Our study identified a 7th novel frameshift variant from Pakistani population in GPR56 gene, thus broadening mutation spectrum.