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Abstract In the modern era, the major problem is solving energy production and consumption. For this purpose, perovskite materials meet these issues and fulfill energy production at a low cost. Density functional theory and the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) are used to examine the characteristics of the cubic inorganic perovskites RPbBr3 (R = Cs, Hg, and Ga). In the context of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), the ultrasoft pseudo-potential plane wave technique and the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange–correlation functional are used for investigations. Structural, mechanical, electronics, and optical properties are investigated using CASTEP code. According to structural properties, compounds have a cubic nature with space 221 (Pm3m). Compounds formation energy (− 3.46, − 2.21, and − 3.14 eV)of (CsPbBr3, HgPbBr3, and GaPbBr3) and phonon calculations are studied and find that compounds are stable. The results of our investigation show that the compounds have narrow bandgaps of direct kind, with 1.85 eV for CsPbBr3, 1.56 eV for HgPbBr3, and 1.71 eV for GaPbBr3, respectively, indicating that they may be used to improve conductivity. Additionally, anisotropy (2.135, 3.651, 10.602), Pugh’s ratio (1.87, 2.25, 2.14), and Poison’s ratio (0.27, 0.31, 0.29) are traits that the compounds (CsPbBr3, HgPbBr3, GaPbBr3) display a ductile nature. The CsPbBr3 compound showed significant optical conductivity and absorption in terms of their optical properties, especially in the visible region, which makes them suitable for use in solar cell applications as well as for LED applications.

Abstract This paper emphasizes the integration of wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) in distribution networks (DNs) to enhance grid sustainability, reliability, and flexibility. A novel multi‐objective optimization framework is introduced in this study to minimize energy supply costs, emissions, and energy losses while improving voltage deviation (VD) and voltage stability index (VSI). The proposed framework comprising normal boundary intersection (NBI) and decomposition‐based evolutionary algorithms (DBEA) determines the optimal siting and sizing of renewable‐based distributed resources, considering load demand variations and the intermittency of wind and solar outputs. The comparative analysis establishes that the proposed strategy performs better than many contemporary algorithms, specifically when all the objective functions are optimized simultaneously. The validation of the proposed framework was carried out on the standard IEEE‐33 bus test network, which demonstrates significant percentage savings in energy supply costs (49.6%), emission rate (62.2%), and energy loss (92.3%), along with enormous improvements in VSI (91.9%) and VD (99.8953%). The obtained results categorically underline the efficiency, reliability, and robustness of the proposed approach when employed on any complex distribution network comprising multiple renewable energy sources and battery storage systems.

Abstract Direct AC–AC converters are strong candidates in the power converting system to regulate grid voltage against the perturbation in the line voltage and to acquire frequency regulation at discrete step levels in variable speed drivers for industrial systems. All such applications require the inverted and non-inverted form of the input voltage across the output with voltage-regulating capabilities. The required value of the output frequency is gained with the proper arrangement of the number of positive and negative pulses of the input voltage across the output terminals. The period of each such pulse for low-frequency operation is almost the same as the half period of the input grid or utility voltage. These output pulses are generated by converting the positive and negative input half cycles in noninverting and inverting forms as per requirement. There is no control complication to generate control signals used to adjust the load frequency as the operating period of the switching devices is normally greater than the period of the source voltage. However, high-frequency pulse width modulated (PWM) control signals are used to regulate the output voltage. The size of the inductor and capacitor is inversely related to the value of the switching frequency. Similarly, the ripple contents of voltage and currents in these filtering components are also inversely linked with PWM frequency. These constraints motivate the circuit designer to select high PWM frequency. However, the alignment of the high-frequency control input with the variation in the input source voltage is a big challenge for a design engineer as the switching period of a high-frequency signal normally lies in the microsecond. It is also required to operate some high-frequency devices for various half cycles of the source voltage, creating control complications as the polarities of the half cycles are continuously changing. This requires at least the generation of two high-frequency signals for different intervals. The interruption of the filtering inductor current is a big source of high voltage surges in circuits where the high-frequency transistors operate in a complementary way. This may be due to internal defects in the switching transistors or some unnecessary inherent delay in their control signals. In this research work, a simplified AC–AC converter is developed that does not need alignment of high-frequency control with the polarity of the source voltage. With this approach, high-frequency signals can be generated with the help of any analog or digital control system. By applying this technique, only one high-frequency control signal is generated and applied in AC circuits, as in a DC converter, without applying a highly sensitive polarity sensing circuit. So, controlling complications is drastically simplified. The circuit and configuration always avoid the current interruption problem of filtering the inductor. The proposed control and circuit topology are tested both in computer-based simulation and practically developed circuits. The results obtained from these platforms endorse the effectiveness and validation of the proposed work.

Abstract A random initialization of the search particles is a strong argument in favor of the deployment of nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms when the knowledge of a good initial guess is lacked. This article analyses the impact of the type of randomization on the working of algorithms and the acquired solutions. In this study, five different types of randomizations are applied to the Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) and Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA) during the initializations and proceedings of the search particles for selective harmonics elimination (SHE). The types of randomizations include exponential, normal, Rayleigh, uniform, and Weibull characteristics. The statistical analysis shows that the type of randomization does impact the working of optimization algorithms and the fittest value of the objective function.

This study aims to establish a facile, user-friendly, accurate, and repeatable spectrophotometric detection method for Cr(III) ions in trace quantities. The method utilises reagent 1-nitroso-2-naphthol (NNPh) in a sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) 1.0 % micellar solution, replacing the old, time-consuming, and expensive solvent extraction method that employs hazardous solvents such as carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. SDS surfactant is used to solubilise indissoluble chelates, making the proposed technique easy, rapid, and environmentally friendly. The established method exhibits an improved linear calibration range, sensitivity, limit of detection, and selectivity compared to earlier spectrophotometric methods employing different complexing agents. The stoichiometric ratio between Cr and NNP was observed to be 1 : 3. The molar absorption coefficient (ε) was determined to be 2.05 ∙ 104 l mol−1 cm−1 at λmax 579 nm. The limits of detection for Cr(III) was measured as 3.49 ng l−1. A calibration linear curve was achieved in the concentration range of 0.5–5.0 μg ml−1. Results obtained showed good comparison with the results obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry. The developed method has been adapted for the analysis of Cr(III) in various alloys, pharmaceutical, environmental, and biological samples.

Abstract A substantial level of significance has been placed on renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaic (PV) systems, given the urgent global apprehensions regarding climate change and the need to cut carbon emissions. One of the main concerns in the field of PV is the ability to track power effectively over a range of factors. In the context of solar power extraction, this research paper performs a thorough comparative examination of ten controllers, including both conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers and artificial intelligence (AI) controllers. Various factors, such as voltage, current, power, weather dependence, cost, complexity, response time, periodic tuning, stability, partial shading, and accuracy, are all intended to be evaluated by the study. It is aimed to provide insight into how well each controller performs in various circumstances by carefully examining these broad parameters. The main goal is to identify and recommend the best controller based on their performance. It is notified that, conventional techniques like INC, P&O, INC-PSO, P&O-PSO, achieved accuracies of 94.3, 97.6, 98.4, 99.6 respectively while AI based techniques Fuzzy-PSO, ANN, ANFIS, ANN-PSO, PSO, and FLC achieved accuracies of 98.6, 98, 98.6, 98.8, 98.2, 98 respectively. The results of this study add significantly to our knowledge of the applicability and effectiveness of both AI and traditional MPPT controllers, which will help the solar industry make well-informed choices when implementing solar energy systems.

Abstract Optimal power flow is a complex and highly non-linear problem in which steady-state parameters are needed to find a network’s efficient and economical operation. In addition, the difficulty of the Optimal power flow problem becomes enlarged when new constraints are added, and it is also a challenging task for the power system operator to solve the constrained Optimal power flow problems efficiently. Therefore, this paper presents a constrained composite differential evolution optimization algorithm to search for the optimum solution to Optimal power flow problems. In the last few decades, numerous evolutionary algorithm implementations have emerged due to their superiority in solving Optimal power flow problems while considering various objectives such as cost, emission, power loss, etc. evolutionary algorithms effectively explore the solution space unconstrainedly, often employing the static penalty function approach to address the constraints and find solutions for constrained Optimal power flow problems. It is a drawback that combining evolutionary algorithms and the penalty function approach requires several penalty parameters to search the feasible space and discard the infeasible solutions. The proposed a constrained composite differential evolution algorithm combines two effective constraint handling techniques, such as feasibility rule and ɛ constraint methods, to search in the feasible space. The proposed approaches are recognized on IEEE 30, 57, and 118-bus standard test systems considering 16 study events of single and multi-objective optimization functions. Ultimately, simulation results are examined and compared with the many recently published techniques of Optimal power flow solutions owing to show the usefulness and performance of the proposed a constrained composite differential evolution algorithm.

Abstract The potential of solid waste as an energy source is clear, owing to its wide availability and renewable properties, which provide a critical answer for energy security. This can be especially effective in reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Countries that rely heavily on coal should examine alternatives such as electricity from solid waste to provide a constant energy supply while also contributing to atmospheric restoration. In this regards, Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) is used for simulation the entire energy system in Pakistan and forecasted its capital cost and future CO2 emissions in relation to the use of renewable and fossil fuel resources under the different growth rates of solid waste projects like 20%, 30% and 40% for the study period 2023–2053. The results revealed that, 1402.97 TWh units of energy are generated to meet the total energy demand of 1193.93 TWh until 2053. The share of solid waste based electricity in total energy mix is increasing from a mere 0.81% in 2023 to around 9.44% by 2053 under the 20% growth rate, which then increase to 39.67% by 2053 under the 30% growth rate and further increases to 78.33% by 2053 under the 40% growth rate. It is suggested that 40% growth rate for solid waste based electricity projects is suitable for Pakistan until 2053 because under this condition, renewable sources contributes 95.2% and fossil fuels contributed 4.47% in the total energy mix of Pakistan. Hence, CO2 emissions are reduced from 148.26 million metric tons to 35.46 million metric tons until 2053 but capital cost is increased from 13.23 b$ in 2023 to 363.11 b$ by 2053.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i or SGLT2 inhibitors) have a distinctive mechanism of action unrelated to insulin secretion or action. By causing glucosuria, they reduce plasma glucose by inhibiting SGLT2 in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. This mechanism of action corrects several metabolic abnormalities, which are, in fact, CVD risks in addition to normoglycemia. This study was conducted to assess the average change in ejection fraction resulting from the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in enhancing cardiac function in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and ischemic heart disease. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive case series conducted from 10th December 2022 to 9th May 2023 in the Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University; 435 type II diabetes mellitus patients were selected, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All received a daily dose of 20 mg of SGLT2 for three months. Echocardiography was done before and after the treatment period left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was evaluated, and improvement in cardiac function was noted. RESULTS: In this study, the mean age of participants was 46.54±8.52 years. 314 (72.18%), or the majority, were between 30 and 50. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1, with 228 (52.41%) men and 207 (47.59%) women. The mean ejection fraction at baseline was 53.45 ± 4.12. The mean change in ejection fraction of SGLT2 inhibitors in improving cardiac functions among patients having Diabetes Mellitus and ischemic heart disease was 50.79 ± 3.76.( p-value ≤0.001). CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors effectively improve cardiac functions among patients with Diabetes Mellitus type II and ischemic heart insult

Continuous use of oral NSAIDs can damage mucosal membrane, which results in decreased bioavailability and non-compliance with the therapy. But the use of sustained release drug delivery systems might offer a solution. Objective was to synthesize mucoadhesive SR microspheres by using different combinations of pectin (PEC) and its thiolated derivative (T-PEC3100) for improved loxoprofen (LS) permeation. Thiolated pectin (T-PEC) was synthesized by the esterification method using thioglycolic acid. Thiolation was confirmed by thiol group quantification and charring point determination. Further characterization was done by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ex-vivo mucoadhesion study was performed to confirm the improved characteristics. Microspheres (MS) were prepared using different ratios of PEC/T-PEC by solvent evaporation method and their particle size and surface morphology were evaluated. Mucus permeation study was carried out using the trans-well plate method. Sustained release behavior of prepared microspheres was investigated through the edema inhibition method in albino rats. T-PEC3100 was considered the optimum formulation for further evaluation and contained maximum thiol group content. FTIR spectra showed a characteristic peak of –SH and charring point was also changed considerably confirming the successful thiolation of PEC. SEM results showed spherical microspheres in the size range of 2–10 μm. Thiol-rich formulation of MS exhibited more than 80 % release after 12 h and maximum absorbable dose (MAD) was calculated as 400 μg % inhibition of edema in MS treated group was slowly attained initially but the reduction in inflammation was detected even after 24 h as compared to control group. Promising results from In-vivo edema inhibition study suggest the possible use of these thiolated MS in formulating sustained release formulation for arthritis.

This study investigates the intricate relationship between external debt, debt service, and economic growth by using the panel data of 32 Asian Developing Economies (ADE) spanning 1995 to 2020. Employing a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) and a dynamic common correlated estimate (DCCE) model, the research explores key macroeconomic channels through which debt influences growth and rigorously tests for debt overhang and crowding-out effects. Findings reveal that public and private investment, total factor productivity, and national savings are pivotal channels transmitting the non-linear effect of external debt on economic growth. Notably, only private and public investment convey the non-linear effects of debt service to economic growth, while productivity and savings convey the linear effect. Evidence of debt overhang and crowding-out effects is identified in the sampled economies. The study suggests strategic measures for developing countries, emphasizing the productive use of accumulated debt, enhanced debt management, and timely project completion. Furthermore, it advocates for fostering economic growth through increased productivity, domestic savings, and private sector expansion to reduce dependence on foreign debt, facilitating both debt repayment and economic self-sufficiency.

Background and Objectives Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent among women after childbirth, but accessing mental healthcare for PPD is challenging. This study aimed to assess the treatment gap and barriers to mental healthcare access for women with PPD symptoms living in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five populous cities of Punjab from January to June 2023 by administering the questionnaire to the women using stratified random sampling. A total of 3,220 women in first 6 months postpartum were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Of them, 1,503 women scored thirteen or above, indicating potential depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted to explore help-seeking behavior and barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Descriptive statistics along with nonparametric tests (e.g., Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U) were used and group differences were examined. Scatter plot matrices with fitted lines were used to explore associations between variables. Classification and regression tree methods were used to classify the importance and contribution of different variables for the intensity of PPD. Results Only 2% of women (n = 33) with high PPD symptoms sought mental healthcare, and merely 5% of women (n = 75) had been in contact with a health service since the onset of their symptoms. 92.80% of women with PPD symptoms did not seek any medical attention. The majority of women, 1,215 (81%), perceived the need for mental health treatment; however, 91.23% of them did not seek treatment from healthcare services. Women who recently gave birth to a female child had higher mean depression scores compared to those who gave birth to a male child. Age, education, and birth location of newborn were significantly associated (p

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of phytase supplemented Distiller’s Dried Grains with Soluble (DDGS) based diet on the production performance, tissue composition, nutrient digestibility and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in the gills of mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) juveniles. Six experimental diets were formulated to contain increasing levels of supplemental phytase, 0 (D1), 250 (D2), 500 (D3), 750 (D4), 1000 (D5), and 1250 (D6) phytase (FTU/kg). Each experimental diet was randomly assigned and fed three times daily to triplicate groups of 180 fish. Significant increase in body weight gain and specific growth rate, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios of groups fed up to 750 FTU/kg were observed. Broken line analysis of Specific Growth Rate showed that the optimal dietary phytase level of mrigal juveniles is 750 FTU /kg or higher than this dose. Results among protein, lipid, moisture, ash and P contents of whole body, muscle, liver and viscera were not significantly different as phytase level increased from 250 FTU/kg to 1250 FTU/kg (D2 to D6). It was concluded that phytase at the rate of 750 FTU /kg is the optimum dose for the enhanced growth in juvenile mrigal.

The effects of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) toxicity on embryonic and larval development of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Ctenopharyngodon idella was determined. Different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/l) of Cd and Ni were administered in separate trials to the fish after spawning to 168 h post-hatching (hph) period. Cd was more toxic to the embryos of both fish, as highest embryonic mortality (%) of H. molitrix and C. idella was observed. However, Ni was found to be more toxic to the larvae of H. molitrix and C. Idella with highest larval mortality at 168 hph. However, Ni was found to be more toxic to the larvae of H. molitrix and C. idella with highest larval mortality at 168 hph. The study found a significant effect of heavy metal and metal concentration for causing deformities in H. molitrix. However, in C. idella only the effect of metal concentration on fish deformities was significant. Furthermore, Ni was found to cause more deformities as compared to Cd in H. molitrix. While Cd was found to cause more deformities as compared to Ni in C. idella. In conclusion, the study suggests that Cd and Ni may cause serious deformities in fish.

The rollout of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has benefited Pakistan in getting a faster pace in terms of economic and financial stability. Pakistan has a significant geographical location in the Asian continent. It possesses an enormous renewable energy sources (RES) potential, primarily wind, in its Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtun-Khuwa (KPK) provinces. This study concentrates on the availability of wind power potential at the selected twelve sites located in three different provinces of the country, using the Weibull probability distribution (WPD) technique. Five parametric estimation techniques were simulated on the data sets of the selected wind sites to find the optimal results. The obtained results showed that the annual wind energy density was found to be 3668.28 kWh/m2 at Lucky Energy, 3297.21 kWh/m2 at Sujawal, 3180.03 kWh/m2 at Tando Ghulam Ali, 2836.76 kWh/m2 at Sanghar, 2821.09 kWh/m2 at Baburband, 2684.32 kWh/m2 at Ketibandar, 2618.78 kWh/m2 at Umerkot, 1759.2 kWh/m2 Hawksby, 1253.76 kWh/m2 at Gwadar, 896.41 kWh/m2 at Quetta, 558.59 kWh/m2 at Haripur and 376.07 kWh/m2 at Peshawar respectively. From the results, it is found that sites present in Sindh province are suitable for commercial-scale wind farm development and the selected wind sites of Balochistan are appropriate for utility-scale wind power development. In contrast, the selected wind sites of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are unsuitable for commercial scale due to low wind speeds around the year.

Background: Job related stress has been identified as global health issue which deters the health of nurses. The objective of the study is to determine the severity of job related stress and find out the various sources of job related stress among Nurses of Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro from 1st July 2015 to 31st January 2016. Study was accomplished on 100 registered nurses. Nurses having valid Pakistan Nursing Council License were included in the study. Purposive non probability sampling method was used to approach the subjects. Structured questionnaire (HCJSSQ) February 2008 was used for data collection. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software version 21. Results: Out of total 100 study participants, 90 (90%) were females and 10 (10%) were males with mean age of 32.29SD +7.025 years. Majority of nurses 40.64% reported moderate stress, 35.48% of nurse’s responded severe stress and 16.32% of nurses had mild stress. Among the sources of stress, leading source of stress was workload 56%, facing problems in relations with subordinate medical staff as 51%, emotional distress of patients as 50% and 38% of staff are accountable for the value of the work of other staff level of stress. Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of nurses had job related stress that may cause negative impact on organizational climate. Work load was recognized as the prominent source of causing job related stress among nurses.

This case report delineates the complex management of a 65-year-old female with established diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease, who presented with refractory angina despite comprehensive medical management. Coronary angiography identified significant pathology in the right coronary artery alongside a previously placed, functioning stent in the left anterior descending artery. The intervention was complicated by the occurrence of a type B coronary artery dissection and a type III coronary perforation during an attempt to extract a stent. Immediate remedial measures, including balloon inflation and the placement of drug-eluting stents, were undertaken. The patient underwent a transient episode of collapse, from which she was successfully resuscitated. The concluding angiographic assessment confirmed the effective dilation of the lesion with no remaining dissection or perforation. This case accentuates the infrequent yet critical complications that can arise during percutaneous coronary intervention.

This study aimed to synthesize novel compounds as more effective carbonic anhydrase II inhibitors. For this purpose, 2-(3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (3) was reacted with 3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)benzaldehyde through the glyoxal reaction to produce a series of imidazole-based 1,2,3-triazoles 5a-f. The synthesized compounds were structurally confirmed using IR, 1H, and 13C NMR techniques. To evaluate their potential as inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase II enzyme, the synthesized compounds were tested via in vitro enzyme inhibition assay. Among the derivatives, compounds 5f and 5a exhibited the most promising inhibitory potential, with IC50 values of 0.025 ± 0.001 and 0.032 ± 0.003 µM, respectively. Both 5a and 5f derivatives have comparable inhibitory potential but 5f was found to be more potent than 5a: Molecular docking analysis revealed that compounds 5a and 5f displayed excellent binding scores of -8.0 and -8.4 kcal mol-1, respectively. The results were further validated by MD simulations. The RMSD analysis revealed the average values of 3.20 Å for the ligand-protein complex, 1.38 Å for the apoprotein, and 7.15 Å for the ligand molecule. Based on the chemical stability and biological importance, the compound 5f was identified as potential lead candidates for the development of more effective carbonic anhydrase II inhibitors.

The human body is affected by ultraviolet radiation because it can penetrate and harm bodily cells. Although skin cancer and early aging are consequences of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, sun rays signify immediate excessive exposure. In this context, some structural, optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the beryllium-based cubic fluoro-perovskite RBeF3 (RK and Li) compounds are examined through the use of density functional theory (DFT) within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) approximations (GGA-PBE). The compounds KBeF3 and LiBeF3 have space group 221-pm3m, and their lattice constants and volumes are (3.765, 3.566) Å and (53.380, 45.379) Å3, respectively, based on their structural properties. Computed results indicate that the compounds' bandgaps are 7.35 eV and 7.12 eV, respectively, with an indirect nature for KBeF3 and LiBeF3. The properties of the band structure indicate that both compounds are insulators. The bonding properties of these compounds, RBeF3, are a combination of covalent and ionic. Optical properties of the compounds are examined which reflect the light-matter interaction like reflectivity, conductivity, and absorption. These materials were likely very hard but brittle, based on a higher bulk modulus B from elastic features, the B/G ratio, Pugh's ratio, and Vickers hardness. The compound RBeF3, as determined by the findings, is used as a UV protection and reflection layer for car and room windows.

The water quality in Karachi (Pakistan) is uncertain due to the occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms. A total of twenty-five water samples were collected from public places, educational institutes, hospitals, water supply systems and surface water of the canal of Karachi (Pakistan). The different fungal species including Acremonium sp., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. sulphureus, Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Clonostachys (Gliocladium) sp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Mucor racemosus, Paecilomyces sp. Penicillium chrysogenum, P. citrinum, P. commune, P. expansum, Rhizoctonia sp. and Stachybotrys sp. were isolated from these drinking water samples. However, the bacteria, microalgae and some other microorganisms were present in low concentrations. The reason for fungi infection and production of mycotoxicity depends upon various factors and the availability of their nutrients in filtration plants. The major threats to human health are fungal mycotoxicity which is responsible for carcinogenic and other lethal diseases. Mostly, the genus Aspergillus was dominated and isolated with a maximum of 88–98% of occurrence in the different samples of drinking water by the direct plate-spread method. For the control of fungi, various Physico-chemical coagulation treatments were used, but Potassium alum, clay pot, and hot water treatment disinfected effectively 69–70% removal of the fungi and its spore or mycelia from the water. In addition, it is concluded that drinking water purifications such as chlorination, filtration and lime did not eliminate thermophilic fungal spores or mycelia including Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Mucor from the water.

Citrus fruits, revered for their nutritional value, face significant threats from diseases like citrus canker, particularly impacting global citrus cultivation, notably in Pakistan. This study delves into the critical role of NPR1-like genes, the true receptors for salicylic acid (SA), in the defense mechanisms of citrus against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xcc). By conducting a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and phylogenetic study, the evolutionary dynamics of Citrus limon genes across diverse citrus cultivars are elucidated. Structural predictions unveil conserved domains, such as the BTB domain and ankyrin repeat domains, crucial for the defense mechanism. Motif analysis reveals essential conserved patterns, while cis-regulatory elements indicate their involvement in transcription, growth, response to phytohormones, and stress. The predominantly cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of NPR1-like genes underscores their pivotal role in conferring resistance to various citrus species. Analysis of the Ks/Ka ratio indicates a purifying selection of NPR1-like genes, emphasizing their importance in different species. Synteny and chromosomal mapping provide insights into duplication events and orthologous links among citrus species. Notably, Xac infection stimulates the expression of NPR1-like genes, revealing their responsiveness to pathogenic challenges. Interestingly, qRT-PCR profiling post-Xac infection reveals cultivar-specific alterations in expression within susceptible and resistant citrus varieties. Beyond genetic factors, physiological parameters like peroxidase, total soluble protein, and secondary metabolites respond to SA-dependent PR genes, influencing plant characteristics. Examining the impact of defense genes (NPR1) and plant characteristics on disease resistance in citrus, this study marks the inaugural investigation into the correlation between NPR1-associated genes and various plant traits in both susceptible and resistant citrus varieties to citrus bacterial canker.

Nowadays, electricity theft is a major issue in many countries and poses a significant financial loss for global power utilities. Conventional Electricity Theft Detection (ETD) models face challenges such as the curse of dimensionality and highly imbalanced electricity consumption data distribution. To overcome these problems, a hybrid system Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) approach with Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) is proposed in this work. The proposed hybrid system is applied to analyze and solve electricity theft using data from the Chinese National Grid Corporation (CNGC). In the proposed hybrid system, first, preprocess the data; second, balance the data using the k-means Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) technique; third, apply the GTU model to the extracted purified data; fourth, apply the MLP model to the extracted purified data; and finally, evaluate the performance of the proposed system using different performance measures such as graphical analysis and a statistical test. To verify the consistency of our proposed hybrid system, we use three different ratios for training and testing the dataset. The outcomes show that the proposed hybrid system for ETD is highly accurate and efficient compared to the other models like Alexnet, GRU, Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BGRU) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN).

The fungal endophytes are an understudied area of research with great potential for new bioactive compounds’ discovery. These are the fungal strains that live within the inner compartments of the host plant without causing it any kind of harm. These fungal endophytes, in combination with the host organisms, synthesize many compounds with a range of pharmaceutical values. Most recently, the discovery of fungal endophyte genes which are linked with the biosynthesis of plant metabolites has opened a new field of research. These plant partners assist plants against biotic stress and protect them from pathogenic attacks or diseases with the presence of some important gene families like WRKY and MYB. The bioactive metabolites from this group are known for their anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-tubercular properties. Therefore, these bioactive compounds offer new routes for discovering novel drugs, which can boost the pharmaceutical industry in times of great demand for novel drugs. Extracellular enzymes are also produced within the members of this distinct group which are crucial for several industrial sectors, including the biofuel production industry. Furthermore, fungal endophytes are capable of synthesizing silver nanoparticles, which exhibit significant potential in fields like biomedical imaging and water purification. This article aims to document all the available data on this group of fungi living in medicinal plants and the major compounds produced by members of this distinct group that are in use for the therapy of various ailments.