Abstract Precise cost estimation is the first and crucial step for decision-makers at the planning stage of product development. Due to the unavailability of knowledge and the complex nature of manufacturing processes, materials, and product designs, the selection of suitable alternatives based on estimated cost has become more challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a knowledge-based system (KBS) for assisting decision-makers in identifying suitable alternatives for precise cost estimation in a mistake-proof environment. The system architecture is comprised of three layers namely the database layer, application layer, and end-user layer, and developed using knowledge-based engineering, set-based concurrent engineering, and poke-yoke as lean enabling approaches. Based on the captured knowledge through industrial investigation and experimentation, a real-time system application was developed using C# language and validated using a real case study in the foundry industry using sand casting as the manufacturing process. It ensured the validity of the developed system. KBS provides an extensive tool to decision-makers for accurate decision-making at the design stage using cost and other associated values. Further, it facilitates the practitioners of every business sector to capture, save, and use the identified knowledge for problem-solving in the future.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a bread enriched with varying level of ginger powder. Ginger powder incorporated in white flour at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% level to get a bread enriched with antioxidants and good rheological and sensorial properties. Total phenolic content (TPC) was gradually decreased with increasing percentage of ginger powder and maximum inhibition of DPPH was recorded (47.23%) at 2% supplemented sample. Texture of supplemented bread samples was increased in terms of hardness, gumminess and chewiness as compared to control sample. Mineral contents increased in each sample with increasing percentage of ginger powder such as Na (451.69 mg/kg), Ca (127.32 mg/kg), K (427.61 mg/kg), Fe (15.19 mg/kg), Zn (7.04 mg/kg) and Cu (3.47 mg/kg) respectively. However, showed worst results regarding rheological properties with hard dough structure. Among studied samples, a range of 2-4% ginger powder presented high antioxidants with better rheological characteristics compared with control samples.

Abstract Moringa the miracle tree is rich source of protein and its protein content are comparable with meat protein. In the current study protein was isolated from moringa flowers and utilized in preparation of bars. Physicochemical analysis like texture, color, caloric value, water activity, pH and sensory characteristics were determined to evaluate the nutritional and quality attributes of bars. Different concentration of isolated protein was used in the preparedness. Among all treatments T4 (15% protein isolate) and T3 (10% protein isolate) were best as they had the highest caloric value i.e. 498.33 and 480.37 kcal and high protein percentage 42.55 and 35.29%. T4 and T3 also were good in all textural parameters i.e. hardness 4.68 and 4.85 kg, firmness 3.88 and 3.67 kg, toughness 3.78 and 3.63 kg and work of shear 16.84 and 16.80 kg/mm. The obtained results indicated that the incorporation of moringa protein isolate in bars not only increase their aesthetic value but also increase their nutritional profile. High quality protein isolated from moringa is cheaper and easily grown with little care to provide ample supply of moringa protein to peoples which were in concern of money for provision of proteinaceous food to their families to combat malnutrition.

N-Phthalimido β-amino acid derivatives, 3-phthalimido-3(2-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (P2HPA) and 3-phthalimido-3(2-nitrophenyl) propanoic acid (P2NPA) with new series of di- and triorganotin(IV) complexes (1-12) have been designed and synthesized. All the ligands and organotin(IV) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, 119Sn) spectroscopy and electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI-MS). Synthesized ligands and complexes were screened to determine the antibacterial activity and results showed that the triorganotin(IV) complexes have better activity compared to diorganotin(IV) complexes and ligands. In addition, molecular docking analysis of ligands on the catalytic pocket of sortase A (PDB ID 1T2W) showed that the ligands can bind the active amino acid residues in the pocket. The antioxidant activity was also performed by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) method and complexes showed better results than ligands. The compounds were also tested in vivo to determine the hypoglycemic activities on different groups of alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. The complexes (1-6) were found better hypoglycemic agents as they stabilized the glucose level to about 175-105 mg dL-1 as compared to ligand P2HPA.

Resumo No presente estudo, as atividades anti-helmínticas de Arundo (A.) donax L., Areca (Ar.) Catechu L. e Ferula (F.) assa-foetida L. foram determinadas. Folhas de A. donax L., látex de F. assa-foetida L. e sementes de Ar. catechu L. em diferentes frações de solvente foram submetidos a testes in vitro (teste de eclosão de ovos, EHA e ensaio de motilidade em adultos, AMA); e in vivo (teste de redução da contagem de ovos fecais, FECRT) de atividade anti-helmíntica, usando-se Haemonchus contortus. Na AMA, extratos aquosos brutos de metanol (CAME) e frações de acetato de etila de F. assa-foetida. Dez horas pós-tratamento, apresentaram mortalidade máxima de H. contortus em 12,5-50 mg mL-1. No EHA, CAME de F. assa-foetida foi identificado como um ovicida potente baseado em seu baixo LC50 (16,9 µg mL-1), seguido em ordem por Ar. catechu e A. donax. Os resultados do FECRT também mostraram que o extrato de F. assa-foetida L. é mais eficaz do que o de Ar. catechu L. e A. donax L., contra nematoides parasitas gastrointestinais. As frações clorofórmio e acetato de etila mostraram melhores atividades anti-helmínticas contra vermes adultos in vitro, enquanto o CAME dessas plantas foi melhor do que o pó bruto in vivo. Recomenda-se documentar e investigar o conhecimento indígena de possíveis plantas medicinais para planejar ensaios científicos que possam justificar seu endosso.

Abstract In the present study, anthelmintic activities of Arundo (A.) donax L., Areca (Ar.) catechu L., and Ferula (F.) assa-foetida L. were determined. Leaves of A. donax L., latex of F. assa-foetida L. and seeds of Ar. catechu L. in different solvent fractions were subjected to in vitro (egg hatch assay; EHA, and adult motility assay; AMA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) tests of anthelmintic activity using Haemonchus contortus model. In the AMA, crude aqueous methanol extracts (CAME) and ethyl acetate fractions of F. assa-foetida at 10 hr post-treatment showed maximum mortality of H. contortus at 12.5-50 mg mL-1. In the EHA, CAME of F. assa-foetida was identified as a potent ovicide based on its low LC50 (16.9 µg mL-1), followed in order by Ar. catechu and A. donax. Results from the FECRT also showed the extract of F. assa-foetida L. to be more effective than those of Ar. catechu L. and A. donax L., against the gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed better anthelmintic activities against the adult worms in vitro, while CAME of these plants were better than their crude powders in vivo. It is recommended to document and investigate indigenous knowledge of possible medicinal plants to plan scientific trials that may justify their endorsement.

Abstract Heavy metals pollution is a global threat to the environment and ecosystem due to various human and natural activities. Heavy metal intake through vegetables and diet leads to numerous ailments such as nervous disorder, kidney damage tubular growth and bone disease. The present study was conducted to mitigate the residue of heavy metals Hg, Pb, Zn and As in spinach collected from self-grown supervised field by using different washing treatments. Amount of trace metals was measured in fresh and chemically washed spinach samples with the help of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results revealed that highest reduction of mercury, lead, zinc and arsenic residues with 10% citric acid was 23%, 28%, 54% and 22% respectively among the tested solutions. However, tap water treatment also reduced 7%, 7%, 15% and 6, respectively. Among various washing solutions citric acid proved maximum reduction potential followed by Lemon extract, sodium carbonate, reddish extract and hydrogen peroxide respectively. The percent reduction by various solutions ranged from 7 to 23%, 7 to 28%, 15 to 54% and 6 to 22% for elimination of mercury, lead, zinc and arsenic, respectively. More reduction was found in zinc followed lead, mercury and arsenic.

Abstract Guava is very delicate and alluring fruit which is being ignored since very long time despite of highly nutritious fruit and rich source of Vitamin C. It contains Vitamin C 2-3 times more than orange. Naturally the guava fruit is enriched with vitamin C and polyphenoles. Guavas fruits after harvesting were dunked in solutions of CaCl2 (1, 2 and 3%) at room temperature for 5 minutes and stored for 24 days in 5% CO2 level at temperature of 10±1°C, while the humidity level of storage chamber were 80%. The stored fruits were analyzed at 6 days of interval for sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose g/100g) total phenolic contents (mgGAE/100g), antioxidant activity (µmolTE/g), and organic acids (citric, tartaric, ascorbic, and malic acids mg/100 g). The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of guava fruits were declined during progression in storage but in fewer amounts as compared to room storage condition. Citric acid and ascorbic acid contents were reduced with the progression in storage, however tartaric and malic acid values were amplified at end of storage but the rate of changes were slower. The pretreatments in combination with modified atmosphere storage escalate the shelf life of guava and slow down nutritional degradation process.

Resumo A goiaba (Psidium guajava L.) é uma cultura de polinização aberta tendo 25-40% Índice de dissimilaridade que promove a heterozigosidade e acrescenta novas cultivares. Caracterização morfo-genética de 37 acessos de goiabeira foi realizada para a variabilidade genética e estrutura de germoplasma de goiaba localizado na província Punjab, Paquistão. A análise de componentes principais (PCA) foi submetida para analisar a diversidade morfológica e para análises genéticas foram aplicados a análise de agrupamento, utilizando o software de PyElph. PCA traços distribuídos trinta e um em seis componentes e dois primeiros componentes representaram 39,5% da variação total. Um dendrograma construído com base em caracteres morfológicos que mostrou 34% de índice de dissimilaridade entre trinta e sete acessos de goiabeira e dividiu-os em 6 grupos. Caracterização genética de 18 microssatélites foram utilizados, o tamanho dos gerados reprodutível e bandas variou de 150 a 320 pb. Os 18 pares de primers amplificado 85 alelos, com uma média de 4,7 alelos por loco e não mais do que duas bandas exibido (locos SSR nuclear). A árvore filogenética baseada na análise molecular mostrou 50% de índice de dissimilaridade entre os acessos de goiabeira selecionados e separados em 4 grupos.

Abstract Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an open-pollinated crop having 25-40% dissimilarity index which promotes heterozygosity and adds new cultivars. Morpho-genetic characterization of 37 guava accessions was carried out for genetic variability and structure of guava germplasm located in Punjab province, Pakistan. Principal Component analysis (PCA) was subjected to analyze the morphological diversity and for genetic analysis we applied cluster analysis, using the PyElph software. PCA distributed thirty one traits into six components and first two components accounted 39.5% of total variation. A dendrogram constructed on the basis of morphological traits which showed 34% dissimilarity index among thirty seven guava accessions and divided them into 6 groups. For genetic characterization 18 microsatellites were used, the size of reproducible and scorable bands ranged from 150 to 320 bp. The 18 primer pairs amplified 85 alleles with an average number of 4.7 alleles per locus and no more than two displayed bands (nuclear SSR loci). The phylogenetic tree based on molecular analysis showed 50% dissimilarity index among selected guava accessions and separated them into 4 groups.

Resumen A partir de una sospecha de sarna sarcóptica en tres de cinco conejos albinos europeos (Oryctolagus cuniculus), mantenidos con fines experimentales, se hizo un examen general que reveló áreas multifocales de alopecia alrededor de los ojos, las fosas nasales y los labios. Se procesaron cortes de piel y un análisis de PCR con el objeto de identificar los ácaros. La histopatología de los cortes de piel mostró epidermis erupcionada y estrato córneo con una infiltración de células inflamatorias. El raspado o frotis de piel reveló la presencia de ácaros tanto en adultos como en huevos. Al examen microscópico, los ácaros adultos fueron identificados como Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae). El análisis de muestras de los tres casos por PCR reveló una banda de 311 pb confirmando la infestación de S. scabiei en los conejos. La infección en conejos con S. scabiei puede representar un problema de salud pública de transmisión indirecta debida a la manipulación de conejos infestados. Hasta la presente, este es el primer reporte de infección por S. scabiei en conejos de Pakistán.

Abstract Sarcoptic mange was suspected in three of five European albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) kept for experimental purposes. Gross examination revealed multifocal areas of alopecia around the eyes, nostrils and lips. Skin snips were processed using PCR for the molecular identification of the suspected mites. Histopathology of the skin snips showed erupted epidermis and stratum corneum with an infiltration of inflammatory cells. Skin scraping examination revealed the presence of adult mites as well as eggs. Microscopic taxonomy identified the adult mites as Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae). The results of PCR indicated a 311 bp band from all the three cases, which confirmed the S. scabiei infestation in rabbits. Sarcoptes scabiei may be a public health concernthrough direct transmission from rabbits infested with S. scabiei through handling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. scabiei infection in rabbits from Pakistan.

Abstract The present manuscript describes effects of mixed convection on MHD flow of a second grade fluid above a vertical plate. The fluid impinges orthogonally on the plate which is lubricated by a slim coating of power-law fluid. A system of ordinary differential equations is obtained by employing the similarity transformations to the original partial differential equations. To handle the present flow situation, it is assumed that velocity and shear stress of the second grade fluid and the lubricant are continuous at the interface. A well reputed numerical technique called Keller-box method is utilized to solve coupled non-linear equations. Influence of slip, magnetic and mixed convection parameters, Weissenberg and Prandtl numbers on the velocity, skin friction coefficient, temperature and heat transfer rate at the surface is presented in the form of graphs and tabular data for both assisting and opposing flows. The results in the case of no-slip condition are compared with the available numerical data. A good agreement of these results certifies our effort.

ABSTRACT Enterprise architecture (EA) is a tool that aligns organization’s business-process with application and information technology (IT) through EAmodels. This EA model allows the organization to cut off unnecessary IT expenses and determines the future and current IT requirements and boosts organizational performance. Enterprise architecture may be employed in every firm where the firm or organization requires configurations between information technology and business functions. This research investigates the role of enterprise architecture in healthcare organizations and suggests the suitable EA framework for knowledge-based medical diagnostic system for EA modeling by comparing the two most widely used EA frameworks. The results of the comparison identified that the proposed EA has a better framework for knowledge-based medical diagnostic system.

To maintain desirable residual chlorine for a groundwater source, optimizing the chlorine dose in small- to medium-sized water distribution systems (SM-WDS) is a daunting task in developing countries. Mostly, operators add a random chlorine dose without recognizing the smaller size of their distribution network. In this research, a modelling framework for optimizing chlorine dose in SM-WDS is developed. In order to evaluate its practicality, the proposed framework has been applied in a case study of a residential neighbourhood in Lahore (Pakistan) with a small network spanning over 0.35 km². Three datasets for residual chlorine were monitored at 6 locations spread over the study area. EPANET 2.0 software was used for hydraulic and residual chorine modelling. The bulk decay coefficient (Kb) was determined in the laboratory, whereas the wall decay coefficient (K ) was estimated by calibrating the simulation results with the residual chlorine determined in the field. Based on the calibrated EPANET simulations, a fuzzy rule-based model was developed for pragmatic application of the proposed framework. Scenario analyses for different situations have also been carried out for achieving residual chlorine required at the consumer end. This exercise revealed that much lower chlorine doses than the existing practice can generate detectable chlorine residuals. Moreover, the model can be used to deal with emergency situations, which may arise in developing countries due to viral outbreaks and cross-contamination events in SM-WDS.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta revisão é analisar sistematicamente os ensaios sobre a eficácia do aquecimento perioperatório em pacientes cirúrgicos. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi realizada. Ensaios clínicos sobre aquecimento perioperatório foram selecionados segundo critérios específicos e analisados para gerar dados sumativo expresso na diferença média padronizada (standardized mean difference, SMD). RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco estudos englobando 3.599 pacientes de várias disciplinas de cirurgia foram obtidos a partir de bases de dados eletrônicas. Dezenove ensaios aleatórios em 1.785 pacientes qualificados para esta revisão. Nenhum grupo de aquecimento desenvolveu estatisticamente significativa hipotermia. No modelo de efeito fixo, grupo de aquecimento tiveram significativamente menos dor e menor incidência de infecção na ferida quando comparado com o grupo de não-aquecimento. No modelo de efeito aleatório, grupo de aquecimento também foi associado a um menor risco de tremores pós-anestesia. Em ambos os modelos de efeitos fixos e aleatórios, o aquecimento foi significativamente associado com menor perda de sangue. No entanto, houve significativa heterogeneidade entre os ensaios. CONCLUSÃO: O aquecimento perioperatório de pacientes cirúrgicos é eficaz na redução da dor pós-operatória ferida, infecção ferida, e tremores. O aquecimento sistêmico do paciente cirúrgico também está associado com menor perda de sangue no perioperatório prevenindo hipotermia e induzindo coagulopatia. O aquecimento perioperatório pode ser administrado rotineiramente a todos os pacientes cirúrgicos de diversas disciplinas, a fim de neutralizar as consequências da hipotermia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to systematically analyze the trials on the effectiveness of perioperative warming in surgical patients. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Clinical trials on perioperative warming were selected according to specific criteria and analyzed to generate summative data expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Twenty-five studies encompassing 3,599 patients in various surgical disciplines were retrieved from the electronic databases. Nineteen randomized trials on 1785 patients qualified for this review. The no-warming group developed statistically significant hypothermia. In the fixed effect model, the warming group had significantly less pain and lower incidence of wound infection, compared with the no-warming group. In the random effect model, the warming group was also associated with lower risk of post-anesthetic shivering. Both in the random and the fixed effect models, the warming group was associated with significantly less blood loss. However, there was significant heterogeneity among the trials. CONCLUSION: Perioperative warming of surgical patients is effective in reducing postoperative wound pain, wound infection and shivering. Systemic warming of the surgical patient is also associated with less perioperative blood loss through preventing hypothermia-induced coagulopathy. Perioperative warming may be given routinely to all patients of various surgical disciplines in order to counteract the consequences of hypothermia.