Artificial intelligence now days are mainly dependent on deep learning techniques as it is rapidly growing and capable to outperform other approaches and even human at various problems. Intelligently utilizing resources that meets the growing need of demanding services as well as user behavior is the future of wireless communication systems. Autonomous learning of wireless environment at run time by reconfiguring its operating mode that maximize its utility, cognitive radio (CR) can be programmed and configured dynamically and their utility maximization inside a building is a challenging task. Re-configurability and perception are the key features of cognitive radio while latest machine learning techniques like deep learning is used for system adaptation. In this paper an adaptive model to enhanced cognitive radio utilization to be maximized is proposed, that is, Particle swarm optimization (PSO) in combination with Gradient-method and intends to maximize the utility of CR. For this purpose the primary objective is allocation of optimum powers to base stations (BSs), which is achieved in an iterative manner keeping in view power constraints. A novel Distributed power PSOGradient Algorithm (DPPGA) is introduced, which assures utility maximization under network power constraints. The information regarding utility and interference of an individual BS is available to all of BSs, which is a key parameter, exploited in the proposed algorithm. Simulations are carried out by considering different scenarios and results are compared with existing algorithms. The performance of proposed algorithm is remarkable.

Everyone must commute on a daily basis to work, get educated, buy necessities, seek entertainment or visit friends and family. Thus, transport infrastructure has become an integral or most probably the most important aspect of urban design. Major cities of the world have a mass transit system or even multimodal transport system to cater for the transportation needs of their citizens. Karachi a mega polis city of approximately 23 million residents lacks a properly coordinated and well scheduled transportation mechanism. Therefore, its residents primarily rely on their own means to fulfill their commuting needs resulting in heavy traffics and very significant time delays on its roads. These time delays and rush hour frustrations in turn have a negative impact on the overall productivity and psychological and social well-being of the populace. The government has in recent years taken up this matter seriously and begun construction of Bus Rapid Transit systems along various major traffic corridors of Karachi. The purpose of this thesis was to study the change of traffic behavior in recent years, traffic density variations and the impact on transportation road might have along its corridors using geospatial techniques. The results of this study showed that daily average passenger commutes experienced an increase of approximately 58.4% from 2012 to 2017 and that major mode of transportation shifted from public transit vehicles to private ones specially motorcycles resulting in unfavorable occupancy to PCU ratio. This in turn has adversely affected the traffic density of the city. This congestion can only see some relief when the BRT becomes operational.

The aim of this case study is to evaluate the impact of classified online ads available to shoppers for their convenience and to examine their buying behavior in Karachi. In this study sample size of 270 respondents has been taken by using a convenient sampling technique. Internet is a feasible option of buying products so, the variables used in this study as an independent variable are usability, interactivity, trust, marketing mix, aesthetics, and the dependent variable is consumer buying behavior. Factor analysis, Regression analysis and Reliability analysis are the statistical methods used in this study to analyze the results. Results show that usability, interactivity, trust and marketing mix has a positive impact on consumer buying behavior while classified ads webs are weak in the aesthetics area and also lacking in retaining consumer interests in purchasing. After including demographics variables and excluding the limitation of this study for a specific area, a researcher could expedite research from a new perspective. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge as it is the first case study that targets the online medium of purchase in the context of Karachi.

Ground water contamination with Arsenic (As) is one of the foremost issues in the South Asian countries where ground water is one of the foremost sources of drinking water. In Asian countries, especially people of Pakistan living in rural areas are devouring ground water for drinking purpose, and cleaned water is not accessible to them. This arsenic contaminated water is hazardous for human health. The persistence of this study is to study the increasing level of arsenic in ground water in coming years for Khairpur, Sindh Pakistan, which is also increasing the cancer rate (skin cancer, blood cancer) gradually in human body. To predict the arsenic value and cancer risk for the next five years, we have developed two models via Microsoft Azure machine learning with algorithms include Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Regression (LR), Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR), Boosted Decision tree (BDT), exponential smoothing ETS, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). The developed predictive model named as Arsenic Contamination and Cancer Risk Assessment Prediction Model (ACCRAP model) will help us to forecast the arsenic contamination levels and the cancer rate. The results demonstrated that BLR pose highest prediction accuracy of cancer rate among the four deployed machine learning algorithms.

This research is concept based investigation of assessing the practical viability in terms of sustainability, for restoration and adaptive reuse of Sikh Era historic Havelis in Lahore. The timeless history, architecture and unique features of interior built environment of Sikh Era havelis are considered to be as an ideal aspiration for conservation and adaptive reuse in the recent times. History reveals that there are several examples of reused historic buildings that illustrate the practicality of the concept in terms of sustainability; economic impact, vitality of social life, and usability of existing urban resources including energy saving. A heritage survey of Sikh Havelis in Lahore, expert interviews and a review of literature concerning adaptive reuse of historic buildings is used as a tool of conducting qualitative and comparative research. The research recommends key implications for local governments in Lahore and eventually provide a theoretical research framework that can be incorporated in the decision-making processes for adaptive reuse projects. The expert opinion directs that adaptive reuse is important for quality enhancement, practicing sustainability principles, renew the old resource with future demands. The experts were agreed that adaptive reuse increases the age of building, provides safe and healthy environment and feasibility stage of adaptive reuse give direction to decision process.

This study involves a discussion of power load factors, which are important terms for power systems. The advanced load factor is suited to the power system from the power consumption site to the power station and has been studied for various feeders as Tube well, New Petaro, LMC, OCF-I, OCF-II, Old Petaro and Allama I.I Qazi of 132/11 kV grid station Jamshoro. What needs to be researched is the relatively low load factor; due to the load factor, Hyderabad Power Supply Company faces many problems such as transformer tripping, conductive heat up equipments, breakdown of insulation & reactive power failure, all of which are bad main cause of distribution system. To analyse the load impact on the distribution losses of the 07 feeders on the 132/11 kV gird station during collection & to investigate the power loss caused by load factor, the calculated peak power & minimum load data loss sources at distinct load times. After analysis, it is proved that reducing peak load to minimize peak demand and minimum load during peak period, increase b/w average load during bed period and stabilize the power distribution system to improve load factor and increase unit load factor savings are done.

In this research work, we have developed a communication system (transmitter / receiver) to control peak to average power (PAPR) with small bit error rate (BER) for a 4G system called multicode code division multiple access (MCCDMA). Proposed communication system works on modified Reed Muller encoded data (MRMED) string. In MRMED data is first encoded with Reed Muller (RM) code. Thereafter, encoded RM message is XORed with optimal binary string, which results lower Peak to Average Power ratio (PAPR). A well-known fact is that, bit error rate (BER) is the best performance measurement tool for a communication system. To check the integrity of our communication system, we have run the simulation for monitoring BER using MRMED sequence. Simulation work conducted, with multipath Rayleigh fading, Minimum Shift Keying (MSK) modulation and several orders of RM codes. Our results show that implementing MRMED sequences of the suggested MCCDMA communication structure, returns noticeable lower BER. For instance, in case of RM(1,4), that has error improvement proficiency of 3 (three) errors , returns BER = 8.2x10-5 adopting MSK, at SNR = 12dB. Similarly, for RM(2,3), which has error improvement efficiency of 0 error and shows distinct BER of 4.9x10-4 at 12dB (SNR).In addition to using simulation for checking BER performance of our communication system, we have also shown in our results that, as the error improvement capability of different RM codes surges, correspondingly we get a lower BER.

Waste Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes from sewerage system, bottles, credit cards etc. is a non-biodegradable material and adds to the quantity of solid wastes on annual basis. This study aims at its useful deployment as an additive to the bitumen which is used to construct pavements. Waste PVC pipes when used as a modifier in bituminous mixtures, satisfied the requirements as per the standards as indicated by the results. The properties of bitumen mixed with PVC were studied and compared with those of the ordinary bitumen. The performance characteristics of the the conventional and modified bituminous mixes were investigated and comparative study was carried out. It was shown by the results that waste PVC has got no issue when utilized in road construction. Flow and Stability of the mix was found to be within the acceptable limits after the PVC waste pipes have been incorporated. On the basis of experimental work it is concluded that the asphalt mixtures with waste PVC modifier can be used up conveniently in the construction of flexible pavement in hotter regions regarding their stability and flow characteristics.

Historic structures are unparalleled jewels of the past embedded in the built environment. They integrate the present society with the past and future through its historic fabric existence over the decades. The negligence due to the economic dilemma in our part of the world is one of the major reasons of the disappearance of many such historic structures. Building condition assessment tool is very useful in decision making for such historic structures that can be saved for the future generations within the available resources through the maintenance prioritization listing developed regionally. The presented research was carried out on one of the historic structure Samadhi Dewan Mal situated in Multan (which is known as the city of saints). The city of Multan displays rich historical evidences in the form of tombs, mosques, historic residential houses, palaces, temples and archaeological sites. Through the visual analysis in addition to the damage identification and observations maintenance matrix was developed for different parts of the historic structure that can be replicated for other structures/ sites as well to stop further destruction of neglected heritage. The concluded rating of Samadhi Dewan Mal placed it in medium condition that needs repair strategy to regenerate its original essence with authenticity.

Despite the addition of generation sources to the installed capacity, Pakistan is facing frequent load-shedding, electricity interception, and a high tariff rate. Focusing on the said issues, an investigation has been completed of all the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) along with statistics like yearly losses, recovery, and tariff are reviewed to analyze the power network. It is a clear scenario that there is still a gap between supply and demand, and the generation major part is from fossil fuels which result in the high tariff due to unvarying fuel prices and environmental issues. This in fact has become uneconomical for the domestic users to utilize electricity from the power companies. Apart from this, Pakistan is blessed with a high potential for renewable energy resources, which is a good indication from an economic and environmental point of view but unfortunately, its usage is less. Keeping in view all statistics and key issues, this article focusses on the economic and technical evaluation on different cases like load running on Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), load on Solar PV system with backup, load on Solar PV system without backup, and Utility with a generator backup. Various economic techniques are used as Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to analyze and select the cost-effective solution. From the analysis, utilization of load from the Utility company and PV systems were compared. The PV system is the most economical and reliable system when compared with other cases.

The need for a constant health monitoring system is essential especially for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that may cause sudden stroke or even death. In this paper, we present the design and development of a low-cost, efficient, and user-friendly portable Electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device. Most of the existing heart rate measurement devices and tools available in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan are quite expensive, far to reach and inaccessible in most of the rural areas especially for the female population to reach the healthcare centers. Our proposed device monitors the patient’s body information using three lead-silver chloride ECG disposable electrodes and detects the pulse signal. The detected heart pulse signal is first filtered and then amplified. The device can display the heart signal on an external PC/laptop Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the digitized pulse rate on a Liquid Crystal Display or (LCD) to detect any signs of abnormality. We have evaluated the device on several trial subjects. Finally, the results were compared with the standard ECG signal. Our device measures the pulse signal with good accuracy like commercial devices with higher costs

The need for a constant health monitoring system is essential especially for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that may cause sudden stroke or even death. In this paper, we present the design and development of a low-cost, efficient, and user-friendly portable Electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device. Most of the existing heart rate measurement devices and tools available in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan are quite expensive, far to reach and inaccessible in most of the rural areas especially for the female population to reach the healthcare centers. Our proposed device monitors the patient’s body information using three lead-silver chloride ECG disposable electrodes and detects the pulse signal. The detected heart pulse signal is first filtered and then amplified. The device can display the heart signal on an external PC/laptop Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the digitized pulse rate on a Liquid Crystal Display or (LCD) to detect any signs of abnormality. We have evaluated the device on several trial subjects. Finally, the results were compared with the standard ECG signal. Our device measures the pulse signal with good accuracy like commercial devices with higher costs.

A biological disaster can be as risky in the construction sector as a natural hazard. In the past, a lot of damage in the construction industry has been observed in the pandemic of different biological disasters. Currently, the whole world is suffering from the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis, and it has left an imperishable effect on construction industries around the world. The construction due to the pandemic, with widespread restrictions on the movement of people and enforcement of partial or full lockdown since March 2020 has suffered badly. The coronavirus has harmed the construction industry, prompting project delays, cancellations, and layoffs yet it remains difficult for most firms to find the skilled staff and labor to hire within the appropriate cost budget. In Pakistan, a lot of construction projects have been postponed and suspended due to the current scenario. This paper presents survey-based research on the impacts of COVID-19 on the construction industry of Pakistan. In this paper, 100 people associated with the construction industry have been interviewed and surveyed for this research against different aspects of project delays and construction costs resulting from the spread of coronavirus. The results of the survey are presented in graphical form and conclusions were derived. Imposed lockdown, limited workforce, and lack of knowledge of digital technology are found to be the most critical factors for project delays and halts while an increase in the material cost is the main root cause of the increased cost of project and cost for the safety of employees has been observed as the least contributing factor on the cost of a construction project.

Outcome-based-education (OBE) is an educational theory that bases each part of an educational system around goals (outcomes). Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) introduced the OBE in Pakistani engineering higher-education-institutions (HEIs),from 2018, in the replacement of previously followed Syllabus& Curriculum based education system. Key to success of OBE System is its continuous-quality-improvement (CQI) mechanism. The CQI mechanism design should be based on accurate assessment process and flawless evaluation of OBE System parameters; otherwise the OBE System’s benefits cannot be achieved. However, some HEIs have not devised an effective CQI mechanism and they still using classical procedures and academic tools in implementation of the OBE Framework, which cannot give desired results from the new System. This paper presents that; instead of presently employed loose-control, a modified stringent control strategy for academic activity and employment of latest technology, can make the CQI mechanism, more effective and efficient. This paper therefore presents a two-fold contribution. At first, the implementation problems of the OBE System are critically analyzed. Secondly, few modifications in the existing approaches have been introduced to achieve the desired results from the recently adopted OBE syste

It is discussed in many studies and demonstrated in many pieces of research that based on certain applications, analog design of filter has several issues including complex design, re-use limitations, and accuracy of generating the output at various frequencies. Therefore, instead of analog filter design, the digital design of the filter is preferred for both Finite and Infinite Impulse Response Filter. This paper demonstrates the design of the digital Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter designed is demonstrated using Ultra-Scale Field Programming Gate Array (FPGA) having chip XCKU3P. The filter is designed using a coefficient multiplier via Canonic Signed Digit (CSD) Technique. The optimized design of the digital filter is conducted via real-time implementation is performed using Ultra-Scale FPGA. The filter is designed and evaluated with an ordinary filter at 10 MHz and 10 GHz frequencies. The performance analysis of the system is illustrated using the response rate at the bitstream of 16-bit. In the results, it is demonstrated that for 10 MHz frequency design FIR filter in FPGA the 30% faster response filter is achieved at for 10 GHz, the 15% faster response is achieved at the I/O standard of Low Voltage Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (LVCOMS). The optimization of 30% in terms of the response time of the filter is attained using the proposed work. The proposed improved FIR filter design using Ultra-Scale FPGA helps in increasing design performance to increase the speed of overall response of FIR filter that is lacking in ordinary Filters.

In the current era, blockchain has emerged as one the best and promising technology. All the cryptocurrencies have also gained a lot of popularity around the globe which are based on blockchain technology. Blockchain provides a distributed architecture, in which transactions are verified by different validators using different algorithms and then are stored in distributed ledger. The verification of transactions is done using consensus algorithms which verifies that incoming transaction is correct and reliable by different distributed nodes working in a peer-to-peer network. Consensus algorithms ensure the integrity and security of blockchain. There are various types of consensus algorithms used in blockchain technology which are used depending on the architecture and usage, some of the consensus algorithms are Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS) etc. The Proof of Work algorithm is most widely used across the globe by the community. It is used by many popular cryptocurrency networks like Litecoin and Bitcoin. It requires larger computation power while verifying transactions. The selection of a consensus algorithm is one the most important parts of blockchain, as the consensus mechanism is considered to be the core of a network. It is easier to predict and guarantee the security, reliability, fault tolerance, and recoverability of the system if the correct consensus protocol is selected. A single algorithm can never fulfill all the requirements, there is always a tradeoff in the selection of consensus algorithms. Therefore, it is very important to select the best suited consensus algorithm for the network as the consensus mechanism validates transactions without any third-party platform and prevents malicious activities in the network. This paper investigates the comparison among types of consensus algorithms and their effectiveness and viability.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the cheapest renewable resource of electrical energy. Its dependence on the connected load bounds its production capability. To deliver the determined power, it is required to operate at the maximum power point (MPP) in the characteristic curve of the PV array. Tracking the MPP requires electronic circuits govern by MPP tracking (MPPT) algorithms. The most simple, cheap, and softly implementable MPPT algorithm is “Perturb and Observe (P&O)”. It efficiently performs under uniform weather conditions (UWC) but fails under partial shading conditions (PSC) due to the formation of multiple peaks in the P-V characteristic curve of a PV cell. In this paper, weaknesses of the P&O algorithm are studied and overcome by structural modifications. The proposed structure is named the “strategic P&O algorithm”. Performance of the conventional and proposed algorithms is evaluated at the following standard benchmarks, tracking speed, tracking time, efficiency, and ability to track the GMPP under PSC. Results have shown that the proposed SP&O algorithm has outperformed the conventional P&O algorithm under numerous weather conditions. Simulations are performed in MATLAB/Simulink.

Despite the addition of generation sources to the installed capacity, Pakistan is facing frequent load-shedding, electricity interception, and a high tariff rate. Focusing on the said issues, an investigation has been completed of all the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) along with statistics like yearly losses, recovery, and tariff are reviewed to analyze the power network. It is a clear scenario that there is still a gap between supply and demand, and the generation major part is from fossil fuels which result in the high tariff due to unvarying fuel prices and environmental issues. This in fact has become uneconomical for the domestic users to utilize electricity from the power companies. Apart from this, Pakistan is blessed with a high potential for renewable energy resources, which is a good indication from an economic and environmental point of view but unfortunately, its usage is less. Keeping in view all statistics and key issues, this article focusses on the economic and technical evaluation on different cases like load running on Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), load on Solar PV system with backup, load on Solar PV system without backup, and Utility with a generator backup. Various economic techniques are used as Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to analyze and select the cost-effective solution. From the analysis, utilization of load from the Utility company and PV systems were compared. The PV system is the most economical and reliable system when compared with other cases.

Permanent Magnet (PM) machines are widely used due to low cost, light weight, small size and better operating efficiency. In this paper, two single stack Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) machines with air gap and without air gap are designed using Diameter to length (D2L) method. Various parameters are calculated with this approach. Power, back emf, coil flux and flux density are the parameters which are analyzed. Moreover, it was observed that power fluctuates in Single stack AFPM machines without air gap and power quality issue is taken into account. Apart from this, balance voltages are observed in both machines, while magnetic flux density decreases in machine with air gap and enhances without air gap. Solid Works is used for designing purpose and then JMAG designer tool is also used to perform analysis using Finite element method (FEM).

The rapid rise in railroad transport across the world demands an improved service in form of safety, comfort, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. For the improvement of reliability, safety, and efficiency; sophisticated Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) have become an important part of modern railway operations. CMS for railway vehicles involves techniques including model-based and signal-based techniques for the detection of faults. These techniques assist in preventing the system from any major failure. The core element of a CMS is the use of suitable algorithms to evaluate system behavior for achieving a solution to avoid accidents of railway vehicles. This paper attempts to compare and evaluate the existing state-of-the-art condition monitoring techniques applied for real-time monitoring of railway wheel-set dynamics. In addition, recommendations are presented for future research efforts in this area.

Brain source localization has attained significant fascination over the last few decades. Source localization in the human brain is a prospective complication that is derived in the multifaceted real-world complications because of the brain’s practical and biological density, other than medical precincts of assembling Electroencephalogram (EEG) from enormously various subjects. It is validated that the electromagnetic signal recorded on the top of the scalp is owing to the collective actions of neurons inside the brain. Any impulsive action of the brain, sensory stimulus, cognitive action, or the generation of motor yield possibly will offer intensification to such neuronal actions. Source- localization in the human brain implicates the localization and detection of such primary neuronal originators into the brain. Although renowned and different research in the area, the complications remnants to be a mysterious inverse problem in the brain signal processing research. The performance of EEG source localization techniques based on standardized Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA) and exact Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) is highlighted in this research. The Event-Related Potential (ERP) records with chromatic stimulus are considered for analysis at diverse time intervals for both techniques and final results are discussed in reports of scalp map, slice view, and, cortex map and proposed the optimum techniques for EEG source localization.

Outcome-based-education (OBE) is an educational theory that bases each part of an educational system around goals (outcomes). Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) introduced the OBE in Pakistani engineering higher-education-institutions (HEIs),from 2018, in the replacement of previously followed Syllabus& Curriculum based education system. Key to success of OBE System is its continuous-quality-improvement (CQI) mechanism. The CQI mechanism design should be based on accurate assessment process and flawless evaluation of OBE System parameters; otherwise the OBE System’s benefits cannot be achieved. However, some HEIs have not devised an effective CQI mechanism and they still using classical procedures and academic tools in implementation of the OBE Framework, which cannot give desired results from the new System. This paper presents that; instead of presently employed loose-control, a modified stringent control strategy for academic activity and employment of latest technology, can make the CQI mechanism, more effective and efficient. This paper therefore presents a two-fold contribution. At first, the implementation problems of the OBE System are critically analyzed. Secondly, few modifications in the existing approaches have been introduced to achieve the desired results from the recently adopted OBE system.

In this research paper, we design and simulate Silicon Oxycarbide (SiOC) channel waveguides and photonic passive device such as directional coupler. SiOC channel waveguides are designed for different values of width and height at shorter wavelength band that is 1310 nm wavelength window with refractive index of SiOC (ncore) =2.2 µm and SiO2 (nclad) = 1.444 µm. TE and TM fundamental mode is achieved at width = 1.5 microns and height = 0.5 microns to understand the single mode operation of SiOC channel waveguides. The minimum bending radius of SiOC waveguide is found to be 30 microns that is large enough to integrate the large scale devices. Directional coupler is designed to measure the coupling power between waveguides with gap 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8 microns that gives the 3dB coupling at 20, 40 and 100 microns. In this research, silicon oxycarbide is presented as potential material platform for the highly efficient photonic devices.

A contagious disease transmits from human to human or animal to human. At present world is encountered with such a disease, known as COVID-19. More than half a million people have died due to this pandemic. The pandemic started in China and spread within no time to other parts of the world. Italy and USA are the most unfortunate countries as a large number of deaths occurred in these two countries. No doubt this contagious disease has created social as well as economic problems all over the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. The disease easily transmits to a healthy person during social contact. An epidemic model was developed known as the Kermack-McKendrick model described as SIR (Susceptible Infected and Recovered) model, it deals with the rate of transmission of disease and rate of infection. It gives a trend of infectious disease in a large population. The model helps epidemiologists and health policymakers to understand the probable transmission of disease and to take possible and effective measures to control or reduce the spread of the virus. The factor Ro, known as the reproductive number, can be considered as a threshold value for the disease to be an epidemic. In this study, we used the SIR model to study the effect of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Three coupled differential equations of the SIR model have been solved by numerically using COVID-19 data for Pakistan. The Ro estimated by the current Pakistan COVID-19 data is found to be 2.656 from which control measures will cause a decrease in Ro. Due to the reduction in Ro, the apex of the infected population curve predicted to be range from 26 % to 3 %, and the time to reach the apex ranges from 161 to 710 days. Also, the current data is compared with the numerical values by solving the SIR model. However, the model has limitations due to which parameters can be approximately calculated that might match the actual values to some extent. The application of the model is simple and students can easily learn about the computational techniques used to solve the coupled differential equations.

The need for a constant health monitoring system is essential especially for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that may cause sudden stroke or even death. In this paper, we present the design and development of a low-cost, efficient, and user-friendly portable Electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device. Most of the existing heart rate measurement devices and tools available in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan are quite expensive, far to reach and inaccessible in most of the rural areas especially for the female population to reach the healthcare centers. Our proposed device monitors the patient’s body information using three lead-silver chloride ECG disposable electrodes and detects the pulse signal. The detected heart pulse signal is first filtered and then amplified. The device can display the heart signal on an external PC/laptop Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the digitized pulse rate on a Liquid Crystal Display or (LCD) to detect any signs of abnormality. We have evaluated the device on several trial subjects. Finally, the results were compared with the standard ECG signal. Our device measures the pulse signal with good accuracy like commercial devices with higher costs.

To continuously operate the Photovoltaic (PV) system at its Maximum Power Point (MPP) under changing weather is a challenging task. To accomplish this, multiple MPP Tracking (MPPT) algorithms have been proposed, which can be portioned into two: 1) Conventional algorithms, have the strengths of a simple structure, fewer computations, and low memory requirement, and cheap implementation. Whereas, trapping under Partial Shading Conditions (PSC), steady-state oscillations, and system dependency are the associated drawbacks. Conversely, 2) Soft computing algorithms, perform efficiently under all weather conditions with zero steady-state oscillations, and are system independent. The structural complexities, giant computations, huge memory requirements, and expensive implementation, are the accompanying concerns. The core contribution of this study is to present a deep analysis of all the MPPT algorithms at the standard benchmarks defined in the published literature, for the readers so they could decide which algorithm to choose under certain circumstances.

A contagious disease transmits from human to human or animal to human. At present world is encountered with such a disease, known as COVID-19. More than half a million people have died due to this pandemic. The pandemic started in China and spread within no time to other parts of the world. Italy and USA are the most unfortunate countries as a large number of deaths occurred in these two countries. No doubt this contagious disease has created social as well as economic problems all over the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. The disease easily transmits to a healthy person during social contact. An epidemic model was developed known as the Kermack-McKendrick model described as SIR (Susceptible Infected and Recovered) model, it deals with the rate of transmission of disease and rate of infection. It gives a trend of infectious disease in a large population. The model helps epidemiologists and health policymakers to understand the probable transmission of disease and to take possible and effective measures to control or reduce the spread of the virus. The factor Ro, known as the reproductive number, can be considered as a threshold value for the disease to be an epidemic. In this study, we used the SIR model to study the effect of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Three coupled differential equations of the SIR model have been solved by numerically using COVID-19 data for Pakistan. The Ro estimated by the current Pakistan COVID-19 data is found to be 2.656 from which control measures will cause a decrease in Ro. Due to the reduction in Ro, the apex of the infected population curve predicted to be range from 26 % to 3 %, and the time to reach the apex ranges from 161 to 710 days. Also, the current data is compared with the numerical values by solving the SIR model. However, the model has limitations due to which parameters can be approximately calculated that might match the actual values to some extent. The application of the model is simple and students can easily learn about the computational techniques used to solve the coupled differential equations.

In the current era, blockchain has emerged as one the best and promising technology. All the cryptocurrencies have also gained a lot of popularity around the globe which are based on blockchain technology. Blockchain provides a distributed architecture, in which transactions are verified by different validators using different algorithms and then are stored in distributed ledger. The verification of transactions is done using consensus algorithms which verifies that incoming transaction is correct and reliable by different distributed nodes working in a peer-to-peer network. Consensus algorithms ensure the integrity and security of blockchain. There are various types of consensus algorithms used in blockchain technology which are used depending on the architecture and usage, some of the consensus algorithms are Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS) etc. The Proof of Work algorithm is most widely used across the globe by the community. It is used by many popular cryptocurrency networks like Litecoin and Bitcoin. It requires larger computation power while verifying transactions. The selection of a consensus algorithm is one the most important parts of blockchain, as the consensus mechanism is considered to be the core of a network. It is easier to predict and guarantee the security, reliability, fault tolerance, and recoverability of the system if the correct consensus protocol is selected. A single algorithm can never fulfill all the requirements, there is always a tradeoff in the selection of consensus algorithms. Therefore, it is very important to select the best suited consensus algorithm for the network as the consensus mechanism validates transactions without any third-party platform and prevents malicious activities in the network. This paper investigates the comparison among types of consensus algorithms and their effectiveness and viability.