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A conventional solid‐state reaction route was utilized for the fabrication of Ba0.55Sr0.45Ti1−xMnxO3 (x =.004,.006,.008,.01, and.015) ceramics. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) diffractograms revealed pseudo‐cubic structural symmetry with a single phase. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed fine grain morphology for x =.006, while an obvious increase in grain size was detected at x >.006. A high‐energy storage density (Ws) of 2.47 J cm−3 and a recoverable energy density (Wrec) of 1.36 J cm−3 at an applied electric field of 220 kV cm−1 were achieved for x =.006. An impedance spectroscopic study showed the electrical response relationship with microstructure. The observed two semicircles in Nyquist plots are an indication of the contribution of grains (bulk) and grain boundaries as a resistive medium for conduction of charge carriers, which led to enhanced the capability in capacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at exploring the lived experiences of out-of-school children engaged in begging and scavenging in Pakistan. There is a dearth of existing literature in the context of Pakistan on out of school children who are engaged in begging, scavenging and other hazardous activities. The research also offers an extensive understanding of the responsible factors and possible consequences of engagement in these activities on out-of-school children. In this qualitative study, 21 out-of-school children of district Swat Pakistan aged 5 to 18 years, comprised of both boys and girls engaged in such activities were recruited through a purposive sampling. The respondents were interviewed using an interview guide, and the data was analyzed through a thematic analysis technique. The study was guided by poverty theories, including 'structure theory' and 'culture of poverty theory,' which served as the theoretical framework. The research findings reveal that child begging and scavenging are primarily caused by poverty, high inflation, forced labor, and earning responsibilities. The findings further suggest that these children are exposed to maltreatment, scolding, abuse, and exploitation which also create detrimental effects on their health. We also found some positive aspects of their experiences related to their contribution towards their families, their adaptability, and resilience in the face of many challenges. The study findings make a significant contribution to the existing literature on out-of-school children and their engagement in begging and scavenging activities in a less-explored cultural context of Pakistan. The study findings can be used to inform stakeholders, including policymakers, educational practitioners, and child welfare specialists about the requisite awareness, protection, and needs of at-risk children in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium doped Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel nano-magnets were synthesized using sol–gel technique and characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared radiation (FT-IR), impedance analyzer, modulus spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cations redistribution with Ce3+ substitution strongly affect the physical properties of the samples. Single phase spinel structure is identified for the synthesized samples and the crystal imperfection is found low. The lattice parameters reduce with Ce3+ concentration due to lanthanide contraction. The saturation magnetization of Mn0.5Zn0.5CexFe2−xO4 is found maximum for the x = 0 sample. The measured magnetic properties such as coercivity (Hc), retentivity (Mr) and saturation magnetization (Ms) decrease with increase in Ce3+ concentration. The synthesized samples show positive values of magnetic susceptibility which show anti-ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic nature. The SEM images show increase in size of the grain with increasing sintering conditions parallel by significant decrease of pores, the position and the existence of tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The FT-IR spectra reveal the metal–oxygen oscillations at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The dielectric constants are found in the range −118.6 to −242.5 at 2 MHz, which revealed moderate strain sensitivity, low ac conductivity and low dielectric loss. At low frequency range the synthesized samples are promising materials for stress sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) continues to pose a significant risk to public health in developing countries, including Pakistan. This study investigated the epidemiological factors linked to suspected and confirmed S. typhi infections in Peshawar's hospital population. Methodology: A total of 5735 blood samples of patients with suspected enteric fever were collected from September 2022 to November 2023. S. typhi infection was confirmed using microbiological culture of blood samples, biochemical-based tests, and DNA-sequencing methods. Drug sensitivity testing on cultures was conducted as per the CLSI guidelines. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of 5735 samples stratified by S. typhi infection status, and risk factors were assessed by applying logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Results: The number of confirmed typhoid fever cases in this hospital-based study population was 691 (/5735, 12.0%), more prevalent in males (447/3235 13.8%) and children (0–11 years) (429/2747, 15.6%). Compared to children, the risk of S. typhi infection was lower in adolescence (adjusted OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42–0.66), adulthood (19–59 years; aOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.25–0.38), and older adulthood (aOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04–0.18) (p < 0.001). Compared to males, the risk of S. typhi infection was lower in females (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.56–0.80; p = 0.002). Living in a rural residence (compared to urban) was associated with a higher risk of infection (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.16–1.63; p = 0.001), while access to a groundwater source (compared to municipal water supply) led to a lower risk (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.43–0.73; p = 0.002). Vaccination demonstrated a robust protective effect (aOR = 0.069; 95% CI = 0.04–0.11, p = 0.002). For those with typhoid infections, clinical biomarker analysis revealed the presence of leucopenia (65/691, 9.4%), thrombocytopenia (130/691, 18.8%), and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (402/691, 58.2%) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (690/691, 99.9%) levels. Worryingly, among the positive S. typhi isolates, there was a high prevalence of drug resistance (653/691), including multidrug-resistant (MDR 82/691, 11.9%) and extensively drug-resistant types (XDR, 571/691, 82.6%). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of age, sex, locality, water source, and vaccination status in shaping the epidemiological landscape of S. typhi in the Peshawar district. It implies that expanding vaccination coverage to the broader population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in the district of Peshawar, would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium doped Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel nano-magnets were synthesized using sol–gel technique and characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared radiation (FT-IR), impedance analyzer, modulus spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cations redistribution with Ce3+ substitution strongly affect the physical properties of the samples. Single phase spinel structure is identified for the synthesized samples and the crystal imperfection is found low. The lattice parameters reduce with Ce3+ concentration due to lanthanide contraction. The saturation magnetization of Mn0.5Zn0.5CexFe2−xO4 is found maximum for the x = 0 sample. The measured magnetic properties such as coercivity (Hc), retentivity (Mr) and saturation magnetization (Ms) decrease with increase in Ce3+ concentration. The synthesized samples show positive values of magnetic susceptibility which show anti-ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic nature. The SEM images show increase in size of the grain with increasing sintering conditions parallel by significant decrease of pores, the position and the existence of tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The FT-IR spectra reveal the metal–oxygen oscillations at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The dielectric constants are found in the range −118.6 to −242.5 at 2 MHz, which revealed moderate strain sensitivity, low ac conductivity and low dielectric loss. At low frequency range the synthesized samples are promising materials for stress sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow behavior of nonlinear materials over magnetized and contracting and extending inclined surfaces is described specifically by Jeffery–Hamel type flow, where the flow is caused by a convergent/divergent channel with the appearance of a source or sink. The role of the conversion of more than one species to more than every other species is significant in the flow conduct of such types of nonlinear materials. However, for the desired higher thermal conductivity, the Brownian motion and thermophoretic forces are incorporated in this particular work. Moreover, the impacts of first‐order chemical reaction and slips on the velocity, thermal, and concentration distributions, respectively presented to portray the importance of the entire study. The liquid motion on such surfaces is further addressed with the involvement of viscous dissipation and solar radiation. The newly mathematically formulated work is then approximated via one of the built‐in approaches based on collocation methods. The key findings are determined through graphical illustration. The physically interesting growing velocity of the liquid motion is noticed with variation in the slippery motion parameter during the convergent channel case. The opposite trend is noted for the divergent channel case. Furthermore, the Brownian motion‐related parameter escalated the temperature of the liquid, and the reverse status of the liquid concentration is determined with variation in the same parameter. The mass fraction is determined in a declining conduct with the ascending variation in first‐order chemical reaction factor. At the end of the work, a comparison with existing results is provided with excellent agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change has evolved as a central force behind environmental challenges and has gained great acknowledgment for its wide-ranging effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Mountains, including the mountainous belts of Pakistan, are particularly vulnerable to alterations in LULC resulting from deforestation and other anthropogenic activities. These changes have profound repercussions on the socio-ecological and biophysical environments of mountains. This research aims to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in LULC in the Swat River Basin (SRB), Eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan. Assessments of LULC changes are crucial for gaining an in-depth understanding, formulating policy guidelines, and implementing conservation practices to address the environmental challenges faced by mountainous areas. The study is based on remotely sensed data and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. The temporal span (1988–2018) is divided into three periods and based on ten years interval, Landsat Satellite Images were acquired for 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018. These images were processed and classified in ArcGIS 10.8. The analysis indicates varying trends in LULC changes over three periods. Forest cover increased by 52.5% in period 1 as a result of social forestry project but declined in periods 2 (-12.8%) and 3 (-18.8%). Contrarily, rangeland decreased by 63.9% in period 1 but grew in periods 2 (71.1%) and 3 (15.5%). Built-up areas expanded by 280%, barren land by 47%, agricultural land by 14.3%. However, snow cover consistently decreased. These alterations are mainly the result of bio-physical impacts, which highlight the urgent need for sustainable land management to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]