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Railway projects are incredibly costly due to their complex nature. This study performs risk analysis and management of Pakistan railways ML-1 project expansion and upgradation that will be undertaken at US$6.8 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The risks were identified based on an extensive literature review and their relevance to the CPEC. We employed fuzzy set theory (integrated with the risk severity index) to obtain the most severe risks. The novelty of this study is the technique employed to analyse and rank the risk, also there are no previous studies conducted that emphasized the construction risk of railway projects in Pakistan. The study is useful for all stakeholders of the project, as it can plan for them to tackle these risks and implement ML-1 successfully.

Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) regulate multiple cellular processes in plants. However, the Zn and Mn interactive growth and development of rice remains largely unknown in clay loam soils. Previously, we reported the preference of rice cultivars for Zn and Mn nutrition to mitigate salinity stress. Here, we investigated biomass and yield enhancements of rice relevant to aboveground Zn and Mn interactive accumulations. Two rice cultivars (Basmati-515 and KSK-282) were subjected to four treatments, viz.control, Zn, Mn and Zn+Mn, in a pot experiment using clay-loam soil. The enhancements of plant height and root length caused increases in shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) of Basmati-515 and KSK-282 under Zn+Mn in comparison to Mn treatment. These regulations were enforced by the contrasting Zn and Mn concentrations as well as contents in root, shoot, husk and grains of both rice cultivars. Somehow, the augmentation of Zn concentration and contents manifested decreases in Mn concentration and contents in root, shoot, husk and grains of rice cultivars. Contrarily, the upsurges in manganese use efficiency (MnUE) of both Basmati-515 and KSK-282 highlighted the influential role of Zn in Zn+Mn treatment. This positive thrust in MnUE induced increments in length of panicle, number of panicles plant-1, number of branches panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, number of filled grains pot-1and grain weight pot-1in KSK-282. The provision of Zn enhanced MnUE in both rice cultivars; however, this enhancement bettered the biomass and grain production of KSK-282.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant health, yet its availability in soils grapples with limitations imposed by diverse factors. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to enhance Zn delivery and uptake by plants, as well as to improve their tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive overview of the research trends and progress on Zn nanoparticles (ZnNPs) for mitigating abiotic stress in plants. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis based on 6932 records from the Web of Science Core Collection published in the past 20 years (2000–2020). Our objective was to unravel key insights into the most influential countries, institutions, journals, authors, and pivotal keywords steering the trajectory of ZnNPs research in the context of mitigating abiotic stresses in plants. Beyond this bibliometric exploration, we reviewed the synthesis methods, applications, and mechanisms of ZnNPs for enhancing plant growth and photosynthesis under various abiotic stress conditions. Our findings underscored that China, India, and Iran were the leading countries in ZnNPs research, with green synthesis emerging as the predominant method for ZnNPs production. We also found that ZnNPs improved plant tolerance to abiotic stress by modulating various physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. We discussed the challenges and opportunities for future research on ZnNPs for sustainable agriculture.

The topological indices are found to be interesting in fuzzy graph theory. A fuzzy topological index is a value that depends on the fuzzy edge membership, vertex membership, fuzzy distance or fuzzy degree, etc. The modeling of various fuzzy models such as connectivity models and multi-criteria decision-making problems can be investigated using the fuzzy topological indices. In this paper, our aim is to investigate the fuzzy topological indices based on both degrees of vertices and distances between the vertices, namely, the fuzzy degree-distance index and the fuzzy Gutman index for fuzzy graphs. In particular, we discuss the behavior of these indices under certain graph operations. The lower and upper bounds of these fuzzy indices for fuzzy graphs and fuzzy regular graphs are presented. The fuzzy second Zagreb coindex is defined for fuzzy graphs. The lower and upper bounds of the fuzzy Gutman index in terms of fuzzy second Zagreb and Zagreb coindex are established. The average degree-distance index for the fuzzy graphs is defined. Based on this average index, vertices are classified into fuzzy degree-distance enhancing vertices, fuzzy degree-distance reducing vertices, and fuzzy degree-distance neutral vertices. An algorithm to find the fuzzy degree-distance index for the model of multi-criteria decision making problem is presented. Finally, we implement our model of fuzzy degree-distance index is implemented to an Urban Public Transportation Problem for finding the best place for a bus stop. The obtained results are compared with already existing models.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to test the integrated model involving work stress, office clutter and employee performance with the moderating roles of training and self-discipline (SD) after the re-opening of the banks after the COVID-19 wave. Design/methodology/approach: The study used 333 respondents from banking industry, whose responses were recorded using a closed ended questionnaire. The authors used partial least square path anaysis to analyze the data. Findings: Work stress significantly increases office clutter, which harms the employees’ performance. Moreover, SD and training significantly improve employees’ performance by reducing work stress and thereby office clutter. There are various mechanisms through which both these factors reduced stress and office clutter. Practical implications: The employee’s performance can be enhanced with lower levels of office clutter. The office clutter can be managed through having lower levels of stress and providing people with training and inculcating SD among them. A greater understanding of the factors that count toward office clutter might help bank managers and employees to address the issues related to their performance. Originality/value: The authors have proposed a new framework involving conservation of resources theory for the employees’ performance. They posit employees’ performance is an organizational resource, which can be conserved as well as enriched both by employers and employees through their own contribution.

Political uncertainty and protests can influence any economy in many ways. Despite abundant scholarly literature on the economic impacts of political protests, not a single study investigated the impacts of such unlikely events on the entire economy using various sectors of the economy. The current work applies the inoperability input-output model (IIM) and dynamic inoperability input-output model (DIIM) to study the economic impacts of political protests in Pakistan from 14 August 2014 to 17 December 2014. The study calculates each sector's inoperability levels and economic losses using input-output tables for 25 sectors of the Pakistan economy. The study ranks all sectors based on their inoperability levels and economic losses and also provides the recovery period for each sector from the protests. The findings indicate that sectors having strong linkages with the manufacturing sector bear the highest economic losses. The research is helpful for the authorities to develop preventive measurements and recovery plans to minimise the economic losses in case of such unlikely events.

Pakistan, like other developing countries, is also facing environmental and economic challenges in its transportation sector (especially in public transport). Pakistan is going to get finances for the infrastructure-related projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. One of the CPEC projects is the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT). The study employs traditional techniques such as linear trend regression, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and geometric progression to analyse the economic viability of the project. The results show that with given interest rate and stability in exchange rate the project is economically viable, with a benefit/cost ratio (BCR) of 2.11 and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) equal to 3.07 per cent. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is done for possible changes in economic conditions as well as for different interest rates for loan repayments. The study is useful for policymakers interested in the benefit–cost analysis of public transportation projects.

The purpose of this study is to examine the sexual behavior relationship with HIV/AIDS on homosexuals in Palu City and its risk factors.

•Synthetic pesticides has detrimental effects on the ecosystem and has caused the arthropod pest resurgence.•Nanotechnology offers ecofriendly arthropod pest management strategies.•Nanotechnology possesses the potential to alter the physiochemical traits.•Nanoparticles causes physiological stress in arthropod pests and improves the plant health.

Byline: Muhammad Aslam Sabir Modem medical science has gone through a continuous and long period of evolution. The science is a result of thorough research on human body, functioning of [...]

The insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was mainly used in Pakistan as pest control in agriculture and for the eradication of malaria. For the DDT production, a factory was established in 1963 in Amangarh, near Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In 2001, the Pakistan government banned the usage of DDT, and subsequently, the Amangarh DDT factory also stopped its production. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of DDT residues after its closure. Total ∑DDT from soil samples at each depth was extracted by using a standard solvent extraction method. For the characterization of soil physical properties, three-to-five composite soil samples were collected from the site for soil particle size distribution, while soil pH and electrical conductivity were determined in a 1:5 ratio (soil water solution). The mean concentrations of ∑DDT in surface (0–15 cm), subsurface (15–30 cm) and deep horizon (30–45 cm) soil were 125.5, 143.6 and 148.9 mg kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of ∑DDT in 89% of the samples were higher than the probable effects level and threshold effects level. The contamination of ∑DDT was considerably higher than the standard limit (17 mg kg−1). The highest concentration of ∑DDT in the subsurface and deep horizon indicated that the ∑DDT percolated deep into the soil and may also have contaminated the groundwater.

Decomposition analysis represents an important tool in order to highlight the implication of socio-economic, employment and environmental indicators. In addition, it also helps to assess the determinants which are responsible for changes in such indicators. In this paper, changes in CO2emissions in Italy are examined on the basis of the combination of singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis and structural decomposition analysis (SDA). SVD is used to decompose the total environmental pollution impact coefficient matrix and the pollution multiplier matrix in three different factors: key structures of the policy objective, key structures of the policy control and singular values to find out the potential behaviour of the economy. Furthermore, SDA is carried out to classify the CO2emission into four main determinants over a period of fourteen years i.e. from 1995 to 2009. These four determinants include: the policy objective effects, the policy control effects, the singular values effects and the final demand structure effects. The results point out that the CO2emissions decreased during the overall period of 1995–2009, the only exception to this was the period 1995–2000 in which the CO2emissions increased to 0.29% and technological change was a positive contributor to the increase of carbon emission during this period. Structural decomposition suggests that CO2increases with an increase in the final demand, implying that a reduction in CO2emissions is possible only if the increase in demand is based on renewable energies or if economic growth is sustainable.

This study aims to identify scientific evidence and knowledge currently available related to clinical laboratory management in the face of disasters with the literature review method.

AbstractRise in environmental pollution is a critical problem faced by mankind today. Many interventions have been made to reduce the carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases. Interventions, such as the introduction of electric cars, and innovative techniques to harness energy from renewable sources have been implemented. Pakistan is also very focused on exploiting its renewable energy sources and many sources have been identified. Wind energy is considered to have a promising potential and numerous sites have been identified for installation of wind farms. In this paper, we have collected data for the sites with the capacity factor (key determinant of value of power plant) of 25% or above for 600 kW wind turbine and applied Multi-Criteria Decision Method to find the most suitable to least suitable site for the installation of wind farm with respect to different factors/criteria. Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to evaluate four potential sites based on the criteria of wind speed (m/s), wind power density (W/m2), distance from grid station (km), capacity factor, transport cost and population density. Results show that the preference of site largely depends on the average annual wind speed and wind power density. Our study is helpful for government as they verify the findings of Pakistan Meteorological Department but with different approach.

A Disturbing feature of the budget 2008-09 is the double-digit target of 12 percent set for inflation. Although inflation has emerged as a risk to the economy since 2004-05, such [...]

In this article, we present an adaptive time-stepping technique for numerical simulation of dendritic crystal growth model. The diagonally implicit fractional step -scheme for time discretisation and conforming finite-element method for space discretisation are used. The performance of the scheme is illustrated by simulating two-dimensional dendritic crystal growth problem, allowing the comparison with other numerical methods. In addition, traditional diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta method is used and comparison is given with the proposed scheme. Robustness is observed for the present scheme. Parametric effects on the growth and shape of dendrites are also given.

AbstractThe use of organic amendments is a common practice in Pakistan to improve soil fertility. Organic amendments affect the chemical speciation and thus the bioavailability of heavy metals and their uptake and toxicity to plants. The present study evaluates the influence of organic amendments viz. farm yard manure (FM), poultry manure (PM), press mud (PrM) and activated carbon (AC) on nickel (Ni) bioavailability in soil, as well as its uptake into, and growth responses of, Trifolium alexandrinum.Pot experiments were conducted where T. alexandrinumwas exposed to three different concentrations of Ni i.e., 30, 60 and 90 mg kg−1in the form of NiCl2solution in the presence and absence of organic amendments each applied at 15 g kg−1soil. The results showed that the effect of organic amendments on Ni bioavailability and uptake by T. alexandrinumdepended on the Ni concentration in the soil and the amendment type. Application of organic amendments generally increased Ni phytoavailability in soil and Ni uptake by plants at low Ni levels (Ni-0 and Ni-30) but decreased at higher levels (Ni-60 and Ni-90).

•The current study aims for identifying the ideal modal spilt for freight transportation and improving the freight logistic efficiencies in a developing country.•The contribution of the study is the application of linear programming approach to freight transportation of an entire developing country (Pakistan) and identifies not only ideal modal split between truck and railways but also quantifies the inefficiencies of railways sector.•The study is equally useful for the policymakers in other developing countries for quantifying the inefficiencies in their inland freight transportations and for identifying the ideal modal spilt that could help them to prioritize the public sector infrastructure investment.

Vehicle weight imposes external costs on a car accident collision partner. In the EU, the external costs through material damage are internalised through obligatory insurance, but this does not hold for the external costs related to injuries and fatalities. We estimate these external costs for the Netherlands for two-vehicle crashes. We find that a 500kg increase in the weight of the other car increases the probability of a fatality by about 70% over the mean fatality rate, in the same order, but somewhat higher than reported for US. For serious injuries, this effect is about 30%, very close to the results for US. However, because the mean fatality/serious injury rate due to two-vehicle crashes is low in the Netherlands, the annual marginal external costs of car weight are small (€50 per 500kg) and much smaller than the marginal tax of car weight (up to €800 per 500kg).

Biodegradable magnesium alloy stents have gained increasing interest in the past years due to their potential prospect. Magnesium alloy is brittle compared with stainless steel. This means it has less elongation than other stent materials and it may cause strut break under large deformation. In this paper, a finite element model for magnesium alloy stent is studied to simulate the mechanical behavior of the stent. It is composed of 1.5mm in inner diameter, 7mm length, 80µm thickness and 110µm in cross-sectional width. Six mechanical properties have been studied by mathematical modeling with determination of: (1) stent deployment pressure; (2) the intrinsic elastic recoil of the material used; (3) the stent foreshortening; (4) the stent coverage area, (5) the stent flexibility; and (6) the stress maps.

Magnesium stands for a very attractive material for biodegradable stents because of its natural process and its steady disintegration into the human body by a corrosion process. The objective of the present work is to investigate the effect of the thickness on mechanical properties of the magnesium stent design. A nonlinear transient finite element simulation has been performed to analyze the influence of various thicknesses (from 50µm to 110µm with the increment of 30µm) on the behavior of a magnesium coronary stent. The model was constrained symmetrically to ensure that any virtual rigid movement does not occur during the process of coronary stent expansion. The transient load is applied in three steps in the inner surface of the stent. Four mechanical properties are studied by mathematical modeling with determination of: (1) stent deployment pressure; (2) the intrinsic elastic recoil of the material used; (3) the stent longitudinal recoil; (4) and the stress maps. The results indicate the potential application of magnesium stent and the effect of the thickness on the behavior of magnesium stent design and material.

Recently, the fiber reinforced composite embedded with visco-elastic layer has received great attention because of its good damping capability. Damping is an important feature for dynamic behaviour of composite structures, which alleviates the resonant vibrations and thus prolongs the service life of structures under fatigue loading or impact. The present paper deals with the dynamic response of a 3D composite structure embedded with visco-elastic layer. The modal analysis, harmonic analysis and transient analysis are carried out respectively. The amplitude of z-displacement of a specific node on the bottom reduces quickly due to the high damping of the visco-elastic layer.

In this paper fiber reinforced laminated composite for engine mount model are investigated by finite element method. Static analysis is carried out to find out the maximum displacement point or node on the bottom plate, on which the displacement is optimized. Different ply orientation and combinations of 0°/45°, 0°/90° and 0°/45°/90° are then studied under sinusoidal and dynamic load conditions to examine the effect of ply orientation on the structure’s displacement transportation, and to get the optimized ply orientation combination, which inherit least displacement from the excitation on the top plate. The result shows that the laminate with ply orientation of 0°/90° is the best as the Z-displacement on the bottom is considered.

• Nonlinear chaotic system is transformed into observer designed in our work. • Calculate the Incremental Quadratic matrix for nonlinear function using algorithm given by Zhao [34]. • Use adaptation law (23) to assure negative de niteness of energy function as adaptive observers approach to original parameters. • Use concept of Linear Matrix Inequalities to determine gain matrices with suitable dimension. • A grey scaled image is considered for image transmission from transmitter to receiver end. • A circuit is designed and implemented into robot to determine dynamics of aerial robot in rectangular region. A drone based on four rotors is considered in this research paper. Its chaotic solution is shown bounded in an inscribed sphere whose vertices are tangent to faces of octahedron. Based on concept of constrained optimization; Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) satisfying quadratic constraint increment multiplier matrix σ m , state observers and descriptors with estimated parameter is calculated. Moreover, an image file is decrypted by designing description for mentioned chaotic system and then encrypted on its receiver end. Furthermore, an electric circuit is designed for chaotic quadrotor using LTspice and is fitted into wireless flying robot to observe its dynamics in bounded rectangular region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Existence of zero-Hopf bifurcation in a new 3D system, derived from Sprot B, C, Van der SchrierMass and Munmuangsaen Srisuchinwong chaotic systems. • Fractional order complex analysis for chaotic dynamics. • Integer as well as fractional order synchronization via active control method. • An answer to question that is it sufficient to study only integer order synchronization, if fractional version of the same system also exists? • Comparison of three different initial values problems (IVPs) solver to calculate CPU timing. •. In this article we studied a 3D autonomous system derived from Sprot B, C, Van der Schrier-Mass and Munmuangsaen Srisuchinwong chaotic systems for existence of zero Hopf bifurcation with the help of averaging theory of first order. Fractional order analysis of the derived system are discussed for stability of equilibrium points, chaotification condition, sensitivity dependence, Lyapunov exponents, Kaplan-Yorke dimension, chaotic time history and phase portraits. Novelty of the paper is investigation of integer and fractional order synchronization of derived system with famous Lorenz model by active control method under the same parametric values and initial conditions. By taking example of the model under consideration we generalized the synchronization for a class of integer and fractional order systems. We concluded that if a couple of integer order chaotic dynamical system is synchronized then its fractional order version will also be synchronized for same parametric values and initial conditions and vice versa. We also compared three different numerical techniques for synchronization. By calculating CPU timing for synchronization we determined that the integer order chaotic system was synchronized earlier than that of fractional order. The results so achieved show that it is sufficient to get synchronization of an integer order system if its fractional version also exists. This investigation contributes to minimize the cost of control for a class of dynamical systems when such control is made through synchronization. Numerical simulations are also provided to authenticate the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]