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Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of andrographolide determined using atherosclerosis induced mice
Full text linkAtherosclerosis and relative cardiovascular complications remain the main reasons for death worldwide. This study stimulated atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J mice using P-407 via intraperitoneal injection, and treatment with Andrographolide (AGP) (15, 30 and 45 mg/kg BW) was carried out for six weeks. The heart and aorta were harvested after six weeks and assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and histological studies. The results demonstrated that the treatment with AGP reversed the effects of P-407 induced atherosclerosis. The doses of AGP correlated with the reduction of atherosclerosis biomarkers, and a high dose (45 mg/kg BW) was the most significant dose. The Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG), and Atherogenic Index (AI) were significantly reduced by the AGP treatment. The histological results showed a reduction in inflammation, fibrosis and hypertrophy in the heart tissues of the groups treated with AGP compared to the disease control. In addition, AGP treatment significantly decreased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the inflammation marker (NF-kB). Furthermore, the AGP-treated groups showed typical morphological characteristics of the aorta, while the disease control cells were highly affected. The results demonstrated that AGP is highly recommended as a natural treatment to reduce the symptoms of atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
Averting bankruptcies among the software development houses in Lahore, Pakistan
Full text linkWith the first software development house established in 1977, Pakistan, the 4th largest technological market globally, is home to over 2000 registered software development houses. However, the industry has its challenges, and hundreds of these houses close yearly owing to insolvency, and even more crop up. To understand these houses\u27 financial difficulties, a sample of 20 small-size and 20 medium-sized software houses has been taken from the hundreds in Arfa Software Technology Park in Lahore, Pakistan. Financial Blueprints of 2 projects per house per year for five years, i.e., 2018-2022, have been obtained. These case studies have been contrasted with those written and published in the developed world. It was found that there needs to be more costing and pricing mechanisms for software-related projects. This results in under/over-costing the cost and pricing of the projects, which is a leading cause of financial bankruptcy for most software houses. Activity-based costing, as the costing technique, and competitive pricing, as the pricing mechanism, may be adopted as the best practice in the software development industry. These solutions could significantly reduce the risk of financial bankruptcy among software houses, potentially transforming the industry\u27s financial landscape
Application of consociational theory in the political system of Pakistan from 2008-2013
Full text linkThis study aims to investigate the application of consociational political strategies during the tenure of the Pakistan People’s Party’s Regime from 2008 to 2013. We question the conventional wisdom claimed by different political analysts that, being a heterogeneous society divided into different social segments, consociational theory cannot solve segmental issues in Pakistan. We argue consociational strategy is not irrelevant to Pakistan. The political system of Pakistan experienced a drastic transformation in attitude, style of politics, and even preferences of political elites in the post-Charter of Democracy’s political environment. The leadership of the PPP successfully materialised different aspects of consensual democracy, such as the grand coalition, the supremacy of parliament, segmental autonomy, and proportionality, during its five-year tenure. We also argue that the regime strengthens the parliament and political parties, which are the fundamentals of consociational strategy. The research is qualitative by nature, and a descriptive approach and interpretive methods have been adopted to answer the research puzzles
Isolation, identification, and molecular characterization of Hepatitis B and C viruses in patients from Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Full text linkHBV and HCV are globally linked to chronic liver diseases and spread mainly through parenteral, vertical, and sexual routes. The epidemiologies of HBV and HCV infections in Bahawalpur, Pakistan was poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological dynamics and risk factors in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. A total of 263 samples were detected with HCV and HBV among various age groups between 21-80 years via molecular techniques (ELISA and PCR). Results for disease prevalence showed a higher rate for HCV as compared to HBV. Further, the gender-wise prevalence of HBV and HCV was also assessed. PCR revealed 50.1% prevalence rate in the male population as compared to 46% in females whereas, ELISA measured 34.5% and 17.4%. Moreover, results also confirmed the higher infection rate of Hepatitis in males with moderate age as compared to young and older age. This study concluded a higher prevalence rate of hepatitis C in the population of Bahawalpur, having moderate age and causing a huge loss of economy to the community as well as Pakistan. Our findings improve understanding of HBV and HCV infection prevalence in Bahawalpur City, aiding government efforts to minimize associated losses
A review on preparation, properties and applications of graphene composites
Full text linkThe flexible and bending materials technology is focusing on graphene-based materials. A popular technique for its production is chemical vapour deposition. Raman spectroscopy indicated its high quality; oxidation experiments demonstrate its substantial impermeability, and scanning electron microscopy reveals that the films are continuous over broad areas. Due to its unique properties, such as mechanical, electrical, and optical characteristics and highly readily functionalizable derivatives, graphene has emerged as a perfect candidate for the realisation of flexible electronics. Biomedical assistance, membranes, flexible wearable sensors, actuators, electronics, etc, show great promise for using graphene-based materials and their composites. This study delves into the synthesis methods of graphene composites to explore their various applications and overcome technological problems. It explores the discoveries of better mechanical characteristics and conductivity, providing insight into the future of advanced materials. The findings show that graphene and its derivatives can create nanocomposites with various polymer matrices. Graphene varieties, including pristine graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, were introduced in our study. This study also investigates nanocomposites containing multiple graphene, inorganic, and polymeric components, including polymer/GR, activated carbon/GR, metal oxide/GR, metal/graphene, and carbon fibre/GR
Optimizing concrete strength through the incorporation of steel nails: a comprehensive engineering analysis
Full text linkThe primary materials utilized in contemporary buildings are concrete and reinforced concrete. Researchers applied many methods to improve their quality and reduce costs by adding additives. The primary focus of this investigation is the compressive strength of concrete. After adding varying amounts of steel nails to the concrete mixture, the ensuing changes in compressive strength are subjected to a comprehensive analysis. Mix design was conducted, and concrete cylinders having a diameter of 4” and height of 8” were produced with varying percentages of steel nails: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the cement weight. The mixture was prepared, maintaining a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.5. The compressive strength of the concrete is measured at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the mixing process. It was determined that steel nail incorporation increased compressive strength. With a 5% mix, the highest strength measured is 4775 pounds per square inch, much higher than the normal strength required for most construction projects. Furthermore, using steel nails led to a cost reduction in concrete of up to 0.5%, alongside a strength enhancement of up to 24% compared to conventional concrete
Assessing the fidelity of ultrasonic distance sensors in a fire-and-smoke environment
Full text linkLack of visibility in fire-and-smoke environments is a major factor that causes operational difficulties, injuries, and loss of life in firefighting. To counter this problem, distance or range-finding sensors are used to detect obstacles or map out the area in fire and smoke environment. These sensors can be mounted on robots assisting firefighting or even firefighters themselves. This paper aims to assess the operational capability of ultrasonic distance sensors in fire-and-smoke environments. Moreover, we investigate how to extract useful information in limiting conditions. Specifically, we design experiments to test Sonar’s range-finding abilities, which are interfered with by burning different types of fuels. The experiments are performed for smoke without flame (smoke pallets), flame without smoke (propanol), and flame with smoke (kerosene) at different distances from Sonar. The results show that Sonar is very effective in smoke because smoke without flame does not increase the air temperature significantly. However, if interference consists of flame, air temperature increases; thus, Sonar outputs erratic data. This study analysed this erratic output of Sonar and provided a filtering algorithm that can eliminate the erratic and stray values from Sonar output and provide valuable information that is helpful in navigation, mapping, or obstacle detection
The rise of the Taliban to the government in Afghanistan: assessment of internal and external factors
Full text linkThe arrival of the Taliban in August 2021 has significantly affected Afghanistan’s governance, particularly in terms of service delivery for the betterment of the community at large and engaging stakeholders from different institutions in the decision-making process. This paper aims to analyse the governance of the Taliban, their role and policies towards internal and external factors, including regional relations and bilateral trade with China and Central Asia, geo-strategic significance, the role of public administration and women\u27s rights in Afghanistan. Data was collected from 27 people, including government officials and common people. Snowball and purposive sampling techniques are used for research. The framework for the study is Braun and Clarke, which is for thematic analysis in six phases. Major themes from the survey highlighted that the Taliban’s goal is to establish peace and smooth administrative running of its institutions. The key stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and individuals interested in Afghan governance and international relations, play a crucial role in the issue of Afghanistan as a country and society. They have realised that the internal ethnic strife and external forces are considerable factors contributing to the destruction of Afghan society. These stakeholders are actively working for peace and stability in the country
Control of DFIG-based wind power generation system under unbalanced grid voltage conditions
Full text linkDoubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their capacity to operate at varying speeds. Weaknesses in the DFIG system can arise from issues with the power grid due to the stator\u27s direct connection and the excitation converter\u27s power rating limitation. Under situations of unbalanced grid voltage, this study aims to explore the efficacy of the Direct Power Control (DPC) approach in managing wind turbine systems based on DFIG. Throughout the experimental investigation, we evaluated the system in standard and unbalanced grid voltage settings. MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations implement DPC, specifically tailored for a 9 MW DFIG-based wind farm. The results of these simulations show that the changed control method effectively reduces torque oscillations by making it possible to create active and reactive power references for the rotor-side converter. This eliminates the requirement for sequence component excitation, which was previously necessary. Furthermore, the research highlights the intrinsic link between control techniques and grid circumstances, showing this connectivity\u27s crucial role in improving wind energy systems\u27 stability and operational efficiency based on DFIG.
Assessing the impact of climate-driven water stress on agriculture growth of Pakistan
Full text linkThis study was designed to investigate the role of changing climatic conditions on irrigation water security in Pakistan in order to quantify its implications for agricultural growth and, subsequently, the food security of the populace. Developing nations are highly vulnerable to climate crises, and Pakistan, in particular, is among the most vulnerable countries in this context. Over 60 percent of the population in Pakistan directly or indirectly depends on agriculture, which is extremely sensitive to the water stress triggered by escalating temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. This study follows a quantitative approach, employing RStudio for mediation analysis where correlation, single-factor regression, and two-factor regression techniques were used to quantify the relation under study. The research findings revealed that the changing temperature and precipitation patterns have triggered an increase in water stress, negatively affecting agricultural growth to 13% from 1975 to 2019. This research is significant because it attempts to quantify the share of climatic changes in Pakistan\u27s decreasing agricultural growth, elaborates on the country\u27s current risks and mitigation potential, and puts forward policy recommendations to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices to facilitate adaptation to shifting climate regimes