Synthesis and Charcterization of Silane Crosslinked Hydrogel to pH Sensitive Study

Eco-friendly and biodegradable novel hydrogel were prepared by blending and solution casting method. The designed hydrogel is based on chitosan/ PEG600/Gurgam with carbon nanofiller along silane crosslinked (TEOS) with pH sensitive response to controlled release of drug in biomedical materials and agriculture industry. The various concentration of carbon nanofiller is used to analyze its effect on the fabricated hydrogel characteristics by using FTIR, SEM, TGA, swelling studies (water, buffer and ionic solution). Spectra of FTIR reflected both established and newly developed groups (like hydrogel). COOH group presence is clearly observed in this range in the carbon filler reinforced hydrogel. The SEM micrographs show that CPG0.003 had a collection of polysaccharide chains as thin helices, which is attributed to the increase in the size of porosity. TGA shows to increase concentration of nanofiller enhanced the thermal stability of the designed hydrogels at temperature 25˚C to 550˚C mass loss percentage decrease upto 20% and increase thermal stability. This pH response made these resultant hydrogels as fruitful competitor against the many reported controlled release application.

Source parameters and aftershock pattern of the October 7,2021,M5.9 Harnai earthquake,Pakistan

On October 7,2021,a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Harnai(Baluchistan)region of Pakistan,causing several fatalities and injuries within the epicentral area.First-order tectonic deformation in this region is caused by the convergence of the Indian Plate with respect to the Eurasian Plate.The Katwaz Block hinders the motion of the Indian Plate,resulting in the formation of strike-slip faults.In this study,the P-wave first-motion polarity technique was used to determine the mainshock faulting style.Cyclic scanning of the polarity solutions was applied to determine the most suitable focal mechanism solution among the available solutions generated by the FOCMEC(focal mechanism)software.The nodal planes correspond to different faulting styles(i.e.,thrust and strike-slip faulting).A nodal plane oriented in the NW-SE direction corresponded to a strike-slip mechanism,which was considered to be the fault plane.Tectonically,this earthquake was associated with the Harnai-Karahi strike-slip fault zone owing to the fault strike and direction of slip.The apparent stress drop,fault length,and moment magnitude of the Harnai earthquake were 35.4 bar,6.1 km,and 5.9,respectively.A lower b-value for the Gutenberg-Richter law was observed prior to the earthquake.Higherα-than b-values(α>b)indicate that this earthquake was governed by large events as opposed to small-magnitude events.The Harnai sequence had a decay exponent close to unity,lasted for 145 days,and produced few aftershocks.The study will help the future hazard mitigation in the region.

Surface Morphological Characterization of CoCexFe2?xO4 Spinal Ferrites Synthesized by Solide-State Reaction Method

The Spinal Ferrite CoCexFe2?xO4 with different compositions (x = 0.0, 0.33, 0.66, 1.0) were prepared by solid state reaction method. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and UV Spectroscopy (Ultraviolet) have been used to study the phase conformation, morphology and structural properties of all synthesized compositions respectively. Lattice constant was observed to be decreased as smaller ionic radii Co2+ (0.74 ?) replaced the higher ionic radii Ce2+ (1.14 ?). FTIR confirm the formation of cubic spinal ferrites by stretching vibration of metal oxide ion mechanism. SEM shows the surface morphology and grain size for synthesized cubic spinal ferrites in the range of 1.25 - 2.65 μm. Optical band gap energy was determined in the range of 1.4575 - 1.425 eV for x = 0.0 to 1.0 nano-ferrites, respectively. This range of band gap energy indicates that the synthesized ferrites have potential applications in electrical devices.

Surface Morphological Characterization of CoCexFe2?xO4 Spinal Ferrites Synthesized by Solide-State Reaction Method

The Spinal Ferrite CoCexFe2?xO4 with different compositions (x = 0.0, 0.33, 0.66, 1.0) were prepared by solid state reaction method. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and UV Spectroscopy (Ultraviolet) have been used to study the phase conformation, morphology and structural properties of all synthesized compositions respectively. Lattice constant was observed to be decreased as smaller ionic radii Co2+ (0.74 ?) replaced the higher ionic radii Ce2+ (1.14 ?). FTIR confirm the formation of cubic spinal ferrites by stretching vibration of metal oxide ion mechanism. SEM shows the surface morphology and grain size for synthesized cubic spinal ferrites in the range of 1.25 - 2.65 μm. Optical band gap energy was determined in the range of 1.4575 - 1.425 eV for x = 0.0 to 1.0 nano-ferrites, respectively. This range of band gap energy indicates that the synthesized ferrites have potential applications in electrical devices.

Farmers' Perception and Awareness and Factors Affecting Awareness of Farmers Regarding Crop Insurance as a Risk Coping Mechanism Evidence from Pakistan

This study has been conducted in three districts of Punjab Province namely, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajan Pur and Bahawalpur of Pakistan. The study showed the results of a survey of 300 farmers which was organized to assess awareness level of farmers regarding crop insurance, factors affecting the awareness level among farmers and the perception of farmers about crop insurance. Based on exploratory research work upon the responses of farmers, the average and standard deviation were calculated. Probit model was applied to explore the factors affecting the awareness level of farmers. SPSS was used for the analysis of the collected data. The results revealed that out of 300 farmers, 184 farmers were aware with crop insurance and rests of the 116 farmers were not aware. Banks and E-media were found to be the two most important sources of the awareness for the respondent farmers. In the study area, the climatic risks were reported as the most severe risks faced by the farmers. The results also revealed the existence of negative perceptions of the farmers about crop insurance i.e. farmers perceived crop insurance as a kind of tax and they believed premium was so high that it was out of range of poor farmers and only large scale farmers could afford it. Results obtained by applying Probit model revealed that ＂education＂ and ＂previously availed agricultural credit＂ were the two most important factors which affected the awareness of the farmers regarding crop insurance.

DOA Estimation Algorithm Based on Adaptive Filtering in Spatial Domain

In this paper, a novel DOA estimation methodology based upon the technology of adaptive nulling antenna is proposed. Initially, the nulling antenna obtains the weight vector by LMS algorithm and power inversion criterion.Afterwards, reciprocal of the antenna pattern is defined as the spatial spectrum and the extracted peak values are corresponded to the estimated DOA. Through observation of the spectrum and data analysis of variable steps and SNRs, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can estimate DOA above board. Furthermore, the estimation error of the proposed technique is directly proportional to step size and is inversely proportional to SNR. Unlike the existing MUSIC algorithm, the proposed algorithm has less computational complexity as it eliminates the need of estimating the number of signals and the eigenvalue decomposition of covariance matrix. Also it outperforms MUSIC algorithm, the recently proposed MUSIC-Like algorithm and classical methods by achieving better resolution with narrow width of peaks.

Agricultural Production Structure Adjustment Scheme Evaluation and Selection Based on DEA Model for Punjab(Pakistan)

DEA is a nonparametric method used in operation researches and economics fields for the evaluation of the production frontier. It has distinct intrinsic which is worth coping with assessment problems with multiple inputs in particular with multiple outputs. This paper used D~ C2 R model of DEA to assess the comparative efficiency of the multiple schemes of agricultural industrial structure, at the end we chose the most favorable also known as ＂OPTIMAL＂ scheme. In addition to this, using some functional insights from DEA model non optimal schemes or less optimal schemes had also been improved to some extent. Assessment and selection of optimal schemes of agricultural industrial structure using DEA model gave a greater and better insight of agricultural industrial structure and was the first of such researches in Pakistan.

Floristic composition and ecological gradient analyses of the Liakot Forests in the Kalam region of District Swat,Pakistan

Kalam Kohistan is a dry,temperate hilly region in the Hindu Raj Series of the Greater Hindu Kush Mountains with diverse forests.As plant distribution and composition is expression of a range of various environmental variables,ecological and floristic attributes of vegetation in the Laikot Forests were therefore evaluated via consecutive explorative trips.These forests have not been evaluated ecologically before due to harsh climatic conditions and issues of accessibility and the study in hand is one of the first in its nature.Quantitative ecological techniques were used to sample forest vegetation and identify species in quadrats of 2 m×2 m for herbs,5 m×5 m for shrubs and 10 m×10 m for trees.All the data of 195 plant species and environmental factors were analyzed via Two-way Cluster Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis using PCORD and CANOCO software.Among 195 plant species from 63 families were 27 species of Asteraceae,the most-speciose family,followed by Poaceae(20 spp.).The dominant life form was therophyte(86 spp.;44%share),followed by phanerophyte(41 spp.;21%share).For the leaf size spectrum,most prevalent was nanophyll(73 spp.;44%)followed by microphyll(66 spp.,34%)and mesophyll(44 spp.;23%).Calcium carbonate,pH,potassium,sand,silt,organic matter,slope aspect and grazing significantly influenced species composition,distribution and habitat.The floristic variation in the region was diverse due to elevational and aspect gradients and thus devided into three zones.This vegetation zonation can be utilized for forest management,species and habitat conservation.Both in situ and ex situ conservation of threatened plant species may improve their conservation status in future if address properly.

The role of graveyards in species conservation and beta diversity:a vegetation appraisal of sacred habitats from Bannu,Pakistan

Graveyards or sacred groves are often places of natural vegetation protected by spiritual believers because of their sacred beliefs and indigenous culture.A study of graveyards was conducted to determine their role in species conservation,community formation,and associated indicators and species composition using multivariate statistical approaches.It was hypothesized that variations in the age of graveyards would give rise to diverse plant communities under the impact of various edaphic and climatic factors.Quantitative ecological techniques were applied to determine various phytosociological attributes.All the data were put in MS Excel for analysis in PCORD and CANOCO softwares for cluster analysis(CA),two-way cluster analysis(TWCA),indicator species analysis and canonical correspondence analysis.CA and TWCA through Sorenson distance measurements identified five major graveyard plant communities:(1)FicusBougainvillea-Chenopodium;(2)Acacia-Datura-Convolvulus;(3)Ziziphus-Vitex-Abutilon;(4)Acacia-Lantana-Salsola;and(5)Melia-Rhazya-Peganum.Species such as Capparis decidua,Herniaria hirsuta,Salvadora oliedes and Populus euphratica were only present inside graveyards rather than outside and advocate the role of graveyards in species conservation.The impact of different environmental and climatic variables plus the age of the graveyards were also assessed for comparison of plant communities and their respective indicator species.The results indicate that higher chlorine concentration,age of graveyards,low soil electrical conductivity,lower anthropogenic activities,higher nitrogen,calcium and magnesium concentrations in the soil,and sandy soils were the strong environmental variables playing a significant role in the formation of graveyard plant communities,their associated indicators and species distribution patterns.These results could further be utilized to evaluate the role of edaphic and climatic factors,indicator species and conservation management practices at a greater scale.

Optimal Scheme Selection of Agricultural Production Structure Adjustment——Based on DEA Model; Punjab(Pakistan)

This paper used the modern evaluation method of DEA （Data Envelopment Analysis） to assess the comparative efficiency and then on the basis of this among multiple schemes chose the optimal scheme of agricultural production structure adjustment. Based on the results of DEA model, we dissected scale advantages of each discretionary scheme or plan. We examined scale advantages of each discretionary scheme, tested profoundly a definitive purpose behind not-DEA efficient, which elucidated the system and methodology to enhance these discretionary plans. At the end, another method had been proposed to rank and select the optimal scheme. The research was important to guide the practice if the modification of agricultural production industrial structure was carded on.

Factors Hindering Pakistani Farmers' Choices Towards Adoption of Crop Insurance

This study was conducted to analyze the factors that negatively influence Pakistani farmers＇ willingness to participate in crop insurance. Probit model was applied to identify the significant factors which influenced our dependent variable ＂not willing to participate＂. The results of the analyses showed that crop insurance premium was the most influencing factor which had positive and significant impact on dependent variable. Similarly dissatisfaction with crop loan insurance scheme, lacking of knowledge about crop insurance, believing of being against Islamic rules and time taking process was also found to be positive and significantly influenced the dependent variable. While limited decision power and limited perils were not found to be significant in the results.

Agricultural Exports Competitiveness of Pakistan in Global Market

Agricultural sector is a major source of employment and export earnings for Pakistan. Exports of Pakistan are highly concentrated in agricultural products including cotton, rice, sugar and fruit. This study analyzed comparative and competitive advantages of the main agricultural products of Pakistan, i.e. cotton, rice and tangerines. Consumption patterns of top exporting countries in each category were also analyzed. Results revealed that Pakistan had strong competitiveness for export of these commodities. Strong potential for growth in the agricultural sector of Pakistan was found and it could be optimized to raise export earnings and meet the objectives of the strategic trade policy framework （STPF） 2015-2018 of Pakistan.

Current Cloud Computing Security Concerns from Consumer Perspective

In recent years cloud computing is the subject of extensive research in the emerging field of information technology and has become a promising business.The reason behind this widespread interest is its abilityto increase the capacity and capability of enterprises,having no investment for new infrastructure,no software license requirement and no need of any training.Security concern is the main limitation factor in the growth of this new born technology.The security responsibilities of both,the provider and the consumer greatly differ between cloud service models.In this paper we discuss a variety of security risks,authentication issues,trust,and legal regularity in cloud environment with consumer perspective.Early research focused only on technical and business consequences of cloud computing and ignored consumer perspective.Therefore,this paper discusses the consumer security and privacy preferences.

Predicting the Mechanical Properties of BHA-Li2O Composites Using Artificial Neural Networks

In this study the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA)-Li2O composites are predicted using artificial neural networks (ANN) and then compared with obtained experimental values. BHA was mixed with lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and sintered at various temperatures between 900-1300°C. Selected experimental values obtained for the compression strength, microhardness and density were used to define and train the ANN system. Intermediate data values not used to train the ANN model were then used to compare and determine the reliability of the ANN system. The results demonstrate the viable potential in using the ANN approach in predicting mechanical properties even with limited data sets.

Examining Mediating Role of Customer Loyalty for Influence of Brand Related Attributes on Customer Repurchase Intention

The objective of current study was to investigate the influence of brand related attributes on customer loyalty and repurchase intention in agricultural product marketing in Pakistan. Results of current study would help the management of branded agricultural products, in Pakistan specifically and in developing countries generally, to formulate the best strategies to enhance customer loyalty in order to induce repurchase intention of them. Future research could be conducted in the same field by adopting larger sample size and this research can be replicated with specific product category.

Comparative Analysis Using Machine Learning Techniques for Fine Grain Sentiments

Huge amount of data is being produced every second for microblogs,different content sharing sites,and social networking.Sentimental classification is a tool that is frequently used to identify underlying opinions and sentiments present in the text and classifying them.It is widely used for social media platforms to find user’s sentiments about a particular topic or product.Capturing,assembling,and analyzing sentiments has been challenge for researchers.To handle these challenges,we present a comparative sentiment analysis study in which we used the fine-grained Stanford Sentiment Treebank(SST)dataset,based on 215,154 exclusive texts of different lengths that are manually labeled.We present comparative sentiment analysis to solve the fine-grained sentiment classification problem.The proposed approach takes start by pre-processing the data and then apply eight machine-learning algorithms for the sentiment classification namely Support Vector Machine(SVM),Logistic Regression(LR),Neural Networks(NN),Random Forest(RF),Decision Tree(DT),K-Nearest Neighbor(KNN),Adaboost and Naïve Bayes(NB).On the basis of results obtained the accuracy,precision,recall and F1-score were calculated to draw a comparison between the classification approaches being used.

Design of Flexible Piezoelectric Nanocomposite for Energy Harvesters:A Review

Piezoelectric materials that can effectively convert natural mechanical energy into electrical energy without time and space constraints have been widely applied for energy harvesting and conversion.The piezocomposites with high piezoelectricity and flexibility have shown great promise for renewable electric energy generation that can power implantable and wearable electronics.This minireview aims to summarize the recent progress of the piezocomposites with different composite structures,as well as the role of the theoretical understandings and designs in the development of new piezoelectric nanogenerator materials.Thereinto,the most common composite structural types(0-3,1-3,and 3-3)have been discussed systematically.Several strategies for high output performance of piezocomposites are also proposed on the basis of current experimental and simulation results.Finally,the review concludes with perspectives on the future design of flexible piezoelectric nanocomposites for energy harvesters.