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European grassland management has often favoured high production through frequent mowing and heavy fertilisation over biodiversity conservation, which is typically supported by less intensive management. Besides management, climate change and extremes are increasingly affecting grassland productivity and biodiversity, requiring timely adaptation of management practices. Here, we describe the development of a prototype Digital Twin (pDT) of grassland biodiversity dynamics intended to support researchers, farmers or regulatory decision-makers in monitoring the current state of selected grassland sites and projecting their future state under various management and climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten biodiversity and human well-being. These threats may increase in the future, necessitating accurate projections of potential locations and the extent of invasions. The main aim of the IAS prototype Digital Twin (IAS pDT) is to dynamically project the level of plant invasion at habitat level across Europe under current and future climates using joint species distribution models. The pDT detects updates in data sources and versions of the datasets and model outputs, implementing the FAIR principles. The pDT's outputs will be available via an interactive dashboard. All input and output data will be freely accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2022 mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak affected predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM), likely through sexual transmission, which resulted in institutions specializing in sexual health being at the frontlines of the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health in Boston serves close to 10 000 MSM annually, which includes more than 2400 MSM who are living with HIV and 3320 MSM with active HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions. We report on the programs implemented and changes to clinical practice at Fenway Health during the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health diagnosed its first case of mpox in June 2022 and treated this patient with tecovirimat. In early July 2022, Fenway Health administered its first dose of the Jynneos vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization for protection against mpox. As of October 6, 2022, 69 people had tested positive for the mpox virus at Fenway Health. Among the 69 people who tested positive, 43 (62.3%) self-identified as male, with the remaining not reporting a sex or gender identity, and 40 (58.0%) reported their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual. Twenty-five people (36.2%) were treated with tecovirimat. As of October 30, 2022, Fenway Health had administered 6376 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The programmatic changes involved in rollout and scale-up of vaccination, treatment, and community outreach services at Fenway Health during the 2022 mpox outbreak that we describe here could inform strategies to address subsequent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to estimate the magnitude of capital flight from Pakistan. Furthermore, it analyzes the impact of capital flight on the economic growth of Pakistan in the short and long run. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses the World Bank's residual method to estimate the magnitude of capital flight from Pakistan during 1976–2018. This study used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to estimate the effect of capital flight on the economic growth of Pakistan. Findings: ARDL results revealed a negative and statistically significant relationship between different measures of capital flight and economic growth in the long run. However, this relationship is not statistically significant in the short run. After correction for external borrowing and trade misinvoicing, this study finds that the total capital flight from Pakistan during the study period amounted to US$333bn (in 2010 dollars). With accrued interest earnings, the stock of capital amounted to US$124,768bn, significantly higher than the accumulated stock of long-term debt, which amounted to US$1,231bn during the study period indicating that Pakistan faces a severe challenge of capital flight. Originality/value: This study calculates the magnitude of capital flight from Pakistan for the first time. Furthermore, this study also calculates the magnitude of capital flight for military and democratic regimes. This study suggests many policy proposals to deal with the challenge of capital flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a model based on constraint convex optimization is proposed for the radiation pattern synthesis in cylindrical and spherical microstrip conformal array antennas. The optimization algorithm is modeled to decrease the Euclidean distance between the obtained radiation pattern of the deformed array and the desired radiation pattern of the planar array by calculating the suitable amplitude and phase values for the individual array patches. Four prototypes of 2 × 2 , 3 × 3 , 4 × 4 , and 5 × 5 microstrip patch array antenna are used as the radiating elements which are deformed from planar arrangement and placed on the faces of prescribed spherical and cylindrical shapes with various radii of curvatures. The results reveal that the performance of optimization algorithm performs better in 5 × 5 array, followed by 4 × 4 array, 3 × 3 array, and 2 × 2 array. However, 5 × 5 array provides more degrees of freedom for tuning the radiation pattern in desired form. The 5 × 5 array computes suitable amplitude and phase values for the radiating elements of the array, which restore the radiation pattern in terms of mainlobe reconstruction, null locations, sidelobe levels, up to the deformation of 20   cm in both spherical and cylindrical configurations of conformal array. The proposed optimization technique when applied to conformal antenna array offers fast computational speed and good convergence accuracy for radiation pattern synthesis, which can be useful for various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A minimum of 170 million individuals worldwide are thought to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung illness marked by reversible airflow limitation and chronic inflammation of the airways. Recent research indicated that symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more prevalent in individuals with COPD. Objective: Objective of the present study was to find out the frequency of GERD in COPD patients. Methodology: The study was conducted at a Rehman medical institute in Pakistan from January 2022 to June 2022, using a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 160 COPD patients, who underwent a comprehensive clinical examination and history. All these patients were assessed for GERD through a frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (F.S.S.G questionnaire) instead of endoscopy and PH assessment. Spirometry was performed on each patient, and the findings were analyzed by a fellow specialist. The study also determined the frequency of GERD in COPD patients. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: The current cross-sectional study includes a total of 160 participants including both males and females selected through a purposive sampling technique. Among them, 63.75% were males and 36.24% were female participants. The overall prevalence of GERD among the participants was 45%. GERD was found in 31.94%, 40.27 % and 16. 66 % among moderate, severe, and very severe cases of COPD. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that GERD was found in 45% of individuals with COPD. This underscores the importance for healthcare providers to thoroughly assess COPD patients for GERD to prevent further complications and enhance their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, but PrEP use has been suboptimal. We describe a telementoring program for clinics in high-HIV burden areas, focusing on systems-level practice transformation and care for populations disproportionately affected by HIV. We developed and delivered a telementoring program for U.S. health centers. We analyzed participants' baseline and post-session surveys to ascertain experiences providing PrEP and caring for people disproportionately affected by HIV, comparing responses between medical and behavioral health clinicians. Forty-eight people from 16 health centers participated. Medical clinicians were more likely than behavioral health clinicians to care for people taking PrEP, but the groups did not differ in self-rated capacity to counsel about PrEP or care for populations disproportionately affected by HIV. Virtual training on practice transformation for PrEP, involving medical and behavioral health clinicians, is feasible and acceptable. PrEP training and delivery efforts should include behavioral health clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium implicated in acute and chronic nosocomial infections and a leading cause of patient mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are frequently associated with the development of biofilms, which give the bacteria additional drug resistance and increase their virulence. The goal of this study was to find strong compounds that block the Anthranilate-CoA ligase enzyme made by the pqsA gene. This would stop the P. aeruginosa quorum signaling system. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa by producing autoinducers for cell-to-cell communication that lead to the production of biofilms. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening was carried out utilizing a library of commercially accessible enzyme inhibitors. The most promising hits obtained during virtual screening were put through molecular docking with the help of MOE. The virtual screening yielded 7/160 and 10/249 hits (ZINC and Chembridge). Finally, 2/7 ZINC hits and 2/10 ChemBridge hits were selected as potent lead compounds employing diverse scaffolds due to their high pqsA enzyme binding affinity. The results of the pharmacophore-based virtual screening were subsequently verified using a molecular dynamic simulation-based study (MDS). Using MDS and post-MDS, the stability of the complexes was evaluated. The most promising lead compounds exhibited a high binding affinity towards protein-binding pocket and interacted with the catalytic dyad. At least one of the scaffolds selected will possibly prove useful for future research. However, further scientific confirmation in the form of preclinical and clinical research is required before implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the frequency of Depression in Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases with particular emphasis on gender and compliance to treatment. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Rheumatology at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 189 patients were assessed with their detailed history, examination, and lab data collected. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using DSM - 4 criteria. SPSS 26 was utilised for data analysis, and a p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 131 (69.3%) were female and 58 (31.7%) were male patients. Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis ranked the highest concerning the diagnosis with 128 cases (68.25%). Methotrexate was the most commonly used drug with 134 (70.9%) patients receiving it. A total of 169 (89.4%) patients had Depressive disorder, with females outnumbering males, a finding reaching statistical significance (p=0.04). Conclusion: Undiagnosed Depression is common in patients affected by Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases, especially among the female population. Routine screening for depressive symptoms with subsequent referral to the mental health service may serve detection of this comorbidity and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the frequency of Depression in Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases with particular emphasis on gender and compliance to treatment. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Rheumatology at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 189 patients were assessed with their detailed history, examination, and lab data collected. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using DSM - 4 criteria. SPSS 26 was utilised for data analysis, and a p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 131 (69.3%) were female and 58 (31.7%) were male patients. Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis ranked the highest concerning the diagnosis with 128 cases (68.25%). Methotrexate was the most commonly used drug with 134 (70.9%) patients receiving it. A total of 169 (89.4%) patients had Depressive disorder, with females outnumbering males, a finding reaching statistical significance (p=0.04). Conclusion: Undiagnosed Depression is common in patients affected by Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases, especially among the female population. Routine screening for depressive symptoms with subsequent referral to the mental health service may serve detection of this comorbidity and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afghanistan is home to the largest illicit drug industry in the world. The depth, influence, and impact of its narco-economy remain unparalleled. Illicit drug production has become a dominant feature of Afghanistan's landscape. The opium economy is pervasive and deeply entrenched. Afghanistan's opium economy has become the source of security rather than the state. Therefore, the degree of dependence on the opium economy has thus become unprecedented in the modern history of drug production. The dependence means any immediate attempt toward opium poppy prohibition/eradication will result in political and socioeconomic crises not only in Afghanistan but the transit states in the region as well. In context of narco-economy, this paper expostulate that the construction of security in traditional and nontraditional discourse are linear, i.e. detached from reality or suffers from moralistic constraint, and therefore, needs to be revisited in line with ground reality of Afghanistan and transit states at large. Deviating from conventional literature on drug-security nexus, the paper argues that a complete prohibition of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is by far a larger security concern than its retention. This research paper, therefore, takes a cursory examination of the security implications and challenges that may ensue as a result of a diminished production capacity of Afghanistan's opium economy either experienced through complete prohibition, eradication programs or through natural calamity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the ease of placement of arterial catheters using palpation versus ultrasound guidance under aseptic measures. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Aug 2022. Methodology: Patients of either gender, aged 18 to 90 years presenting to a paranesthesia clinic that required intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring were included in the study. After induction, under General Anaesthesia, arterial lines were placed following an aseptic technique using ultrasound or palpatory method; in Group-U (ultrasound) or Group-P (Palpation), respectively. Demographic variables of the patient along with hemodynamic readings and success rate at first or multiple attempts, along with the total time of cannulation, were recorded. Results: Out of the total 74 patients, 59(79.7%) patients belonged to ASA-1 Grade, and 15(20.3%) patients in ASA-2 Grade. The mean age of the patients was 48.3±16.3, while mean BMI was 25.42±2.8kg/m2. In Group-P, the first-pass success was achieved in 19(51.4%) patients as compared to 32(86.5%) in Group-U when ultrasound was used (p<0.05). Conclusion: The success rate in placing an arterial line using ultrasound was significantly greater than the conventional palpatory method. Therefore, ultrasound should be a preferred modality during intra-arterial line placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a modified convex optimization technique is used for radiation pattern correction in a cylindrical‐shaped conformal microstrip array antenna. The technique uses numerical simulations to optimize the amplitude and phase excitations, with the goal to decrease the Euclidean distance between the desired field pattern and the obtained (simulated/measured) field pattern while maintaining the main beam direction, null's location, and side lobe levels under control. Two prototypes of 1×4 and 2×4 conformal microstrip antenna array deformed from linear/planar structure to the prescribed cylindrical shape, with different radii of curvature, are studied to demonstrate the performance of the proposed technique. The proposed convex optimization model when applied to conformal antenna array possesses fast computing speed and high convergence accuracy for radiation pattern synthesis, which can be a valuable tool for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in the use of mathematical models for the simulation of hydrological processes has largely increased especially in the prediction of runoff. It is the subject of extreme research among engineers and hydrologists. This study attempts to develop a simple conceptual model that reflects the features of the arid environment where the availability of hydrological data is scarce. The model simulates an hourly streamflow hydrograph and the peak flow rate for any given storm. Hourly rainfall, potential evapotranspiration, and streamflow record are the significant input prerequisites for this model. The proposed model applied two (2) different hydrologic routing techniques: the time area curve method (wetted area of the catchment) and the Muskingum method (catchment main channel). The model was calibrated and analyzed based on the data collected from arid catchment in the center of Jordan. The model performance was evaluated via goodness of fit. The simulation of the proposed model fits both (a) observed and simulated streamflow and (b) observed and simulated peak flow rate. The model has the potential to be used for peak discharges' prediction during a storm period. The modeling approach described in this study has to be tested in additional catchments with appropriate data length in order to attain reliable model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare emergency surgeries under spinal anesthesia in COVID-19 pandemic with pre-COVID period in a tertiary care hospital of a developing country. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Main Operation Theatre, Frontier Corps Hospital Quetta, from Mar to May 2020. Methodology: All emergency surgeries done under Spinal Anesthesia, were compared to emergency cases done in the pre-COVID period. Anesthesia notes were reviewed. Emergency cases done under general anesthesia and personal protective equipment worn were also noted. Ages of the patients were from 18-75 years. Spinal anesthesia was performed by consultant anesthesiologist. Result: Among total cases, 260 emergency cases were performed in the main operation theatre during the 3 months of pre-COVID period as compared to only 89 cases in the 3 months duration of COVID-19. Spinal anesthesia was used in 154 (59.2%) cases in the pre-COVID study period, while in COVID-19 pandemic 77 (86.5%) emergency cases were performed under spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia has a significant role in the surgical management of patients in pre-COVID and especially in COVID pandemic. It provides high-quality perioperative care for patients whilst minimizing exposure to staff and utilization of scarce resources of personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the pre-emptive effect of intravenous paracetamol versus intravenous ketorolac in preventing postoperative shivering and pain after septoplasty in postoperative care unit. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Main Operation Theatre of Frontier Corps Hospital Quetta, from Sep to Dec 2019. Methodology: After ethical committee approval, 90 American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA-I patients, aged between 18-45 years, scheduled for septoplasty, were recruited and divided into three equal groups, Paracetamol (PA), Ketorolac (KE) and Placebo (PL) as per computer generated table. The paracetamol (PA) group (n=30) received 1gm intravenous paracetamol, ketorolac (KE) group (n=30) received 30mg intravenous ketorolac and group placebo (PL) received 100ml normal saline, 20 minutes before completion of surgery. Postoperative shivering and pain was assessed via four-point scale and visual analogue scale (VAS) respectively, in post-anesthesia care unit at 10 and 30 minutes post-extubation. Results: Mean visual analog scale (VAS) score in paracetamol group was 2.7 ± 1.41, ketorolac group was 2.3 ± 1.24 and in placebo group was 3.6 ± 1.44, with a p-value of 0.002. Mean four point shivering score in paracetamol group was 0.3 ± 0.55, ketorolac was 0.7 ± 0.78 and placebo group was 1.4 ± 1.00, with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusion: The effect of paracetamol is better than ketorolac in preventing pain and shivering after septoplasty under general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying levels of phosphorus on growth and yield parameters of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars at Agricultural Research Station, Swabi-Pakistan, during the year 2016-17. The plots were prepared according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement that were replicated three times. Phosphorus levels (0, 30. 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) were subjected to main plots and cultivars (Meteor, Samrina Zard, Leena Pak and Pea-2009) to sub plots. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of randomly selected plants in each treatment and replication. Results showed that phosphorus levels significantly affected all growth parameters. Maximum absolute growth rate (3.31cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (102.61), pods plant-1 (16.43), pod length (9.53 cm), root weight (4.67 g), nodules plant-1 (19.97), 100 seeds weight (40.66 g) and yield ha-1 (5.71 tons) were recorded in plants treated with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus. The results pertaining to cultivars revealed that maximum absolute growth rate (2.81 cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (100.87), 100 seeds weight (39.73 g), pods plant-1 (17.06), root weight (5.90 g), number of nodules plant-1 (18.66) and yield ha-1 (5.92 tons) were recorded in Leena Pak cultivar. The cultivar Leena Pak was found higher yielding as compared to other cultivars under this study. It can be concluded from the research findings that cultivar Leena Pak should be fertilized with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus for better performance in terms of growth and yield under the agro-climatic conditions of Swabi District-Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel technique based on Hybrid Spatial Distance Reduction Algorithm (HSDRA), to compensate the effects of deformity and mutual coupling occurred due to surface change in conformal arrays. This antenna surface deformation shifts the position of null points and loss of the main beam resulting in reduced antenna gain along with substantial undesirable effects on the antenna performance. The proposed algorithm, which cumulatively incorporates the Linearly Constraint Least Square Optimization (LCLSO) and Quadratically Constraint Least Square Optimization (QCLSO) techniques, is formulated to minimize/reduce the absolute distance between the actual (simulated/measured) radiation pattern and the desired radiation pattern while keeping the direction of mainbeam and nulls position under control. In particular, a 4x4 conformal microstrip phased array from planar surface is deformed to prescribe spherical-shape surface with various radii of curvature, is validated. For the enhancement of Gain of the conformal array antenna, Gain Maximization Algorithm is also proposed, the simulated results of which is compared to the traditional Phase compensation technique and unconstraint least squares optimization. The analytical results for both planar and spherical deformed configurations are first evaluated in MATLAB and then validated through Computer Simulation Technology (CST). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevailing practices regarding personal protective equipment in operation theaters. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from May to Jun 2020. Methodology: After the approval of the approval of the hospital ethical committee, 300 online forms were send. A total of 227 respondents returned the 22 questions survey forms. Data was collected and analyzed using online site www.surveyplanet.com. Results: A total of 203 forms were included in our final analysis. Most 128 (63.1%) were males with 90 (44.3%) common aged between 31-40 years and 168 (82.8%) working in tertiary care hospitals. One hundred and fifty eight (77.8%) were routinely managing known Covid cases per-operatively. One hundred and seventy four (85.7%) reported that personal protective equipment was being provided by the hospital administration; 55 (27.1%) have bought part of full protective equipment at their own expense; 72 (35.5%) re-using protective equipment; 167 (82.3%) being provided with N-95 masks and 120 (59.1%) re-using N-95 masks. One hundred and twenty one (59.6%) wearing level III protective gear during all surgeries, 192 (94.6%) respondents reported maintaining hand hygiene after each patient. Only 65 (32%) taking shower at the hospital at the end of their shift. Conclusion: Most of the operation theaters were providing protective equipment to their staff with nearly half reusing protective gear and N-95 masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonata is one of the most important and potential predatory order and is an excellent indicator of ecosystem health. Current study was conducted in order to explore the dragonflies fauna in District Swabi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A comprehensive field survey was conducted to collect dragonfly adults using aerial nets. 19 sites of District Swabi were surveyed during summer seasons of 2015 and 2016. The study revealed 23 species from 15 genera under 3 families. The abundant family was recorded as Libellulidae that was comprised of 19 species belonging to 11 genera, family Gomphidae included 3 species belonging to 3 genera and family Aeshnidae included one species belonged to one genus. Detailed description of each species, valid scientific names, their habitat, ecological observation, collection date and distributional range for all recorded species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the ease of intubation using glide scope video laryngoscope versus direct laryngoscopy for nasotracheal intubation. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, Aug 2022 to Feb 2023. Methodology: Patients of either gender with age greater than 18 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I or Grade II planned for elective dental or maxillofacial procedures requiring nasotracheal intubation were included. A total of 60 patients were included, with 30 patients in each group. Recorded variables were time to intubate, glottic grade, use of Magill forceps, first attempt success, failure to intubate and postoperative sore throat. Results: With 60 patients after randomised allocation, 30 were allocated to Group-DL (Direct laryngoscopy) and Group-VL(Video laryngoscopy). The success rate in the first attempt was 27(90%) in Group-DL vs 30 (100%) in Group-VL, and the number of patients who could not be intubated was 1(3.3%) vs 0(0%) in both groups. The glottic grade recorded by the operator under vision, time to intubation, use of Magill forceps and post-operative sore throat in both groups was significant with a p-value of <0.05. Conclusion: Glide scope video laryngoscopy provides a better view of the vocal cords with less time to intubation, greater chances of successful intubation, and fewer post-operative chances of sore throat than direct laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]