Mohammad Ali Jinnah University

Within the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, this research investigates the critical need to safeguard private information and vital infrastructure from a growing variety of cyberattacks. In the extensive usage of IoT devices that has made these threats, in which it includes sophisticated phishing attacks and the pervasive ransomware, worse. The conversation highlights how crucial it is to improve conventional security measures while the utilizing cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time threat identification and reaction. To setup and successfully manage the complexity of digital transformation, it also promotes proactive tactics like strong risk mitigation frameworks and the ongoing monitoring. The dynamics facilitate a cross the sector and worldwide collaboration to exchange intelligence about threats and the use of strict security architectures, including zero-trust models and DevSecOps. In order to fortify international defenses, anticipate new threats, and prepare for a robust digital future, the study intends to cultivate these alliances and implement cutting-edge methods.

In response to the escalating impact of anthropogenic activities on the environment, there has been a desperate need to develop efficacious pollution mitigation strategies. Bioremediation is an advantageous strategy for addressing environmental contamination as it utilizes microorganisms to eliminate, degrade, or mitigate an extensive variety of contaminants. This chapter presents a thorough view of bioremediation methods, with an emphasis on their execution in various environmental matrices, including organic and inorganic materials. Ex situ and in situ bioremediation techniques are selected according to financial implications, site-specific attributes , and the quantity and nature of pollutants that are prevalent. Biostimulation, bioaugmentation, biovent-ing, biopiles, and bioattenuation are the principal biore-mediation techniques, depending on the environmental conditions. Bioremediation offers a viable and balanced approach towards sustainability and generation restoration through upgraded technologies and the requirement of microbial community intelligence. The objective of this chapter is to provide a glance into the theoretical and practical aspects of bioremediation techniques for poli-cymakers, practitioners, and researchers and their critical significance in confronting present-day environmental challenges.

Global waste management issues pose a considerable obstacle to achieving sustainability in today's environmental challenges. This chapter provides comprehensive research data for an integrated waste management (IWM) system pertaining to future needs, exploring various techniques to control and dispose of municipal solid and liquid trash, agricultural waste, biomass waste, industrial hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and e-waste. The current chapter has insight into the present and future prospects of sustainable development of the environment, zero waste management, promoting reuse, recycling, and upcycling, improving treatment processes, reducing pollution, and implementing IoT-enabled approaches. Waste management techniques vary significantly at both national and international levels , with distinct methodologies employed according to various local needs. However, it provides a full assessment of the challenges of effective, enviro-friendly restoration of waste and the possibility of transforming it into valuable products. These impediments include inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient legal frameworks. On the other hand, technical advancements such as intelligent waste collection systems , the use of biodegradable polymers, and bioenergy from organic waste contribute to effective waste management. Collaboration among all stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, is required for significant outcomes. Researchers, environmentalists, legislators, and professionals are making untired efforts to enhance generation restoration, promote the circular economy, and foster a sustainable future.

Dealing with hazardous industrial waste presents considerable difficulties for maintaining environmental sustainability and safeguarding human well-being. This requires the creation of efficient management approaches. This chapter explores various methods for handling hazardous industrial waste. These include physical, chemical , and biological treatments. It also discusses disposal strategies like landfilling, incineration, and recycling. Specifically, researchers are investigating biological solutions such as bioremediation and phytoremediation to assess their capacity to degrade toxins and minimize waste. Additionally, segregation, treatment, recycling, composting, and disposal prove to be efficient methods for managing hazardous industrial waste. Green teams can aid industries in enhancing waste management, handling packaging waste, and managing liquid effluents. Managing industrial waste entails using landfills, com-posting, incineration, and waste reduction; involving expert organizations accelerates the process. Recycling decreases hazardous waste and encourages the development of a circular economy. Responsible waste management enables industries to diminish their environmental footprint and foster a healthier environment. This involves detailed waste management plans that prioritize waste reduction, sustainable treatment, compliance with regulations, and engaging stakeholders. Understanding the complexities of managing hazardous industrial waste and implementing suitable treatment and disposal methods are essential. By doing this, industries may decrease their effects on the natural world and help develop a more balanced, sustainable, and healthy future.

Microcontrollers (μCs) are extremely useful in renewable energy (RE) converters, where numerous onboard control actions need to be executed at low cost. This paper focusses on a cost-effective implementation of a fuzzy controller (FC) for the regulation of converters that are normally employed in RE applications such as solar, wind, and tidal. The μC realization has been achieved through simplification of a dual-input FC (DFC) into a single-input FC (SFC) using the signed distance approach, followed by the piece-wise linear (PWL) simplification of SFC named as piece-wise-linear single input FC (PWL-SFC). Despite the elimination of the fuzzification, knowledge inference, and defuzzification stages, PWL-SFC exhibits a similar control performance to that of DFC. The proposed PWL-SFC is tested through modeling and simulation using the MATLAB Simulink platform and experimentally validated through a low-cost dsPIC μC. The results reveal that the proposed PWL-SFC requires negligible tuning effort and uses three orders of magnitude less computational power compared to DFC.

In this era of digitalization, many retailers create an omnichannel retailing environment through channel integration to cater to customer needs and to meet customer expectations for seamless experiences across multiple retailing channels. In this study, consumer responses are investigated in this modern retailing environment. Consumer empowerment, which influences the intention to purchase, is the focus of this study. The Theory behind this overall model is the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework. Consumer perception Channel Integration, which has four dimensions, positively affects consumer empowerment, resulting in an increase in purchase intention, ultimately improving the company's overall profitability. The data from three main super-stores in Pakistan is collected to test the framework empirically. A significant mediating effect of consumer empowerment has been confirmed by our results and the demonstration of positive responses from customers to channel integration. The moderator, Channel convenience, has a significant role in this framework. This study will also help retailers and researchers improve their channel integration strategy in an omnichannel retailing environment.

Introduction A subset of COVID-19 disease patients suffers a severe form of the illness; however, underlying early pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the severe form of COVID-19 disease remain to be fully understood. Several studies showed the association of COVID-19 disease severity with the changes in the expression profile of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and defensins (DA). However, the link between the changes in the expression of MMPs and DA in the nasopharyngeal milieu during early phases of infection and disease severity remains poorly understood. Therefore, we performed differential gene expression analysis of MMPs and DA in the nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from normal (COVID-19 negative), mild, and severe COVID-19 cases and examined the association between MMP and DA expression and disease severity. Material and method A total of 118 previously collected nasopharyngeal samples from mild and severe COVID-19 patients (as per the WHO criteria) and 10 healthy individuals (COVID-19 negative, controls) were used in this study. A real-time qPCR assay was used to determine the viral loads and assess the mRNA expression of MMPs and DA. One-way ANOVA was applied to perform multiple comparisons (estimate differences) in MMPs and defensin gene expression in the normal vs mild vs severe groups. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out with all the variables from the data set using ‘severity’ as the outcome variable. Results Our results showed that as compared to controls, DA1, DA3, and DA4 expression was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the mild group, whereas the expression of DA6 was significantly downregulated in both mild and severe groups (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, compared to controls, the expression of MMP1 and MMP7 was significantly downregulated in both mild and severe groups, whereas MMP2 expression was upregulated in the mild group (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, the regression analysis showed that the expression of MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9 was significantly associated with the severity of the disease. Conclusion The early detection of changes in the expression of MMPs and defensins may act as a useful biomarker/predictor for possible severe COVID-19 disease, which may be useful in the clinical management of patients to reduce COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality.

Breast cancer, a complex global health concern, has predominantly been studied for nuclear DNA variations. However, the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups in breast cancer susceptibility, especially in Pakistan, remains underexplored. This case-control study investigates the association between mtDNA haplogroups and breast cancer in Pakistan. The study reveals a significant abundance of haplogroup M in breast cancer cases by analyzing breast cancer patients and healthy controls through mitochondrial control region genome sequencing (p < 0.001). Increased frequencies of haplogroups M, H, and R in patients compared to controls suggest their potential role in breast cancer susceptibility. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cases are also linked to haplogroup M, showing a statistically significant association with a p-value of 0.002. This suggests a potential meaningful association between haplogroup M and the occurrence of TNBC in the studied population. These findings emphasize the importance of mitochondrial genetics in breast cancer risk among the Pakistani population, offering insights for biomarker discovery and targeted interventions. Recognizing mitochondrial genetics in breast cancer risk assessment holds promise for tailored medicine strategies and may impact global breast cancer research and prevention efforts.

This research examines the depiction of Thailand on YouTube subsequent to the nation’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana in June 2022. By analyzing 57 video clips recorded between March and September 2022, we investigate the evolution of Thailand’s digital image after the legalization of cannabis in the country. The outcomes of our study demonstrate a predominantly favorable account, highlighting the incorporation of marijuana into Thai society, its therapeutic capabilities, and its potential as a lucrative economic commodity. In intimate connection to elements of the social, physical, and cultural components, the emotional dimension developed as a prevailing theme. Thai residents and government officials were the main influencers in shaping the discussion, representing the prevailing public opinion in support of the choice to legalize marijuana. The prevailing media narratives, which included tourism, celebration, and policy, further emphasized the positive perspective on the advantages of legalizing marijuana. This research emphasizes the profound impact of substantial policy changes on a nation’s international reputation, with Thailand depicted as providing a distinctive combination of cultural heritage and contemporary elements.

This paper presents the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Ag/GO, Co3O4/GO, and ZnO/GO nanocomposites prepared using Moringa oleifera. The composite nature of the materials was confirmed due to the presence of principal peaks of GO, Ag, Co3O4 and ZnO in the UV–visible absorption spectra at 230, 420, 315, and 380 nm, respectively. The absorption data was further analyzed to estimate the bandgap energy of the nanocomposites. The formation of ZnO and Co3O4 in the GO nanocomposites was also verified due to the appearance of Zn–O and Co–O bands in FTIR spectra. However, the absence of Ag–O band in FTIR analysis further verified the formation of only Ag in the Ag/GO nanocomposite. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also revealed the existence of preferential diffractions due to hexagonal ZnO and cubic Ag and Co3O4 in the XRD patterns of GO nanocomposites. Moreover, the average crystallite sizes were found to be 53.10, 84.05, and 86.41 nm for ZnO/GO, Ag/GO, and Co3O4/GO nanocomposites, respectively. The crystallite size of GO content was noticed 18.39, 27.58, and 44.14 nm in Co3O4/GO, ZnO/GO, and Ag/GO nanocomposites, respectively. This increase in GO crystallite size was also correlated with the decrease in bandgap energy of Co3O4/GO (2.77 eV), ZnO/GO (2.62 eV) and Ag/GO (2.42 eV) nanocomposites, respectively. Thermal study revealed the higher stability of ZnO/GO nanocomposite in comparison to Co3O4/GO and Ag/GO nanocomposites. The different surface morphologies were noticed in scanning electron micrographs of the nanocomposites. Moreover, the antibacterial and antifungal activity studies demonstrated higher activity posed by ZnO/GO nanocomposite than Ag/GO and Co3O4/GO while using five Gram-positive bacteria, eleven strains of Gram-negative and six filamentous fungi. Graphical Abstract

In this work, controlled release formulations (CRF) were developed to gradually release isopro-turon (IPU) herbicide (HB) into soil over a prolonged period. This technology has emerged as a promising solution to address concerns associated with conventional agrochemical use. For this purpose, CRF was derived from biochar (BC), called IPU/biochar (IBC) and IPU/bentonite/polyvinyl alcohol/biochar (IBPBC). Scanning electron microscopy studies showed a multi-phase surface morphology of IBC and IBPBC due to the uniform dispersion of IPU and other components within the BC matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated successful formation of IBC and IBPBC by binding IPU with the BC matrix. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the desired 2θ° values in the microstructures of BC, bentonite (BT), IPU, IBC, and IBPBC. The time-dependent release behavior of IPU from the IBC-and IBPBC-based CRF was investigated using square wave voltam-metry and cyclic voltammetry. Both IBC and IBPBC showed controlled release of IPU with a good limit of detections over glassy carbon electrodes. IBC released 0.170% of IPU over 100 min, and IBPBC released 0.073% of IPU over 120 min. Those results indicate that both IBC and IBPBC effectively release IPU in a controlled manner, providing gradual and sustained release within the specified time frames.

The current state of the agricultural industry is heavily reliant on the utilization of fertilizers made of chemicals and pesticides, which have significant ramifications for the nutritional composition, health implications, and overall output of agriculture. Nevertheless, the anticipated surge in food consumption in the forthcoming years and decades will require adopting an improved and productive agricultural framework. The microbiome in agriculture is gaining attention for its potential to improve crop productivity, soil health, and environmental sustainability. Using beneficial microorganisms in farming can help reduce environmental harm and counteract the adverse effects of traditional farming. This review explores the probable applications of plant microbes in environmentally sustainable agriculture. This review analyzes recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in applying microbiome-based agricultural formulations.

Soil microbiomes are pivotal in shaping the fertility and health of terrestrial ecosystems, impacting plant development, nutrient cycling, and overall soil quality. This review delves into the intricate web of symbiotic relationships between soil microorganisms and plants, elucidating their profound influence on soil fertility. The study aims to unravel how these symbiotic interactions enhance nutrient availability, increase resilience to environmental stressors, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. We explore various forms of mutualistic relationships, such as mycorrhizal associations and nitrogen-fixing partnerships, and elucidate the functional diversity of soil microbes and their contributions to soil fertility and plant productivity. This review examines the practical implications of understanding these microbiome-driven symbiotic relationships in the context of agriculture and sustainable land management. We discuss the potential applications of microbiome-based soil amendments and the development of microbial consortia to enhance crop yield and minimize the dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Such strategies’ ecological and economic benefits are addressed, emphasizing their role in mitigating soil degradation and addressing global food security challenges. Furthermore, this research endeavors to unveil the secrets hidden within soil microbiome-driven symbiotic partnerships, which are the guardians of soil fertility. By pushing the boundaries of our comprehension of these alliances, we unlock the potential to harness microbiomes to drive sustainable and productive land management practices, ultimately contributing to preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems.

The main objective of this research article is to examine the effect of intellectual capital (IC) and its dimensions on the financial performance (FP) of the Indian renewable energy industry, guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV). The study employed data from 36 solar and 39 wind sector companies for six years, from 2017 to 2022. Moreover, the modified value added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) model was used to measure the company’s IC. Further, the paper uses panel data regression analysis to examine the above-mentioned objectives. The results showed that IC improves the earnings and profitability of solar sector companies, while for wind sector companies, it only helps boost their profitability. Contrary to the expectation, human capital efficiency (HCE) failed to show any effect on the FP of the Indian solar sector companies. However, HCE positively moderates the relationship between structural capital efficiency (SCE) and FP, as well as relational capital efficiency (RCE) and FP. For the wind sector companies, HCE significantly and positively affects the FP; however, HCE negatively moderates SCE and profitability while positively for capital employed efficiency (CEE) and FP. This research adds new data from an industry that has previously received little attention (i.e. Indian renewable energy industry), thus broadening the research on the relationship between IC and FP. Moreover, the study may provide in-depth insights into the MVAIC dimensions as it discovers the moderating effect of human capital in boosting the company’s FP.

The rapid evolution of the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology within the framework of natural resources management has emerged as a promising paradigm that has significantly impacted various sectors and enhanced productivity and quality of life while presenting challenges in sustainability due to increased energy usage, contaminants, and technological waste. To address these issues within the green economy, implementing green IoT technology is crucial for fostering sustainability and cost-effectiveness. We must develop methods to mitigate pollution-related risks, resource exploitation, energy consumption, and public safety, all while promoting environmental sustainability and cost control. Moreover, the IoT's transformative potential extends to ecological monitoring, vital for ensuring safety, air quality, water pollution, and waste management worldwide. Advanced Environment Monitoring (AEM) systems integrate IoT technology and sophisticated sensors, marking a new era in global sustainability efforts through continuous monitoring and data-driven interventions. This chapter synthesizes the current research and developments in the environment IoT-based model economy (EIoTME), highlighting its application, key components, methods, and benefits and focusing on its potential to revolutionize resource utilization and processes. Furthermore, we discuss EIoTME's challenges, future direction, and how policy supports its achievement of sustainable development goals.

The major goal of this study endeavour is to thoroughly evaluate the impact of macro factors on trade openness (TOP). The study was conducted through the examination of numerous trade conceptions, with a specifically emphasis on examining these patterns within the economies of the BRICS nations (Russia, India, China and South Africa) from 1995 to 2020. Stepwise regression for selecting models, Pedroni, Johnson, Granger causality and advance panel regression are some of the techniques used including FMOLS, Panel OLS and FEM. The study’s outcomes reveal the presence of both long-term and short-term associations between TOP and (a) total investment, (b) human capital, (c) trade reserves, (d) trade balance and (e) exchange rate. The study authors found both one-way and two-way causal association between TOP and these five factors. Additionally, trade balance emerges as the most significant factor impacting TOP. Notably, the exchange rate does not exhibit significant economic importance. JEL Classification: F14, F15, F17

This study draws on social exchange theory and the technology acceptance model to examine how civility climate behaviors and self-service technology influence customer civility. Utilizing multilevel modeling with data from 379 employees and 304 customers over three time lags, the research identifies that civility climate behaviors significantly enhance customer civility. The findings reveal that a civility climate toward customers fully mediates this relationship, and self-service technology strongly moderates it, strengthening the positive effects. The study contributes by shifting focus from employee responses to proactive customer engagement strategies. It provides empirical support for the impact of consistent service delivery, solving problems, personalized interactions, and going the extra mile on customer civility. These insights highlight the importance of balancing technological investments with customized service to optimize customer outcomes. Service managers should train staff to deliver on promises, solve problems promptly, and use user-friendly self-service technologies to foster a positive civility climate. This approach enhances customer experiences, supports a respectful service environment, and contributes to employee well-being and organizational performance.

This study investigates the role of communication factors in influencer marketing communication in influencing trust in influencer’s branded posts, subsequently impacting the urge to buy impulsively (UBI). In addition, the study also examines the role of persuasion knowledge as a moderator and product affection as a mediator in the relationship between trust and UBI. The study integrates signalling theory and (SOR) framework to develop a model to be tested through SEM. Results of the data of 481 followers of the influencers unveiled that the credibility of the communication factors plays an essential role in developing trust in influencers ‘posts, which ultimately induces UBI. Product affection mediates the relationship between trust and UBI and people with low levels of persuasion knowledge were found to have more chances of developing UBI. This study provides valuable insights to the markets and advertisers, enabling them to understand the importance of the credibility of the influencer marketing communication factors, which result in favourable consumer attitudinal and behavioural outcomes. Additionally, it addresses the existing knowledge gap concerning the factors that precede trust formation and examines their subsequent influence on UBI.

Purpose: The implementation of digital supply chain management (DSCM) has brought about a paradigm shift in the construction industry, which is known for its complex and dynamic nature. This study examines the advantages of implementing a digital supply chain into building projects, focusing on efficient procurement, real-time tracking, and its effects on the sustainability of the project. Methodology: A stratified sampling approach is used in the research methodology to collect quantitative data from construction project managers and supply chain specialists using surveys and questionnaires. The study’s main objective is to measure how improved stakeholder coordination, real-time tracking, and streamlined procurement procedures affect sustainability and efficiency. Findings: The results of this study highlight the significant advantages of DSCM in raising the effectiveness of building projects. The results include shortened lead times, improved supply chain visibility, streamlined procurement procedures, and optimal resource allocations. Originality and conclusions : This paper is focused on the potential difficulties and roadblocks to a successful DSCM implementation. The study provides insightful information for decision-makers and practitioners in the construction sector. To successfully apply DSCM, organizations need to make investments in technology and training, improve teamwork, and create risk-reduction plans.