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A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the effect of temperature variations of water bath along with the sample's storage duration on the results of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT), being developed for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Furthermore, association of GCT results and duration of tuberculosis, tuberculosis + Hepatitis C virus positive, hepatitis C virus infected and control negative humans was also assessed. The blood samples from tuberculosis positive as well as negative humans and animals were collected and carried GCT with the variation of storage duration and temperature at which test performed (V1-V6). The demographic data of all individuals along with blood samples was also collected. Hematological and serum biochemical analysis was also performed. The results showed the significantly (P<0.05) lower time for coagulation of blood samples by the glutaraldehyde in TB positive than negative cases in all variations of temperature and samples storage time, with the remarkable difference in humans than animals. Time taken for coagulation was less than 10min when tuberculosis disease was of less than six months' duration and was around 10min when the disease was of more than six months. The coagulation time for tuberculosis + HCV and HCV alone were non-significantly (P>0.05) different from the control group. Increased fibrinogen level in tuberculosis positive humans and animals and decrease in hepatitis patients confirmed the relationship of fibrinogen level with coagulation time of the glutaraldehyde test. The diagnostic value of the glutaraldehyde test for human and animal tuberculosis has been highly speculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convective mode of heat transfer is mainly due to the bulk motion of the fluid. Its turbulent nature and enhanced heat transfer coefficients have always attracted the academic, scientific community, and industrialists for many decades. The current research is based on the experimental and theoretical investigations on the turbulent convective heat transfer in swirling (60–300 rpm) steam (1–3 bars) injection into cocurrently flowing water. An exponential increase in the convective heat transfers up till the most swollen part of the swirling steam‐water volume of fluids has been observed. However, the convective heat transfer of the remaining part of the steam's plume shows an almost stagnant decreasing trend. The range of Rayleigh number that supports the transition in trends of the convective heat fluxes is 2.84 × 1011–3.71 × 1011. This transition affects the magnitude of the convective heat fluxes and the extent of the effective momentum fluxes, which is evident in the dominant role of the flow instabilities acting across the length of the steam's plume. Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis also has supported the exhibition of the heat fluxes magnitudes under the influence of the interacting Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities and inertial instabilities across and along with the cocurrently acting shear layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Reactors have exhaust stacks that emit filtered radioactive gaseous waste into the atmosphere. In this research work, to check whether the radioactive gaseous waste met the requirements of ANSI/HPS N13.1–2011 mixing criteria, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed. According to ANSI criteria, Coefficient of Variance (COV) of velocity uniformity, flow angle, tracer gas, and aerosol particles concentration should be less than 20%. Therefore, the COV of the four parameters at different sampling positions along the stack height, with eight tracer gas and eight particles injection cases, were analyzed. The COV of velocity at 6 m height is 17.5% and flow cyclone is 9.8 degree. The results indicated that the 6 m height of the stack is enough for cyclone angle and COV of velocity to fulfill the ANSI mixing criteria. The COV of tracer gas concentration in one to eight injection cases is 10%, 4.8%, 7.5%, 17%, 2.5%, 6%, 13%, and 5% at 14 m stack height so the tracer gas also satisfied the standard mixing criteria in a concise length of 14 m because of the minimal difference in densities of tracer gas and air. However, due to their much higher density, aerosol particles took much longer to mix into the air. At 60 m stack height, the COV of aerosol particle concentration in one to eight injection cases is 14.8%, 18%, 8%, 12%, 11%, 15%, 15.5%, and 2%, respectively. As a result, when the stack height is set to 60 m, the COV of velocity, cyclone flow angle, tracer gas concentration, and aerosol particle concentration are found to meet the ANSI mixing criteria. Therefore, the minimum recommended height of the stack is proposed to be 60 m for the case under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exergy analysis for both double effect series and parallel configurations of ARS. • Effect of temperatures of all the components of ARS & distribution ratio was evaluated. • Study of crystallization & effect of various parameters on the crystallization limit. • Exergy efficiency of parallel configuration was 15% higher than series configuration. • Implementation of global optimization algorithm to ensure the global solution. World energy demand is continuously increasing due to population growth, extensive urbanization and rapid industrialization as growth in global energy demand will rise by 30% in 2040. This demand can be met by utilizing traditional and alternative energy resources and by enhancing energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of an energy intensive process may be improved by utilization of waste or low grade energy, design and operation optimization, and running the plant in flexible mode with improved control strategies. Waste heat of an industrial plant can be utilized by employing the so called absorption refrigeration systems (ARS). ARS is capable of utilizing the low quality energy or waste heat which otherwise may have been lost as compared to conventional compression refrigeration system (CRS) where huge quantity of electricity is required for compression of the refrigerant. One of the major concerns associated with ARS is its low efficiency. Efficiency improvement of ARS can be achieved by analyzing and optimizing the various configurations of ARS using any mathematical technique. In the present work, the aim is to analyze and maximize the performance of ARS using exergy efficiency instead of conventional coefficient of performance (COP) approach. Both the series and parallel flow configurations have been considered for the analysis and optimization. Thermodynamic model has been implemented in MATLAB® using the best available correlations for phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties. Operating conditions including temperatures of all the units of both configurations of ARS and distribution ratio for parallel configuration have been optimized. Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the operating conditions. The effect of distribution ratio and effectiveness of heat exchanger on the maximum allowable temperature of low pressure generator (LPG) and high pressure generator (HPG) to avoid crystallization has also been evaluated. Exergy efficiency of parallel flow configuration came out to be 6.45% more than that of series flow configuration at nominal operating conditions. At optimal operating conditions, exergy efficiency improved by 11.6% and 20.81% for series and parallel flow configurations, respectively. Furthermore, exergy efficiency for parallel flow configuration is 15.1% higher than series flow configuration at optimal operating conditions. The effect of variation of effectiveness of solution heat exchangers on the optimization results has also been evaluated. Effect of weather conditions, type of energy source, application for solvent cooling and variable cooling load also needs to be considered in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1– x)BaTiO 3 – x Bi(Mg 0.5 Ce 0.5)O 3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) ceramics were prepared via a solid-state sintering route to investigate their structural, dielectric, impedance and energy storage properties. Phase analysis revealed tetragonal to pseudo-cubic phase transition in compositions with x ≥ 0.06. Doping of BaTiO 3 with Bi(Mg 0.5 Ce 0.5)O 3 decreased the average grain size from ≥ 10 µm to submicron level which decreased the electrical conductivity and increased the electrical breakdown strength up to 250 kV cm−1. The observed decrease in bulk resistance with an increase in temperature demonstrated a typical negative temperature coefficient of resistance-type behavior for these ceramics. The x = 0.08 composition exhibited a high energy storage density (∼1.84 J cm−3) with a recoverable energy density (∼1.26 J cm−3) and an electrical breakdown strength ∼250 kV cm−1. The obtained results demonstrate that this ceramic can be considered to be a good candidate for application in advanced pulsed power capacitors. • Energy storage properties of a new BaTiO 3 based lead free relaxor ferroelectric is reported. • W s of 1.84 J cm−3 is achieved under a high dielectric breakdown strength of 250 kV cm−1. • Introduction of BMC led to a decrease of grain size upto submicron level that reduced the electrical conductivity, and increased the dielectric breakdown strength. • Bulk resistance was decreased with an increase in temperature showing a typical negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) type behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1–x) Ba 0.55 Sr 0.45 TiO 3 –xBi(Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5)O 3 (x = 0, 0.08, 0.1, 0.12, 0.15, 0.2) ceramics were fabricated via a solid-state reaction route. The ultrahigh recoverable energy density (W rec = 4.05 J cm−3), efficiency (η = 78%), maximum polarization (P max = 51.40 μC cm−2), and high dielectric breakdown strength (BDS = 230 kV cm−1) were achieved for the 0.9BST−0.1BMT ceramic. The fast discharge rate (t 0.9 ∼0.14 μs), current density (C D ∼637.02 A cm−2), high power density (P D ∼38.70 MW cm−3), good temperature stability (20−180 °C), frequency stability (10−500 Hz), and fatigue endurance for cycling (105) of 0.9BST−0.1BMT ceramic make it suitable for the development of energy-storage devices. The relaxor behavior with a high W rec (3.06 J cm−3) and η (93%) at BDS (220 kV cm−1) was also achieved for the 0.8BST−0.2BMT ceramic. This study systematically investigates the correlation among the structural, dielectric, impedance, and energy storage properties of BMT-doped BST ceramics. • (1–x)Ba 0.55 Sr 0.45 TiO 3 –xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O 3 (x = 0–0.2) ceramics were fabricated via a solid-state reaction route. • Impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the electrical properties of the (1– x)BST–xBMT ceramics. • The ultrahigh W r ec (4.05 J cm−3) and η (78%) at BDS (230 kV cm−1) were achieved for the 0.9BST−0.1BMT ceramic. • The composition (x = 0.1) possesses promising pulsed charging–discharging response, temperature stability , frequency stability, and fatigue endurance. • These ceramics have the potential for their possible applications in advanced pulsed power capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr5Ta4TiO17 ceramics was processed via solid state mixed oxide sintering route. X-ray diffraction revealed single phase formation of Sr5Ta4TiO17 ceramics that crystallized into an orthorhombic crystal structure with a space group Pnnm with lattice parameters of a = 5.681 Å, b = 32.542 Å and c = 3.968 Å, refined by the least squares method. The unit cell density (ρth) was 6.71 g/cm3. The microstructure consisted of plate-like grains and the average size was increased from 2 μm to 5 μm with an increase in sintering temperature from 1450 °C to 1575 °C. Optimum microwave dielectric properties, i.e. єr ~ 66,Qufo ~ 8500 GHz and τf ~ 180 ppm/°C, were achieved for Sr5TaTiO17 ceramics sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of Sr2-x(Ca1-yMgy)xCe2Ti5O16 (x=0, and 2 with y=0 and 1) ceramics prepared via mix oxide route were investigated. For x=2, y=1, CeO2 apparently formed as the major phase along with a second phase identical to MgTi2O5. In the present study, τf of Sr2Ce2Ti5O16 ceramic was tuned through 0 ppm/°C at the cost of a decrease in εr from 109 to 23.1 and an increase in the Qufo value from 13452 to 22450 GHz. In the present study, εr~23.1, Qufo~22450 GHz and τf~−30.4 ppm/°C was achieved for the composition with x=2, y=1 (i.e., CeO2 and MgTi2O5 mixture) sintered at 1250°C/4h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bubble-based drag model at the local-grid level is proposed to simulate gas-solid flows in bubbling fluidized beds of Geldart A particles. In this model, five balance equations are derived from the mass and the momentum conservation. This set of equations along with necessary correlations for bubble diameter and voidage of emulsion phase is solved to obtain seven local structural parameters (uge, upe, εe, δb, ub, db, and ab) which describe heterogeneous flows of bubbling fluidized beds. The modified drag coefficient obtained from the above-mentioned structural parameters is then incorporated into the two-fluid model to simulate the hydrodynamics of Geldart A particles in a lab-scale bubbling fluidized bed. The comparison between experimental and simulation results for the axial and radial solids concentration profiles is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The injection of steam into the water or saline involve intermittent wave structures that can affect the mass and heat transfer within fluid domain. It may be analogous to the processes prevailed in milk sterilization process as the boiling point of the saline water ∼100.50C is nearly the same as the milk. Steam was injected into the rectangular duct at varying gauge pressure of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 bars and the proximity sensors were used to determine the disturbances over the surface of the saline water, read as the amplitudes of the waves. The wavy profiles thus found as a result of intermittent injection of steam into the saline water included the longitudinal waves, reflected waves cross-channel transverse and the edge waves. The normalized wave provided the spatial locations for the interaction regions between the surface gravity waves with the longitudinally propagating waves. The longitudinal waves and reflected waves reveals the length scales at which the incident longitudinal waves have been dissipated. These waves have been dissipated 80-90% of their amplitudes due to viscous dissipation. Thus, the relation between their growth rate and injection time has been defined based on the observed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 is wreaking havoc all around the globe, and Pakistan bears no exception. This study explores Pakistan's response toward controlling COVID‐19 Pandemic from the day the 1st case was reported, February 26, 2020, in Pakistan until August 31, 2020. It explores the administrative conflicts among federal and provincial governments and political behaviors of political parties toward the COVID‐19 pandemic by referring Government Response Index. By applying the ARDL model approach, results show that since the administrative harmony had been implemented in Pakistan in July 2020, its positive impact on combating the COVID‐19 situation in Pakistan and substantial improvement in recovered cases and a downward trend new confirmed and fatal cases has observed in Pakistan. The findings demonstrate that administrative efforts scattered due to internal conflicts from February to mid‐July 2020 have ended, and collective aggressive policy enforcement has been mitigating the adverse impact of COVID‐19 in Pakistan since July to date. However, sustainable measures and prudent policy implications are needed to combat the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and future calamities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ammonia from small-scale sorption-enhanced and dual-bed gasification was compared. • Sorption-enhanced gasification showed the lowest ammonia production cost ($692/t NH 3) while abating 2.8 t CO 2 /t NH 3. • Carbon credits can boost the viability of small biomass gasification plants. Biomass gasification is a green and efficient pathway for lowering the carbon footprint of ammonia production. Decentralized, small-scale biomass gasification plants (<150 t NH 3 /day output) are more practical than large plants due to sustainable large-scale biomass supply constraints. Small-scale biomass gasification for ammonia production faces the challenges of high energy consumption and production costs. Process intensification through sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG) integrates steam gasification and in-situ CO 2 separation using regenerable CaO sorbents, directly producing hydrogen-rich syngas (∼70 vol%), which streamlines syngas conditioning and increases cost-effectiveness. Two SEG process configurations for small-scale biomass-to-ammonia (∼45000 t of agricultural residues/year) were proposed: SEG process A, which produced low-carbon ammonia without air separation, and SEG process B, which employed an air separation unit to deliver carbon-negative ammonia by capturing CO 2. The two processes were compared against a dual fluidized bed gasification (DFBG) process, which generated green ammonia without an air separation, like SEG process A. Of the three cases, SEG process B showed the lowest biomass (2.14 t biomass/t NH 3) and water consumption (0.47 t H 2 O/t NH 3) and avoided 2.8 t CO 2 /t NH 3 , making it carbon-negative. While the DFBG process and SEG process A had higher energy efficiencies, SEG process B posted the lowest net energy consumption (36.6 GJ/t NH 3). Furthermore, SEG process B had the lowest ammonia production cost ($692/t NH 3) and payback time (9.4 years), making it the most economically viable. Sensitivity analysis showed that favorable carbon credit policies could boost the economics of SEG process B to match large-scale plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixing of two phase flows can be enhanced by modifying the inner surface of gas/vapor injection chamber. In the present study, we perform experimental PIV investigation focusing the planar region across the supersonic steam jet injection into the water in a transparent rectangular duct 4 ft high. Axial pressure profile of the rectangular channel is obtained to highlight the impact of inner surface modifications of supersonic nozzle on the steam-water interfacial hydrodynamics for inlet pressure ranging between 1.5 and 3.0 bars. Results show elongation of the vortical structures with increase in pressure. The profile of the spatial scalar fluctuations intensity decreases with peaks at certain locations indicating formation of shocks within the steam jet in the upstream region. Turbulence induced mixing is observed as the interfacial structure breaks down causing local minima. However, due to the inner surface modifications the local minima shifted from the nozzle's exit up to 1.7% lengthwise than the smooth inner surface. The intensity of high pressure locations are found to be vary between 4 and 5% along the flow channel. However, due to the inner surface modifications, the lengths of the high pressure crests reduced by 3.4–5.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg0:95Ni0:05Ti0:98Zr0:02O3 ceramics was prepared via conventional solid-state mixed-oxide route. The phase, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of the sintered samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a vector network analyzer. The microstructure comprised of circular and elongated plate-like grains. The semi quantitative analysis (EDS) of the circular and elongated grains revealed the existence of Mg0:95Ni0:05T2O5 as a secondary phase along with the parent Mg0:95Ni0:05Ti0:98Zr0:02O3 phase, which was consistent with the XRD findings. In the present study, εr ~17.1, Qufo~195855 ± 2550 GHz and τf ~ -46 ppm/K was achieved for the synthesized Mg0:95Ni0:05Ti0:98Zr0:02O3 ceramics sintered at 1325 °C for 4 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments have shown that various structures (e.g., the streamer, cluster, void and bubble) can be clearly observed in gas-solid fluidized beds. These structures affect the overall behavior of flow, mass/heat transfer and reactions significantly and should be accounted for in simulations of gas-solid flow. For the purpose of riser flow simulation, the structure-based drag model has already been proposed based on the description of meso-scale clusters, and incorporated into the framework of a two-fluid model to calculate the effective drag force. However, there is still no clear agreement about the characterization of clusters, such as the cluster shape, size and orientation. In contrast, it is easier to describe and measure the characteristic size of visible bubbles. Here, we attempt to upgrade the bubble-based EMMS model which was established for bubbling fluidized beds originally, and then extend it to simulations of heterogeneous gas-solid flows in CFB risers. Numerical analysis on this new model reveals that it is capable of predicting two turning points, where the flow state is transforming rapidly from uniform to heterogeneous distribution. The predicted voidage in the dense phase is qualitatively consistent with experimental data in the literature. To evaluate this new drag, finally, CFB riser simulations have been carried out by coupling of the two-fluid model and the bubble-based EMMS drag. The results show good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of tourism on sustainable development while considering institutional quality as a moderating variable. Moreover, exchange rate, urbanization, household consumption, per capita income and renewable energy per capita were also essential factors in determining sustainable development. The sample consists of 64 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2003–2018. The outcomes of the two-step system GMM confirmed the statistically significant and positive dynamic nature of sustainable development and its relationship with tourism and other determinants at a significance level of 1% for BRI countries. Institutional quality enhanced the 4.693% sustainability path to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda with regionally interconnected countries at significance level of 1%. Renewable energy per-capita and income per-capita played a significant and positive role, while the exchange rate, household consumption, and urbanization negatively influenced by hurting thd path of sustainable development. The current research findings have valuable contributions to academics as it offers novel insights about the 0. 351% influence of tourism on sustainable development at significance level of 1%, and it proposes valued suggestions to policymakers concerning tourism development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Thermo-economic analysis of dry feed IGCC co-generation designs for lignite coal. • Co-generation of methane, ammonia and electricity with CO 2 capture was considered. • Scenarios of flexible production and variable market prices were investigated. • Flexible operation with high methane production has maximum revenue. • ARS-IGCC integration caused an increase in efficiency and reduction in emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions have become a major issue during power generation from coal due to global warming effects. Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power system has been acknowledged as a rare existing opportunity to utilize low-quality solid fuels with reduced emissions and co-generation of power, fuels and chemicals. Country like, Pakistan, where huge reserves of low-quality coal are present can benefit from this technology. In this work, the steady-state thermodynamic and economic evaluation of IGCC co-generation system has been performed for methane and ammonia production along with power generation. Gasification of coal has been simulated using entrained flow Shell gasifier under thermochemical equilibrium with the Gibbs free energy approach using local Thar lignite in Aspen Plus® V.11. The designs simulated include, IGCC 100% power with and without carbon capture, and IGCC co-generation system with carbon capture with varied production of methane, ammonia and electricity. Thermal efficiency, cost of electricity and CO 2 avoided costs have been evaluated for 100% power design. Total capital in the form of total overnight cost and operating cost (fixed and variable) has been evaluated to account annualized expenditure for co-generation designs. Absorption refrigeration system (ARS) has been integrated with IGCC designs to meet the partial chilling requirement of lean solvent in Selexol process, which caused the reduction in CO 2 emission because of reduced auxiliary power consumption. The net electrical efficiency of 100% power (design-2) is 32.33%, and the improved efficiency after ARS integration is 32.61%. The performance of co-generation designs is evaluated by estimating annualized revenue and annualized expenditures. One of the co-generation cases (design-4) with high methane, low ammonia and medium electricity generation, showed better performance with respect to reduced GHG emissions at almost same revenue to expenditure ratio as compared to design-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slug flow in a superhydrophobic microchannel with a T-junction was studied computationally. The continuous phase passed through the main channel while the dispersed phase1 through the side channel. The volume of fluid (VOF) was employed to track the interface to study the dynamics of slug flow. First, a mesh independence study was carried out to select the optimum mesh by comparison of CFD results with experimental data. The developed model of microchannel was used to study slug flow heat transfer enhancement for micro cooling of electronic chips. The constant heat flux was applied on the walls of the microchannels and the axial wall temperature profile was noted. Upon quantification of heat transfer augmentation in terms of wall temperature reduction, Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient enhancement, it was noted that slug flow performed much better vis-à-vis single-phase flows at similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian economies are experiencing issues of governance and economic deprivation. Further, the lack of good governance itself is a considerable hurdle to economic development and growth. This study analyses the relationship of control of corruption, state fragility index, external intervention, and the corruption prevalence index with foreign direct investment (FDI) in 25 Asian economies by considering institutional governance and economic causation the time horizon from 2009 to 2019. By application of the two‐step system generalized method of moments estimation, results show that a corruption‐free economic environment acts as a stimulus to FDI, as it depicts good governance practices toward economic progress. Simultaneously, state fragility discourages the FDI because it obstructs FDI in the economic cycle as a state becomes vulnerable. This study suggests that the exchange of bilateral expertise and investment supports from stable economies can play a vital role in its development. Further, it recommends that countries with good governance practices should assist with investment and bilateral contracts to poor and less developed (weak governance) countries to strengthen their economic structure, which takes nations toward the path of prosperity and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a large amount of work being conducted on the thermo-dynamics of the Direct Contact Condensation (DCC), however, not much attention was given to the phenomena particularly active near the steam's nozzle exit. A transparent rectangular upright duct of 4 ft high, was built with a supersonic nozzle positioned at the bottom of the channel to characterize flow behavior near the steam nozzle's exit. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied to draw information on the steam's jet penetration into the water as well as the entrainment and mixing between the two phases under the steam's inlet pressure ranging from 1.5 - 3.0 bars. PIV n01malized contour measurements depicted not appreciable changes in the radial velocity of the jet. Whereas, in the core region of the jet, the change in the jet's velocity was not much till Y/De ~ 4.3 and the vertical velocity of the jet decreased slowly till Y/De ~ 8. The jet's normalized upward velocity attained an optimized value between Y/De ~ 8 and Y/De ~ 9.8. With varying pressures, 1.5 bars to 3.0 bars, the jet expanded radially in water. It was also found in the near nozzle exit region, the shear layer's thickness remained within 0.2 - 0.5 De over the 1.5 - 3.0 bars pressure. Probability Density Function (PDF) analysis of Reynolds shear and normal stresses confirmed the existence of the velocity fluctuations across the shear layer, owing to the large eddies across the steamwater interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We synthesized Bi 0.4806-x Yb x Na 0.4606 Ba 0.0588 Ti 0.98 Al 0.02 O 3 (x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) ceramics via solid state sintering method. • Dense microstructure is observed for all compositions. • High energy-storage density of 1.43 J/cm3, at a breakdown electric of 97 kV/cm is achieved for the composition of x = 0.005. • A good temperature stability satisfying the condition of Δε r /ε r200 °C ≤±15 % in a working temperature range of 20 °C to 500 are obtained for x = 0.005. Bi 0.4806-x Yb x Na 0.4606 Ba 0.0588 Ti 0.98 Al 0.02 O 3 (x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) ceramics were processed using a solid state sintering route. Highly dense microstructure with maximum apparent density was obtained for the composition of x = 0.005. The polarization versus electric field (P-E) loop got relatively slimmer and remnant polarization decreased with an increase in x content. A maximum recoverable energy density of 0.69 J/cm3 at a DBS of 95 kV/cm was obtained at x = 0.005 with its dielectric constant satisfying the condition of Δε r /ε r200 ° C ≤ ±15 % in a working temperature range of 97–383 °C having <0.02 dielectric loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the hydrodynamics of the negatively buoyant supersonic steam jet injected into the water has been investigated based on the effects imparted by its density difference with the water in free and confined configurations. In case of both the upward and downward steam's free injection, the steam jet-water flow has shown a clear deviation from the non-dimensionalized Boussinesq character. However, in the confined injection, the steam jet creates recirculation regions contributing to enhancing mixing with the water. The generation of recirculation regions owes to the existence of the low-pressure regions at the nozzle exit, baroclinic torque and buoyantly influenced flows, which is associated with the density difference between the steam and water and the shear between the two phases. The buoyancy affects the flow domains in a nonuniform manner. It affects the fluctuating quantities marginally in the jet-developing region, and in the middle section, however, its effect is dominant in the steam jet's tip region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an effort to comprehend the description of the vapour-liquid flows associated with the transformation of the phase, which may assist in determining mass, momentum and energy transfer within the interfacial region containing the steam and water. This study describes the development of a void fraction measurement sensory system, which is based on AC based electrodes, referred scientifically as Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) system. ERT sensors based system was applied to emphasize the phenomenon involving supersonic steam injection into a column of water. Data acquisition system supporting the ERT technique was applied for the given time interval and the acquired data was processed by using a free code known as EIDORS. Images thus obtained by use of EIDORS provided a planar picture of supersonic steam jet surrounding by the water in a vessel. Images represent the broadly visible boundaries among steam and water phases, and the turbulent interface between them. It has been found that with rising temperature 30–60°C, the area under the effect of the steam jet has been increased from 46.51–65.40% at 3.0 bar of steam's inlet pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globalization is an inevitable and irresistible process because many regional integrations emerged in the modern era. A global integration analysis, employing a country's governance practices, offers various economic benefits and exerts socio-economic pressures on different economies. This study uses the KOF Globalization Index and Institutional Governance Indicators as explanatory variables and examines their impacts on GDP growth as a dependent variable. The study employed Two-step System GMM with a sample of 45 Asian economies, with the time horizon from 2003 to 2017. The outcomes show that globalization has positively impacted economic growth, sound regulatory control, and political stability. It further states that practical, feasible, and corruption-free or transparent economic policies significantly contribute to the economic progression of Asian economies, and help to achieve sustainable development. The study concludes by suggesting that some economic and governance recommendations strengthen struggling Asian economies by addressing the globalization phenomenon tactfully. Future studies can be explored by globalization's impact on socio-economic development by taking regional integration as a moderating effect, which controls factors such as governance and institutional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explore the effect of behavioral biases on financial decision making in the real estate sector of Pakistan. The data of a sample of 244 real estate investors are collected through a survey carried out using different sources. The findings of the study show the relationship of different biases, including overconfidence, herding effect, gambler's fallacy, and regret aversion on prices of real estate. Real estate prices are more affected by overconfidence and gambler's fallacy than herding effect and regrets aversion bias in Pakistan. The findings furthermore reveal that these biases do not depend on gender, education, and demographics. It is recommended to carefully consider the market factors while making decisions in real estate, as the prices do not always show the real value of the property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1−x)[0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 – 0.06BaTiO3]−xLa0.33NbO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) (BNBT-LN) bulk lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were synthesized via solid-state sintering method. Phase, microstructure and energy storage properties were determined. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a single perovskite phase for compositions of x ≤ 0.02, while the second phase of Bi2Ti2O7 along with the parent phase for x ≥ 0.04. Dense microstructure with a decrease in grain size has been achieved via LN doping. The addition of LN decreased the remnant polarization (Pr), and coercive field (Ec), while increased the difference between the maximum polarization (Pmax) and remnant polarization (Pr). The high energy-storage density of 2.96 J/cm 3 and high recoverable energy density of 1.66 J/cm3 at a breakdown electric field of 214 kV/cm were achieved for the composition of x = 0.02 with good temperature stability satisfying the condition of Δεr /ε r200 °C ≤ ± 15% in a working temperature range of 70 °C to 400 °C. Similarly, a less discharge time of < 4 µs achieved in this study for x = 0.02. These results demonstrate that this material may be a good candidate material for power pulsed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance development against some frequently used insecticides, i.e., deltamethrin (1.5% EC), cypermethrin (10% SC), permethrin (0.5% WP) and DDVP (50% EC) was evaluated against Musca domestica L. Insecticide bioassays were carried out against susceptible and resistant strains at 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 µg/µl concentrations. Mortality data was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Resistance was monitored up to three generations and the flies with higher LD50values than the F1 generation were considered resistant. LD50values for Permethrin increased from 58.258 µg/µl to 85.1375 µg/µl with highest resistance ratio (RR) in F1 to F3. The lowest resistance ratio was observed with DDVP. Maximum inhibition in adult emergence was observed against DDVP. The inhibitory activity of Esterases; Acetylcholine and Phosphatases; ACP, AKP was recorded. Deltamethrin inhibited the maximum activity of AChE (50%), whereas, DDVP caused maximum inhibition of acid phosphatases. The results suggested that house fly populations are more resistant to pyrethroids compared to organophosphate insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of aluminium phosphide (AlP) poisoning is on the rise in Asian countries. The objectives of our study were to determine the distribution of AIP poisoning by sex, age groups & district and its presentation by blood pressure category and oxygen saturation category and its mortality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Emergency Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Fifty eight cases of AIP registered during 2019 were included. The diagnosis was made by history and clinical suspicion. All these cases were managed by standard management protocols. Sex, age groups, district, blood pressure category, oxygen saturation category and presence of mortality were variables; all being categorical were analyzed by count and percentage with 80% confidence interval. Results: Out of 58 AlP poisoning cases, women 34 (58.62%) were more than men 24 (41.38%), with most cases 30 (51.73%) in 10-19 years age group. Most cases 17 (29.31%) were from district Swabi, followed by district Peshawar 16 (27.58%). Most cases presented in non-recordable blood pressure category 19 (32.76%). Most cases 22 (37.93%) presented in oxygen saturation category of = 90%. Out of 58 cases, mortality was 72.41% (42/58), involving more women 24/58 (41.38%) than men 18/58 (31.03%), with most cases 23 (39.66%) in 10-19 years age group. Mortality was highest in non-recordable blood pressure category 19 (32.76%). Mortality was highest 19 (32.76%) in oxygen saturation category of below 90%. Conclusion: Aluminium phosphide (AlP) poisoning is an uncommon, but a dreadful public health problem in population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. It involves women more than men, with most cases in adolescent age group, and in non-recordable blood pressure category. AlP poisoning mortality is very high 72.41% in our population, involving more women than men, with most cases in adolescent age group. Mortality is highest in non-recordable blood pressure category and in oxygen saturation category of below 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the auxiliary information, the paper introduces an enhanced class of regression type estimators. Seven improved regression type estimators are provided, and their biases and MSEs are estimated up to the first degree of approximates. Also presented the conditions under which the proposed estimators lead to superior results compared with other existing estimators. The empirical study in support of the findings is performed to test the efficiency of the proposed estimators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article examines the impact of internal factors such as governance and state fragility on institutional quality in terms of public service fragility (PSF) in Asian economies. Method: This study used the PSF as dependent variables in Asian economies from 2008 to 2018 and applied a two‐step generalized method of moment estimation; government effectiveness (GE), regulatory control (RC), demographic pressure (DP), and Human Capital Index (HCI) as explanatory variables, with population growth and GDP growth rate as control variables. Results: The results show that DPs have significant impacts on PSF, while GE, RC, and efficient human capital utilization have insignificant impacts on PSF. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that DP has a significant impact on public service delivery in Asia compared to other socioeconomic factors. However, with the implication of effective governance policies and by maximum human capital utilization, public services can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr0.6Ca0.4LaAlO4 ceramic was fabricated via solid-state sintering route and the effect of TiO2 addition on its microwave dielectric properties was investigated. Sr0.6Ca0.4LaAlO4 formed as the major phase along with LaAlO3 as a minor phase at 1400 °C. However, the concentration of LaAlO3 phase increased with increase in the sintering temperature and it became a major phase at 1475 °C. Maximum density was obtained for the composition with x = 0 (i.e., Sr0.6Ca0.4LaAlO4 ceramics) sintered at 1450 °C for 4 h. The TiO2 addition lowered the maximum densification temperature to 1400 °C from 1450 °C. The microwave dielectric properties varied linearly with increasing the volume fraction of TiO2 (x value). Relative permittivity (εr) increased from 20.7 to 31.1, Qufo decreased from 95,250 to 65,000 GHz, and τf was tuned through zero and increased from − 29.5 to + 25.4 ppm/°C with increase in the x value from 0 to 0.2. In the present study, εr ≈ 24.8, Qufo ≈ 83,500 GHz, and a near-zero τf ≈ − 2.5 ppm/°C was obtained for the composition with 10wt% addition of TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermal hydraulic study of convective heat transfer in 3 × 3 square array of heated vertical cylinders is carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two different CFD approaches were used, i.e., full structural details (FSD) and porous media modeling (PMM). The computational requirement in PMM declined significantly due the porous media approximation. The PMM only gives the overall flow and temperature field. In the FSD model all the geometry details are presented without any approximation. The PMM and FSD results are compared to experimental data. In general, the prediction of temperature profiles from both PMM and FSD agreed well with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a comparative study between different indoor path loss prediction models is conducted. The investigated models include averaged wall loss model (AWM), single slope model (SSM), linear attenuation model (LM), two slope model (TSM), partitioned model (PM), and Motley-Keenan model (MKM). The models were tested in a simulated environment of the 3rd floor of Chesham building, the University of Bradford, a different set of frequencies were used including 28 GHz, 60 GHz, and 73.5 GHz, TSM shows the best performance, both AWM and MKM tend to have a similar performance at millimetrefrequencies, both models' prediction for corridor and LOS regions are pessimistic while TSM, SSM, and LM have better estimations in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of sedimenting suspensions in two‐dimensional periodic domains using a Eulerian two‐fluid model were performed with the commercial software ANSYS Fluent®. Three particle systems belonging to Geldart groups A and B were selected to gather data on the solids velocity fluctuations. It is proposed that solids velocity fluctuations are composed of local and global parts. Therefore, the solids velocity signal was segregated into low‐frequency and high‐frequency fluctuations using the FFT solver in MATLAB®. A model is proposed to predict the velocity fluctuations of a solid phase at low volume fractions and the model results are compared with the CFD results. The model is capable of capturing the solid particles fluctuation in the dilute limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 and CaTiO3 were prepared separately using solid state reaction method. The effect of CaTiO3 addition on the microwave dielectric properties of Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 was investigated to get low loss and temperature stable ceramics in (1 – x)Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti0.98Zr0.02O3-xCaTiO3 series. Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 formed as the major phase along with Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti2O5 phase that formed as minor secondary phase for the composition with x = 0. Microwave dielectric properties ∈r ~ 17.1, Qufo of 195,855 GHz and τf of –46.3 ppm/°C were obtained for the composition with x = 0. The positive τf value of CaTiO3, tuned the τf value of Mg0.95Ni0.05Ti0.98Zr0.02O3 through zero and ∈r ~ 28.4, Qufo ~ 108,775 GHz and τf ~ 3.1 ppm/°C were attained for x = 0.15 in this study. This composition is the best choice for high frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study has highlighted the key challenges of export competitiveness and puts forth viable solutions for improvements in the readymade garments (RMG) industry to improve market share internationally. Pakistan is a developing country, therefore, defining industry challenges and their possible resolutions have become a very important topic in the business environment of the nation. This article presents the results of a qualitative research study, with primary data collected through an open-ended questionnaire as well as with the interviews of 134 middle and senior marketing managers with 5 to 18 years' experience. The respondents come from readymade garments production units located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Porter's Diamond theory was used with this research study to seek ways of gaining competitive advantages and improving export competitiveness in international markets. With focusing on the factor of conditions (basic and specialized resources), it is identified 100 percent of the responses highlighted the energy crisis as a severe challenge along with the other issues. As for demand conditions, 44 percent of responses highlighted the lack of their own brands. In firm strategy, structure and rivalry, 78 percent of responses identified that the international competition is a great challenge. In related and supporting industries, 70 percent of responses highlighted the lack of innovation, and 90 percent of responses agreed that government policies were key. This study has also sought to provide a number of resolutions to these issues, e.g. the government should develop employee training and development centres, research and development institutes, along with collaboration with financial institutions to obtain funding. This research study has important theoretical and practical implications for several types of industry managers, associations, as well as research and development institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge of rotavirus vaccine among mothers with association of maternal knowledge with education. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted at pediatric unit of a Kuwait Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan among 102 mothers using validated questionnaire through convenient sampling from December 2017 to December 2018. All mothers visiting the Paediatric outpatient as well as staying with Paediatric inpatient were recruited with their permission, whereas admitted and sick mothers were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version- 19. Association of maternal education with mother's knowledge was assessed through Chi square, by setting p values as 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of the participating mothers was 26.47±5.5 years. Only 16% (n=16) mothers were aware about the existence of new vaccine for diarrhea, 82.34% (n=84) had never heard about the vaccine and 2% (n=2) were very ignorant. Knowledge in relation to spread (36.3%), administration (16.7%), dose of rotavirus vaccine (11.8%), age at which first dose is given (34.3%) and type of the disease prevented (37.3%) was poor. Acceptance of rotavirus vaccine was found to be excellent (91.2%). Maternal education had significant association with knowledge and awareness of rotavirus vaccine (p<0.01). However other parameters like dose (p=0.68), spread (p=0.75), administration (p=0.65), age of vaccination (p=0.45) and type of disease prevented (p=0.54) had no significant association with maternal education. CONCLUSION: Awareness of rotavirus vaccine among the mothers of Peshawar was poor, however acceptance was found to be excellent. Maternal education had significant association with knowledge and awareness of rotavirus vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave dielectric properties and microstructure of the new ceramic system (1 − x )Mg(Ti 0.95 Sn 0.05 )O 3 – x CaTiO 3 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) prepared via a mixed-oxide route were investigated. To attain a temperature-stable material, CaTiO 3 was added to Mg(Ti 0.95 Sn 0.05 )O 3 as a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ( τ f ) compensator. The compositions with 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.08 resulted in a mixture of two phases, Mg(Ti 0.95 Sn 0.05 )O 3 and CaTiO 3 , as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analyses. The values of the dielectric constant ( ε r ) and the τ f of the ceramics were found to increase, and the unloaded quality factor ( Q u f o ) was found to decrease with increasing x values (i.e., increasing CaTiO 3 content). Excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε r ≈ 21.5, Q u f o ≈ 112,500 GHz (at 9 GHz), and τ f ≈ 1.1 ppm/°C were attained for the 0.94{Mg(Ti 0.95 Sn 0.05 )O 3 }–0.06CaTiO 3 ceramic sintered at 1375 °C for 4 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CFD study of a turbulent contact absorber (TCA) for Type I and Type II regimes is performed where Eulerian approach is used with closures from using Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF). Liquid holdup (LHU), expanded bed height (EBH) and bed pressure drop were calculated to compare simulation results with experimental data. It is found that CFD can be used confidently to calculate these variables. EBH for Type I regime is more than Type II regime with increasing gas velocity. Slight increase in the EBH is noted with increase in liquid velocity for both regimes. LHU and pressure drop is remains almost constant for all gas velocity, but increases with increasing liquid velocity. It is concluded that the results of EBH, pressure drop, and LHU are in close agreement with the experimental findings. Simulation results are in better agreement with experiments as compared to the results predicted by relevant correlations. [Display omitted] • Liquid holdup study is required to effectively simulate a three-phase contactor. • Counter-current gas-liquid fluctuating boundary condition can be applied via user-defined function. • Computational domain from the bottom should be extended to apply boundary condition. • The pressure drop and liquid holdup study results were better predicted via simulation rather than correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillage practices are generally used to prepare seedbed and to control weeds but frequent use of tillage practices accelerate the degradation of soil resources and creates plough pan. However, zero tillage (ZT) has potential to overcome the tillage-induced restrictions and ensure timely wheat planting as well. Moreover, ZT resulted in poor and erratic emergence while seed priming could be used to improve emergence under ZT. Hence this experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of seed priming to improve wheat performance under varying tillage practices. Wheat seeds were soaked in water for 8 h (on-farm priming), CaCl2 solution (♆s -1.25 MPa; osmopriming) for 18 h and aerated water (hydro-priming) for 18 h. Unprimed dry seeds were used as control. Primed and unprimed seeds were sown under ZT, conventional tillage (CT), deep tillage (DT) and on beds. Zero tilled wheat observed delayed and poor emergence; however, seed priming, osmopriming in particular, resulted earlier and more synchronized emergence under all tillage practices. Zero tilled wheat had more weed prevalence while DT and bed sowing (BS) recorded lesser weeds infestation. Osmopriming resulted in quick and more uniform stand leading to significantly better allometric traits and crop yield. Bed sown wheat using osmoprimed seeds harvested the maximum yield due to increase in all yield related traits while zero tilled wheat using unprimed seeds behaved poorly in this regard. In conclusion, bed sown wheat using osmoprimed seeds observed early and uniform emergence, lesser weeds infestation, higher wheat yield and net returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, co-precipitation approach is used to synthesize pure SnO 2 and Cu doped SnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs). The crystalline phase, morphological characteristics, chemical contents of the prepared NPs, and photocatalytic capabilities are thoroughly examined. The X-ray diffraction studies depicts that SnO 2 has a crystalline, tetragonal structure. In support of XRD, Raman spectroscopy also demonstrates that the successful doping of Cu atoms into SnO 2 causes widening and shifting of the peaks. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) study shows the surface morphology and agglomeration of pure and Cu doped SnO 2 NPs. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) analysis confirmed the presence of Cu doped in SnO 2 lattice whereas, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals the existence of copper (Cu2+) and tin (Sn4+) oxidation states. Absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra are analyzed to examine optical characteristics of the prepared samples. Under UV–Visible irradiation, Cu ions with SnO 2 NPs degraded Rhodamine B (RhB) dye more efficiently than un-doped samples. • SnO 2 nanoparticles were prepared with modified physical properties by Cu doping in different mole ratios. • Energy band gap of SnO 2 was reduced by Cu doping. • Photocatalytic activity was measured by degradation of Rhodamine B under xenon lamp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilute gas-solid two-phase flows inside a pneumatic conveying pipe are simulated with the multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. To achieve high simulation accuracy, different particle-wall collision models, drag force models and turbulence modulation models have been tested. Simulation results including pressure drop, gas and solid mean velocities, fluctuating velocities are compared to experimental measurements. It is found that the particle-wall collision restitution coefficient, especially in the tangential direction, significantly influences the total pressure drop. The mean particle velocity and slip velocity are sensitive to the drag force and a much higher drag force can improve the simulation accuracy, whereas the mean gas velocity is not sensitive to the drag force. The fluctuating gas velocity is hard to be predicted with the currently available turbulence modulation modeling choices, implying more efforts are needed in understanding the turbulence in future. [Display omitted] • Dilute-phase pneumatic conveying in a horizontal pipe was simulated by MP-PIC method. • Impact of different sub-models on simulation results has been investigated. • The sub-models include particle-wall collision, drag force and turbulence modulation models. • Special attention has been paid on the slip velocity prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La-doped 0.3(Bi 1−x La x )(Zn 0.5 Ti 0.5 )O 3 -0.7PbTiO 3 (BLZT-PT) ceramics with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30 was studied. La doping reduced the tetragonality/polar distortion, shifted Curie temperature, changed thermal stability and improved ferro-piezoelectric properties of the ceramics. The sample with optimal composition at x = 0.055 exhibited high Curie temperature of about 580 °C with good piezoelectric properties. This makes BLZT-PT a promising candidate for next-generation of piezoelectric ceramics at high-temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coarse-graining is widely used in simulations of gas-solid fluidization. However, as a key parameter, the coarse-graining ratio, and its relevant scaling law is still far from reaching a consensus. In this work, a scaling law is developed based on a similarity analysis, and then it is used to scale the multi-phase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. The approach is then validated by simulating two bubbling fluidized beds. The simulation results show that scaled MP-PIC reduces the errors of solids volume fraction and velocity distributions over a wide range of coarse-graining ratios for simulated conditions. In future, a scaling law with consideration of the heterogeneity inside a parcel or numerical particle will be developed which is expected to further improve the performance of coarse-grained modeling in simulation of fluidized beds. [Display omitted] • The scaling laws of interparticle contact force and drag force were derived. • The interparticle contact force and drag force of numerical particle follows a scaling of k 2 and k 3, respectively. • The scaling law was applied in the MP-PIC method, and validated in the simulations of bubbling fluidization beds. • The scaling law can reduce the simulation errors over a wide range of coarse-graining ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health problem worldwide especially in developing countries. There is continuous change in the prevalence of MRSA due to acquisition of mecA gene showing resistance to a group of antibiotics and leads to affect treatment strategies. Material & Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the recent trend in the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of MRSA. A total of 1283 clinical samples were collected at Lady Reading (LRH) Hospital, Peshawar from May, 2013 to December, 2013. All samples were immediately processed for isolation of MRSA using standard microbiological procedures. Results: Among all 1283 isolates, 957(74.6%) were confirmed phenotypically as MRSA. Gender wise prevalence showed that males were more affected than females. High prevalence of MRSA was observed in 437(45.6%) pus samples while least was in sputum samples (n=112; 11.7%). Similarly its frequency was high in surgical wards (n=489; 51.0%) and lowest in samples from outdoor patients (n=73; 7.6%). MRSA isolates showed high drug sensitivity (n=957; 100%) to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Linezolid. These MRSA isolates were found more resistant to Ciprofloxacin (n=747; 78.1%), followed by Fusidic acid (n=690; 72.2%), Chloramphinicol (n=631; 66%) and Clindamycin (n=575; 60.1%). Conclusion: The present study highlighted that MRSA is present in our hospitals with significantly high prevalence and drug resistance pattern. Strict surveillance, timely diagnosis and effective control measures are urgently needed to prevent its rapid spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotypes may be changed over time. Epidemiological Studies on distribution patterns of HCV genotypes in Pakistani population might assist for better treatment options and preventive strategies. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine distribution patterns of HCV genotypes in different geographical regions of Pakistan. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1818 randomly selected patients from different geographical regions of Pakistan, diagnosed with HCV infection by the third generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), were included between April 2011 and December 2013. HCV RNA was detected in serum samples of patients by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) of the core region. Qualitative PCR was performed to determine viral load. HCV genotyping was performed by RT-nested PCR using type-specific primers of the core region. Frequency of different genotypes among patients was assessed according to gender, age and geographical region at the time of sampling. Results: Of 1818 HCV RNA positive samples, HCV genotypes PCR fragments were detected in 1552 (85.5%) samples. HCV genotype 3a was the predominant genotype (39.4%) followed by genotype 2a (24.93%). HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype in Punjab and Sindh regions, while genotype 2 was the most predominant genotype in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and the second predominant genotype after genotype 3 in Sindh region. The incidence of genotype 2a is increasing in our country with decrease in the incidence of genotype 3a. A higher incidence of HCV various genotypes were observed among male patients and those younger than 45 years. Conclusions: This study may facilitate treatment options and preventive strategies in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of biomass and organic matter in fluidized bed reactors have become popular in recent years due to the efficient conversion of biomass to bio-fuels. Among others, the presence of mesoscale structures produced by the transient nature of gas solid flow governs the performance of fluidized bed reactors. In the present study, monodispersed system with the particle size of 155 µm and bidispersed system with particle sizes of 128 and 1500 µm are simulated by the multi-fluid model with the kinetic theory of granular flow closure laws. The objective is to investigate the effect of size distribution and solid volume fraction on the hydrodynamics of gas-solid flows. The ANSYS Fluent® software is used for the simulations and the slip velocity, heterogeneity index as well as mixing index are investigated. A two dimensional fully periodic domain is used to investigate the slip velocity at five different solid concentrations in dilute range. The slip velocity, which represents the interaction between solid particles and gas, calculated by simulation is higher than that calculated through Richardson-Zaki's correlation. The mixing index is found to be minimum for a solid volume concentration of 5%. The heterogeneity index is significantly less than 1 for both cases with bidisperesed system having lower value as compared to monodispersed system. The image analysis of solid fraction contours exhibits that mesoscale structures are dense and non-uniform for solid fractions of 0.05 and are small and uniform of solid fractions of 0.025 and 0.075. • Solid particle clusters using Eulerian CFD for bidispersed systems are observed. • H d is for bidisperesed system is much lower than monodispersed system. • Dense, non-uniform clusters are observed for solid fraction of 0.05. • Small, uniform clusters are observed for solid fractions of 0.025 and 0.075. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The reaction networks for synthesis of PODE n were studied. • The adsorption of water on the catalyst reduces the reaction rate. • The power law and LHHW kinetics model were built and validated. Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE n) are promising diesel blend components with high oxygen content, high cetane number and similar properties to diesel. In this paper, we conducted a series of experiments for synthesizing PODE n over a HZSM-5 catalyst in a batch stirred autoclave using methylal and trioxane as reactants. Our research focused on the water influence on these syntheses by contrasting the differences from experiments with or without water and built reaction pathway and rate laws. The experimental and kinetic results showed that decrease of water amount could not only increase yields of the PODE n but also reduce the influences on formation rates of the desired products and eliminate some side reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize water amount in the raw materials for balancing costs of the feed and operation as well as yields of the products to maximize the economy in a commercial production of PODE n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0020441221050249 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the investigation and characterization for adsorption property of the clay sample collected from river Kasho of district Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The as received clay was investigated via a series of characterization techniques such as XRD, TG-DSC, XRF, FT-IR and SEM-EDS. The characterization of raw sample revealed the presence of clay as well as non-clay accessory minerals. In this study, low cost adsorbent (clay) used for the removal of a cationic dye (methylene blue) as the model pollutant from aqueous solution. For adsorption performance, batch adsorption technique was utilized at various conditions such as initial dye concentration (50–300 mg/L), contact time (10–380 min), solution pH (2–10), and temperature (25–45 °C). Kinetic study exhibited that experimental data were fitted well Pseudo second order (PSO) model and intra-particle diffusion (IPD) as the rate determining step. Equilibrium isotherm data were described well using Langmuir model by giving a maximum capacity of adsorption (q m = 270 mg/g). Thermodynamic study exhibited that the adsorption process shows spontaneity. The results indicate that the clay could be employed in waste-water treatment for the removal of cationic pollutants and dyes. • The raw sample was collected from river Kasho of district Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. • The clay was identified to be Ca based bentonite. • The maximum adsorption capacity (q m) of the investigated clay for the removal of MB was 270 (mg g−1). • This clay can be used as an adsorbent for the best removal of MB from the aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]