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Abstract We investigate the propagation characteristics of transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes in a semiconductor quantum plasma-filled coaxial waveguide with a Piet Hein cross-section. The unique geometry of the Piet Hein cross-section offers intriguing possibilities for tailoring modal properties and exploiting novel nonlinear phenomena. Using analytical and numerical methods, we unveil the non-monochromatic behaviour of TE and TM modes, characterized by distinct peaks and troughs in their field components. The $$E_{z}$$ E z component of the TM mode exhibits a suppressed field within the central core and higher concentration in the cladding region, potentially minimizing energy loss within the waveguide. The $$E_{\rho }$$ E ρ component exhibits pronounced oscillations near the waveguide boundaries, suggesting constructive and destructive interference patterns. The $$E_{\xi }$$ E ξ component displays a non-monotonic behaviour with multiple pits and bumps, highlighting the interplay between the TE mode, the Piet Hein geometry, and the semiconductor quantum plasma properties. The $$B_{\rho }$$ B ρ component of the TM mode exhibits a non-monochromatic behaviour with multiple maxima and minima, attributed to the complex interactions between propagating waves with different phase shifts. The $$B_{\xi }$$ B ξ component exhibits a non-uniform distribution with distinct pits and bumps, with a resurgence towards the waveguide edges potentially due to higher-order mode contributions and local field enhancement effects. Our findings pave the way for the development of novel photonic devices with enhanced functionalities based on Piet Hein semiconductor quantum plasma waveguides.

The rapid development of digital technology requires innovative learning media to improve the student learning experience. This study discusses the development of microlearning-based correspondence learning media designed for Vocational High School (SMK) students under the auspices of the Indonesian Association of Scholars and Office Administration Practitioners (Aspapi) in Jakarta area. The main problem in correspondence learning is the limited effective media to increase students' focus and learning independence. Students often have difficulty in structuring sentences when writing letters and are reluctant to think deeply due to the familiarity with informal communication through social media as well as a lack of knowledge of formal correspondence. This research aims to develop microlearning-based learning media in correspondence learning. The method used is Research and Development (R&D) with the Dick & Carey development model, which includes needs analysis to summative evaluation. The respondents in this study are students of Aspapi's partner vocational schools in Jakarta. The results show that microlearning-based learning media significantly increases the effectiveness of correspondence learning. Students demonstrate better comprehension and increased learning independence thanks to concise and directed microlearning content, in accordance with their digital communication habits. Interactive and accessible media design also helps to overcome low literacy competence and student learning motivation. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that the development of microlearning-based learning media has proven to be an effective solution in overcoming challenges in correspondence learning. This media is able to improve students' writing skills, critical thinking, and learning independence, so similar innovations are recommended to be applied to other administrative and vocational subjects.

In a ground breaking endeavor, we investigate a fundamental quantum property of fermions, specifically electrons, within a non-uniform quantized magnetic field, unveiling novel insights into shear Alfve’n waves in the relativistic realm of quantum plasma, particularly within the context of a degenerate Fermi gas. Employing the quantum magnetohydrodynamic model, we delve into the profound implications of the Landau quantization effect. This quantum phenomenon holds paramount importance across diverse fields such as condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and quantum information. Our study focuses on a plasma composed of degenerate relativistic electrons coexisting with cold fluid ions, which are non-degenerate particles. The findings of this research reveal substantial modifications in the thermodynamic, kinetic, and dispersion relation characteristics of shear Alfve’n waves when subjected to a non-uniform quantized magnetic field. This exploration offers a pioneering perspective on the intricate interplay between quantum physics and plasma dynamics, with implications for a wide array of scientific disciplines.

A field study was conducted to investigate the relative resistance or susceptibility of different onion genotypes i.e., Amaloon, Dark red, Diana, Golden ORB, Phulkara, Red ORB and 88 against onion thrips, Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) under the agro-ecological conditions of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted at experimental area of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The research was performed in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results showed that genotype Dark red and genotype Diana were highly susceptible with 8.63 and 8.48 thrips per plant. Genotype Amaloon and genotype Phulkara were susceptible to thrips population with 6.41 and 6.35 thrips per plant. Genotype 88 was resistant against thrips attack with 4.74 thrips per plant. Golden ORB and Red ORB genotypes showed moderate resistance with 5.46 and 5.22 thrips per plant. Maximum bulb yield was obtained from Dark red genotype (11111.11 kg/acre) followed by genotype 88 (9333.33 kg/acre) while minimum yield was obtained from genotype Golden ORB (6088.89 kg/acre). Morphological traits were also studied which were plant leaves color, number of leaves, plant height, plant succulency percentage. Morphological traits affected thrips population like highly susceptible onion genotypes Dark Red and Diana leaves had dark green color with maximum number of leaves, maximum height of plant and with high succulency percentage while in genotype 88 all traits were vice versa. Results showed that 88 genotypes could be most suitable for the commercial purpose due to its maximum yield performance and least susceptibility against thrips for the region of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

A tandem structure efficiently boosts solar cell efficiency because it uses a larger spectrum of solar radiation and minimizes photon energy thermalization. High-performance tandem solar cells have historically been difficult to produce due to a shortage of high-performance, low-bandgap cells. The proposed design is based on the CH3NH3GeI3 (1.9 eV) as a wide band gap absorber layer and FAMASnGeI3 (1.4 eV) as a narrow band gap perovskite layer with CZTSe as HTL. This research investigates the effect of different ETLs, perovskite layer thicknesses and their doping concentration on the device's photovoltaic parameters. Furthermore, the effect of tunnel junction thickness and front contact work function on the solar cell performance has also been simulated. It has been noted that the PCBM presents a better efficiency device than the other ETLs. The Voc of different ETLs has been related to Vbi. Moreover, the optimized thicknesses of both perovskite absorber layers are 450 nm and 400 nm for MAGeI3 and FAMASnGeI3, respectively. The optimal doping density is found to be E14 cm−3. It has been observed that the tunnel junction's thickness and the front contact's work function also play an important role in optimized device efficiency. The tunnel junction thickness is 4 nm for lead-free mixed cation perovskite/CZTSe tandem solar cells. However, the work function of the front electrode of 4.4 eV is optimum for this structure. The proposed lead-free mixed cation perovskite/CZTSe tandem device shows significant performance parameters, i.e., Voc= 0.970 V, Jsc = 28.46 mAcm−2, FF = 84.43 % and PCE= 23.32 %

Abstract The propagation of energetic charged particles and cosmic rays in magnetized thermal plasma is focused. We consider a four-fluid system that consists of thermal plasma, cosmic rays, and two opposite propagating Alfvén waves to investigate the dynamics and energy exchange mechanisms of the system. Additionally, cosmic rays diffusion within the plasma is considered along the magnetic field lines whereas neglected the cross field line diffusion effects. This study is important for understanding of pressure gradients and their impact on the feedback in astrophysical environment. Over the last few decades, this problem becomes important when we discuss the interaction of cosmic rays with plasma in space, such as interstellar clouds or interstellar medium.

This article seeks to examine the perspective of Islamic law on child protection issues, by specifically comparing the teachings of Islamic law on child protection with the Child Protection Law no. 23 of 2002 in Indonesia. This research was based on a literature review with a descriptive analytical and comparative approach being taken. Among the main conclusions in this study are inter alia, that Islamic law provides the best protection for children when compared to conventional domestic legislation and international conventions on child protection. In the Indonesian context, even though the Child Protection Law no. 23 of 2002 has been enacted, there are still many deficiencies in the articles that can be perfected by observing Islamic teachings. The rights of children in Islam start from the time of forming a family, by choosing a good life partner, and it is prohibited to for a spouse to commit adultery as this can devastate the couple and the children if there are any. Furthermore, Islam also protects children before birth by giving them the right to live and it vehemently opposes and prohibits abortion and promotes the obligation to provide nafaqah (financial support a husband must provide for his wife during marriage and for a time after divorce), for pregnant women. After a child is born, Islam also provides protection by providing material and immaterial rights for children. In addition, Islam also provides protection for children in special conditions, such as children who are adopted and children with disabilities.

The Holy Qur’an relates believers’ pure emotions to brotherhood. From the perspective of Islam, it has been also affirmed that two people have the same thoughts and opinions in one centre point of love in brotherhood, so fraternal feelings are not merely limited to kinship and consanguinity. In this line, the Holy Qur’an states that we have come to make you brothers with each other; not a brotherhood from parents, but an Islamic one, which is highly appreciated in the Islamic society. In addition, a believing brother can never be filled when his fellow believer is hungry, and he cannot be clothed while the other is with nothing on. Islam further considers all Muslims as one family and calls everyone brothers and sisters or siblings. The true Muslims of any race and tribe as well as any language and age thus have a deep sense of brotherhood with each other, even if one lives in the Eastern parts of the world and the other in the West. In sum, this article aimed to investigate the role of religious teachings in strengthening believers’ brotherhood in the Islamic society. For this purpose, firstly, the definition of religious brotherhood was provided; secondly, religious brotherhood has been described based on the Holy Qur’an. Contribution: This article helped gain a new insight into the role of Islamic teachings in strengthening religious brotherhood in the Islamic society. Besides, the indicators of religious brotherhood were extracted and then enlightened according to the Ayat (viz. verses) from the Holy Qur’an.

Managing discarded waste cathode ray tube (CRT) funnels glass has become a major concern worldwide because it has toxic effects on the environment and human health if the hazardous lead leached to the surroundings. The common way of recycling this waste is by crushing it, where it was used as an alternative fine aggregate for concrete production. But the crushing technique has led to the formation of micro-cracks in the funnel glass products, causing to high lead leaching rate. On the other hand, recycling the CRT funnel glass waste through melting and annealing operations in producing the spherical CRT glass (GS) has proven will not danger the environment due to the leaching of lead. Therefore, this paper explored the feasibility of using GS as partial (20%, 50%) and full replacements (100%) of natural coarse aggregates in concrete. The workability, density, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength were investigated. Given the importance of materials and exposure, the influence of silica fume content and CRT concrete strength subjected to high temperature were evaluated. Overall, the inclusion of GS increased the workability and decreased the density, but reduced the compressive and tensile strength. The use of GS as coarse aggregates should be limited to below 50% due to its negative impacts on the strength aspects have become obvious. However, the results show that the CRT concrete made with 20% GS and 10% silica fume have comparable properties with the control, 52 MPa where only 7% lower than control concrete. The addition of silica fume able to counteract the negative effect of GS.

Recently, calcium phosphate/montmorillonite composites have received attention as a synthetic bone substitutes. In this study, apatitic calcium phosphate/Montmorillonite nano-biocomposites were in-situ synthesized at 22 °C by reaction between calcium hydroxide and orthophosphoric acid in the presence of different contents of montmorillonite (MNa). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas were used to characterize the prepared powders. The XRD results show that the composites prepared with 2 and 5 wt% MNa and sintered at 900 °C, show the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) structure, whereas that prepared with 10 wt% MNa leads to the formation of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) structure. The HAP structure decomposes at 1000 °C and leads to the formation of biocomposite containing HAP, β and α-TCP. However, β-TCP composites show thermal stability. FTIR and structural refinement results show the incorporation of clay ions into the apatitic structure causing changes in the crystal structure of the formed calcium phosphate phases. The changes in the composition and structure lead to an increase in the dissolution rate of HAP and a decrease in that of β-TCP.

Abstract Phytoremediation is an ecofriendly technique to clean heavy metals from contaminated soil by the use of high biomass producing plant species. Chelators can help to improve this biological technique by increasing metal solubility. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the chelators EDTA and citric acid (CA) in phytoremediation of Ni contaminated soil by using Brassica napus (canola). Two cultivars of B. napus, Con-II (tolerant) and Oscar (sensitive), were selected after screening and exposed to NiSO4 at 30 ppm at the time of sowing. CA (10 mM) and EDTA (1.5 mM) were applied either alone or in combination with each other after two weeks of Ni treatments. Different parameters like morpho-physiological and biochemical data were recorded after 15 days of chelate application. The results highlighted the successful use of chelating agents (CA and EDTA) not only to ameliorate Ni stress but also to enhance Ni accumulation which is prerequisite for phytoremediation. The basal application of 10 mMCA and 1.5 mM EDTA concentration proved to be effective for the growth of plants. The combination of chelating agents failed to show any synergistic effects.

Introduction Nations thorughout the world are imposing mandatory quarantine on those entering the country. While such measures may be effective in reducing the importation of COVID-19, the mental health implications remain unclear. Objectives This study sought to assess mental well-being and factors associated with changes in mental health in individuals subject to mandatory quarantine following travel. Methods Travellers arriving at a large urban international airport completed online questionnaires on arrival and days 7 and 14 of mandated quarantine. Questionnaire items such as travel history, mental health, attitudes towards COVID-19, and protection behaviours were drawn from the World Health Organization Survey Tool for COVID-19. Results There was a clinically significant decline in mental health over the course of quarantine among the 10,965 eligible participants. Poor mental health was reported by 5.1% of participants on arrival and 26% on day 7 of quarantine. Factors associated with greater decline in mental health were younger age, female gender, negative views towards quarantine measures, and engaging in fewer COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Conclusions While the widespread use of quarantine may be effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the mental health implications are profound and have largely been ignored in public policy decision-making. Psychiatry has a role to play in contributing to the public policy debate to ensure that all aspects of health and well-being are reflected in decisions to isolate people from others. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Rice (Oryza sativa) plants acquired excess photosynthates in the form of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in their stems and grain. Despite keen interest in rice NSC, the dynamics of NSC accumulation, translocation and re-accumulation have not yet been well investigated. AG1 and AG2 QTLs associated with flooding tolerance through catalyzing starch into soluble sugar in germinating seeds. Here we conducted three experiments, greenhouse and field to lay the groundwork for large-scale diversity studies on grain NSC and some agronomic traits under direct-seeded rice (DSR) system, using elite lines incorporating AG1, AG2 and AG1-AG2 QTLs into the popular varieties PSB Rc82 and Ciherang-Sub1 along with the donors Kho Hlan On (AG1) and Ma-Zhan Red (AG2). In germinating seedlings, soluble sugars increased, while starch concentration decreased gradually especially in the tolerant checks and AG1-AG2 introgression lines under flooded soil. Soluble sugar accumulation in stem started to increase from the vegetative stage and peaked at the panicle initiation stage then gradually decreased towards the maturity stage. But Sub1-AG lines had higher sugar and starch concentrations at different growth stages than other genotypes in wet season 2016 and dry season 2017. Plant survival rate was positively correlated with the stem NSC at the early vegetative stage (21 days after sowing), and stem NSC was positively associated with plant height at different growth stages. Among the tested seeding rate, the most suitable seeding rate, 4 g/m2 with shallow burial depth (0.5 cm), resulted in better seedling establishment, relatively higher seedling vigor index and higher leaf area index under flooding in DSR system. Introgression of AG1-AG2 QTLs had no any negative impact on nonstructural carbohydrate, germination rate, and growth and biomass production.

Teachers' expectations of student capabilities can meaningfully affect future achievement. However, the consistency of teachers' expectations over time and their differential impact by student gender and ethnicity have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of students' reading achievement. The current study investigates the longitudinal influence of teacher expectancy effects on student achievement through a novel measurement approach that considers classroom context while drawing on cognitive assessments and teacher ratings collected through the large, nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten data set (N = 8,503 students). Results of the autoregressive cross-lagged models with five time points between kindergarten and eighth grade indicate teachers' expectations of students' reading achievement are not significantly associated from one time point to the next, though their effects increase over time. Significant differences in longitudinal expectancy effects based on student gender and ethnicity were not found. Implications for teaching practice based on these results are discussed.

Exploring the composition and structure of the faecal microbial community improves the understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in the gastrointestinal function and the egg-laying performance of hens. Therefore, detection of hen–microbial interactions can explore a new breeding marker for the selection of egg production due to the important role of the gut microbiome in the host’s metabolism and health. Recently, the gut microbiota has been recognised as a regulator of host performance, which has led to investigations of the productive effects of changes in the faecal microbiome in various animals. In the present study, a metagenomics analysis was applied to characterise the composition and structural diversity of faecal microbial communities under two selections of egg-laying performance, high (H, n = 30) and low (L, n = 30), using 16S rRNA-based metagenomic association analysis. The most abundant bacterial compositions were estimated based on the operational classification units among samples and between the groups from metagenomic data sets. The results indicated that Firmicutes phylum has higher significant (P < 0.01) in the H group than in the L group. In addition, higher relative abundance phyla of Bacteroides and Fusobacteria were estimated in the H group than the L group, contrasting the phyla of Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria were more relative abundance in the L group. The families (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Acinetobacter, Flavobacteriaceae, Lachnoclostridum and Rhodococcus) were more abundant in the H group based on the comparison between the H and L groups. Meanwhile, three types of phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria) and six families (Acinetobacter, Avibacterium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Helicobacter and Peptoclostridium) were more abundant in the L group (P < 0.01). Overall, the selection of genotypes has enriched a relationship between the gut microbiota and the egg-laying performance. These findings suggest that the faecal microbiomes of chickens with high egg-laying performance have more diverse activities than those of chickens with low egg-laying performance, which may be related to the metabolism and health of the host and egg production variation.

Performance of a semi-active flapping foil flow energy harvester, coupled with a piezoelectric transducer has been analyzed in this work. The airfoil is mounted on a spring, damper and piezoelectric transducer arrangement in its translational mode. External excitation is imparted in pitch mode and system is allowed to oscillate in its translational mode as a result of unsteady fluid forces. A piezoelectric transducer is used as an electrical power converter. Flow around moving airfoil surface is solved on a meshfree nodal cloud using Radial Basis Function in Finite Difference Mode (RBF-FD). Fourth order Runge-Kutta Method is used for time marching solution of solid equations. Before the solution of complex Fluid-Structure Interaction problem, a parametric study is proposed to identify the values of kinematic, mechanical and geometric variables which could offer an improved energy harvesting performance. For this purpose, the problem is modelled as a coupled electromechanical system using Lagrange energy equations. Airfoil lift and pitching moment are formulated through Theodorson’s two dimensional thin-plate model and a parametric analysis is conducted to work out the optimized values of pivot location, pitch amplitude, spring stiffness and damping constant. The subsequent computational analysis resulted in an enhanced performance compared to the potential flow model with an efficiency of up to 27% based on total power extraction through the flow. Higher efficiency is obtained when the pitch axis is located aft of mid chord. However, this setting does not correspond to the maximum power output. Interestingly, power is maximized at much lower efficiency values.

The notary is known as a respected official in accordance with the mandate of the law. In Article 1 paragraph 1 of the Amended UUJN, it is stated that a Notary Public is authorized to make an authentic deed and has other authorities as referred to in this Law or based on other laws. Sometimes the labeling of the word "honorable" carried by a notary is injured by irresponsible notaries. many persons who do not think long will be the result of what has been done. The increasing number of notaries and the complexity of the problems faced by a notary public there are also notaries who are entangled with legal cases related to authentic deed forgery. The State of Indonesia is a state of law, in a state of law all people are treated equally before the law, this also applies to the profession of Notary. Notaries can be convicted if they meet the criminal elements contained in Article 263 paragraph (1) and Article 264 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. In this study, the author conducted a juridical-normative analysis based on literature study. Keywords: Authentic Deed, Criminal Aspects, Notary Public.

Abstract The LHCb collaboration have recently updated their analysis of the resonant J/ 𝜓 p mass spectrum in the decay Λ b 0 $$ {\varLambda}_b^0 $$ → J/𝜓 p K − , making use of their combined Run 1 and Run 2 data. In the updated analysis, three narrow states, P c (4312)+, P c (4440)+, and P c (4457)+, are observed. The spin-parity assignments of these states are not yet known. We interpret these narrow resonances as compact hidden-charm diquark-diquark- antiquark pentaquarks. Using an effective Hamiltonian, based on constituent quarks and diquarks, we calculate the pentaquark mass spectrum for the complete SU (3) F lowest S- and P -wave multiplets, taking into account dominant spin-spin, spin-orbit, orbital and tensor interactions. The resulting spectrum is very rich and we work out the quark flavor compositions, masses, and J P quantum numbers of the pentaquarks. However, heavy quark symmetry restricts the observable states in Λ b -baryon, as well as in the decays of the other weakly-decaying b-baryons, Ξ b and Ω b . In addition, some of the pentaquark states are estimated to lie below the J/ 𝜓 p threshold in Λ b -decays (and corresponding thresholds in Ξ b - and Ω b -decays). They decay via c c ¯ $$ \overline{c} $$ annihilation into light hadrons or a dilepton pair, and are expected to be narrower than the P c -states observed. We anticipate their discovery, as well as of the other pentaquark states present in the spectrum at the LHC, and in the long-term future at a Tera-Z factory.

Much work has been done in exploring the energy-momentum distribution of different four-dimensional spacetimes using different prescriptions. In this paper, we intend to explore the energy and momentum density of six-dimensional geometric model of the gravitational field. The model was constructed by postulating a six-dimensional spacetime manifold with a structure of spacetime of absolute parallelism. For this purpose, we consider the metric representing the geometric model and use five prescriptions, namely, Einstein, Landau-Lifshitz, Bergmann-Thomson, Papapetrou, and Möller in the framework of General Relativity. The energy and momentum turn out to be well defined and finite. The comparison of the results shows that Einstein and Bergmann-Thomson prescriptions yield same energy-momentum densities but different from the other three prescriptions. It is mentioning here that the energy vanishes in the case of Möller's prescription and the momentum densities become zero in all the cases.

Abstract In this article, we study the existence result for a boundary value problem (BVP) of hybrid fractional sequential integro-differential equations. A fixed point theorem provided by Dhage in (Nonlinear Anal. 4:414–424, 2010) is used for the solution existence of our boundary value problem. Also we illustrated our result through an example.

Abstract We analyze the hidden charm P-wave tetraquarks in the diquark model, using an effective Hamiltonian incorporating the dominant spin–spin, spin–orbit and tensor interactions. We compare with other P-wave systems such as P-wave charmonia and the newly discovered $$\Omega _c$$ Ωc baryons, analysed recently in this framework. Given the uncertain experimental situation on the Y states, we allow for different spectra and discuss the related parameters in the diquark model. In addition to the presently observed ones, we expect many more states in the supermultiplet of $$L=1$$ L=1 diquarkonia, whose $$J^{PC}$$ JPC quantum numbers and masses are worked out, using the parameters from the currently preferred Y-states pattern. The existence of these new resonances would be a decisive footprint of the underlying diquark dynamics.

Higher levels of solar wind temperatures are reported to be constrained. Microinstabilities play a key role under dilute space plasma conditions. The present study highlights the role of proton firehose instability in defining parallel temperatures of protons. Considering reality, we chose a bi-Maxwellian model for core protons, while halo protons are best modeled with kappa distribution. Taking different sets of input parameters like temperature anisotropy, plasma beta, and kappa index into account, the growth rate levels and associated domains for an unstable firehose mode are investigated.

Sustainable peace in Aceh should be started from the critical value of education and education based values are integrated in all subjects and can be taught at each level of development. The assumption is that the value of education is needed at each level of development and need to be implemented on all aspects of life. The Education curriculum should reflect the religious values, independence and entrepreneurship as cores value of education, as well as the values of excellence (excellence) that should be achieved by everyone at all levels and types of education in its path. Both of these values must be built through the education system that is able to develop a good understanding, the courage to think, to act and be able to build the establishment of persistence. Educational value may be applied only in a democratic educational system, in which the learner to express his opinions in an atmosphere of mutual understanding. Learners need to be portrayed as subjects with individual excellence, which is reflected in the ability to build friendship, cooperation within the group, achieve higher performance, empathize with others, able to solve problems, resolve conflicts, have a sense of humor, self-motivated when faced with periods of tough and able to face tough times with confidence. With this advantage, they feel proud of their education and meaningful to the advancement of his career. As such, they have a place in the field of work and the opportunity of participation in any development process and not feel marginalized.

Spectrum of radio frequency (RF) communications is limited and expensive to install new applications. Free space optical (FSO) communication is a viable technology which offers enormous bandwidth, license free installation, inexpensive deployment and error prone links. The FSO links degrade significantly due to the varying atmospheric and weather conditions (fog, cloud, snow, haze and combination of these). We propose a hybrid FSO/RF communication system which adapts the varying nature of atmosphere and weather. For the adaption of varying atmosphere and weather scenarios, we develop a novel optimization algorithm. The proposed algorithm is based on the well-known puncturing technique. We provide an extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart for the binary and quaternary mapping scheme for the proposed communication system. We simulate the proposed algorithm for the hybrid communication system and analyze the system performance. The proposed algorithm is computationally less expensive and provide better performance gains over varying atmosphere and weather conditions. The algorithm is suitable for fast speed applications.

In this paper, we study the cosmological analysis of the modified holographic Ricci dark energy model and reconstruct different scalar field models in the context of Chern-Simons modified gravity. We investigate the deceleration parameter, which shows that the universe is in the accelerating expansion phase. The equation of state parameter in this case also favors the fact that dark energy is the dominant component of universe, which is responsible for the accelerated expansion. A number of scalar fields, such as quintessence, tachyon, K-essence, and dilaton models, are reconstructed using modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in the context of dynamical CS modified gravity. The quintessence and K-essence models represent exponentially increasing behaviors, while tachyon model shows decreasing behavior. Unfortunately, the dilaton model has no numerical solution for modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in the framework of dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity.

Potassium is instantly correlated to growth, biomass and yield of plants. In Pakistan, potassium deficiency in most of the areas is becoming a nutritional limiting factor for crops yield. A field experiment was performed in 2014 to study the response of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties to potassium application under arid climate. Five potassium application rates (0, 50, 75, 100, 125 kg ha-1) were implicated on three mungbean varieties (NM-98, NM-2006 and NM-2011). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications. Variable application of K on mungbean varieties showed positive effect on growth, physiological, water related and yield attributes. Transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and relative water contents (RWC) were found to be increasing with increasing K rates and maximum values were noted in NM-2011 while excised leaf water loss (ELWL) decreased gradually by applying K rates in all three varieties. Maximum seed yield, seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight was obtained in NM-98 with application of K at 100 kg ha?1. Results of present study conclude that NM-98 gave higher yield and showed maximum response to K application at 100 kg ha?1 relative to other rates of potassium application.

ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms involved in releasing seed dormancy is crucial for effective plant management and renewal of species in the arid zone. Zaleya pentandra is an emerging invasive weed of the arid areas of Pakistan. We investigated the effects of different dormancy breaking treatments on the germination of Z. pentandra seeds. Seeds were treated with hot water (by placing them in boiling water for 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min), dry heat (by placing them in a preheated oven at 70 oC for 1, 2, and 4 hours; at 70 oC for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days, and at 200 oC for 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 min) and stratification (by placing them at 2-5 ºC in a refrigerator for 5, 10, 30, and 60 min; for 3, 6, and 12 hours, and for 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, and 30 days). Seeds also were soaked in thiourea ([(NH2)2CS] (0, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, and 10,000 mg L-1 for 24 h at 30 oC) and in KNO3 (0, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, and 60,000 mg L-1 for 24 h at 30 oC). Additionally, seeds were scarified with HCl (for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 h), HNO3 (for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 h), and H2SO4 (for 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 min at 30 oC) and also mechanically scarified with sandpaper. Zaleya pentandra seeds showed typical signs of hard seed coat dormancy. Mechanical scarification and acid treatments promoted seed germination to a varying degree. Seed scarification with HNO3 for 12 to 18 h as well as with HCl for 12 h and 15 h was efficient in breaking dormancy of Z. pentandra seeds, providing germination up to 92.5%. Seed scarification with H2SO4 from 20 to 120 min showed little effect, whereas hot water, dry heat, stratification and various concentrations of thiourea and KNO3 were ineffective in breaking Z. pentandra seed dormancy.

Rhynchosia capitata is a newly emerging threatening weed of summer crops in many Asian countries. We conducted 2-yr experiments to evaluate R. capitata competition with mungbean under irrigated conditions. Rhynchosia capitata was allowed to compete with mungbean for 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks after planting and for full crop season. The competitive ability of R. capitata was assessed by measuring its dry weight, micro and macro nutrient contents and uptake; and its effects on mungbean growth and yield parameters. The results showed that full season weed competition produced highest dry weight of R. capitata and its macro and micronutrient contents and uptake. Yield and yield components of mungbean decreased in a linear fashion with increase in competition period of Rhynchosia capitata. Full season competition of R. capitata reduced the seed yield of mungbean by 49% and 46% during 2011 and 2012 respectively. In conclusion, damaging effect of R. capitata intrusion on mungbean yield is associated with duration of its presence in crop, accumulation of dry matter and the nutrient uptake by R. capitata, which otherwise should be available to crop.

The study was conducted at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the drought stress tolerance efficiency of wheat cultivars. Eight wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes namely (Pasban-90, Inqalab-91, Auqab-2000, AS-2002, Sahar-2006, Shafaq-2006, Lasani-2008, and FSD-2008) were used for screening in laboratory. Three techniques were used for the screening. These techniques are (I) seed germination at -0.6 MPa external water potential (PEG-6000), (2) seedling growth after 14 days at -0.6 MPa (PEG-6000), and (3) plant water relations of seven-week-old pot-grown plants. Significantly highest germination stress tolerance index, root length stress tolerance index and the water content was recorded in Lasani-2008 and lowest was recorded in Auqab-2000. Dry matter percentage was recorded significantly highest in pasban-90 while the lowest dry matter percentage was observed in auqab-2000. FSD-2008 gained maximum plant height and was recorded minimum in Inqilab-91. Relative saturation deficit was significantly highest in Auqab-2000 while the significantly lowest relative saturation deficit was recorded in case of Lasani-2008. It was concluded from the results that Lasani-2008 performed better under drought and Auqab-2000 was recorded most drought sensitive variety.

Islamabad is rich in diversified flora. This study was conducted to assess the vegetation communities of Islamabad vicinity. In present study seven different sites were selected in the vicinity i.e. CDA Nursery, F9 Park, Faisal Mosque, Jasmine Garden, near Prime Minister House, near Quaid-e-Azam University and Rawal Lake. A total of 62 major plant species were found in the study area. The dominance of plant species was estimated on basis of importance value. Most dominating species was Brossonetia papyrifera with highest importance value (71.4+35.82). These selected sites were categories on the basis of specie richness indices and Shanen's diversity indices. Jinah Garden was rich in plant species on basis of specie richness.

Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) offer their practicable applications in seismic monitoring, sea mine detection, and disaster prevention. In these networks, fundamental difference between operational methodologies of routing schemes arises due to the requirement of time-critical applications; therefore, there is a need for the design of delay-sensitive techniques. In this paper, Delay-Sensitive Depth-Based Routing (DSDBR), Delay-Sensitive Energy Efficient Depth-Based Routing (DSEEDBR), and Delay-Sensitive Adaptive Mobility of Courier nodes in Threshold-optimized Depth-based routing (DSAMCTD) protocols are proposed to empower the depth-based routing schemes. The performance of the proposed schemes is validated in UASNs. All of the three schemes formulate delay-efficient Priority Factors (PF) and Delay-Sensitive Holding time ( DSH T ) to minimize end-to-end delay with a small decrease in network throughput. These schemes also employ an optimal weight function ( W F ) for the computation of transmission loss and speed of received signal. Furthermore, solution for delay lies in efficient data forwarding, minimal relative transmissions in low-depth region, and better forwarder selection. Simulations are performed to assess the proposed protocols and the results indicate that the three schemes largely minimize end-to-end delay along with improving the transmission loss of network.

The increasing demand and consumption of cement have necessitated the use of slag, fly ash, rice husk ash (RHA), and so forth as a supplement of cement in concrete construction. The aim of the study is to develop a zero-cement binder (Z-Cem) using slag, fly ash, and RHA combined with chemical activator. NaOH, Ca(OH)2, and KOH were used in varying weights and molar concentrations. Z-Cem was tested for its consistency, setting time, flow, compressive strength, XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The consistency and setting time of the Z-Cem paste increase with increasing RHA content. The Z-Cem mortar requires more superplasticizer to maintain a constant flow of 110±5% compared with OPC. The compressive strength of the Z-Cem mortar is significantly influenced by the amounts, types, and molar concentration of the activators. The Z-Cem mortar achieves a compressive strength of 42–44 MPa at 28 days with 5% NaOH or at 2.5 molar concentrations. The FTIR results reveal that molecules in the Z-Cem mortar have a silica-hydrate (Si-H) bond with sodium or other inorganic metals (i.e., sodium/calcium-silica-hydrate-alumina gel). Therefore, Z-Cem could be developed using the aforementioned materials with the chemical activator.