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This work proposes a fractional-order derivative model that aims to effectively imitate the dynamics of a three-strain influenza outbreak while taking into consideration the treatment strategy. The present model is formulated with five fractional differential equations that describe the interactions among susceptible individuals, those infected by strains A , B , and C , and the recovered population. The existence, uniqueness, positivity, and boundedness of model solutions are the main points of our initial investigation. We identified four equilibrium points, namely, the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibria for each of the strains A , B , and C . We have determined the basic reproduction numbers for each strain, denoted by R A , R B , and R C , by utilizing the next generation matrix method. The global stability of the different equilibria was later confirmed by applying Lyapunov's method and LaSalle's invariance principle. This investigation focuses on the reliance on the corresponding basic reproduction numbers. Numerical simulations support the theoretical investigations, showing the influence of fractional derivatives on the global stability of the equilibria. Interestingly, while the order of fractional derivatives does not alter the stability of equilibrium states, it significantly influence the rate at which the system approached these equilibria. The study further revealed that integrating treatment protocols markedly diminishes the prevalence of all three influenza strains, underscoring the efficacy of treatment in limiting the disease's spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the (3 + 1)-dimensional extended Kairat-II model using Lie-Bäcklund symmetry (LBS) and the improved modified extended tanh-function approach (IMETFA). The bifurcation and sensitivity analyses are conducted to understand the stability and chaotic behavior of the model. Through graphical visualizations of phase diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, power spectra, fractal dimension and recurrence plots, the complex dynamics and stability characteristics of the model are elucidated. Additionally, the research focuses on the derivation of dark soliton and various combo soliton solutions of the Kairat-II model. The derived soliton solutions are graphically displayed in 3D and 2D plots. The obtained results are new and have never been reported in the literature for the considered equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate trichome diversity in alpine flora from the Hindukush Mountain range of Pakistan, and the possible taxonomic potential of trichome diversity in the identification of plant species. Plant specimens were collected from the alpine regions of Swat Pakistan. The present study explain micromorphological features of foliar epidermal trichomes of 70 species in 52 genera belonging to 25 families of dicots. Using nitric acid protocol both abaxial and adaxial surfaces were studied under light microscope. Two types of trichomes were observed during microscopy; i.e., non-glandular and glandular. Non-glandular trichomes were mostly unicellular, cylindrical, or conical while glandular trichomes were mostly capitate. Furthermore, trichome shapes ranged from unicellular short to unicellular cylindrical which were very long, and from bicellular to multicellular, multiseriate, falcate, conical, stellate, dendritic, peltate, capitate. A total of 27 different types of trichomes were observed indicating the enormous variation in trichomes morphology and their physiological roles. This diverse array of trichomes provides sufficient information of systematic and evolutionary significance. The results of qualitative and quantitative micromorphological features have been described and tabulated. In addition, for easy and fast identification diagnostic key was constructed based on studied traits. From this study, it is concluded that alpine plants growing in hostile habitats have developed various kinds of trichomes to cope with harsh climates and predators, which also provide considerable taxonomic data for species identification, diagnosis, and circumscription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is designed to explore the honeybee flora in district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To study the honeybee's foraging behaviors in study area, a total of 18 species belonging to 9 different families were identified, namely Carduus acnthoides, Mentha spicata, Phlomis spectabilis, Ranunculus repens, Rubus armeniacus, Sonchus arvensis, Cynoglossum lanceolatum, Ziziphus oxyphylla, Origanum vulgare, Verbesina encelioides, Euphorbia heterophylla, Datura innoxia, Erigeron bonariensis, Mentha longifolia, Anisomales indica, Isodon rugosus, Bidens Pilosa and Digera muricata. The microscopic slides were prepared, and both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics were measured and described using LM techniques. The qualitative characteristics include pollen type, pollen shape, aperture features, and exine sculpturing, while the quantitative characteristics include polar diameter, equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, colpi dimensions, exine thickness, and spine length. The pollen type varies from tricolpate to octacolpate. The result of this study helps in the correct identification of melliferous flora for the development of beekeeping practices and provides conservative strategies for the honeybee flora of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of Healthcare 5.0 heralds a groundbreaking revolution in digital healthcare, superseding the achievements of its predecessor, Healthcare 4.0. Integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), smart wearables, and the extraordinary capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Healthcare 5.0 envisions a unified framework that grants seamless access to health records, fosters interconnectedness among individuals, resources, and institutions, and empowers intelligent responses to medical concerns. However, the realization of Healthcare 5.0 faces a significant challenge in the form of high-speed data transmission using smart devices. Conventional AI approaches relying on centralized data processing raise compelling concerns surrounding information privacy and scalability within the Healthcare 5.0 context. Amidst this backdrop, federated learning emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a decentralized AI paradigm that facilitates on-device machine learning without compromising end-user privacy through centralized data export. Safeguarding data integrity, federated learning holds the key to unlocking the full potential of Healthcare 5.0. In this pioneering study, we conduct an extensive survey, exploring the transformative implications of federated learning within the realm of Healthcare 5.0. By shedding light on recent advancements tailored to this paradigm, we delve into the fundamental concepts of resource-awareness, privacy preservation, incentivization, and personalization, all within the framework of federated learning. Moreover, we meticulously scrutinize key parameters including security, sparsification, quantization, robustness, scalability, and privacy, providing an authentic evaluation of the current progress in federated learning for Healthcare 5.0. This comprehensive survey serves as an indispensable cornerstone for the evolution of Healthcare 5.0, offering invaluable insights into its unique requirements and untapped potential. By harnessing the capabilities of federated learning in this context, we envisage a transformative era in digital healthcare, fostering a more interconnected, secure, and intelligent healthcare landscape for the betterment of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) have attracted significant attention in recent years primarily due to minimal adverse impact on the environment and efficiency of running costs. Although use of EVs brings noticeable benefits to users and the overall society, deployment of EVs, new carbon control regulations and interactive utility models are creating a compression on current electricity system. Further, due to the growth in adoption of EVs, the demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly over the next few years which can result in low-voltage networks. Since traditional networks are not designed for such loads, it can lead to inadmissible network conditions and resource overloads, which require network expansion through decentralized power generation. Distributed energy resources (DERs) such as smart grids leverage emerging technologies including internet of things (IoT) to achieve efficient energy management system. The aim of this research is to facilitate peer-to-peer energy distribution solution by focusing on the challenge of a decentralized, transparent reward system to achieve incentivization of power generation and distribution at microgrid level. Leveraging inherent benefits of blockchain technology, we develop a blockchain-based decentralized electricity trading platform to incentivize power generation at such micro level. Our platform allows local communities to contribute to meet the increased electricity demands by trading the generated electricity directly to EVs in a trusted and secure P2P environment while keeping the sustainability of the generated energy to balance demand and generation. We include detailed design specification, implementation and evaluation of the proposed electricity trading platform to assess feasibility of such system to be utilized within a production-level system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the Kraenkel-Manna-Merle (KMM) system, which models the nonlinear propagation of short waves in saturated ferromagnetic materials subjected to an external magnetic field, despite the absence of electrical conductivity. The study aims to explore and derive new solitary wave solutions for this system using two distinct methodological approaches. In the first approach, the KMM system is transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) via Lie group transformation. The resulting ODEs are then solved analytically using a similarity invariant approach, leading to the discovery of various types of solitary wave solutions, including bright, dark, and exponential solitons. The second approach involves applying wave and Galilean transformations to reduce the KMM system to a system of two ODEs, both with and without damping effects. This reduced system is further analyzed to investigate its bifurcation behavior, sensitivity to initial conditions, and chaotic dynamics. The analysis reveals the presence of strange multi-scroll chaotic dynamics in the presence of damping and off-boosting dynamics without damping. In addition to these approaches, the study also applies the planar dynamical theory to obtain further new soliton solutions of the KMM system. These solitons include bright, kink, dark, and periodic solutions, each of which has been visualized through 3D and 2D graphs. The results of this research provide new insights into the dynamics of the KMM system, with potential applications in magnetic data storage, magnonic devices, material science, and spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical model plays a significant role in describing the mutual interaction of various chemical compositions in chemistry. In this present work, we formulate a new plankton–oxygen dynamical model owning delay. By virtue of fixed point theorem, inequality techniques and construction of function, we set up the conditions on existence and uniqueness, non-negativeness and boundedness of the solution to the formulated plankton–oxygen model. Taking advantage of bifurcation and stability theory of delayed differential equation, we explore the existence of bifurcation and stability for the plankton–oxygen model and set up a novel delay-independent criterion ensuring the existence of bifurcation and stability of the model. Making use of two different extended hybrid controllers, we can successfully control the time of emergence of bifurcation and stability domain of this model. The impact of delay on bifurcation and stability of the model is explored. Software experiment results are provided to sustain the acquired key outcomes. The gained conclusions of this work are perfectly novel and possess immense theoretical significance in adjusting and balancing the concentrations of disparate chemical compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical solitons are controlled and modified in a four level N-type atomic medium under the effect of cross Kerr nonlinearity. Significant control over optical solitons are reported with variation of driving fields and system parameters. The single and mixed types optical solitons are controlled for the first time with strength of applied driving fields in the medium. Single dark and bright optical solitons are achieved by fixing Rabi frequencies, detuning and phase of applied driving fields. The multi-peakon and periodic type optical solitons are also modified with strength of applied driving fields. Further more the mixed-types of optical solitons including dark-peakon, breather-periodic, multi-peakon-breather and multi-peakon-breather-periodic types optical solitons are investigated with the variation of control fields Rabi frequencies, detunings and decay rates. The modified single and mixed types optical solitons have potential application in soliton radar technology and sensors as well as communication technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear dispersive eighth-order Schrödinger equation is a mathematical equation that describes the behaviour of complex wave phenomena in specific physical systems. It is utilised in the fields of nonlinear optics and wave propagation. This article examines the eighth-order dispersive nonlinear Schrödinger equation, using the sine-cosine approach to extract optical solitons expressed as sine and cosine functions. The sine-cosine method gives a systematic and efficient strategy for obtaining solitary wave solutions without requiring extensive computational resources. By expanding the solution in terms of sine and cosine functions, the technique transforms the problem into solving a system of algebraic equations, which is often more computationally tractable than other methods. Then solving the obtained algebraic system, the desired solutions are archived. The solutions obtained are then simulated using Mathematica. The results demonstrate bright, bell-shaped and periodic optical solitons for specific parameter values. The obtained results are depicted via 3D and 2D graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new extended direct algebraic technique (EDAT) is used to investigate the rational, and soliton solution for time dependent dimension-less paraxial wave model. The wave solutions help in considerations of physical phenomena and have significant applications in engineering and physics. In optics and photonics, various optical patterns of waves can be beneficial for demonstrating the dynamics behavior of optical solutions that pertain to studying a several kind of mechanical techniques involving the flow of light via optical fibers like mirror, lenses and imaging. By applying suitable parameter values, the exact solutions are obtained with dark, bright, singular, bright-dark, periodic form by using Mathematica 11.0. The 3-D density, 2-D plot and contour plot are plotted and explored the self-focusing structure of electromagnetic waves in non-linear techniques to present a physical description of examined solutions using Matlab. The obtain soliton solutions demonstrate the non-dispersive and non-diffractive localized propagation wave packets in optical kerr media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents some new exact solutions for the dispersive Schrödinger Hirota's (SH) equation considering the effects of spatio-temporal dispersion with parabolic law nonlinearity. A wave transformation technique is implemented to transform the SH equation into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The solutions for the dispersive SH equation are derived using the modified extended tanh approach. These solutions exhibits various sorts of solitons, including bright, dark, periodic, and singular solitons. The findings of this research hold potential significance in the domain of fiber-optic communication, as they contribute to a deeper understanding of soliton dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, we have conducted a comprehensive investigation of the self-focusing Schrödinger equation with fourth-order dispersion, yielding closed-form results for crucial optical soliton solutions. To achieve this, we have employed two distinct methodologies. Firstly, we harnessed the power of the generalized Kudryashov method to derive novel solutions for the Schrödinger equation, expanding the landscape of possible solutions. To further enrich our understanding of optical solitons, we incorporated the 1 G ′ expansion technique, uncovering additional soliton solutions. The behavior of these solutions is vividly illustrated through 2D and 3D graphical representations, shedding light on the characteristics of bright, breather-type, and combined M-W-shaped optical solitons. Moreover, we have meticulously examined the influence of specific parameters on the dynamics of soliton solutions obtained via the 1 G ′ method, providing valuable insights into the interplay between these parameters and the soliton behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of optical solitons, a subject of significant interest in fibre optics and communications due to its importance in signal transmission and data processing, is the focus of the study. For the (2+1) hyperbolic Schrödinger equation (SE), the main goal is to find novel soliton solutions while taking nonlinear effects into account. The study uses the modified Khater method and sine-Gordon expansion method as two separate techniques to accomplish this goal. The purpose of selecting these techniques is to offer a thorough strategy for finding solutions for the SE. A number of closed-form solutions for the SE can be obtained using Mathematica software, which is one of the study's important findings. These solutions offer valuable insights into the behavior of optical solitons in complex field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New solitary wave solutions are developed for various shapes of three-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations using the Sardar-Subequation method. Some periodic solitary wave solutions, including bright, dark, dark-bright, and singular periodic soliton solutions, are obtained. These solutions have broad applications in a particular category of applied sciences and physics. Graphical representations of the obtained results have been created using Maple 18 software to illustrate the accuracy and simplicity of the proposed method. Two-dimensional (2-D), three-dimensional (3-D), and 2-D contour plots have been used to depict the physical behavior of the observed patterns by incorporating relevant parameters. To demonstrate the robustness, sustainability, capability, and effectiveness of the present method, we have applied it to solve the nonlinear (3+1)-dimensional modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a kind of BAM neural networks containing three nonidentical time delays are explored. Exploiting fixed point knowledge, we examine that the solution to the concerned BAM neural network models exists and is unique. Exploiting a apposite function, we check that the solution to the concerned BAM neural network models is bounded. In line with different delay cases, we systematically analyze the characteristic equations of the concerned BAM neural network models. A set of innovative bifurcation criteria of the concerned BAM neural network models under the six delay situations are acquired. The impact of delay is adequately revealed under different delay cases. The research indicates that delay plays a pivotal role in dominating stability domain and the time that Hopf bifurcation arises. of the concerned BAM neural networks. In order to sustain the theoretical assertions, we present the corresponding software simulation plots. The acquired conclusion of this research are completely novel and has momentous theoretical values in dominating and devising networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For exploring the behavior of complex two-dimensional systems, the idea of planar dynamical systems offers a potent and adaptable framework. It is simple for researchers to understand the dynamics of the system and acquire deeper insights into its behavior by visualizing trajectories in the (x,y) plane. Keeping this in mind, the complex dynamics of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation has not been explored using planar dynamical theory, in the literature. In this manuscript, the dynamical features and some new optical solitons are discussed for the considered NLSE. Using RK4 numerical technique, the dynamical features such as bifurcation, phase portraits, time series and sensitivity analysis are portrayed. Moreover, utilizing the traveling wave transformations and complete discriminant system method, some new optical solitary waves solutions are obtained which depends on trigonometric functions and Jacobi elliptic functions. These solutions are new and have not been reported in the literature for the considered equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals (HMs) are extensively found in occupationally exposed miners and industrial workers, which may cause serious health-related problems to the large workforce. In order to evaluate the impact of these toxic pollutants, we have investigated the effect of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) concentration on exposed workers of mining, and woolen textile mill and compared the findings with unexposed individuals. From each category like exposed workers (mining, and woolen mill textile site) and unexposed individuals, 50 blood samples were taken. The occurrence of HMs in a sample was investigated through atomic absorption spectrometry while the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme statuses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in exposed and control samples. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) variation in Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb levels in exposed and control samples. The concentration of Cd in the blood of WMWs, KMWs, and control group was 5.75, 3.89, and 0.42 μg/dL, respectively. On the other hand, the concentration of Pb in the blood of WMWs, MWs, and control was 32.34, 24.39, and 0.39 µg/dL while the concentrations of Cr and Cu in the blood of WMWs, MWs, and control group were 11.61 and 104.14 μg/dL, 4.21 and 113.21 μg/dL, 0.32 and 65.53 μg/dL, respectively. An increase in MDA was recorded in the exposed workers' group as compared to control subjects, whereas SOD and CAT activities decreased. Meanwhile, MDA was significantly and positively (p < 0.01) correlated with HMs, while negative significant correlations were found among HMs with SOD and CAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the extraction of optical solitons for a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (SE) utilizing the Sine-Cosine expansion technique. Moreover, the model's solitary wave solutions' stability is investigated, and the modulation instability is studied. To understand the behavior of various exact solutions, 3D graphs are created and presented in the paper. The obtained results show the bright optical solitons, optical periodic waves, bell shaped optical solitons and breather type optical solitons for various values of parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article establishes a new transform method to seek the solution to some fuzzy differential equations. For the first time in the literature, the fuzzy natural transform method (FNTM) is introduced to solve the integer-order differential equations and non-integer-order differential equations in an uncertain environment. To do this, some primary results of FNTM are presented for integer- and non-integer-order derivatives in the Riemann–Liouville and Caputo senses under generalized Hukuhara differentiability. The method is illustrated by providing some examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning for image retrieval has been used in this era, but image retrieval with the highest accuracy is the biggest challenge, which still lacks auto-correlation for feature extraction and description. In this paper, a novel deep learning technique for achieving highly accurate results for image retrieval is proposed, which implements a convolutional neural network with auto-correlation, gradient computation, scaling, filter, and localization coupled with state-of-the-art content-based image retrieval methods. For this purpose, novel image features are fused with signatures produced by the VGG-16. In the initial step, images from rectangular neighboring key points are auto-correlated. The image smoothing is achieved by computing intensities according to the local gradient. The result of Gaussian approximation with the lowest scale and suppression is adjusted by the by-box filter with the standard deviation adjusted to the lowest scale. The parameterized images are smoothed at different scales at various levels to achieve high accuracy. The principal component analysis has been used to reduce feature vectors and combine them with the VGG features. These features are integrated with the spatial color coordinates to represent color channels. This experimentation has been performed on Cifar-100, Cifar-10, Tropical fruits, 17 Flowers, Oxford, and Corel-1000 datasets. This study has achieved an extraordinary result for the Cifar-10 and Cifar-100 datasets. Similarly, the results of the study have shown efficient results for texture datasets of 17 Flowers and Tropical fruits. Moreover, when compared to state-of-the-art approaches, this research produced outstanding results for the Corel-1000 dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perturbed KdV equation has many applications in mechanics and sound propagation in fluids. The aim of this manuscript is to study novel crucial exact solutions of the generalized perturbed KdV equation. The Hirota bilinear technique is implemented to derive general form solution of the considered equation. The novel soliton solutions are studied by taking different dispersion coefficients. We analyse first- and second-order soliton solutions, multiple-bifurcated soliton solutions, first- and second-order lump and rogue wave solutions of the considered equations. We show the effect of the parameters on the evolution of soliton solutions of the considered equation. All the obtained results are simulated by using MATLAB-2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focus on new optical soliton solutions of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with self-frequency shift , and kerr nonlinearity terms. We utilize the extended version of modified tanh expansion technique associated with new Riccati solutions. We extract optical soliton solutions such as dark and bright optical solitons, breathers type, periodic and hybrid type optical soliton solutions. We display all the solutions with help of Mathematica in 2D and 3D graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this world, there are several acute viral infections. One of them is influenza, a respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Stochastic modelling of infectious diseases is now a popular topic in the current century. Several stochastic epidemiological models have been constructed in the research papers. In the present article, we offer a stochastic two-strain influenza epidemic model that includes both resistant and non-resistance strains. We demonstrate both the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution using the stochastic Lyapunov function theory. The extinction of our research sickness results from favourable circumstances. Additionally, the infection's persistence in the mean is demonstrated. Finally, to demonstrate how well our theoretical analysis performs, various noise disturbances are simulated numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic deviated nasal septum is a commonly encountered clinical condition by otorhinolaryngologist. Non-contrast Computed tomography (NCCT) of nose and Paranasal sinuses is a good tool in the preoperative evaluation of symptomatic deviated nasal septum so as to find hidden sinonasal pathologies in addition to deviated nasal septum. The aim of this article is to find the role and scope of preoperative Computed tomography in the management of symptomatic deviated nasal septum. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 120 patients with symptomatic deviated nasal septum, out of which 27 had concomitant hypertrophy of inferior turbinate. All were planned for septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty. Non contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan was done in all cases. Different findings on NCCT were noted. After NCCT was done, 33 (27.5%) out of 120 patients underwent additional surgical procedures. In conclusion, NCCT of Nose and Paranasal sinus surgery should be given due consideration in the evaluation of symptomatic deviated nasal septum so as to avoid second surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this manuscript, the rumours spreading model in the social network is analysed associated with the classical-Caputo piecewise derivative. The existence and uniqueness of a solution are examined for the aforementioned problem. The suggested problem’s approximate solution is found using the piecewise numerical iterative Newton polynomial approach. The numerical simulations for the piecewise derivable problem under consideration are presented using the data for various fractional orders. This work makes the idea of piecewise derivatives and the dynamics of the crossover problem much clearer. The validity of the model is confirmed by simulating real data with simulated data which are taken from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions are in a consistent pursuit of technological adoption through digital transformation techniques since the beginning of the technology revolution. The transformation from traditional to eLearning education system faces the challenges of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and operational risks. The operational risks in ICT mainly prevent the efficient utilization of eLearning systems. In the higher education system, faculty experience in eLearning, resistance to change, and quality of the Learning Management System (LMS) are the core sources of operational risks. This study endeavors to measure the impact of operational risks in eLearning implementation in higher education institutions. We employed a quantitative research design through a self-administered survey questionnaire and used the Partial Least Square approach of Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The findings indicated that eLearning implementation is positively influenced by faculty experience in eLearning and LMS quality. However, faculty resistance is not only negatively related to eLearning implementation, but it inversely influences the LMS quality as well. The study has important practical and theoretical implications discussed in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipases with high tolerance to temperature play a significant role in industry from food manufacturing to waste management systems. Thus, there is a need to investigate these enzymes from different geographical areas to look out for a more thermo-stable one. Characterization of lipases through experimental approaches is time consuming process and sometimes the results are ambiguous due to errors. However, integration of computational technologies is quite useful for prediction of optimized conditions. Such technologies can be applied as synthetic biology, which has many major applications in engineered biological approaches for accurate prediction of effects of different physical and chemical parameters on the system. In this study, cloning and expression of a lipase gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, isolated from a novel geographical region of Pakistan, in Escherichia coli DH5α cells followed by sequencing was carried out. To isolate thermostable lipase producing strains, all the samples were kept at 50 °C. Genomic DNA was isolated and signal peptide (1–32 residues) sequence was chopped (ΔSPLipase). The ΔSPLipase was amplified and expressed in Linearized p15TV-L vector. The purified lipase appeared as single band of approximately 26 kDa. Suitable conditions of factors required for maximum lipase activity such as temperature, pH, substrate, organic solvent, detergents and metal ions were predicted through synthetic biology approach and further confirmed in wet lab. The predicted suitable factors for enzyme were almost similar to those determined experimentally. The optimum enzyme activity was recorded at pH 8 and 50 °C temperature. Interestingly, the activity of enzyme was found on a number of solvents, metal ions, detergents, and surfactants. The predicted optimum values and their experimental confirmations highlights the importance of integrated synthetic biology approaches in wet lab experiments. The characterized lipase of B. amyloliquefaciens at molecular level from Pakistani strains displayed good activity on a range of factors that implies this strain to be used for application in industrial level production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study focuses on influence of carbon nanotubes in POT polymer, in order to improve performance of energy storage devices. (POT/SWCNTS) nanocomposites are synthesized by situ polymerization with different concentrations of SWCNTS. POT had long chain of qunoid and benzoined rings provide together large transport of charge along with SWNTs resulting to store large amount of electric charge. Synthesized samples are characterized by dc conductivity; UV-Vis studies, FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric techniques. Electrical conductivity enhances up to four orders with dopant concentrations. Incorporation of dopant into polymer matrix is confirmed by FTIR studies. XRD analysis revealed crystallinity of nanocomposites. Present consequences of synthesized polymer nanocomposites shows meaningful impact with changes in dielectric properties due to better dispersion of SWCNTS in polymer matrix. As results enhancements in dielectric parameters values, highlights their great potential for supercapacitors. These nanocomposites do not need any binding substance that is an important practical advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the morphotectonic parameters of the Madhumati basin with the emphasis on its implication for tectonic activity. Data for this study were obtained from toposheets in digital format which were subjected to field confirmation. We performed digital elevation model (DEM) analysis, and we extracted several geomorphic indices: mountain front sinuosity, valley floor width to valley height ratio, hypsometric curve and integral, stream length gradient index, transverse topography symmetry, drainage basin asymmetry and basin elongation ratio. These morphometric parameters may indicate tectonic activity with a tilt to the south of the northern margin of the Kashmir Basin (Madhumati Catchment). The results reveal that the basin area was 453.71 km and the basin was found to be tectonically active with average S value 1.14, stream gradient index (SL) 1026.7, Vf 0.13 and T 0.56. The results of elongation ratio 0.15 reveal that the basin is strongly elongate and active. Also, the calculated result of AF 68.52 % reveals that the basin has shifted up right to the trunk stream facing downstream. The results of hypsometric integral 0.49 and convex-up hypsometric curve reveal that the basin has high elevation relative to mean, narrow and incised valleys and has rugged topography, is in youthful stage and is tectonically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Earthquake geology of Kashmir Basin and its implications for future large earthquakes" published in the 2013 issue of the journal.

The thin films of CdSeZn (x = 0, 2, 4, 6) chalcogenide semiconductors were deposited by using thermal coating unit on ultra clean glass substrate under a high vacuum of 10 Torr. The amorphous structure of the deposited films has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements at high electric fields have been carried out at different fixed temperature for the present samples. The analysis of the data could be fitted to the theory of space charge limited conduction mechanism, from where the density of localized states has been calculated. Temperature dependent DC conductivity has been reported in the temperature range of 290-390 K, which shows that the conduction is due to thermally activated tunneling of charge carriers in the band tails of localized states near Fermi level. The addition of Zn in Cd-Se system results an increase in density of localized states and hence increase in electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are plenty of faults that show evidence that they are active. Most of the valley's floor is occupied by unconsolidated Karewa deposits, in particular on the south-southwest of the Kashmir Valley. In such situations, geomorphic data can reveal the location of active faults. Accordingly, we tried to identify geomorphic indices in SW of the Kashmir Valley (Veshav, Rambiara, and Romushi drainage basins), which revealed the area to be potentially tectonically active. This active faulting was further substantiated by drainage anomalies and field investigations, which provides evidence for an emergent out-of-sequence NE-dipping active reverse fault (identified first time on ground) named the Balapur Fault (BF). The BF can be traced over at least 40 km along the southwest side of the Kashmir Valley. The existence of the active Balapur Fault and of two other inferred faults north of the Panjal Thrust or Murree Thrust presents a picture of a more complex strain-partitioning regime in the Kashmir Himalayas than is usually visualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phthalic acid ester has been isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of Heliotropium strigosum and assigned the structure o-phthalic acid bis-(2-ethyl decyl)-ester 1. In addition, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 2 and β-sitosterole 3 have also been isolated. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid 2 is reported for the first time from this species. The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the help of 1D and 2D NMR techniques and by comparison with the data reported in the literature. The new compound 1 indicated to be a competitive inhibitor of trypsin with the K value of 12.1 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric parameters can be useful tools to provide general understanding of physical characteristics of drainage basin with respect to floods. To evaluate the flood influencing factors in the upper Jhelum basin, we delineate the upper Jhelum basin into ten sub-basins, followed by extraction of drainage network and morphometric parameters using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer digital elevation model and topographic maps in Geographic Information System. The overall flood potential was determined on the basis of compound value obtained for all morphometric parameters of each sub-basin. The analysis reveals that, in general, the northeastern segment of the upper Jhelum basin reveals comparative higher flood potential than the southwestern segment. The tributaries, such as Lidder, Veshav, Arapal, Arapat, and Bring, exhibit greater potential to produce peak flows during rainfall events, while the tributaries like Dudhganga, Rambiara, Sandran, Romushi, and Sasara express moderate-to-low flood potential, respectively. The results of this study are likely to be very useful for effective flood hazard mitigation in upper Jhelum floodplain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]