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The study investigates EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners' opinions, attitudes and the challenges of incorporating AI-powered teaching and learning. It also examines how their ideas and attitudes are affected by demographic variables. 258 students were selected using a random sampling method from a population comprising students studying in different levels of programs at the College of Science and College of Business Administration, Prince Sattam bin Abdul-Aziz University, KSA. A questionnaire was self-developed using some modified items from prior studies as the study looks at how certain independent variables (e.g., study level, residential background and parents' educational level) affect the dependent variable (e.g., learners' opinions, attitudes and challenges for AI-powered learning and teaching). The quantitative approach (descriptive quantitative design) revealed that Saudi EFL students held a high level of positive opinions and attitudes towards AI-powered learning. However, the analysis found that many students thought implementing AI-powered learning was challenging. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference based on respondents' residential background and parental education. However, respondents differed significantly based on their level or year of study. The study findings will assist administrators and course teachers in using AI-powered technologies to overcome challenges and prepare students for achievement in the English language.

This study evaluates a subjective performance-evaluation regime in place in the English public school system since the early 1990s. Under this regime, independent inspectors visit schools, assess schools' performance, and disclose their findings on the Internet. Inspectors combine hard metrics, such as test scores, with softer ones, such as observations of classroom teaching, in order to arrive at an overall judgment of school quality. Schools that receive a fail rating may be subject to sanctions, such as more frequent and intensive inspections. The author provides evidence on the effectiveness of several aspects of the inspections system. First, he demonstrates that inspection ratings can aid in distinguishing between more- and less-effective schools, even after controlling for test scores and various other school characteristics. Second Hussain, exploiting a natural experiment, shows that a fail inspection rating leads to test-score gains for primary school students that remain evident even after the students move into secondary schools. No evidence is found that schools that receive a fail rating are able to inflate test-score performance by gaming the system, suggesting that oversight by inspectors may mitigate such strategic behavior.

An emergency shift to online education after COVID-19 brought many challenges for students and teachers, especially the university students living in the rural areas of Pakistan. So this study has focused on assessing the problems students faced while acquiring online education with special reference to the theoretical background of digital divide. It is a quantitative study which employed Heckman's treatment effect model to analyze the impact of digital divide on university students' performance. The results of the study indicate that online education further increases an already existing digital divide between have and have nots. Online education is a good alternate of face-to-face education in many cases however for ensuring maximum benefits of online education requires proper availability of gadgets and internet access along with training. Existing online education system in developing countries like Pakistan may be more suitable to teach theoretical subjects like social sciences which are subjective in nature however it is not much appropriate for teaching numerical subjects. The findings of the study direct a positive impact of digital divide due to the scarcity of necessary gadgets, internet access, family income, gender, field of study, age and location.

Energy harvesting textiles have emerged as a promising solution to sustainably power wearable electronics. Textile-based solar cells (SCs) interconnected with on-body electronics have emerged to meet such needs. These technologies are lightweight, flexible, and easy to transport while leveraging the abundant natural sunlight in an eco-friendly way. In this Review, we comprehensively explore the working mechanisms, diverse types, and advanced fabrication strategies of photovoltaic textiles. Furthermore, we provide a detailed analysis of the recent progress made in various types of photovoltaic textiles, emphasizing their electrochemical performance. The focal point of this review centers on smart photovoltaic textiles for wearable electronic applications. Finally, we offer insights and perspectives on potential solutions to overcome the existing limitations of textile-based photovoltaics to promote their industrial commercialization.

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) summarize the genetic predisposition of a complex human trait or disease and may become a valuable tool for advancing precision medicine. However, PRSs that are developed in populations of predominantly European genetic ancestries can increase health disparities due to poor predictive performance in individuals of diverse and complex genetic ancestries. We describe genetic and modifiable risk factors that limit the transferability of PRSs across populations and review the strengths and weaknesses of existing PRS construction methods for diverse ancestries. Developing PRSs that benefit global populations in research and clinical settings provides an opportunity for innovation and is essential for health equity.

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has disrupted lives worldwide, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Individuals who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) are also affected by this phenomenon. This survey compares the quality of life (QOL), depression, and anxiety of SCI patients before and during COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China. Methods A cross-sectional survey utilized an online questionnaire to assess the QOL, levels of anxiety, and depression among 189 SCI patients admitted to Wuhan Tongji Hospital during pandemic from November 2020 to April 2021. Data before COVID-19 outbreak from November to December 2019 was retrieved from hospital records with the same assessment previously performed in-person or during a follow up visit. However, some participants were excluded for various reasons, such as declining to participate, not being admitted to a rehabilitation program due to the pandemic, or being under 18 years old. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) QOL-Brief Version (BREF) and disability (DIS) modules, which focus on disability-related QOL, were used to assess the participants’ QOL. Results SCI patients had lower QOL scores during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. Mean scores on the 12-item DIS module significantly differed before and during the COVID-19 period. Participants showed higher adherence to self-isolation and quarantine measures for high-risk encounters (64.94%), but lower compliance with home disinfection and proper rest practices (23.38%). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the QOL of SCI patients in China, highlighting the urgent requirement for telehealth-based rehabilitation to mitigate its impact. It is crucial to provide essential.

Abstract Political instability, dismal governance, and corruption are among the factors that currently distress poverty. The primary objective of this research was to determine how political factors distress poverty in developing nations, which has perhaps not been investigated yet. The main objective was also to observe if the effect of political factors on poverty is a dilemma or a reality. Poverty (dependent variable) has been divided into two segments: income poverty index and Human Health Poverty Index; however, political factors (independent variables) studied were corruption, democracy, governance, and political globalization. Twenty-six years of data were taken from 1997 to 2022 of twenty-four developing nations. The poverty and institutional quality indices were constructed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Fixed Effect, System GMM, and 2SLS approaches were used to determine the dynamic impact on poverty. Furthermore, this study incorporated fixed effects with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors to address cross-sectional dependence. The findings indicated that, although there was a significant connection between governance and income and human poverty. Democracy also showed a negative and significant relationship in the income poverty model but insignificant in the human poverty model. Political globalization showed negative and significant associations with poverty models (income and human poverty). Conversely, corruption showed a significant positive relationship in poverty models, i.e., income and human poverty.

Abstract A four level chiral medium is considered to analyze and investigate theoretically the reflection/transmission coefficients of right circularly polarized (RCP) beam and left circularly polarized (LCP) beam as well as their corresponding GH-shifts under the effect of compton scattering. Density matrix formalism is used for calculation of electric and magnetic probe fields coherence. The polarization and magnetization are calculated from probes coherence terms in the chiral medium. The electric and magnetic susceptibilities as well as chiral coefficients are related with polarization and magnetization. The refractive indices of RCP and LCP beams under compton scattering effect is modified from the electric/magnetic susceptibilities, chiral coefficients, mass and charge of electron as well as compton scattering angle. The giant positive and negative birefringent Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts in reflection and transmission beams are investigated in this manuscript under Compton scattering effect. The RCP and LCP beams obey the normalization condition $$|R^{(+,-)}|+|T^{(+,-)}|=1$$ | R ( + , - ) | + | T ( + , - ) | = 1 at the interface of a lossy chiral medium of $$|A^{(+,-)}|\simeq 0$$ | A ( + , - ) | ≃ 0 and a thin sheet of balsa wood under the effect of compton scattering angle, incident angle, probe field detuning, control field Rabi frequency, phases of electric and magnetic fields and phase of superposition states. Significant positive/negative giant GH-shifts in reflection and transmission beams are investigated. The results show potential applications in modification of cloaking devices, image coding, polarizing filters and LCD displays.

Abstract Drought is one of the major environmental issues that reduce crop yield. Seed germination is a crucial stage of plant development in all crop plants, including soybean. In soybean breeding, information about genetic mechanism of drought tolerance has great importance. However, at germination stage, there is relatively little knowledge on the genetic basis of soybean drought resistance. The objective of this work was to find the quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) linked to drought tolerance related three traits using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), viz., germination rate (GR), root length (RL), and whole seedling length (WSL), using germplasm population of 240 soybean PIs with 34,817 SNPs genotype data having MAF > 0.05. It was observed that heritability (H2 ) for GR, WSL, and RL across both environments (2020, and 2019) were high in the range of 0.76–0.99, showing that genetic factors play a vital role in drought tolerance as compared to environmental factors. A number of 23 and 27 QTNs were found to be linked to three traits using MLM and mrMLM, respectively. Three significant QTNs, qGR8-1, qWSL13-1, and qRL-8, were identified using both MLM and mrMLM methods among these QTNs. QTN8, located on chromosome 8 was consistently linked to two traits (GR and RL). The area (± 100 Kb) associated with this QTN was screened for drought tolerance based on gene annotation. Fifteen candidate genes were found by this screening. Based on the expression data, four candidate genes i.e. Glyma08g156800, Glyma08g160000, Glyma08g162700, and Glyma13g249600 were found to be linked to drought tolerance regulation in soybean. Hence, the current study provides evidence to understand the genetic constitution of drought tolerance during the germination stage and identified QTNs or genes could be utilized in molecular breeding to enhance the yield under drought stress.

Abstract Background PCOS is a serious endocrine-metabolic condition characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, or oligo-ovulation, and links to obesity, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiology of PCOS is thought to involve both environmental and genetic factors. PCOS etiology has been linked to genetic factors, with the CYP21 and CYP11A1 genes identified as possible candidate genes. Previous research has linked the rs13405728 polymorphism in the CYP21 gene and the rs4077582 polymorphism in the CYP11A1 gene to PCOS. However, more research is needed to confirm these connections in specific populations. The purpose of this study was to look at the role of single gene polymorphisms in PCOS, specifically the rs13405728 polymorphism in the CYP21 (LHCGR) gene and the rs4077582 polymorphism in the CYP11A1 gene. Blood was drawn from 150 PCOS patients and 150 age- and gender-matched healthy people. The phenol–chloroform procedure was used to extract DNA, and gel electrophoresis was used to quantify it. To analyze polymorphisms, researchers used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the allele-specific amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) to amplify specific areas of DNA. ARMS-PCR was used to detect mutations in the CYP21 and CYP11A1 genes, followed by sequencing to examine the rs13405728 polymorphism and rs4077582 polymorphism, respectively, in 150 PCOS patients and 150 control people. ARMS-PCR polymorphism study of the CYP21 (LHCGR) and CYP11A1 genes indicated significant correlations. Results For the CYP21 gene, heterozygous (CT) carriers of the rs13405728 polymorphism had a fourfold greater incidence of PCOS (OR 4.10; CI 2.47–6.80; p = 0.0001), whereas homozygous mutant (TT) carriers had a significant connection with PCOS (OR 0.27; CI 0.16–0.45; p = 0.0001). These data imply that the CYP21 (LHCGR) gene polymorphism rs13405728 has a substantial impact on the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The data for the CYP11A1 gene show the SNP (rs4077582) heterozygous (CT) was associated with PCOS (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.02–2.88; p = 0.0392). The identical SNP heterozygous (CT) raised the incidence of PCOS by up to onefold. The homozygous mutant SNP (TT) had no connection with illness onset (OR 1.377; 95% CI 0.85–2.2; p = 0.1855), while the mutant (TT) of the SNP nearly doubled the incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The combined model of the same SNP (CT + TT) revealed a significant correlation with PCOS (OR 2.1905; 95% CI 1.355–3.53; p = 0.0014). The combination model (CT + TT) of the same SNP more than doubled the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome. All the risk factors investigated had a substantial connection with PCOS. Conclusion In conclusion, this study supports the role of the CYP21 (LHCGR) and CYP11A1 gene polymorphism in PCOS. More studies are needed to investigate the functional significance of this polymorphism as well as its possible clinical impact on the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

Sunil Mankar,1 Bennett T Amaechi,1 Kannan Kanthaiah,1 Nahid Iftikhar,1 Amos C Obiefuna2 1Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA; 2ANCOSTAT Statistical Consulting, San Antonio, Texas, USACorrespondence: Bennett T Amaechi, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78229-3900, USA, Tel +1 210 567 3185, Email amaechi@uthscsa.eduPurpose: This study investigated the influence of nanohydroxyapatite-containing (nanoHAP) lozenge on plaque pH following sucrose intake.Patients and Methods: Sixteen adult subjects were enrolled in this double-blind crossover study composed of four interventions: (1) 10% w/v sucrose solution, (2) 10% w/v sorbitol solution, (3) nanoHAP lozenge, and (4) 10% w/v sucrose solution challenge followed by nanoHAP lozenge. Following the determination of each subject’s resting plaque pH, the pH was measured at different time intervals from 3 to 30 minutes from the start of intervention, with 7 days interval between the applications of different interventions. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α < 0.05).Results: While sorbitol produces no change in plaque pH, nanoHAP-lozenge increased the plaque pH from a baseline of 7.0 ± 0.3 (mean ± sd) to 7.8 ± 0.2 (mean ± sd) within 30 minutes. Sucrose lowered the plaque pH from a baseline of 7.0 ± 0.4 (mean ± sd) to the lowest minimum of 5.1 ± 0.1 (mean ± sd) at the 7th minute, rising above the critical pH of enamel dissolution (5.5) at 12th minute and the baseline pH in more than 30 minutes. With lozenge intervention following sucrose challenge, plaque pH rose to 5.5 in 8 min, and to the baseline pH in 24 min. The cH area (Hydrogen ion concentration area) produced by sucrose (1.82 sq. units) was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that produced when sucrose was challenged with lozenge (0.48 sq. units).Conclusion: Nanohydroxyapatite-containing lozenge increased plaque pH, reduced plaque pH drop in the presence of sucrose, and facilitated the rapid recovery of plaque pH after sucrose intake.Keywords: dental plaque, nanohydroxyapatite, demineralization, buffering, lozenge

Permanent magnets are essential components of electromechanical devices. Majority of magnets are used in permanent magnet motors that have extensive application in relation to energy efficiency and sustainability like electric vehicles. This research is aimed for efficient manufacturing of FeCrCo permanent magnets. Electromagnets could be utilized for the generation of continuous magnetic field to use in number of manufacturing processes. A two-pole electromagnet, comprising of two solenoids each having 2200 turns of copper wire, was developed. The system was designed to produce magnetic field up to 10 kilo Gauss for spinodal decomposition of FeCrCo alloy samples under thermomagnetic treatment process. Being rare earth free alloys, FeCrCo magnet is gaining research focus as an alternative magnetic alloy for advanced applications. The electromagnetic system design was refined and confirmed by using the Finite Element Method. The experimental values, of magnetic field generated by the two-pole electromagnet setup, were well close to the simulation results. The magnetizing setup was utilized to treat the FeCrCo magnetic alloy samples simultaneously at high temperature (700 °C) and magnetic field (7 kilo Gauss). This thermo-magnetic setup helped to improve the metallurgical structures of FeCrCo to grow and develop more efficiently. Treated samples of FeCrCo alloy demonstrated enhanced magnetic properties due to effective spinodal decomposition. The improvement in magnetic properties was attributed to the elimination of retained alpha phase and formation of more alpha-1 phase.

The current investigative exploration exemplifies the conceptualization of a novel design intelligent computing paradigm based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) by utilizing radial basis function (RBF) to analyze magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Williamson nanofluid two-dimensional flow along a stretchable sheet under the effect of chemical reaction as well as thermal radiation in a porous medium. This newly designed technique is an amalgam of a well-known reliable global solver named genetic algorithms (GAs) and a swift convergence generated local solver named sequential quadratic programming (SQP) used in ANNs by taking RBF as a kernel function i.e. ANNs-RBF-GASQP solver. The PDEs demonstrating the current nanofluid problem flow are transformed into the system of non-linear ODEs through a relevant similarity transformation and subsequently solved using ANNs-RBF-GASQP solver to investigate thermohydraulic properties by manipulating the values of various system parameters present in the ODEs. Moreover, the simulation results show that increasing the heat source parameter leads to a significant decrease in temperature. Additionally, an increase in the porosity parameter causes a decrease in the velocity of nanofluid, as a higher value of porosity increases fluid permeability and greater resistance to flow. The efficacy of the suggested solver is scrutinized through various statistical and convergence analyses.

Abstract Background The evaluation of undergraduate medical curricula plays a crucial role in ensuring effectiveness and helps in continuous improvement of the learning process. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of online and hybrid teaching models of the first-year MBBS curriculum in the COVID-19 era (2019–20) and the para-COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21). Study methodology Mixed methods study with CIPP model was used. Data was collected by administering a survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) with first-year students from the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 cohorts, faculty and administrators, which were recorded for analysis. Recorded lectures, guidebooks, planners, and question papers were also scrutinized for quality and adequacy. Furthermore, admission merit, module assessments, and professional examination results were compared and correlated. The learning environment was evaluated through the questionnaire (validated and used by Pakistan Medical and Dental council for inspections of medical schools) and the facilities provided in both years were juxtaposed. The study utilized NVIVO for qualitative and SPSS version 23 for quantitative data analysis. Results Contextual analysis underscored the critical need for online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, with provided resources being deemed sufficient. Notably, the student-faculty ratio stood at 4:1, and essential resources were readily available. The fully online batch outperformed the hybrid teaching class in 2020–21. Process analysis revealed successful session delivery in hybrid and online through webinars and Zoom, accompanied by timely provision of study guides and punctual assessments. Moreover, examination papers demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.61) in core subjects. Product analysis indicated that the 2020–21 cohort performed better in modular and professional examinations across all subjects (P

Abstract The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha−1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha−1). The band application responded better on nodes plant−1, sympodial branches plant−1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased.

Abstract NS1 is an elusive dengue protein, involved in viral replication, assembly, pathogenesis, and immune evasion. Its levels in blood plasm are positively related to disease severity like thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, and vascular leakage. Despite its pathogenic roles, NS1 is being used in various vaccine formulations due to its sequence conservancy, ability to produce protective antibodies and low risk for inducing antibody-dependent enhancement. In this study, we have used bioinformatics tools and reported literature to develop an NS1 variant (dNS1). Molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the receptor-binding ability of the NS1 and dNS1 with TLR4. NS1 and dNS1 (153 to 312 amino acid region) genes were cloned, expressed and protein was purified followed by refolding. Docking studies showed the binding of NS1 and dNS1 with the TLR4 receptor which suggests that N and C-terminal sequences of NS1 are not critical for receptor binding. Antibodies against NS1 and dNS1 were raised in rabbits and binding affinity of anti-dNS1 anti-NS1 sera was evaluated against both NS1 and dNS1. Similar results were observed through western blotting which highlight that N and C-terminal deletion of NS1 does not compromise the immunogenic potential of dNS1 hence, supports its use in future vaccine formulations as a substitute for NS1.

Background & Aims: The article aims to evaluate trends in occupational radiation exposure for employees in different departments at the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (CENAR), Quetta, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This retrospective study examination of 9780 film dosimeter dose data was carried out from 2019 to 2023. The quantities analyzed were the highest and minimum annual effective doses, distribution of workers, and their average yearly effective doses in different effective dose intervals. The annual collective effective dose and average effective dosage were also included. Results: Yearly average effective doses in Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, and Diagnostic Radiology range from 0.5 to 3.00 mSv. Records show that 90% of workers fall within 1-3.00 mSv, with 10% between 0.5 mSv and the minimum detectable level. Minimum and maximum yearly individual doses in Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine are 0.10 mSv and 2.3 mSv. Average doses for the fields range from 1.01 to 1.14 mSv. Conclusion: Employees received doses that were lower than the yearly maximum, showing successful radiation shielding. The findings imply that safety measures are followed in the researched departments, which is important for clinical practice. This research improves our understanding of occupational radiation exposure, notably at CENAR, and promotes radiation safety in medical settings.

In today's electricity markets, accurate electricity price forecasting provides valuable insights for decision-making among participants, ensuring reliable operation of the power system. However, the complex characteristics of electricity price time series hinder accessibility to accurate price forecasting. This study addressed this challenge by introducing a novel approach to predicting prices in the Peruvian electricity market. This approach involved preprocessing the monthly electricity price time series by addressing missing values, stabilizing variance, normalizing data, achieving stationarity, and addressing seasonality issues. After this, six standard base models were employed to model the time series, followed by applying three ensemble models to forecast the filtered electricity price time series. Comparisons were conducted between the predicted and observed electricity prices using mean error accuracy measures, graphical evaluation, and an equal forecasting accuracy statistical test. The results showed that the proposed novel ensemble forecasting approach was an efficient and accurate tool for forecasting monthly electricity prices in the Peruvian electricity market. Moreover, the ensemble models outperformed the results of earlier studies. Finally, while numerous global studies have been conducted from various perspectives, no analysis has been undertaken using an ensemble learning approach to forecast electricity prices for the Peruvian electricity market.

Abstract The improvement of thermal exchange is of utmost interest in a wide range of engineering areas. The current study focuses on thermal evaluation involving natural radiation and convection in a fractionally arranged moving longitudinal fin model placed under a magnetic field. We implement the Levenberg Marquardt backpropagation (LMB) algorithm for investigating an innovative use of stochastic numerical computation for analyzing the efficiency of the temperature distribution in a porous moving longitudinal fin. The datasets for LMB have been created using a shooting approach for dynamic systems with varying ranges of different parameters. The validation, testing, and training processes are used to simulate networks using the LMB approach for diverse scenarios of moving porous fin models. The reliability of results is assessed based on the regression measures, absolute error, error histograms, mean square error, and other metrics for fuller numerical modeling of the suggested LMB to investigate the thermal efficiency and effectiveness of porous moving fin.

Abstract Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension after 20 gestational weeks, is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms leading to preeclampsia are unclear; however, there is evidence of high heritability. We evaluated the association of polygenic scores (PGS) for blood pressure traits and preeclampsia to assess whether there is shared genetic architecture. Non-Hispanic Black and White reproductive age females with pregnancy indications and genotypes were obtained from Vanderbilt University’s BioVU, Electronic Medical Records and Genomics network, and Penn Medicine Biobank. Preeclampsia was defined by ICD codes. Summary statistics for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and pulse pressure (PP) PGS were acquired from Giri et al. Associations between preeclampsia and each PGS were evaluated separately by race and data source before subsequent meta-analysis. Ten-fold cross validation was used for prediction modeling. In 3504 Black and 5009 White included individuals, the rate of preeclampsia was 15.49%. In cross-ancestry meta-analysis, all PGSs were associated with preeclampsia (ORDBP = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.17, p = 7.68 × 10−3; ORSBP = 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.23, p = 2.23 × 10−6; ORPP = 1.14, 95% CI 1.07–1.27, p = 9.86 × 10−5). Addition of PGSs to clinical prediction models did not improve predictive performance. Genetic factors contributing to blood pressure regulation in the general population also predispose to preeclampsia.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal potential of prickly pear cladode and its hepatoprotective role in different groups of diarrhea‐induced mice. Mice received cefixime (4 mg/kg of bw) and different concentrations of aqueous cladode extract (250 mg/kg of bw, 500 mg/kg of bw and 1000 mg/kg of bw). Feces Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 was used to assess antidiarrheal potential and hematological, biochemical parameters, and histopathological analyses were carried out for 17 days. The results showed that administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 in mice produced liver injuries with histological damage, whereas 1000 mg/kg of bw cladode extract reduced the Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 load of feces earlier as compared to the other groups during 17 days. Hematological parameters, like red blood cells (RBCs) (6.19 ± 1.85 × 106/mm3) and hemoglobin (Hb) (10.06 ± 2.03 g/dL), of negative control group decreased, while white blood cells (WBCs) (13.46 × 106/mm3) increased from reference values. In lipid profile, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (9.0 ± 2.41 mg/dL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (6.07 ± 2.45 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (TC) (35.22 ± 8.29 mg/dL) of negative control group decreased, while triglycerides (TG) (168.35 ± 71.75 mg/dL) increased from reference values. Alanine transferase (ALT) (60.30 ± 20.33 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (359.9 ± 100.05 IU/L) and aspartate transferase (AST) (168.77 ± 66.61 IU/L) of negative control group increased from reference values. Urea (27.36 ± 10.54 mmol/L) and creatinine (35.29 ± 12.15 mmol/L) of the negative control group increased. Cefixime also ameliorated injuries due to the administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430. Conclusively, these findings indicated that pure aqueous extract of cladode showed more promising results regarding antidiarrheal potential. Hence, cladode might be used in food and supplement formulations as a functional ingredient.

Abstract There is a growing interest in standardizing the biocompatible, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly manufacturing techniques for metallic nanostructures due to their widespread applications in the industrial and medical sectors. In recent decades, green synthesis has been proven as the most suitable technique for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. The present research study investigates the use of Cassia angustifolia (senna) leaves and Pistacia vera (Pistachio) nuts to prepare crude aqueous extracts, ethanolic extracts, and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The prepared aqueous extracts were used as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents for the production of silver nanoparticles. These AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The outcomes validated the formation of stable AgNPs with bioactive functional components. In vitro antibacterial, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials were assessed by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test, MIC test, MBC test, MTT assay, BSA denaturation inhibition assay, and DPPH antioxidant assay, respectively. Results confirmed that the tested plant extract possesses a variety of bioactive compounds with various biological activities and is therapeutically effective. These findings verified that C. angustifolia and P. vera are promising bioresources for the synthesis of therapeutic extracts and nanostructures with commendable therapeutic potency.

Abstract Background Traditional farming practices of remote highland regions are usually well adapted to the local agro-ecological and social conditions. There, introduced agricultural innovation geared towards sustainable intensification as a response to changing environments often faces multiple barriers. These may comprise limited market incentives for enhanced production, narrow pathways of knowledge transmission, and infrastructural hurdles. To quantify effects of innovation and sustainable intensification in enhancing smallholders’ livelihoods in the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan, the present study was conducted with 86 small-holder farmers. We chose interviewees who are involved in the cultivation, processing and/or trading of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), a traditionally important currently eroding fruit crop of the Central Asian highlands. By investigating the status quo of apricot production and producers’ innovative farming practices, we generated an intensification index based on simple agronomic indicators. Explanatory farm and framers’ characteristics, production characteristics, knowledge, and apricot management were tested for their predictive power. Results Although the data show low average profits of 3.8 US$ tree−1, we found that intensified apricot production can contribute to the provision of nutritious food and increased household income. Age and training of farmers were key factors fostering innovation, while lacking awareness of innovative practices was attributed to slow communication. Rejection of intensification was either due to low-value attribution towards apricot farming or risk aversion. Commonly adopted innovations, particularly sulfur drying, were either well integrated with traditional practices or characterized by low up-front costs and high returns on investment. Conclusions Management intensification may increase farmers’ incomes and retard abandonment of apricot farming and the consecutive loss of associated benefits, such as diversified farm output and improved ecosystem services. Graphical Abstract

Pakistan has limited natural gas reserves, and most are found onshore. This article reports on the problems of an onshore gas gathering network (GGN) analysed through steady-state simulation modelling using PIPESIM software. The research methodology incorporates a comprehensive steady-state hydraulic analysis considering fluid flowing velocity limitations, liquid holdup and slugging along with other issues faced by gas gathering networks. The steady-state hydraulic analysis has led us to pinpoint specific GGN pipelines facing critically low gas velocities and consequent liquid holdup. Addressing these issues involved application of PIPESIM software for modelling, considering various operating schemes of gas-producing wells and their associated pipelines. To select an optimal operating scheme, the study utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for operational optimization, to identify the most effective solution for reduced liquid holdup, improving production, and ensuring the safe operation among available alternatives. Findings from our hydraulic analysis highlight the importance of reducing GGN outlet pressure to mitigate challenges associated with liquid holdup which causes slugging and back pressure effect at source leading to low production and poor performance of the GGN. Study of three alternative cases reveals that decreasing outlet pressure lowers the liquid holdup, improve gas flowing velocities, and enhanced overall production. These findings validate our hypothesis that reducing GGN outlet pressure is a viable strategy to lower the liquid holdup in pipelines. This research offers significant value by providing a comprehensive solution to GGN liquid holdup, low flowing velocities, back pressure and low production challenges. The integration of steady-state hydraulic analysis, simulation modelling with PIPESIM, and the application of AHP for optimization contributes novel insights into the optimization of operation of gas gathering networks. Emphasizing the reduction of liquid holdup and enhancing production through outlet pressure adjustments offers a practical framework for optimizing the functionality of gas gathering networks.

In high-speed microelectronic communication, efficient and reliable radome-enclosed antenna performance is highly desired, which depends on consistent dielectric, mechanical properties, and low moisture absorption. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dielectric properties of fiber-polymer matrix composite (PMC) radome over wideband frequency and the impact of environmental aging on its performance. The dielectric constant (Ɛr) of the SF/E0.8 (80% fiber loading) composite radome material decreased to 4% from its original value (3.93), and dielectric loss (δ) was reduced by 11% from 0.035 (2–18 GHz), while SEM morphology indicated fair interface bonding. Employing the Hallberg and Peck model, equivalent aging time (5–25 years), upon accelerated environmental aging, Ɛr was increased up to 3.69%, δ to 9.68%, and the moisture uptake in the SF/E0.8 composite was increased from 1.13% to 1.67%, while tensile strength was retained up to 90.62% of its original value (147.83 MPa), compression strength up to 93.56% of its original value (388.54 MPa), flexural strength up to 85.44% of its original value (286.77 MPa), and interlaminar shear strength up to 77.66% of its original value (22.03 MPa), respectively. SF/E0.8 radome-enclosed antenna gain was decreased to 1%, and the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was increased to 1.04% from their original values. This gradual and small deviation of SF/Ex composite properties and radome electrical performance over the extended aging time is referred to as reliable and effective for radome applications.

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates are renewable, and biocompatible plastics having physiochemical properties similar to petrochemical plastics, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Two bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were selected to produce the PHA. The standard carbon source was glucose while molasses and banana peels were cheaper carbon substrates used in a medium to grow the bacterial strains. Sudan black B and Nile blue A staining were used to confirm the PHA production via spread plate assay. PHA granules were observed inside the bacterial cell microscopically, using Sudan stain. The carbohydrate concentration was estimated in molasses (29.4mg/mL) and banana peel extract (9.8mg/mL) by the Phenol-sulfuric acid test. In batch fermentation, time profiles of PHA production and growth of microbial strains for every 3hrs were performed up to incubation of 48hrs at 150rpm. PHA was extracted by sodium dodecyl sulfate digestion and chloroform extraction method. PHA production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1.120g/L (66.82%) and 0.380g/L (44.60%) while in Bacillus subtilis was 0.476g/L (53.84%) and 0.288g/L (39.18%) utilizing molasses and banana peels, respectively after 48hrs. FTIR characterized the PHA monomer as polyhydroxybutyrate having a C=O bond at 1697.8cm-1 and 1750.0cm-1 and a CH3 group at 1395.9cm-1 and 1458.3cm-1. A statistical significance between the PHA productions was calculated by applying an unpaired t-test, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant difference was observed between glucose with both substrates, while for Bacillus subtilis, a significant difference was noted only between glucose and peel extract.