Functionalized Single Crystal Perovskite Materials for SERS and Their Potential Detection Applications.

Recent advances in detection and diagnostic tools have improved understanding and identification of plant physiological and biochemical processes. Effective and safe Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) can find objects quickly and accurately. Raman enhancement amplifies the signal by 1014-1015 to accurately quantify plant metabolites at the molecular level. This paper shows how to use functionalized perovskite substrates for SERS. These perovskite substrates have lots of surface area, intense Raman scattering, and high sensitivity and specificity. These properties eliminate sample matrix component interference. This study identified research gaps on perovskite substrates' effectiveness, precision, and efficiency in biological metabolite detection compared to conventional substrates. This article details the synthesis and use of functionalized perovskites for plant metabolites measurement. It analyzes their pros and cons in this context. The manuscript analyzes perovskite-based SERS substrates, including single-crystalline perovskites with enhanced optoelectronic properties. This manuscript aims to identify this study gap by comprehensively reviewing the literature and using it to investigate plant metabolite detection in future studies.

Spatial spillover impact of determinants on child mortality in Pakistan: evidence from Spatial Durbin Model.

BACKGROUND: Child mortality is a major challenge to public health in Pakistan and other developing countries. Reduction of the child mortality rate would improve public health and enhance human well-being and prosperity. This study recognizes the spatial clusters of child mortality across districts of Pakistan and identifies the direct and spatial spillover effects of determinants on the Child Mortality Rate (CMR). METHOD: Data of the multiple indicators cluster survey (MICS) conducted by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was used to study the CMR. We used spatial univariate autocorrelation to test the spatial dependence between contiguous districts concerning CMR. We also applied the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to measure the spatial spillover effects of factors on CMR. RESULTS: The study results showed 31% significant spatial association across the districts and identified a cluster of hot spots characterized by the high-high CMR in the districts of Punjab province. The empirical analysis of the SDM confirmed that the direct and spatial spillover effect of the poorest wealth quintile and MPI vulnerability on CMR is positive whereas access to postnatal care to the newly born child and improved drinking water has negatively (directly and indirectly) determined the CMR in Pakistan. CONCLUSION: The instant results concluded that spatial dependence and significant spatial spillover effects concerning CMR exist across districts. Prioritization of the hot spot districts characterized by higher CMR can significantly reduce the CMR with improvement in financial statuses of households from the poorest quintile and MPI vulnerability as well as improvement in accessibility to postnatal care services and safe drinking water.

Prevalence of antibiotic resistance pattern in shigella isolates procured from pediatric patients at Faisalabad - Pakistan.

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a shigella isolates belongs to a family Enterobacteriacea. Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenesmus are the prominent symptoms of shigella infection. The present study was designed to determine period prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella species recovered from stool specimens obtained from diarrheal paediatric patients under 5 years of age. This cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of six months (Jan to June, 2016). All Shigella isolates were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characteristics, and biochemical characteristics. After applying Kirby Baur disc diffusion method only 22 (18.96%) stool specimens were found positive for Shigella isolates among the 116 stool specimens. The isolates were also found susceptible to Levofloxacin (72.72%), Azithromycin (59.09%), and Cefotaxime (40.90%). However, the said isolates were resistant to Lincomycin (100%) and Penicillin-G (100%), followed by Amoxicillin (95.45%) and Oxacillin (95.45%). The chi-square test was used to check the close association among antimicrobial agents used and as highly significant (p-value < 2.2e-16). Based on antimicrobial susceptibility findings, Levofloxacin, Azithromycin and Cefotoxime were found effective for the control of shigellosis.

BMT: Bioinformatics mini toolbox for comprehensive DNA and protein analysis.

Background Bioinformatics tools are of great significance and are used in different spheres of life sciences. There are wide variety of tools available to perform primary analysis of DNA and protein but most of them are available on different platforms and many remain undetected. Accessing these tools separately to perform individual task is uneconomical and inefficient. Objective Our aim is to bring different bioinformatics models on a single platform to ameliorate scientific research. Hence, our objective is to make a tool for comprehensive DNA and protein analysis. Methods To develop a reliable, straight-forward and standalone desktop application we used state of the art python packages and libraries. Bioinformatics Mini Toolbox (BMT) is combination of seven tools including FastqTrimmer, Gene Prediction, DNA Analysis, Translation, Protein analysis and Pairwise and Multiple alignment. Results FastqTrimmer assists in quality assurance of NGS data. Gene prediction predicts the genes by homology from novel genome on the basis of reference sequence. Protein analysis and DNA analysis calculates physiochemical properties of nucleotide and protein sequences, respectively. Translation translates the DNA sequence into six open reading frames. Pairwise alignment performs pairwise global and local alignment of DNA and protein sequences on the basis or multiple matrices. Multiple alignment aligns multiple sequences and generates a phylogenetic tree. Conclusion We developed a tool for comprehensive DNA and protein analysis. The link to download BMT is https://github.com/nasiriqbal012/BMT_SETUP.git.

A bioconvection model for viscoelastic nanofluid confined by tapered asymmetric channel: implicit finite difference simulations.

As part of the growing evolution in nanotechnology and thermal sciences, nanoparticles are considered as an alternative solution for the energy depletion due to their ultra-high thermal effectives. Nanofluids reflect inclusive and broad-spectrum significances in engineering, industrial and bio-engineering like power plants, energy source, air conditioning systems, surface coatings, evaporators, power consumptions, nano-medicine, cancer treatment, etc. The present study describes the bio-convective peristaltic flow of a third-grade nanofluid in a tapered asymmetric channel. Basic conservation laws of mass, momentum, energy, and concentration as well as the microorganism diffusion equation are utilized to model the problem. The simplified form of the modeled expressions is accounted with long wavelength assumptions. For solving the resulting coupled and nonlinear equations, a well-known numerical method implicit finite difference scheme has been utilized. The graphical results describe the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles, and the density of motile microorganisms at the nanoscale. Furthermore, microorganism concentration lines are analyzed.

Investigation of Cyber-Security and Cyber-Crimes in Oil and Gas Sectors Using the Innovative Structures of Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Relations.

Recently, there has been enormous development due to advancements in technology. Industries and enterprises are moving towards a digital system, and the oil and gas industries are no exception. There are several threats and risks in digital systems, which are controlled through cyber-security. For the first time in the theory of fuzzy sets, this research analyzes the relationships between cyber-security and cyber-crimes in the oil and gas sectors. The novel concepts of complex intuitionistic fuzzy relations (CIFRs) are introduced. Moreover, the types of CIFRs are defined and their properties are discussed. In addition, an application is presented that uses the Hasse diagram to make a decision regarding the most suitable cyber-security techniques to implement in an industry. Furthermore, the omnipotence of the proposed methods is explained by a comparative study.

Inequalities in health and health-related indicators: a spatial geographic analysis of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, Pakistan is one of the countries where access to health and health-related indicators is a major concern. Their improvement would reduce inequalities among various Communities/Districts or groups of Communities. A Community health index (CHI) in this regard is estimated to explore inequality ratio, inequality slope, and spatial analysis of inequalities among all Communities at regional and geographical levels. METHODS: Data from Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement (PSLM) survey, Round-VI, 2014-15 were used to construct CHI. The index was constructed in two steps. In the first step, the study indicators were standardized while in the second step, the standardized indicators were aggregated into a single metric by applying non-linear Geometric Mean formula. RESULTS: The inequality ratio of 16.59 estimated for Pakistan was found to be higher than the ratio of Atlanta city, GA (5.92), whereas, a lower slope coefficient was estimated for Pakistan than Atlanta city, GA (0.38 < 0.54). This ratio of disparity was also found to be lower for urban regions as compared to rural (7.78 < 17.54). While the slope coefficient was slightly higher for urban regions (0.45 > 0.43). The results of the spatial analysis revealed different patterns of inequalities. A cluster of healthy districts was found in Punjab province, whereas districts from Baluchistan had made a bunch of deprived/unhealthy districts in terms of CHI scores. Besides, separate maps for all provinces showed that capital districts of all provinces were relatively well-off/developed. CONCLUSION: The instant results concluded that inequalities in access to health and health-related indicators exist across countries as well as across geographical regions. To reduce or eradicate these inequalities, government and public health workers are recommended to set priorities based on access to composite index.

Aspects of Chemical Entropy Generation in Flow of Casson Nanofluid between Radiative Stretching Disks.

The appropriate utilization of entropy generation may provoke dipping losses in the available energy of nanofluid flow. The effects of chemical entropy generation in axisymmetric flow of Casson nanofluid between radiative stretching disks in the presence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, and heat absorption/generation features have been mathematically modeled and simulated via interaction of slip boundary conditions. Shooting method has been employed to numerically solve dimensionless form of the governing equations, including expressions referring to entropy generation. The impacts of the physical parameters on fluid velocity components, temperature and concentration profiles, and entropy generation number are presented. Simulation results revealed that axial component of velocity decreases with variation of Casson fluid parameter. A declining variation in Bejan number was noticed with increment of Casson fluid constant. Moreover, a progressive variation in Bejan number resulted due to the impact of Prandtl number and stretching ratio constant.

Extraction of diverse polyphenols in relation with storage periods of Citrus paradisi CV. Shamber through HPLC-DAD technique using different solvent.

In this article, Citrus paradisi, (Shamber) an exceptional source of Vitamins A and C and full of nutrients, selected for extraction of diverse polyphenols including dietary flavonoids and essential flavonoids by HPLC-DAD technique using various solvents. These essential targeted compounds also analyze after keeping different storage periods and compare with fresh fruits for better efficacy of these compounds. The highest number of phenolic compounds including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid sinapic acid, ferulic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol extracted in methanol solvent leading to the new compounds of tetra-O-methylscutellar and heptamethoxy flavone. The essential flavonoids determined by polyethersulfone filter and insoluble precipitation separated by the dimethyl sulfoxide. The results showed that the methanolic extraction exhibited higher essential flavonoids including nobiletin, sinensetin, tangeritin, and tetra-O-methylscutellarein and heptamethoxy flavone. The RP-HPLC analysis exposed the maximum number of nutritional flavonoids like naringin, hesperidin, total flavones, glycosyl. Moreover, it observed that dietary flavonoids and phenolic compounds of stored fruits were unaffected in 30 days of storage periods while minor variations were pragmatic during 60-90 days storage. The investigation revealed that C. paradisi proves to be the valuable resource of different phenolic compounds and flavonoids which are effective against various oxidative stresses in the human body.

Pharmacological studies of Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera as resource of bio-active compounds for various diseases.

Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera species were investigated as a resource for new diverse pharmacological agents including B complex, individual total phenolic compounds and antioxidants for curing and treatments of many infectious diseases in human through advanced analytical methods. These plants are abundant in Khyber Pukhtoon Khawa, Pakistan as well as in all over the world and famous for their unique medicinal importance. These herbaceous species are so far used for animals curing while current exploration of these species showed that these species are a precious resource of various compounds which can be employed in the formation of different drugs. The results showed that the leaf and flower extracts of Adhatoda vasica and leaf extract of Calotropis procera contained higher contents of bioactive compounds. The chemical analysis of the samples resulted in higher values of total phenolic compounds (71.32mg GAE/g), total antioxidants (651% DPPH inhibition), the enzyme catalase (4716µg/g), ash content (16.72%) and pH values in the Calotropis procera, whereas the total carotenoids (1987mg/100g), the enzymes, superoxide dismutase (4566µg/g) and peroxidase (1322µg/g) were higher in leaves of Adhatoda vasica. The flower extract of the Adhatoda vasica was rich in the flavonoids (0.87mg/100g) and organic matter (89.99%) as compared to Calotropis procera. The obtained data for each parameter was interpreted by applying Complete Randomized Design (CRD) along with factorial arrangements. The mean comparison was performed using LSD test at 5% probability level. The presence of these phytochemicals may lead to the conclusion that these herbal plants have the potential for formation of new drugs and can be used as herbal medicine for treatment of different cancer and viral diseases. These compounds are also useful in the treatment of the tumor.

Numerical simulation of a fractional stochastic delay differential equations using spectral scheme: a comprehensive stability analysis.

The fractional stochastic delay differential equation (FSDDE) is a powerful mathematical tool for modeling complex systems that exhibit both fractional order dynamics and stochasticity with time delays. The purpose of this study is to explore the stability analysis of a system of FSDDEs. Our study emphasizes the interaction between fractional calculus, stochasticity, and time delays in understanding the stability of such systems. Analyzing the moments of the system's solutions, we investigate stochasticity's influence on FSDDS. The article provides practical insight into solving FSDDS efficiently using various numerical techniques. Additionally, this research focuses both on asymptotic as well as Lyapunov stability of FSDDS. The local stability conditions are clearly presented and also the effects of a fractional orders with delay on the stability properties are examine. Through a comprehensive test of a stability criteria, practical examples and numerical simulations we demonstrate the complexity and challenges concern with the analyzing FSDDEs.

Advancing COVID-19 stochastic modeling: a comprehensive examination integrating vaccination classes through higher-order spectral scheme analysis.

This research article presents a comprehensive analysis aimed at enhancing the stochastic modeling of COVID-19 dynamics by incorporating vaccination classes through a higher-order spectral scheme. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for accurate and adaptable modeling techniques to inform public health interventions. In this study, we introduce a novel approach that integrates various vaccination classes into a stochastic model to provide a more nuanced understanding of disease transmission dynamics. We employ a higher-order spectral scheme to capture complex interactions between different population groups, vaccination statuses, and disease parameters. Our analysis not only enhances the predictive accuracy of COVID-19 modeling but also facilitates the exploration of various vaccination strategies and their impact on disease control. The findings of this study hold significant implications for optimizing vaccination campaigns and guiding policy decisions in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

A fuel gas waste heat recovery-based multigeneration plant integrated with a LNG cold energy process, a water desalination unit, and a CO2 separation process.

Development of the multigeneration plants based on the simultaneous production of water and energy can solve many of the current problems of these two major fields. In addition, the integration of fossil power plants with waste heat recovery processes in order to prevent the release of pollutants in the environment can simultaneously cover the environmental and thermodynamic improvements. Besides, the addition of a carbon dioxide (CO2) capturing cycles with such plants is a key issue towards a sustainable environment. Accordingly, a novel waste heat recovery-based multigeneration plant integrated with a carbon dioxide separation/liquefaction cycle is proposed and investigated under multi-variable assessments (energy/exergy, financial, and environmental). The offered multigeneration system is able to generate various beneficial outputs (electricity, liquefied CO2 (L-CO2), natural gas (NG), and freshwater). In the offered system, the liquified natural gas (LNG) cold energy is used to carry out condensation processes, which is a relatively new idea. Based on the results, the outputs rates of net power, NG, L-CO2, and water were determined to be approximately 42.72 MW and 18.01E+03, 612 and 3.56E+03 kmol/h, respectively. Moreover, the multigeneration plant was efficient about 32.08% and 87.72%, respectively, in terms of energy and exergy. Economic estimates indicated that the unit product costs of electricity and liquefied carbon dioxide production, respectively, were around 0.0466 USD per kWh and 0.0728 USD per kg-CO2. Finally, the total released CO2 was about 0.034 kg per kWh. According to a comprehensive comparison, the offered multigeneration plant can provide superior environmental, thermodynamic, and economic performances compared to similar plants. Moreover, there was no need to purchase electricity from the grid.

A novel approach towards web browser using the concept of a complex spherical fuzzy soft information.

The modern technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge, whether in industry or daily life, for goals or purposes. More quickly than any other technological advancement in human history, digital technologies have advanced. The technology sector is expanding and provides both new educational opportunities and innovative, exciting products. Right now, one of the most widely used and fascinating technologies is the web browser. This article introduced the novel concepts of complex spherical fuzzy soft relations (CSFSRs) by using the Cartesian Product (CP) of two complex spherical fuzzy soft sets (CSFSSs). Additionally, examples are used to clarify various types of relations. Because it discusses all levels of membership, abstinence, and non-membership with multidimensional variables, the CSFSRs have a detailed structure. The CSFSR-based modelling tools developed in this research, which primarily rely on the score function, can be used to choose the best Web browser. The transaction could be as easy as users sharing records via a functional web browser. Finally, the advantages of this suggested structure are illustrated by contrasting it with alternative structures.

Advanced stability analysis of a fractional delay differential system with stochastic phenomena using spectral collocation method.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in incorporating fractional calculus into stochastic delay systems due to its ability to model complex phenomena with uncertainties and memory effects. The fractional stochastic delay differential equations are conventional in modeling such complex dynamical systems around various applied fields. The present study addresses a novel spectral approach to demonstrate the stability behavior and numerical solution of the systems characterized by stochasticity along with fractional derivatives and time delay. By bridging the gap between fractional calculus, stochastic processes, and spectral analysis, this work contributes to the field of fractional dynamics and enriches the toolbox of analytical tools available for investigating the stability of systems with delays and uncertainties. To illustrate the practical implications and validate the theoretical findings of our approach, some numerical simulations are presented.

Microbial production of keratinase from Bacillus velezensis strain MAMA: A novel enzyme for eco-friendly degradation of keratin waste.

Keratin waste has become an increasingly serious environmental and health hazard. Keratin waste is mainly composed of keratin protein, which is one of the most difficult polymers to break down in nature and is resistant to many physical, chemical, and biological agents. With physical and chemical methods being environment damaging and costly, microbial degradation of keratin using keratinase enzyme is of great significance as it is both environment friendly and cost-effective. The aim of this study was to extract and purify keratinase from bacterial species isolated from the soil. Among the organisms, an isolate of Bacillus velezensis, coded as MAMA could break down chicken feathers within 72 hours (h). The isolated strain produced significant levels of keratinase in mineral salt medium by supplying chicken feathers as the sole source of nitrogen and carbon. Feather deterioration was observed with the naked eye, and enzyme activity was evaluated using a spectrophotometric assay. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and zymography results revealed that the keratinase protein produced by Bacillus velezensis had a molecular weight between 40 and 55 kilodalton (kDa).

A novel simulation-based analysis of a stochastic HIV model with the time delay using high order spectral collocation technique.

The economic impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) goes beyond individual levels and it has a significant influence on communities and nations worldwide. Studying the transmission patterns in HIV dynamics is crucial for understanding the tracking behavior and informing policymakers about the possible control of this viral infection. Various approaches have been adopted to explore how the virus interacts with the immune system. Models involving differential equations with delays have become prevalent across various scientific and technical domains over the past few decades. In this study, we present a novel mathematical model comprising a system of delay differential equations to describe the dynamics of intramural HIV infection. The model characterizes three distinct cell sub-populations and the HIV virus. By incorporating time delay between the viral entry into target cells and the subsequent production of new virions, our model provides a comprehensive understanding of the infection process. Our study focuses on investigating the stability of two crucial equilibrium states the infection-free and endemic equilibriums. To analyze the infection-free equilibrium, we utilize the LaSalle invariance principle. Further, we prove that if reproduction is less than unity, the disease free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable. To ensure numerical accuracy and preservation of essential properties from the continuous mathematical model, we use a spectral scheme having a higher-order accuracy. This scheme effectively captures the underlying dynamics and enables efficient numerical simulations.

Mathematical analysis of COVID-19 pandemic by using the concept of SIR model.

The health organizations around the world are currently facing one of the greatest challenges, to overcome the current global pandemic, COVID-19. It erupted in December 2019, in Wuhan City, China. It spreads rapidly throughout the world within couple of months. In this paper, the data of the COVID-19 have been collected, organized, analyzed and interpreted using the discrete-time model of SIR epidemic model. Moreover, results for several countries from different regions of the world have been obtained. Furthermore, comparative study has been carried out for the countries under consideration. The comparison was performed for the data of different countries on same dates of each month. However, the calculations are carried out for thirteen consecutive weeks, to investigate the rate of spread and the control of the disease in these countries. This guides us to some important concepts like factors favoring the spread of virus and those resisting the spread. Different regions are studied and their data have been evaluated to know which regions are the most effected. This study helps to know the important factors about the behavior of the coronavirus in different environments, such as lockdowns, temperatures, humidity and other restrictions. The proposed concepts and equations can be used to project the upcoming behavior of the pandemic.

Salmonella meningitis in a young child from Pakistan: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella meningitis is a rare but serious complication of Salmonella infection, primarily affecting infants, children, and immunocompromised individuals. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a two-and-a-half-year-old Asian boy who developed Salmonella meningitis along with pneumonia and respiratory failure. Initially, he experienced symptoms of loose motions, fever, and irritability, which progressed to neck stiffness and brisk reflexes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed Salmonella typhi in the CSF. Due to the worsening condition, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, intubated, and switched to meropenem as the antibiotic of choice after an initial empiric therapy with ceftriaxone and vancomycin. With appropriate treatment, the patient showed significant improvement, including resolution of fever and respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: Management of Salmonella meningitis is often challenging primarily because of the fact that the empiric therapy for meningitis may not always provide coverage to the multi-drug resistant Salmonella species found in South Asia. Prompt administration of appropriate antibiotics based on sensitivity testing is crucial for successful management. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and effective management of this uncommon yet severe complication of Salmonella infection.

On the Bioconvective Aspect of Viscoelastic Micropolar Nanofluid Referring to Variable Thermal Conductivity and Thermo-Diffusion Characteristics.

The bioconvective flow of non-Newtonian fluid induced by a stretched surface under the aspects of combined magnetic and porous medium effects is the main focus of the current investigation. Unlike traditional aspects, here the viscoelastic behavior has been examined by a combination of both micropolar and second grade fluid. Further thermophoresis, Brownian motion and thermodiffusion aspects, along with variable thermal conductivity, have also been utilized for the boundary process. The solution of the nonlinear fundamental flow problem is figured out via convergent approach via Mathematica software. It is noted that this flow model is based on theoretical flow assumptions instead of any experimental data. The efficiency of the simulated solution has been determined by comparing with previously reported results. The engineering parameters' effects are computationally evaluated for some definite range.