On the Complexity of Average Path length for Biological Networks and Patterns

Path length calculation is a frequent requirement in studies related to graph theoretic problems such as genetics. Standard method to calculate average path length of a graph requires traversing all nodes in the graph repeatedly, which is computationally expensive for graphs containing large number of nodes. We propose a novel method to calculate average path length for graphs commonly required in the studies of genetics. The proposed method is computationally less expensive and less time consuming compared to standard method. In this paper, a mathematical formulation is provided that calculates Average Path Length for graphs commonly present in biological networks, at the cost of uniform time complexity, for different size of networks

One Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Mono and Di-Substituted Azo-Containing Amides

Azo-containing amides and their derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 4-(phenyldiazenyl)aniline with different substituted benzoyl chlorides. The characterization of these synthesized compounds were based on their IR, 1H NMR spectra and elemental analysis with excellent yields

Process involved in designing of an intelligent additional track mechanism tracked vehicle for swamp peat terrain

Different types of off road vehicles are widely used in agriculture, oil industry, mining and military operations but none of them can effectively operate over the swamp peat terrain because of its low bearing capacity of 7kN/m 2. Segmented rubber tracked vehicle and intelligent air-cushion system tracked vehicle were developed in Malaysia for swamp peat terrain.16kN/m2 of ground pressure was exerted by using the segmented rubber tracked vehicle during field operation therefore could not be operated efficiently. The air-cushion tracked vehicle increased the floatation capacity but at the same time increased the frictional effects therefore the tracks of the vehicle easily slipped out from the traction wheels during operation. Addressing these issues an intelligent additional track mechanism for tracked vehicle has been designed to improve the mobility over swamp peat terrain where the additional track would be increased the ground surface area and reduced the vehicle ground pressure. This paper presents the process involved in designing the intelligent additional track mechanism tracked vehicle for transportation of agricultural and industrial goods on the swamp peat terrain with bearing capacity of 7kN/m2. The mechanical design comprises of track vehicle frame with track mechanism. Additional track mechanism with Fuzzy expert system. The design parameters are optimized using developed mathematical model based on the dynamics and kinematics behavior of the vehicle. In order to increase the vehicle contact surface area and reduce the surface contact pressure the additional track mechanism is designed in such way that it can be folded and unfolded from its position by using the ball-screw scissor lift mechanism. While, Fuzzy expert system is used to control the movement of the lift mechanism based on 70mm critical sinkage of vehicle detected from a set of sensors. The completed to vehicle system would be used for off-road applications as required

IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITIES OF SOME COMMON LICHEN METABOLITES

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of some of the common lichen compounds by using chemiluminescence based cellular assays.Methods: Number of secondary lichen metabolites, representing a breadth of lichen substances, were investigated for their effects on the respiratory burst of human whole blood phagocytes, isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and murine macrophages using luminol or lucigenin-based chemiluminescence probes. Results: This study identify a clear suppressive effect of some lichen metabolites on phagocytosis response upon activation with serum opsonized zymosan by several lichen substances. Amongst the compounds tested, orsellinic acid, methyl orsellinate, methyl haematomate, lecanoric acid and lobaric acid, showed a potent immunomodulatory activity as compared to the standards. The lobaric acid suppressed both the myloperoxidase dependent and myloperoxidase independent, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in the oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) at the lowest concentration tested (3.1 µg/ml). Whereas, lecanoric acid, suppressed only the myloperoxidase dependent ROS production with IC50< 3.1µg/ml when compared to the standard sodium diethyldithiocarbamate trihydrate (SDT) (IC50 = 1.3 ± 0.2 µg/ml). Orsellinic acid, methyl orsellinate and methyl haematomate showed a selective myloperoxidase independent pathway with IC50 values; < 3.1µg/ml; 6.1 ± 1.0 µg/ml;  3.3 ± 0.1 µg/ml, respectively, being lower as compared to standard SDT (IC50 = 8.2 ± 1.9 µg/ml). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained it is appropriate to conclude that lichen are not only a good source of antioxidants, but also potent immunomodulators, and thus deserve to be investigated further.Â

Graphene-based nanocomposites and their fabrication, mechanical properties and applications

Graphene, the thinnest two-dimensional atomic material, has immerged as a revolutionary material and sparked a flurry of research and innovation owing to its outstanding mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties as well as high specific surface area. Graphenebased materials and their composites possess promising applications in a wide range of fields such as sensors, actuators, electronics, biomedical aids and membranes. In this review paper, a critical and comprehensive review has been carried out on the synthesis process and mechanical properties of graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites. Firstly, the concept and structure of graphene materials are discussed then different synthesis techniques and their advantages and limitations have been reviewed. The addition of graphene and its derivatives in producing different polymer and metal-based nanocomposite as well as fabricating hybrid nanocomposite has been thoroughly reviewed. Almost all the papers show that the presence of graphene even at very low loadings can provide significant improvement to the final material. Besides, other parameters that affect the nanocomposite are thoroughly reviewed. Furthermore, the perspective application of graphene materials and its nanocomposite in different promising fields has been discussed

Phalaris minor control, resistance development and strategies for integrated management of resistance to fenoxaprop-ethyl

Phalaris minor (Littleseed canary grass) is a very important and annual weed of winter cereal crops. It is a very competitive weed of wheat, oat and barley crops in Pakistan. Usually, three aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, diclofop-methyl and clodinafop-propargyl are used as chemical weed control against different grassy weeds like P. minor, Avena sativa and Cyperus rotundus L. This review describes fenoxaprop-ethyl, a selective chemical herbicide used to control P. minor in wheat crop. High production of wheat is associated with its continuous use. But this practice enhances the development of resistant biotypes of P. minor. Different management approaches like preference of mechanical weeding over chemical weed control, integration of competitive varietal selection, crop rotation and herbicide rotation can be long duration strategies of resistance management in P. minor. However, tillage method, planting time, method of herbicide application, optimum dose, higher seed rate, early sowing, bed planting, stale seed bed and zero tillage are short duration resistance management strategies. Use of water extracts of herbicidal potential (allelopathic) plants can be effective integrated management of herbicide resistant against P. minor in wheat and for eco-friendly and sustainable weed management.Key words: Control, fenoxaprop-ethyl, management, Phalaris minor, resistance, wheat

Comparative analysis of chromogenic vs clot based CDC modified, Nijmegen-Bethesda assay for detection of factor viii inhibitor titre

Background:-Inhibitors to infused factor VIII are the most significant complication of hemophilia treatment. These inhibitors are usually IgG antibodies, that react with FVIII in a time and temperature dependent manner. Coagulation factor VIII inhibitors can be detected by Chromogenic, clot based and immunological assays. However, there is lack of consensus as to what constitutes a positive inhibitor, including the appropriate cut-off for inhibitor measurement The main objective of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of chromogenic Nijmegen Bethesda assay (CNBA) with Centre for disease control modified Nijmegen Bethesda (CDC-NBA) assay against the Reference control method (RCM).Materials and Methods: The Coagulometer used for inhibitor titre  quantification is Sysmex CS-5100. APTT reagent used isPathromtin SL supplied by seimensSeimens. All data were expressed as Mean ± SD. Statistical formulae were used for sensitivity and specificity calculations. Unpaired students t test was used whereever necessary and a P value of <0.05 is considered as statistical significanceResults: A total of 150 cases were tested for inhibitor titre using CNBA vs CDC-NBA. For low titre Inhibitor (<2 NBU), CNBA has 92% and 86% and CDC-NBA has 80 and 60% sensitivity and specificity respectively. These results show that CDC-NBA shows false positive results at low inhibitor titre. For High titre Inhibitor ( >2 NBU) CNBA has 88% and 80% and CDC-NBA has 85 and 70 % sensitivity and specificity respectively.Conclusion :- These results shows that CNBA is more sensitive and specific than CDC-NBA at both low and high inhibitor titre. Moreover chromogenic assays can differentiate factor specific inhibitor from nonspecific inhibitors like lupus anticoagulant and unfractionated heparin therapy.Keywords: Hemophilia, Bethesda assay, ELISA, Factor VIII, Inhibitor, Mixing studyAbbrevations: APLA- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, CDC:NBA- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Nijmegen-BethesdaAssay, CNBA:- chromogenic Nijmegen Bethesda assa

Impact of CSR, Quality of Work Life and Organizational Structure on Employee’s Performance in Pakistan

The trends of organizations are changing and demanding satisfied employees rather than dissatisfied employees. This paper provides factors through which employee’s performance can be increased to achieve organizational goals and objectives. To attract the motivated employees and building relations, CSR can perform for society which will change the thoughts of stakeholders. Quality of work life has impact on organization’s effectiveness which is essential for firms to be healthy and productive. Firms should adopt employee oriented policies which satisfies them to achieve organizational objectives. This study also indicates that effective organizational structure is necessary for improving the performance of employees and the organization. The structure is a source of success or failure because it empowers the employee which will increase the sense of responsibility. For the improvement in the organization and removing stress of the employees management must consider the hygiene factors to motivate the employees. The conceptualized work is conducted which is proved through evidence. For further study statistical analysis can be done for confirmation of the hypothesis