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Mg alloys/Mg-based composites are utilized significantly in the construction of missiles, aerospace and automobiles due to their lightweight, specific strength, and hardness. In the recent work, Mg-based two-components (Mg–TiO2/Mg–Al2O3) and three-components (Mg–TiO2–Al2O3) composites were fabricated through solid-phase synthesis (powder metallurgy method). Temperature (30 °C), pressure (760 mm Hg) and concentration factors were optimized prior to experiments. The characterization of obtained composites were performed through different physicochemical methods like Surface analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis verified the composite fabrication. SEM determined microstructures and particle size of the materials in µm dimensions. XRD confirmed the homogeneity and crystalline nature of the obtained composites. The surface area of the produced samples was observed to vary from 40 to 70 m2/g. These properties allow the prepared composites to play the main role in different adsorption applications and catalytic analysis. The prepared materials were considered to be used as catalyst for the formation of CNTs. The catalytic efficiency was observed to be 80 % for the growth of CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocoa crop (Theobroma cacao L.) is known to be a host for several badnaviruses, some of which cause severe disease, while others are asymptomatic. Recently, the first preliminary evidence has been published concerning the occurrence of a polerovirus in cacao. We report here the first near-complete genome sequence of cacao polerovirus (CaPV) by combining bioinformatic searches of cacao transcript databases, with cloning from the infected germplasm. The reported novel genome has all the genome features known for poleroviruses from other species. Pairwise identity analyses of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and coat protein indicates < 60% similarity of CaPV with any reported poleroviruses; hence, we propose that the polerovirus isolate reported in this study is a novel polerovirus. The genome sequence information was also used to develop a multiplex RT-PCR assay, which was applied to screen a selected range of germplasms and to identify several infected clones. Although there is no evidence that this virus causes any severe disease, this new information, together with a robust diagnostic assay, are of strategic importance in developing protocols for the safe international transfer of cacao germplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb-modified lead-free ceramics (K0.48Bi0.52)(Mg0.02Ti0.98−xNbx)O3, (KBT-BMTNbx with x = 0.00 − 0.05) were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction route followed by furnace cooling. The effects of Nb-doping on the structural properties and electrical properties of KBT-BMTNbx ceramics have been investigated. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicates a mixed tetragonal and cubic phase for the pure KBT-BMTNbx ceramics. Therefore, a large piezoelectric actuator coefficient d33* ≈ 700 pm/V, piezoelectric sensor coefficient (d33 ≈ 133 pC/N) along with remnant polarization (Pr ≈ 17.5 µC/cm2), maximum electromechanical strain ≈ 0.35% and maximum temperature (Tm ≈ 336 ºC) were obtained for KBT-BMTNbx. However, with Nb-doping, a compositionally driven phase transformation occurred from mixed rhombohedral and tetragonal phases to cubic phase. Because of the excess Nb-doping in the KBT-BMT ceramics, the grain size suddenly decreased, as a result, the long-range ferroelectric phase was converted into a short-range relaxor phase. Hence, a low dielectric loss tanδ ≈ 0.02 was achieved at x = 0.02 composition. This superior dielectric performance is correlated to the crystal structure morphotropic phase boundary, optimum grain size (≈ 2 μm), maximum lattice distortion, and soft-ferroelectric effect induced by the donor doping. The main aim of recent research is to investigate Pr, d33, d33*, Smax, and reduced tanδ for practical applications in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A sensitive and specific donor screening strategy is essential for the prevention of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI). The study was conducted to ascertain the comparative efficacy of ICT, CLIA and NAT methods. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Regional Blood Center Abbottabad, Pakistan from 1st April to 25 August 2022. 6233 donors were screened for Hep B, C, and HIV by testing simultaneously with ICT, CLIA and NAT. Results: Active Hep B, C and HIV Infection was present in 0.51%, 0.28% and 0.00048% donors respectively. The sensitivity was found to be higher for HBV and HIV with CLIA as compared to ICT but was equal for HCV with both. whereas specificity was the same with both CLIA and ICT for all three viruses. PPV was higher with ICT for HBV and HCV, but for HIV it was found higher by CLIA. NPV was higher for all three viruses by CLIA as compared to ICT. Conclusion: In case rapid testing devices are used for the initial screening of blood in countries with limited resources, positive cases must be confirmed by CLIA and if possible, then by NAT because of missing cases in the window period and false positive cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accreditation bodies of medical education globally value competency in research that facilitates evidence-based practice of medicine. Physician-scientists need awareness of qualitative research methods for in-depth exploration of sociocultural, gender, behavioural, emotional, and religious factors affecting health that cannot be gauged by quantitative research methods. The introduction of qualitative research at the undergraduate level can enhance understanding of local populations' unique health needs and strengthen evidence-based practice. Methods: This was a mixed-method study conducted from July to October 2021. Four journals with dedicated student's corner/student journals were hand-searched for qualitative research articles published by students, over the past five years. Quantitative data was collected at four medical colleges of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for several qualitative research projects being conducted by students. Quantitative data was collected from the faculty of these colleges about the facilities of research departments. After analysing quantitative data, five semi-structured interviews via email were conducted about factors limiting qualitative research at medical colleges. Written responses were analysed for themes. Results: There was not a single qualitative research article published by students in local journals in five years. Out of 39 research projects by undergraduates at four medical colleges only one was qualitative. Two themes developed from qualitative data were underdeveloped research departments and a lack of attitude toward qualitative research. Conclusion: There is a felt need and gap to include qualitative research objectives at the undergraduate level, but before that emphasis needs to be placed on providing infrastructure, resources, and trained faculty to facilitate implementation. It will facilitate future doctors to find answers to problems impalpable by quantitative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]