Search Results (139)

Chicken bile-mediated silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized and evaluated via UV–Vis, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The synthesis of Ag-NPs was validated by observing a color change that was visible to the naked eye and via UV–Vis spectroscopy. A peak at 435 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum suggest the formation of Ag-NPs. The FTIR spectrum indicated that Ag⁺ reduction into Ag-NPs may occur due to proteins that are present in chicken bile. The XRD results showed that the nanoparticles were crystalline in nature, with a crystallite size of 25 nm. The SEM images showed that spherical-shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 20–60 nm were formed. The effects of different parameters, such as extract concentration, pH, and temperature, on the shape and reaction rate of Ag-NPs were examined. The results showed that the formation of Ag-NPs increased substantially in basic medium and they were found to be more stable at 60 °C. The prepared Ag-NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity and photocatalytic efficiency in degrading Disperse Orange 1 (DOI) dye. The antibacterial assessment of the synthesized Ag-NPs showed significant antibacterial activity. Based on the photodegradation study, it was found that the synthesized Ag-NPs showed high activity and almost complete (97%) degradation of DOI within the first 100 min. Thus, the overall results reveal that the prepared Ag-NPs offer a better approach for remediating the aforementioned contaminants. Full article

In this research work, Ag-doped and undoped TiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared through a sol–gel method, using diethanolamine as a solvent. From the evolution of various characterized techniques (XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TGA analysis), it was found that Ag-TiO₂ nanocomposites have a mixture of rutile and anatase phases of titania. The catalytic performance of the Ag-TiO₂ nanocomposites was evaluated for Eriochrome Black T (EBT) photodegradation. To determine the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites, different factors including pH (2–12), catalytic dose (2–12 mg), reaction time (0–180 min) and concentration (2–10 mg/L) were investigated. The calcined Ag-TiO₂ showed high degradation (94%) for EBT at a low pH for 0.01 g of catalyst using 10 mg/L of dye solution. The kinetic study revealed that the photocatalytic degradation process obeys pseudo second-order kinetics. To investigate antibacterial effects, different bacteria such as Enterococcous, Staph Avrius, serritia and Escherichia E. coli were utilized. A total of 200 mg of calcined Ag-TiO₂ nanocomposite showed optimum activities against bacterial strains. Full article

This study focuses on the aerodynamic performance optimization of the SG6043 airfoil for application in small horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) operating under low-Reynolds-number conditions. Recognizing the critical role of lift-to-drag ratio (Cl/Cd) in maximizing turbine power output, the research investigates the performance of SG6043 through design modifications and computational analysis. Initially, the baseline airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics were verified using simulation tools like QBlade v0.96.3 software, confirming its previously reported performance. Subsequently, the airfoil was systematically modified by varying key parameters including thickness-to-camber ratio and angle of attack (AOA), operating at different Reynolds numbers. Among the modified versions, SG6043M5-7, SG6043M5-8, and SG6043M5-9 showed significant aerodynamic performance improvement, with SG6042M5-9 achieving the highest Cl/Cd ratio of 193.44 at Re = 6 × 10⁵ and AOA = 3.5°. The results demonstrated that a reduced thickness (5%) combined with moderate to high camber (7–9%) enhances the aerodynamic performance. Full article

Charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina limits mungbean yield around Faisalabad. Fields surveyed during Kharif 2024 showed 43–58% disease incidence. At the research farm, disease severity rose from 8.6% (14 days after sowing) to 62.4% (maturity). Plants with 40–55% infection lost 42% of grain yield (1182 to 684 kg/ha). Soil temperature at a 10 cm depth best predicted disease (r = +0.86). Each 1 °C above 27 °C added 8% more severity. Early sowing in April and resistant varieties were recommended for farmers to cut losses. Full article

The northern areas of Pakistan are highly vulnerable to climate change due to anthropogenic activities and deforestation, which directly affect the precipitation pattern and variations in temperature. Due to these climate fluctuations, cloud bursts, extreme events like floods and droughts, and the melting of glaciers occur. This study presents the statistical trend analysis of the Dasu watershed in northern Pakistan using a non–parametric approach. In this study, the hydroclimatic data of 16 meteorological stations from 1980 to 2022 were used and the major focus was on an annual Rabi and Kharif seasonal trend analysis. Research revealed that the rate of precipitation increased from the east to west side of the study area in the annual Kharif season, while in the Rabi season, only four stations showed an increasing trend, and the remaining showed a decreasing trend, of which shendor2 showed a significantly decreasing trend with a rate of −3.91 mm/year. On the contrary, annual temperature was declining in the east side of the study area, while three stations showed significantly increasing temperature trends in the central region of the study area. Kharif season showed a decreasing trend in the major part of the study area, while Rabi season’s temperature revealed a significantly increasing trend in most of the stations and a decreasing trend in some eastern parts of the area. Overall, the majority of the study area revealed non–significant warming trends across the annual Rabi season, while the kharif season showed a decreasing trend. Precipitation trends remained largely non–significant but increasingly variable. The findings of this research can be utilized by research institutions and farmers to modify their cropping patterns and cropping calendar to optimize crop productivities. Full article

The pervasive discharge of synthetic dyes into aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat due to their chemical stability, low biodegradability, and carcinogenicity. Conventional dye remediation methods—such as biological treatments, coagulation, and adsorption—have demonstrated limited efficiency and poor reusability, particularly against resilient azo dyes. Cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles have gained traction as photocatalysts owing to their redox-active surfaces and oxygen storage capabilities; however, issues like particle agglomeration and rapid charge recombination restrict their catalytic performance. To address these challenges, this study presents the novel synthesis of a graphene oxide–cerium oxide (GO-CeO₂) nanocomposite via a facile in situ hydrothermal approach, using graphite from lead pencils as a sustainable precursor. The composite was structurally characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, and TEM. The GO matrix not only facilitates uniform dispersion of CeO₂ nanoparticles but also enhances interfacial electron mobility and active site availability. The nanocomposite demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiencies for methyl orange (94%), methyl red (98%), congo red (96%), and 4-nitrophenol (85.6%) under sunlight irradiation, with first-order rate constants significantly exceeding those of pure CeO₂. Notably, GO–CeO₂ retained strong catalytic activity over four degradation cycles, confirming its recyclability and structural stability. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis revealed 79% mineralization of methyl orange, outperforming CeO₂ (45%), indicating near-complete conversion into benign byproducts. This work contributes a scalable, low-cost, and highly active heterogeneous photocatalyst for wastewater treatment, combining green synthesis principles with improved photodegradation kinetics. Its modular architecture and reusability make it a promising candidate for future environmental remediation technologies and integrated photocatalytic systems. Full article

This study investigates mesh sensitivity in the buckling analysis of composite cylindrical shells using the finite element methods. Two Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) models with distinct layups were subjected to linear (Eigenvalue) and non-linear (Riks) analyses under axial compression. Mesh sizes ranging from 50 mm to 2.5 mm were tested using Abaqus. The results revealed that the non-linear analysis is more mesh-sensitive and computationally demanding. Model-1 showed better convergence in non-linear analysis, with <1% error, while Model-2 favored linear analysis, with <0.5% error at finer meshes. The comparison of models results with the experimental data highlights the importance of an empirical correction factor. These findings provide practical guidelines for mesh selection in composite shell analysis. Full article

The invention of antibacterial agents (antibiotics) was a significant event in the history of the human race, and this invention changed the way in which infectious diseases were cured; as a result, many lives have been saved. Recently, antibiotic resistance has developed as a result of excessive use of antibiotics, and it has become a major threat to world health. ARGs are spread across biomes and taxa of bacteria via lateral or horizontal gene transfer (HGT), especially via conjugation, transformation, and transduction. This review concerns transduction, whereby bacteriophages or phages facilitate gene transfer in bacteria. Bacteriophages are just as common and many times more numerous than their bacterial prey, and these phages are much more influential in controlling the population of bacteria. It is estimated that 25% of overall genes of Escherichia coli have been copied by other species of bacteria due to the HGT process. Transduction may take place via a generalized or specialized mechanism, with phages being ubiquitous in nature. Phage and virus-like particle (VLP) metagenomics have uncovered the emergence of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of bacterial origins. These genes, when transferred to bacteria through transduction, confer resistance to antibiotics. ARGs are spread through phage-based transduction between the environment and bacteria related to people or animals, and it is vital that we further understand and tackle this mechanism in order to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

The water regime in Pakistan’s northern region has experienced significant changes regarding hydrological extremes like floods because of climate change. Coupling hydrological models with remote sensing data can be valuable for flow simulation in data-scarce regions. This study focused on simulating the snow- and glacier-melt runoff using the snowmelt runoff model (SRM) in the Gilgit and Kachura River Basins of the upper Indus basin (UIB). The SRM was applied by coupling it with in situ and improved cloud-free MODIS snow and glacier composite satellite data (MOYDGL06) to simulate the flow under current and future climate scenarios. The SRM showed significant results: the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) for the calibration and validation period was between 0.93 and 0.97, and the difference in volume (between the simulated and observed flow) was in the range of −1.5 to 2.8% for both catchments. The flow tends to increase by 0.3–10.8% for both regions (with a higher increase in Gilgit) under mid- and late-21st-century climate scenarios. The Gilgit Basin’s higher hydrological sensitivity to climate change, compared to the Kachura Basin, stems from its lower mean elevation, seasonal snow dominance, and greater temperature-induced melt exposure. This study concludes that the simple temperature-based models, such as the SRM, coupled with improved satellite snow cover data, are reliable in simulating the current and future flows from the data-scarce mountainous catchments of Pakistan. The outcomes are valuable and can be used to anticipate and lessen any threat of flooding to the local community and the environment under the changing climate. This study may support flood assessment and mapping models in future flood risk reduction plans. Full article

Mountain regions are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Over the past three decades, mountain temperatures have risen significantly faster than those in lowland areas. The Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalaya region, often referred to as the “water tower of Asia”, is the largest freshwater source outside the polar regions. However, it is currently undergoing cryospheric degradation as a result of climatic change. In this study, the Normalized Difference Glacier Index (NDGI) was calculated using Landsat and Sentinel satellite images. The results revealed that glaciers in Chitral, located in the Eastern Hindu Kush Mountains of Pakistan, lost 816 km² (31%) of their total area between 1992 and 2022. On average, 27 km² of glacier area was lost annually, with recession accelerating between 1997 and 2002 and again after 2007. Satellite analyses also indicated a significant increase in both maximum (+7.3 °C) and minimum (+3.6 °C) land surface temperatures between 1992 and 2022. Climate data analyses using the Mann–Kendall test, Theil–Sen Slope method, and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model showed a clear increase in air temperatures from 1967 to 2022, particularly during the summer months (June, July, and August). This warming trend is expected to continue until at least 2042. Over the same period, annual precipitation decreased, primarily due to reduced snowfall in winter. However, rainfall may have slightly increased during the summer months, further accelerating glacial melting. Additionally, the snowmelt season began consistently earlier. While initial glacier melting may temporarily boost water resources, it also poses risks to communities and economies, particularly through more frequent and larger floods. Over time, the remaining smaller glaciers will contribute only a fraction of the former runoff, leading to potential water stress. As such, monitoring glaciers, climate change, and runoff patterns is critical for sustainable water management and strengthening resilience in the region. Full article

While leadership influence has been linked to organizational performance, the mechanism through which leadership development can foster sustainable innovation in SMEs with distinctive cultural contexts, including individualism/collectivism, is still not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role that democratic leadership plays in increasing employee innovative behavior (EIB) when organizations are working in situations that are characterized by high levels of hierarchical and collectivist cultures. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the ways in which leadership influences innovation in small- and medium-sized textile enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, including psychological safety and creative potential. This study discloses that participative leadership practices effectively drive sustained innovation especially in countries that embrace hierarchy and collectivism. The participants in this study comprised 389 employees from the textile industry, who completed validated self-report surveys of democratic leadership, psychological safety, creative potential, and EIB. This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables using Smart PLS 4.1.0.8 software. The findings reveal that democratic leadership positively and significantly impacts EIB. Psychological safety mediates this relationship by creating a supportive environment for idea sharing, while creative potential acts as a stronger mediator, enabling employees to generate and implement novel ideas. These results highlight the critical role of democratic leadership in driving innovation through safe and creative organizational climates. This study extends leadership and innovation research by demonstrating the mechanisms through which democratic leadership fosters EIB. This study contributes to the understanding of leadership effectiveness in non-Western hierarchical cultures, providing actionable insights for managers and policymakers to promote sustainable innovation in SMEs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS) is a rare, autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder characterized by arterial twists, abnormal bulges, constriction, and tears. Patients have distinctive features and disease manifestations. The syndrome’s full clinical spectrum and course remain incompletely understood. Methods: We sought to review the medical records of Qatari patients who had ATS. The cohort study included 21 patients who were genetically confirmed by mutations in the SLC2A10 gene. Results: The study revealed that the NM_030777.4(SLC2A10):c.243C>G (p.Ser81Arg) mutation in SLC2A10 leads to mild outcomes of no mortality and less morbidity. Novel features such as a flat philtrum, bulbous noses, bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction, allergic conjunctivitis, latent nystagmus, café au lait spots, eczema, dermatitis, allergic reactions, bilateral temporomandibular joint cysts, bilateral syndactyly (toes), parapelvic cysts, kidney malrotation, vesicoureteral reflux, and nephrolithiasis were identified in our cohort. Furthermore, rare features previously documented in a limited number of patients, including leg length discrepancy, epilepsy, and migraine headaches, were also observed in our cohort. Conclusions: Our data contributes new insights into the life course of ATS in Qatari patients. These findings underscore the importance of effective education strategies through repeated counseling aimed at preventing cousin marriage and the syndrome within the cohort. Full article

This study investigated the effects of genotype, animal age, muscle type, and aging duration on meat quality characteristics of Psoas major (PM), Longissimus thoracis (LT), Longissimus lumborum (LL), and Gluteus Medius (GM) muscles. The PM, LT, LL, and GM muscles were sourced from a total of 32 bulls, consisting of 16 humped (Bos indicus) and 16 humpless (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls aged 21 ± 2 and 30 ± 3 months. The muscles underwent aging durations of 0, 7, and 14 days. Meat pH, color, drip loss, cooking loss, instrumental shear force, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances/TBARS), and sensory analysis were performed. Our results indicated that humped bulls had superior color, while humpless bulls exhibited better sensory characteristics. The 30 ± 3 months of age bulls showed improved color and sensory characteristics with higher TBARs values than the 21 ± 2 months of age bulls. The color, tenderness, and sensory characteristics improved in PM and LT at 7 days, whereas in LL and GM they improved at 14 days. PM showed better tenderness and overall acceptability among different muscles, while LL showed better color and oxidative stability. This study suggested the necessity of muscle-specific aging strategies to enhance the meat quality characteristics of humped and humpless bulls. Further research could explore additional aging durations and other muscle types to better understand their impact on meat quality characteristics. Full article

This study examines the relationship between ethical leadership (EL), psychological safety (PS), conflict management strategies (CMSs), job performance, and the moderating role of an inclusive environment in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Pakistan. Data for this research were collected through quantitative means from NGOs operating in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. A total of 170 employees from NGOs (females = 44.7%, males = 55.3%) completed the ethical leadership, psychological safety, conflict management strategies, inclusive environment, and job performance scales. We applied structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. As compared with previously conducted studies, the findings determined an insignificant moderating role of an inclusive environment. Social identity theory was utilized to delve deeper into the categorization of ingroups and outgroups within the organizations. The implications of this study extend to both researchers and practitioners. Future research will include an exploration of the effectiveness of organizational interventions. Full article

Sindh is in the lower reaches of the Indus River; it is most vulnerable to a variety of upstream water development challenges. The aim of this research was to determine aquifer characteristics in the command area of Tando Allahyar-II distributary within the culmination of underground water potential. The hydraulic properties of the aquifer as well as the susceptibility of the formation to tedious extraction and saltwater upcoming were recognized. Three pumping tests were performed at head, middle, and tail reaches along the selected distributary. The drawdowns were measured at head reach (5.1667 h), at middle reach (6.0 h), and at tail reach (19.667 h) of the selected distributary by performing the pumping tests. Groundwater levels were lower at the tail reach compared to those at the head and middle reaches, likely due to a higher concentration of tubewells in the lower reach. The head and middle reaches showed higher groundwater levels, possibly due to constant head conditions promoting infiltration and recharge. The pumping test versus drawdown analysis revealed that the tubewells should be run with 7-h (on) and 4-h (off) operation. Further, the tubewells at all reaches (head, middle, and tail) should be closed for a minimum of 4 h between operations. This strategy would allow safe groundwater extraction, maintain water quality, and prevent water table depletion in the study area. The hydrodynamic and hydro-salinity behaviors were scrutinized in PWMIN 5.3 (version) by means of the MODFLOW mode. The results were estimated to compare the calibration and validation simulation outcomes using measured data. The model was successfully calibrated, and the root mean square (RMS) value of the head tubewell varied between 0.024 and 0.108, whereas it speckled between 0.0166 and 0.0349 for the middle tubewell and between 0.0659 and 0.0069 for the tail tubewell. The RMS values for hydrodynamic behavior for the head, middle, and tail reaches were less than 10%. These values represent a suitable match between the observed and simulated heads when a water table depletion of 1 to 2 m was observed due to extreme pumping. However, the average relative error values, for all validated procedures, were less than 10%. Full article