In this paper, we apply laser induce breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to determine the elemental composition of different parts(root, stem and seed) of the rice plant and determine their weighted concentration using cali...In this paper, we apply laser induce breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to determine the elemental composition of different parts(root, stem and seed) of the rice plant and determine their weighted concentration using calibration free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique. Ca, Fe and K are identified as major elements, while C, Ti, Mg, Si, Li, Ba, Sr, Cr, Na and Al as minor elements. We also detect the H-alpha line of hydrogen in the spectrum and determine the electron number density. The electron number density and its behavior as a function of laser energy, laser wavelength and the detector position are investigated. The plasma temperatures of samples are determined, and the validity of the assumption of the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) is discussed.展开更多
This paper presents the results of a radiological risk assessment arising from the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in sand samples from three riverbanks in Muzaffarabad.The mean values obtained for 232 T...This paper presents the results of a radiological risk assessment arising from the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in sand samples from three riverbanks in Muzaffarabad.The mean values obtained for 232 Th,226 Ra,and 40 K were found to be 44.58 ± 3.34,48.25 ± 1.77,and 239.92 ± 22.73 Bq kg^(-1),respectively.To assess the uniformity of exposure,the radium equivalent activity(Raeq) was calculated and was found to be130.47 ± 8.29 Bqkg^(-1).The current reported value for Raeqis lower than the maximum permissible value,that is,370 Bq kg^(-1),and equivalent to a gamma dose of1.5 m Svy^(-1).To investigate the possible contribution to health risks of alpha particle exposure,the radon exhalation rate(RER) from the sand samples was determined.The mean RER for all the samples was found to be335 m Bq m-^(2) h^(-1).About 43% of the samples were found to have an indoor excess lifetime cancer risk value slightly higher than recommended safety limit of 1,as proposed by the ICRP.A normalized parameter,the equivalent multiplicative factor,was defined and used to compare the current results with the findings of studies performed in other countries.Our findings are relevant to both human health and future environmental radiation monitoring.展开更多
Radiometric analysis of soil samples, collected from northern alluvial sediment plains between rivers Ravi and Chenab, has been carried out. Activity concentrations of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and the artificial radi...Radiometric analysis of soil samples, collected from northern alluvial sediment plains between rivers Ravi and Chenab, has been carried out. Activity concentrations of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and the artificial radionuclide^(137) Cs were estimated by using high-purity germanium detector. Subsequent values of activity concentrations were used to find terrestrial absorbed dose rate and annual effective doses received by resident of area. The mean radioactivity levels of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and^(137)Cs were found to be 45.0 ± 1.3,59.6 ± 2.8, 613.8 ± 20.0 and 4.0 ± 0.2 Bq kg^(-1), respectively. Terrestrial absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose received by public were found to be 85.1 n Gy h^(-1)and0.5 m Sv, respectively. The activity concentrations of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and^(137)Cs and resulting doses obtained for the current study were compared with data available in the literature and with international standards.展开更多
The effect of an external electric field on laser-generated plasma has been studied.It is observed that the laser-generated plasma can be used for the ignition of a spark in the presence of a low voltage external elec...The effect of an external electric field on laser-generated plasma has been studied.It is observed that the laser-generated plasma can be used for the ignition of a spark in the presence of a low voltage external electric field.An eight-fold emission intensity enhancement in Cu I spectral lines are measured as compared to the signal intensity in the absence of an external electric field.The plasma parameters remain the same initially,up to a few microseconds after the generation of plasma,and this feature makes it more interesting for the quantitative analysis of any sample using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).In the presence of an external electric field,fluctuations(contraction and expansion)in the laser-generated plasma are observed which increase the plasma decay time and consequently result in enhanced signal intensity.展开更多
Objectives Blood stream infections(BSIs)are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide.The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of BSI with a focus on the identification of th...Objectives Blood stream infections(BSIs)are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide.The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of BSI with a focus on the identification of the causative agent of BSI,and to further evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the causing bacterial pathogens.Methods A cross-section study was carried out at the tertiary care hospital in Peshawar,Pakistan from January to December,2018.Blood samples were collected in BACTEC™botdes and standard microbiological protocols were applied for the isolation and identification of bacterial strains.The antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion method as per the 2014 guideline of Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute(CLSI).Results Of 567 blood cultures in total,111(19.6%)were positive for BSI.Male children were 64%(71/111)and female children were 36%(40/111).For the causative predominant group of microorganisms,Gramnegative bacteria were identified in 79(71.1%)isolates,and Gram-positive bacteria in 32(28.9%)isolates.The common bacteria of isolates were S.typhi(n=35,31.5%),E.coli(n=19,17.1%),S.aureus(n=18,16.2%),K.pneumonia(n=12,10.8%),and Enterococcus species(n=7,6.3%).The 36.7%(29/79)isolates of Gram-negative bacteria were ESBL producers,and 61.1%(11/18)of S.aureus isolates were methicillin resistant.Overall,72.9%isolates were multidrug resistant.Conclusions Gram-negative bacteria were the main cause of pediatric BSIs,where the predominant microorganism was S.卯hi.Remarkably,majority of the S.typhi isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin.展开更多
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among people with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of MS and its individual components among type 2 diabetic adults, to stratify the...Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among people with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of MS and its individual components among type 2 diabetic adults, to stratify these by gender and to determine their association with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Method: A cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted in public and private sector clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. A pretested structured questionnaire and medical records were used to collect information from 889 people with type 2 diabetes after informed consent. Chi-square test and odds ratios with 95% CI were used to assess the association of MS, its components and IHD. Adjusted odds ratios were used to evaluate the differences of MS and its components by gender. Results: In all, 70% of the participants had MS. The likelihood of having IHD among those with MS was higher (OR = 3.21;95%CI = 2.22 - 4.65). Of the individual MS components, obesity conferred the strongest association with IHD (OR = 2.57;95%CI = 1.91 - 3.43). Multivariate analysis showed an increased proportion of MS among women (AOR = 1.63;95%CI = 1.18 - 2.24). Of the individual MS components, women had a higher prevalence of obesity (AOR = 4.70;95%CI = 3.30 - 6.70). Conclusion: A very high burden of MS among type 2 diabetics has been identified in this study. Dedicated interventions are needed to prevent/delay the onset of MS and the associated morbidity and mortality.展开更多
In present work chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were successfully prepared and investigated for the removal of Reactive Orange 107 dye (RO 107) from water. The chitosan was extracted from shrimp...In present work chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were successfully prepared and investigated for the removal of Reactive Orange 107 dye (RO 107) from water. The chitosan was extracted from shrimp shells (Penaeus merguiensis) and was characterized by solubility test and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Degree of deacetylation of chitosan was examined by 1H-NMR and potentiometric titration method. Thereafter, the chitosan was used for synthesis of CMNPs. The synthesized CMNPs were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Effects of various variables such as contact time, pH, stirring speed, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and concentration of electrolyte on extraction efficiency were evaluated. Freundlich isotherm model fits better that shows the removal of RO 107 with CMNPs by multilayer adsorption behaviour. Furthermore, kinetic study showed that adsorption process followed pseudo-second order kinetic model regulated by chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis explained that adsorption of RO 107 onto CMNPs was endothermic as well as spontaneous. The developed CNMPs were applied to environmental remediation of spiked RO 107 treated waste water samples with 96.20% removal potential, hence, offered an effective sorbent for removal of RO 107 contaminated water samples.展开更多
Reflection Seismology technique (Seismic Survey) is widely used around the world to produce a detailed analogue image of subsurface geological structures. This information is used by petroleum experts to accurately pl...Reflection Seismology technique (Seismic Survey) is widely used around the world to produce a detailed analogue image of subsurface geological structures. This information is used by petroleum experts to accurately plan the location of oil wells. Seismic survey sections and corresponding well logs exhibit different variables like acoustic impedance of rock, seismic velocity, rock density, porosity, time and depth that can be manipulated in GIS to infer a subsurface model for stratigraphic as well as structural interpretations. In recent years, GIS has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for subsurface mapping and analysis. Petroleum exploration is a map intensive process that requires the powerful capabilities of GIS. Purpose of this research is integration of Geographical Information System with Seismic Surveys for Structural and Stratigraphic Interpretation of subsurface Geology and locating Petroleum Prospects. In this research work, GIS has been used to investigate subsurface geological structures and stratigraphy to carefully analyze the capabilities of GIS for finding new petroleum prospects in active thrust belt of Meyal, Potwar region, Pakistan. Acquisition of two-dip and three-strike seismic lines is along with well log data, followed by spatial seismic data processing, development of geophysical data management interface, interpolation of shot point data, trend surface analysis and Geostatistical analysis using GIS. Subsurface zones of high, low or null probability of petroleum accumulation were then, mapped. Finally, GIS based maps were developed. Geospatial tomography GIS model inferred that study area is structurally deformed and exhibits excessive geological faults, and structural traps. With GIS-tomography interpretation of section 97-MYL-08, a potential oil bearing zone (popup anticline), bounded by two thrust faults was observed at almost 3.6 Km depth in Meyal area with average density of about 2.6 gm/cm<sup>3</sup>. Thrust fault recognized from sharp discontinuity in GIS based survey raster was encountered at 2.9 Km depth. Structure contour map was developed. It depicted that Chorgali formation (dolomitic limestone) at 3.68 Km depth was proven to be reservoir rock in study area. GIS has proved to be a powerful and efficient subsurface modeling and analytical tool and it should be integrated with survey based studies for exploration of oil and gas and investigation of subsurface geological structures.展开更多
Industry 4.0 is a digital paradigm that refers to the integration of cutting-edge computing and digital technologies into global industries because of which the state of manufacturing,communication,and control of smar...Industry 4.0 is a digital paradigm that refers to the integration of cutting-edge computing and digital technologies into global industries because of which the state of manufacturing,communication,and control of smart industries has changed altogether.Industry 4.0 has been profoundly influenced by some major disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things(IoT),smart sensors,machine learning and artificial intelligence,cloud computing,big data analytics,advanced robotics,augmented reality,3D printing,and smart adaptive communication.In this review paper,we discuss physical layer-based solutions with a focus on high reliability and seamless connectivity for Industry 4.0 and beyond applications.First,we present a harmonized review of the industrial revolution journey,industrial communication infrastructure,key performance requirements,and potential sub-6-GHz frequency bands.Then,based on that,we present a comprehensive review of intelligent tunable dynamic antenna systems at sub-6 GHz as key enablers for next-generation smart industrial applications.State-of-the-art smart antenna techniques such as agile pattern reconfigurability using electrical components,machine learning-and artificial intelligence-based agile beam-scanning antennas,and beam-steerable dynamic metasurface antennas are thoroughly reviewed and emphasized.We unfolded the exciting prospects of reconfigurable dynamic antennas for intelligent and reliable connectivity in application scenarios of Industry 4.0 and beyond such as Industrial IoT and smart manufacturing.展开更多
文摘In this paper, we apply laser induce breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to determine the elemental composition of different parts(root, stem and seed) of the rice plant and determine their weighted concentration using calibration free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique. Ca, Fe and K are identified as major elements, while C, Ti, Mg, Si, Li, Ba, Sr, Cr, Na and Al as minor elements. We also detect the H-alpha line of hydrogen in the spectrum and determine the electron number density. The electron number density and its behavior as a function of laser energy, laser wavelength and the detector position are investigated. The plasma temperatures of samples are determined, and the validity of the assumption of the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) is discussed.
文摘This paper presents the results of a radiological risk assessment arising from the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in sand samples from three riverbanks in Muzaffarabad.The mean values obtained for 232 Th,226 Ra,and 40 K were found to be 44.58 ± 3.34,48.25 ± 1.77,and 239.92 ± 22.73 Bq kg^(-1),respectively.To assess the uniformity of exposure,the radium equivalent activity(Raeq) was calculated and was found to be130.47 ± 8.29 Bqkg^(-1).The current reported value for Raeqis lower than the maximum permissible value,that is,370 Bq kg^(-1),and equivalent to a gamma dose of1.5 m Svy^(-1).To investigate the possible contribution to health risks of alpha particle exposure,the radon exhalation rate(RER) from the sand samples was determined.The mean RER for all the samples was found to be335 m Bq m-^(2) h^(-1).About 43% of the samples were found to have an indoor excess lifetime cancer risk value slightly higher than recommended safety limit of 1,as proposed by the ICRP.A normalized parameter,the equivalent multiplicative factor,was defined and used to compare the current results with the findings of studies performed in other countries.Our findings are relevant to both human health and future environmental radiation monitoring.
文摘Radiometric analysis of soil samples, collected from northern alluvial sediment plains between rivers Ravi and Chenab, has been carried out. Activity concentrations of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and the artificial radionuclide^(137) Cs were estimated by using high-purity germanium detector. Subsequent values of activity concentrations were used to find terrestrial absorbed dose rate and annual effective doses received by resident of area. The mean radioactivity levels of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and^(137)Cs were found to be 45.0 ± 1.3,59.6 ± 2.8, 613.8 ± 20.0 and 4.0 ± 0.2 Bq kg^(-1), respectively. Terrestrial absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose received by public were found to be 85.1 n Gy h^(-1)and0.5 m Sv, respectively. The activity concentrations of^(226) Ra,^(232)Th,^(40) K and^(137)Cs and resulting doses obtained for the current study were compared with data available in the literature and with international standards.
文摘The effect of an external electric field on laser-generated plasma has been studied.It is observed that the laser-generated plasma can be used for the ignition of a spark in the presence of a low voltage external electric field.An eight-fold emission intensity enhancement in Cu I spectral lines are measured as compared to the signal intensity in the absence of an external electric field.The plasma parameters remain the same initially,up to a few microseconds after the generation of plasma,and this feature makes it more interesting for the quantitative analysis of any sample using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).In the presence of an external electric field,fluctuations(contraction and expansion)in the laser-generated plasma are observed which increase the plasma decay time and consequently result in enhanced signal intensity.
文摘Objectives Blood stream infections(BSIs)are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide.The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of BSI with a focus on the identification of the causative agent of BSI,and to further evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the causing bacterial pathogens.Methods A cross-section study was carried out at the tertiary care hospital in Peshawar,Pakistan from January to December,2018.Blood samples were collected in BACTEC™botdes and standard microbiological protocols were applied for the isolation and identification of bacterial strains.The antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion method as per the 2014 guideline of Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute(CLSI).Results Of 567 blood cultures in total,111(19.6%)were positive for BSI.Male children were 64%(71/111)and female children were 36%(40/111).For the causative predominant group of microorganisms,Gramnegative bacteria were identified in 79(71.1%)isolates,and Gram-positive bacteria in 32(28.9%)isolates.The common bacteria of isolates were S.typhi(n=35,31.5%),E.coli(n=19,17.1%),S.aureus(n=18,16.2%),K.pneumonia(n=12,10.8%),and Enterococcus species(n=7,6.3%).The 36.7%(29/79)isolates of Gram-negative bacteria were ESBL producers,and 61.1%(11/18)of S.aureus isolates were methicillin resistant.Overall,72.9%isolates were multidrug resistant.Conclusions Gram-negative bacteria were the main cause of pediatric BSIs,where the predominant microorganism was S.卯hi.Remarkably,majority of the S.typhi isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin.
文摘Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among people with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of MS and its individual components among type 2 diabetic adults, to stratify these by gender and to determine their association with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Method: A cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted in public and private sector clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. A pretested structured questionnaire and medical records were used to collect information from 889 people with type 2 diabetes after informed consent. Chi-square test and odds ratios with 95% CI were used to assess the association of MS, its components and IHD. Adjusted odds ratios were used to evaluate the differences of MS and its components by gender. Results: In all, 70% of the participants had MS. The likelihood of having IHD among those with MS was higher (OR = 3.21;95%CI = 2.22 - 4.65). Of the individual MS components, obesity conferred the strongest association with IHD (OR = 2.57;95%CI = 1.91 - 3.43). Multivariate analysis showed an increased proportion of MS among women (AOR = 1.63;95%CI = 1.18 - 2.24). Of the individual MS components, women had a higher prevalence of obesity (AOR = 4.70;95%CI = 3.30 - 6.70). Conclusion: A very high burden of MS among type 2 diabetics has been identified in this study. Dedicated interventions are needed to prevent/delay the onset of MS and the associated morbidity and mortality.
文摘In present work chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were successfully prepared and investigated for the removal of Reactive Orange 107 dye (RO 107) from water. The chitosan was extracted from shrimp shells (Penaeus merguiensis) and was characterized by solubility test and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Degree of deacetylation of chitosan was examined by 1H-NMR and potentiometric titration method. Thereafter, the chitosan was used for synthesis of CMNPs. The synthesized CMNPs were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Effects of various variables such as contact time, pH, stirring speed, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and concentration of electrolyte on extraction efficiency were evaluated. Freundlich isotherm model fits better that shows the removal of RO 107 with CMNPs by multilayer adsorption behaviour. Furthermore, kinetic study showed that adsorption process followed pseudo-second order kinetic model regulated by chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis explained that adsorption of RO 107 onto CMNPs was endothermic as well as spontaneous. The developed CNMPs were applied to environmental remediation of spiked RO 107 treated waste water samples with 96.20% removal potential, hence, offered an effective sorbent for removal of RO 107 contaminated water samples.
文摘Reflection Seismology technique (Seismic Survey) is widely used around the world to produce a detailed analogue image of subsurface geological structures. This information is used by petroleum experts to accurately plan the location of oil wells. Seismic survey sections and corresponding well logs exhibit different variables like acoustic impedance of rock, seismic velocity, rock density, porosity, time and depth that can be manipulated in GIS to infer a subsurface model for stratigraphic as well as structural interpretations. In recent years, GIS has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for subsurface mapping and analysis. Petroleum exploration is a map intensive process that requires the powerful capabilities of GIS. Purpose of this research is integration of Geographical Information System with Seismic Surveys for Structural and Stratigraphic Interpretation of subsurface Geology and locating Petroleum Prospects. In this research work, GIS has been used to investigate subsurface geological structures and stratigraphy to carefully analyze the capabilities of GIS for finding new petroleum prospects in active thrust belt of Meyal, Potwar region, Pakistan. Acquisition of two-dip and three-strike seismic lines is along with well log data, followed by spatial seismic data processing, development of geophysical data management interface, interpolation of shot point data, trend surface analysis and Geostatistical analysis using GIS. Subsurface zones of high, low or null probability of petroleum accumulation were then, mapped. Finally, GIS based maps were developed. Geospatial tomography GIS model inferred that study area is structurally deformed and exhibits excessive geological faults, and structural traps. With GIS-tomography interpretation of section 97-MYL-08, a potential oil bearing zone (popup anticline), bounded by two thrust faults was observed at almost 3.6 Km depth in Meyal area with average density of about 2.6 gm/cm<sup>3</sup>. Thrust fault recognized from sharp discontinuity in GIS based survey raster was encountered at 2.9 Km depth. Structure contour map was developed. It depicted that Chorgali formation (dolomitic limestone) at 3.68 Km depth was proven to be reservoir rock in study area. GIS has proved to be a powerful and efficient subsurface modeling and analytical tool and it should be integrated with survey based studies for exploration of oil and gas and investigation of subsurface geological structures.
文摘Industry 4.0 is a digital paradigm that refers to the integration of cutting-edge computing and digital technologies into global industries because of which the state of manufacturing,communication,and control of smart industries has changed altogether.Industry 4.0 has been profoundly influenced by some major disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things(IoT),smart sensors,machine learning and artificial intelligence,cloud computing,big data analytics,advanced robotics,augmented reality,3D printing,and smart adaptive communication.In this review paper,we discuss physical layer-based solutions with a focus on high reliability and seamless connectivity for Industry 4.0 and beyond applications.First,we present a harmonized review of the industrial revolution journey,industrial communication infrastructure,key performance requirements,and potential sub-6-GHz frequency bands.Then,based on that,we present a comprehensive review of intelligent tunable dynamic antenna systems at sub-6 GHz as key enablers for next-generation smart industrial applications.State-of-the-art smart antenna techniques such as agile pattern reconfigurability using electrical components,machine learning-and artificial intelligence-based agile beam-scanning antennas,and beam-steerable dynamic metasurface antennas are thoroughly reviewed and emphasized.We unfolded the exciting prospects of reconfigurable dynamic antennas for intelligent and reliable connectivity in application scenarios of Industry 4.0 and beyond such as Industrial IoT and smart manufacturing.
