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The study investigated the influence of cultural factors on Health and Safety (H&S) practices in the construction industry of a developing economy using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from industry professionals. The findings reveal varying perceptions of safety culture, communication, and practices, with mean scores ranging from 2.692 to 3.607. Safety training frequency showed high variability (mean = 2.692, CV = 43.13%, Skewness = 0.42, Z-score = −0.69, range = 1.531 to 3.853), while subcontractors’ safety compliance exhibited the least variability (mean = 3.589, CV = 26.50%, Skewness = −0.38, Z-score = 0.58, range = 2.638 to 4.540). Practices (mean = 3.327, CV = 25.69%, Skewness = −0.38), behaviors (mean = 3.234, CV = 27.40%, Skewness = −0.25), and norms (mean = 3.028, CV = 31.91%, Skewness = 0.10) also showed significant variations. Additionally, the key challenges with highest values include budget constraints (mean = 3.607, CV = 31.80%) and company rules (mean = 3.523, CV = 30.28%). Furthermore, Kruskal–Wallis’s test indicates statistically significant differences across variables, with medium to large effect sizes (η2). By addressing important cultural factors and challenges, the findings provide actionable insights to enhance worker safety, reduce accidents, and promote a safer working environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development and resilience in Pakistan’s construction sector.

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach towards a sustainable and renewable energy source. However, the demand for high anodic potential and sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) restrict the efficiency and feasibility of the water-splitting process. In this quest, transition metal oxides and alloys are considered potential candidates owing to their natural occurrence and high redox potential for OER. However, many associated challenges in their use are still there to be addressed. Here, we designed a new class of bismuth-doped iron oxide on exfoliated graphene oxide by optimizing the metal loading on the conductive support to facilitate the flow of charge during catalysis. The catalytic ability of the synthesized Bi-doped nanocomposites was evaluated in activating the OER under extreme alkaline conditions (1 MKOH). On screening different combinations, 20Bi–Fe2O3@GO was identified as the most efficient and sustainable electrocatalyst even under harsh operating conditions, with an onset potential of 1.48 V and a Tafel slope of 65 mV/dec. The current study offers a new class of Bi-doped electrocatalysts, where the precise doping of Bi and the optimized loading of metal was found the key to achieving low onset potential and high current density to initiate OER.Graphical abstract

The construction industry plays a crucial role in the development of emerging economies; however, project constraints can pose significant challenges to achieving social sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates the nexus between project constraints and social sustainability factors within Pakistan’s construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach and analyzed the collected data through descriptive and inferential tests. Data were collected from 100 civil engineers registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) through structured questionnaires. Analysis methods included the mean, standard deviation, Relative Importance Index (RII), and multiple regression tests. Cost (mean = 3.98) and time (mean = 3.90) emerged as the most significant project constraints, while poor safety on sites had the lowest means (3.49). In social sustainability factors, improving quality of life (mean = 3.73) ranked highest, with diversity in the workforce scoring lower (mean = 3.35). RII revealed cost (RII = 0.796) and time (RII = 0.780) as top constraints, while safety ranked lowest (RII = 0.698). Multiple regression showed that cost (slope = 0.390, p = 0.027) and unskilled workforce productivity (slope = 0.312, p = 0.073) significantly affect client social sustainability. Consultants prioritized poor productivity (slope = 0.623, p = 0.003), and contractors showed positive trends in cost and planning. The study highlights challenges like workforce skill gaps and safety enforcement, stressing the need for interventions to enhance social sustainability outcomes in Pakistan’s construction sector.

Matriks organizasyon yapısı kullanılmaya başlandığı 1960’lı yıllardan beri farklı sektörlerde faaliyet gösteren birçok işletme tarafından kullanılmaktadır. Bununla birlikte matriks organizasyon yapısına ilişkin akademik çalışmalar 1970’li yılların sonu ile 1980’li yılların başında zirve yaparken ilerleyen yıllarda matriks organizasyon yapısına olan ilgi gittikçe azalmıştır. Yapılan çalışmaların çoğu matriks organizasyon yapısının yapısal tasarımına ve tanımına odaklanırken matriksin insan tarafına dair yapılan akademik çalışmalar oldukça azdır. Bu sebeple matriks bir yapıda performans değerlendirme sistemi ve kariyer yönetimi uygulamalarına ilişkin bu çalışma yapılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında, literatür taramasının yanı sıra dokuz farklı sektörden toplam 87 işletme ile temasa geçilmiş ve 22 işletmenin beyaz yaka çalışanları ile görüşme yapılabilmiştir. Araştırmada yöntem olarak derinlemesine görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Derinlemesine görüşme için ise belirlenen konu başlıklarında yarı yapılandırılmış soru formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın kalitatif (nitel) bir araştırma olması nedeniyle örneklem büyüklüğünden çok, doğru veriye ulaşmak önemlidir. Sonuç olarak bulgular sadece bu örneklem ışığında değerlendirilerek incelenmiş ve kesinlikle genelleme yapılmamıştır. Araştırmanın daha sonraki araştırmalara değişken sağlayarak, bir temel teşkil etmesi amaçlanmaktadır.

Bacterial biofilm segmentation poses significant challenges due to lack of apparent structure, poor imaging resolution, limited contrast between conterminous cells and high density of cells that overlap. Although there exist bacterial segmentation algorithms in the existing art, they fail to delineate cells in dense biofilms, especially in 3D imaging scenarios in which the cells are growing and subdividing in a complex manner. A graph-based data clustering method, LCuts, is presented with the application on bacterial cell segmentation. By constructing a weighted graph with node features in locations and principal orientations, the proposed method can automatically classify and detect differently oriented aggregations of linear structures (represent by bacteria in the application). The method assists in the assessment of several facets, such as bacterium tracking, cluster growth, and mapping of migration patterns of bacterial biofilms. Quantitative and qualitative measures for 2D data demonstrate the superiority of proposed method over the state of the art. Preliminary 3D results exhibit reliable classification of the cells with 97% accuracy.

L. ( ) is a herbaceous traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of some diseases. The presence of its medicinal properties suggested that (AO) leaf extract could be used as a coating agent for the environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized biogenic silver nanoparticles (AO-AgNPs) were characterized using different techniques. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against common bacterial pathogenic strains was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The presence of phytochemicals was determined by LSMS/MS. The MTT assay was used to investigate AO-AgNPs' cytotoxic activity in malignant (LnCap, Caco2, MDA-MB2, A549) and healthy (HEK-293) cell lines. LC-MS/MS analysis detected the presence of rich phytochemicals that may be responsible for reduction reactions. Biogenic AO-AgNPs exhibited effective inhibition of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms at low concentrations. The most effective antimicrobial activity was measured as 0.5 µg/mL MIC against , and . Moreover, AO-AgNPs showed significant inhibition on the growth of cancerous cell lines, especially at a concentration of 25 μg/mL. On the contrary, it was determined that the inhibition rate decreased in the growth of healthy cell lines due to the increase in concentration. The lowest EC values were determined as 15.15 µg/mL in A549 cells. The obtained results showed that AO could be an important source for the synthesis of AgNPs. Especially their ability to inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria at low concentrations compared to common antibiotics indicates that AO-AgNPs can be used as biomedical agents in various areas. Moreover, their suppressive effect on cancerous cell lines showed that they have the potential to be used as an anticancer agent, but due to their proliferative effect on healthy cell lines, care should be taken in determining the appropriate dose.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in a global pandemic recently. With no approved vaccination or treatment, governments around the world have issued guidance to their citizens to remain at home in efforts to control the spread of the disease. The goal of controlling the spread of the virus is to prevent strain on hospitals. In this paper, we focus on how non-invasive methods are being used to detect COVID-19 and assist healthcare workers in caring for COVID-19 patients. Early detection of COVID-19 can allow for early isolation to prevent further spread. This study outlines the advantages and disadvantages and a breakdown of the methods applied in the current state-of-the-art approaches. In addition, the paper highlights some future research directions, which need to be explored further to produce innovative technologies to control this pandemic.

Shoulder pain is influenced by multiple factors in stroke survivors. This study investigated factors contributing to shoulder pain in stroke survivors and quantified their impact. Sixty-two stroke patients (21 females, 41 males; mean age: 63.97 ± 10.02 years) at Brunnstrom stage 3 or higher were included. Shoulder pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, muscle tone with the Modified Ashworth Scale, and myofascial trigger points through palpation. A universal goniometer measured the range of motion, and the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment evaluated upper limb function. Soft tissue conditions were assessed using the Neer Impingement, Apprehension, Acromioclavicular Shear, and Speed tests. Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) was present in 50% of patients, primarily in the anterior (35.5%) and lateral (32.3%) shoulder. Burning and stinging sensations were common. No significant associations were found with age, gender, or time since stroke. However, HSP correlated with rehabilitation initiation time (p = 0.007, r = −0.34), Brunnstrom stage (p = 0.015, r = 0.31), and Fugl-Meyer score (p = 0.015, r = 0.31). Increased muscle tone in the subscapularis (p = 0.046, r = 0.26) and pectoralis major (p = 0.002, r = 0.38) was linked to HSP. Myofascial trigger points in the levator scapulae, supraspinatus, upper trapezius, teres major, teres minor, and infraspinatus muscles showed significant correlations Soft tissue pathology, indicated by the Neer Impingement (p = 0.000, r = 0.46), speed (p = 0.007, r = 0.34), and apprehension (p = 0.000, r = 0.52) tests, was also associated with HSP. HSP in stroke survivors is influenced by myofascial trigger points, soft tissue injuries, delayed rehabilitation, increased muscle tone, and lower motor function. Early intervention focusing on shoulder mobility is crucial for prevention and management, promoting functional recovery. •The study examines key factors shaping HSP for a better understanding of the condition.•A holistic approach assesses muscle tone, trigger points, and soft tissue issues.•Findings compare with past studies, adding to the discussion on HSP prevalence.

Membrane modeling and flow through it are important studies, and their applications are for gas and water separation. The examples of membrane modeling applications are artificial kidneys and reactors. Some studies are available on membrane modeling for different applications; however, optimization studies are rarely available. In the current study, an initial membrane model is simulated by COMSOL 6.3 and then optimized for input parameters to decide the optimal set at which the performance and flow profiles are better. For this study, the design of experiments table through Minitab software using the Taguchi method is generated. Then it tested for an optimal parametric selection. In this study, the focus is on the effect of dialysate concentration (D c ), partition coefficient (K), dialysate velocity (D v ), and permeate velocity (P v ) on concentration individually and then in combination. The individual effect of parameters with different values is first studied. Then an array of L 16 (4×4) using the design of experiments method (DOE) concept is finalized for variance analysis (ANOVA) to study the combined effect. The result of this analysis concludes that the major impact on concentration and velocity profile is due to K. The combined effect results conclude that the effect of different parameters is in the order of K > P v  > C d  > D v for concentration and velocity profiles. This means that the major effect is due to the partition coefficient, and the minor effect is due to the permeating velocity. Before testing new results, the current COMSOL model is validated against published experimental work to ensure its accuracy.