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A primary goal of zoos is to educate their visitors about global conservation efforts. Studying visitors’ perceptions and attitudes towards captive and wild endangered species helps target conservation messaging. This is especially important in countries, such as Pakistan, where hunting and human–wildlife conflict pose the greatest threats to species. While there have been some studies about Pakistan’s rural communities’ perceptions, few studies have examined the perceptions of Pakistan’s zoo visitors. We present data from exit surveys (n = 304) collected at three of the largest zoos in Pakistan (Lahore: an established zoo, Peshawar: a newly built zoo, and Jungle Kingdom: a theme park and zoo). Zoo location was a significant predictor for a range of attitudes, suggesting that the way a zoo presents itself strongly impacts visitor perceptions. Perceptions of learning were influenced by high biodiversity appreciation but a low confidence in knowledge about animals. Support for keeping animals in captivity was most likely when animal welfare was perceived as good and amongst respondents who valued biodiversity. Zoo-goers, regardless of location, demonstrated high levels of interest in animals and environmental concerns. However, the primary visit motivator was spending time with family and friends.

Herein the first-principle modeling within the DFT framework is used to investigate the structural, optoelectronic, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of BaMF3 (M = Ag and Cu) ternary halide Perovskites compounds. The computed tolerance factors for BaAgF3 and BaCuF3 are 0.919 and 0.991 respectively, indicating that the cubic crystal phase of these selected compounds is thermodynamically and mechanically stable. It is found that both the compounds are structurally stable according to the Birch-Murnaghan fit curve for optimization. The IRelast package is used for investigating the elastic properties of both cubic compounds and the findings show that these compounds are mechanically stable, scratch-resistant, ductile, anisotropic, and resistant to plastic deformation. The Trans-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) approximation is employed to determine electronic properties with accuracy and precision. The electronic-band structure analysis depicts a narrow band gap semiconductor nature of BaAgF3 and BaCuF3 compounds which displays indirect band gaps of 0.2 eV for BaAgF3 and 0.3 eV for BaCuF3 at the high symmetrical points from (Γ–M). Furthermore, the computations of total densities of states (TDOS) and partial densities of states (PDOS) are carried out to determine how different states contribute to the various band structures. The optical characteristics of BaAgF3 and BaCuF3 are comprehensively examined in 0–40 eV energy ranges. The selected materials possess high optical conduction and absorption coefficients at the high level of photon energies and show transparency at low incident photon energy ranges. The investigations of optical properties led us to the conclusion that BaAgF3 and BaCuF3 are suitable to use in high-frequency UV devices. The thermoelectric properties show that both materials hold high-power factors, electrical conductivity, and figures of merit (ZT), indicating that they are good thermoelectric materials. This is the first theoretical computational systematic analysis of structural, optoelectronic, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of BaMF3 (M = Ag and Cu) that will be experimentally validated to our knowledge.

In Pakistan and other developing countries, the available data on the association of T2DM and HCV is limited. We therefore made an attempt to report the association of HCV and diabetes in Pakistani population through this meta-analysis. HCV and diabetes related studies were identified using various key words, from a number of databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. Using RevMan5, the main outcome was regarded as type 2 diabetes associations with hepatitis c virus infection in Pakistan. Independent analyses were made for “HCV in diabetic patients” and “diabetes cases in hepatitis C virus patients”. Using random effect model, odds ratios were calculated with 95% CIs (dichotomous data). I2 statistics were used to calculate heterogeneity. From a total of 53 studies, we finally selected 6 studies for the meta-analysis. Using random effects model, hepatitis c virus patients in 3 studies (n = 1,902) demonstrated that HCV is a risk factor in developing diabetes, contrary to patients with no HCV infection (OR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.06, I2 = 0%; RR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.07, I2 = 0%). The remaining 3 studies (n = 13,710) had reported HCV infections in type 2 diabetic patients and patients with no diabetes. Similarly, our meta-analysis revealed higher prevalence of HCV infections in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.17-0.42, I2 = 32%; RR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20-0.46, I2 = 32%) as compared to patients with no type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our meta-analysis demonstrates a significant link between HCV and T2DM. Further studies are recommended with adequate sample sizes.

Abstract The article examines a water alumina nanofluid and heat transfer through the three-dimensional annular. The annular is constructed by the two concentric cylinders in which the inner cylinder can rotate along the tangential direction at a constant speed. A slip boundary condition will be imposed to vanish the viscous effect in the vicinity of the outer cylinder wall. Moreover, the rotating cylinder is kept at a hot temperature, and the outer one is at a cold temperature. A three-dimensional incompressible Navier Stokes and energy equations were carried in cylindrical coordinates. The simulation was observed using the emerging computational tool of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, which implements Least Square Galerkin's scheme of finite element method. The parametric study will be done by altering the speed of rotation of the inner cylinder from 1 to 4, volume fraction from 0.001 to 0.9, and the aspect ratio from 0.4 to 0.6 for a fixed Reynolds number of 35,000. The results will be displayed with graphs and tables for average values of the Nusselt number, the percentage change in the temperature, and the skin friction at the middle plan. It was found that the average Nusselt number at the middle of the annular increases before the volume fraction of 0.2 and then decreases for all values of the volume fraction for a fixed rotation of the inner cylinder. The average percentage change relative to the inner cylinder's hot temperature decreases with the volume fraction increase for the fixed rotation. Also, it was found that the quantity of nanoparticles in the domain is improving the average skin friction in the middle of the channel, and it can be reduced by improving the rotation of the inner cylinder by about 10–23% strictly depending upon the aspect ratio for a particular case.

Abstract Background Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods Of the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences. Results All tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis. Conclusions This is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens. Graphical Abstract

The study the hardness, wear corrosion resistance of as-coating, heat treatment and plasma-nitriding of Ni- B electroless coatings was deposit on 4340 steel. After the procees of coating, samples were plasma-nitriding in percentage hydrogen/nitrogen ratio (50%), in the temperature 400°C, at 4 hours were compared with heat treatment. characterization by of FESEM, XRD, microhardness, Corrosion Resistance and surface roughness measurements. Microhardness was show highest hardness of 1050 HV was obtained for Ni-B plasma-nitriding formula whereas the greatest hardness of 800 HV was become for sample of Ni-B heat treated. Ni-B coating is used in the enhancement of properties of the corrosion of AISI 4340 steel is due to the thickness of electroless deposition, which is uniform, and the cold of Ni-B coating to act as an active barrier between corrosion media and metal, it should be noted that the value of Ecorr is less negative and the rate of corrosion and Icorr is lower on the plated sample than on the uncoated sample. The rate of the wear for samples is decrement by plasma-nitriding with deposition time at (4h) and the temperature 400°C. Rate of wear for the materials depends not just into condition of wear test, but also with several properties of material and features as topography, hardness and friction coefficient.

ABSTRACT: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a hard tick endemic in livestock-growing regions and causes economic losses in the largest beef-producing countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and Uruguay. The use of chemical acaricides is still the main strategy to control R. microplusinfestations. Nevertheless, immunological control of R. microplus with an anti-tick vaccine is a suitable alternative and has manifold advantages because it can avoid drug-resistance and the presence of acaricide residues in milk, beef and in the environment. Indeed, vaccines based on the Bm86 antigen have had relative commercial and technical success to control R. microplus in some regions. Although, the efficacy of such vaccines varies among tick populations and is insufficient to provide an acceptable level of protection. Therefore, the need to search for better antigens is impelling. This review focused on the restrictions imposed on the use of acaricides in Brazil and in the European Union, as well as on the impacts of Bm86-based vaccines on R. microplus control. The efficacy of experimental anti-tick vaccines (based on subolesin, glutathione S-transferase, ferritin 2; voltage-dependent anion channel; aquaporin, 60 S acidic ribosomal protein, metalloprotease and trypsin) that can elicit an immune response against the physiological functions of various ticks is discussed.

The proliferation of pharmaceuticals in the aqueous environment has adversely impact on human health and ecosystem balance. Pharmaceutical contaminations are difficult to remove effectively by conventional treatment technologies. In order to degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) efficiently, a common antiepileptic drug, three plasma discharge modes were studied, including liquid-phase discharge, air gas-liquid jet and dielectric barrier discharge. It is noteworthy that the degradation efficiency and energy yield reached to highest levels (0.11 g/kWh) when operating at 225 W input power under liquid phase discharge, compared with the other discharge modes. The parameters of concentration, electrode distance, volume, input power and frequency of the discharge were also evaluated and optimized. Plasma emission spectroscopy revealed the degradation process is mainly attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the role of reactive nitrogen species was not significant. The contributions of diverse ROS were assessed by radical quenching experiments, including p-benzoquinone, p-phthalic acid and tert-butanol. The possible degradation intermediates and pathways of CBZ were tested and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Comprehensively consideration of cleanliness, degradation efficiency and application difficulty, liquid-phase discharge treatment is a promising technology for water treatment.

This research paper examines the depiction of clergies' hypocrisy in African-American slave narratives and South Asian Literature. The study focuses primarily on Frederick Douglass's seminal work, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, an autobiographical literary work that mirrors clergies' hypocrisy. For comparative analysis, this research analyzes South Asian Literary works: The God of Small Things, Untouchable, and Latoon with Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. This study explores how literature critiques the moral duplicity of clergies within oppressive societal structures. Douglass's narrative provides a scornful charge of the American clergies, which, despite professing Christian principles, actively supports and propagates the system of slavery, where the authors reveal the contradictions and ethical failings of religious figures who endorse or turn a blind eye to social injustices in their contemporary societies. By juxtaposing these two literary traditions and figures, this paper finds that clergies play a hypocritical role in their societies; they never practice their religious teachings and speak against the social injustices in their contemporary societies.

Tick-borne Coxiella spp. are emerging in novel regions infecting different hosts, but information regarding their occurrence is limited. The purpose of this study was the molecular screening of Coxiella spp. in various ticks infesting goats, sheep, camels, cattle, wild mice, and domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Morphologically identified tick species were confirmed by obtaining their cox1 sequences and were molecularly screened for Coxiella spp. by sequencing GroEL fragments. Almost 345 out of 678 (50.9%) hosts were infested by nine tick species. Regarding the age groups, the hosts having an age >3 years were highly infested (192/345, 55.6%), while gender-wise infestation was higher in female hosts (237/345, 68.7%). In collected ticks, the nymphs were outnumbered (613/1,119, 54.8%), followed by adult females (293/1,119, 26.2%) and males (213/1,119, 19.7%). A total of 227 ticks were processed for molecular identification and detection of Coxiella spp. The obtained cox1 sequences of nine tick species such as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis danieli, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Argas persicus showed maximum identities between 99.6% and 100% with the same species and in the phylogenetic tree, clustered to the corresponding species. All the tick species except Ha. danieli and R. microplus were found positive for Coxiella spp. (40/227, 17.6%), including Coxiella burnetii (15/40, 6.7%), Coxiella endosymbionts (14/40, 6.3%), and different Coxiella spp. (11/40, 4.9%). By the BLAST results, the GroEL fragments of Coxiella spp. showed maximum identity to C. burnetii, Coxiella endosymbionts, and Coxiella sp., and phylogenetically clustered to the corresponding species. This is the first comprehensive report regarding the genetic characterization of Coxiella spp. in Pakistan's ticks infesting domestic and wild hosts. Proper surveillance and management measures should be undertaken to avoid health risks.

This article presents a numerical investigation of forced convection in a PV/T system to reduce the temperature caused by solar radiation, which can decrease its electrical energy production. The study uses two types of nanoparticles, namely titanium oxide and silver, combined with water as the base fluid. The PV/T system features a trapezoidal flow channel, and the Navier-Stokes and energy equations are solved using the COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 finite element-based computer code to obtain an approximate solution. The study tests the range of Reynolds number, aspect ratio, and the volume fraction of both nanoparticles as (100–1000), (0.4–1), and (0.01–0.25), respectively, to analyze the various impacts of the selected variables on the percentage change in cell temperature and efficiency by varying the Reynolds number and aspect ratio between the inlet to the outlet height of the flow channel. The results indicate that increasing the Reynolds number from 100 to 1000 can reduce cell temperature by 50% and increase cell efficiency by 4.4%. Similarly, changing the aspect ratio from 0.4 to 1 can reduce the percentage temperature of the cell due to inlet temperature by 26.2% and increase cell efficiency by 1.6%. The study reveals that increasing the outlet height while fixing the outlet height of the channel can improve cell performance. Additionally, increasing the volume fraction of both nanoparticles in the base fluid can enhance the cell efficiency of the PV/T system.

The paper discusses the challenge of organizing the execution of separate tasks on machines that are otherwise similar. The goal is a lower number of Makes. We create, examine, and evaluate several local search techniques, including the (BAB) , (GA) and (TS) algorithms. Based on past computational experience, we know that these local search algorithms can efficiently complete up to 2,000 tasks.

تبرر أهمية الدراسة في كيفية توظيف استراتيجيات تعليمية حديثة تراعي الفئة العمرية والنضج لهذه الفئة وتوظيفه في تعليم بعض المهارات للألعاب وغيرها ولاسيما المراحل العمرية الأولى، لذا فقد هدفت الدراسة الى اعداد وحدات تعليمية بأسلوب استراتيجية التعلم التعاوني لدى دور بأعمار 9- 12 سنوات في بغداد، فضلاً عن التعرف على تأثير الوحدات التعليمية باستراتيجية التعلم التعاوني لدى دور الايتام بأعمار 9- 12 سنوات في بغداد لبعض مهارات الكرة الطائرة، فيما افترضت الدراسة الى هناك فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في الاختبارات القبلية والبعدية لبعض مهارات الكرة الطائرة لعينة البحث، فيما اتبعت الباحثتان المنهج التجريبي بتصميم المجموعة الواحدة ذات الاختبار القبلي والبعدي، فيما طبق البحث على عينة من المستفيدات في دار الزهور للأيتام في بغداد بأعمار (9 -12)، والبالغ عددهن 16 مستفيدة، فيما تم اختيار مهارتي الارسال من الأسفل والتمرير من الأعلى كونهما مهارات سهلة وتتلاءم مع العينة، وقد قامت الباحثتان بأعداد تمارين التي تستهدف تعلم المهارتين قيد الدراسة، طبقت على مدار 8 وحدات تعليمية شملت كل وحدة تعليمية 3 مهارات، وبعد الانتهاء من تطبيق الوحدات التعليمية والاختبارات القبلية والبعدية خرجت الباحثتان باستنتاجات عدة أهمها ان التعلم التعاوني الى تحسين المهارات قيد الدراسة لدى عينة الدراسة، فيما عملت استراتيجية التعلم التعاوني الى زيادة عنصر التشويق اثناء عملية التعلم فضلاً عن التنافس المتكافئ بين افراد العينة عند تطبيق التمرينات فيما اوصت الدراسة الى ضرورة ادراج أسلوب التعاوني في تعليم المهارات الرياضية في المدارس ولمختلف الفئات العمرية، ضرورة الاهتمام بالفئات العمرية الصغيرة كونها تشكل القاعدة الأساس في عملية البناء الصحيح للفرد

Senescence is a natural phenomenon of growing old. It accelerates under certain conditions like diabetes mellitus resulting in early decline of bodily functions, which can be avoided by many claimed functional foods. The present study aims to investigate the anti-aging ability of Fenugreek seeds (Trigonellafoenum-graecum); a common ingredient of Indo-Pak cuisines. Briefly, the Fenugreek seeds extract (FgSE) in concentrationsof0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml inhibited the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and fructosamine adducts in Bovine serum albumin (BSA)/fructose model in vitro. The BSA conformational analysis via Circular Dichorism and Congo red assays showed that it preserves secondary structure of BSA in aforementioned model. Although mechanistic studies revealed insignificant lysine blocking ability of Fenugreek by OPA assay, however carbonyl entrapping was found to be 24%, 34% and 42% at 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. In vivo model of High Fructose diet (HFD) induced glycation, FgSE treatment in doses of 10, 25 & 50 mg/kg markedly improved Escape latency (p

Upper Indus Basin has been a valuable asset as the complexity of structure and hydrocarbon production is the leading producer of oil and gas in history and still to date. Potwar sub-basin has significance in the light of oil production from carbonate reservoirs or Permian to Eocene age reservoirs. Minwal-Joyamair field is very significant and has unique hydrocarbon production history with complexity in structure style and stratigraphy. The complexity is present for carbonate reservoirs of the study area due to heterogeneity of lithological and facies variation. In this research, the emphasis is on integrated advanced seismic and well data for Eocene (Chorgali, Sakesar), Paleocene (Lockhart), and Permian age (Tobra) formations reservoirs. This research's primary focus is to analyze field potential and reservoir characterization by conventional seismic interpretation and petrophysical analysis. Minwal-Joyamair field is a combination of thrust and back thrust, forming a triangle zone in the subsurface. The petrophysical analysis results suggested favorable hydrocarbon saturation in Tobra (74%) and Lockhart (25%) reservoirs in addition to the lower volume of shale (28% and 10%, receptively) and higher effective values (6% and 3%, respectively). The main objective of the study is the re-assessment of a hydrocarbon producing field and describe the future prospectively of the field. The analysis also includes the difference in hydrocarbon production from two different type of reservoir (carbonate & clastic). The findings of this research will be useful for any other similar basins around the world.

Forest canopies, an essential part of forest ecosystems, are among the most highly threatened terrestrial habitats. Mountains provide ideal conditions for studying the variation in community structure with elevations. Spiders are one of the most abundant predators of arthropods in terrestrial ecosystems and can have extremely important collective effects on forest ecosystems. How the diversity and composition of canopy spider communities respond to elevation changes in temperate forests remains poorly understood. In this study, we collected canopy spiders from four elevation sites (800 m, 1100 m, 1400 m, and 1700 m) on Changbai Mountain using the fogging method in August 2016. With the methods of ANOVA analysis, transformation-based redundancy analysis, and random forest analysis, we explored the responses of canopy spider communities to elevation. In total, 8826 spiders comprising 81 species were identified and the most abundant families were Thomisidae, Clubionidae, Linyphiidae, and Theridiidae (77.29% of total individuals). Species richness decreased whereas evenness increased with increasing elevation, indicating that elevation has an important impact on community structure. The pattern of absolute abundance was hump shaped with increasing elevation. We found that the community compositions at the three taxonomic levels (species, family, and guild) along the elevation gradient were obviously altered and the variation in community composition was higher at low-elevation sites than at high-elevation sites. There were 19 common species (23.46%) among the four elevations. Regression and RDA results showed that vegetation variables contributed to the variation in the diversity and composition of canopy spiders. Furthermore, the influence of factors would be weakened with the taxonomic level increasing. Therefore, our findings greatly highlight the important role of vegetation in the diversity and composition of canopy spiders and the influence is closely related to the taxonomic level.

Tandemly organized rRNA genes are a typical example of a multigene family, where individual members evolve co-ordinately within—but independently between—species due to gene conversion and unequal crossing over. More frequently, in eukaryotic species with an interspecies hybrid origin, expression of unhomogenized rRNA genes from one progenitor is epigenetically silenced because of nucleolus dominance, and distinct rRNA genes may lose functionality and evolve faster. Interestingly, we obtained unusual ribosomal gene sequences from Oryza species that showed great diversity and did not appear in the present rice genomic sequence. The diversity of rDNA sequences indicated that the homogenization in rice is incomplete and explains the introgression of distinct rRNA gene families into ancestral rice genomes before speciation and continent separation. The divergent large subunit (LSU) ribosomal genes are expressed, some of them differentially, depending on the N fertilization of plants. Detection of differential transcripts of the rRNA genes suggested that rRNA gene families are not functionally equivalent. Phylogenetic analysis assigned Oryza species branching order to monocots, and monocot lineages probably have the same ecological origin by molecular clock calculation. Therefore, our results suggested that the geographical distances of continent-separation cause barriers to the gene flow and homogenization among Oryza species which requires further explanation.

This research intended to calculate skin dose (mgy) was determined in 30 adult patients. The average value of the Tube’s potential kVp range from 72 kVp To 100 (kVp) is 9.646±1.76 kVp. The average value of the SSD (cm) range from 100 cm to 180 cm is 22.558±4.118 cm, and the average value of the Tube load (mAs) range from 3 MAs to 16 MAs is 3.727±0.680. Additionally, the SKIN DOSE was from 0.06 mGY to 0.57 mGY, with an average of 0.120 mGY. It was found that the dose results were within the prescribed range of 0.4 mGy; this is recommended by international organizations that protect against radiation. Except for a few instances, the frequency of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) was higher. As a result, the skin dose to patients who have chest exams at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital in Wasit Province was equivalent to the Global standard.

One of the most challenging and widely debated issues in scheduling theory is the topic of multi-objective job scheduling. The multiobjective function problem including the makespan and the range of lateness of three machines in a flow shop was explored in this study in order to solve it. Some of the theories discussed in this work have to do with the computation of the precise best time and range of lateness. Two types of the three machines have been created, and the theories for each type have been studied. These theories seek to cut down on the amount of time it takes to complete tasks and the range of lateness.

A vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a sophisticated wireless communication infrastructure incorporating centralized and decentralized control mechanisms, orchestrating seamless data exchange among vehicles. This intricate communication system relies on the advanced capabilities of 5G connectivity, employing specialized topological arrangements to enhance data packet transmission. These vehicles communicate amongst themselves and establish connections with roadside units (RSUs). In the dynamic landscape of vehicular communication, disruptions, especially in scenarios involving high-speed vehicles, pose challenges. A notable concern is the emergence of black hole attacks, where a vehicle acts maliciously, obstructing the forwarding of data packets to subsequent vehicles, thereby compromising the secure dissemination of content within the VANET. We present an intelligent cluster-based routing protocol to mitigate these challenges in VANET routing. The system operates through two pivotal phases: first, utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) model to detect malicious nodes, and second, establishing clusters via enhanced clustering algorithms with appointed cluster heads (CH) for each cluster. Subsequently, an optimal path for data transmission is predicted, aiming to minimize packet transmission delays. Our approach integrates a modified ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) protocol for on-demand route discovery and optimal path selection, enhancing request and reply (RREQ and RREP) protocols. Evaluation of routing performance involves the BHT dataset, leveraging the ANN classifier to compute accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and loss. The NS-2.33 simulator facilitates the assessment of end-to-end delay, network throughput, and hop count during the path prediction phase. Remarkably, our methodology achieves 98.97% accuracy in detecting black hole attacks through the ANN classification model, outperforming existing techniques across various network routing parameters.

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) provides resources to users to handle smart mobile applications. In MCC, task scheduling is the solution for mobile users’ context-aware computation resource-rich applications. Most existing approaches have achieved a moderate service reliability rate due to a lack of instance-centric resource estimations and task offloading, a statistical NP-hard problem. The current intelligent scheduling process cannot address NP-hard problems due to traditional task offloading approaches. To address this problem, the authors design an efficient context-aware service offloading approach based on instance-centric measurements. The revised machine learning model/algorithm employs task adaptation to make decisions regarding task offloading. The proposed MCVS scheduling algorithm predicts the usage rates of individual microservices for a practical task scheduling scheme, considering mobile device time, cost, network, location, and central processing unit (CPU) power to train data. One notable feature of the microservice software architecture is its capacity to facilitate the scalability, flexibility, and independent deployment of individual components. A series of simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed technique based on offloading, CPU usage, and execution time metrics. The experimental results efficiently show the learning rate in training and testing in comparison with existing approaches, showing efficient training and task offloading phases. The proposed system has lower costs and uses less energy to offload microservices in MCC. Graphical results are presented to define the effectiveness of the proposed model. For a service arrival rate of 80%, the proposed model achieves an average 4.5% service offloading rate and 0.18% CPU usage rate compared with state-of-the-art approaches. The proposed method demonstrates efficiency in terms of cost and energy savings for microservice offloading in mobile cloud computing (MCC).

The intelligent transportation system (ITS) relies heavily on the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) and the internet of vehicles (IoVs), which combine cloud and fog to improve task processing capabilities. As a cloud extension, the fog processes’ infrastructure is close to VANET, fostering an environment favorable to smart cars with IT equipment and effective task management oversight. Vehicle processing power, bandwidth, time, and high-speed mobility are all limited in VANET. It is critical to satisfy the vehicles’ requirements for minimal latency and fast reaction times while offloading duties to the fog layer. We proposed a fuzzy logic-based task scheduling system in VANET to minimize latency and improve the enhanced response time when offloading tasks in the IoV. The proposed method effectively transfers workloads to the fog computing layer while considering the constrained resources of car nodes. After choosing a suitable processing unit, the algorithm sends the job and its associated resources to the fog layer. The dataset is related to crisp values for fog computing for system utilization, latency, and task deadline time for over 5000 values. The task execution, latency, deadline of task, storage, CPU, and bandwidth utilizations are used for fuzzy set values. We proved the effectiveness of our proposed task scheduling framework via simulation tests, outperforming current algorithms in terms of task ratio by 13%, decreasing average turnaround time by 9%, minimizing makespan time by 15%, and effectively overcoming average latency time within the network parameters. The proposed technique shows better results and responses than previous techniques by scheduling the tasks toward fog layers with less response time and minimizing the overall time from task submission to completion.

The G protein-coupled α2-adrenoceptor subtype C (abbreviated α2C-AR) has been implicated in peripheral vascular conditions and diseases such as cold feet–hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and scleroderma, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Microvascular α2C-adrenoceptors are expressed in specialized smooth muscle cells and mediate constriction under physiological conditions and the occlusion of blood supply involving vasospastic episodes and tissue damage under pathological conditions. A crucial step for receptor biological activity is the cell surface trafficking of intracellular receptors, triggered by cAMP-Epac-Rap1A GTPase signaling, which involves protein–protein association with the actin-binding protein filamin-2, mediated by critical amino acid residues in the last 14 amino acids of the receptor carboxyl (C)-terminus. This study assessed the role of the C-terminus in Rap1A GTPase coupled receptor trafficking by domain-swapping studies using recombinant tagged receptors in transient co-transfections and compared with wild-type receptors using immunofluorescence microscopy. We further tested the biological relevance of the α2C-AR C-terminus, when introduced as competitor peptides, to selectively inhibit intracellular α2C-AR surface translocation in transfected as well as in microvascular smooth muscle cells expressing endogenous receptors. These studies contribute to establishing proof of principle to target intracellular α2C-adrenoceptors to reduce biological activity, which in clinical conditions can be a target for therapy.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green-synthesised nanoparticles as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of DM is an attractive option. Objective: In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) were biosynthesized through the green synthesis method using Azadirachta indica seed extract to evaluate their anti-diabetic potentials. Methods: These nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DLS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biosynthesized AI-AgNPs and crude extracts of Azadirachta indica seeds were evaluated for anti-diabetic potentials using glucose adsorption assays, glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, and alpha-amylase inhibitory assays. Results: Al-AgNPs showed the highest activity (75 ± 1.528%), while crude extract showed (63 ± 2.5%) glucose uptake by yeast at 80 µg/mL. In the glucose adsorption assay, the highest activity of Al-AgNPs was 10.65 ± 1.58%, while crude extract showed 8.32 ± 0.258% at 30 mM, whereas in the alpha-amylase assay, Al-AgNPs exhibited the maximum activity of 73.85 ± 1.114% and crude extract 65.85 ± 2.101% at 100 µg/mL. The assay results of AI-AgNPs and crude showed substantial dose-dependent activities. Further, anti-diabetic potentials were also investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered with AI-AgNPs (10 to 40 mg/kg b.w) for 30 days. Conclusions: The results showed a considerable drop in blood sugar levels, including pancreatic and liver cell regeneration, demonstrating that AI-AgNPs have strong anti-diabetic potential.

Drought stress has detrimental effects on crop productivity worldwide. A strong root system is crucial for maintaining water and nutrients uptake under drought stress. Wild watermelons possess resilient roots with excellent drought adaptability. However, the genetic factors controlling this trait remain uninvestigated. In this study, we conducted a bulk segregant analysis (BSA) on an F2 population consisting of two watermelon genotypes, wild and domesticated, which differ in their lateral root development under drought conditions. We identified two quantitative trait loci (qNLR_Dr. Chr01 and qNLR_Dr. Chr02) associated with the lateral root response to drought. Furthermore, we determined that a small region (0.93 Mb in qNLR_Dr. Chr01) is closely linked to drought adaptation through quantitative trait loci (QTL) validation and fine mapping. Transcriptome analysis of the parent roots under drought stress revealed unique effects on numerous genes in the sensitive genotype but not in the tolerant genotype. By integrating BSA, fine mapping, and the transcriptome, we identified six genes, namely L-Ascorbate Oxidase (AO), Cellulose Synthase-Interactive Protein 1 (CSI1), Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein (LEA), Zinc-Finger Homeodomain Protein 2 (ZHD2), Pericycle Factor Type-A 5 (PFA5), and bZIP transcription factor 53-like (bZIP53-like), that might be involved in the drought adaptation. Our findings provide valuable QTLs and genes for marker-assisted selection in improving water-use efficiency and drought tolerance in watermelon. They also lay the groundwork for the genetic manipulation of drought-adapting genes in watermelon and other Cucurbitacea species.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) shows network operations to be performed for efficient network operations. Due to the increase in network devices, the percentage of attacks is also increased, and it is challenging to provide defense against such attacks. In SDN, the control plan is separated from the data plane. The control plan is implemented using some central devices called SDN controllers. In SDN Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), spoofing and Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attacks are carried out on an enormous scale. These are commonly launched attacks in SDN. Due to these attacks, the network performance is down, and network services are dead. This paper proposed a new auto detection methodology to detect ARP and DDoS attacks and mitigate SDN networks from these attacks. Additionally, we implemented two algorithms: one for flow rules and the second for attack detection. An individual server was installed to check the malicious traffic installation. We present the new forward flooding rules to detect and mitigate attacks. The experiments are performed using LINUX-based network implementation. Our proposal successfully improves network security and enhances network efficiency.