Advanced energy management system with the incorporation of novel security features

Nowadays, energy management is a subject of great importance and complexity. Pakistan, being in a state of developing country, generates electrical power mainly by using non-renewable sources of energy. Non-renewable entities are fossil fuels such as furnace oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power. Pakistan has been facing a severe shortage of production in energy sector for last two decades. This shortfall is affecting the industrial development as well as economic growth. With the growing population, the load demand is rapidly increasing and there must be a need to expand the existing ones or to build new power systems. In this paper, an autonomous management system has been proposed to enhance quality, reliability and confidence of utilization of energy between end consumers and suppliers. Such objectives can only be fulfilled by making the power supply secure for end consumers. Distributed and centralized control systems are involved for maintaining a balance between renewable energy resources and base power, so that end consumers demand can be fulfilled when required. A reliable Two-way communication system between suppliers and end consumers has been proposed by using Message Digest algorithm which ensures that there would be no energy theft. Simulations have been done in MATLAB/ Simulink environment and results have been presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed model

Palynological Studies in Tribe Aveneae (Poaceae) from Potohar of Pakistan

Pollen morphology of four species belonging to three genera of tribe aveneae (Poaceae) was examined by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study showed that pollen in all species were circular in polar view, however, there are variations in equatorial view of pollen and other quantitative characters that is, polar and equatorial diameter, pore diameter and exine thickness, that are valuable in the identification and differentiation of species. Average pollen fertility in the tribe is 77.37%. Scabrate type of sculpturing is found in all species except Polypogon monspeliensis which showed the verrucate type of sculpturing and can be differentiated from Polypogon fugaxon the basis of its sculpturing pattern. The study revealed that pollen characters are important in the taxonomy of grasses at the specific and generic level and can be useful in delimiting taxa of different tribes

Exploring the Learning Styles of Postgraduates in a Public-Sector University at Karachi

Introduction: Learning styles is a term used to refer to the methods of gathering, processing, interpreting, organizing and thinking about information. Knowledge of the learning styles can be helpful in making teaching and learning process more efficient. Little is mentioned in medical education literature in Pakistan about the learning styles knowledge in deciphering the teaching and learning process. Objective: To identify the distribution of the learning styles among the postgraduate students and to find ways to improve the way the courses, the practical hours and training are performed. Methodology: The current study analyses the learning styles of post graduate students of Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi to guide facilitator as well as students in organizing their teaching sessions more efficiently and maximize the utility of educational resources with subsequent improvement in educational process. During Jan 2016 to Dec 2016, this cross-sectional study using Kolb’s learning inventory as the instrument to find out the learning styles was conducted among post-graduates’ students of a public-sector university by using English language versions of Learning Style Inventory (LSI)of 216 post-graduates ‘students. Results: According to observation and data analysis by Kolb’s learning Styles Inventory most of the postgraduates had their learning style reflector (Diverger). However, some were Theorist (Assimilators) and then very few were Activist (Accommodator) and Pragmatist (Converser) respectively. Conclusions: Differences in the learning styles and learning approaches have important implications in development of effective medical curricula in post graduate medical education.  Key words: Learning style, Postgraduate students, medical educatio

Validation of Setaria (L.) P. Beauv Species based on Palyonological and Anatomical Techniques.

In present study external morphology, leaf epidermal anatomy and pollen structureof three species of genus Setaria(Poaceae)viz., S. glauca, S. verticillata and S. viridiswere studied. The major emphasis was on the importance of palyno-anatomical characters used as an aid in plant systematics. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)were used to study leaf epidermal anatomy and pollen structure.Palyno-anatomical analysis of genus Setaria shows variations within the species. It is stated that the study based on classical and modern approaches is very useful for systematic delimitation of problematic taxa like Setaria

Mandibular Third Molars and Lower Anterior Crowding: Comparison of Opinions of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons and Orthodontists

Objective: To compare the opinion of orthodontists and oral-maxillofacial surgeons on relation between erupting mandibular third molars and lower incisal crowding.Patients and Methods: This descriptive study involved 100 Pakistani clinicians (50 orthodontists, 50 oral-maxillofacial surgeons) to answer online questionnaire regarding their opinions on link between erupting Mandibular Third Molars along with their extraction opinion with reference to development and prevention of lower incisal crowding. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Pearson's chi-square test was applied and statistical significance was defined at <=0.05.Results: Statistically insignificant differences were found between oral-maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists regarding question of erupting mandibular third molars in causing lower incisal crowding. Similarly, statistically insignificant differences between oral-maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists were found regarding question of recommending preventive extraction of mandibular third molars for developing lower incisal crowding.Conclusion: No opinion differences were observed between Pakistani oral surgeons and orthodontists, regarding the link of lower third molar as a cause of lower incisal crowding

Patterns of livestock depredation and Human–wildlife conflict in Misgar valley of Hunza, Pakistan

Throughout the world, livestock predation by mammalian carnivores causes significant economic losses to poor farmers, and leads to human–wildlife conflicts. These conflicts result in a negative attitude towards carnivore conservation and often trigger retaliatory killing. In northern Pakistan, we investigated livestock depredation by large carnivores between 2014 and 2019, and subsequent Human–wildlife conflict, through questionnaire-based surveys (n = 100 households). We used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on livestock population, depredation patterns, predation count, and conservation approaches. We found a statistically significant increasing pattern of predation with influential factors such as age, gender, occupation, education of respondents, population of predators, threats index for predators and conservation efforts. Some 310 livestock heads with an average of 51 animals per year out of the total 9273 heads were killed by predators, and among them 168 (54%) were attributed to the wolf and 142 (45.8%) to snow leopard. Major threats to carnivores in the area included retaliatory killing, habitat destruction and climate change. Incentivization against depredation losses, guarded grazing and construction of predator-proof corral may reduce Human–wildlife conflict and both livelihood and predator can be safeguarded in the study area

Experimental study to optimize cold working, aging temperature, and time on the properties of AA6061 tubes: analysis using design of experiment

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of various process parameters, such as cold work, aging temperature, and aging time, on the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation of AA6061 tubes. The experimental plan is carried out, and the data is analyzed using Design Expert software. Main effects plots and interaction plots are generated to visually examine the effects of individual factors and the interaction between two factors on the output response variables. ANOVA analysis is conducted to assess the statistical significance of the model and individual model coefficients. The results reveal that all input factors had a significant impact on yield, whereas cold work and temperature and their interaction are significant for UTS. However, the model is not significant for elongation. The most notable finding is that the aging temperature’s effect is significant than the other two factors. These study findings can inform future experiments or process optimization efforts by considering the combined impact of these factors and their interactions. The study also found that the optimal temperature range is between 155°C to 170°C, along with a recommended cold work percentage of 10% or more and preferred time of above 10 h up to overage time. The model achieved an overall accuracy rate of over 90%, indicating its ability to predict the response variable with a high degree of precision

Genome-wide identification of NAC transcription factors and regulation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus

NAC transcription factors (TFs) are crucial to growth and defense responses in plants. Though NACs have been characterized for their role in several plants, comprehensive information regarding their role in Catharanthus roseus, a perennial ornamental plant, is lacking. Homology modelling was employed to identify and characterize NACs in C. roseus. In-vitro propagation of C. roseus plants was carried out using cell suspension and nodal culture and were elicited with two auxin-antagonists, 5-fluoro Indole Acetic Acid (5-F-IAA) and α-(phenyl ethyl-2-oxo)-Indole-Acetic-Acid (PEO-IAA) for the enhanced production of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) namely catharanthine, vindoline, and vinblastine. Analyses revealed the presence of 47 putative CrNAC genes in the C. roseus genome, primarily localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these CrNACs into eight clusters, demonstrating the highest synteny with corresponding genes in Camptotheca acuminata. Additionally, at least one defense or hormone-responsive cis-acting element was identified in the promoter region of all the putative CrNACs. Of the two elicitors, 5-F-IAA was effective at 200 µM to elicit a 3.07-fold increase in catharanthine, 2.76-fold in vindoline, and 2.4-fold in vinblastine production in nodal culture. While a relatively lower increase in MIAs was recorded in suspension culture. Validation of RNA-Seq by qRT-PCR showed upregulated expression of stress-related genes (CrNAC-07 and CrNAC-24), and downregulated expression of growth-related gene (CrNAC-25) in elicited nodal culture of C. roseus. Additionally, the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of MIAs was significantly upregulated upon elicitation. The current study provides the first report on the role of CrNACs in regulating the biosynthesis of MIAs

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer