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Background: Pakistan being a low‐ and middle‐income country, its institutes are substantially deficient in scientific and technological aspects and share limited research contributions to the world repositories. Therefore, there is a rising concern to reflect on the history and status of publishing attitudes among medical students in Pakistan and to highlight and address the barriers that they are facing. Methods: A study was conducted aiming to determine the experience, motivation, and attitude of medical students in regarding publishing practices throughout Pakistan in several medical colleges. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to find the independent predictors of students publishing a research article. Forward selection was used to arrive at the final stepwise logistic regression. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. p < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests. Results: From a sample size of 1225 participants, only 6.6% of students had published an article in our study. Of these, 59% were males and 31.3% were in final year. Males were more likely to publish articles than females (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.37–5.26) and final‐year students were more likely to publish articles than first‐year students (OR = 7.48, 95% CI: 1.34–41.81). Students that had the knowledge that performing research is the way through which they will be judged for jobs had significantly higher odds of getting an article published (OR = 16.21, 95% CI: 3.65–71.88). Additionally, students who had been taught how to write a paper and those who knew the process of submitting an article were more likely to get published than the others. Conclusion: Our study has successfully highlighted the status of publishing among medical students in Pakistan. Our findings serve as an eye opener and call to action for authorities to address the grievances of students in terms of barriers, lack of mentorship, and lack of research teaching. We hope our findings can guide a strong policy change to facilitate the next generation of passionate researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do modern states allow parts of their territory to be governed by non‐state actors? We study this question using the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) in Pakistan, a British Colonial law abrogated only in 2018, which left governance to pre‐colonial tribal councils in large parts of modern day Pakistan. In areas where the FCR did not apply, the British and then Pakistani state built modern political and bureaucratic institutions. Using primary legal documents, we build a dataset of when and where the FCR applied between 1901 and 2012. The territorial extent of the formal state is both cleanly demarcated by this law and varies substantially over time, permitting an empirical examination of the determinants of state control. The data reveal that the Green Revolution's potential to transform agriculture played a major role in extending the formal state. The law was repealed first from areas where agricultural productivity benefited the most from the Green Revolution. This is consistent with a model in which technological changes that shift the returns to control influence where states choose to govern. This paper is part of the Economica 100 Series. Economica, the LSE "house journal" is now 100 years old. To commemorate this achievement, we are publishing 100 papers by former students, as well as current and former faculty. Michael Callen is an Associate Professor at the LSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peer effect may amplify adverse selection in social networks, hampering the sustainable operation of microinsurance. This paper uses data from a micro health insurance program in Pakistan to test for the peer effect in renewal decisions and the role it plays in amplifying adverse selection within social networks. The paper finds evidence supporting that insurance renewal decisions are similar among peers in the same network, and the peer effect is stronger among households of the same risk type than households of different risk types, indicating that the heterogeneous peer effect acts as an amplifier for adverse selection. The paper provides policy implications for effective ways to mitigate the peer effect and adverse selection, based on the results of heterogeneity analyses. The policy recommendation is to enforce a minimum group enrollment rate requirement of at least 60% for large groups to mitigate the peer effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migrant and ethnic inequalities in maternal and perinatal mortality persist across high‐income countries. Addressing social adversity and inequities across the childbirth trajectory cannot be left to chance and the good intentions of practitioners. Robust, evidence‐based tools designed to address inequity by enhancing both the quality of provision and the experience of care are needed. Methods: An inductive modelling approach was used to develop a new evidence‐based conceptual model of woman–midwife relationships, drawing on data from an ethnographic study of relationships between migrant Pakistani women and midwives, conducted between 2013 and 2016 in South Wales, UK. Key analytic themes from early data were translated into social–ecological concepts, and a model was developed to represent how these key themes interacted to influence the woman–midwife relationship. Results: Three key concepts influencing the woman–midwife relationship were developed from the three major themes of the underpinning research: (1) Healthcare System; (2) Culture and Religion; and (3) Family Relationships. Two additional weaving concepts appeared to act as a link between these three key concepts: (1) Authoritative Knowledge and (2) Communication of Information. Social and political factors were also considered as contextual factors within the model. A visual representation of this model was developed and presented. Conclusions: The model presented in this paper, along with future work to further test and refine it in other contexts, has the potential to impact on inequalities by facilitating future discussion on cultural issues, encouraging collaborative learning and knowledge production and providing a framework for future global midwifery practice, education and research. Patient or Public Contribution: At the outset of the underpinning research, a project involvement group was created to contribute to study design and conduct. This group consisted of the three authors, an Advocacy Officer at Race Equality First and an NHS Consultant Midwife. This group met regularly throughout the research process, and members were involved in discussions regarding ethical/cultural/social issues, recruitment methods, the creation of participant information materials, interpretation of data and the dissemination strategy. Ideas for the underpinning research were also discussed with members of the Pakistani community during community events and at meetings with staff from minority ethnic and migrant support charities (BAWSO, Race Equality First, The Mentor Ring). Local midwives contributed to study design through conversations during informal observations of antenatal appointments for asylum seekers and refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural electrification is a crucial component of meeting sustainable development goals. In Pakistan, load shedding and power outages are frequent. According to the current data, Pakistan is experiencing a shortfall of power between 6000 and 6500 MW. Microgrid technology has the potential to provide a solution to this problem in an efficient and low‐cost manner. This paper proposes the development of a hybrid microgrid system (HMGS) for rural communities. For that purpose, a technological analysis of the HMGS system for rural electrification is performed. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind resource‐based renewable energy systems are considered in this work for the electrification of rural areas of Pakistan. A hybrid PV/wind system is designed using MATLAB software. Simulation results show that a 230‐V sinusoidal output voltage has been produced by the proposed model. The advantage of this model is that it minimizes the impact of transients and provides a sinusoidal output waveform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting fuel blends' lower heating values (LHV) is crucial for optimizing a power plant. In this paper, we employ multiple artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning‐based models for predicting the LHV of various fuel blends. Coal of two different ranks and two types of biomass is used in this study. One was the South African imported bituminous coal, and the other was lignite thar coal extracted from the Thar Coal Block‐2 mine by Sind Engro Coal Mining Company, Pakistan. Two types of biomass, that is, sugarcane bagasse and rice husk, were obtained locally from a sugar mill and rice mill located in the vicinity of Sahiwal, Punjab. Bituminous coal mixture with other coal types and both types of biomass are used with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% weight fractions, respectively. The calculation and model development procedure resulted in 91 different AI‐based models. The best is the Ridge Regressor, a high‐level end‐to‐end approach for fitting the model. The model can predict the LHV of the bituminous coal with lignite and biomass under a vast share of fuel blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: This research paper discusses Pakistan's healthcare systems' challenges in managing the monkeypox outbreak in Pakistan. Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The World Health Organization declared it a global public health emergency due to the surge in cases worldwide. Pakistan reported its first verified case in April 2023, necessitating immediate response. Body: This correspondence emphasizes on early detection, rapid diagnostic testing, and prompt treatment to limit the virus's transmission. Prevention strategies such as vaccination and travel restrictions on suspected cases are crucial for containment. Lessons from controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic can inform strategies for monkeypox. Conclusion: The recent outbreak of monkeypox has presented challenges to healthcare systems. Therefore, a coordinated approach involving healthcare providers, government organizations, and the public is crucial in controlling the monkeypox outbreak. Further research is necessary to understand the virus and develop effective interventions for future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing whether poverty rates converge within a country matters for regional development policy and for understanding growth processes. In this paper, we use five poverty measures, calculated biennially from 2004 to 2014 for 100 districts in Pakistan, to test for poverty convergence. Spatial autoregressive models are used to capture spatial spillovers. Conventional money‐metric poverty measures, such as the headcount index and poverty gap index, show unconditional convergence, and the convergence is more apparent if indirect impacts from spillovers are accounted for. In contrast, two multidimensional poverty indices show no convergence and no indirect impacts from spatial spillovers. Catch‐up growth in initially poorer areas is apparent with the money‐metric poverty measures traditionally used in Pakistan but not with the types of multidimensional poverty measures used officially since 2015. This difference in apparent poverty convergence could affect regional development policy choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: British South Asians have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than the wider population. Bradford (UK), with its high Pakistani presence and levels of economic deprivation, has exceptionally high instances, especially in deprived areas where many Pakistanis reside. British Pakistani women in Bradford are more likely to be overweight and obese. There is uncertainty on how these women can be aided to manage their weight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the obesity concerns of Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas of Bradford. Methods: Three focus groups interviews were carried out with 23 Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford. Data were analysed thematically. Results: This exploratory study identified a wide range of concerns that women had around managing their weight. Participants disclosed distrust in information given around medication, conflicting dietary information and reported low levels of trust in women‐only organized physical activities. Cultural barriers were identified, which included the gender role of the woman, the lack of culturally appropriate dietary advice, cultural misunderstandings of what constitutes a healthy diet and healthy weight, the lack of culturally suitable exercise facilities and conforming to family and community expectations. Other concerns were language barriers around a lack of understanding, the inability to read Urdu and reliance on others to translate information. Conclusion: These findings have implications for researchers, local authorities, policy makers and others with an interest in reducing the rates of obesity in this population. Recommendations include training health practitioners to be culturally aware of the diet and eating practices of this community, exploring different ways to support socially isolated women to be more physically active at home, addressing physical activity and diet misconceptions and designing obesity management information materials appropriate for a range of literacy levels. Patient or Public Contribution: Public contributors were involved in the development of the interview guide and design of the research. A pilot focus group with participants not included in the present paper was used to help test and refine the focus group questions. Interview transcripts were member checked by participants, and participants assisted with data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of terrorism financing and recruitment on attacks. I exploit a Sharia‐compliant institution in Pakistan, which induces unintended and quasi‐experimental variation in the funding of terrorist groups through their religious affiliation. The results indicate that higher terrorism financing, in a given location and period, generate more attacks in the same location and period. Financing exhibits a complementarity in producing attacks with terrorist recruitment, measured through data from Jihadist‐friendly online fora and machine learning. A higher supply of terror is responsible for the increase in attacks and is identified by studying groups with different affiliations operating in multiple cities. These findings are consistent with terrorist organizations facing financial frictions to their internal capital market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovations are being deployed in manufacturing industries to promote organisational sustainability by embracing sustainable development practices (SDPs). However, little is known about how corporate green innovation (CGI) is influenced by the knowledge management process (KMP). To fill this gap, we have developed a multidimensional framework based on the resource‐based view (RBV) theory that provides a foundation for sculpturing the process by which KMP was observed to capture and sustain CGI through SDPs. Data were collected from 393 respondents of large‐ and medium‐sized manufacturing corporations in Pakistan and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). This study provides several key findings. First, KMP dimensions (acquisition, dissemination and application) significantly improve the SDPs' dimensions (environment, economic and social). Second, SDP dimensions play a significant role in achieving CGI. Third, the implementation of SDPs partially mediates the relationship between the KMP and CGI. Furthermore, the fsQCA results signify the robustness of all integrated constructs. Our results demonstrate that investing in and adopting the latest technologies and sustainable practices are not only valuable for long‐term success but the soft concerns such as managing organisational knowledge are also vital in the current knowledge‐based economy. Finally, in light of our findings, theoretical and managerial implications, with propositions for future studies, have been provided at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat contributes one‐fifth of the global food supply with an estimated 29% of global production in low and lower‐middle income countries. As production expands across southern Asia, yields are often negatively impacted by outbreaks of fungal rust diseases. A wheat rust early warning and advisory system comprising surveillance, near real‐time disease risk forecasts and advisory dissemination has been established in two target countries in South Asia, including Nepal and Bangladesh. However, as wheat rust spores can be aerially transmitted over long distances, near real‐time estimates of disease incidence are required from sources of infection in neighbouring regions. To address this challenge, we developed and tested a novel algorithm to generate proxy observations of infection sources using online media reports in two neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan. Media sampling could provide an effective alternative where data from ground surveys are not readily available in near real‐time. Our results show that west Nepal was exposed to a substantial inoculum pressure from aerially dispersed stripe rust spores originating from India and Pakistan. There were no outbreaks of stripe rust disease in Bangladesh with only very low levels of cross‐border dispersion and generally unfavourable environmental conditions for infection. We further describe how proxy observations informed farmer decision‐making in near real‐time in Nepal and filled a knowledge gap in identifying early sources of infection for a major outbreak of stripe rust during 2020 in Nepal. Our results highlight the importance of international cooperation in mitigating transboundary plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, accurate detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is critical for diagnosis management and breaking down transmission chains. We designed a national external quality assessment panel (EQAP) for SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular detection comprising working laboratories nationwide. Methods: A molecular diagnostic EQA panel that consists of five samples for SARS CoV‐2 testing was distributed to 141 public and private sector laboratories across country. These samples contain different concentrations of SARS‐CoV‐2 to evaluate the sensitivity of commercial kits available. Results: Sensitivity among public and private sector laboratories was variable, particularly lower SARS‐CoV‐2 concentrations significantly increased the risk of false‐negative tests, whereas Ct values of accurately tested SARS‐CoV‐2 specimens increased as concentration decreased. These findings highlighted that performance of used commercial kits was not significantly correlated to various extraction or PCR methods. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for a national external quality assessment panel (EQAP) in the country to improve the quality of the healthcare system while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. Furthermore, EQAPs can help laboratories meet accreditation and regulatory requirements. However, continued participation in EQAP is recommended for quality enhancement of laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous supply of electricity is necessary to maintain an acceptable standard of life, and the power distribution system's overhead line components play a crucial role in this matter. In Pakistan, identifying defective parts often necessitates human involvement. An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to gather a collection of 10,343 photos to automate this procedure. Using supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, a number of automated anomaly detection systems were created. Support vector machine, random forest, VGG16, and ResNet50 were used as supervised machine learning models, and a convolutional auto‐encoder was used as the unsupervised machine learning model. VGG16 achieved the best accuracy of 99.00% while random forest achieved the worst accuracy of 72.49%. The convolutional auto‐encoder was successful in distinguishing between normal and abnormal components. The aforementioned machine learning models can be put on unmanned aerial vehicles to immediately identify defective parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is challenging. Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry has been used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by detection of MPT64 antigen from various extrapulmonary specimens and has shown good diagnostic performance in our previous studies. The test can distinguish between disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria and can be applied on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. As the antibodies previously used were in limited supply, a new batch of polyclonal antibodies was developed for scale‐up and evaluated for the first time in this study. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the MPT64 test with reproduced antibodies in the high burden settings of Pakistan and India. Patients were enrolled prospectively. Samples from suspected sites of infection were collected and subjected to histopathologic and/or cytologic evaluation, routine TB diagnostics, GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), and the MPT64 antigen detection test. Patients were followed until the end of treatment. Based on a composite reference standard (CRS), 556 patients were categorized as TB cases and 175 as non‐TB cases. The MPT64 test performed well on biopsies with a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 75%, respectively, against a CRS. For cytology samples, the sensitivity was low (36%), whereas the specificity was 81%. Overall, the MPT64 test showed higher sensitivity (73%) than Xpert (38%) and Mtb culture (33%). The test performed equally well in adults and children. We found an additive diagnostic value of the MPT64 test in conjunction with histology and molecular tests, increasing the yield for EPTB. In conclusion, immunochemical staining with MPT64 antibodies improves the diagnosis of EPTB in high burden settings and could be a valuable addition to routine diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources have gained widespread attention due to their abundance and cost‐effectiveness. In particular, healthcare systems and hospitals are increasingly seeking clean and renewable energy solutions to reduce energy costs, price volatility, and protect community health. However, proper load estimation and techno‐economic analysis are crucial to ensure the optimal performance and reliable power supply of renewable energy systems. This study focuses on conducting a case study on load estimation and techno‐economic analysis for a hospital located in a remote area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Through this analysis, the study aims to determine the feasibility of implementing a renewable energy system at the hospital and assess the potential benefits in terms of energy production, cost savings, and environmental impact. Two different clean energy management softwares, HOMER PRO and RETScreen Expert, are utilized to compare the proposed hybrid (PV/Wind/Battery/Convertor/Grid) system with the existing system in terms of cost minimization, optimal system configuration, and environmental effects. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid system is more efficient, stable, cost‐effective, and a environmentally friendly option. Moreover, the annualized energy production, consumption, and grid load reduction are also calculated. The findings of both software programs are compared for validation of the proposed optimal system. The techno‐economic analysis of the proposed system can serve as a useful guideline for other commercial facilities in the region to utilize solar and wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence from previous studies suggests a strong association between pediatric undernutrition and maternal stature. However, there's a scarcity of evidence regarding the relationship between maternal stature and pediatric coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM). This study examined the prevalence and trends of CFM at the individual, household, and community levels, using data from the Demographic & Health Surveys (DHS) of Pakistan. Furthermore, this study assessed the association between pediatric CFM and short maternal stature while adjusting for multiple covariates. A panel cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2012–2013 and 2017–2018 Pakistan Demographic & Health Survey (PDHS). We included data from 6194 mother–child dyads aged 15–49 years and 0–59 months, respectively, while excluding data from pregnant mothers and dyads with incomplete anthropometric variables and anthropometric outliers. Across the two survey periods, our findings reveal a significant decline in pediatric malnutrition, including CFM, alongside a concurrent increase in maternal overweight/obesity. Three out of four households had either a malnourished mother, and/or a malnourished child, and/or both. Our study demonstrates that short maternal stature increased the odds of various forms of pediatric undernutrition by two‐to‐threefolds (p <.041), but we did not find an association with wasting, overweight/obesity, and nutritional paradox. This underscores the heightened vulnerability of children born to short‐stature mothers to various forms of pediatric undernutrition. Addressing the high prevalence of pediatric undernutrition among children of short‐stature mothers necessitates a comprehensive approach that considers an individual's nutritional status throughout their entire life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐head turbines are becoming an agricultural imperative due to their high efficiency, low cost, ability to operate at low flow rates and minimal environmental impact. Therefore, the Archimedes screw turbine (AST) can play a leading role for producing electric power, especially in Pakistan's rural areas where most of the places have less than 1 m head. In this research work, performance evaluation of AST was carried out at different flow velocities in terms of power coefficient and torque generated. Design parameters such as blade width, blade pitches, and blade rotational angles are also used for performance evaluation. For this purpose, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses of AST blades were conducted at different water flow velocities (e.g., 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 m/s). ANSYS FLUENT was used for AST blade simulations using three different design parameters such as blade width, blade pitch, and blade rotational angles. Additionally, CFD simulations have inherent errors and uncertainties that may lead to findings and deviations from their exact or real values. To prevent these uncertainties and errors, an experimental study was also conducted to provide validation for the CFD simulation results. The results revealed from CFD simulations for optimized design parameters were then compared with experimental data. From the results, it was examined that the numerical findings were in good agreement with the experiment data. The highest power coefficient and power output values were obtained under optimized design parameters such as inner and outer diameter, blade pitch, blade width, blade rotation angles and shaft length (e.g., 40 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, 2 mm, 60°, and 850 mm respectively). The findings can be useful to implement the AST unit for those places where the available water head is ranging from 1 to 6.5 m and a flow rate of 0.2–6.5 m3/s, especially for rural areas of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Perinatal grief have a significant influence on maternal mental health, hence appropriate tools for assessment are necessary. In this study, we translated and validated the Perinatal Grief Scale in Urdu (PGS‐Urdu) for use in Pakistan, therefore filling the gap in validated tools. Methods: Data was collected from 165 women using consecutive sampling. Initially, "forward/backward" translation was used. For validity, content validity index and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used respectively, and "Cronbach's‐Alpha" for reliability. In the validity stage, items 8, 11, 23, and 32 of the original scale were eliminated based on feedback from the target groups and the expert panel. For data‐analysis, SPSS 26 and Amos 26 were used. Results: In analyzing the "Confirmatory factor analysis", the "all‐fitness indicators" validated the three‐factor structure of 29‐item main scale. Cronbach alpha value was 0.83 for the entire scale The CFA results showed that all fitness indicators, with the exception of four, had loadings greater than 0.20, supporting the main scale's three‐factor structure. With a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.83 for overall reliability, and varied from 0.81 to 0.87 for the PGS‐U variables. the PGS‐U exhibits an acceptable level of internal consistency. Conclusion: The PGS‐U identifies women in perinatal grief for medical and social care. This research supports using the Urdu perinatal grief scale in obstetrics and bereavement counseling to reduce maternal mental health issues. Highlights: Perinatal grief is a major contributor to maternal mental health problems. This study translated and validated the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) into Urdu (PGS‐U) for use in Pakistani women with perinatal loss. The PGS‐U was found to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing perinatal grief in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to estimate the impact of a unilateral tariff waiver to Pakistan from the EU, intended as a relief package after the 2010 floods, on cotton exports and production in the country. We use the Synthetic Control Method and the Interactive Fixed Effects Counterfactual Estimator to assess the impact of the 2010 flood and the 2012 tariff waiver. Our findings suggest that the 2010 flood in Pakistan and the subsequent 2012 tariff waiver had limited impacts on cotton exports and production in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle Triassic Tredian Formation is well exposed in the western region of the Salt Range. It is mostly composed of sandstone with minor alternations of shales and dolomite. This is the first integrated attempt using petrographical and geochemical features to reveal palaeoclimate during deposition of the Tredian Formation. This work sheds light on the petrographical and geochemical properties of the Tredian sandstone in order to date various layers and evaluate the palaeoclimate. The formation was sampled at two distinct stratigraphic layers for petrographic and geochemical analysis of major and trace elements. The sandstone of the Tredian Formation is sub‐feldspathic to feldspathic arenite with sub‐angular to rounded grains that are moderately to extensively sorted. The relative proportions of the quartz, feldspars and lithoclasts in the examined sandstone samples shows that the Tredian sediments originated from the interior of the craton during a transitional continental regime. Chemical index of alteration values of 59, chemical index of weathering values of 67, and plagioclase index of alteration values of 74.5 indicate a low to moderate degree of weathering in the Tredian sediment source region. Based on the silica content, SiO2/Al2O3 ratios (2.7–6.1; mean 4.1), and chemical maturity index, it is deduced that the Tredian Formation was deposited in chemically immature to sub‐mature and dry to semi‐arid conditions. Geochemical proxies indicate the acidic source of sediment and deposition on the passive margin of the Indian Plate. The trace element characteristics of the sediments, especially the Rb/Sr, Cu/Zn, Ni/Co, V/Cr and Sr/Ba ratios, indicate that the sediments originated from the first weathering cycle and support the notion that they were deposited in an oxidising continental environment. A semi‐arid to arid palaeoclimate predominated through the Middle Triassic at the north‐western passive continental margin of the Indian Plate in the south‐eastern Neo‐Tethys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The connection between marital status and suicidal behavior has been poorly assessed in South Asia. We aimed to see the proportion of marital status in individuals with suicidal behavior in South Asian countries. Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines and registered the protocol in advance (PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023399906). A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO. Meta‐analyses were performed to pool the proportion of married individuals with suicidal behavior (total [suicide + suicide attempts], suicide, and suicide attempt) in South Asian countries. We considered suicidal behavior consist of suicide and suicide attempts (nonfatal). Results: Our search identified 47 studies for this review from 6 countries published from 1999 to 2022 with a sample size ranging from 27 to 89,178. The proportion of married individuals was 55.4% (95% CI: 50.1–60.5) for suicidal behavior, 52.7% (95% CI: 44.5–60.7) for suicides, and 43.1 (95% CI: 32.9–53.9) for suicide attempts. The proportion of married persons among suicide attempts varied significantly across countries (p = 0.016) which was highest (61.8%; 95% CI: 57.2–66.2) in India, followed by Bangladesh (52.5%; 95% CI: 41.8%–62.9%) and Pakistan (45.1%; 95% CI: 30.9–59.9). The pooled proportions did not differ significantly in relation to the quality of the studies (p = 0.633). Conclusion: This review identified married persons died more than others by suicide in South Asian countries while single persons attempted suicide than married. As the current study did not assess any cause‐and‐effect association, a cautious interpretation is warranted while considering married marital status as a risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Electronic logbook (E‐Logbook) is one of the practical software in medical science that serves as an auxiliary tool for comprehensive education, formative evaluation, and student learning documentation in clinical education. E‐logbooks are available to people on the Internet without any time or place restrictions. Experts' familiarity with e‐logbooks and their advantages and disadvantages can be effective in their better design so professors and students can use their potential benefits. Therefore, this study examines the advantages and disadvantages of an e‐logbook. Methods: This systematic review was conducted until June 13, 2022, by searching relevant keywords such as logbook, e‐logbook, and medical students in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data were extracted using the data extraction form. The contents of the studies were analyzed based on the study's aim. The results of the analyses were presented in the form of descriptive statistics (tables and figures). Results: Out of 365 retrieved studies, 13 were selected to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of e‐logbooks. Most studies were conducted in Pakistan (n = 4) and focused on medical students with different specialties (n = 10). The advantages and disadvantages of e‐logbooks were classified into nine and four categories, respectively. Most advantages of e‐logbooks were related to monitoring and evaluating the performance of students and instructors (n = 11). Their most disadvantages were associated with hardware and software (n = 8). Conclusion: According to the results, e‐logbooks can improve clinical education, provide feedback to people, control the achievement of educational goals, and increase professor−student interaction. Hence, it is recommended to address their disadvantages and barriers to improve the quality of students' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends regular monitoring of the efficacy of nationally recommended antimalarial drugs. We present the results of studies on the efficacy of recommended antimalarials and molecular markers of artemisinin and partner resistance in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Methods: Single‐arm prospective studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of artesunate‐sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine (ASSP) in Afghanistan and Pakistan, artemether‐lumefantrine (AL) in all countries, or dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine (DP) in Sudan for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum. The efficacy of chloroquine (CQ) and AL for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax was evaluated in Afghanistan and Somalia, respectively. Patients were treated and monitored for 28 (CQ, ASSP and AL) or 42 (DP) days. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐corrected cure rate and parasite positivity rate at Day 3 were estimated. Mutations in the P. falciparum kelch 13 (Pfk13) gene and amplifications of plasmepsin (Pfpm2) and multidrug resistance‐1 (Pfmdr‐1) genes were also studied. Results: A total of 1680 (249 for ASSP, 1079 for AL and 352 for DP) falciparum cases were successfully assessed. A PCR‐adjusted ASSP cure rate of 100% was observed in Afghanistan and Pakistan. For AL, the cure rate was 100% in all but four sites in Sudan, where cure rates ranged from 92.1% to 98.8%. All but one patient were parasite‐free at Day 3. For P. vivax, cure rates were 98.2% for CQ and 100% for AL. None of the samples from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen had a Pfk13 mutation known to be associated with artemisinin resistance. In Sudan, the validated Pfk13 R622I mutation accounted for 53.8% (14/26) of the detected non‐synonymous Pfk13 mutations, most of which were repeatedly detected in Gadaref. A prevalence of 2.7% and 9.3% of Pfmdr1 amplification was observed in Pakistan and Yemen, respectively. Conclusion: High efficacy of ASSP, AL and DP in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum infection and of CQ and AL in the treatment of P. vivax was observed in the respective countries. The repeated detection of a relatively high rate of Pfk13 R622I mutation in Sudan underscores the need for close monitoring of the efficacy of recommended ACTs, parasite clearance rates and Pfk13 mutations in Sudan and beyond. Registration numbers of the trials: ACTRN12622000944730 and ACTRN12622000873729 for Afghanistan, ACTRN12620000426987 and ACTRN12617001025325 for Pakistan, ACTRN12618001224213 for Somalia, ACTRN12617000276358, ACTRN12622000930785 and ACTRN12618001800213 for Sudan and ACTRN12617000283370 for Yemen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the "wet gets wetter and dry gets drier" paradigm, here, using observations and climate model simulations, we show that the mean rainfall over the semi‐arid northwest parts of India and Pakistan has increased by 10%–50% during 1901–2015 and is expected to increase by 50%–200% under moderate greenhouse gas (GHG) scenarios. The GHG forcing primarily drives the westward expansion of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and is facilitated by a westward expansion of the Indian Ocean (IO) warm pool. Mechanistically, the westward expansion of ISMR is a consequence of the episodic genesis over IO and the northward propagation of an expanded Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone on a sub‐seasonal time scale. While an adaptation strategy to increased hydrological disasters is a must, harnessing the augmented rainfall would lead to a substantial boost in food productivity, bringing transformative changes in the socio‐economic condition of people in the region. Plain Language Summary: An apparent eastward shift of the Indian monsoon has led to the arid conditions in the west and north‐west regions of India where monsoon was once active, and the Indus Valley civilizations thrived (5,300–3,300‐year BP). A reversal of the process and a westward expansion of the present‐day Indian monsoon would transform the west and north‐west India to a humid "monsoonal" climate and provide food security to the expanding population of the country. The present study shows that the Indian monsoon is indeed expanding to the west with 10% decrease of mean rainfall in the northeast and 25% increase in the west and north‐west during the historical period with a potential of 50%–100% increase in the north‐west under SSP2–4.5. Harvesting the increased rainfall has the potential for significant increase in food productivity bringing in transformative changes in the socio‐economic condition of people of the region. Key Points: Global warming could potentially cause a westward expansion of the Indian monsoonRainfall in northwest India and Pakistan has increased and will continue to rise due to greenhouse gasesIncreased monsoon rainfall can improve food productivity and socio‐economic conditions in the region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycation generates advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its intermediates, thus increasing the risk of developing various ailments including diabetes mellitus. Current study was planned to explore the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of selected nuts viz, Juglans regia (Walnut), Prunus dulcis (Almond), Pistacia vera (Pistachio), and Arachis hypogaea (Peanut), locally available and readily consumed in Faisalabad, Pakistan, for their health‐promoting properties. The prepared methanolic extracts of selected nuts were tested for biological activities including the antioxidant and antiglycation potential. The effect of these extracts against oxidation and AGE formation was evaluated by in vitro method using bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia, Pistacia vera, and Arachis hypogaea were found rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents with increased reducing potential and least IC50 due to the DPPH free radical scavenging inhibition. Dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of glucose‐induced advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) was exhibited by fruit extracts through in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia and Pistacia vera were predominantly effective in the inhibition of early and intermediary glycation products at different incubation conditions. The study indicated that the extracts of selected nuts possess significant antioxidant capacity and are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, making them useful supplements as an important part of a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that personal source of information is preferred by the customers over company‐generated marketing communications, promoting advocacy behavior among customers is of much importance for every organization. Literature suggests that an organization's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities significantly influence individual behavior. However, the advocacy behavior of customers (ADB), from a CSR perspective, did not receive due attention. To address this literature gap, the current study attempts to explore the relationship among CSR and ADB with the intervening role of brand admiration (BA). To collect the data, customers of a large fast‐food service organization in Pakistan were approached. The proposed relationships were tested through the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The statistical evidence verifies a positive link between CSR and ADB, while BA mediated this relationship. These findings will be supportive to the fast‐food business to realize the critical role of CSR for a meaningful customer‐company relationship in the face of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast literature supports the notion that green human resource management leads to superior environmental performance. This study argues that green innovation, environmental strategy and pro‐environmental behaviour facilitate the relationship between green human resource management and environmental performance in the manufacturing industry of developing countries. To test the mediating effect of green innovation and pro‐environmental behaviour alongside the moderating role of environmental strategy in the proposed model, we collected and analysed data from 410 manufacturing firm managers operating in Pakistan using partial least square structural equation modelling. The mediating and moderating results highlighted the significance of green innovation, environmental strategy and pro‐environmental behaviour to excel in environmental performance through operational efficiency, appropriate environmental strategy and human willingness to indulge in environmental activities. The findings also suggest implications for theory and practice in similar developing countries. The study offers generalisability in developing countries sharing the same economic and social structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aims to explicate the tectonics of the northwest Himalayas, Pakistan, based on integrated gravity, magnetic and earthquake data. The raw gravity and magnetic data were processed, and seven isoanomaly maps were prepared for qualitative interpretation, whereas a gravity model was prepared along the selected profile for quantitative interpretation. The local earthquake data have also been used to identify the various seismogenic layers in the subsurface and to understand how seismicity relates to regional structural features. Three northwest‐trending thick‐skinned blind basement faults are identified from the present study, namely the Indus Kohistan Seismic Zone (IKSZ), Bagh Basement Fault and Hazara Lower Seismic Zone. The IKSZ is the tectonically most active among them and responsible for the 2005 Kashmir earthquake (Mw = 7.6) and 1974 Pattan earthquake (Mw = 6.2) in the region. The present study also delineated the prominent location of the Main Central Thrust in which the high‐grade metamorphic rocks of Higher Himalayan Crystalline thrust over low‐grade metamorphic rocks of Lesser Himalayas along this thick‐skinned fault. The field evidence such as ductile deformation, zone of inverted metamorphism, and brittle deformation also confirm this location. The sharp bending of the crystalline crust, as well as deep basement just south of Kohistan Island Arc (KIA), indicate that the high density and susceptibility rocks of this arc thrust on the leading margin of the Indian Plate along the Main Mantle Thrust. This thrust fault is a major suture zone separating the KIA in the north from the Indian Plate in the south. The other faults in the region exist in the sedimentary/meta‐sedimentary wedge and are thin‐skinned. It is inferred from the current investigation that the study area exhibits a composite style of deformation. Moreover, the gravity model combined with earthquake data suggested the existence of multiple décollement zones below the Hazara‐Kashmir Syntaxis. The model envisaged an increase in the thickness of the Indian Plate continental crust in the northeast direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed taxonomy and biostratigraphy of the limestone, shale‐rich Cretaceous Goru Formation within the western Sulaiman Range refer to diverse and well‐preserved planktonic foraminifera. The age‐diagnostic planktonic foraminifera encountered are; Biticinella breggiensis (middle Albian), Rotalipora ticinensis (late Albian), Rotalipora appenninica (latest Albian), Rotalipora brotzeni (early Cenomanian), Rotalipora cushmani (late Cenomanian), Whiteinella archeocretacea (latest Cenomanian–Earliest Turonian), Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica (early to middle Turonian), and Marginotruncana sigali (late middle to late Turonian). Based on the recovered planktonic foraminifera a middle Albian–late Turonian age has been assigned to the studied formation. The Rotalipora reicheli (middle Cenomanian) Zone was not identified as the First Appearance Datum of the nominal taxa present within the Rotalipora cushmani Zone. The planktonic foraminiferal assemblage characteristics suggest that the bioprovince of the Cretaceous Goru Formation belongs to the subtropical, warm water environment belonging to the Cretaceous Tethyan Realm and the palaeobiogeographic reconstruction suggests that the Neotethys was well‐connected during the Albian–Turonian time interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channels filled with coarse‐grained sands are one of the hot issues in stratigraphic explorations. However, the sub‐surface uncertainty restricts the prediction of porous channel sandstones using the conventional seismic attributes, which is a concern for the demarcation of stratigraphic plays. The amplitude‐based frequency attributes and seismic‐petrophysical simulation tools were applied to characterize the fluvial channel system from the Indus Basin, Pakistan. The conventional amplitude of the Basal Sand Formation shows limited imaging ability to detect the dimensions of channel‐levee and point bars. The continuous wavelet transforms (CWT) tool distinguishes the whole channel‐levee reservoir system at tuning frequencies of 21, 25, 29, and 34 Hz. The amplitudes extracted along the pseudo‐porosity wells depict the low‐density and low‐velocity profiles within the gas‐bearing zones. The zone between 20% and 30% porosity displays low‐density and low‐velocity compartments within the point bars. Hence, it implicates the zone of deposition for hydrocarbon‐bearing fluvial facies. Based on the porosity constraint, the gas‐bearing fluvial reservoirs have high (>25%) porosity, which implicates the development of aggradational parasequences. The oil‐dominated sandstone facies experience relatively low‐porosity of <12% and negligibly high density and high velocity, which implicates the development of transgressive parasequences. The reservoir system shows an eastward shale‐out zone, where the high‐density and high‐velocity shales mask the channel‐levee systems. Consequently, these stratigraphic configurations are developing into a cost‐effective stratigraphic trap, and hence, this exploration scheme serves as an analogue for global fluvial depositional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable disease burden estimation from low‐ and middle‐income countries like Pakistan. We designed retrospective age‐stratified estimation of influenza‐related severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) incidence in Islamabad Pakistan 2017–2019. Materials and Methods: The catchment area was mapped on SARI data from one designated influenza sentinel site and other healthcare facilities in the Islamabad region. The incidence rate was calculated as per 100,000 for each age group with 95% confidence interval. Results: The catchment population for the sentinel site was 0.7 million against the total denominator of 1.015 million, and incidence rates were adjusted. During January 2017 to December 2019, among 13,905 hospitalizations, 6715 (48%) patients were enrolled; 1208 of these (18%) were positive for influenza. During 2017, influenza A/H3 dominated with 52% detections followed by A(H1N1)pdm09 (35%) and influenza B (13%). Furthermore, elderly 65+ years age group had highest hospitalizations and influenza positive. The incidence rates of all cause respiratory and influenza‐related SARI were highest among children >5 years; highest incidence was found in 0 to 11 month/year group with 424/100,000 cases and lowest in 5–15 years 56/100,000. The estimated average annual influenza‐associated hospitalization percentage was 29.3% during the study period. Conclusion: Influenza accounts for a significant proportion of respiratory morbidity and hospitalization. These estimates would enable governments for evidence‐based decisions and priority allocation of health resources. It is necessary to test for other respiratory pathogens for more clear disease burden estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep‐water clastic settings frame major stratigraphic plays the world over. The advanced seismic interpretation tools provide prediction of accurate physical characteristics of undiscovered reservoirs, including their lithology, thickness, and porosity. The designed amplitude spectrum (DAS)‐based processing tool on Full spectrum seismic may yield a remarkable stratigraphy. This study deals with the prediction of thick and porous (possibly gas‐rich) litho‐facies using the DAS tool on high‐resolution seismal profiles within the offshore Indus Basin (OIB), SW Pakistan. The seismic and trace envelope magnitudes bound the demarcation of stratigraphic traps. The DAS processing tool on relative acoustic impedance inversion (RAI) magnitude demarcates the aggradational porous sandstone‐filled reservoirs, which are encased within a transgressive non‐porous shale‐filled channel‐levee system. The thickness predicted by band‐limited seismic acoustic impedance (AI) simulation for channels, point bars, and levees is 28, 27, and 24 m, respectively. The DAS‐based RAI processing on AI reservoir simulation accurately resolves the lenses of channel sandstone, point bars and levees, and confirms the channelized basin floor fans (BFFs) with an average 11, 34, 24, and 52 m thickness and a lateral extent between 10 and 25 km. The western zones have implications for basin development, which have accumulated the porous and thickest reservoir facies inside the aggradational parasequences of BFFs of Miocene sedimentary sequences. Hence, the presented scheme of exploration serves as a comparable example for exploring the hydrocarbon‐bearing plays inside OIB and global deep‐water depositional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infection caused by a tick‐borne virus (genus: Nairovirus, family: Bunyaviridae). The most important vector for CCHF is the ixodid tick. Along with tick bite, direct contact with the virus‐affected animal is responsible for its spread. Pakistan witnessed its first case of CCHF in 1976 and has been a major victim of CCHF for years, but spikes in cases are seen after Eid‐ul‐Adha, an Islamic festival involving the sacrifice of cattle. The disease, in particular, is common among butchers, veterinarians, and livestock workers. From the start of this year till June 22, 2022, a total of four cases have been reported across the country. Pakistan faces major challenges in combating CCHF every year due to its specific geographical position and a majority of the population being involved with animal husbandry. There is no approved vaccine for its prevention. All these factors contribute to the burden on the already weakened healthcare system of Pakistan. Strict actions should be taken to contain the spread of the disease. The need of the hour is to engage the general population, raise awareness, and develop policies to ensure disease surveillance. This should be accompanied by fostering collaboration among animal and human health departments for efficient communication and early intervention. The focus should be on medical research to find an efficacious treatment and prophylaxis for the CCHF virus, which will be the cornerstone of future CCHF prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased flood risks have been projected, but with large uncertainties, in the Kabul River Basin (Afghanistan and Pakistan). To place future changes in a long‐term perspective, we produce a 382‐year precipitation reconstruction for the basin using seven tree‐ring chronologies of old‐growth conifers from the Hindu Kush Mountains, a monsoon‐shadow area. The reconstruction proves robust over rigorous cross‐validations (R2 = 0.60, RE = 0.60, CE = 0.53). The full reconstruction (1637–2018) reveals a steady decline in the low end of the precipitation distribution, implying increasing drought risks. We show that droughts are getting more severe, shorter, and more frequent, interspersed with more frequent pluvials in the past century. Drought risks, compounded with projected flood intensification, pose significant threats for this transboundary river. Therefore, future water management needs to account for both flood and drought risks and be informed by long‐term hydroclimatic variability. Plain Language Summary: The Kabul River is a transboundary river spanning eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. It is an important tributary of the Indus, one of the world's largest rivers with intensive water withdrawals for human use. With climate change, the Kabul River is projected to have more frequent and larger floods, but the projections are very uncertain. To have a better understanding of these future projections, we need to look at how the region's climate has changed in the past. Tree rings are a valuable source of information to serve that need. Using old‐growth conifers from the Hindu Kush Mountains, western Himalaya, we reconstruct four centuries of precipitation (rainfall) history for the Kabul River Basin. From the reconstruction, we observe that dry years are getting drier. Thus, the risks of severe droughts are increasing. Prolonged droughts are being replaced by shorter but more frequent ones, and periods of sustained high precipitation are also becoming more frequent. When seen in combination with earlier reports, our results imply that the Kabul River Basin is facing both floods and drought risks, and these are significant threats to the water security of the basin. Key Points: Robust, skillful precipitation reconstruction of the Kabul River Basin from tree ringsSteady decline in the low end of the precipitation distribution implies increasing drought risksProlonged droughts are being replaced by shorter, more frequent ones, interspersed with more frequent pluvials [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sulaiman Fold Thrust (SFT) in Central Pakistan formed during the India‐Eurasia collision in the late Cenozoic. However, the mechanics of shortening of the brittle crust at time scales of seismic cycles is still poorly understood. Here, we use radar interferometry to analyze the deformation associated with the 2015 magnitude (Mw) 5.7 Dajal blind earthquake at the eastern boundary of the SFT. We use kinematic inversions to determine the distribution of slip on the frontal ramp and of flexural slip along active axial surfaces for the forward‐ and backward‐verging two end‐member models: a double fault‐bend‐fold system and a fault‐propagation‐fold. In both models, a décollement branches into a shallow ramp at approximately 7.5 km depth with coseismic folding in the hanging wall. The Dajal earthquake ruptured the base of the Boundary Thrust buried under the sediment from the Indus‐River floodplain, representing fault‐bend or fault‐propagation folding some 30 km off its nearest surface exposure. Plain Language Summary: The relative motion between tectonic plates is accommodated across wide fault zones that concentrate deformation. Yet, how these deformation zones grow over time is poorly known. In this study, we investigate the Sulaiman Fold‐Thrust (SFT) belt, Pakistan at the plate boundary between the Indian and Eurasian continents. We use radar interferometry to estimate the crustal deformation induced by the 2015 Mw 5.7 Dajal earthquake at the eastern margin of the SFT. The rupture did not reach the surface at the eastern extension of the SFT, buried under the younger sediments of the Indus River floodplain. The rupture and associated folding in the hanging wall documents the eastward growth of the SFT. These observations document the seismic potential of hidden ramps in fold‐and‐thrust belts and the control on final rupture size by fault‐bends and surrounding folds. Key Points: 2015 Mw 5.7 Dajal, Pakistan earthquake ruptured the blind front of the Sulaiman Fold Thrust beltCoseismic deformation includes slip on a blind thrust and flexural slip in the hanging wallThe buried section of the Boundary Thrust extends 30 km farther south of the fault trace [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heatwaves are persistent temperature extremes associated with devastating impacts on human societies and ecosystems. In the midlatitudes, amplified quasi‐stationary Rossby waves have been identified as a key mechanism for heatwave occurrence. Amplified waves with preferred longitudinal locations lead to concurrent extremes in specific locations. It is therefore important to identify the essential components in the climate system that contribute to phase‐locking of wave patterns. Here, we investigate the role of dry atmospheric dynamics and topography in causing concurrent heatwaves by using an idealized general circulation model. Topography is included in the model experiments as a Gaussian mountain. Our results show that amplified Rossby waves exhibit clear phase‐locking behavior and a decrease in the zonal phase speed when a large‐scale localized topographic forcing is imposed, leading to concurrent heat extremes at preferred locations. Plain Language Summary: Heatwaves are among the most deadly natural disasters. Since climate projections indicate an increase in the severity and frequency of heatwaves, it is important to understand which processes are responsible for their occurrence. Heatwaves in midlatitudes tend to be associated with atmospheric waves, characterized by a strong meandering of the jet stream. Occasionally, waves tend to reduce their longitudinal propagation speed along with an amplification of their amplitude in preferred locations. This behavior is known as phase‐locking and can lead to extreme weather events, occurring simultaneously in different regions, as for example, during the Russian heatwave and Pakistan flooding in 2010. Here, we investigate the role of large‐scale mountains in driving concurrent heat extremes. We use simulations from an idealized atmospheric model with an idealized mountain, and keeping only the essential atmosphere dynamics represented. In the model, topography alone leads to the occurrence of phase‐locked circumglobal waves and localized heatwaves. The eastward velocity of the waves is substantially reduced due to topography, which can be linked to an increase in heatwaves in specific areas. This research lays the basis for understanding the fundamental factors that lead to concurrent extreme weather events, which is important to improve their forecasts. Key Points: The inclusion of topography in an idealized model setup yields global‐scale slow‐moving Rossby waves with preferred longitudinal locationsWhen these slow‐moving Rossby waves amplify they lead to an increased frequency of concurrent heatwaves in preferred longitudinal locationsIn the model, zonal wavenumbers 5 and 6 exhibit the strongest anomalies, which strongly impact temperature and heatwave frequency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In light of the increasing need, for global health care, traditional medical knowledge is receiving considerable attention in order to fulfil the public health needs not only for human health but also animal health. Objectives: Thus, the aim of the study is to explore ethnomedicinal uses of plants in human and livestock health care of the study area. Methods: Data were gathered through arranged surveys and meeting techniques by focusing on 80 sources in the investigation region during 2018–2020. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were calculated. Results: Eighty plant species (33 herbs, 21 shrubs, 24 trees and 2 climbers) belonging to 50 families, distributed in 74 genera, were being used in the study area. Forty‐nine medicinal plants in the treatment of 42 human diseases under 52 natural recipes and 40 plants in 34 livestock diseases under 40 recipes were used, in which 9 plants are used commonly in ethnopharmacy and veterinary medicine. Jaccard index was used to predict the similarity and dissimilarity among cities of Pakistan and reflected the novel use of medicinal plants. Results showed that Boerhavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, Morus nigra, Nasturtium officinale, Rumex hastatus and Sageretia thea have the higher use value (UV). Comparative analysis with other studies strongly reflected the novel use of these plants because of the deep‐rooted and unique sociocultural setup of study area. Conclusions: Our research shows that the wild plants used in the study area are extremely varied, both in terms of species and function, and folk medicine is one of the main health care systems in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon to Pakistan. This is evidenced through the slow progress of previous vaccination campaigns and programs against MMR, BCG, and especially polio. This issue continues to persist and is therefore becoming the cause of low COVID‐19 vaccination rates in Pakistan. Aim: To provide insights about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Pakistanis, and its potential harm on public health. Moreover, we aim provide recommendations to counter the factors limiting the COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan. Methodology: A Boolean search was conducted to find the literature in MEDLINE‐PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases up till March 16, 2022. Specific keywords were used which comprised of "SARS‐CoV‐2," "COVID‐19," "vaccine hesitancy," "vaccine acceptance," "intention to vaccinate," and "Pakistan," with use of "OR" and "AND." Only free full‐text original studies in English language were used to compare and contrast. Results: As proven by various studies, COVID‐19 vaccination rates are influenced by multiple factors, including inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19, hesitancy amongst healthcare workers, uncertainty regarding vaccine's efficacy and fear of side effects. Various conspiracy theories and lower testing rates among others also add up to impose a negative impact on the vaccination rates and public health of Pakistan. This may lead to newer strains of potentially harmful COVID‐19, mental health deterioration, and prolonged lockdowns. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is a global public health threat, and its impacts are pronounced in Pakistan. This is reflected in the COVID‐19 pandemic; low vaccination rates in Pakistan may lead to future outbreaks of new, potentially harmful, strains of COVID‐19 which can prolong lockdowns in the country and affect mental health of the population. To improve the current situations, it is imperative for the government, educational institutes, and healthcare systems to develop trust and continually use dialogue, communication, and education to address misconceptions to improve COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may alter access to safe drinking water, with important implications for health. We assessed the relationship between temperature and rainfall and utilization of basic drinking water (BDW) in The Gambia, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Kenya. The outcomes of interest were (a) whether the reported drinking water source used in the past 2 weeks met the World Health Organization definition of BDW and (b) use of a BDW source that was always available. Temperature and precipitation data were compiled from weather stations and satellite data and summarized to account for long‐ and short‐term weather patterns and lags. We utilized random forests and logistic regression to identify key weather variables that predicted outcomes by site and the association between important weather variables and BDW use. Higher temperatures were associated with decreased BDW use at three of four sites and decreased use of BDW that is always available at all four sites. Increasing rainfall, both in the long‐ and short‐term, was associated with increased BDW use in three sites. We found evidence for interactions between household wealth and weather variables at two sites, suggesting lower wealth populations may be more sensitive to weather‐driven changes in water access. Changes in temperature and precipitation can alter safe water use in low‐resource settings—investigating drivers for these relationships can inform efforts to build climate resilience. Plain Language Summary: This manuscript examines the association between temperature, precipitation and the use of safe drinking water sources in four low and middle‐income countries. Climate is known to impact the risk of diarrheal disease, but the potential mechanisms driving this relationship are poorly described. We hypothesized that both short and long‐term trends in temperature and precipitation may affect both improved water source availability and usage in low‐resource settings. We utilized data from a case‐control study on diarrheal disease with data on household water source use and availability. Machine learning was used to identify the most important weather predictors of households using "basic drinking water" (BDW) as defined by the World Health Organization. We found higher temperatures and decreasing rainfall were associated with decreased BDW use overall at three of the four sites. Notably, we also found evidence of resilience to climate impacts linked to safe drinking water availability and household wealth. Our findings have broad‐reaching implications for climate resilient infrastructure development and provide critical evidence that increasing prevalence of drought and rising temperatures can lead to use of less‐safe water sources. Key Points: Access to and reported use of basic drinking water (BDW) is dependent on rainfall and temperature in The Gambia, Mozambique, Pakistan, and KenyaHigher temperatures are associated with decreased access to and use of BDWClimate change threatens access to safe drinking water in settings where infrastructure is vulnerable to rainfall and temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self‐management strategies improve asthma outcomes, although interventions for South Asian populations have been less effective than in White populations. Both self‐management and culture are dynamic, and factors such as acculturation and generation have not always been adequately reflected in existing cultural interventions. We aimed to explore the perspectives of Bangladeshi and Pakistani people in the United Kingdom, across multiple generations (first, second and third/fourth), on how they self‐manage their asthma, with a view to suggesting recommendations for cultural interventions. Methods: We purposively recruited Bangladeshi and Pakistani participants, with an active diagnosis of asthma from healthcare settings. Semi‐structured interviews in the participants' choice of language (English, Sylheti, Standard Bengali or Urdu) were conducted, and data were analysed thematically. Results: Twenty‐seven participants (13 Bangladeshi and 14 Pakistani) were interviewed. There were generational differences in self‐management, influenced by complex cultural processes experienced by South Asians as part of being an ethnic minority group. Individuals from the first generation used self‐management strategies congruent to traditional beliefs such as 'sweating' and often chose to travel to South Asian countries. Generations born and raised in the United Kingdom learnt and experimented with self‐management based on their fused identities and modified their approach depending on whether they were in familial or peer settings. Acculturative stress, which was typically higher in first generations who had migration‐related stressors, influenced the priority given to asthma self‐management throughout generations. The amount and type of available asthma information as well as social discussions within the community and with healthcare professionals also shaped asthma self‐management. Conclusions: Recognizing cultural diversity and its influence of asthma self‐management can help develop effective interventions tailored to the lives of South Asian people. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and Public Involvement colleagues were consulted throughout to ensure that the study and its materials were fit for purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shigar valley of northern Pakistan is a well‐known region for holding a variety of gemstones. As the gemstone‐bearing rock, post‐collisional leucogranites, and pegmatites in Shigar valley have been sporadically researched but the detailed and updated timing record along with the source rocks were not adequate. Here, we present comprehensive U(‐Th)Pb ages, mineral, and whole‐rock isotopic analyses to investigate the petrogenetic evolution of these granitoids. The zircon, xenotime, and monazite U(‐Th)–Pb ages show crystallization of leucogranites that spanned as recent as ~7–3 Ma. The REEs with nearly smooth patterns and distinct negative Eu anomalies in all the leucogranites and pegmatites with contrasting negative Eu anomalies illustrate significantly plagioclase fractionation. These leucogranites and pegmatites have high SiO2 content showing peraluminous geochemistry. Zircon Hf isotopic composition of leucogranites, pegmatites and gneisses have εHf(t) values of −28.4 to +7.4, −24.0 to −16.5, and −13.2 to +1.8, respectively, which shows crustal origin along with the probable contamination from Kohistan‐Ladakh Arc at depths. Furthermore, monazite Nd isotopic composition of leucogranites, pegmatites, and gneisses have εNd(t) values of −22.9 to −9.5, −25.1 to −22.8, and −26.3 to −24.8, which seems purely from crustal source. The whole‐rock Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic composition shows that leucogranites and gneisses have 87Sr/86Sr(i) values of 0.71603 to 0.92518, εNd(t) values of −22.2 to −2.7, and εHf(t) values of −44.1 to −0.2, respectively, that also confines it to the metapelitic origin. Our results overall reveal that the leucogranites are produced mainly by the partial melting of Dassu felsic gneiss from the Karakoram Metamorphic Complex, showing signatures of the upper crustal rocks of the subducting Indian Plate and hybridized juvenile Asian crust. The input of heat for partial melting is likely to be derived either from the lithospheric mantle which followed the slab break‐off or from shear heating along Main Karakoram Thrust. Furthermore, a leucogranite sample yielded a zircon U–Pb age of 84.9 Ma, and monazite U(‐Th)–Pb age of 10.8 Ma. The in‐situ zircon Hf and monazite Nd isotopes yielded εHf(t) values of +3.6 to +10.7, and εNd(t) values of +1.0 to +2.4, whereas the whole‐rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) value is 0.70522, εNd(t) is +1.1, and εHf(t) is +4.8, respectively, which confirms it to be sourced from the nearby Kohistan‐Ladakh Arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An equitable distribution of economic benefits from the recent growth of e‐commerce in Pakistan requires inclusive adoption of formal digital marketplaces. The available literature and focused discussions reveal that most women‐led businesses rely on informal e‐commerce managed through social media applications and have incomplete and often incorrect information on the benefits and choices related to the formal platforms. To inform and motivate women‐led micro, small and medium enterprises, this study deploys an information treatment through a randomised control trial of 300 women entrepreneurs in large urban centres of Pakistan. Results show that women entrepreneurs were responsive to the information, as the treated businesses were 10 percentage points more likely to opt for formal e‐commerce than the control group. The study is policy relevant as the methodology allows simple and inexpensive replication to scale up the treatment for better business growth for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the literature on nursing leadership, the research on the quality of exchange relationship between nursing leaders and nurses is in its initial stages. Also, the underlying mechanism that exists between leader–member exchange and employee outcomes warrants further inquiry. This study aimed to fill these gaps by investigating the role of leader–member exchange relationships and organizational identification in nurses' intentional violation of hospital regulations to promote their patients' welfare, also called pro‐social rule‐breaking. In contrast to a vast number of previous studies, we argue that pro‐social rule‐breaking can be positive for organizations. Therefore, nurses should be given margin and autonomy to break hospital rules when needed by establishing a high‐quality exchange relationship with the supervisor. Design: A quantitative study was conducted on nurses working in hospitals in Pakistan by utilizing a non‐probability convenience sampling technique. Method: Data from nurses and their colleagues (n = 224) were collected at three‐time points between June 2019 and August 2019 through questionnaires. Results: The results proved that nurses' possessing a high‐quality exchange relationship with their supervisor feels a higher level of identification with their organization. In turn, they are more likely to engage in pro‐social rule‐breaking as a form of constructive deviance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dahi is a very common and traditional fermented dairy product in Pakistan and its neighboring countries, it represents a rich source for the isolation of many new strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The major objective of this study was to evaluate the probiotic potential of novel exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains of S. thermophilus isolated from Dahi, sold in the local markets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. In this study, 32 isolates of S. thermophilus were initially isolated from Dahi and out of these, 10 identified strains were further screened for their EPS‐producing ability. Maximum EPS production was estimated for RIY strain (133.0 ± 0.06), followed by RIH4 strain (103.83 ± 0.76) and RIRT2 strain (95.77 ± 0.22), respectively. Thereafter, in vitro studies revealed that these newly identified EPS‐producing strains of S. thermophilus fulfilled the basic requirements for probiotic functions; including resistance to harsh conditions of GIT, good cell surface hydrophobicity, auto‐aggregation, and co‐aggregation, especially against L. monocytogenes. Finally, the safety assessment displayed that these strains were also sensitive to clinical antibiotics, including vancomycin. Thus, these selected EPS strains of S. thermophilus act as potential candidates for biostabilizers in the preparation of consumer‐friendly fermented probiotic milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, around 58% of current electricity is generated from fossil fuels and only 2.4% is generated using renewable energy (RE) resources even though country is blessed with enormous RE potential. Among other RE resources, Pakistan's geographical location offers high solar energy potential, which implies that actual potential assessment should be undertaken. This study, as such, undertakes a comprehensive assessment of solar energy potential and prospects of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for both off‐grid and grid‐connected systems. This study also estimates the future available capacity of rooftop and rural off‐grid solar PV capacity. Three different types of solar PV modules of the same size, that is, thin‐film, premium, and standard were modeled to compare energy outputs. NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM) is used to estimate the geographical and technical potential of solar PV considering updated data and geographical information. SAM results suggest that an average of 4.5 kWh/kWp/day is obtained from an installed capacity of 1 KWp. The logistic modeling equations are further used to forecast the solar PV penetration over a period until 2090. The research investigation concludes that 2.8 × 106 GWh of electricity can be generated annually in Pakistan. The estimated results prove that solar PV has the potential to meet the present as well as future energy needs of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to establish the palynostratigraphy, tectonostratigraphy, and palaeoclimate of early Jurassic deltaic strata of the Datta Formation deposited on the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate, Eastern Tethys. Two palynomorph Oppel Biozones namely Quadraeculinaanellae formis‐Chasmatosporites cf. elegans and Callialasporites turbatus were erected which suggest an Hettangian‐Bajocian age for the Datta Formation. The palynofacies integrated with established lithofacies data indicate the dominance of delta plain settings in the western Salt Range and Trans‐Indus Ranges. Such clastic dominated facies truncated along palaeohighs and marine settings in its surroundings, offer good chances of stratigraphic traps within the unit. The literature review suggests that the deposition of deltaic sediments occurred in rift settings, which dominated Gondwana during the Early Jurassic. Such synchronous rift settings with associated continental and deltaic sediments are recorded in almost all continents of Gondwana affinity, thus the Datta Formation is part of a regional delta system. The dominance of Araucariaceae in association with Cycadaceae, as well as the evergreen trees of Cyatheaceae and Matoniaceae within the Datta Formation, indicates warm humid conditions during the deposition of the studied unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River systems originating from the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) are dominated by runoff from snow and glacier melt and summer monsoonal rainfall. These water resources are highly stressed as huge populations of people living in this region depend on them, including for agriculture, domestic use, and energy production. Projections suggest that the UIB region will be affected by considerable (yet poorly quantified) changes to the seasonality and composition of runoff in the future, which are likely to have considerable impacts on these supplies. Given how directly and indirectly communities and ecosystems are dependent on these resources and the growing pressure on them due to ever‐increasing demands, the impacts of climate change pose considerable adaptation challenges. The strong linkages between hydroclimate, cryosphere, water resources, and human activities within the UIB suggest that a multi‐ and inter‐disciplinary research approach integrating the social and natural/environmental sciences is critical for successful adaptation to ongoing and future hydrological and climate change. Here we use a horizon scanning technique to identify the Top 100 questions related to the most pressing knowledge gaps and research priorities in social and natural sciences on climate change and water in the UIB. These questions are on the margins of current thinking and investigation and are clustered into 14 themes, covering three overarching topics of "governance, policy, and sustainable solutions", "socioeconomic processes and livelihoods", and "integrated Earth System processes". Raising awareness of these cutting‐edge knowledge gaps and opportunities will hopefully encourage researchers, funding bodies, practitioners, and policy makers to address them. Plain Language Summary: Huge populations of people across Pakistan, India, China, and Afghanistan depend on river systems originating from the mountainous Upper Indus Basin (UIB) region. These river systems are fed by snow and glacier melt and rainfall. However, demand for freshwater is growing due to population growth, industrialization, urban development, etc, and climate change also poses a serious threat to the water supply. These two pressures pose considerable adaptation changes. The strong connections between water resources, climate change, and human activities within this region, therefore, suggest that a multi‐disciplinary research approach combining social and natural/environmental sciences is required for successful adaptation to ongoing and future climate change. Here we use a 'horizon scanning' technique to identify the Top 100 questions related to the most pressing knowledge gaps and research priorities in social and natural sciences on climate change and water in the UIB. Raising awareness of these cutting‐edge knowledge gaps and opportunities will hopefully encourage researchers, funding bodies, practitioners, and policy makers to address them and help inform future water management, climate plans, and development policy in the UIB. Key Points: The Top 100 research questions on climate change and water in the Upper Indus Basin in the social and natural sciences are identifiedMany questions are cross‐disciplinary given the strong linkages between climate, water, and human activities in the Upper Indus BasinQuestions are identified using horizon scanning, which is a technique used to identify knowledge gaps relevant to emerging challenges [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InSAR time series data for the 2014–2021 period reveal up to 20 cm of radar line‐of‐sight displacements in the area of the 2013 Mw 7.7 Balochistan earthquake northwest of the Hoshab Fault in the eastern Makran subduction zone in southwest Pakistan. We show that surface displacements were caused by ∼80 cm of aseismic slip along a 5,500‐km2‐wide subhorizontal patch of the megathrust fault. The corresponding moment is Mw 7.3. The percentage of slip in plate‐perpendicular direction ranges from ∼65% in the northwest to 96% in the southeast. Slip is consistent with shear stress imparted by the 2013 earthquake. The triggered aseismic slip suggests that this section of the megathrust is decoupled. The implication for the seismic potential of the subduction zone is that the megathrust is fully locked to at most 220 km distance from the trench, consistent with the lack of M ≥ 9 earthquakes in the historic record. Plain Language Summary: The 2013 Mw 7.7 Balochistan earthquake was one of the worldwide largest earthquakes that occurred in the upper plate of a subduction zone within an accretionary prism. Using 2014–2021 InSAR data, we explore the post‐seismic deformation mechanism. We find that post‐seismic deformation is caused by widespread aseismic slip along the megathrust, induced by the static stress change imparted by the Balochistan earthquake. The detection of aseismic slip has implications for the seismic potential of the megathrust. Key Points: The 2013 Mw 7.7 earthquake caused widespread aseismic slip along the megathrustMoment released by aseismic slip along megathrust corresponds to an Mw 7.3 earthquakeEastern Makran megathrust fault is locked to at most 220 km distance from the trench but not along the entire seismogenic width [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green‐lean‐six sigma (GLSS) is an evolving strategy that can be applied in the manufacturing context to address pressing environmental issues. However, due to a lack of research in this area, investigating the motivations behind GLSS implementation is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of factors that shape the overall environmental management strategy of a firm. Drawing on the natural‐resource‐based view and institutional theory, we explore the GLSS drivers and compare developed and developing country contexts by conducting in‐depth interviews with senior consultants specializing in GLSS implementation from New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PK). Findings reveal that the key drivers of GLSS adoption in NZ are general environmental awareness, creating a company image, and government pressure, whereas the main drivers for PK include cost reduction, international customers' influence, and competitiveness. These findings throw light on the reasons for GLSS adoption in different regions and have significant theoretical and practical implications towards improving environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]