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The main objective of this paper is to explore the existence of thermodynamic irreversibility due to laminar fluid flow with heat transfer under fully-developed conditions through a duct of circular cross-section. The evaluation of thermodynamic trade-offs caused by simultaneous heat transfer under a finite temperature-difference and fluid friction has been examined in terms of dimensionless entropy generation as a performance criterion. The temperature dependence of viscosity is taken into consideration in the analysis. Expressions involving relevant variables for entropy generation and pumping power for constant viscosity and temperature-dependent viscosity have been derived. The dimensionless entropy-generation defined on the basis of total heat-transfer rate attains a minimum along the duct length and the ratio of pumping power to total heat-transfer rate increases considerably along the duct length when the fluid is heated. The dimensionless entropy-generation increases as the dimensionless ratio of inlet wall to fluid temperatures (α) increases, but the pumping power ratio decreases as α increases. The results correspond to the constant viscosity assumption and temperature-dependent viscosity cases are compared and it was found that the constant viscosity assumption may yield a significant amount of deviation in entropy-generation and pumping power from those for the temperature-dependent viscosity case, especially for more viscous fluids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Distributed-order, space-fractional diffusion equations are used to describe physical processes that lack power-law scaling. A fourth-order-accurate, A-stable time-stepping method was developed, analyzed, and implemented to solve inhomogeneous parabolic problems having Riesz-space-fractional, distributed-order derivatives. The considered problem was transformed into a multi-term, space-fractional problem using Simpson's three-eighths rule. The method is based on an approximation of matrix exponential functions using fourth-order diagonal Padé approximation. The Gaussian quadrature approach is used to approximate the integral matrix exponential function, along with the inhomogeneous term. Partial fraction splitting is used to address the issues regarding stability and computational efficiency. Convergence of the method was proved analytically and demonstrated through numerical experiments. CPU time was recorded in these experiments to show the computational efficiency of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of a partial differential equations model is to anticipate its computational behavior. The simulation of a transient 3D coupled convection–diffusion system using a numerical model is described. The main objective of this article is to offer effective limited contrast compact finite difference techniques for use with nonlinear coupled partial differential systems that mimic overseeing differential frameworks. The three-dimensional compact finite difference formulation serves as the model's foundation. An analytical model has been used to validate finite difference techniques that are numerically compact. By examining the consistency and union of the arrangement, which may be seen from figures and information tables, we can evaluate the model and the suggested numerical schemes. The schemes are unconditionally stable and accurate up to two orders in time and six orders in space, according to the results of the stability and accuracy tests. The implicit method used in the algorithm's design was examined for stability criteria. Because mesh-independent solutions for non-linear differential systems are expensive, block tridiagonal matrix structures, measured in terms of L2 and L∞ norms, which are inherent characteristics of schemes and have excellent agreement with the investigation arrangement, are created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small size of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) incurs many challenges, including concerns of flight stability during turbulence. To address this issue, birds as their natural counterparts have been studied in depth. This paper presents a biologically inspired Gust Mitigation System (GMS) for a flapping wing UAV (FUAV), inspired by the covert feathers of birds. The GMS uses electromechanical (EM) covert feathers that sense the incoming gust and mitigate it through deflection of these feathers. A multibody dynamic model of gust mitigating FUAV is developed by appending models of the subsystems including rigid body, propulsion system, flapping mechanism, and GMS installed to the wings, by using a bond graph modeling approach. The dynamic wing flexibility is modeled with a Euler-Bernoulli beam for realism. The simulation results show that wing flexibility enhances aerodynamic efficiency, and moreover, the performance of the proposed GMS for flexible wings is better than that of rigid wings during gusty airflows. A good agreement between experimental results with these simulations validates the proposed design as well as accuracy of the developed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cesium lead halide perovskites such as CsPb 2 Br 5 and CsPbBr 3 have drawn the attention of researchers because of their unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. To improve the photo and/or chemical performance of such CsPb 2 Br 5 (termed as CPB hereafter), we have realized multiple facile routes for its combination with UV-active TiO 2 nanoparticles. Resultantly developed binary nanocomposites of TiO 2 , CPB perovskites and TiO 2 /CPB-nanocomposite (TiO 2 /CPB-NC) offered a meaningful photochemical contrast between pseudo-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (p -SILAR) and electrostatic self-assembly methods for targeting photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes under solar irradiation and resulted significant performance as reactant for oxygen evolution (OER) as revealed by extensive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In parallel to extensive material-based characterization using SEM, XRD, and UV Vis. etc, the study was further extended to the theoretical investigation of the structure of CsPb 2 Br 5 , and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). RhB degradation of TiO 2 increased from 13% to 58% by deposition of CPB, in parallel to 100% inhition zone growth. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-parameter Mittag–Leffler function E α , β is of fundamental importance in fractional calculus, and it appears frequently in the solutions of fractional differential and integral equations. However, the expense of calculating this function often prompts efforts to devise accurate approximations that are more cost-effective. When α > 1 , the monotonicity property is largely lost, resulting in the emergence of roots and oscillations. As a result, current rational approximants constructed mainly for α ∈ (0 , 1) often fail to capture this oscillatory behavior. In this paper, we develop computationally efficient rational approximants for E α , β (− t) , t ≥ 0 , with α ∈ (1 , 2) . This process involves decomposing the Mittag–Leffler function with real roots into a weighted root-free Mittag–Leffler function and a polynomial. This provides approximants valid over extended intervals. These approximants are then extended to the matrix Mittag–Leffler function, and different implementation strategies are discussed, including using partial fraction decomposition. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed approximants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composites containing various iron compounds and highly microporous carbon spheres were produced and investigated for structural and magnetic properties. Iron citrate, nitrate and chloride were used to prepare samples and the obtained products contained iron, iron carbide or magnetite. All the produced samples were characterized by high porosity and good magnetic properties. The coupling of the high porosity of carbon spheres with magnetic properties of iron compounds provides a potential application of the composites to removal of impurities from water, followed by a magnetic separation of the sorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing greenhouse gas emission and global warming during climate change result in sudden and extreme weather occasions. Climate change is affecting sugarcane production in the world, especially in the developing countries because of poor forecasting systems and mitigating strategies, sudden occurrence of pests and diseases. Varieties play an important role for sustainable sugarcane production. Varieties either lose their potential after few years release in field or become susceptible to pests and diseases under day by day changing climatic scenario. To combat climate changes and replace of exiting sugarcane varieties, different field experiments were planned at Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad, Sugarcane Research Station, Khanpur and zonal testing of Sugarcane clone in adaptability trials at Progressive Sugarcane growers from 2002 to 2019 . All experiments were designed in randomized complete block design in three replications. Sugarcane clone S2003-US-127 were used in all experiments along with standards varieties HSF-240, CPF-249, SPF-234 and CPF-246. It is concluded from the study that sugarcane clone S2003-US-127 fetched higher cane yield (111.3 t/ha), sugar yield (14.1 t/ha), sugar recovery (12.72%) and higher economic Index than HSF-240, CPF-249, SPF-234 and CPF-246HSF. It is fast growing and matures earlier in 240-270 days. It has CPF 250 is resistant to red rot and smut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore looptune, a MATLAB-based structured H∞ synthesis technique in the context of robotics. Position control of a 4 Degree of Freedom (DOF) serial robotic manipulator developed using Simulink is the problem under consideration. Three full state feedback control systems were developed, analyzed and compared for both steady-state and transient performance using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and looptune. Initially, a single gain feedback controller was synthesized using LQR. This system was then modified by augmenting the state feedback controller with Proportional Integral (PI) and Integral regulators, thereby creating a second and third control system respectively. In both the second and third control systems, the LQR synthesized gain and additional gains were further tuned using looptune to achieve improvement in performance. The second and third systems were also compared in terms of tracking a time-dependent trajectory. Finally, the LQR and looptune synthesized controllers were tested for robustness by simultaneously increasing the mass of each manipulator link. In comparison to LQR, the second system consisting of Single Input Single Output (SISO) PI controllers and the state feedback matrix succeeded in meeting the control objectives in terms of performance, optimality, trajectory tracking, and robustness. The third system did not improve performance in contrast to LQR, but still showed robustness under mass variation. In conclusion, our results have shown looptune to have a comparatively better performance over LQR thereby highlighting its promising potential for future emerging control system applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic alloys offers a new avenue to print objects having complex geometries. This exclusive benefit of AM has made it an alternative route to conventional manufacturing. Importantly, additively manufactured (AMed) alloys often exhibit improved microstructures, which may provide better properties. The microstructure of an alloy can be tuned by controlling the processing parameters. This study includes an overview of the processing parameters that can influence the microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of AMed alloys. Moreover, the effects of heat treatment on AMed alloys are also discussed. Among various processing parameters, it is observed that the laser power significantly influences the microstructure. The microstructures produced with high laser power are similar to heat-treated samples for 316L stainless steel (SS) and Ti6Al4V. Similarly, variation in scanning speed results in distinct morphology of grains in Ti6Al4V. Moreover, different AM processes, such as SLM and EBM, produce coarse and fine β grains, respectively, in Ti6Al4V. The fabrication of AlSi10Mg yields various sizes of melt pool due to different scanning strategies. Furthermore, mechanical properties such as microhardness is higher and the yield strength is lower for Ti6Al4V fabricated at lower laser power. The corrosion behavior of SLMed Ti6Al4V is different on the perpendicular and parallel planes to the build direction. Due to the increase in grain size after heat treatment, the corrosion resistance of AMed Ti6Al4V and AlSi10Mg is reduced. In contrast, heat treatment applied on 316L, Ti6Al4V, AlSi10Mg, and Inconel 718 is beneficial for mechanical properties. After the development of materials with optimized processing parameters, the research should be conducted on replacement of the wrought alloys with the AMed alloys. It is expected that new applications such as fuel cells and biomedical devices will utilize the AM technology to build parts in the recent future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds, often considered a "menace" are top-notch, adroit survivors having intrinsic value as source of biodiversity and various promising uses as bio-resource. Among other benefits, their use as feed/food source or raw material is still to be explored. Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) a conspecific of rice has rapid growth, ability to uptake more fertilizer and produce large biomass. Lot of efforts are done for its management but little is known about its nutritive value and utilization as feed source for livestock. Therefore, the present study was carried out at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in 2017 and 2018 to optimize N level and harvesting time for improving growth and silage quality of weedy rice sown as sole crop. Treatments comprised of four N levels viz: 0, 100, 120 and 140 kg ha-1 and harvesting intervals viz. 15, 25 and 35 days after heading (DAH). Weedy rice harvested at different intervals after onset of heading stage was used for making silage and analysed for nutritive value. Results depicted that, maximum plant height, fertile tillers, panicle length, kernels per panicle and LA were obtained with 120 kg ha-1 N and harvesting at 25 DAH during both years, while NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were highest with no fertilizer. Crude protein was highest with N application at 120 kg ha-1 and harvesting at 25 DAH. Highest nitrogen contents in plants, plant biomass, WSC, ash and DM in silage were recorded with 140 kg ha-1 N when harvested at 35 DAH. Weedy rice harvested at 25 DAH with N application at 120 kg ha-1 seems to be better combination for rational use of nutrients, better productivity and improving most of the nutritive traits of whole crop weedy rice silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a computing scheme as a variant of a recently proposed granular recurrent neural network. Being deduced from a generic system of partial differential equations, this variant is able to capture the spatiotemporal variability of some datasets and problems. The convergence of the computing scheme has been formally discussed. Some preliminary numerical experiments were first performed by using synthetic datasets, inferring some particular partial differential equations. Then two application examples were considered (by using publicly available datasets), namely the prediction of dissolved oxygen in surface water simultaneously at different depths (unlike the current literature) and the prediction of the concentration of particulate matter less than 2.5 μ m in diameter at different sites. The numerical results show the potential of the approach for forecast against well-known techniques such as Long Short-Term Memory networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressed skull fracture in newborn is rare. Occurs due to the soft resilient and easily deformable nature of the bone. Causes could be due to various perinatal factors, including pressure on skull by fetal limb, external pressure by mothers sacral promontory or pubic symphysis or related to obstetric manoeuvres. Radiological investigation is necessary to rule out underlying brain injury, and timely decision for the treatment options depends on associated injuries and depth of the depressed fracture. We present a case of a newborn with depressed skull fracture, delivered by C section after a prolonged and obstructed labour.CT scan confirmed the depressed fracture with no underlying brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in 2016 to find out the sequential use of different herbicides with adjuvants (a substance which enhances pesticides efficiency) towards improved rice production and weed management in direct-seeded rice crop. The early postemergence herbicides (Kelion 50 WG, Ryzelan 240 SC, and Nominee 100 SC were applied at full or 75% of the full dose with and without adjuvants i.e. 2% solution of ammonium sulfate (AS) and alkyl ether sulfate (AES) at 14 days after sowing (DAS), followed by late postemergence herbicides i.e. Puma super (7.5 EW) and Sunstar 60 WG at 28 DAS. Application of herbicides with and without adjuvant substantially suppressed weed with weed dry weight at 40 and 60 DAS and improved rice yield attributes over a weedy check. It was found that a combination of 75% of Nominee 100 SC along with adjuvant i.e. AS (2% v/v) resulted in higher biological yield (9.16 t/ha), harvest index (30.65%), more grains per panicle (98.13), 1000 grain weight (21.32 g) with improved seed yield (3.86 t/ha). Also, abortive kernel (5.33), chalky kernels (5.66), opaque kernels (5.00), normal kernel (70.66), water absorptive ratio (4.28), and kernel length (10.13). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The farmer's practice of buring the crop residues to clear the land before sowing is seen in various crop zones in Pakistan. In rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab, rice stubble is considered as a big problem for farmers. The crop stubbles damage the implements like cultivator rotavator that is why farmers prefers to burn these stubbles before preparation. The burning of rice stubble ease the field operations for wheat sowing but deteriorate the air and soil quality. To solve this problem of farmers, a research experiment was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agronomic Research Station Farooqabad to evaluate the effect of various sowing techniques on yields parameter and economics of wheat crop under rice wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid down with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included viz.T1: sowing with happy seeder (Zero tillage), T2: sowing of wheat without burning of rice stubble (Conventional Technique), T3: sowing of wheat by field preparation with Rotavator (two times), T4: sowing of wheat after burning stubbles of rice crop. The results of all treatments were significantly differed with each other. Maximum plant height (95 cm and 97 cm), numbers of productive tillers/m² (325 tillers/m² and 328 tillers/m2), thousand grain weight (39 g and 42 g), grain yield (3880 and 3700 kg/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.36 and 2.25) were recorded from the treatment where wheat crop was sown with happy seeder (zero tillage) during study years 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively than other techniques. It was concluded that farmers mayfetch higher yield and economics in wheat by sowing with happy seeder in rice wheat cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inequity of water allocation in the Indus Basin by the rotational method has created conflicts of interest leading to water scarcity for irrigated agricultural land. The arid region of the basin is affected the most, which demands a new inventive way of managing water resources. Geo-informatics maps of the Bahawalnagar canal circle were prepared which show groundwater quality and depth to water table (DWT) for 2006 and 2016, crop evapotranspiration (ETc) by using product MOD16A2 for Kharif (April to September) 2017 and Rabi (October to March) 2017–18 cropping season. Results showed that groundwater quality is deteriorating and DWT is rising over 72% of the study area which leads to waterlogging and salinization. Surface water deficit filled through groundwater contribution is 53.66% and 39%, while ETc varies from 0.0 to 931 and 0.0 to 1979 mm/season for the Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons respectively. This paper presents the status of water balance and groundwater characteristics of the arid region of the Indus basin and recommends re-evaluation of the current water allocation system both within and between canal command areas, recommending that water allocation should be allocated as per crop water requirement and groundwater quality. A re-allocation of water-based on groundwater characteristics will not only mitigate waterlogging and soil salinity, which is a threat to the sustainability of agricultural land but also reduces the stress of inequities within the current rotational system. Implementation of this water allocation strategy will require long-lasting monitoring of groundwater quality at a different depth, a variation of depth to the water table, and estimation of crop evapotranspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture production can be enhanced by considering all the farm operations especially the harvesting of crops is the more sensitive operation. The selection of appropriate farm machinery for harvesting not only save the harvesting time but also enhance the farm profitability. The agro-climatic and economic factors are the major hindrance on the way to adopt the harvesting machinery and latest movers in Pakistan. The objective of this work was to redesign an engine operated reaper at affordable price and performance evaluation of this reaper for harvesting three different crops (wheat, rice and brassica). Three levels of reaper ground speed (S) (1.94, 2.54 and 3.18 kmh-1) and three different levels of moisture contents (MC) for each crop were considered as factors. A (3 x 3) factorial analysis was conducted to see the impact of "MC" and "S" on percent slippage, field efficiency and shatter losses. The main effects of S and MC were significant for all the crops for each factor (p<0.05), except MC which was non-significant for shatter losses in wheat and rice (p= 0.0667) and (p=0.847), respectively. Statistical Analysis showed that selected levels of MC and S had significant effect on % slippage, field efficiency and shatter losses. The cost analysis indicated that the breakeven point of the modified reaper can be achieved after 19 days of purchase. Study demonstrated that grain losses can be minimized, and farm profitability can be maximized by selecting suitable combination of M and S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is witnessing a major public health crisis in the wake of the third coronavirus strain pandemic, a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Although initially thought to be a pure respiratory pathogen, recent reports have highlighted not only the extrapulmonary effects of the virus but also, importantly, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) effects. Various studies have looked into the effects of this novel coronavirus infection (coronavirus-19 disease [COVID-19]) on GIT involvement with reports of more frequent involvement than previously expected. With feco-oral transmission, debate being conclusively proven with fecal samples testing positive for COVID-19 and longer shedding time, it only underlines the importance of GIT involvement. Moreover, the presence of other GI diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, with COVID-19 infection might wreak havoc leading to poor patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-nutrition is a subject of great consideration, as research has revealed its importance in increasing sugar recovery in sugarcane. While it cannot achieve its genetic expression of yield without proper planting technology. Therefore, the present study was conducted to optimize the planting method and K level to improve the yield and sugar recovery of sugarcane at University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2014-2016. Treatments comprised of four planting methods viz. i) 90 cm spaced pits with a diameter of 90 cm, ii) 90 cm spaced pits with a diameter of 90 cm in diagonal fashion, iii) 90 cm spaced double row strips and iv) 120 cm spaced trench planting in combination with four K nutrition levels i.e., 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha K2O. Results revealed that K application improved the growth, cane yield and sugar recovery irrespective of planting method. However, maximum number of tillers were recorded in sugarcane sown in diagonal pit planting at 90 cm with 100 kg/ha K2O. Likewise, Leaf area index and net assimilation rate were substantially improved with K application in all planting methods. More cane weight (15%) was obtained at sugarcane sown in 120 cm spaced trenches with 200 kg/ha K2O during both the years. Stripped cane yield was maximum in diagonal pit planting at 90 cm with 100 kg/ha K2O (113.7 t/ha) during the plant crop year and diagonal pit plantation + 200 kg/ha K2O (98.22 t/ha) during the ratoon crop year. Likewise, maximum potassium use efficiency (KUE) i.e. 99.5 and 88.2 kg /kg were recorded in planting of sugarcane in diagonal pits at 90 cm with 100 kg/ha K2O during plant crop year and 120 cm trenches +100 kg/ha K2O during the ratoon crop year, respectively. Sugar recovery was also enhanced by all the K nutrition levels over control. The cultivation of sugarcane in 90 cm spaced pits with the supplementation of potash at 100 kg/ha gave the maximum sugar yield of 15.8 t/ha in plant crop year and 13.2 t/ha in the ratoon crop year. The combined economic analysis over two years (plant + ratoon year) revealed that sugarcane planting was more beneficial at 120 cm spaced trenches, with 100 kg potash/ha (3678$); which was followed by 90 cm diagonal pit plantation +100 kg/ha K2O which gave the combined benefits of 3611$. Sugar cane may be planted in 90 cm diagonal pits and 120 cm spaced trenches with 100 kg/ha potash to improve the cane yield and sugar recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have designed and investigated three & five elements based two different types of broadband networks for matching the output impedance of power amplifier (50) with the input impedance of underwater spherical transducer having usable frequency band of 5kHz to 30kHz with resonant frequency of 17kHzin order to enhance the transmit sensitivity of transducer over its entire frequency. Steps followed in sequence involve: 1)In water measurement of Transducer's Impedance Parameters as a function of frequency using Impedance Analyzer, 2) Transducer's modeling using Van Dyke Model, 3) Designing of three & five elements based broadband matching networks using smith chart, 4) Transducer's simulation with and without matching networks, 5) Fabrication of matching networks and its characterization. Results evidenced that impedance of the transducer with both types of broadband matching networks becomes nearly equal to 50 which significantly enhanced Transmit Power Gain (TPG), reflection coefficient, -3dB bandwidth and TVR of the system over the entire frequency band of the transducer. -3dB bandwidth of the transducer was enhanced from 4.5kHz to 12kHz with matching networks. Maximum enhancement in the TVR level was observed to be equal to 12 dB re 1-Pa/V at 1 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement in both frequency and intensity of high temperature, besides its large variability will result in up to 40% yield reduction in rice by the end of 21st century. Vegetative growth in rice continues with day time temperature up to 40°C but development of florets is extremely sensitive to temperature higher than 35°C. The effect of night time temperature stress is even more adverse than day. Heat stress results in deprived anther dehiscence, impaired pollination and abnormal pollen germination that cause floret sterility. The decrease in pollen viability is presumably caused by imbalance in proteins expression, abandoned biosynthesis, partitioning and translocation of soluble sugars, imbalance in phytohormones release, and loss of pollen water content. Rice responds to heat stress by adjusting various physiochemical mechanisms viz., growth inhibition, leaf senescence and alteration in basic physiological processes. Antioxidant enzymes, calcium and iron also play an important role in managing heat stress. Response of rice to heat stress varies with plant ecotype, growth stage, heat intensity and time of stress application. High temperature stress can be managed by developing heat-tolerant genotypes. Rice breeding and screening may be based on anther dehiscence, pollen tube development and pollen germination on stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a finite difference scheme is proposed to solve time–space fractional diffusion equation which has second-order accuracy in both time and space direction. The time and space fractional derivatives are considered in the senses of Caputo and Riesz, respectively. First, the centered difference approach is used to approximate the Riesz fractional derivative in space. Then, the obtained fractional ordinary differential equations are transformed into equivalent Volterra integral equations. And then, the trapezoidal rule is utilized to approximate the Volterra integral equations. The stability and convergence of our scheme are proved via mathematical induction method. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to confirm the high accuracy and efficiency of our scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, energy and exergy analyses of a new solar-driven triple-staged refrigeration cycle using Duratherm 600 oil as the heat transfer fluid are performed. The proposed cycle is an integration of absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), ejector (EJE) refrigeration cycle (ERC), and ejector expansion Jouleâ€"Thomson (EJT) refrigeration cryogenic cycles which could produce refrigeration output of different magnitude at different temperature simultaneously. Both exergy destruction and losses in each component and hence in the overall system are determined to identify the causes and locations of the thermodynamic imperfection. Several design parameters, including the hot oil outlet temperature, refrigerant turbine inlet pressure, and the evaporator temperature of ERC and EJT cycle are also tested to evaluate their effects on energy and exergy performance. It is observed that largest contribution to cycle irreversibility comes from the central receiver and heliostat field with the heat recovery vapor generator (HRVG), condenser, and ejector of ERC itself also contributing considerably. The exergy efficiency of the solar-driven triple-staged refrigeration cycle is 4% which is much lower than its energy efficiency of 10%, respectively. The results clearly reveal that thermodynamic investigations based on energy analysis alone cannot legitimately be complete unless the exergy concept becomes a part of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic variants in vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B) cause Cohen syndrome (CS), a clinically diverse neurodevelopmental disorder. We used whole exome and Sanger sequencing to identify disease-causing variants in a Pakistani family with intellectual disability, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, neutropenia, truncal obesity, speech delay, motor delay, and insomnia. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense variant c.8841G > A: p.(W2947 ∗ ) in VPS13B (NM_017890.5) which segregated with the disease. Sleep disturbances are commonly seen in neurodevelopmental disorders and can exacerbate medical issues if left untreated. We demonstrate that individuals with Cohen syndrome may also be affected by sleep disturbances. In conclusion, we expand the genetic and phenotypic features of Cohen syndrome in the Pakistani population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exponential integrators, due to their robust stability properties, have been considered as reliable schemes for numerical solutions of stiff systems. In this paper, we propose generalized exponential time differencing (GETD) schemes for nonlinear fractional differential equations of order α ∈ (0,1). First, we improve the suboptimal performance of the multistep GETD schemes. Using graded mesh, uniform optimal convergence rates under no additional smoothness requirements are obtained. Second, we develop and analyze novel second-order and third-order accurate predictor-corrector type GETD schemes. Using linear stability analysis and numerical illustrations, we demonstrate that the newly introduced schemes have better stability properties than the multistep GETD schemes. Partial fraction decompositions of global Padé approximations for Mittag-Leffler function are used for efficient implementation. Numerical examples involving nonlinear scalar equations and stiff systems are provided to illustrate the theoretical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the last few decades, fractional-order models have been used in many fields of science and engineering, applied mathematics, and biotechnology. Fractional-order differential equations are beneficial for incorporating memory and hereditary properties into systems. Our paper proposes an asymptomatic COVID-19 model with three delay terms τ 1 , τ 2 , τ 3 and fractional-order α. Multiple constant time delays are included in the model to account for the latency of infection in a vector. We study the necessary and sufficient criteria for stability of steady states and Hopf bifurcations based on the three constant time-delays, τ 1 , τ 2 , and τ 3 . Hopf bifurcation occurs in the addressed model at the estimated bifurcation points τ 1 0 , τ 2 0 , τ 3 0 , and τ 1 0 * . The numerical simulations fit to real observations proving the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Fractional-order and time-delays successfully enhance the dynamics and strengthen the stability condition of the asymptomatic COVID-19 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubular solar still (TSS) is drawing more attention from researchers due to its compact design with many advantages. This study developed a 3-dimensional, 2-phase numerical model tubular for solar still with a parabolic concentrator solar tracking system (PCST-TSS) to study its performance with a negative static pressure caused by a static water column. The developed model can calculate the amount of freshwater production and the gas mixture phase's temperature. The model was validated by comparing the simulation results, e.g. for water temperature, vapor temperature, and distillate output, with real-field experimental results. Results showed a significant enhancement of the PCST-TSS performance under negative static pressures. Reducing the operating pressure from 100 to 40 kPa enhanced the productivity and thermal efficiency of the PCST-TSS by 53.2% and 57.4%, respectively. Moreover, the CPL was decreased to a very competitive cost of $0.00557 at 40 kPa. The device productivity reached 7.2 L/m2day, which is suitable for the essential water needs of one person in small communities and remote areas without infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a local meshless differential quadrature collocation method is utilized to solve multi-dimensional reaction–convection–diffusion PDEs numerically. In some cases, global version of the meshless method is considered as well. The meshless methods approximate solution on scattered and uniform nodes in both local and global sense. In the case of convection-dominated PDEs, the local meshless method is coupled with an upwind technique to avoid spurious oscillations. For this purpose, a physically motivated local domain is utilized in the flow direction. Both regular and irregular geometries are taken into consideration. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate effective applications and accuracy of the meshless method on regular and irregular domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the efficacy of zinc as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of severe pneumonia in children between 2 months to 1 years of age. Study Design: Static experimental study Place and duration of study: Department of Child Health, Khyber Teaching Hospital, from June 2013 to November 2013 Methodology: A total of 196 patients were selected and divided in two equal groups with 98 patients in each group, half of them were given standard treatment of pneumonia with zinc (group A) and the other half received only standard treatment and no zinc(group B). Lower chest wall in drawing, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation at room air was observed after 48hrs and results were documented. Results: In group A, 93% Children had no chest wall in drawing after 48hrs of treatment while in group B, 85% of children had no chest wall in drawing with a P-value of 0.004 which was statistically significant. In terms of respiratory rate, 38.3% had respiratory rate <50/min after 48hr treatment in group A, while it was 36.7% in group B with a P-value of 0.76 which was not statistically significant. Oxygen saturation was >95% in 86.7% of children in group A, compared to 77.5% in group B with p-value of 0.09. Conclusion: Our study concludes that zinc as an adjuvant is effective in clinical improvement of severe pneumonia in terms of chest wall in drawing but has no statistically significant effect in terms of decreasing the respiratory rate and improving oxygen saturation after 48hrs of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A weak singularity in the solution of time-fractional differential equations can degrade the accuracy of numerical methods when employing a uniform mesh, especially with schemes involving the Caputo derivative (order α , ), where time accuracy is of the order (2 − α) or (1 + α) . To deal with this problem, we present a second-order numerical scheme for nonlinear time–space fractional reaction–diffusion equations. For spatial resolution, we employ a matrix transfer technique. Using graded meshes in time, we improve the convergence rate of the algorithm. Furthermore, some sharp error estimates that give an optimal second-order rate of convergence are presented and proven. We discuss the stability properties of the numerical scheme and elaborate on several empirical examples that corroborate our theoretical observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel experimental and computational approach to characterize fracture behavior of the intermetallic bonding layer (IMBL) in bimetallic bearing materials. The proposed methodology is applied to tin (Sn) based Babbitt alloy/mild steel bimetallic composite. In this study, macro stress–strain behavior of the bond under tensile-shear stress was calculated by considering the local shear surface geometry instead of the apparent bonding zone. The metallurgical bonding layer failure mechanism was identified from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the fractured IMBL of the bimetallic samples tested in tension-shear. It has been found that a damage mechanism of ductile nature was the cause of tearing of the IMBL. The coupled elasto-plasticity and damage constitutive equations for the IMBL were formulated and implemented based on SEM observations. Characterization of the shear fracture behavior of IMBL included FE numerical simulation of tensile-shear tests of the bimetallic composites. Consequently, a calibration methodology is proposed to estimate the IMBL fracture parameters. This proposed approach validation was based on a qualitative and quantitative confrontation between the experimentally measured shear force-displacement diagram and the numerically calculated diagrams obtained from the simulated IMBL. Commendable average quantitative errors of almost 1% are achieved in terms of yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation at break between computed results obtained within sheared regions of the simulated Babbitt/steel (Sn – IMCs) BL and experience. The results of such a confrontation are promising for the application of the proposed approach to predict fracture during the forming of bimetallic composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article recovers multiwave, homoclinic breather, M-shaped rational solitons and interaction of M-shaped rational solitons with single and double kinks for pure cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation, with full nonlinearity, in a non-Kerr law media via the logarithmic transformation and symbolic computation with ansatz functions scheme. We use quadratic-cubic law and some suitable transformations involving trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions to obtained various forms of stated solutions. In addition, we compute kink cross-rational solutions, periodic cross-rational solutions and periodic cross kink rational solutions for governing model. The proposed model is assumed with a few Hamiltonian perturbation terms that will sustain the balance between dispersion and self-trapping effect stemming from the nonlinear refractive index. Furthermore, the solitons behaviors for attained via different values parameters in the produced solutions are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce and study a class of implicit vector quasi-equilibrium problems, which includes implicit vector equilibrium problems, implicit vector quasi-variational inequalities and implicit vector quasi-complementarity problems as special cases. We establish some existence results under compact and noncompact settings by using one person game theorems. As an application of our results, we have obtained existence results for variational inequalities. Our results extends and unify the well known earlier works of many authors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Khan and Qureshi explored that positive solution of the system is bounded, and moreover, fixed point HT ht is globally stable if HT ht . [Extracted from the article]

High cadmium (Cd) concentration in soils is becoming a severe threat to environment. It deteriorates plants growth, yield, and quality of food. Although the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biochar and compost have been reported environment-friendly amendments for decreasing Cd stress in crop plants, but the impacts of their simultaneous co-application has not been well documented. Thus, current study was carried out to investigate the combined role of cadmium tolerant rhizobacteria, compost and biochar on the growth and Cd uptake in tomato under cadmium stress. Cd tolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato grown on soil irrigated with industrial wastewater (effluents). Based on growth promotion traits and cadmium tolerance, four strains (J62, J156, J159, J165) were selected for conducting trial in growth chamber. Cadmium salt (CdCl2) and organic amendments were applied before transplanting of tomato seedlings and were inoculated with Cd tolerant rhizobacteria. After 4 weeks, plants were harvested for determination of Cd concentration and other parameters of plant. Results showed that cadmium caused reduction in all growth and physiological parameters of tomato. Sole and combined application of Cd tolerant PGPRs and organic amendments increased the growth of tomato and suppressed Cd uptake in tomato. But their interaction was more prominent as compared to sole application of each PGPRs and organic amendments. It was concluded that combined application of PGPR with organic amendments has a greater potential to suppress Cd uptake and improvement in growth of tomato under Cd stress, compared to the alone application of PGPR and organic amendments. Findings will be communicated to policy maker and extension worker for wide field application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared six near-isogenic lines from different backgrounds, varying in Rht (reduced height) alleles for gibberellin (GA) response, for heat and drought tolerance. Various temperature (day/night: 20/12 °C to 39/31 °C), and irrigation (100% field capacity and no irrigation) treatments were imposed at booting stage. Results depicted a 50% reduction in grain yield at 36.7 °C with irrigation and at 31.2 °C without irrigation. Number of grains per spike was severely reduced over 26 °C for water-stressed plants while irrigated plants did not show any significant reduction up to 34 °C. Ear numbers per pot and spikelets per spike were unaffected by irrigation till 33 °C. In Mercia, grain nitrogen, sulphur, and Hagberg falling number (HFN) were significantly higher for severe dwarfs ( Rht-D1c and Rht-12 ), however, in Maris Widgeon, rht (tall) recorded higher nitrogen and sulphur concentration while Rht-B1b presented the maximum sedimentation of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The SDS was higher in Maris Widgeon while HFN were superior in Mercia. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that heat and drought stresses severely reduced the grain yield while improved grain quality traits. The GA-insensitive semi dwarf Rht-B1b was the most promising genotype for grain yield and HFN under combined drought and heat stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary high grade B-cell-type cerebral lymphoma is a rare subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma. We herein report an unusual case of diffuse B-cell lymphoma in a young lady who presented with a large intracerebral space occupying lesion without extracranial involvement. The notable aspects of this case include the patient was having a short clinical history of symptom onset, rapid neurological deterioration having severe midline shift on imaging and a final histopathological diagnosis was consistent with high-grade diffuse B cell lymphoma after subtotal surgical resection. Extracranial extension of the disease was unremarkable on PET scanning. This case highlights the challenges neurosurgeons face, especially in the emergency setting, when the disease manifests in varied presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To find out the level of anxiety among undergraduate students of major public sector dental and medical colleges in Peshawar METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in two public sector hospitals, Khyber Medical College and Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar, before their annual objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) from March to April 2021. Institutional ethical permission was granted through IREB Ethical approval Certificate. Students of MBBS and BDS were included in the study. Students with any psychiatric illness or thyroidal illness taking medications were excluded. Nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used for sample collection. A validated and pretested generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 7 scale was used to measure anxiety. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 342 students, 333 (223 MBBS and 110 BDS) were enrolled in the study. Nine students were excluded from the study. One hundred and eighty-eight were male, and 145 were female. The mean age was 23.54±1.98 SD years. Nighty six (28.8%) students had minimal anxiety, 100 (30%) had mild anxiety, 75(22.5%) had moderate anxiety, and 62(18.6%) had severe anxiety. There was a significant difference in anxiety levels of both genders (P-value ≤ 0.001). With a cut-off value of ≥10, 138 (41.4%) had a diagnosis of GAD. There was no significant difference in anxiety levels of MBBS and BDS students (Pvalue 0.073). CONCLUSION: Generalized anxiety disorder affects a large population of medical students, affecting female students more than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposite multi-layer TiO2/V2O5/TiO2 thin films were prepared via electron-beam evaporation using high-purity targets (TiO2 and V2O5 purity > 99.9%) at substrate temperatures of 270 °C (TiO2) and 25 °C (V2O5) under a partial pressure of oxygen of 2 × 10−4 mbar to maintain the stoichiometry. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry was used to confirm the layer structure and the optimal stoichiometry of the thin films, with a particle size of 20 to 40 nm. The thin films showed an optical transmittance of ~78% in the visible region and a reflectance of ~90% in the infrared. A decrease in transmittance was observed due to the greater cumulative thickness of the three layers and multiple reflections at the interface of the layers. The optical bandgap of the TiO2 mono-layer was ~3.49 eV, whereas that of the multi-layer TiO2/V2O5/TiO2 reached ~3.51 eV. The increase in the optical bandgap was due to the inter-diffusion of the layers at an elevated substrate temperature during the deposition. The intrinsic, structural, and morphological features of the TiO2/V2O5/TiO2 thin films suggest their efficient use as a solar water heater system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced non-linearity and asymmetric behavior of the Cr/metal oxide diode is reported, with the addition of two insulator layers of SnO2 and NiO to form the metal-insulator-insulator-metal (MIIM) configuration. Such an MIIM diode shows potential for various applications (rectifiers and electronic equipment) which enable the femtosecond fast intoxication in MIIM diodes. In this work, nanostructured multi-layer Cr/SnO2/NiO/Cr coatings were fabricated via e-beam evaporation with the following thicknesses: 150 nm/20 nm/10 nm/150 nm. Coatings were characterized via Rutherford backscattering (RBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and two-probe conductivity testing. RBS confirmed the layered structure and optimal stoichiometry of the coatings. A non-linear and asymmetric behavior at <1.5 V applied bias with the non-linearity maximum of 2.6 V−1 and the maximum sensitivity of 9.0 V−1 at the DC bias point was observed. The promising performance of the coating is due to two insulating layers which enables resonant tunneling and/or step-tunneling. Based on the properties, the present multi-layer coatings can be employed for MIIM application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The allelopathic impact of aqueous extract (2.5 and 5%) and residues (2 and 4%) of five aquatic weeds namely Alternanthera philoxeroides, Alternanthera sessilis, Conyza stricta, Polygonum barbatum and Echinochloa crus-galli was investigated on the germination and early growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The aqueous extracts and residues of all tested weeds at different concentrations suppressed the germination/emergence percentage, mean germination/emergence time, and germination/emergence index and early seedling growth of wheat. Of the species tested, A. philoxeroides and A. sessilis showed the higher inhibition than C. stricta, P. barbatum and E. crus-galli. The results revealed that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts and residues. Higher concentrations of extracts and residues had the stronger inhibitory effect. Aqueous extract caused more detrimental effect as compared to soil incorporated residues. Phytotoxins were identified as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, syringic acid and vanilic acid. It can be concluded that rice aquatic weeds contain allelopathic compounds in their tissues which may cause allelopathic effects on subsequent wheat crop in rice-wheat cropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The combining ability and manifestation of heterosis within and among the species of oilseed brassicas (B. campestris, B. napus and B. juncea) were studied for yield and yield related traits in 12F1 combinations. Methods: All crosses (12F1) along with their parents (7 parents) were sown in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: The analysis of variance showed extensive variability among the genotypes. The physical appearance of interspecific crosses was intermediate. B. campestris showed significant GCA effects among lines and B. juncea among testers for seed yield per plant. General combining behaviour of B. campestris was better as compared to B. napus and B. juncea. The SCA effects were higher within species than among the species. This also revealed that within the species B. juncea had more SCA (17.45) than B. napus (9.82) and B. campestris (8.01) for seed yield. The SCA showed the improvement of B. Juncea, is the best than other two species. It is also concluded that to obtain better yield, crossing within the species is more appropriate than among the species. Moreover, to introduce novel traits in brassica species is possible through interspecific hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was conducted to check the genetic exploration for quality aspect of brassica at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2017- 18. The parents and the crosses were evaluated following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Highly significant differences were noted among all the genotypes for seed oil, seedcake protein, glucosinolate, oleic acid and erucic acid contents showing high genetic potential for improvement. Analysis for the general combining ability showed almost significant differences except for protein that showed maximum non-significant difference among the lines. Significant difference were also noted among testers except for protein and erucic acid. Specific combining ability showed both significant and non-significant differences in positive and negative directions. Analysis for the components of genetic variance indicated that non-additive gene action played a significant role for the inheritance of the traits. This was further continued by GCA/SCA ratio values (0.040, 0.023, 0.0174, -0.0026, 0.178) which were less than 1 that depicted non-additive variance involved in these traits so as to achieve homozygous line. On basis of oil, erucic acid, oleic acid and glucosinolate these combinations viz. UAF12 × Torch, Toria × Candle, UAF11 × Torch and Span × Candle, were selected for SCA effects relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and GCA estimates. These combinations can be used as source of quality traits in further breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Useful thermal conductivity envelope established for small scale TES. [•] Paraffin conductivity enhanced from .5 to 3.8W/mK via low-cost copper insert. [•] Conductivity increase beyond 5W/mK shows diminished returns. [•] Storage with increased conductivity lengthened thermoelectric output up to 247s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]