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ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused several impacts. Focusing on 360 participants (178 males, 182 females), this study explored the association between COVID-19 related distress, risk perception, stigma, and vaccine hesitancy and acceptance in the general population. Measures used included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and COVID Stress Scale (CSS) to evaluate anxiety, depression, and COVID-19 related distress, the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale and COVID-19 Stigma Discrimination Scale to assess risk perception and stigma, and the Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and Vaccine Acceptance Instrument to measure vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. The findings revealed that 66.9% of participants exhibited vaccine hesitancy, and stress and risk perception were significant predictors of both vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, even after controlling for demographic factors. This study highlights the importance of understanding the factors mentioned above that will contribute to vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, which will contribute to promoting vaccine acceptance.

This study aims to evaluate the plant species potential to accumulate, concentrate and translocate the heavy metals around the coal mining contaminated site with heavy metals at Harnoi, Abbottabad. The phytosociological surveys involve the systematic study of plant communities within the particular area to show their composition, structure and distribution showed that the contaminated coal mining-associated area was poor in vegetation. Among these, 11 plant species with higher important values (IV) are collected with associated soil and analyzed for the total concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) using Atomic Spectrophotometer. The phytoremediation indices (BAF, BCF, TF and TI) were used to evaluate the multi-metals hyperaccumulator and stabilizer plant species. Dodonaea viscosa was evaluated as multi-metals (Cd, Cu and Ni) stabilizer. While the Ajuga bracteosa and Sonchus espera , Sisybrium officinale and Platango ovata stabilize Cd and Cr respectively. The other plant species that can stabilize as single heavy metal are Ajuga bracteosa and Sonchus espera (Cd), Sisybrium officinale and Platango ovata (Cr) and Amaranthus spinosus (Ni) respectively. While the multi-metals accumulator plant species are Bidens pilosa (Cu, Pb and Ni), Chenopodium ambrosioides (Cd, Cu and Ni), Amaranthus spinosus (Cd, Cu and Cr), Ajuga bracteosa (Pb and Ni) and Rumex hastatus (Cd and Ni). However, the single heavy metal accumulator plant species are Sonchus espera (Pb), Conyzea Canadensis (Ni), Platango ovata and Malvastrum coromandelianum (Cu) respectively. These plants could find valuable applications in practical phytoremediation for the remediation near mining tailings at Abbottabad. Moreover, the use of local plants is a promising approach not only for in situ accumulation and stabilization of heavy metals but also for tolerance and environmental adaptations in the contaminated area.

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, stress and anxiety were pervasive among the masses due to high morbidity and mortality. Besides the fear of coronavirus was also particularly driven by social media. Many people started to look for faith and spiritual connections to gain comfort. The role of spiritual ties and religious beliefs in relation to coping with pandemic stress has acquired the attention of researchers in some parts of the world. This cross-sectional survey aimed at assessing the intensity of stress and anxiety symptoms experienced by people and how much they were alleviated by employing spiritual connections. The study sample comprises 795 respondents with 52% males and 48% females living in Saudi Arabia. The brief online study questionnaire collected data about background variables, anxiety and stress scale from DASS-21, and items from the WHOQOL (SRBP) instrument assessed the use of spiritual beliefs to cope. Multiple regression models were tested to determine the role of spiritual connections after adjusting demographic variables. Results illustrated that after adjusting for gender and age, participants’ anxiety symptoms decreased by (β = −0.27; p = 0.000) units with each unit increase in the use of spiritual connections, and participants’ stress symptoms reduce by (β = −0.36; p = 0.000) units with each unit increase in coping with spirituality. Additionally, females’ risk to experience anxiety and stress symptoms was more than males [(β = 0.88; p = 0.01) and (β = 0.92; p = 0.000)], respectively. An increase in age decreases the likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms and stress symptoms by (β = −0.75; p = 0.02) and (β = −0.11; p = 0.000) units, respectively. Findings support the protective role of spiritual connections despite small beta coefficients. The social and cultural context in Saudi Arabia favors deep-rooted connections with spirituality and faith. Our findings support the fact that the reliance on spiritual connections helped older people to deal with exaggerated fear during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduces the risk of experiencing anxiety and stress symptoms. Females and younger participants were relatively vulnerable to developing these symptoms. We discussed these findings considering some recent studies that reported similar relationships and made recommendations for future research.

The aim of present work was to evaluate the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on rice’s growth (Oryza sativa L.) and nutrient availability under different soil textures. Greenhouse experiment was carried out with three soil textures (sandy loam, silt loam and silty clay loam) and two concentrations of TiO2 NPs (500, 750 mg kg−1). Control (without TiO2 NPs) was also maintained for the comparison. Growth parameters including chlorophyll content, root/shoot length, fresh/dry biomass and nutrients’ uptake including calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) were determined. The results revealed that application of 500 mg kg−1 TiO2 NPs in silty clay loam soil increased the chlorophyll content (3.3-folds), root length (49%), shoot length (31%), root and shoot biomass (41% & 39%, respectively) as compared to other soil textures. The maximum plant growth was observed in silty clay loam > silt loam > sandy loam. Concentration of Cu, Fe, P and Zn in shoot was increased by 8 − , 2.3 − , 0.4 − , 0.05 −folds in silty clay loam upon 500 mg kg−1 TiO2 NPs application as compared to the control. Backward selection method to model the parameters (nutrients in soil) for the response variables (root/shoot length and biomass) showed that Ca, Fe, P are the main nutrients responsible for the increase in plant length and biomass. Overall, the growth of rice was better in silty clay loam at 500 mg kg−1 of TiO2 NPs.

The present study focused on investigating the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and changes in soil health in two contrasting soil textures (silt-loam and clay). Moreover, response of rice to different methods of TiO2NPs application and phosphorous fertilizer levels were also evaluated. For toxicity assessment, pot experiment was carried out. TiO2NPs (0, 500, 750 mg kg−1) were applied and plants were grown till vegetative stage. After harvesting, physiological parameters, stress assay, soil microbial and enzymatic activities were determined. Based on the results of toxicity study, impact of three methods of TiO2NPs application (foliar, irrigation, soil) and four phosphorous fertilizer levels (0, 10, 20, 40 mg kg−1) on rice growth were assessed. During the 1st phase, results showed an adverse effect of TiO2NPs on plant growth and soil microorganisms in both soil textures at 750 mg kg−1. The H2O2 production, lipid peroxidation and leaf membrane injury index were increased by 4.3–, 2.4–, and 1.9–folds in clay soil upon 750 mg kg−1 TiO2NPs application. Likewise, at the same level of TiO2NPs; microbial biomass, dehydrogenase, and respiration were decreased by 0.91–, 0.79–, and 0.78– folds respectively. In 2nd phase, maximum shoot length, biomass, phosphorous uptake and rice grain protein content were observed under application of TiO2NPs (500 mg kg−1) through irrigation method in combination with 40 mg P kg−1. However, 20 and 40 mg P kg−1 performed equally well upon TiO2NPs application and the results were not statistically significant. The results suggest that 750 mg kg−1 of TiO2NPs negatively affect plant growth and soil enzymatic activities. Moreover, combined application of TiO2NPs (500 mg kg−1) through irrigation and 20 mg P kg−1 is recommended to be the optimum for growth of rice plant.

Virus-mediated transient gene overexpression and gene expression silencing can be used to screen gene functions in plants. Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is a positive strand RNA virus in the Potyviridae family that has been modified to be used as vector to infect monocots, including maize (Zea mays), for transient gene overexpression and gene expression silencing. Relative to stable transformation, SCMV-mediated transient expression in maize has the advantages of being faster and less expensive. Here, we describe a protocol for cloning constructs into the plasmid vector pSCMV-CS3. After maize seedlings are transformed with pSCMV-CS3 constructs by particle bombardment, the virus replicates and spreads systemically in the plants. Subsequent infections of maize seedlings can be accomplished by rub inoculation with sap from SCMV-infested plants. As an example of a practical application of the method, we also describe virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) gene expression. Transgenic viruses are created by cloning a segment of the fall armyworm target gene into pSCMV-CS3 prior to maize transformation. Caterpillars are fed on the virus-infected maize plants, which make dsRNA to silence the expression of the fall armyworm target gene after ingestion. This use of SCMV for plant-mediated VIGS in insects allows rapid screening of gene functions when caterpillars are feeding on their host plants. Graphical overview

The objective of study was to develop a training model for in-service English language teachers at secondary level. For this purpose total 223 including 144 boys' and 79 girls' high schools were selected out of 2063 schools from 05 divisions of Punjab province by using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The strata were developed on the basis of gender. The two main strata were Govt. Girls' High Schools and Govt. Boys' High Schools. A structured interview was also conducted to obtain information from headmistresses and headmasters. The responses of interview were analyzed percentage wise. Data were analyzed by mean performance wise, percentage and chisquare test was also computed. It was concluded from the study that teachers were in favor of the training. Majority of the teachers were of the opinion that they never attended training for teaching English so a training program may be arranged to improve their methods of teaching as required in the subject area. They were also of the opinion that the training must be incentive-based. The areas for training were also mentioned by the respondent teachers. By keeping in view the recommendations and suggestions of teachers, a training model for English language teachers was designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries like Pakistan, women are treating as inferior being as compared to men. They are given no more importance throughout all walks of life. No doubt books play an important role in developing images. It is observed that in Pakistani books the female images are not positively portrayed. If the present situation continues it will create negative effects on the new generation. So by keeping in view the above discussed points, the present study was designed. This article is based on a study conducted in continuation of a study carried out by Shah and Khurshid (2004). The study of Shah and Khurshid dealt with the females' representation in textbooks of Urdu and English at Middle level while the purpose of the present study was to analyze Urdu and English books at Secondary level including class 9th and 10th. The content analysis was used as the method for the study to reach on some conclusion. For this purpose two books of Urdu and two books of English were used. Poems were excluded from the study. For each book, each page was taken as a unit and counted only once. The percentages were calculated for statistical analysis. The study suggested that the female images have been under-represented or discriminatory represented and at some places it was observed that the females were involved in the religious activities, as a working women and women as a writer in both the textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims at analyzing the effects of medium of instruction on students' achievement in the subject of English at secondary level. The participants of the study were 310 students of grade X. Sample was randomly selected from 12 boys and girls schools. A multiple choice-item test in subject of English was used as research instrument. It was found that in most cases the performance of the English medium school students was better than that of the Urdu medium students. On the whole, in some cases, by keeping in view the difference of means, the study showed almost the similar performance of both groups but apparently, the students of English medium school students were better in the subject of English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to know the effect of social and educational conditions on the achievement of position holders at higher secondary level in Punjab. For this purpose first five position holders were selected from each pre-medical and pre-engineering group by consulting the results from the Gazettes of all Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education of Punjab. By using simple random sampling technique, a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) position holders was selected. For this purpose a questionnaire, having twenty-seven (27) restricted response items with three options and one (1) open-ended question was developed to collect data. The researcher administered the questionnaire personally. To reach certain conclusion, Percentage and frequency was calculated to analyze effect of social and educational conditions on the achievement of position holders at higher secondary level. Data were analyzed statement-wise, Frequency and percentage were calculated. Open-ended question was analyzed by counting the frequency. On the whole, it was found from that that the respondents, showed better performance in the examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human interferon α2 (IFNα2) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) are therapeutic proteins used for the treatment of viral infections and different types of cancer. Both IFNα2 and Tα1 show a synergic effect in their activities when used in combination. Furthermore, the therapeutic fusion proteins produced through the genetic fusion of two genes can exhibit several therapeutic functions in one molecule. In this study, we determined the anticancer and antiviral effect of human interferon α2–thymosin α1 fusion protein (IFNα2–Tα1) produced in our laboratory for the first time. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of IFNα2–Tα1 was evaluated in HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The in vitro assays confirmed that IFNα2–Tα1 inhibited the growth of cells more effectively than IFNα2 alone and showed an elevated genotoxic effect. The expression of proapoptotic genes was also significantly enhanced in IFNα2–Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Furthermore, the HCV RNA level was significantly reduced in IFNα2–Tα1-treated HCV-infected Huh7 cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of various genes, the products of which inhibit HCV replication, was significantly enhanced in IFNα2–Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate that IFNα2–Tα1 is more effective than single IFNα2 as an anticancer and antiviral agent.

This study was aimed to explore the level of psychological distress and posttraumatic stress among female burn survivors in Pakistan. It was also intended to study the kind of social support available to these burn survivors in a society where women right violation is common. The sample consisted of 35 female burn victims selected from two hospitals. General Health Questionnaire, posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist-Specific, and Social Support Scale were used to measure study variables in addition to a short open-ended questionnaire to identify coping strategies of these burn survivors. Consistent with the hypothesis, results found a high level of psychological reaction among female burn survivors. About one-quarter of the sample (23%) presented severe symptoms of psychological distress whereas 20% of the sample reported to experience severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. There was a significant inverse relationship between psychological reactions and social support as hypothesized. Majority of female burn victims found to use emotion-focused coping (EFC) mainly including prayers, emotional discourse, and using drugs. The findings of the study would be helpful to plastic surgeons, dermatologists, psychologists, and social workers to understand the patient's psychological reactions, their copying styles, and the role of social support in the rehabilitation program for these survivors.