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The growth and productivity of different varieties of beetroot Beta vulgaris were examined in presence of urea, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, compost and salt during the field trial, and the chemical constitution of three different varieties, dark red, ruby queen and detroit-2 was identified quantitatively by spectrophotometer. Ruby queen shows maximum growth as compared to dark red and detroit-2. The application of urea, nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and compost reduces the amount of catalase and total anti- oxidant enzymic potensial while increasing the concentrations of proteins, lipids, and sugars, with high growth and yield. Maximum growth was observed in the presence of urea, while the application of salt inhibited growth in all three varieties. In the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and compost-treated plants, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium show more growth as compared to compost. Similarly, metabolic contents such as IAA, chlorophyll and phenolic, were found in high concentrations in urea, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and compost-treated plants as compared to salt-treated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector is vital to economic progress, yet industrial pollution poses environmental and economic concerns. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of green industrial transformation in reducing Pakistan's carbon intensity between 1975 and 2020. Carbon emissions are considered an endogenous construct, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, technological innovation, green industrial transformation, environmental legislation, and research and development (R&D) investment are possible mediators. The association between variables is assessed using the robust least-squares approach. Green industrial transformation is connected with lower carbon emissions, yet technical innovation, R&D investment, and inbound FDI raise a country's carbon emissions. The findings support the pollution haven hypothesis in a country. The causality estimates indicate that inward FDI contributes to environmental regulations; green industrial transformation directly relates to inbound FDI and R&D expenditures; and technological innovations correspond to inbound FDI, R&D expenditures, industrial ecofriendly progression, and environmental standards. According to the impulse response function, environmental policies are anticipated to have a differential effect on carbon emissions in 2023, 2024, 2028-2030, while they are likely to decrease in the years 2025-2027 and 2031 forward. Additionally, inward FDI and technology advancements would almost certainly result in a rise in carbon emissions over time. Green industrial transitions are projected to result in a ten-year reduction in carbon emissions. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that eco-friendly industrial adaptations would likely have the largest variance error shock on carbon emissions (11.747%), followed by inbound FDI, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, with R&D spending having a minimal impact over time. Pakistan's economy should foster a green industrial revolution to avoid pollution and increase environmental sustainability to meet its environmental goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the second most common cancer in Malawi. Risk factors for this cancer in Malawi are poorly understood. Poor oral health has previously been linked to increased ESCC risk in other high‐incidence regions, including parts of Eastern and Southern Africa. We assessed the relationship between oral health and ESCC risk in a sex, age and location frequency‐matched case–control study based at two hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi from 2017 to 2020. Trained interviewers used a structured questionnaire and direct observation to collect data on demographics; behaviors; oral hygiene habits; the sum of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT score); oral mucosa status; lip depigmentation and dental fluorosis via a visual scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for known and suspected ESCC risk factors. During the study period, 300 cases and 300 controls were enrolled. Subjects in the highest tertile of DMFT score (≥7) had an increased risk of ESCC with an adjusted OR of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.16–3.36) compared to those with a DMFT score of 0. Severe dental fluorosis was associated with a statistically nonsignificant increased risk of ESCC (adjusted OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 0.97–5.49) compared to individuals with no fluorosis. Associations with oral mucosa status, lip depigmentation and toothbrushing method and frequency were mostly null or uncertain. Poor oral health, indicated by a higher DMFT score, was associated with increased ESCC risk in Malawi. Dental fluorosis is another possible risk factor in this population, but further evaluation is necessary to clarify any effects of fluorosis on ESCC risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, was a significant focus at the COP26 summit. Rampant production practices and changing lifestyles contribute to the issue globally. China's rapid urbanization and reliance on fossil fuels significantly threaten global health sustainability. This study aims to evaluate China's environmental agenda and offer policy recommendations for achieving a green and clean environment. To accomplish this, the study assesses the crucial factors contributing to China's air pollution levels, focusing specifically on fine PM2.5 from 1975 to 2020. By implementing the ARDL bounds testing approach, the study confirmed a non‐linear relationship between per capita income and PM2.5, demonstrating an inverted U‐shaped curve with a turning point observed at a per capita income level of US$3030 in the short run. Furthermore, a positive correlation between these variables was detected in the long run. The study also revealed that rapid urbanization initially leads to increased PM2.5 concentrations, whereas it has a decreasing effect in the long term. To progress towards sustainable production and consumption, China has embraced efficient environmental technologies and increasing clean energy sources in its production mix. Leveraging these strategies, the country strives to achieve its decarbonization agenda and ensure a cleaner future. By conducting an ex ante analysis, this study identified ecological technologies, renewable energy demand and oil resource rents as critical influencers on China's air pollution levels over the next decade. The findings underscore the pressing need to embrace alternative energy sources, eco‐friendly technologies and resource conservation to tackle air pollution effectively and accomplish China's decarbonization objectives. It is imperative to prioritize adopting sustainable practices, ensuring a cleaner environment for current and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) localisation refers to the problem of determining the position of each of the agents in a WSN using noisy measurement information. In many cases, such as in distance and bearing‐based localisation, the measurement model is a non‐linear function of the agents' positions, leading to pairwise interconnections between the agents. As the optimal solution for the WSN localisation problem is known to be computationally expensive in these cases, an efficient approximation is desired. The authors show that the inherent sparsity in this problem can be exploited to greatly reduce the computational effort of using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for large‐scale WSN localisation. In the proposed method, which the authors call the L‐Banded Extended Kalman Filter (LB‐EKF), the measurement information matrix is converted into a banded matrix by relabelling (permuting the order of) the vertices of the graph. Using a combination of theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, it is shown that typical WSN configurations (which can be modelled as random geometric graphs) can be localised in a scalable manner using the proposed LB‐EKF approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices concerning their effect on attaining Sustainable Competitive Advantage, considering the mediating influence of Green Organizational Culture. The theoretical foundation of the study has been constructed by incorporating perspectives from resource-based views and system theories. This survey-based study followed a quota sampling technique and collected data from 634 managerial staff working at various levels of management in green certified manufacturing firms in Pakistan. The study applied SPSS software version 25 for descriptive statistics while Smart PLS software version 3 for inferential statistical analysis. The findings evidenced that Green Recruitment and Selection, Green Training and Development, and Green Compensation Management have not only positive and significant direct associations but also positive and significant indirect relationships via green organizational culture, with the sustainable competitive advantage of the organization. Since green-certified organisations are prepared to implement GHRM practises in their facilities, practitioners and managers are advised to incorporate GHRM practises into their daily business activities in order to achieve long-term competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "digital supply chain" (DSC) pertains to the utilization of up-to-date information systems and advanced technologies in order to augment the amalgamation and flexibility of a company's supply chain. This research examines the effect of DSC strategy on operational performance (OP). Employees working in the pharmaceutical sector of KP, Pakistan, provided their input for the data collection using quota sampling techniques. A comprehensive analysis of precisely 237 observations has been conducted utilizing partial least square structural equation modeling with the aid of the software SmartPLS 3.0. The findings indicate that DSC significantly and positively affect operational performance (β=0.58) and its constituent dimensions (cost reduction, productivity and quality performance). The results imply that digitization of supply chain adds to operational performance and managers shall adopt digitization of supply chain activities. Organizations that have digitalize their supply chain processes or intends to do so shall benefit from the findings regarding positive affect of DSC on operation performance. The discoveries also add to the academic body of knowledge on the DSC and fill a research gap by providing evidence that operational performance can be enhanced through digitization of supply chain activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental health is critical for the economy's social welfare and environmental sustainability. Using time series data from 1975 to 2020, the research examines the short- and long-run relationship between environmental pollutants and healthcare costs in the context of Pakistan. The study's results reveal that short-term and long-term efforts towards cleaner development in terms of carbon emissions, coal combustion, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and industrial value-added have resulted in significant reductions in healthcare expenses due to improved management of industrial emissions. However, in the long run, particulate matter (PM2.5) has a detrimental effect on a country's sustainable healthcare agenda, leading to increased healthcare costs. Furthermore, the increased use of coal-fired power plants that release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and revenue generated by contaminated production lead to higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs, increasing a country's risk of morbidity and mortality. The study's Granger causality estimations demonstrate that carbon emissions are responsible for emissions-driven healthcare expenses in a nation. Additionally, economic growth leads to increased carbon emissions and industrial toxins, which are also emission-led. Through variance decomposition analysis (VDA), the study finds that carbon emissions have the highest variance shock of 32.702% on healthcare expenditures in the next ten years. This is followed by polluted income and continued economic growth, which have a variance shock of 13.243% and 8.858%, respectively, over the same period. The findings indicate that the maximum healthcare benefits may be acquired by mitigating environmental pollutants via stringent environmental regulations, reducing industrial toxins through solid waste management techniques, and minimizing coal combustion reliance through renewable fuels. Environmental research is still required to provide more sustainable solutions to the sustainability of the global healthcare agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The logistics business is a crucial contributor to economic development, yet it is also the leading source of carbon emissions. Economic growth at the expense of environmental deterioration is a challenging issue; this phenomenon offered a new avenue for scholars and policymakers to investigate and address these issues. The recent study is one of the attempts to explore this intricate subject. The goal of this research is to determine whether or not the Chinese logistics sector has an impact on Pakistan's GDP and carbon emissions as a result of CPEC. The research utilized data from 2007Q1 to 2021Q4 using the ARDL approach for an empirical estimate. Due to the mixed order of variable integration and finite data set, the ARDL technique is well deserved, which helps reach sound policy inferences. The study's key results indicated that China's logistic business enhances Pakistan's economic development and carbon emissions in the short and long term. Similarly, China's energy usage, technology, and transportation contribute to Pakistan's economic progress at the price of environmental damage. The empirical study may be a model for other developing nations, given Pakistan's viewpoint. With the support of the empirical results, policymakers in Pakistan and other associated countries would be able to plan for sustainable growth in conjunction with CPEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial sector has grown significantly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming a priority in today's competitive climate major concern in addition to improving profitability. Companies are regarded as social units that must serve their stakeholders and generally carry out CSR with a priority on future disclosure. The main objective of this study is to investigate how stakeholders and agency theory influence how CSR affects the Financial Performance (FP) of Pakistan's banking sector from 2008 to 2020, a 13-year period, 32 banks that were listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), comprised our sample. As proxies for financial performance we employed accounting-based and market-based measures in our analysis. The Panel Least Square (PLS) model was used by the researcher to examine how CSR affects FP. Evidence supports the validity of the least squares model, which showed that CSR has a positive and substantial impact on Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Market Value Per Share (MVPS), but a negative and significant impact on Return on Equity (ROE), Return on Asset (ROA) and TOBIN's Q. The findings show that adequate CSR policy execution and disclosure the improvement of Pakistan's listed banks' financial performance and the reduction of resource wastage from CSR investment activities. The research's findings help investors and other shareholders to have peace of mind by providing a solid, practical, and dependable impact of CSR on the financial sector of developing nations. This leads in a better knowledge of CSR practices in the financial sector of an emerging country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of Islamic Corporate Governance (ICG) on Social Sustainability Performance (SP) in Islamic Banks of Pakistan, focusing on the moderating role of insider and institutional ownership. The study derives influential Islamic CG mechanisms from the theoretical perspectives of Agency Theory, Institutional Theory, and Legitimacy Theory, primarily focusing on Shariah board attributes and ownership structure. The study uses the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) for regression analysis and proposes three propositions to enhance social sustainability performance through responsible decision-making. The study results reveal that Islamic corporate governance significantly influences social sustainability performance, with Shariah board independence having a positive impact while size, competence, and process have a negative impact. The ownership structure of Islamic banks in Pakistan also significantly moderates the relationship between Islamic corporate governance and social sustainability performance, with insider ownership and institutional ownership playing a significant role. This study provides policy insights for policymakers, practitioners, and corporate boards to promote sustainable operations through Islamic corporate governance, adding to existing developmental plans to address sustainability-related issues. This study also contributes to the literature by establishing the nexus between Islamic corporate governance and triple-bottom-line performance in IBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperatures worldwide continue to climb, while carbon emissions have exceeded previous records. To achieve environmental sustainability, countries with the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement (COP26) demonstrate sophisticated technical expertise and deploy environmentally driven technologies, such as greenfield investment and renewable energy infrastructure. This proposal presents an intriguing opportunity for policymakers to identify the distinct characteristics of institutional reforms and green energy sources that may be used to mitigate carbon emissions. Governance regulatory factors, foreign direct investment (FDI), renewable energy consumption (REC), research and development expenditures, urbanization, and carbon emissions are examined in Pakistan. The study estimated the short- and long-run association between the variables using the ARDL bounds testing method for 1996Q1 to 2020Q4. In the short run, in terms of carbon emissions and economic output, the country has an upturned cord environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). The race-to-the-bottom concept holds for countries with U-shaped EKCs in the long term. The negative correlation between overseas investment and environmental damage supports the environmental halo hypothesis. Investment in research and technology may reduce emissions, even though urbanization increases them. Future and present REC are often intertwined with carbon footprints. Carbon emissions are also strongly connected with indicators of institutional quality (IQ), such as procedural efficiency, administrative effectiveness, and political unrest. The research findings demonstrated unidirectional Granger causality running from urbanization, government effectiveness, economic growth, and R&D expenditures to carbon emissions to validate urban-led emissions, institutional-led emissions, growth-led emissions, and innovation-led emissions in a country. Furthermore, R&D expenditure Granger causality was linked to inbound FDI, while government effectiveness Granger causality was linked to REC and R&D expenditures. Following the COP26 guidelines for achieving shared prosperity, the study concluded that good governance reforms, R&D expenditures, greenfield investment, and REC promote environmental sustainability and maintain air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we will incorporate three very useful aspects of astrophysics, generalized polytropes, Karmarkar condition and complexity factor to study the compact objects. For this purpose a charged anisotropic fluid distribution is used under static spherical symmetry. We develop a framework for class I generalized charged Lane–Emden equations for non-isothermal and isothermal regimes. Generalized polytropic equation of state with its two cases, mass density and energy density along with complexity factor lead us to the systems of differential equations and these systems are solved numerically. Finally, solutions of these systems are discussed graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, complexity factor is used with generalized polytropic equation of state to develop two consistent systems of three differential equations and a general frame work is established for modify form of Lane-Emden equations. For this purpose anisotropic fluid distribution is considered in cylindrical static symmetry with two cases of generalized polytropic equation of state (i) mass density μ o and (ii) energy density μ . A graphical analysis will be carried out for the numerical solution of these systems of three differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: HIV diagnosis is the necessary first step towards HIV care initiation, yet many persons living with HIV (PLWH) remain undiagnosed. Employing multiple HIV testing strategies in tandem could increase HIV detection and promote linkage to care. We aimed to assess an intervention to improve HIV detection within socio‐sexual networks of PLWH in two sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an intervention combining acute HIV infection (AHI) screening, contract partner notification and social contact referral versus the Malawian standard of care: serial rapid serological HIV tests and passive partner referral. Enrolment occurred between 2015 and 2019. HIV‐seropositive persons (two positive rapid tests) were randomized to the trial arms and HIV‐seronegative (one negative rapid test) and ‐serodiscordant (one positive test followed by a negative confirmatory test) persons were screened for AHI with HIV RNA testing. Those found to have AHI were offered enrolment into the intervention arm. Our primary outcome of interest was the number of new HIV diagnoses made per index participant within participants' sexual and social networks. We also calculated total persons, sexual partners and PLWH (including those previously diagnosed) referred per index participant. Results: A total of 1230 HIV‐seropositive persons were randomized to the control arm, and 561 to the intervention arm. Another 12,713 HIV‐seronegative or ‐serodiscordant persons underwent AHI screening, resulting in 136 AHI cases, of whom 94 enrolled into the intervention arm. The intervention increased the number of new HIV diagnoses made per index participant versus the control (ratio: 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2 to 3.1). The intervention also increased the numbers of persons (ratio: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.0 to 3.2), sexual partners (ratio: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.0) and PLWH (ratio: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.2) referred per index participant. Conclusions: Combining three distinct HIV testing and referral strategies increased the detection of previously undiagnosed HIV infections within the socio‐sexual networks of PLWH seeking STI care. Combination HIV detection strategies that leverage AHI screening and socio‐sexual contact networks offer a novel and efficacious approach to increasing HIV status awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this manuscript is to study the generalized polytropes in the presence of charge with the help of complexity factor. For this purpose, spherical symmetry and generalized relativistic polytropic equation of state will be used in two cases: (i) for mass density (μ o) and (ii) for energy density (μ) , along with charge. These two cases will give two sets of differential equations, and they will be solved by mean of complexity factor. The solutions of these sets will be discussed graphically under different values of charge and parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syndromic management of genital ulcer disease (GUD) misses asymptomatic syphilis cases but is widely utilized in resource-limited settings without diagnostic capabilities to ensure treatment for the most common etiologies of GUD. We used rapid serology tests for syphilis screening at a Malawian sexually transmitted infections clinic. The estimated seroprevalence was 9% and was highest among patients with genital ulcers (26%) and newly diagnosed HIV infection (19%). Rapid syphilis screening has the potential to increase syphilis detection, but accurate patient histories regarding syphilis diagnosis and prior treatment are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Character being reacting in a decent (fairness, responsible) way to the circumstances, need to be taught to the students. Tins study was designed to explore whether the teachers at the secondary level provide character education or not. For this purpose, a stratified random sampling technique was used to select 1438 students from the population of grade 10 students of the Hazara Division. A questionnaire was developed and used for gathering data from the respondents, which was validated by tire experts. Cronbach's reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.712 which was got through a pilot study conducted on 100 students. Frequency and Charts were used for the description of the situation. Results indicate that according to Qur'an Jinn and humans are created by Allah to worship him but Satan is trying to turn them away from Allah. So adopt good character by taking care of your actions. Reconcile mutual differences and conflicts among each other as the believers are "but brothers". Be guard against oppression as Allah will forgive you. Results of the survey indicate that teachers train students to follow the teachings of Islam, resolve conflicts, and apologize in case of hurting each other. Character education is a part of their curriculum. It is recommended that the education department should show high concern and implement a check and balance system for the actual implementation oj character education at schools. Additionally, the physical, mental level, the socioeconomic and religious status of the students should be kept in mind during the provision of character education to students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A framework is developed for generalized polytropes with the help of complexity factor introduced by Herrera (Phy Rev D 97:044010, 2018), by using the spherical symmetry with anisotropic inner fluid distribution. For this purpose generalized polytropic equation of state will be used, having two cases (i) for mass density (μ o) , (ii) for energy density (μ) , each case leads to a system of differential equations. These systems of differential equations involve two equations with three unknowns and they will be made consistent by using the complexity factor. The analysis of the solutions of these systems will be carried out graphically by using different parametric values involved in the systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islam being a complete code of life encompasses all aspects of a person’s personal and social life. Islam considers those as Muslims who submit to the will of Allah Almighty in all aspects of life. Islam is not merely a matter of private life and its worship system is not restricted only to a set of rituals, but has pervasive social consequences and develops a strong sense of moral society based on system of rules around center of universal concept of justice. Therefore, Islam proposed institutions with relation to justice, governance, cooperation and solidarity for achieving high economic growth and development. Achievement of development and growth of economy is fast in a society or country if it has developed human capital (human resource). Human capital is developed when education is imparted and facilities of health and sound life are provided to human beings. According to Islamic principles, if human beings cannot afford proper education in the society (or other facilities such as health care) then those who are well off endow their properties in Zakat, Awqaf (plural of waqf) and Charities for their better development and nourishment. These properties when endowed as Awqaf are deployed for propagation of education (knowledge, skills, training etc.) by establishing Madrassas (schools, maktabs, colleges, universities etc.) libraries, translating books, and conducting research. In Islamic society there were many Awqaf founded for establishing Madrassas. This paper is dedicated to discuss the development of human capital through education funded by Islamic Awqaf by reviewing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been widely accepted to be a safe, accurate, prompt and inexpensive procedure for diagnosis of both neoplastic and infectious diseases in adult and pediatric populations. Despite its value for diagnosis, FNAC is underutilized in resource limited countries. We reviewed the utilization of FNAC after it was introduced at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). Methods: A retrospective review of all FNAC performed at KCH laboratory during the period of January 2012 to July 2014 was conducted using an electronic database from KCH laboratory. We evaluated factors associated with a diagnostic sample using multivariate logistic regression model. Results: 750 FNAC were reviewed from 722 patients: 56.9% were adults >15 years and 54% were female. The number of FNAC increased annually from 56 (2012) to 379 (2013) to 315 (up to July 2014). Of 750 FNAC, 56.4% were performed by non-pathologists. The most common sites were lymph nodes (38.1%), abdomen (25.8%), breast (16.3%), and head & neck (15.7%). Most of the samples (77.6%) were diagnostic. FNAC was more likely to be diagnostic if performed by pathologists versus non-pathologists (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.20–2.64), in 2013 compared to 2012 (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.05–3.56), or performed on a deep lesion versus a subcutaneous lesion (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15–2.5), or if samples were taken from the head and neck (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.39–4.39), and abdomen (OR 2.66, 95%CI1.59–4.42) compared to those from the lymph nodes. The odds of a diagnostic test did not differ significantly according to gender, HIV status, or age groups. Conclusion: Most FNACs successfully diagnosed the presence or absence of disease, with substantial improvements over time. However, training for non-pathologists may facilitate more diagnostic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) frequently manifests in the second and third decades of life. Malnutrition and corticosteroid therapy may affect bone mineralization and delay bone growth. Our aim was to study bone mineral density and factors associated low bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric CD. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study in children with CD (aged 5 to <18 years) was done. Demographic and treatment details were noted. Vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL were considered as deficiency. Bone mineral density was evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and Z score of <−2 SD was considered as low BMD. Data was analyzed descriptively. Results: In 30 cases with CD enrolled over 1 year, mean age of the patients was 13.8±3.0 years. Age of onset and diagnosis was 11.4±3.2 years and 13.4±2.8 years, respectively. 73.3% were in the underweight category. All cases received azathioprine whereas 86.7% were receiving corticosteroids. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 86.7% cases. A low BMD was evident in 70% children. Overall, low BMI ( p=0.005) and vitamin D deficiency ( p=0.005) were associated with low BMD. However, no association between severity grade of vitamin D deficiency and low BMD was found. Treatment with corticosteroid was associated with low BMD in 76.9% cases ( p=0.069). Conclusion: Low BMD was frequent in children with CD and was associated with low BMI and vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to find out the key determinants of the competitiveness of the textile industry of Pakistan and also the impact of these determinants on performance. Survey was designed to conduct the research in the sector by using finance, productivity, supply and demand-side determinants to measure enterprises' competitiveness. 183 Public Limited Textile companies listed at KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange) were taken as sample for the study. Exploratory factor analysis technique was applied to find out the key elements of each major dimension of competitiveness. Findings demonstrate that key elements of each dimension include two from finance, three from productivity, four from supply and two from demand side. This suggests that the improvement in these eleven areas can foster industry performance, and that more resources should be endowed to enhance the domestic business competitiveness of local enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the support of the World Health Organization's Evidence-Informed Policy Network, knowledge translation platforms have been developed throughout Africa, the Americas, Eastern Europe, and Asia to further evidence-informed national health policy. In this commentary, we discuss the approaches, activities and early lessons learned from the development of a Knowledge Translation Platform in Malawi (KTPMalawi). Through ongoing leadership, as well as financial and administrative support, the Malawi Ministry of Health has strongly signalled its intention to utilize a knowledge translation platform methodology to support evidence-informed national health policy. A unique partnership between Dignitas International, a medical and research non-governmental organization, and the Malawi Ministry of Health, has established KTPMalawi to engage national-level policymakers, researchers and implementers in a coordinated approach to the generation and utilization of health-sector research. Utilizing a methodology developed and tested by knowledge translation platforms across Africa, a stakeholder mapping exercise and initial capacity building workshops were undertaken and a multidisciplinary Steering Committee was formed. This Steering Committee prioritized the development of two initial Communities of Practice to (1) improve data utilization in the pharmaceutical supply chain and (2) improve the screening and treatment of hypertension within HIV-infected populations. Each Community of Practice's mandate is to gather and synthesize the best available global and local evidence and produce evidence briefs for policy that have been used as the primary input into structured deliberative dialogues. While a lack of sustained initial funding slowed its early development, KTPMalawi has greatly benefited from extensive technical support and mentorship by an existing network of global knowledge translation platforms. With the continued support of the Malawi Ministry of Health and the Evidence-Informed Policy Network, KTPMalawi can continue to build on its role in facilitating the use of evidence in the development and refinement of health policy in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is common and so are myths. Myths about diabetes in the society are a hurdle against the proper management of this easily manageable disease. The aim of this study was to find various myths about diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the private clinic of the author in 2009. 100 consecutive diabetic patients were included in this study. A self administered questionnaire was used to get information about demography and the myths about diabetes in a "Yes" and "No" format. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 10. Results: The most common myth in the diabetic population is "eating more sugar causes diabetes" (89%). It is closely followed by two myths about Insulin which are: "Insulin means it's the final stage of diabetes" (86%) and "Once you start taking pills or insulin, you can eat anything that you want" (85%). Myths were significantly more common in un-educated people, females and diabetes of less than 5 years duration. Conclusion: The prevalence of myths about diabetes is high in uneducated people, females and diabetes of less than 5 years duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the predictive value of thrombocytopenia in malaria. Patients and Methods. It was a prospective observational study on all febrile patients with thrombocytopenia presenting to the Medical Unit of Hayat Abad Medical Complex during November 2008 to November 2010. Results. Of the total of 228 patients with fever and thrombocytopenia, 121 patients (53%) proved to be suffering from malaria. Of them 82 patients (68%) had falciparum malaria while 39 patients (32%) had vivax infection. Of these 121 patients, platelet counts ranged between 25,000 and 150,000/dL with a mean value of 101,000/dL (SD ± 47, 500) and a median of 75,000/dL. Of the 107 patients who were not suffering from malaria, the counts ranged between 10,000 and 150,000/dL with a mean value of 58,000/dL (SD ± 54, 000) and median of 50,000/dL. Conclusions. The presence of thrombocytopenia may be a predictor of malaria in adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]