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In this paper, we propose a new iteration process which is faster than the leading S [J. Nonlinear Convex Anal. 8, no. 1 (2007), 61-79], Thakur et al. [App. Math. Comp. 275 (2016), 147-155] and M [Filomat 32, no. 1 (2018), 187-196] iterations for numerical reckoning fixed points. Using new iteration process, some fixed point convergence results for generalized α-nonexpansive mappings in the setting of uniformly convex Banach spaces are proved. At the end of paper, we offer a numerical example to compare the rate of convergence of the proposed iteration process with the leading iteration processes.

BackgroundThe distribution pattern of phase-variable genes varies from strain to strain and from region to region. The present study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern of phase-variable genes within Pakistan-based Helicobacter pylori strains and to analyze and compare them with strains prevalent in other parts of the world.ObjectivesTo determine the distribution pattern of phase-variable genes in H. pylori strains circulating in Pakistan.Patients and MethodsBiopsy samples were collected from 85 symptomatic patients suffering from various upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms. The biopsy specimens were chopped, then inoculated on H. pylori-specific media and incubated in a Campylobacter Gas Generating kit. Positive isolates were further confirmed via staining and biochemical procedures. Primers were designed for five phase-variable genes using OligoCalc, an oligonucleotide properties calculator (version 3.26) according to parameters stipulated in the literature. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all positive isolates to determine the presence or absence of phase-variable genes.ResultsOn culturing, the prevalence of H. pylori infections in the samples was 44.7%. The prevalence was higher in females than in males, and it increased with age. PCR amplification revealed that the hsdR gene was present in 79% of samples, while the mod and β-subunit genes were present in 16% and 30% of samples, respectively. The streptococcal M protein gene was found in 79%, while the fliP gene was prevalent in 56%.ConclusionsThe distribution patterns of phase-variable genes in Pakistani H. pylori strains were found to be somewhat different. The dominant prevalence of the hsdR gene was an interesting finding, considering its role in bacterial defense in both micro- and macroenvironments.

Illegal trade is a major threat to the biodiversity and the efforts initiated for the conservation of wildlife. The shortcomings of the traditional taxonomic identification methods have been coped by a revolutionary and emerging technique, the "DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) barcoding". Here we report a case of trader who was allegedly making footwear for a famous international celebrity from wild animal cutis. The samples confiscated during a raid on a footwear manufacturing industry by KP Wildlife department in August, 2016, were received by Bioresource Research Centre (BRC) for molecular identification on 1 September, 2016. The study costed about USD 88 from processing to the identification of the samples. The samples identified via DNA mini-barcoding by targeting cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene belong to Gazella bennettii and Bos taurus. Such studies are helpful for credible investigations that only lead to effective prosecution and control of illegal wildlife trade ultimately helping in conservation of wild animals.

A survey was conducted to perform an economic analysis and to investigate determinants of sugarcane crop in district Charsadda in the year 2018. Three villages viz. Kamran Kalay, Aspandehri, and Sarfaraz Kalay were selected purposively. Primary data were collected with face to face interview method from 41 randomly selected sugarcane growers through structured questionnaire. The selection of farmers was based on proportional allocation technique in the selected villages. For data analysis, profit margin, gross margin and Cobb-Douglas production function were applied. The study found that the per acre profit of sugarcane was 289.82 US$. Labour and fertilizers costs were found major components in the total variable cost. The profit margin was obtained as 37.37%. Empirical results of regression model found seed, farm yard manure and fertilizer positive and significant determinants, with coefficients 0.5011, 0.2916 and 0.2796, respectively. While tractor and labour costs were noted insignificant. For the wider interest of sugarcane growers and for the growth of agriculture sector, the study recommends reduction in the prices of fertilizers and suggests the Government to develop high yielding Hybrid varieties and to improve the provision of certified/tested seed to the growers.