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Herein, rare earth (Gd) and transition metal (Co) co-doped LaFeO 3 [La 1-x Gd x Fe 1-y Co y O 3, (x = 0.08, y = 0.05), LGFCO] perovskite and its carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced nanohybrid (LGFCO@C) were prepared for the first time via a wet-chemical and post-ultrasonication method. The well-known physical and electronic studies, i.e., XRD, Raman, FTIR, and EDX, were carried out to confirm the doping and CNT reinforcement. The effects of adopted co-doping and reinforcing approaches on the morphology, surface area, conductivity, and band structure were also investigated via SEM, BET, I–V, and UV–vis studies. Due to its hybrid composition, adequate band gap (2.37 eV), greater surface area (105.6 m2 g−1), and superior electronic conductivity (4.432 × 10−1 Scm−1), the LGFCO@C catalyst has remarkable catalytic capabilities for the mineralization of the anionic dye phenol red (PR). Apart from doping, the CNTs reinforced with LGFCO perovskites greatly improved the nano-hybrid's light harvesting and catalytic activity. After only 1 h of exposure to solar radiation, LGFCO@C mineralized 91.6% PR dye with a constant rate value of 0.04 sec−1. A dose of 20 mg of LGFCO@C effectively mineralizes the PR dye in acidic media (pH = 3), according to an optimization study. Furthermore, scavenging tests validate that photo-generated electrons, holes, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals form during the photocatalytic reaction and play their role in the PR dye mineralization process. The stability and reusability of the LGFCO@C catalyst were also evaluated for five cycles. Even after five successful reusability tests, the LGFCO@C catalyst lost only 11.4% of its activity. Our study indicates that integrating the maximum number of features into a single catalyst is a promising strategy and can open a new avenue in the field of photocatalysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-light triggered semiconductive materials with a small bandgap, a low electron-hole pair recombination rate, and quicker charge carrier characteristics are very efficient catalysts for hazardous industrial effluent treatment. Herein, we adopted wet-chemical and ultra-sonication techniques to prepare binary metal (Gd & Co) doped Lanthanum ferrite (GCLFO) nanoparticles and their reduced-graphene (r-GO) based nanocomposite (GCLFO/r-GO) as an ideal photocatalyst. The binary metal doping and composite formation strategies were adopted primarily to facilitate the electronic excitation and accelerate the charge transport characteristics of the finally obtained photocatalyst. Prepared solid samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), current-voltage (I–V), BET (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. An improvement in the photo-degradation of Phenol Red (PR) dye by GCLFO/r-GO nanocomposite was observed. The increased photocatalytic activity of the GCLFO/r-GO nanocomposite is primarily a result of doping, nanotechnology, and composite formation strategies. These strategies tune the bandgap of the nanocomposite sample, increase its surface area, and decrease its electrical resistivity. Highly encouraging photocatalytic findings suggest that using multiple strategies to prepare an ideal photocatalytic material with integrated features is a very efficient approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Staphylococcus aureus exhibits a high nasal colonization rate (42.86%) among equines. • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) are emerging and prevailing among different equine species. • Phylogenetic analysis revealed high potential of transfer of pathogens within and between animal species. • Local isolates revealed varying resistance pattern against various antibiotics. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nasal colonization and drug resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus , methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in donkeys (n =63), mules (n = 42), and horses (n = 98). MRSA and VRSA were confirmed based on phenotypic and molecular methods, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the association of various animal and management-based risk factors with S. aureus colonization was also evaluated. The presence of nuc gene on polymerase chain reaction showed an overall prevalence of 42.86% of S. aureus in equines. Based on Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, 26.44% of isolates showed resistance to vancomycin. Further, mecA and vanB genes were targeted which showed an overall 14.94% and 13.79% prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant isolates, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant variation of the study isolates with each other and with already reported sequences of mecA and vanB genes. Risk factor analysis revealed that raising purpose (P =.011), work intensity (P <.001), stocking density (P =.006), presence of other livestock animals in surroundings (P =.043), and common drinking water source (P =.023) as significant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA and VRSA isolates showed high resistance to various commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, all the tested isolates showing resistance to three or more than three antibiotics were considered multiple drug-resistant. The current study manifests the molecular evidence of MRSA and VRSA isolated from equines in Pakistan which will help to address the emerging issue of multidrug resistance in S. aureus in equines and emphasizes the need for possible measures to tackle this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid tumor includes the areas where oxygen concentration is very low called hypoxia, often in the surrounding areas of necrosis. Hypoxic cells in these areas are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The presence of hypoxia and necrosis enables tumor-selective treatment, including hypoxia-activated prodrugs, tumor hypoxia-specific gene therapy and tumor-targeting bacterial therapy. This article deals with the mathematical formulation of tumor hypoxia-targeting by introducing a decay parameter of oxygen in the model given by Kolobov et al. (2009) and Avila et al. (2013). The well-posedness of the governing partial differential equations and numerical simulation are provided. For the purpose of numerical simulations, the conforming Q 1 finite element method for space discretization and second-order diagonally implicit fractional step θ -scheme for temporal discretization are used. The effect of oxygen on hypoxia, necrotic region decay and the maximum age of growing tumor cells are computed and illustrated graphically. It is observed that the distribution of nutrients in tissues have substantial effect on tumor growth rate and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tb3+-doped nanocrystalline zinc ferrites with a nominal composition of Zn1−x Tb x Fe2O4 (x=0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15) were prepared by micro-emulsion method and were annealed at 600°C for 8.5h. The synthesized samples were characterized by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and dielectric measurement techniques. The powder XRD patterns confirm the single phase cubic spinel structure, indicated that doping nanoferrites with small concentrations of terbium ions allowed their entrance to the spinel lattice and the crystallite size is found in the range of 16–24nm. The dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) of all the samples were measured in the frequency range 100MHz–3GHz at room temperature. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the samples are found to decrease with increase in frequency and Tb3+ content. The reduction in the dielectric parameters is attributed to the obstruction incorporated in electron exchange mechanism caused by the lockup among iron and terbium cations. The magnetic properties revealed that these terbium doped nanocrystalline zinc ferrites exhibit ferrimagnetic behavior. The high saturation magnetization and coercivity along with smaller dielectric parameters having Tb-contents suggests that the materials are suitable for applications in memory devices and high frequency applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Modal choice of beach travelers is sensitive to weather. [•] Conditional on making a beach trip, car use decreases during higher temperatures inducing an increase in train use. [•] The distance elasticity of demand for beach trips is −0.40. [•] Pricing of parking near beaches may reduce congestion and cruising for parking externalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study aims to examine whether digital transactions can be increased by improved digital literacy of the customers. • The novelty of this research lies in the fact that research about digital literacy and the digital economy, especially in association with one another, is rare worldwide. • The study uses multiple linear regression models. • The findings suggest that digital literacy and digital media usage enablers influence digital sales and transactions. • The results are also discussed in the local context using digital firms Careem, Foodpanda, and TikTok. The digital economy in Pakistan holds abundant potential, yet its existence is far from commonplace for ordinary Pakistani citizens. Understanding and implementing strategies to expedite the onboarding of masses onto digital platforms is paramount for Pakistan's digital economy. This study aims to examine and confirm whether digital transactions can be increased by improved digital literacy of customers. The idea is to find whether companies that invest in digital literacy can reap benefits in the form of increased transactions. The novelty of this research topic lies in the fact that research about digital literacy and the digital economy, especially in association with one another, is scarce worldwide. The subject provides a theoretical foundation for developing countries like Pakistan, where digital technologies, unsatisfactory literacy rates, and low internet penetration exist. The study uses multiple linear regression models and found that digital literacy and digital media usage enablers influence digital sales and transactions in Pakistan. The practical implication of the finding can be linked with digital economy development in Pakistan in the form of the establishment of various new apps and businesses in transportation (Careem, Bykea), food (Foodpanda) and social media (TikTok). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 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). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The transport sector has backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. A strike in the transport sector can be disruptive for other interdependent sectors of the economy. This study investigates the macroeconomic impacts of a transportation strike using the Inoperability Input-Output (IIOM) model. The study uses 25 sectors Input-Output tables of Pakistan economy and combines IIOM approach with Monte Carlo Simulations to quantifies the impacts of 21 days (during 2012) transport strike on Pakistan economy. The results indicate that the most affected sector of that strike was financial intermediation sector followed by the food & beverages sector and petroleum, chemical & non-metallic mineral products sector being the second and third most affected sectors, respectively. The study is an application of IIOM in transportation strikes and has usefulness for the policymakers, researchers, and readers that has an interest in application and extensions of Input-Output based analysis. • Transport sector works as a backbone in the economy due to its backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. • There is hardly any scholarly work based on developing countries that do study the impacts of transport strikes on the economy. • This research uses Inoperability Input-Output Model (IIOM) to study the impacts of transport strike on the Pakistan economy. • The study is useful for policymakers and researchers having an interest in the quantification of the impact of transport strike at the macroeconomic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a primary limiting factor for crop production worldwide. Previously, we reported root system architectural modifications of hydroponically cultured foxtail millet [ Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] to facilitate N translocation under N limitation. Here, we investigated foxtail millet for its shoot adaptation to low N in terms of internal N regulation under hydroponic culture. The results of this study revealed that the shoot N and nitrate (NO 3 −) concentrations significantly declined as compared to control (CK); however, the shoot over-accumulated ammonium (NH 4 +) under low N (LN). N shortage resulted in down-regulation of expressions of SiPetA, SiccsA, SipsbA, SirpoB, SipsaA, SiatpA, Sirps16 , and SiPEPC which, undermined chloroplast functioning and CO 2 assimilation for the provision of carbon skeleton. Carbon deficiency and lower activities of GS decelerated ammonia assimilation and led to over-accumulation of NH 4 + in the LN-shoot, as indicated by lower concentrations of total amino acids. Thus, enhanced GOGAT activity was to assimilate NH 4 + while, those of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) of NH 4 + toxicity framework. The weakened chloroplast factory eventually minimized photosynthesis and reduced dry mass of the LN shoot. Such regulation of N by the shoot, perhaps, resurrected physiological functions which maintained internal mineral status under nitrogen limitation in foxtail millet. • The shoot over-accumulated ammonium (NH 4 +) under low N. • N shortage undermined chloroplast functioning and provision of carbon skeleton. • Carbon skeleton shortage hampered GOGAT/GS functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinization causes the degradation of the soil and threatening the global food security but the application of essential micronutrients like zinc (Zn), improve the plant growth by stabilizing the plant cell and root development. Keeping in view the above-mentioned scenario, an experiment was conducted to compare the efficiency of conventional Zn fertilizers like zinc sulphate (ZnSO 4), zinc ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Zn-EDTA) and advance nano Zn fertilizers such as zinc sulphate nanoparticles (ZnSO 4 NPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (applied at the rate of 5 and 10 mg/kg) in saline-sodic soil. Results revealed that the maximum plant height (67%), spike length (72%), root length (162%), number of tillers (71%), paddy weight (100%), shoot dry weight (158%), and root dry weight (119%) was found in ZnSO 4 NPs applied at the rate of 10 mg/kg (ZnSO 4 NPs-10) as compared to salt-affected control (SAC). Similarly, the plants physiological attributes like chlorophyll contents (91%), photosynthesis rate (113%), transpiration rate (106%), stomatal conductance (56%) and internal CO 2 (11%) were increased by the application of ZnSO 4 NPs-10, as compared to SAC. The maximum Zn concentration in root (153%), shoot (205%) and paddy (167%) found in ZnSO 4 NPs-10, as compared to control. In the body of rice plants, other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium were also increased by the application of ZnSO 4 NPs-10 and soil chemical attributes such as sodium and sodium adsorption ratio were decreased. The current experiment concluded that the application of ZnSO 4 NPs at the rate of 10 mg/kg in salt-affected paddy soil increased the growth, physiology, up take of essential nutrients and yield of rice by balancing the cationic ratio under salt stress. [Display omitted] • Different zinc sources were used for salt tolerance in rice crop. • ZnSO 4 nanoparticles were most effective in increasing salt-stressed plant growth. • ZnSO 4 NPs increased Zn, P, K contents in tissues than other Zn sources. • ZnSO 4 NPs increased AB-DTPA extractable Zn in soil than other Zn sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, the excessive industrialization, increased use of fossil fuels, elevated levels of vehicular emissions are causing high level of air pollution reaching epidemic levels. The effects of "smog" or in other words of air pollution can be very dangerous for humans, and plants. In fact, air pollution can be linked to many health-related issues, as it is one of the leading causes of pulmonary, respiratory and skin diseases across the globe. In this context, Pakistan being an underdeveloped country, faces the hazardous impacts of smog on health, environment, transportation and educational sectors. The aim of the present research was to establish a correlation between smog/air pollution (the independent variable) and different dependent variables. The final goal was to define different precautionary measures and find their practicality and selection. Fuzzy VIKOR, a multi-criteria decision-making tool, was proposed in this research. It was applied to select an optimal alternative based on closeness to positive-ideal solution and deviation from the negative-ideal solution. Through this research, an environmental-friendly and health-promoting policy can be reach. This research will also help government in making future policies regarding environmental and industrial pollution. A case study settled in Pakistan was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy model. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The excessive industrialization and elevated levels of vehicular emissions has led nations towards a new epidemic "SMOG" • A Fuzzy VIKOR approach is developed as a conceptual framework to define an optimal alternative • Practical measures to reduce smog in Pakistan are analyzed • Research helps to understand the relationship of "good" practices to social, environmental pollution and economic effects • Outcomes of this research yielded that the best preventive measure which can be used for reducing the smog is the reduction of industrial waste [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) stress is a serious concern in agricultural soils worldwide whereas little is known about the impact of farmyard manure (FYM) alone or combined with limestone, lignite and biochar on Cd concentrations in plants. Wheat was grown in Cd-contaminated field amended with control (T 1 ), FYM @ 0.1% (T 2 ), FYM + limestone @ 0.05% each (T 3 ), FYM + lignite @ 0.05% each (T 4 ), FYM + biochar @ 0.05% each (T 5 ) and subsequent rice was grown without additional use of amendments. Soil application of amendments increased straw and grain yield and thousand grain weight being maximum in FYM + limestone treatment. Wheat and rice straw yield increased by 19% and 10% in T 3 than control respectively. Photosynthetic pigments increased with the supply of amendments than control. Amendments decreased Cd concentration, total Cd uptake in straw and grains and Cd harvest index of both crops and the maximum reduction in these parameters was recorded with where FYM + limestone (T 3 ). Cd concentration in wheat and rice straw decreased by 78.5% and 65% in T 3 than control, respectively. The highest benefit to cost ratio was obtained in FYM + limestone (T 3 ). Ammonium bicarbonate - diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid (AB-DTPA) extractable Cd of the post-harvest soil reduced whereas Cd immobilization index and soil pH increased with the supply of all treatments than control being maximum in T 3. The present study revealed that field management with FYM + limestone increased plant yield and reduced Cd concentrations in grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A pot study was used to examine the effects of amendments such as EDTA and elemental sulfur on the growth potential, gas exchange features, uptake and mobilization of Pb by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in two texturally different contaminated soils at three levels of EDTA (2, 4, 8mmolkg−1 dry soil) and two levels of elemental sulfur (100, 200mmolkg−1 dry soil). EDTA resulted in more solubilization of Pb than elemental sulfur in both soils. Application of EDTA and elemental sulfur increased shoot dry matter in the loamy sand soil, whereas in the sandy clay loam soil EDTA treated plants produced lower shoot dry matter compared to that observed with elemental sulfur. Application of EDTA 10d prior to harvest increased the amount of Pb accumulated into wheat shoots with more Pb accumulated by plants from the loamy sand than from the sandy clay loam soil. However, evaluation of the relative extraction efficiency expressed as the percentage of solubilized Pb that is subsequently also effectively accumulated by the plant shoots reveals that the relatively low efficiency does not warrant the massive mobilization induced by the environmentally persistent EDTA chelator. More modest mobilization of Pb induced by elemental sulfur and the higher relative extraction of mobilized Pb therefore deserves further attention in future research. In particular, attention needs to be paid to determining soil types in which elemental sulfur can induce significant impact on soil pH and metal mobility after application of a practically realistic dosage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in cadmium (Cd) polluted soil is a core concern to food quality and food security all over the world. Cadmium toxicity is mainly associated with a Cd influx from contaminated soils to human via grain consumption. Organic amendments are widely used for Cd immobilization and enhancement in plant growth, but the residual effects of these amendments are mostly unknown. The present study addressed the long-term effects of organic amendments in contaminated soils by evaluating their residual effects on 3rd crop (wheat) in the sequence. Initially six organic amendments viz. rice husk biochar (RHB), wheat-straw biochar (WSB), cotton-stick biochar (CSB), poultry manure (PM), press mud (PrMd) and farm manure (FM) were applied once at a rate of 2% in Cd (50 mg kg−1) contaminated soil with wheat-rice rotation. After the harvest of wheat and rice crops, wheat (Var. Galaxy) was again grown in the same pots. Results revealed that plants grown under Cd stress (without any amendment) contain more tissue (root, shoot and grain) and soil AB-DTPA extractable Cd. The soil amended with RHB has shown lowest AB-DTPA extractable Cd (69% lower than control). Similarly, RHB application has significantly reduced wheat root, shoot and grain Cd concentrations compared to control and other amendments. Results have confirmed the effectiveness of RHB residual contents as an active amendment for restriction of Cd in non-bioavailable pool of soil and better growth and yield of wheat. • Residual effects of rice husk biochar (RHB) and press mud (PrMd) were higher compared to other amendments. • The increase in wheat growth and yield was highest in residual RHB treatment. • Cd immobilization index was highest in RHB treatment. • The grain Cd was below threshold level in RHB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]