1. |
- Lozano, Rafael, et al.
(author)
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Measuring progress from 1990 to 2017 and projecting attainment to 2030 of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
- 2018
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In: The Lancet. - : Elsevier. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 392:10159, s. 2091-2138
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Efforts to establish the 2015 baseline and monitor early implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight both great potential for and threats to improving health by 2030. To fully deliver on the SDG aim of “leaving no one behind”, it is increasingly important to examine the health-related SDGs beyond national-level estimates. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we measured progress on 41 of 52 health-related SDG indicators and estimated the health-related SDG index for 195 countries and territories for the period 1990–2017, projected indicators to 2030, and analysed global attainment. Methods: We measured progress on 41 health-related SDG indicators from 1990 to 2017, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2016 (new indicators were health worker density, sexual violence by non-intimate partners, population census status, and prevalence of physical and sexual violence [reported separately]). We also improved the measurement of several previously reported indicators. We constructed national-level estimates and, for a subset of health-related SDGs, examined indicator-level differences by sex and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile. We also did subnational assessments of performance for selected countries. To construct the health-related SDG index, we transformed the value for each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile and 100 as the 97·5th percentile of 1000 draws calculated from 1990 to 2030, and took the geometric mean of the scaled indicators by target. To generate projections through 2030, we used a forecasting framework that drew estimates from the broader GBD study and used weighted averages of indicator-specific and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2017 to inform future estimates. We assessed attainment of indicators with defined targets in two ways: first, using mean values projected for 2030, and then using the probability of attainment in 2030 calculated from 1000 draws. We also did a global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends. Using 2015 global averages of indicators with defined SDG targets, we calculated the global annualised rates of change required from 2015 to 2030 to meet these targets, and then identified in what percentiles the required global annualised rates of change fell in the distribution of country-level rates of change from 1990 to 2015. We took the mean of these global percentile values across indicators and applied the past rate of change at this mean global percentile to all health-related SDG indicators, irrespective of target definition, to estimate the equivalent 2030 global average value and percentage change from 2015 to 2030 for each indicator. Findings: The global median health-related SDG index in 2017 was 59·4 (IQR 35·4–67·3), ranging from a low of 11·6 (95% uncertainty interval 9·6–14·0) to a high of 84·9 (83·1–86·7). SDG index values in countries assessed at the subnational level varied substantially, particularly in China and India, although scores in Japan and the UK were more homogeneous. Indicators also varied by SDI quintile and sex, with males having worse outcomes than females for non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality, alcohol use, and smoking, among others. Most countries were projected to have a higher health-related SDG index in 2030 than in 2017, while country-level probabilities of attainment by 2030 varied widely by indicator. Under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality ratio, and malaria indicators had the most countries with at least 95% probability of target attainment. Other indicators, including NCD mortality and suicide mortality, had no countries projected to meet corresponding SDG targets on the basis of projected mean values for 2030 but showed some probability of attainment by 2030. For some indicators, including child malnutrition, several infectious diseases, and most violence measures, the annualised rates of change required to meet SDG targets far exceeded the pace of progress achieved by any country in the recent past. We found that applying the mean global annualised rate of change to indicators without defined targets would equate to about 19% and 22% reductions in global smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively; a 47% decline in adolescent birth rates; and a more than 85% increase in health worker density per 1000 population by 2030. Interpretation: The GBD study offers a unique, robust platform for monitoring the health-related SDGs across demographic and geographic dimensions. Our findings underscore the importance of increased collection and analysis of disaggregated data and highlight where more deliberate design or targeting of interventions could accelerate progress in attaining the SDGs. Current projections show that many health-related SDG indicators, NCDs, NCD-related risks, and violence-related indicators will require a concerted shift away from what might have driven past gains—curative interventions in the case of NCDs—towards multisectoral, prevention-oriented policy action and investments to achieve SDG aims. Notably, several targets, if they are to be met by 2030, demand a pace of progress that no country has achieved in the recent past. The future is fundamentally uncertain, and no model can fully predict what breakthroughs or events might alter the course of the SDGs. What is clear is that our actions—or inaction—today will ultimately dictate how close the world, collectively, can get to leaving no one behind by 2030.
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2. |
- Asif, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic Performance and Appropriate Cut-Offs of Different Anthropometric Indicators for Detecting Children with Overweight and Obesity
- 2021
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In: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the clinical settings, different anthropometric indicators like neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), midupper arm circumference (MUAC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and arm-to-height ratio (AHtR) have been suggested for evaluating overweight and obesity in children. The comparative ability of these indicators in Pakistan is yet unknown. This study is aimed at examining the validity of different anthropometric indicators of overweight and obesity simultaneously and at determining their superlative cut-off values that would correctly detect overweight and obesity in children. For this purpose, the dataset of anthropometric measurements height, weight, WC, MUAC, and NC of 5,964 Pakistani children, aged 5-12 years collected in a cross-sectional multiethnic anthropometric survey (MEAS), was used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the validity of different anthropometric indicators. The most sensitive and specific cut-off points, positive and negative predictive values of each indicator were also calculated. The results of the ROC curve indicated that all the studied indicators had a good performance but the indicators AHtR and WHtR had the highest value of the area under the curve (AUC) for the screening of children with overweight and obesity (AUC > 0.80). In the overall sample, AHtR, WHtR, MUAC, WC, and NC cut-off points indicative of overweight, in both boys and girls, were 0.14, 0.46, 18.41 cm, 62.86 cm, and 26.36 cm and 0.14, 0.47, 18.16 cm, 64.39 cm, and 26.54 cm, respectively; the corresponding values for obesity were 0.14, 0.47, 18.67 cm, 62.10 cm, and 26.36 cm and 0.14, 0.48, 20.19 cm, 64.39 cm, and 25.27 cm. We concluded that the sex-specific cut-off points for AHtR, WHtR, MUAC, WC, and NC can be used to diagnose overweight and obesity in Pakistani children.
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3. |
- Khalid, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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Frontier molecular, natural bond orbital, UV-VIS spectral study, solvent influence on geometric parameters, vibrational frequencies and solvation energies of 8-hydroxyquinoline
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. - : International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. - 0975-8232. ; 8:2, s. 457-469
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- N-heterocyclic compounds have extensive biological and pharmaceutical applications. 8-Hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) also plays a significant role in many fields of life. The excellent biological significance of the 8-HQ prompted us to extend the DFT based studies. The frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), UV-VIS and solvation model based studies remained unknown. Therefore, we intended to study the natural bond orbital, FMOs, UV-VIS, thermodynamic properties and medium influence on solvation energies, dipole moment, FTIR and FT-Raman using polarizable continuum model (PCM) and density-based solvation model (SMD). The electronic properties of molecule were calculated by M06-2X/6-31G (d,P) and B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) level of theories. The solvent influence on the geometric parameters, FT-IR and FT-Raman were studied by B3LYP /6-31G(d) method. A good correspondence is found between the optimized parameters and the reported X-ray data. Natural bond orbital reveals that the maximum stabilization energy reached up to 39.64kJ/mol which is responsible for extra stability of the molecule. In solvated 8-HQ, a significant medium effects on FT-IR and FT-Raman intensities is observed. The intensities enhanced from gas to solvent phase. The solvation free energies are found to be -28.710 and -39.456 kJ/mol in PCM and SMD models respectively. FMOs suggested that this molecule contain less hardness and larger softness values. These findings reveal that the molecule might be bioactive.
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4. |
- Amin, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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Influence diagnostics in gamma ridge regression model
- 2019
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In: Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0094-9655 .- 1563-5163. ; 89:3, s. 536-556
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this article, we proposed some influence diagnostics for the gamma regression model (GRM) and the gamma ridge regression model (GRRM). We assess the impact of influential observations on the GRM and GRRM estimates by extending the work of Pregibon [Logistic regression diagnostics. Ann Stat. 1981;9:705–724] and Walker and Birch [Influence measures in ridge regression. Technometrics. 1988;30:221–227]. Comparison of both models is made and demonstrated with the help of a simulation study and a real data set. We report some momentous results in detecting the influential observations and their effects on the GRM and GRRM estimates.
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5. |
- Mallhi, Tauqeer Hussain, et al.
(author)
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Mental Health and Coping Strategies among University Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic : A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Saudi Arabia
- 2023
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 15:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined psychological health and coping strategies among faculty and staff at a Saudi Arabian university. A web-based self-administered survey was used to assess probable anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping strategies by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Brief-COPE scale, respectively. Of 502 participants (mean age 36.04 +/- 10.32 years, male: 66.3%), 24.1% (GAD-7 >= 10) had probable anxiety. Anxiety score was significantly higher in females (p < 0.001), those with a history of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.036), and participants with less work experience (p = 0.019). Approximately 40% of participants met the criteria of probable depression, with females (p < 0.001) and participants with less experience having more depressive symptoms. Around one-fourth (27.7%) of study participants indicated probable PTSD (score +/- 33), with higher symptoms in females (p <0.001), less experienced staff (p < 0.00 1), and academic staff (p = 0.006). Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.844, p < 0.001), anxiety and PTSD (r = 0.650, p < 0.001), and depression and PTSD (r = 0.676, p < 0.001). Active coping, religious/spiritual coping, and acceptance were common coping strategies, while substance use was the least adopted coping method among the study participants. This study indicated a high prevalence of probable psychological ailments among university staff.
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6. |
- Naqvi, Salman Raza, et al.
(author)
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Recent developments on sewage sludge pyrolysis and its kinetics : Resources recovery, thermogravimetric platforms, and innovative prospects
- 2021
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In: Computers and Chemical Engineering. - : Elsevier. - 0098-1354 .- 1873-4375. ; 150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sewage sludge is a by-product of the wastewater treatment process, which has the potential to be a source of transport fuels, heat, and power using the pyrolysis process. Considering the prevalence and disposal issues associated with sewage sludge, the objective of this study is to critically review the recent advancements in sewage sludge pyrolysis and its kinetics obtained using the thermogravimetric techniques, and other associated different kinetic models documented in the literature. The study will identify optimum operating conditions and design parameters to obtain high yields. The state-of-the-art perspectives and the challenges associated with full-scale implementation are highlighted for biofuels and resource recovery from the sewage sludge. Furthermore, machine-learning approaches in thermal kinetics of pyrolysis are presented and discussed in terms of their effectiveness in predicting thermal kinetics data. Finally, the challenges for a successful implementation and commercial viability of sewage sludge pyrolysis are discussed.
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7. |
- Naveed, Muhammad Hamza, et al.
(author)
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Cellulosic biomass fermentation for biofuel production : Review of artificial intelligence approaches
- 2024
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In: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. - : Elsevier. - 1364-0321 .- 1879-0690. ; 189
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Scarcity in fossil fuel reserves and their environmental impacts has forced the world towards the production of clean and environment-friendly fuels called biofuels. This review focuses on the importance of different machine learning models and optimization techniques to simulate and optimize process conditions, yield and parameters in the fermentation of cellulosic biomass from fifty recent studies. The superiority of ML models, especially ANN dominance in 70 % of studies with highest coefficient of regression over conventional techniques in the production of bioethanol and biohydrogen is comprehensively reviewed. Research gaps and studies directed toward the usage of most optimum ML models in future are directed after the sensitivity analysis with 5 % variation that suggest the stability of ML models. It is intended to spur further investigation into the development and use of ML models combined with optimization methods and CFD in the fermentation process to produce bioethanol and biohydrogen.
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8. |
- Nawaz, Sadia, et al.
(author)
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WNT10A missense mutation associated with a complete odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia syndrome
- 2009
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In: European Journal of Human Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1018-4813 .- 1476-5438. ; 17:12, s. 1600-1605
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Wnt signalling is one of a few pathways that are crucial for controlling genetic programs during embryonic development as well as in adult tissues. WNT10A is expressed in the skin and epidermis and it has shown to be critical for the development of ectodermal appendages. A nonsense mutation in WNT10A was recently identified in odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD; MIM 257980), a rare syndrome characterised by severe hypodontia, nail dystrophy, smooth tongue, dry skin, keratoderma and hyperhydrosis of palms and soles. We identified a large consanguineous Pakistani pedigree comprising six individuals affected by a complete OODD syndrome. Autozygosity mapping using SNP array analysis showed that the affected individuals are homozygous for the WNT10A gene region. Subsequent mutation screening showed a homozygous c.392C>T transition in exon 3 of WNT10A, which predicts a p.A131V substitution in a conserved alpha-helix domain. We report here on the first inherited missense mutation in WNT10A with associated ectodermal features.
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9. |
- Adil Salman Aslam, Muhammad, 1986, et al.
(author)
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Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Photoswitches with Enhanced Solar Spectrum Match
- 2024
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In: Chemistry - A European Journal. - 1521-3765 .- 0947-6539. ; 30:46
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Herein, we report monomeric and dimeric norbornadiene-quadricyclane molecular photoswitch systems intended for molecular solar thermal applications. A series of six new norbornadiene derivatives conjugated with benzothiadiazole as the acceptor unit and dithiafulvene as the donor unit were synthesized and fully characterized. The photoswitches were evaluated by experimentally and theoretically measuring optical absorption profiles and thermal conversion of quadricyclane to norbornadiene. Computational insight by density functional theory calculations at the M06-2X/def2-SVPD level of theory provided geometries, storage energies, UV-vis absorption spectra, and HOMO-LUMO levels that are used to describe the function of the molecular systems. The studied molecules exhibit absorption onset ranging from 416 nm to 595 nm due to a systemic change in their donor-acceptor character. This approach was advantageous due to the introduction of benzothiadiazole and the dimeric nature of molecular structures. The best-performing system has a half-life of 3 days with quantum yields over 50 %.
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10. |
- Ahmad, Nafees, et al.
(author)
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Pitx3 directly regulates Foxe3 during early lens development.
- 2013
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In: The International journal of developmental biology. - : UPV/EHU Press. - 1696-3547 .- 0214-6282. ; 57, s. 741-751
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pitx3 is a bicoid-related homeodomain transcription factor critical for the development of the ocular lens, mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and skeletal muscle. In humans, mutations in PITX3 are responsible for cataracts and anterior segment abnormalities of varying degree; polymorphisms are associated with Parkinsons disease. In aphakia (ak) mice, two deletions in the promoter region of Pitx3 cause abnormal lens development. Here, we investigated systematically the role of Pitx3 in lens development including its molecular targets responsible for the ak phenotype. We have shown that ak lenses exhibit reduced proliferation and aberrant fiber cell differentiation. This was associated with loss of Foxe3 expression, complete absence of Prox1 expression, reduced expression of epsilon-tubulin and earlier expression of gamma-crystallin during lens development. Using EMSA and ChIP assays, we demonstrated that Pitx3 binds to an evolutionary conserved bicoid-binding site on the 5-upstream region of Foxe3. Finally, Pitx3 binding to 5-upstream region of Foxe3 increased transcriptional activity significantly in a cell-based reporter assay. Identification of Foxe3 as a transcriptional target of Pitx3 explains at least in part some of the phenotypic similarities of the ak and dyl mice (dysgenic lens, a Foxe3 allele). These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular cascades which subserve lens development.
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11. |
- Ali, Muhammad Umair, et al.
(author)
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Enhancing Photovoltaic Reliability : A Global and Local Feature Selection Approach with Improved Harris Hawks Optimization for Efficient Hotspot Detection Using Infrared Imaging
- 2024
-
In: International Journal of Energy Research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0363-907X .- 1099-114X.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The photovoltaic (PV) systems' inherent ability to transform solar light directly into electrical energy has contributed to their increasing popularity. However, malfunctions can reduce system dependability. Therefore, rapid hotspot identification is critical for efficient, dependable, and risk-free PV operation. This work presents a method for determining the most optimal hybrid features using the infrared (IR) images of PV panels for hotspot and fault detection. The information at the global (texture, HoG, and color histograms) and local (local binary pattern, SURF, and KAZE) levels were extracted from the IR images of PV panels using a uniform window size of 8 x 8. A binary improved Harris hawks optimization (b-IHHO) optimal feature selection strategy was used to get the optimal feature subset for model training using PV IR images. The IR images of PV were acquired to test the presented framework. The findings suggested that the proposed framework can classify the IR images of solar panels with an accuracy of 98.41% with lesser feature vector size into three classes (normal, hotspot, and defective). Furthermore, the findings were also compared with the latest literature. The presented technique plays a vital role in carbon-free cities and is simple to adopt for PV system inspection.
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12. |
- Aslam, Bilal, et al.
(author)
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A low profile miniature RFID tag antenna dedicated to IoT applications
- 2019
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In: Electromagnetics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0272-6343 .- 1532-527X. ; 39:6, s. 393-406
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- RFID tag antennas with stable performance on the diverse electromagnetic mounting platforms are an integral part of the ubiquitous RFID systems. This research article presents a novel tag antenna design that facilitates the said objective. The proposed antenna consists of a modified H-shaped slot structure that ensures considerable robustness from the application environment through confining the surface current density within the antenna structure. The antenna offers a tunable bandwidth of 40 MHz within the microwave band of (2.4-2.5) GHz. The proposed tag antenna exhibits excellent response on metallic platforms of different sizes and thicknesses with an effective gain of almost four times of that in free space. Furthermore, the designed tag antenna performs adequately well on low-medium permittivity dielectrics (glass, paper, and plastic) and RF absorbers (water). The free space and on-metal performance of the proposed tag antenna are verified by testing a prototype realized on the FR4 substrate.
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13. |
- Aslam, Marryam, et al.
(author)
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Physical characteristics of CdZrO3 perovskite at different pressure for optoelectronic application
- 2020
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In: Journal of Materials Research and Technology. - : Elsevier. - 2238-7854 .- 2214-0697. ; 9:5, s. 9965-9971
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A comprehensive investigation of the physical characteristics of any material provides beneficial information regarding its application viewpoint in different industries. Herein, we report the tunable mechanical and optoelectronic properties of cubic CdZrO3 under variable pressure up to 80 GPa using density functional theory (DFT). The pressure-induced band gap engineering reveals a fantastic fact of transformation of the indirect to direct band gap with increasing pressure. The dielectric response disclosed that optical parameters dragged towards higher energy with an increase of pressure, which unveiled the potential of CdZrO3 for optoelectronic applications. Effective change in optoelectronic is attributed to indirect to direct band gap transition. This study provides a gateway to how the optoelectronic properties of cubic CdZrO3 could be tuned by employing external pressure.
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14. |
- Fatima, Masoom, et al.
(author)
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Application of novel bacterial consortium for biodegradation of aromatic amine 2-ABS using response surface methodology
- 2020
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In: Journal of Microbiological Methods. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-7012 .- 1872-8359. ; 174
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is a strong need to develop purification methods for textile industrial wastewater containing toxic azo dyes. The reductive cleavage of azo dyes can be made by anaerobic bacteria, but the products of aromatic amines require an aerobic process. In this study a novel bacterial dye degrading consortium (DDC) of five isolated strains identified with 16S rRNA sequence: Proteus mirabilis (KR732288), Bacillus anthracis (KR732289), Enterobacter hormaechei (KR732290), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KR732293) and Serratia rubidaea (KR732296) were used to aerobically decompose metabolite 2-aminobenxenesulfonic acid (2-ABS), as a model compound. The effect of three variables: temperature (28-42 degrees C), pH (5.0-8.0) and initial concentration of 2-ABS (5-40 ppm) was investigated in terms of degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. Central composite design matrixand response surface methodology (RSM) were used for experimental design to evaluate theinteraction of the three process variables. The results show that up to 95% degradation and COD 90% removal are possible at optimal values of 32.4 ppm 2-ABS, pH 6.6 and a temperature of 35.7 degrees C. The theoretical response variables predicted by the developed RSM model was supported the experimental results. The optimized degradation of 2-ABS and COD removal were further confirmed by UV-HPLC analysis.
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15. |
- Javed, Muhammad Asadullah, et al.
(author)
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Y Structure and dynamics elucidation of ionic liquids using multidimensional Laplace NMR
- 2017
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In: Chemical Communications. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 1359-7345 .- 1364-548X. ; 53:80, s. 11056-11059
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We demonstrate the ability of multidimensional Laplace NMR (LNMR), comprising relaxation and diffusion experiments, to reveal essential information about microscopic phase structures and dynamics of ionic liquids that is not observable using conventional NMR spectroscopy or other techniques.
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16. |
- Javed, Muhammad Faisal, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of machine learning models for predicting TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of air contaminants
- 2024
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The escalation of global urbanization and industrial expansion has resulted in an increase in the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Evaluating the effectiveness of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in photocatalytic degradation through traditional methods is resource-intensive and complex due to the detailed photocatalyst structures and the wide range of contaminants. Therefore in this study, recent advancements in machine learning (ML) are used to offer data-driven approach using thirteen machine learning techniques namely XG Boost (XGB), decision tree (DT), lasso Regression (LR2), support vector regression (SVR), adaBoost (AB), voting Regressor (VR), CatBoost (CB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), gradient boost (GB), random Forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), ridge regression (RR), linear regression (LR1) to address the problem of estimation of TiO2 photocatalytic degradation rate of air contaminants. The models are developed using literature data and different methodical tools are used to evaluate the developed ML models. XGB, DT and LR2 models have high R2 values of 0.93, 0.926 and 0.926 in training and 0.936, 0.924 and 0.924 in test phase. While ANN, RR and LR models have lowest R2 values of 0.70, 0.56 and 0.40 in training and 0.62, 0.63 and 0.31 in test phase respectively. XGB, DT and LR2 have low MAE and RMSE values of 0.450 min-1/cm2, 0.494 min-1/cm2 and 0.49 min-1/cm2 for RMSE and 0.263 min-1/cm2, 0.285 min-1/cm2 and 0.29 min-1/cm2 for MAE in test stage. XGB, DT, and LR2 have 93% percent errors within 20% error range in training phase. XGB has 92% and DT, and LR2 have 94% errors with 20% range in test phase. XGB, DT, LR2 models remained the highest performing models and XGB is the most robust and effective in predictions. Feature importances reveal the role of input parameters in prediction made by developed ML models. Dosage, humidity, UV light intensity remain important experimental factors. This study will impact positively in providing efficient models to estimate photocatalytic degradation rate of air contaminants using TiO2.
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17. |
- Rasool, Mahmood, et al.
(author)
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A novel missense mutation in the EDA gene associated with X-linked recessive isolated hypodontia
- 2008
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In: Journal of Human Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-5161 .- 1435-232X. ; 53:10, s. 894-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Isolated hypodontia, or congenital absence of one to six permanent teeth (OMIM 300606), is a common condition that affects about 20% of individuals worldwide. We identified two extended Pakistani pedigrees segregating X-linked hypodontia with variable expressivity. Affected males show no other associated anomalies, and obligate carrier females have normal dentition. We analyzed the families with polymorphic markers in the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene region and obtained significant linkage to the phenotype in each pedigree (Z(max) 3.29 and 2.65, respectively, at theta = 0.00). Sequence analysis of the coding regions of EDA revealed a novel missense mutation c.1091T>C resulting in a methionine to threonine substitution (p.M364T) in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) homology domain. Met364 is a highly conserved residue located on the outer surface of the EDA protein. From our findings, we suggest that the mutation disturbs but does not destroy the EDA structure, resulting in the partial and unusually mild ED phenotype restricted to hypodontia.
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18. |
- Virk, Shafqat, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Exploiting frame semantics and frame-semantic parsing for automatic extraction of typological information from descriptive grammars of natural languages
- 2019
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In: International Conference Recent Advances in Natural Language Processing, RANLP. - Shoumen : Incoma Ltd. - 1313-8502. - 9789544520557 - 9789544520564 ; 2019-September, s. 1247-1256
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe a novel system for automatic extraction of typological linguistic information from descriptive grammars of natural languages, applying the theory of frame semantics in the form of frame-semantic parsing. The current proof-of-concept system covers a few selected linguistic features, but the methodology is general and can be extended not only to other typological features but also to descriptive grammars written in languages other than English. Such a system is expected to be a useful assistance for automatic curation of typological databases which otherwise are built manually, a very labor and time consuming as well as cognitively taxing enterprise.
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19. |
- Wang, Zhihang, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Chasing the rainbow: Exploiting photosensitizers to drive photoisomerization reactions
- 2023
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In: Responsive Materials. - 2834-8966 .- 2834-8966. ; 1:2
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Photoswitchable molecules have garnered considerable attention for their versatility and diverse applications, spanning from solar energy harvesting and storage to drug delivery and molecular motors. The chemical conversions that make photoswitches a desirable system are driven by specific wavelengths of light, which often demand intricate molecular modifications. An alternative approach to achieve the photoisomerization reaction is through energy transfer with photosensitizers. Photosensitizers play a pivotal role in various light-induced processes and have demonstrated successful applications in photodynamic therapy, dye-sensitized solar cells, and activating photochemical reactions. Therefore, combining photoswitching systems with sensitizers presents an attractive alternative for advancing light-responsive material design and enabling innovative light-controlled technologies. This review summarizes the energy transfer mechanisms and strategies involved in sensitized molecular photoswitchable systems, emphasizing the performance of various combined systems, and potential applications. Furthermore, recent advances and emerging trends in this field are also discussed, offering insights into prospective future directions for the development of light-responsive materials.
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20. |
- Yameen, Muhammad Zubair, et al.
(author)
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Harnessing the power of functionalized biochar : progress, challenges, and future perspectives in energy, water treatment, and environmental sustainability
- 2024
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In: Biochar. - : Springer. - 2524-7972 .- 2524-7867. ; 6:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The swift advancement of sustainable energy technologies, coupled with the urgent need to address environmental challenges, has generated considerable interest in the multifaceted applications of biochar materials to promote energy, water, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review examines recent advancements in the production and applications of functionalized biochar materials, emphasizing their pivotal roles in energy conversion and storage, wastewater treatment, CO2 reduction, soil amelioration, and the promotion of carbon neutrality within a circular economy framework. The functionalization of biochar materials involves surface chemistry and porosity modifications, achieved through techniques like templating, chemical activation, metal impregnation, or heteroatom doping. These modifications substantially enhance the catalytic activity, energy storage capacity, and cycling stability of biochar materials, making them particularly effective in diverse energy applications such as water splitting, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. Additionally, functionalized biochar materials demonstrate remarkable efficacy as catalysts and adsorbents in wastewater treatment, proficiently removing pollutants like heavy metals, organic contaminants, and nutrients, thereby facilitating resource recovery from wastewater. The review also underscores the potential of functionalized biochar materials in CO2 capture and conversion, exploring innovative strategies to augment their CO2 adsorption capacity and state-of-the-art catalytic processes for transforming captured CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals. In summary, this review offers valuable insights into the recent advancements in biochar research, underscoring its substantial commercial potential as a versatile material contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.Article HighlightsThe current status of biochar research is comprehensively reviewed.The potential of biochar in energy, water, and environmental fields is critically examined.Technology readiness levels (TRLs) of various biochar-based technologies are evaluated.
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21. |
- Ashraf, Imtiaz, et al.
(author)
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Nanoarchitectonics and Kinetics Insights into Fluoride Removal from Drinking Water Using Magnetic Tea Biochar
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fluoride contamination in water is a key problem facing the world, leading to health problems such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. So, we used low-cost multifunctional tea biochar (TBC) and magnetic tea biochar (MTBC) prepared by facile one-step pyrolysis of waste tea leaves. The TBC and MTBC were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, and VSM. Both TBC and MTBC contain high carbon contents of 63.45 and 63.75%, respectively. The surface area of MTBC (115.65 m2/g) was higher than TBC (81.64 m2/g). The modified biochar MTBC was further used to remediate the fluoride-contaminated water. The fluoride adsorption testing was conducted using the batch method at 298, 308, and 318 K. The maximum fluoride removal efficiency (E%) using MTBC was 98% when the adsorbent dosage was 0.5 g/L and the fluoride concentration was 50 mg/L. The experiment data for fluoride adsorption on MTBC best fit the pseudo 2nd order, rather than the pseudo 1st order. In addition, the intraparticle diffusion model predicts the boundary diffusion. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubnin–Radushkevich isotherm models were fitted to explain the fluoride adsorption on MTBC. The Langmuir adsorption capacity of MTBC = 18.78 mg/g was recorded at 298 K and decreased as the temperature increased. The MTBC biochar was reused in ten cycles, and the E% was still 85%. The obtained biochar with a large pore size and high removal efficiency may be an effective and low-cost adsorbent for treating fluoride-containing water.
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22. |
- Asif, M., et al.
(author)
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A dataset about anthropometric measurements of the Pakistani children and adolescents using a cross-sectional multi-ethnic anthropometric survey
- 2021
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In: Data in Brief. - : Elsevier. - 2352-3409. ; 34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Evaluation of nutritional status is necessary during childhood and the juvenile years when the level of hydration and the adipose tissues experience significant changes. Anthropometric measurements and their derived indices are valid proxies to predict body fat, obesity (general or central) and their associated cardiovascular risks. The dataset under consideration also provides the socio-demographic related information and anthropometric measurement values related to height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HpC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), neck circumference (NC), and wrist circumference (WrC). Standard procedure was adopted for quantifying the body measurements. The data were consisting of 10,782 children and adolescents aged 2–19 years, belonging four major cities of Pakistan viz. Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This dataset is beneficial to develop anthropometric growth charts which will provide the essential knowledge of growth and nutritional disorders (e.g., stunted, overweight and obesity) of Pakistani children and adolescents. The dataset can also be used by researchers to calculate body surface area (BSA), body frame size (BFS), body shape index (BSI), and tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) of children and adolescents that are also some other reliable indicators of obesity and insulin resistance as well as cardiometabolic risk in children and adults.
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23. |
- Asif, M., et al.
(author)
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Developing Neck Circumference Growth Reference Charts for Pakistani Children and Adolescents Using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) and Quantile Regression Method
- 2021
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In: Public Health Nutrition. - : Cambridge University Press. - 1368-9800 .- 1475-2727. ; 24:17, s. 5641-5649
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Neck circumference (NC) is currently used as an embryonic marker of obesity and its associated risks. But its use in clinical evaluations and other epidemiological purposes requires sex and age-specific standardized cut-offs which are still scarce for the Pakistani pediatric population. We therefore developed sex and age-specific growth reference charts for NC for Pakistani children and adolescents aged 2-18 years.Design: Cross-sectional multi-ethnic anthropometric survey (MEAS) study.Setting: Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Participants: The dataset of 10,668 healthy Pakistani children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years collected in MEAS were used. Information related to age, sex and NC were taken as study variables. The lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) and quantile regression (QR) methods were applied to develop growth reference charts for NC.Results: The 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th smoothed percentile values of NC were presented. The centile values showed that neck size increased with age in both boys and girls. During 8 and 14 years of age, girls were found to have larger NC than boys. A comparison of NC median (50th) percentile values with references from Iranian and Turkish populations reveals substantially lower NC percentiles in Pakistani children and adolescents compared to their peers in the reference population.Conclusion: The comparative results suggest that the uses of NC references of developed countries are inadequate for Pakistani children. A small variability between empirical centiles and centiles obtained by QR procedure recommends that growth charts should be constructed by QR as an alternative method.
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24. |
- Aslam, Bilal, et al.
(author)
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A compact implantable RFID tag antenna dedicated to wireless health care
- 2017
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In: International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1096-4290 .- 1099-047X. ; 27:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Implantable tag antennas are an integral component of contemporary pervasive patient monitoring setups envisioned to reduce the medical errors and improve the quality of health care facilities. These tags, embedded into the human body, transmit critical patient information to the external equipment via a wireless communication link. This research article presents an implantable compact folded dipole antenna of size 10 mm 3 15 mm 3 2 mm, designed to operate in the industrial-scientificmedical band (2.4-2.48GHz). A three-layered phantom representing the human arm is used to evaluate the subcutaneous antenna performance. The tag antenna embedded in the middle of the fat layer offers a maximum gain of 216.3 dBi. The tag antenna performance as a function of implant position and phantom dimensions is analyzed. Link budget calculations show that with the achieved antenna gain the link power exceeds the required power by 38.37 dBm, and hence wireless communication is viable.
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25. |
- Aslam, Bilal, et al.
(author)
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A high capacity tunable retransmission type frequency coded chipless radio frequency identification system
- 2019
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In: International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering. - : WILEY. - 1096-4290 .- 1099-047X. ; 29:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article presents a 12-bit frequency coded chipless RFID system in the frequency range of 3 to 6 GHz. The system consists of a fully printable chipless tag and a pair of high-gain reader antennas. The tag also incorporates its own antennas to improve the read range. Information is encoded into frequency spectrum using a multi-resonant circuit. The circuit consists of multiple microstrip U and L-shaped open stub resonators patterned in a unique configuration. The proposed configuration aids in capturing more data in a reduced space as well as tunable frequency operation. Tag and reader antennas utilize techniques such as stepped impedance feeding line, defective partial ground plane, and stair-step patch structure to achieve wide-band impedance bandwidth in miniature size. The results of the wireless measurements in the non-anechoic environment show that the proposed system has a reading range of more than 20 cm. The presented system possesses great potential for low-cost short-range inventory tracking.
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26. |
- Aslam, Bilal, et al.
(author)
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Low-profile magnetically coupled dual resonance patch antenna for UHF RFID applications
- 2021
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In: AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications. - : Elsevier BV. - 1434-8411 .- 1618-0399. ; 133
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel low-profile metal mountable UHF RFID tag antenna is presented. The tag antenna design consists of two resonating patches with different resonant frequencies fed through a joint inductive loop. This design topology offers benefits such as bandwidth enhancement in the single band and the possibility of attaining a tunable dualband coverage in the UHF RFID band. The proposed antenna structure doesn't require any electrical connection (shorting pins/shorting plates/via holes) and therefore facilitates fabrication through a conventional RFID inlay manufacturing process. Fabrication and testing of a prototype of the proposed antenna design are carried out. The prototype antenna achieves free space and an on-metal reading range of better than 8 m and 11 m respectively in the US RFID band of 902-928 MHz.
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27. |
- Aslam, Muhammad Kashif, et al.
(author)
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How to avoid dendrite formation in metal batteries : Innovative strategies for dendrite suppression
- 2021
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In: Nano Energy. - : Elsevier. - 2211-2855 .- 2211-3282. ; 86
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With increasing the diversity of electronic/electric appliances and large-scale energy storage systems, highenergy-density based device technology has been in great demand. Meanwhile, for developing of high-voltage and high-capacity cathode, the use of metals including lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), or zinc (Zn) is quite impressive to replace the traditional anodes with low capacity upper limit such as graphite, silicon carbon, and hard carbon which is considered as "holy grail" strategy to explore high-energy density systems. However, these so-called metal batteries (MBs) also face many thorny issues including high anode reactivity, dendritic growth, and high safety risks. Among all these muddle, the dendrite growth is quite sever issue and has attracted much attention of many recognized materials scientist and battery researchers. The formation of dendrite increase the surface area of metal anodes, induce the rupture and reconstruction of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, which is likely to accelerate the excessive consumption of electrolyte and the formation of dead metals. Consequently, battery lose its capability and short circuit produced which causes serious safety issues. Therefore, it is badly needed to inhibit or even eliminate the formation of dendrites during the repeated charge and discharge process to find advanced and fast battery technology. In this review, we summarize the basic mechanistic theoretical models about dendrites formation and their effects on the battery performance. Moreover, we recapitulate the reported literature about dendrites concept and their solution from battery invention to its modernism for smart electric appliances and zero emission electric vehicles. Besides, perspective of interface energy/volume stress, several innovative strategies for restraining, regulating and eliminating dendrites are also part of this review. Finally, perspectives conclusions for the development of MBs about dendrite level are given for the progress of future battery science.
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28. |
- Aslam, Muhammad Shehryar, et al.
(author)
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Exploring Multi-Hop LoRa for Green Smart Cities
- 2020
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In: IEEE Network. - : IEEE Communications Society. - 0890-8044 .- 1558-156X. ; 34:2, s. 225-231
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the growing popularity of Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based smart city applications, various long-range and low-power wireless connectivity solutions are under rigorous research. LoRa is one such solution that works in the sub-GHz unlicensed spectrum and promises to provide long-range communication with minimal energy consumption. However, the conventional LoRa networks are single-hop, with the end devices connected to a central gateway through a direct link, which may be subject to large path loss and hence render low connectivity and coverage. This article motivates the use of multi-hop LoRa topologies to enable energy-efficient connectivity in smart city applications. We present a case study that experimentally evaluates and compares single-hop and multi-hop LoRa topologies in terms of range extension and energy efficiency by evaluating packet reception ratio (PRR) for various source to destination distances, spreading factors (SFs), and transmission powers. The results highlight that a multi-hop LoRa network configuration can save significant energy and enhance coverage. For instance, it is shown that to achieve a 90% PRR, a two-hop network provides 50% energy savings as compared to a single-hop network while increasing 35% coverage at a particular SF. In the end, we discuss open challenges in multi-hop LoRa deployment and optimization.
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29. |
- Aslam, Muhammad Shamrooz, et al.
(author)
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Observer–Based Control for a New Stochastic Maximum Power Point tracking for Photovoltaic Systems With Networked Control System
- 2023
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In: IEEE transactions on fuzzy systems. - Piscataway, NJ : IEEE. - 1063-6706 .- 1941-0034. ; 31:6, s. 1870-1884
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study discusses the new stochastic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control approach towards the photovoltaic cells (PCs). PC generator is isolated from the grid, resulting in a direct current (DC) microgrid that can provide changing loads. In the course of the nonlinear systems through the time-varying delays, we proposed a Networked Control Systems (NCSs) beneath an event-triggered approach basically in the fuzzy system. In this scenario, we look at how random, variable loads impact the PC generator's stability and efficiency. The basic premise of this article is to load changes and the value matching to a Markov chain. PC generators are complicated nonlinear systems that pose a modeling problem. Transforming this nonlinear PC generator model into the Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model is another option. Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model is presented in a unified framework, for which 1) the fuzzy observer–based on this premise variables can be used for approximately in the infinite states to the present system, 2) the fuzzy observer–based controller can be created using this same premises be the observer, and 3) to reduce the impact of transmission burden, an event-triggered method can be investigated. Simulating in the PC generator model for the realtime climate data obtained in China demonstrates the importance of our method. In addition, by using a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) for combining to the allowed weighting matrices incorporating mode-dependent integral terms, the developed model can be stochastically stable and achieves the required performances. Based on the T-P transformation, a new depiction of the nonlinear system is derived in two separate steps in which an adequate controller input is guaranteed in the first step and an adequate vertex polytope is ensured in the second step. To present the potential of our proposed method, we simulate it for PC generators. © 2022 IEEE.
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30. |
- Aslam, Muhammad Shamrooz, et al.
(author)
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Robust stability analysis for class of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy with stochastic process for sustainable hypersonic vehicles
- 2023
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In: Information Sciences. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0020-0255 .- 1872-6291. ; 641
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, the rapid development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) enables ecological conservation, such as low-carbon and “green” transport, which helps environmental sustainability. In order to address control issues in a given region, UAV charging infrastructure is urgently needed. To better achieve this task, an investigation into the T–S fuzzy modeling for Sustainable Hypersonic Vehicles (SHVs) with Markovian jump parameters and H∞ attitude control in three channels was conducted. Initially, the reentry dynamics were transformed into a control–oriented affine nonlinear model. Then, the original T–S local modeling method for SHV was projected by primarily referring to Taylor's expansion and fuzzy linearization methodologies. After the estimation of precision and controller complexity was assumed, the fuzzy model for jump nonlinear systems mainly consisted of two levels: a crisp level and a fuzzy level. The former illustrates the jumps, and the latter a fuzzy level that represents the nonlinearities of the system. Then, a systematic method built in a new coupled Lyapunov function for a stochastic fuzzy controller was used to guarantee the closed–loop system for H∞ gain in the presence of a predefined performance index. Ultimately, numerical simulations were conducted to show how the suggested controller can be successfully applied and functioned in controlling the original attitude dynamics. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.
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31. |
- Aslam, Muhammad
(author)
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The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster GSTE6 and E7; characterization, immobilization and transgenic overexpression
- 2014
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes that are universally distributed in most eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They play a pivotal role in the metabolism and detoxication of numerous endogenous and exogenous electrophiles by conjugating them with ubiquitous tripeptide glutathione. In this study we have immobilized two heterologously expressed and purified Epsilon-class enzymes, GSTE6 and GSTE7, from of Drosophila melanogaster on nanoporous alumina membranes. The membranes were derivatized with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane and the amino groups were activated with carbonyldiimidazole to allow coupling of the enzymes. Kinetic analyses of the immobilized enzymes were carried out in a circulating flow system using CDNB (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) as substrate, followed by specificity screening with alternative substrates. A good correlation was observed between the substrate screening data for immobilized enzyme and corresponding data for the enzymes in solution. The stability of the immobilized enzymes was virtually identical to that for the enzymes in solution and no leakage of enzyme from the matrix could be observed.Additionally, we have investigated the catalytic activities of GSTE7 with organic isothiocyanates (ITCs). These reactive compounds are strong electrophilic molecules produced in plants by the hydrolysis of glucosinolates and exert toxicity in biological tissues. Our in vitro studies, showed high catalytic activity of GSTE7 towards ITCs. We have then explored the in vivo effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) in transgenic fruit flies overexpressing GSTE7. A concentration of 0.25 mM PEITC in standard fly food was shown to be toxic to flies and significantly shortened the lifespan. We noticed that overexpression of GSTE7 could protect females from the initial acute toxic effects, but had no positive effect on long term exposure. The effect on males seems to be the opposite to that of females, where a higher mortality was seen in fly males overexpressing GST E7 after one week of exposure. On the other hand 1mM concentration of AITC showed no toxic effects, but dramatically reduced the oviposition activity of wild-type flies in comparison to the transgenic flies.
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32. |
- Aslam, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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Transgenic Overexpression of Glutathione Transferase E7 in Drosophila Attenuates Toxicity of Organic Isothiocyanates Affecting Survival and Oviposition
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Organic isothiocyanates (ITCs) are allelochemicals produced by plants in order to combat insects and other herbivores. The compounds are toxic electrophiles that can be inactivated and conjugated with intracellular glutathione in reactions catalyzed by glutathione transferases (GSTs). The Drosophila melanogaster GSTE7 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified for functional studies. The enzyme showed high catalytic activity with various isothiocyanates including phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which in millimolar dietary concentrations conferred toxicity to adult D. melanogaster leading to death or a shortened life-span of the flies. In situ hybridization revealed a maternal contribution of GSTE7 transcripts to embryos, and strongest zygotic expression in the digestive tract. Transgenesis involving the GSTE7 gene controlled by an actin promoter produced viable flies expressing the GSTE7 transcript ubiquitously. Transgenic females show a significant extension in life-span when subjected to the same PEITC treatment as the wild-type flies. By contrast, transgenic male flies showed no significant effect in the first few days, and subsequently showed a somewhat lower survival rate. At 1 mM AITC concentration, no toxicity was noted. However, the oviposition activity was dramatically enhanced from a very low level in wild-type flies reared in the presence of 1 mM AITC to values an order of magnitude higher for the transgenic flies. The results demonstrate a clear protective effect of GSTE7 against exposure to ITC allelochemicals which can affect both life-span and fecundity of female flies.
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33. |
- Bokhari, Rida, et al.
(author)
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Land subsidence analysis using synthetic aperture radar data
- 2023
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In: Heliyon. - : Elsevier. - 2405-8440. ; 9:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Land subsidence is considered a threat to developing cities and is triggered by several natural (geological and seismic) and human (mining, groundwater withdrawal, oil and gas extraction, constructions) factors. This research has gathered datasets consisting of 80 Sentinel-1A ascending and descending SLC images from July 2017 to July 2019. This dataset, concerning InSAR and PS-InSAR, is processed with SARPROZ software to determine the land subsidence in Gwadar City, Balochistan, Pakistan. Later, the maps were created with ArcGIS 10.8. Due to InSAR’s limitations in measuring millimeter-scale surface deformation, Multi-Temporal InSAR techniques, like PS-InSAR, are introduced to provide better accuracy, consistency, and fewer errors of deformation analysis. This remote-based SAR technique is helpful in the Gwadar area; for researchers, city mobility is constrained and has become more restricted post-Covid-19. This technique requires multiple images acquired of the same place at different times for estimating surface deformation per year, along with surface uplifting and subsidence. The InSAR results showed maximum deformation in the Koh-i-Mehdi Mountain from 2017 to 2019. The PS-InSAR results showed subsidence up to −92 mm/year in ascending track and −66 mm/year in descending track in the area of Koh-i-Mehdi Mountain, and up to −48 mm/year in ascending track and −32 mm/year in descending track in the area of the deep seaport. From our experimental results, a high subsidence rate has been found in the newly evolving Gwadar City. This city is very beneficial to the country’s economic development because of its deep-sea port, developed by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The research is associated with a detailed analysis of Gwadar City, identifying the areas with significant subsidence, and enlisting the possible causes that are needed to be resolved before further developments. Our findings are helpful to urban development and disaster monitoring as the city is being promoted as the next significant deep seaport with the start of CPEC.
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34. |
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35. |
- Forouzanfar, Mohammad H, et al.
(author)
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Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 79 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks in 188 countries, 1990-2013 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.
- 2015
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In: The Lancet. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 386:10010, s. 2287-2323
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor study 2013 (GBD 2013) is the first of a series of annual updates of the GBD. Risk factor quantification, particularly of modifiable risk factors, can help to identify emerging threats to population health and opportunities for prevention. The GBD 2013 provides a timely opportunity to update the comparative risk assessment with new data for exposure, relative risks, and evidence on the appropriate counterfactual risk distribution.METHODS: Attributable deaths, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) have been estimated for 79 risks or clusters of risks using the GBD 2010 methods. Risk-outcome pairs meeting explicit evidence criteria were assessed for 188 countries for the period 1990-2013 by age and sex using three inputs: risk exposure, relative risks, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL). Risks are organised into a hierarchy with blocks of behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks at the first level of the hierarchy. The next level in the hierarchy includes nine clusters of related risks and two individual risks, with more detail provided at levels 3 and 4 of the hierarchy. Compared with GBD 2010, six new risk factors have been added: handwashing practices, occupational exposure to trichloroethylene, childhood wasting, childhood stunting, unsafe sex, and low glomerular filtration rate. For most risks, data for exposure were synthesised with a Bayesian meta-regression method, DisMod-MR 2.0, or spatial-temporal Gaussian process regression. Relative risks were based on meta-regressions of published cohort and intervention studies. Attributable burden for clusters of risks and all risks combined took into account evidence on the mediation of some risks such as high body-mass index (BMI) through other risks such as high systolic blood pressure and high cholesterol.FINDINGS: All risks combined account for 57·2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 55·8-58·5) of deaths and 41·6% (40·1-43·0) of DALYs. Risks quantified account for 87·9% (86·5-89·3) of cardiovascular disease DALYs, ranging to a low of 0% for neonatal disorders and neglected tropical diseases and malaria. In terms of global DALYs in 2013, six risks or clusters of risks each caused more than 5% of DALYs: dietary risks accounting for 11·3 million deaths and 241·4 million DALYs, high systolic blood pressure for 10·4 million deaths and 208·1 million DALYs, child and maternal malnutrition for 1·7 million deaths and 176·9 million DALYs, tobacco smoke for 6·1 million deaths and 143·5 million DALYs, air pollution for 5·5 million deaths and 141·5 million DALYs, and high BMI for 4·4 million deaths and 134·0 million DALYs. Risk factor patterns vary across regions and countries and with time. In sub-Saharan Africa, the leading risk factors are child and maternal malnutrition, unsafe sex, and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing. In women, in nearly all countries in the Americas, north Africa, and the Middle East, and in many other high-income countries, high BMI is the leading risk factor, with high systolic blood pressure as the leading risk in most of Central and Eastern Europe and south and east Asia. For men, high systolic blood pressure or tobacco use are the leading risks in nearly all high-income countries, in north Africa and the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. For men and women, unsafe sex is the leading risk in a corridor from Kenya to South Africa.INTERPRETATION: Behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks can explain half of global mortality and more than one-third of global DALYs providing many opportunities for prevention. Of the larger risks, the attributable burden of high BMI has increased in the past 23 years. In view of the prominence of behavioural risk factors, behavioural and social science research on interventions for these risks should be strengthened. Many prevention and primary care policy options are available now to act on key risks.FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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36. |
- Ghasemi, Shima, 1993, et al.
(author)
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Pyrene Functionalized Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Fluorescent Photoswitches: Characterization of their Spectral Properties and Application in Imaging of Amyloid Beta Plaques
- 2024
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In: Chemistry - A European Journal. - 1521-3765 .- 0947-6539. ; 30:34
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study presents the synthesis and characterization of two fluorescent norbornadiene (NBD) photoswitches, each incorporating two conjugated pyrene units. Expanding on the limited repertoire of reported photoswitchable fluorescent NBDs, we explore their properties with a focus on applications in bioimaging of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. While the fluorescence emission of the NBD decreases upon photoisomerization, aligning with what has been previously reported, for the first time we observed luminescence after irradiation of the quadricyclane (QC) isomer. We deduce how the observed emission is induced by photoisomerization to the excited state of the parent isomer (NBD) which is then the emitting species. Thorough characterizations including NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, X-ray structural analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide a comprehensive understanding of these systems. Notably, one NBD-QC system exhibits exceptional durability. Additionally, these molecules serve as effective fluorescent stains targeting Aβ plaques in situ, with observed NBD/QC switching within the plaques. Molecular docking simulations explore NBD interactions with amyloid, unveiling novel binding modes. These insights mark a crucial advancement in the comprehension and design of future photochromic NBDs for bioimaging applications and beyond, emphasizing their potential in studying and addressing protein aggregates.
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37. |
- Jamil, Asif, et al.
(author)
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Polyetherimide-Montmorillonite Nano-Hybrid Composite Membranes : CO2 Permeance Study via Theoretical Models
- 2020
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In: Processes. - : MDPI. - 2227-9717. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The incorporation of aminolauric acid modified montmorillonite (f-MMT) in polyetherimide (PEI) has been implemented to develop hollow fibre nano-hybrid composite membranes (NHCMs) with improved gas separation characteristics. The aforementioned characteristics are caused by enhanced f-MMT spatial dispersion and interfacial interactions with PEI matrix. In this study, existing gas permeation models such as, Nielsen, Cussler, Yang-Cussler, Lape-Cussler and Bharadwaj were adopted to estimate the dispersion state of f-MMT and to predict the CO2 permeance in developed NHCMs. It was found out that the average aspect ratio estimated was 53, with 3 numbers of stacks per unit tactoid, which showed that the intercalation f-MMT morphology is the dominating dispersion state of filler in PEI matrix. Moreover, it was observed that Bharadwaj model showed the least average absolute relative error (%AARE) values till 3 wt. % f-MMT loading in the range of +/- 10 for a pressure range of 2 to 10 bar. Hence, Bharadwaj was the best fit model for the experimental data compared to other models, as it considers the platelets orientation.
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38. |
- Khalid, Tauqeer, et al.
(author)
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A survey on privacy and access control schemes in fog computing
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Communication Systems. - : John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - 1074-5351 .- 1099-1131.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To provide reliable data storage and retrieval services to the end users, the cloud service provider implements secure data storage, sharing, and retrieval mechanisms. However, the aforesaid services provided by cloud have certain pitfalls, such as decision latency and real-time data computation. To address these aforementioned problems, fog computing was introduced for the purpose of providing cloud services at the network's edge. While this migration of the cloud services to the network's edge raises various security concerns, such as trust, authentication, mobility, intrusion, network security, and secure data computation. Among these concerns, the most critical issues that need immediate attention of researchers and practitioners are of privacy and access control in fog computing which are in direct relation to secure data storage and retrieval purposes. So, in order to highlight their importance for research community, this survey embodies to discuss, explain, and compare various privacy preserving and access control schemes in the context of fog computing for classifying and analyzing similarities and variances with respect to other researchers. Moreover, upon classification and analysis of these schemes, various open issues and future directions are also presented for researchers and practitioners for the purpose of enhancing security algorithms to address privacy and access control issues in fog computing.
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39. |
- Khan, Umar Hasan, et al.
(author)
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Compact RFID Enabled Moisture Sensor
- 2016
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In: Radioengineering. - : Spolecnost Pro Radioelektronicke Inzenyrstvi. - 1210-2512 .- 1805-9600. ; 25:3, s. 449-456
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This research proposes a novel, low-cost RFID tag sensor antenna implemented using commercially available Kodak photo-paper. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of stable, RFID centric communication under varying moisture levels. Variation in the frequency response of the RFID tag in presence of moisture is used to detect different moisture levels. Combination of unique jaw shaped contours and T-matching network is used for impedance matching which results in compact size and minimal ink consumption. Proposed tag is 1.4x9.4 cm(2) in size and shows optimum results for various moisture levels upto 45 % in FCC band with a bore sight read range of 12.1 m.
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40. |
- Khan, Umar Hasan, et al.
(author)
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Novel chipless displacement sensor circuit using spurline resonantor
- 2016
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In: IEICE Electronics Express. - : Institute of Electronics Information Communication Engineers. - 1349-2543. ; 13:23
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel uni-dimensional chipless displacement sensor circuit based on spurline resonators is presented. Sensor circuit design consists of two components: series of spurline resonators and a selector element. In response to displacement, the selector element slides over the spurline resonator slots that translating this movement into a corresponding change in the circuit's frequency response. The designed circuit offers a capacity of 16 bits in the 2-4.2 GHz frequency band. Half of the bits are designated as the sensory bits, while the other half are attributed as the ID bits. The formulated sensor has a dynamic range from 0-3.75 mm and a minimum resolution of 0.25 mm. The proposed sensor is a prime candidate for deployment in smart cities for ubiquitous infrastructural health monitoring.
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41. |
- Latifaj, Malvina, et al.
(author)
-
Blended Modelling for Software Architectures
- 2023
-
In: Proc. - IEEE Int. Conf. Softw. Archit. Companion, ICSA-C. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 9781665464598 ; , s. 336-338
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Blended modelling is an emerging trend in Model-Driven Engineering for complex software architectures. It enables the modelling of diverse architectural aspects through multiple editing notations seamlessly, interchangeably, and collaboratively. Blended modelling is expected to significantly improve productivity and user experience for multiple stakeholders. To manually architect and build a blended modelling environment is not trivial. To support architects in this task, in the scope of the ITEA3 BUMBLE project, we have designed and developed a blended modelling framework that aids architects in designing and semi-automatically generating blended modelling environments for architecting software.
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42. |
- Magson, Lucien, et al.
(author)
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Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Energy Release of Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Materials
- 2024
-
In: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. - 1944-8252 .- 1944-8244. ; 16:6, s. 7211-7218
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems are rapidly becoming a feasible alternative to energy storage and net-zero carbon emission heating. MOST systems involve a single photoisomerization pair that incorporates light absorption, storage, and heat release processes in one recurring cycle. Despite significant recent advancements in the field, the catalytic back-reaction from MOST systems remains relatively unexplored. A wide range of applications is possible, contingent on the energy densities of the specific photoisomers. Here, we report platinum-, copper-, and nickel-based heterogeneous catalysts screened in batch conditions for the back-conversion reaction on the cyano-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-norbornadiene/quadricyclane pair. Catalyst reactivities are investigated using structural characterization, imaging techniques, and spectroscopic analysis. Finally, the thermal stability is also explored for our best-performing catalysts.
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43. |
- Naghavi, Mohsen, et al.
(author)
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Global, regional, and national age-sex specific all-cause and cause-specific mortality for 240 causes of death, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013
- 2015
-
In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 385:9963, s. 117-171
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Up-to-date evidence on levels and trends for age-sex-specifi c all-cause and cause-specifi c mortality is essential for the formation of global, regional, and national health policies. In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013) we estimated yearly deaths for 188 countries between 1990, and 2013. We used the results to assess whether there is epidemiological convergence across countries. Methods We estimated age-sex-specifi c all-cause mortality using the GBD 2010 methods with some refinements to improve accuracy applied to an updated database of vital registration, survey, and census data. We generally estimated cause of death as in the GBD 2010. Key improvements included the addition of more recent vital registration data for 72 countries, an updated verbal autopsy literature review, two new and detailed data systems for China, and more detail for Mexico, UK, Turkey, and Russia. We improved statistical models for garbage code redistribution. We used six different modelling strategies across the 240 causes; cause of death ensemble modelling (CODEm) was the dominant strategy for causes with sufficient information. Trends for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were informed by meta-regression of prevalence studies. For pathogen-specifi c causes of diarrhoea and lower respiratory infections we used a counterfactual approach. We computed two measures of convergence (inequality) across countries: the average relative difference across all pairs of countries (Gini coefficient) and the average absolute difference across countries. To summarise broad findings, we used multiple decrement life-tables to decompose probabilities of death from birth to exact age 15 years, from exact age 15 years to exact age 50 years, and from exact age 50 years to exact age 75 years, and life expectancy at birth into major causes. For all quantities reported, we computed 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We constrained cause-specific fractions within each age-sex-country-year group to sum to all-cause mortality based on draws from the uncertainty distributions. Findings Global life expectancy for both sexes increased from 65.3 years (UI 65.0-65.6) in 1990, to 71.5 years (UI 71.0-71.9) in 2013, while the number of deaths increased from 47.5 million (UI 46.8-48.2) to 54.9 million (UI 53.6-56.3) over the same interval. Global progress masked variation by age and sex: for children, average absolute diff erences between countries decreased but relative diff erences increased. For women aged 25-39 years and older than 75 years and for men aged 20-49 years and 65 years and older, both absolute and relative diff erences increased. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the prominent role of reductions in age-standardised death rates for cardiovascular diseases and cancers in high-income regions, and reductions in child deaths from diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and neonatal causes in low-income regions. HIV/AIDS reduced life expectancy in southern sub-Saharan Africa. For most communicable causes of death both numbers of deaths and age-standardised death rates fell whereas for most non-communicable causes, demographic shifts have increased numbers of deaths but decreased age-standardised death rates. Global deaths from injury increased by 10.7%, from 4.3 million deaths in 1990 to 4.8 million in 2013; but age-standardised rates declined over the same period by 21%. For some causes of more than 100 000 deaths per year in 2013, age-standardised death rates increased between 1990 and 2013, including HIV/AIDS, pancreatic cancer, atrial fibrillation and flutter, drug use disorders, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and sickle-cell anaemias. Diarrhoeal diseases, lower respiratory infections, neonatal causes, and malaria are still in the top five causes of death in children younger than 5 years. The most important pathogens are rotavirus for diarrhoea and pneumococcus for lower respiratory infections. Country-specific probabilities of death over three phases of life were substantially varied between and within regions. Interpretation For most countries, the general pattern of reductions in age-sex specifi c mortality has been associated with a progressive shift towards a larger share of the remaining deaths caused by non-communicable disease and injuries. Assessing epidemiological convergence across countries depends on whether an absolute or relative measure of inequality is used. Nevertheless, age-standardised death rates for seven substantial causes are increasing, suggesting the potential for reversals in some countries. Important gaps exist in the empirical data for cause of death estimates for some countries; for example, no national data for India are available for the past decade.
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44. |
- Nowell, Reuben W., et al.
(author)
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A high-coverage draft genome of the mycalesine butterfly Bicyclus anynana
- 2017
-
In: GigaScience. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2047-217X. ; 6:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The mycalesine butterfly Bicyclus anynana, the Squinting bush brown, is a model organism in the study of lepidopteran ecology, development, and evolution. Here, we present a draft genome sequence for B. anynana to serve as a genomics resource for current and future studies of this important model species. Seven libraries with insert sizes ranging from 350 bp to 20 kb were constructed using DNA from an inbred female and sequenced using both Illumina and PacBio technology; 128 Gb of raw Illumina data was filtered to 124 Gb and assembled to a final size of 475 Mb (similar to x260 assembly coverage). Contigs were scaffolded using mate-pair, transcriptome, and PacBio data into 10 800 sequences with an N50 of 638 kb (longest scaffold 5 Mb). The genome is comprised of 26% repetitive elements and encodes a total of 22 642 predicted protein-coding genes. Recovery of a BUSCO set of core metazoan genes was almost complete (98%). Overall, these metrics compare well with other recently published lepidopteran genomes. We report a high-quality draft genome sequence for Bicyclus anynana. The genome assembly and annotated gene models are available at LepBase (http://ensembl.lepbase.org/index.html).
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45. |
- Shah, Shahid, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of health-related quality of life among patients with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with multimorbidity
- 2023
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity, hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are among the multifactorial disorders that occur at higher prevalence in a population. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with obesity, HTN and T2D individually and in the form of multimorbidity. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients in 15 private clinics of Punjab, Pakistan. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data from patients with obesity, HTN and T2D or their comorbidity. A total of 1350 patients responded by completing the questionnaire. The HRQoL of these patients was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (a standardized instrument for measuring generic health status). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Multivariate linear regression model was used to model the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. In total, 15% of patients had combined obesity, HTN and T2D; 16.5% had HTN and T2D; 13.5% had obesity and HTN and 12.8% had obesity and T2D. Only 15.8% of patients had obesity, 14.3% had HTN, and 12% had T2D. Mann Whitney-U test gave the statistically significant (p = <0.001) HRQoL VAS score55.1 (±23.2) of patients with the obesity. HRQoL VAS scores of patients with obesity were found to be higher when compared to patients with both T2D 49.8 (±15.4) and HTN 48.2 (±21). Diagnosis of one, two and three diseases showed significant results in VAS with all variables including gender (p = 0.004), educational level (p = <0.001), marital status (p<0.001), residence (p = <0.001), financial situation (p = <0.001) and monthly income (p = <0.001). The most frequently observed extremely problematic dimension was anxiety/ depression (47%) and the self-care (10%) was the least affected. Patient HRQoL is decreased by T2D, HTN, and obesity. The impact of these diseases coexisting is more detrimental to HRQoL.
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46. |
- Shamrooz Aslam, Muhammad, et al.
(author)
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A delayed Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy control approach with uncertain measurements using an extended sliding mode observer
- 2023
-
In: Information Sciences. - Philadelphia, PA : Elsevier. - 0020-0255 .- 1872-6291. ; 643
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, a sliding mode observer (SMO) is implemented on a T–S fuzzy system with multiple time–varying delays over continuous time. Because state data may not be fully available in practice, state observers are used to estimate state information. A system based on observers is implemented with non–parallel distribution compensation (N-PDC). Moreover, the concept of dissipative control provides a framework for analyzing the performance of H∞, L2−L∞, and dissipativeness. In order to design two sliding surfaces using the SMO gain matrix, first two integral–type sliding surfaces must be constructed. Then, we define a few additional parameters using fuzzy Lyapunov stability and SMO theory, resulting in asymptotically stable closed–loop performances. On the basis of the new error system, convex optimization is used to generate the sliding mode controller and the gained weight matrices. Following is an example of the power system (ship electric propulsion) to demonstrate the potential scheme. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.
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47. |
- Vos, Theo, et al.
(author)
-
Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013
- 2015
-
In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 386:9995, s. 743-800
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Up-to-date evidence about levels and trends in disease and injury incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) is an essential input into global, regional, and national health policies. In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013), we estimated these quantities for acute and chronic diseases and injuries for 188 countries between 1990 and 2013. Methods Estimates were calculated for disease and injury incidence, prevalence, and YLDs using GBD 2010 methods with some important refinements. Results for incidence of acute disorders and prevalence of chronic disorders are new additions to the analysis. Key improvements include expansion to the cause and sequelae list, updated systematic reviews, use of detailed injury codes, improvements to the Bayesian meta-regression method (DisMod-MR), and use of severity splits for various causes. An index of data representativeness, showing data availability, was calculated for each cause and impairment during three periods globally and at the country level for 2013. In total, 35 620 distinct sources of data were used and documented to calculated estimates for 301 diseases and injuries and 2337 sequelae. The comorbidity simulation provides estimates for the number of sequelae, concurrently, by individuals by country, year, age, and sex. Disability weights were updated with the addition of new population-based survey data from four countries. Findings Disease and injury were highly prevalent; only a small fraction of individuals had no sequelae. Comorbidity rose substantially with age and in absolute terms from 1990 to 2013. Incidence of acute sequelae were predominantly infectious diseases and short-term injuries, with over 2 billion cases of upper respiratory infections and diarrhoeal disease episodes in 2013, with the notable exception of tooth pain due to permanent caries with more than 200 million incident cases in 2013. Conversely, leading chronic sequelae were largely attributable to non-communicable diseases, with prevalence estimates for asymptomatic permanent caries and tension-type headache of 2.4 billion and 1.6 billion, respectively. The distribution of the number of sequelae in populations varied widely across regions, with an expected relation between age and disease prevalence. YLDs for both sexes increased from 537.6 million in 1990 to 764.8 million in 2013 due to population growth and ageing, whereas the age-standardised rate decreased little from 114.87 per 1000 people to 110.31 per 1000 people between 1990 and 2013. Leading causes of YLDs included low back pain and major depressive disorder among the top ten causes of YLDs in every country. YLD rates per person, by major cause groups, indicated the main drivers of increases were due to musculoskeletal, mental, and substance use disorders, neurological disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases; however HIV/AIDS was a notable driver of increasing YLDs in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the proportion of disability-adjusted life years due to YLDs increased globally from 21.1% in 1990 to 31.2% in 2013. Interpretation Ageing of the world's population is leading to a substantial increase in the numbers of individuals with sequelae of diseases and injuries. Rates of YLDs are declining much more slowly than mortality rates. The non-fatal dimensions of disease and injury will require more and more attention from health systems. The transition to non-fatal outcomes as the dominant source of burden of disease is occurring rapidly outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Our results can guide future health initiatives through examination of epidemiological trends and a better understanding of variation across countries.
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48. |
- Wang, Zhihang, 1989, et al.
(author)
-
Hybrid solar energy device for simultaneous electric power generation and molecular solar thermal energy storage
- 2024
-
In: Joule. - 2542-4351. ; In Press
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells can be adversely affected by the heat generated from solar irradiation. To address this issue, a hybrid device featuring a solar energy storage and cooling layer integrated with a silicon-based PV cell has been developed. This layer employs a molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage system to convert and store high-energy photons—typically underutilized by solar cells due to thermalization losses—into chemical energy. Simultaneously, it effectively cools the PV cell through both optical effects and thermal conductivity. Herein, it was demonstrated that up to 2.3% of solar energy could be stored as chemical energy. Additionally, the integration of the MOST system with the PV cell resulted in a notable decrease in the cell's surface temperature by approximately 8°C under standard solar irradiation conditions. The hybrid system demonstrated a solar utilization efficiency of 14.9%, underscoring its potential to achieve even greater efficiencies in forthcoming advanced hybrid PV solar energy systems.
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49. |
- Zafar, Muhammad Nadeem, et al.
(author)
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An efficient and versatile membraneless bioanode for biofuel cells based on Corynascus thermophilus cellobiose dehydrogenase
- 2019
-
In: Electrochimica Acta. - : Elsevier BV. - 0013-4686. ; 295, s. 316-324
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the present study, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) either single walled (SWCNT) or multi walled (MWCNT) on sugar oxidation by Corynascus thermophilus cellobiose dehydrogenase (CtCDH) is investigated. The current observed for the direct electron transfer (DET) communication between the enzyme and the electrode is compared to that of the mediated electron transfer (MET) obtained from CtCDH/CNT/Os-polymer modified electrodes. The CNTs provide a high surface area for the immobilization of CtCDH and the Os-polymer and increases the amount of both on the electrode surface. The amperometric current density measured for 50 mM glucose at pH 7.4 and an applied potential of 290 mV vs. SHE in DET mode is 6.90 μA cm−2, which is further improved to about 8.73 μA cm−2 when a cross-linker is applied, whereas a 14-folds increase to 97.6 μA cm−2 is observed for MET when CtCDH is immobilized in the Os-polymer and cross-linked. The current densities extracted from CVs at 150 mV vs. SHE using 20 mM glucose for CtCDH immobilized with the Os-polymer, MWCNT/Os-polymer and SWCNT/Os-polymer are 139.7, 180.3 and 328.2 μA cm−2, respectively so a remarkable increase is observed when using SWCNT for electrode modification. The bioanode also exhibits a good stability and it retains more than 50% of its activity in multicycle CV scan after five days. Thus the bioanode based on SWCNT/CtCDH/Os-polymer/cross-linker could be a promising electrode for application as anode in enzymatic biofuel cells.
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