146 research outputs found
Rational engineering of Escherichia coli strain for stable and enhanced biosynthesis of pinene
Get PDFMonoterpene α-pinene exhibits significant potential as an alternative fuel, widely recognized for its affordability and eco-friendly nature. It demonstrates multiple biological activities and has a wide range of applications. However, the limited supply of pinene extracted from plants poses a challenge in meeting the needs of the aviation industry and other sectors. Considering this, the microbial cell factory is the only viable option for achieving sustainable pinene production. This study employed a rational design model to optimize the copy number and integration site for the heterogenous pinene expression pathway in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The integrated strain with the best pinene pathway PG1 was selected. Subsequently, the resulting strain, E. coli HSY009, accumulated 49.01 mg/L of pinene after 24 h fermentation in the flask culture. To further enhance production, pinene expression cassette PG1 was sequentially integrated into three non-essential regions (44th, 58th, 23rd), resulting in an improved pinene titer. Then, the fermentation process under optimized conditions enhanced the production of pinene to 436.68 mg/L in a 5 L batch fermenter with a mean productivity of 14.55 mg/L/h. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the maximum mean pinene productivity based on the currently available literature. The findings of this work provide valuable insights for optimizing E. coli to produce other valuable terpenoids that share the same intermediates, IPP and DMAPP. Conclusively, this research validates the model’s universality and highlights its potential for application as cutting-edge biofuel precursors
Vertical Sundial from the Madrasa of al-Ashraf Inal (No. 158) on Cairo Northern Necropolis
No full textThe primary goal of this paper is a detailed publication of the little known mizwala munharifa (vertical sundial), still preserved on the madrasa belonging to the funerary complex of the Sultan Al-Ashraf Inal (no. 158), on the so-called Cairo North Cemetery. This sundial, dating back to Rabi I, year 871 [AH] – i.e. 11.10.-09.11.1466 AD – is a work of the otherwise unknown ‘poor Hassan al-Tayybi’, pupil of the famous mathematician and astronomer (and a longtime muwaqqit of the Al-Azhar) Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Ġazal, widely known as Badr or Sibt al-Din al-Mar[i]dini (AD 1423–1506).
Further on, comparing the mizwala in question with two other sundials preserved in the city center, author attempts to approach the function and role this instrument might have played within the social context of the local population inhabiting the north-east Cairo suburbs (Cairo ‘fuori le mura’, the ‘North Cemetery’ included) – dominated, by the end of the mamluk period, by numerous sufi communities
A reappraisal of attitudes to the 'People of the Book' in the Qur'an and hadith, with particular reference to Muslim fiscal policy and the covenant of 'Umar
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Analyzing Behavior of Polymer Modified Asphalt Using Master Curve Approach
Get PDFIn Pakistan, asphalt pavements are experiencing a high rate of deterioration due to rutting and fatigue cracking. These problems arise in asphalt pavements due to the use of improper binder characterization and mix design. It is believed that polymer modification can be employed to improve binder ductility and durability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of virgin and polymer modified asphalt at a range of temperature and rate of loading. Two virgin and seven polymer modified asphalt (PMA) samples were tested using Dynamic Shear Rheometer. Master curves were developed for complex shear modulus by applying a shift factor to log of time at each temperature to the reference temperature. The major finding is that a decrease in the temperature susceptibility was observed for PMA samples; that is relatively lower stiffness at lower temperature and relatively higher stiffness at higher temperature. These polymer modification results are beneficial in improving the performance of flexible pavements
A study for public perceptions in integrating transportation demand management measures in developing countries: A study in Lahore
Get PDF横浜国立大学博士(学術)The rapid increase in travel demand tends to increase social loss by increasing traffic jams and accidents, influence on environment and energy consumption. The main reasons of increase in automobile ownership and usage are low ownership and usage cost, status symbol, government policies on vehicle ownership, and inefficiency and under development of public transportation. The experience of many cities reveal that as capacity is increased, demand increases at a similar rate and subsequently in the long-term travellers do not experience a reduction in travel time and society additionally suffers from expensive road infrastructure, environmental degradation, and high-energy consumption. Moreover, in developing countries, it is difficult to deal with increased travel demand just by increasing the capacity of infrastructure due to financial, political, and technical issues. Under these circumstances, it is essential to look for alternative measures i.e. transportation demand management (TDM) measures. The TDM term is used for different demand side measures that encourage the use of existing transportation infrastructure more efficiently, or an approach to influence the travel behaviour with the purpose to reduce the needs of trips or to spreading the needs in time and space. Cities in developing countries are experiencing difficulty in determining appropriate mix of TDM measures to encourage travellers to change their normal travel behaviour. In this study, it is supposed that those TDM measures would be effective which aim to keep existing public transport users, make efficient use of automobile and reduce private vehicle trips, provide alternatives to private transport, and minimize the benefits of using private vehicle through fiscal and mobility restrictions. Factors influencing the public acceptability and effectiveness of specific measures are essential to evaluate in advance in specific region. Few studies in developing countries provide the evidence of influence of income, education, gender and social and religious factors on acceptability and effectiveness of TDM measures. On the other hand, studies in the developed countries have shown many factors i.e. pro-environmental behaviour, problem awareness, individual freedom in mode choice, personal and social norm, situational factors, and value orientation. Other factors such as individual’s lifestyles, attitudes, personality, freedom, status, superiority, feelings of power, and perceived performance of each transport mode seem to play an important role in policymaking. From perspective of developing countries, it is also required to evaluate the influence of above stated factors in integrating the TDM measures. Moreover, design of questionnaires to grasp stated preferences is a critical task due to difficulties in getting reliable data for making significant inferences. The respondent’s literacy level and response rate are the main issues when questionnaires include items regarding personal information, lifestyles, attitudes, norms, and intentions. Applications of theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and norm-activation model (NAM) are also not sure in explaining the behavioural consequences of TDM measures. Therefore, this study aims to design questionnaires for grasping user’s preferences to investigate the influencing factors in integrating TDM measures in developing countries for mitigation of traffic congestion and related environmental and social problems. Lahore city is selected for case study considering the severity of transportation problems, and feasibility of conducting the surveys. It is the second largest city of Pakistan with population almost 8.65 million. Three questionnaires were designed and conducted in Lahore city. Survey related to traffic radio first was conducted through email and then in field during September 2011. Phase-I survey was conducted with the help of university graduate students during September 2011 and 631 usable samples obtained. Phase-II survey was conducted during September-October 2012 again with the help of university graduate students and 354 usable samples obtained. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyze the questionnaires data. Study results revealed that radio traffic information has significant influence on road user’s trip making decision, and such simple, audio, and conventional type traffic information sources are suitable in developing countries considering literacy and accessibility issues of travellers. Effectiveness of such traffic information source depends on listening propensity of travellers and their satisfaction with its service quality. Two types of travel pattern exist in Lahore i.e. auto dependent, and non-auto captive behaviour. Time saving, convenience, reliability, flexibility, status symbol, and freedom are main motives in the use of private vehicle and auto-rickshaw, whereas low income and non-vehicle ownership are main reasons of non-auto modes usage. Symbolic, functional, and cost and time factors are significant determinants of public satisfaction with the service quality of public transportation modes and people perceive different modes differently. Daewoo bus service with some service improvements has potential of reducing the inefficiency of existing public transport system. Auto-oriented lifestyles and attitudes tend to reduce, whereas transit oriented factors tend to enhance the usage of public transport. Personality traits, community and congestion oriented travel attitudes, perceived behavioural control and intention are underlying factors of public attitudes towards soft, pull and push measures. Heterogeneity exists between different mode users for lifestyles and attitudes and perceptions to TDM measures. Similarly, attitudes towards public transport, personal and social norms, perceived behavioural control over public transport, perceived freedom and flexibility in travelling, and status oriented factors are significant factors influencing the acceptability of improved public transport, office based transport, and combined fiscal policy. Situational factors, mobility restrictions on car use and people moral obligations have significant impact on people’s intentions towards improved public transport. Perceived attitudinal aspects of private car and public transport such as social/aesthetic and personal orderliness and instrumental are also determinants of people’s attitudes towards public transport. Studied TDM measures were ranked and classified in terms of public favourability index and period of implementation respectively. People perceive soft and pull measures more favourable over push measures. However, push measures have more potential of changing travel behaviour. Polices were developed of appropriate TDM measures under their influencing factors for integration in developing countries. Intervention packages of TDM measures have been proposed to change and activate different attitudes, norms and beliefs, and create awareness among people about merits and demerits of different travel alternatives. Integration of fiscal and mobility restrictions on private vehicle use with public transport improvement and other travel alternative has tremendous potential of changing people’s travel behaviour. Behavioural theories can be applied in isolation as well as in combination in determining the behavioural intentions to TDM measures. This study infers that individual lifestyles, attitudes, norms, and perceived performance of transportation modes are dominant aspects of travel behaviour in integrating the TDM measures, and such aspects can be grasped in developing countries by giving proper attention to questionnaire design and survey methods. However, local circumstances of concerned city should have more importance in designing the appropriate set of policies. At the end, recommendations have been made for future research relevant to the scope of study with putting emphasis on designing stated preference experimental design in order to evaluate the interaction effect between TDM measures
A study for public perceptions in integrating transportation demand management measures in developing countries: A study in Lahore
No full textThe rapid increase in travel demand tends to increase social loss by increasing traffic jams and accidents, influence on environment and energy consumption. The main reasons of increase in automobile ownership and usage are low ownership and usage cost, status symbol, government policies on vehicle ownership, and inefficiency and under development of public transportation. The experience of many cities reveal that as capacity is increased, demand increases at a similar rate and subsequently in the long-term travellers do not experience a reduction in travel time and society additionally suffers from expensive road infrastructure, environmental degradation, and high-energy consumption. Moreover, in developing countries, it is difficult to deal with increased travel demand just by increasing the capacity of infrastructure due to financial, political, and technical issues. Under these circumstances, it is essential to look for alternative measures i.e. transportation demand management (TDM) measures. The TDM term is used for different demand side measures that encourage the use of existing transportation infrastructure more efficiently, or an approach to influence the travel behaviour with the purpose to reduce the needs of trips or to spreading the needs in time and space. Cities in developing countries are experiencing difficulty in determining appropriate mix of TDM measures to encourage travellers to change their normal travel behaviour. In this study, it is supposed that those TDM measures would be effective which aim to keep existing public transport users, make efficient use of automobile and reduce private vehicle trips, provide alternatives to private transport, and minimize the benefits of using private vehicle through fiscal and mobility restrictions. Factors influencing the public acceptability and effectiveness of specific measures are essential to evaluate in advance in specific region. Few studies in developing countries provide the evidence of influence of income, education, gender and social and religious factors on acceptability and effectiveness of TDM measures. On the other hand, studies in the developed countries have shown many factors i.e. pro-environmental behaviour, problem awareness, individual freedom in mode choice, personal and social norm, situational factors, and value orientation. Other factors such as individual’s lifestyles, attitudes, personality, freedom, status, superiority, feelings of power, and perceived performance of each transport mode seem to play an important role in policymaking. From perspective of developing countries, it is also required to evaluate the influence of above stated factors in integrating the TDM measures. Moreover, design of questionnaires to grasp stated preferences is a critical task due to difficulties in getting reliable data for making significant inferences. The respondent’s literacy level and response rate are the main issues when questionnaires include items regarding personal information, lifestyles, attitudes, norms, and intentions. Applications of theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and norm-activation model (NAM) are also not sure in explaining the behavioural consequences of TDM measures. Therefore, this study aims to design questionnaires for grasping user’s preferences to investigate the influencing factors in integrating TDM measures in developing countries for mitigation of traffic congestion and related environmental and social problems. Lahore city is selected for case study considering the severity of transportation problems, and feasibility of conducting the surveys. It is the second largest city of Pakistan with population almost 8.65 million. Three questionnaires were designed and conducted in Lahore city. Survey related to traffic radio first was conducted through email and then in field during September 2011. Phase-I survey was conducted with the help of university graduate students during September 2011 and 631 usable samples obtained. Phase-II survey was conducted during September-October 2012 again with the help of university graduate students and 354 usable samples obtained. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyze the questionnaires data. Study results revealed that radio traffic information has significant influence on road user’s trip making decision, and such simple, audio, and conventional type traffic information sources are suitable in developing countries considering literacy and accessibility issues of travellers. Effectiveness of such traffic information source depends on listening propensity of travellers and their satisfaction with its service quality. Two types of travel pattern exist in Lahore i.e. auto dependent, and non-auto captive behaviour. Time saving, convenience, reliability, flexibility, status symbol, and freedom are main motives in the use of private vehicle and auto-rickshaw, whereas low income and non-vehicle ownership are main reasons of non-auto modes usage. Symbolic, functional, and cost and time factors are significant determinants of public satisfaction with the service quality of public transportation modes and people perceive different modes differently. Daewoo bus service with some service improvements has potential of reducing the inefficiency of existing public transport system. Auto-oriented lifestyles and attitudes tend to reduce, whereas transit oriented factors tend to enhance the usage of public transport. Personality traits, community and congestion oriented travel attitudes, perceived behavioural control and intention are underlying factors of public attitudes towards soft, pull and push measures. Heterogeneity exists between different mode users for lifestyles and attitudes and perceptions to TDM measures. Similarly, attitudes towards public transport, personal and social norms, perceived behavioural control over public transport, perceived freedom and flexibility in travelling, and status oriented factors are significant factors influencing the acceptability of improved public transport, office based transport, and combined fiscal policy. Situational factors, mobility restrictions on car use and people moral obligations have significant impact on people’s intentions towards improved public transport. Perceived attitudinal aspects of private car and public transport such as social/aesthetic and personal orderliness and instrumental are also determinants of people’s attitudes towards public transport. Studied TDM measures were ranked and classified in terms of public favourability index and period of implementation respectively. People perceive soft and pull measures more favourable over push measures. However, push measures have more potential of changing travel behaviour. Polices were developed of appropriate TDM measures under their influencing factors for integration in developing countries. Intervention packages of TDM measures have been proposed to change and activate different attitudes, norms and beliefs, and create awareness among people about merits and demerits of different travel alternatives. Integration of fiscal and mobility restrictions on private vehicle use with public transport improvement and other travel alternative has tremendous potential of changing people’s travel behaviour. Behavioural theories can be applied in isolation as well as in combination in determining the behavioural intentions to TDM measures. This study infers that individual lifestyles, attitudes, norms, and perceived performance of transportation modes are dominant aspects of travel behaviour in integrating the TDM measures, and such aspects can be grasped in developing countries by giving proper attention to questionnaire design and survey methods. However, local circumstances of concerned city should have more importance in designing the appropriate set of policies. At the end, recommendations have been made for future research relevant to the scope of study with putting emphasis on designing stated preference experimental design in order to evaluate the interaction effect between TDM measures
Electricity consumption and economic growth: evidence from Pakistan
Get PDFThe objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between real GDP per capita and electricity consumption for Pakistan over the period 1971 to 2010. The results reveal that there is unidirectional causality from electricity consumption to real GDP per capita. The findings of the study also show that there is long run relationship between real GDP per capita and electricity consumption. The results indicate a unidirectional causal relationship from real economic activity to electricity consumption at aggregate level indicating that economic development stimulates greater demand for electricity in the long-run
al-Misbāh fī al-Nahw By Nāsir al-Dīn al-Mutarrizī al-Nahwī (d. 610/1213) A Critical Edition of the Text with the Life History of the Author
Get PDFNāsir al-Dīn al-Mutarrizī al-Nahwī (d.610/1213) was one of the most renowned figures in the field of Arabic Grammar. He has left an indelible mark on the world of Arabic language and literature. He is also known as the successor of al-Zamakhsharī.
He wrote a number of books but his al-Misbāh fī al-Nahw gained prominence at a level that no other book in this field could claim to achieve. For this reason, a great number of commentaries have been written in every age, of which the most famous are al-Daw and Khulāsat al-I‘rāb written by Tāj al-Dīn al-Isfrā’īnī and ‘Abd al- Karīm al-Tūsī (better known as Hājjī Bābā) respectively. Moreover, its translation into other languages also demonstrates its value as a useful book.
Although al-Misbāh has been edited on more than one occasion, the published editions do not fulfil the needs and requirements of modern academic research criteria. The basic aim of this thesis is to present this book with a current modern research style so that the students, teachers and ordinary readers of Arabic language and literature may benefit from this work.
This thesis is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the life history of the author and his other works. A brief note of the environment under which he grew up (generally referred to as the ‘Seljuk’ period) is also included in this part.
The second part consists of a text edition that deals with the derivation (Takhrīj) of syntactical issues together with the differing opinions of grammarians on syntactical/grammatical issues. This part also proffers the idiomatic English translation of al-Misbāh
Flood management, characterization and vulnerability analysis using an integrated RS-GIS and 2D hydrodynamic modelling approach: The case of Deg Nullah, Pakistan
No full textOne-dimensional (1D) hydraulic models have been extensively used to conduct flood simulations for investigating flood depth and extent maps. However, the 1D models cannot simulate many other flood characteristics, such as flood velocity, duration, arrival time and recession time when the flow is not restricted within the channel. These flood characteristics cannot be disregarded as they play an important role in developing flood mitigation and evacuation strategies. This study formulates a two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model combined with remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) approach to generate additional flood characteristic maps that cannot be produced with 1D models. The model was applied to a transboundary river of Deg Nullah in Pakistan to simulate an extreme flood event experience in 2014. The flood extent images from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) and observed flood extents were used to evaluate the model performance. Moreover, an entropy distance-based approach was proposed to facilitate the integrated multivariate flood vulnerability classification. The simulated 2D flood modeling results showed a good agreement with the flood extents registered by MODIS and the observed ones. The northwest parts of Deg Nullah near Seowal, Dullam Kahalwan and Zafarwal were the most vulnerable areas due to high flood depths and prolonged flooding duration. Whereas high flood velocities, short flood arrival time, prolonged flood duration and recession times were observed in the upper reach of Deg Nullah thereby making it the most susceptible, critical and vulnerable region to flooding events.Higher Education Commission of Pakista
Electricity consumption and economic growth: evidence from Pakistan
Get PDFThe prime objective of this study is to examine the
long run relationship between real GDP per capita and electricity consumption for Pakistan over the period 1971 to 2008. The results reveal that there is unidirectional causality from electricity consumption to real GDP per capita. The findings of the study also show that there is a long run relationship between real GDP per capita
and electricity consumption. The unidirectional causality running from electricity consumption to economic growth indicates that electricity is a limiting factor to economic growth and hence shocks to electricity supply will have a negative impact on economic growth. The implication emerging from this study is that for an electricity-deficient country like Pakistan, where the electricity sector operates at bare capacity margin, there is a need for planning and investment in infrastructure development to fulfill increased electricity demand
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