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While ChatGPT has recently become very popular, AI has a long history and philosophy. This paper intends to explore the promises and pitfalls of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) AI and potentially future technologies by adopting a speculative methodology. Speculative future narratives with a specific focus on educational contexts are provided in an attempt to identify emerging themes and discuss their implications for education in the 21st century. Affordances of (using) AI in Education (AIEd) and possible adverse effects are identified and discussed which emerge from the narratives. It is argued that now is the best of times to define human vs AI contribution to education because AI can accomplish more and more educational activities that used to be the prerogative of human educators. Therefore, it is imperative to rethink the respective roles of technology and human educators in education with a future-oriented mindset.

Educational institutions around the globe were considerably challenged by the unexpected health consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Schools were rapidly forced to close their doors and begin exploring alternative options to educate students. Teachers, families, and students found themselves having to navigate completely new ways of offering and accessing educational services. Educators from eight different countries share their experiences at the beginning of the Pandemic and their creative efforts to continue providing educational services to their students.

Research Findings: This study evaluated the impact of Chinese literacy interventions on Chinese language learning of South Asian children and their mothers in Hong Kong. A total of 44 children and eight of their mothers participated in Chinese literacy interventions that consisted of two approaches -- Copying and Morphological Awareness Training (CMAT) and Integrative Perceptual Approach (IPA). Children in the intervention group who underwent four weeks of CMAT followed by four weeks of IPA were compared to a control group of 29 children who only attended regular Chinese classes in their preschools. After controlling for non-verbal intelligence, ANCOVA analyses revealed that the intervention group did significantly better than the control group at posttest in (i) morphological awareness, word reading and writing when taught using CMAT; and (ii) word reading when taught using IPA. Mothers made gains on most Chinese literacy measures and children whose mothers participated in the intervention had higher gains in mean scores relative to their pretest scores on most measures than those whose mothers did not, suggesting the effectiveness of combined child and parent interventions. Practice or Policy: Findings support the development of evidence-based interventions to cater to the language learning needs of SA children and parents.

Deviant workplace behaviors (DWB) cause enormous costs to organizations, sparking considerable interest among researchers and practitioners to identify factors that may prevent such behavior. Drawing on the theory of moral development, we examine the role of ethics-oriented human resource management (HRM) systems in mitigating DWB, as well as mechanisms that may mediate and moderate this relationship. Based on 232 employee-supervisor matched responses generated through a multi-source and multi-wave survey of 84 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, our multilevel analysis found that ethics-oriented HRM systems relate negatively to employee DWB via the mediation of perceptual and reflective moral attentiveness. This indirect relationship is further moderated by two societal-inequality induced factors – employee gender and income level – such that the indirect effects of ethics-oriented HRM systems on DWB through perceptual and reflective moral attentiveness are stronger among women and lower-income employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monkeypox is a virus that emerged in Africa in 1970 and is spread through contact with animals, people, and infected objects. It enters the body through ripped skin or the respiratory tract and can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or direct contact with body fluids or lesions. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through large respiratory droplets and can result in symptoms such as lethargy, fever, chills, body pains, lymphadenopathy, and rashes. Diagnosis can be confirmed through various tests, and treatment options include smallpox vaccines and antiviral drugs. The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, with cases reported in several countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan, with its poor healthcare system, needs to be prepared for a potential monkeypox epidemic. The lack of healthcare infrastructure, training, and awareness in Pakistan increases the risk of undetected cases turning into large epidemics, so a concrete action plan is necessary. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Phubbing, a phenomenon of ignoring others in face-to-face conversations due to mobile phone use, can be assessed using a Phubbing Scale (PS). Recently, the PS has been shortened into an eight-item version, the PS-8. However, psychometric properties of the PS-8 among Iranian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani individuals remain understudied, especially using advanced psychometric testing, such as Rasch and network analyses. Methods: Participants residing in Iran, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (n = 1902; 50.4% females; mean age = 26.3 years) completed the PS-8 and the Internet Disorder Scale-Short Form (IDS9-SF) via an online survey. Network analysis was used to examine if PS-8 items were differentiated from IDS9-SF items; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the PS-8; Rasch modeling was used to examine the dimensionality of the PS-8 and differential item functioning (DIF). Results: Network analysis showed that PS-8 items were clustered together with a distance to the IDS9-SF items. The CFA results supported a two-factor structure of the PS-8, and the two-factor structure was found to be invariant across countries and women and men. Rasch model results indicated that the two PS-8 subscales were both unidimensional and did not display DIF across countries and gender/sex. Conclusion: The PS-8 is a feasible and robust instrument for healthcare providers, especially mental health professionals, to quickly assess and evaluate individuals' phubbing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Juji Nala massive sulfide deposit, hosted in the Chota Pani meta-volcanic rocks of the Kohistan-Ladakh Arc, northern Pakistan, has experienced textural and compositional changes due to metamorphism. This study integrates detailed petrographic and mineral chemical investigations to understand the formation of the original deposit and its subsequent modification due to metamorphism and deformation. The study reveals three distinct types of pyrites: a fine-grained disseminated type (Py1), an anhedral type with cataclastic texture and abundant inclusions of other minerals (Py2a), and an anhedral to euhedral type with scarce micro-inclusions (Py2b). The chalcopyrite is fine to medium-grained and forms intergrowth textures with pyrrhotite, Py2a, and Py2b. Marcasite-pyrite aggregates have replaced pyrrhotite and pyrite, whereas chalcopyrite has remained unaffected. Py1 shows a high Co/Ni ratio (> 1) and low Ni content (avg = 76 ppm), suggesting its crystallization from felsic magma-derived ore-forming fluids at temperatures between 366 and 397 °C. The Juji Nala ores have undergone at least four distinct phases of metamorphism, including the cataclastic Py2a formed under greenschist metamorphism, contact metamorphism (upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies) due to igneous intrusion, thermal annealing, and late-stage cataclasis and retrograde metamorphism during exhumation. In contrast to pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite display ductility, and this explains why the pre-metamorphic features of these two minerals were obliterated during metamorphism. This study provides insights into the formation and modification of the Juji Nala deposit, highlighting the importance of considering metamorphic changes in mineral deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study examines the association of ambient temperature with the prevalence of intimate partner violence among partnered women, aged 15 to 49 years, in low- and middle-income countries in South Asia and also projects the association of future climate warming with intimate partner violence. Key Points: Question: What is the association of ambient temperature with the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among partnered women in 3 low- and middle-income countries in South Asia (India, Nepal, and Pakistan)? Findings: This cross-sectional study of 194 871 ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 years from 3 South Asian countries found an increase in IPV prevalence with higher annual mean temperature, with a 1 °C increase in the annual mean temperature associated with a 4.5% increase in IPV prevalence. By the end of the 21st century, the prevalence of IPV was estimated to increase substantially as temperatures increase, particularly under an unlimited carbon emissions scenario. Meaning: The findings of this study suggest a need for sustainable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, along with public health programs, to address the issue of IPV in climate-sensitive regions. Importance: Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, and emotional violence, constitutes a critical public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While climate change could escalate violent events, data quantifying its possible association with IPV are scant. Objective: To evaluate the association of ambient temperature with the prevalence of IPV among partnered women in low- and middle-income countries in South Asia, and to estimate the association of future climate warming with IPV. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used data from the Demographic and Health Survey and included 194 871 ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 years from 3 South Asian countries (India, Nepal, and Pakistan). The study applied the mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression model to investigate the association of ambient temperature with IPV prevalence. The study further modeled the change in IPV prevalence under various future climate change scenarios. The data included in the analyses were collected from October 1, 2010, to April 30, 2018, and the current analyses were performed from January 2, 2022, to July 11, 2022. Exposure: Annual ambient temperature exposure for each woman, estimated based on an atmospheric reanalysis model of the global climate. Main Outcomes and Measures: The prevalence of IPV and its types (physical, sexual, and emotional violence) were assessed based on self-reported questionnaires from October 1, 2010, to April 30, 2018, and the changes in the prevalence with climate changes were estimated through the 2090s. Results: The study included 194 871 ever-partnered women aged 15 to 49 years (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [7.6] years; overall IPV prevalence, 27.0%) from 3 South Asian countries. The prevalence of physical violence was highest (23.0%), followed by emotional (12.5%), and sexual violence (9.5%). The annual temperature ranges were mostly between 20 °C and 30 °C. A significant association was found between high ambient temperature and the prevalence of IPV against women, with each 1 °C increase in the annual mean temperature associated with a mean increase in IPV prevalence of 4.49% (95% CI, 4.20%-4.78%). According to the study's projections under the unlimited emissions scenarios (SSPs [shared socioeconomic pathways], as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] 5-8.5), IPV prevalence would increase by 21.0% by the end of the 21st century, while it would only moderately increase under increasingly stricter scenarios (SSP2-4.5 [9.8%] and SSP1-2.6 [5.8%]). In addition, the projected increases in the prevalence of physical (28.3%) and sexual (26.1%) violence were greater than that of emotional violence (8.9%). In the 2090s, India was estimated to experience the highest IPV prevalence increase (23.5%) among the 3 countries, compared with Nepal (14.8%) and Pakistan (5.9%). Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional, multicountry study provides ample epidemiological evidence to support that high ambient temperature may be associated with the risk of IPV against women. These findings highlight the vulnerabilities and inequalities of women experiencing IPV in low- and middle-income countries in the context of global climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet Disorder Scale–Short Form (IDS9-SF) is a validated instrument assessing internet disorder which modified the internet gaming disorder criteria proposed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the relationships between the nine items in the IDS9-SF are rarely investigated. The present study used network analysis to investigate the features of the IDS9-SF among three populations in Bangladesh, Iran, and Pakistan. Data were collected (N = 1901; 957 [50.3%] females; 666 [35.0%] Pakistani, 533 [28.1%] Bangladesh, and 702 [36.9%] Iranians) using an online survey platform (e.g., Google Forms). All the participants completed the IDS9-SF. The central-stability-coefficients of the nine IDS9-SF items were 0.71, 0.89, 0.96, 0.98, 0.98, 1.00, 0.67, 0.79, and 0.91, respectively. The node centrality was stable and interpretable in the network. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) showed that the network structure had no significant differences among Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Iranian participants (p-values = 0.172 to 0.371). Researchers may also use the IDS9-SF to estimate underlying internet addiction for their target participants and further explore and investigate the phenomenon related to internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor medication adherence is an essential contributor to Pakistan's high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. Relatively inexpensive technology-based mobile phone interventions can help with poor prescription adherence. This study is designed to determine the efficacy of a specially developed intervention in improving medication adherence and clinical outcomes in hypertension patients. Methods/design: A two-arm, parallel-design, six-month duration, single-blinded randomized controlled trial comprising an intervention, pre-test, and post-test evaluation is carried out among hypertensive patients registered at the Cardiology and Medical Outpatient Departments (OPDs) at a public hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 440 patients aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with hypertension in the last month but have poor adherence to anti-hypertensive and have access to a mobile phone, are randomized into either the intervention group (n=220) or the control group (n=220). The newly developed intervention, called the "Multi-Aid-Package," consists of seven items: written, voice, and graphics messages, animated video, educational material, and 24/7 help service. Standard care is provided to the control group. The Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale (SEAMS) is used to assess the changes in medication adherence and the number of prescribed pills taken for a given period. The secondary outcome is a change in systolic blood pressure. All assessments are done at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The analysis will be intention-to-treat. Conclusion: We hypothesize this mHealth technology intervention effectively improves medication adherence and reduces hypertension-related morbidity and mortality in a low- to middle-income country (LMIC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of basic linguistic skills (vocabulary, syntax, orthography, and morphological awareness), basic cognitive skills (working memory), and higher-order cognitive skills (inference making and reading monitoring) in reading Chinese as a second language (L2). A total of 252 international students from Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Laos were recruited, and a range of measures including a Chinese reading comprehension test (HSK level 3), four linguistic knowledge tests on Chinese lexical, syntactic, and orthographic knowledge as well as morphological awareness, a reading span test, an inference making task, and an inconsistency detection test. The results of hierarchical multiple regressions showed that the measured linguistic skills and cognitive skills explained 80% of the variances in L2 Chinese reading, among which morphological awareness made the largest contribution. The path analysis revealed that linguistic skills and working memory contributed indirectly to reading comprehension via inference making and comprehension monitoring, while the two higher-order cognitive skills made direct contributions. Overall, this study demonstrates that inference making and comprehension monitoring contributed directly to reading comprehension, while linguistic skills and working memory functioned indirectly via the higher-order cognitive skills It also highlights the importance of morphological awareness in a hierarchical model of L2 Chinese reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses the narratives of survivors of honor killing to show that women's agency is the reason for life threats because it undermines masculine domination. The findings show that life threats are made against women engaging in behaviors not aligned to cultural norms as perceived by male members of their family, to escape shame and gossip, and it is a manifestation of men losing control over women. These survivors of honor-based violence have undermined masculine domination by acting in unanticipated ways and by fleeing to a shelter home in the face of overwhelming cultural sanctions and structural inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the imperative significance of renewable energy production in the debate on sustainable and reliable energy future, it is imperious to comprehend the main determinants of renewable energy and to draw appropriate implications for designing energy policy. This study aims to examine the asymmetric determinants of renewable energy production for Pakistan for a time horizon ranging from 1980 to 2019. For regression analysis, the study adopted symmetric autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and asymmetric autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approaches. The findings of the NARDL approach illustrate that positive change in GDP, CO 2 , and financial development lead to a significant positive increase in renewable energy production in the long-run. In contrast, the negative changes in GDP, CO 2 , and financial development exert no significant impact on renewable energy production in the long-run. However, the outcomes of ARDL approach reveal that GDP is the only determinant that leads to enhanced renewable energy production in the long-run. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of public health in combatting COVID-19 is to increase herd immunity. However, vaccine reluctance makes attaining herd immunity a worldwide challenge. This investigation aimed to identify negative and positive attitudes and intentions about COVID-19 vaccinations. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted once free COVID-19 vaccines became available in Pakistan in 2021. 4392 Pakistanis aged 18 and older were surveyed from seven administrative units between 1 July and 30 August 2021. Online structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data using a simple sampling procedure. The questionnaires were divided into three major sections: sociodemographic, health factors, and attitudes toward COVID-19. Results: The survey link was shared with approximately 4500 participants. 97.6%(4392) completed the survey once begun. Frequency, percentage and Chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical data. Most of the participants in the research were men (2703 (61.54%)), 3277 (74.61%) were aged 18–29 years, and 1824 (41.53%) were residents of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (18.69%) Respondents expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, whereas 36.66% of participants liked getting the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines and (35.84%) of participants preferred the Pfizer vaccine. A significant number of participants (38.05%) were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects Thus, it is essential to realize that many participants were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects. Conclusions: The overall high level of concern about the unforeseen side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as widespread vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani populations and its predictors, should be taken into account if public health intervention campaigns in Pakistan are changing negative attitudes and improving compliance with regard to COVID-19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater dynamics caused by extraction and recharge are one of the primary causes of subsidence in the urban environment. Lahore is the second largest metropolitan city in Pakistan. The rapid expansion of this urban area due to high population density has increased the demand for groundwater to meet commercial and household needs. Land subsidence due to inadequate groundwater extraction has long been a concern in Lahore. This paper aims to present the persistent scatterer interferometry synthetic aperture radar (PS-InSAR) technique for monitoring the recent land subsidence in Lahore, based on the Sentinel-1 data obtained from January 2020 to December 2021. PS-InSAR techniques are very efficient and cost-effective, determining land subsidence and providing useful results. Areas of high groundwater discharge are prone to high subsidence of −110 mm, while the surroundings show an uplifting of +21 mm during the study period. The PS-InSAR study exposes the subsidence area in detail, particularly when the subsoil is characterized by alluvial and clay deposits and large building structures. This type of observation is quite satisfactory and similar to ground-based surface deformation pertinent to a high subsidence rate. Results will enable more effective urban planning, land infrastructure building, and risk assessment related to subsidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend the literature by providing evidence that a cultural variable, intrinsic Islamic religiosity is important in understanding auditors' judgement in the Islamic context of Pakistan. The intrinsic Islamic religiosity theoretical construct examined is Islamic Worldview (IW) which represents deeply held enduring and stable values which are likely to be dominant in influencing professionals' judgements. Moreover, theoretical underpinning and empirical evidence in social psychology and organisational behaviour have established the critical role of intrinsic religiosity in influencing behaviour. Our first objective is to examine whether IW impacts auditors' judgements in the context of their acceptance of uncorroborated low-reliability client-provided evidence. Understanding the potential impact of cultural factors on auditors' acceptance of client-provided information is an essential factor in improving audit quality. Our findings support the hypothesis that auditors with high (low) IW scores are more (less) likely to accept uncorroborated low-reliability client-provided evidence. Our second objective is to examine the relationship between IW and auditors' preference for exercising more or less judgements. Examining this topic is important because auditing is a judgement-based process: auditors' judgements determine audit quality and, by extension, the quality of associated financial reports. Our findings provide overall support for the hypothesis that auditors with high (low) IW scores have a preference for exercising more (less) judgement. Our findings have implications for global and national standard setters, regulators, practitioners, and researchers. The results are also relevant to global audit firms and their affiliates, particularly networks operating in Islamic countries, in ensuring global consistency of audits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are the most catastrophic geological hazard in hilly areas. The present work intends to identify landslide susceptibility along Karakorum Highway (KKH) in Northern Pakistan, using landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM). To compare and predict the connection between causative factors and landslides, the random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), k nearest neighbor (KNN) and naive Bayes (NB) models were used in this research. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar persistent scatterer interferometry (PS-InSAR) technology was used to explore the displacement movement of retrieved models. Initially, 332 landslide areas alongside the Karakorum Highway were found to generate the landslide inventory map using various data. The landslides were categorized into two sections for validation and training, of 30% and 70%. For susceptibility mapping, thirteen landslide-condition factors were created. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve technique was utilized for accuracy comparison, yielding 83.08, 82.15, 80.31, and 72.92% accuracy for RF, XGBoost, KNN, and NB, respectively. The PS-InSAR technique demonstrated a high deformation velocity along the line of sight (LOS) in model-sensitive areas. The PS-InSAR technique was used to evaluate the slope deformation velocity, which can be used to improve the LSM for the research region. The RF technique yielded superior findings, integrating with the PS-InSAR outcomes to provide the region with a new landslide susceptibility map. The enhanced model will help mitigate landslide catastrophes, and the outcomes may help ensure the roadway's safe functioning in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karachi is located in the southern part of Pakistan along the Arabian Sea coast. Relevant institutions are concerned about the possibility of ground subsidence in the city, contributing to the comparative sea-level rise. So yet, no direct measurement of the subsidence rate and its relation to city submergence danger has been made. SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) interferometry is a powerful method for obtaining millimeter-accurate surface displacement measurements. The Sentinel-1 satellite data provide extensive geographical coverage, regular acquisitions, and open access. This research used the persistent scatterer interferometry synthetic aperture radar (PS-InSAR) technology with Sentinel-1 SAR images to monitor ground subsidence in Karachi, Pakistan. The SARPROZ software was used to analyze a series of Sentinel-1A images taken from November 2019 to December 2020 along ascending and descending orbit paths to assess land subsidence in Karachi. The cumulative deformation in Line of Sight (LOS) ranged from − 68.91 to 76.06 mm/year, whereas the vertical deformation in LOS ranged from − 67.66 to 74.68 mm/year. The data reveal a considerable rise in subsidence from 2019 to 2020. The general pattern of subsidence indicated very high values in the city center, whereas locations outside the city center saw minimal subsidence. Overall, the proposed technique effectively maps, identifies, and monitors land areas susceptible to subsidence. This will allow for more efficient planning, construction of surface infrastructure, and control of subsidence-induced risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bulk of literature has examined the asymmetric impact of renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions by using the advanced econometric approach. While the asymmetric role of renewable energy production in the CO2 equation is largely unknown, our present study quantifies the asymmetric relationship between renewable energy production, natural resources, economic progress, and CO2 emission for Pakistan by using the NARDL approach. It is found that positive change in renewable energy production has a positive effect on CO2 emissions, while a negative change in renewable energy production has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in the long run. Furthermore, a positive and negative change in natural resources contributes negatively to CO2 emissions in the long run. The results reveal that a positive change in economic progress significantly increases CO2 emissions in the long run. Based on findings, Pakistan's government should encourage local and international investors to increase their investment in the production of renewable energy by reducing environmental degradation. [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]

This study attempts to identify major problems related to the agriculture sector in Pakistan and focusing on China Pakistan Economic Corridor's (CPEC) role in addressing these issues. The agriculture sector is playing a major role in the economic development of Pakistan and this sector has greatly sustained rural livelihood. There are three various stages for the successful execution of the projects under the umbrella of CPEC. The agriculture sector would be directly or indirectly benefited from these projects, currently ongoing under CPEC. Over the last several decades the country's agriculture sector has severely been affected, and the crisis in energy might be the prime reason responsible for this downfall. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a comprehensive literature survey has been conducted. Scores of problems have been identified that has greatly affected the agriculture sector such as water deficiency, climate changes, long duration load shedding, traditional farming practices, poor extension services, high prices of fertilizers, land insecurity, etc. The outcomes of this study showed that the successful completion of CPEC related projects in the energy sector and infrastructure development will boost the agricultural output, provide job opportunities and poverty eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study examines the role of servant leadership through the mechanism of psychological safety in curbing nurses' burnout during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background: During the COVID‐19 pandemic, studies have shown an increased level of stress and burnout among health care workers, especially nurses. This study responds to the call for research to explore the mechanisms of servant leadership in predicting nurses' burnout by employing the perspective of conservation of resources theory. Methods: Through a cross‐sectional quantitative research design, data were collected in three waves from 443 nurses working in Pakistan's five public sector hospitals. Data were analysed by employing the partial least squares path modelling (PLS‐PM) technique. Results: Servant leadership (β = −0.318; 95% CI = 0.225, 0.416) and psychological safety (β = −0.342; CI = 0.143, 0.350) have an inverse relationship with nurses' burnout and explain 63.1% variance. Conclusions: Servant leadership significantly reduces nurses' burnout, and psychological safety mediates this relationship. Implications for Nursing Management: Human resource management policies in health care must emphasize training nursing leaders in servant leadership behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aside from personal beliefs, young adults' intention to uptake the COVID‐19 vaccine can be influenced by their fear of COVID‐19 and perceived infectability of COVID‐19. The present study incorporated fear of COVID‐19 and perceived infectability with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to form an expanded TPB to analyze factors affecting Pakistani young adults' intentions to uptake the COVID‐vaccine in Pakistan. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted and recruited participants from Pakistani social media users. The proposed extended TPB model was examined by using structural equation modeling. Results: A total of 1034 individuals replied to the survey. The three factors of the original theory of planned behavior and the fear of COVID‐19 were positively related to their intention to uptake COVID‐19 vaccination (r = 0.25‐0.66). Moreover, the perceived infectability positively influenced the three theories of planned behavioral factors and the fear of COVID‐19 (r = 0.27‐0.60), also affecting the participants' intentions to uptake COVID‐19 vaccination. Conclusions: Perceived infectability was positively related to the participants' intentions to uptake COVID‐19 vaccination, and perceived behavioral control was the strongest mediator. More evidence‐based information concerning treatments and COVID‐19 vaccination are needed to encourage individuals to uptake the vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The senior market signifies an enormous, rapidly expanding segment, and this research aimed to investigate this segment by proposing a theoretical model incorporating the antecedents of consumer flow experience, flow theory, and technology acceptance model (TAM) devised for determining social media purchase intention. This study focuses on the senior citizens engaged in shopping using social media located in Pakistan. A total of 300 senior citizens were selected. An online survey was conducted with the help of a marketing research agency located in Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) method. According to the results, the antecedents, such as feedback, enjoyment, and time distortion were found to be in a positive relationship with flow experience, however, the concentration did not have a significant effect on the flow. Furthermore, the flow was found to be in a significant relationship with social media purchase intention and TAM. Finally, TAM was also found to be in a positive significant relationship with social media purchase intention. This research contributes to the constantly expanding volume of the utilization of social media by the senior market segment population for buying and producing the highly valuable knowledge for manufacturers, wholesalers, vendors, and a huge number of senior customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is the primary producer of cotton, which is an indispensable crop worldwide. The agriculture sector depends on the climate and may be susceptible to future climate changes, such as increasing temperature, heavy rainfall, droughts, and floods directly impacting cotton productivity. This study empirically investigates the relationship between climate change variables and non-climate change variables on cotton productivity in Pakistan. An econometric technique, the "autoregressive distributed lag model" (ARDL), was employed on time series data from 1970 to 2018 to explore the existence and nature of the relationship among variables. The findings indicated the presence of co-integration among variables which confirms the long-run relationship among the variables. At the same time, the empirical results revealed that increases in temperature and rainfall positively affected cotton productivity. However, CO2 harms cotton productivity. Moreover, infrastructural changes positively affect cotton productivity in both the long and short run, while labor is negatively related to productivity. The area, fertilizer, and seed consumption showed a significant positive effect on cotton productivity. We employed the dynamic ordinary least squares (OLS), co-integration regression estimation, and the series test to validate the robustness of the finding. The finding of this study urges policymakers to devise a comprehensive policy to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change and upsurge water conservation. Furthermore, it is imperative to adopt environmentally friendly production inputs and modern techniques, which helps to gain sustainable cotton productivity. To conclude, the cotton crop is significantly affected by climate change subject to the region. Although this study analyzed the Pakistan case, the model can be generalized to all the developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employees' pro‐environmental behavior serves as a cornerstone in realizing organizations' sustainability initiatives. Leadership plays a vital role in shaping and nurturing the desired employee behaviors. Building upon social learning and self‐determination theories, we developed and tested a research model that investigated the mediating role of employees' green intrinsic motivation and the moderating influence of their green self‐efficacy on the relationship between green servant leadership and pro‐environmental behavior. Data were collected in two waves from 323 pairs of employee‐manager working in Pakistan's energy sector and analyzed with partial least squares path modeling (PLS‐PM). The findings endorsed that green servant leadership influences pro‐environmental behavior through the mediating mechanism of green intrinsic motivation. Further, green self‐efficacy played an interactive role with green servant leadership in shaping pro‐environmental behavior. This research responds to multiple calls for research and advances the knowledge on servant leadership and pro‐environmental behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the interdependence of deposition, tectonics and diagenesis in a prolific hydrocarbon reservoir. This has been achieved through an integrated field study, petrography, scanning electron microscope (SEM), zircon microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the fluvio-deltaic sandstone of the Lower Cambrian Khewra Sandstone. Sandstones are subarkose, sublitharenite and feldspathic litharenite subjecting to compaction, cementation, dissolution and replacement. The pore types are intergranular, vuggy, and fractures. The paragenetic sequence suggests a multistage diagenetic history for the sandstone under eogenetic, mesogenetic and telogenetic regimes. The telogenetic alterations are triggered by Himalayan orogeny. Both deposition and tectonics control the spatial and temporal distribution of diagenetic facies and sweet spots. The bounding unconformities and variation of compositional and textural patterns determine the reservoir quality. The dynamic interaction among deposition, tectonics and diagenesis yields a comprehensive understanding of reservoir potential on a global scale. [Display omitted] • The Lower Cambrian Khewra Sandstone is diagenetically heterogeneous sandstone. • It is bounded by unconformities and deposited in fluvio-deltaic environment. • The eodiagenetic, mesodiagenetic and telodiagenetic alterations involve compaction, cementation, dissolution and replacement. • Deposition and diagenesis control the reservoir quality of Khewra Sandstone. • The coarse-grained texture and meteoric water percolation from overlying unconformity make the upper sandstone a potential hydrocarbon reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has seriously affected the lives of millions of people across the world. It has also heavily burdened healthcare professionals and the virus poses serious risks for their personal and professional lives. Therefore, the present study examined the associations between fear of COVID-19 and workplace phobia among doctors in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An online survey was conducted among 421 doctors in Pakistan between April 10 and May 25, 2020. The Workplace Phobia Scale (WPS) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) were the main psychometric instruments used in this study.Results: There was a significant positive relationship between fear of COVID-19 and workplace panic anxiety and workplace avoidance behavior. Significantly higher fear of COVID-19 was found among (i) females compared to males, (ii) doctors with 5 years or less of work experience compared to those with more than 5 years, and (iii) postgraduate trainees compared with other ranks. Two groups (doctors who were above 30 years old and postgraduate trainees) were found to have higher levels of workplace phobia compared to their counterparts. Doctors with severe levels of fear of COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of workplace panic anxiety and workplace avoidance behavior.Conclusions: Fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with workplace phobia which may negatively affect doctors' performance. Therefore, important steps are needed to protect doctors' health by providing sufficient resources to allay their fears and anxieties which consequently help them in carrying out their frontline duties in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women globally. In 2018, 2.1 million new cases were reported, with 627,000 deaths. Pakistan has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among Asian countries: one in every nine women has a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. By reason of many misconceptions about the etiology of the disease and socioeconomic factors, Pakistani women have very low rates of early detection and diagnose breast cancer at advance stages with fewer chances of survival. The key to cure the breast cancer is early diagnosis. The aim of current review is to highlight the factors leading to the delays in early presentation of breast cancer in Pakistani women and to summarize possible recommendations for educating women about early diagnosis along with palliative care facilities for patients suffering from breast cancer. Furthermore, this study appeals to both the general public and government in the belief that better reporting and awareness campaigns may bring more women to clinics for early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird species richness and diversity are the key factors that determine the health and productivity of an ecosystem. They have occupied a marvelous place, i.e., they play a vital role in the contribution of public consideration towards natural habitats and considered as barometers of an ecosystem. This study was carried out to determine the bird species diversity of the Sheikh Badin National Park, located in District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this purpose, bird watching surveys following line transect method were conducted from June 2018 to July 2019 in the study area. A total 3408 individuals (1260 migrants and 2148 residents) representing the 41 bird species were recorded during the surveys. Among the total, 18 species were migrants and 23 residents, belong to 11 Orders and 25 Families. Passeriformes was the dominant encompass of 19 species (9 native and 10 migrants) and 13 families. This national park harbored species richness was r = 41, Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H' = 3.546), evenness (J' 0.955) and Simpson's Diversity (D = 0.966). The foraging guild results revealed that the granivore (2274) and insectivore (565) were the most abundant bird species. The major threats to the avifauna were illegal hunting, grazing and deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gas effect is known as the main cause of worldwide warming and environmental change. The present study was planned to examine the causal relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, CO2 emissions from solid fuel consumption (CO2S), energy use (EU), fossil fuel energy consumption (FOF), gross domestic product (GDP), and net domestic credit (NDC). This research work is based on Pakistan's annual data from 1971 to 2014. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing design was used to measure both long-run and the short-run relationships among all study variables. To inspect the stationarity of the study variables, augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests were also carried out. The outcome of the long-run estimates indicated that CO2S, EU, and GDP all have a significant relationship with CO2 emissions while both FOF and NDC did not exhibit any significant effect. The value of error correction term (ECT) was − 0.977 which signifies that the deviation of CO2 emissions from short-run to long-run equilibrium was fitted by 97.7% per year. Johansen co-integration test results display a long-run association between the study variables. Based on the study findings, the government requires to take effective measures for constructive policy-making and identification of environmental threats in Pakistan. Additionally, emission decreasing actions should be settled the fundamental agenda in energy and environmental strategies of Pakistan for the reduction in damages connected with carbon dioxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To look superior and acceptable in society, people from all over the world use various types of cosmetic products to enhance or alter their facial appearance and body texture. In recent times, an exponential surge in cosmetic use has been observed in Pakistan, and hence spending money on personal-care products is high. However, there are many reported facts about high loads of lead, mercury, copper, and others hazardous and cancerous elements in local Pakistani cosmetic brands. Consumers of these brands are at high risk of many clinical issues, including cancer. As such, it is a necessity to make people aware of the devastating harmful effects related to cosmetic use. The aim of this study was to provide information for stakeholders and raise awareness in the general public about the use of these local unauthorized personal-care cosmetic products, along with government strategies to stop this cosmetic blight on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease causing serious health problems in both humans and animals in different endemic regions across the world. There are two different forms of human echinococcosis: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). CE is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and AE by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Geographically, CE is universally distributed, while AE is prevalent in the northern hemisphere. Although the disease is endemic in neighboring countries (China, Iran and India) of Pakistan, there are limited reports from that country. Besides, there are no comprehensive data on the genotyping of Echinococcus species in humans based on sequence analysis. This study aimed to detect the presence of human CE and to identify Echinococcus spp. in human isolates through genetic characterization of hydatid cysts in the Punjab Province of Pakistan.Methods: Genetic analysis was performed on 38 human hydatid cyst samples collected from patients with echinococcosis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH subunit 1 (nad1). Patient data including age, epidemiological history, sex, and location were obtained from hospital records.Results: According to the sequence analysis we detected E. granulosus sensu stricto (n = 35), E. canadensis (G6/G7) (n = 2), and E. multilocularis (n = 1). Thus, the majority of the patients (92.1%, 35/38) were infected with E. granulosus s.s. This is the first molecular confirmation of E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis in human subjects from Pakistan.Conclusions: These findings suggested that E. granulosus s.s. is the dominant species in humans in Pakistan. In addition, E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis are circulating in the country. Further studies are required to explore the genetic diversity in both humans and livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions have turned out to be one of the key alarming and complex issues which drive a long-lasting debate over climate change. The increasing trend in the usage of fossil fuels for the curse of economic development and at the same time reducing carbon emissions has become a significant phenomenon worldwide. In this study, we evaluate carbon emissions (CO2) during 1972–2016 by employing logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method. The results from decomposition using LMDI method indicate that the economic development factor is the main driving force for the increase of per capita carbon emissions in the country; the energy structure and energy efficiency are the restraining factor for per capita carbon emissions. Therefore, Pakistan should continue to upgrade energy structure from traditional sources to renewable energy sources to curb the increase of carbon emissions, and also, improve the efficiency of energy use and save energy to cope with environmental challenges. Finally, the study concludes with some policy suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Suboptimal nutrition among children remains a problem among South Asian (SA) families. Appropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices can greatly reduce this risk. Thus, we undertook a systematic review of studies assessing CF (timing, dietary diversity, meal frequency and influencing factors) in children aged <2 years in Pakistan.Design: Searches between January 2000 and June 2016 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, OVID Maternity & Infant Care, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, BanglaJOL, POPLINE and WHO Global Health Library. Eligibility criteria: primary research on CF practices in SA children aged 0-2 years and/or their families. Search terms: 'children', 'feeding' and 'Asians' with their derivatives. Two researchers undertook study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal (EPPI-Centre Weight of Evidence).Results: From 45 712 results, seventeen studies were included. Despite adopting the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding guidelines, suboptimal CF was found in all studies. Nine of fifteen studies assessing timing recorded CF introduced between 6 and 9 months. Five of nine observed dietary diversity across four of seven food groups; and two of four, minimum meal frequency in over 50 % of participants. Influencing factors included lack of CF knowledge, low maternal education, socio-economic status and cultural beliefs.Conclusions: This is the first systematic review to evaluate CF practices in Pakistan. Campaigns to change health and nutrition behaviour are needed to meet the substantial unmet needs of these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) expressed on enterocytes are proposed receptors for rotaviruses and can be measured in saliva. Among 181 Pakistani infants in a G1P[8] rotavirus vaccine trial who were seronegative at baseline, anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin A seroconversion rates after 3 vaccine doses differed significantly by salivary HBGA phenotype, with the lowest rate (19%) among infants who were nonsecretors (ie, who did not express the carbohydrate synthesized by FUT2), an intermediate rate (30%) among secretors with non-blood group O, and the highest rate (51%) among secretors with O blood group. Differences in HBGA expression may be responsible for some of the discrepancy in the level of protection detected for the current rotavirus vaccines in low-income versus high-income settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential impacts of foreign ownership on the corporate sustainability disclosure of leading non-financial companies in the context of an emerging economy of Pakistan. The study employed data from the year 2006 to 2018 gathered from the Pakistan stock exchange. Further, the data on foreign ownership and corporate sustainability disclosure obtained from the firm's annual reports and the global reporting initiatives (GRI) database. This study employed a sequential mixed methods technique. The empirical results indicate that foreign ownership has a significant impact on total sustainability disclosure (TCSRI). Whereas having an individual assessment, we found that foreign ownership is positively associated with each component (economic, social, and environmental) disclosure respectively. Moreover, our findings prove that firm size and growth are positively related to foreign ownership, TCSRI, and its aspects. In contrast, the study reveals a negative relationship among financial leverage, TCSRI, and economic, social, and environmental sustainability exposure. Summing up, the study indicates that foreign ownership effectively improves sustainability governance mechanism, and at the same time, it is also found that higher financial leverage restricts the sustainability disclosure capacity of firms. Results from this study have technical, theoretical, and policy implications for regulatory institutions, corporate management, and investors in emerging economies. Hence, we put forward the policy implications that the regulatory institutions need to reconsider the policy guidelines subject to diversification of ownership and activism of foreign shareholders in both small/large size firms to enhance the sustainability disclosure practices. Also, reduce the increasing level of financial leverage, which is curbing the firm's economic, social, and environmental reporting activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In South Asia, hundreds of millions of people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura). However, high-resolution risk profiles and the estimated number of people infected have yet to be determined. In turn, such information will assist control programs to identify priority areas for allocation of scarce resource for the control of soil-transmitted helminth infection. Methodology: We pursued a systematic review to identify prevalence surveys pertaining to soil-transmitted helminth infections in four mainland countries (i.e., Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) of South Asia. PubMed and ISI Web of Science were searched from inception to April 25, 2019, without restriction of language, study design, and survey date. We utilized Bayesian geostatistical models to identify environmental and socioeconomic predictors, and to estimate infection risk at high spatial resolution across the study region. Principal findings: A total of 536, 490, and 410 georeferenced surveys were identified for A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and T. trichiura, respectively. We estimate that 361 million people (95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI) 331–395 million), approximately one-quarter of the South Asia population, was infected with at least one soil-transmitted helminth species in 2015. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species. Moderate to high prevalence (>20%) of any soil-transmitted helminth infection was predicted in the northeastern part and some northern areas of the study region, as well as the southern coastal areas of India. The annual treatment needs for the school-age population requiring preventive chemotherapy was estimated at 165 million doses (95% BCI: 146–185 million). Conclusions/significance: Our risk maps provide an overview of the geographic distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infection in four mainland countries of South Asia and highlight the need for up-to-date surveys to accurately evaluate the disease burden in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uchalli Lake is an internationally significant Ramsar site that needs protection for supporting migratory birds. The current study aimed to assess wetland health by examining water and sediments utilizing total and labile heavy metals concentration, pollution indices, ecological risk assessment, water recharge and pollution induction sources through isotope tracer techniques. Al concentration in water was of serious concern as it was 440 times higher than the maximum acceptable concentration of Environmental Quality Standard of the UK for aquatic life in saline waters. Labile concentration predicted very severe enrichment of Cd, Pb, and moderate enrichment of Cu. Modified ecological risk index predicted very high ecological risk in sediments. The δ 18O, δ2H and D-excess values indicate that the lake was mainly recharged by local meteoric water. Enriched values of δ 18O and δ2H suggest a high evaporation of lake water, making lake sediments more enriched with metals. Isotopic and D-excess values of groundwater suggest a quick rainwater recharge to groundwater around the Uchalli Lake. Nitrates isotopes indicate that the rainwater runoff is main source of induction of fertilizers, pesticides and soil bonded metals in the lake system. The lake is recharged by rainwater runoff, from catchment areas, that erode the soil particles and agricultural residual waste dumped in the lake. [Display omitted] • Labile content was utilized for pollution indices and ecological risk assessment. • Aluminum content was found as highest among all studied metals in Uchalli lake. • Water Recharge sources of lake through δ 18O and δ2H values of lake water. • Metals source identification through δ15N and δ 18O of NO 3 in sediments of lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most of the developing countries, lack of resources and little market accessibility are among the major factors that affect small farming household food security. This study aims to investigate the status of small farming households’ food security, and its determinants including the role of market accessibility factors in enhancing food security at household level. In addition, this study also determines the households’ perception about different kinds of livelihoods risks. This study is based on a household survey of 576 households conducted through face-to-face interviews using structured interviews in Punjab, Pakistan. Food security status is calculated using dietary intake method. The study findings show that one-fourth of the households are food insecure. The study findings reveal that farm households perceive increase in food prices, crop diseases, lack of irrigation water and increase in health expenses as major livelihood risks. Further, the results of logistic regression show that family size, monthly income, food prices, health expenses and debt are main factors influencing the food security status of rural households. Furthermore, the market accessibility factors (road distance and transportation cost) do significantly affect the small farming household food security. The results suggest that local food security can be enhanced by creating off-farm employment opportunities, improved transportation facilities and road infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic vein deposit is hosted by metavolcanics rocks of the Gawuch Formation at the Kaldom Gol area of the northwest Kohistan arc terrain in northern Pakistan. The mineralization is closely associated with the dioritic to granodioritic rocks of the Lowari pluton, which was intruded into the Gawuch metavolcanics. Details of ore characterization and processes of ore genesis of this evidently hydrothermal mineralization are not well documented. Integrating petrographic, mineral-chemical and isotopic investigations, this study aims to comprehend the source of hydrothermal fluids, geochemical evolution, mineral inclusions and physicochemical conditions of the Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic vein deposit in Gawuch metavolcanics in the Kohistan arc terrain in northern Pakistan. The mineralization is distinguished into three types of ore-gangue associations: Type Ia, Type Ib, and Type II. The textural study revealed two pyrite generations: (i) Py1 displaying euhedral to subhedral habits and containing scarce inclusions, and (ii) Py2 occurring as anhedral grains hosting abundant inclusions. Type Ia is characterized by Py1 associated with abundant quartz (Qz) showing comb texture, sericite (Ser), and minor chlorite (Chl). Type Ib comprises Qz + Ser + Chl and Py2, chalcopyrite (Ccp), and magnetite (Mag). Type II is represented by mosaic quartz, rhombic adularia, and bladed calcite, and the ore minerals fahlore and galena. Alteration zones composed of Qz-Ser ± Chl and Qz-Ser-Chl, surround Type I (a, b) and Type II veins, respectively. Fahlore and galena mostly replace pyrite of Type Ia and chalcopyrite of Type Ib. In addition, malachite, azurite, hematite and covellite occur as secondary (supergene) minerals. The Co/Ni ratios (>1) of Kaldom Gol pyrites suggest that the ore-forming fluids were hydrothermal in origin and Py1 and Py2 solidified at 221–304 °C and 225–261 °C, respectively. The LA-ICP-MS time-resolved depth profiles confirm the existence of sphalerite, and chalcopyrite inclusions in pyrite (Py1 and Py2) and millerite , bravoite , vaesite , Au-tellurides, native Au and galena inclusions in chalcopyrite and fahlore. Sulfur isotope compositions of pyrites (δ34S = Py1, −0.58 to +2 ‰; δ34S = Py2, −0.24 to +2.04 ‰) indicate that the ore-forming fluids were derived from magmatic source (s). The mineral assemblage, hydrothermal alterations, textures, temperature and δ34S of pyrites suggest that the Cu-Sb-Pb polymetallic mineralization at Kaldom Gol represents an intermediate-sulfidation type of epithermal deposit. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an empirical study of the country image of Pakistan. The purpose is to analyse key factors that influence perceptions. Four focus groups were conducted with both Pakistani nationals and people from other countries. Findings include the following: (i) there was little positive image of Pakistan as a country; (ii) most non-Pakistani respondents lacked knowledge of the country; (iii) the self-perception of Pakistanis was also largely negative; and (iv) media was the main source of information about the country. However, perceptions could be changed simply, as respondents gave very different responses after watching a slide show of Pakistan. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the spatial price transmission among major wheat and rice markets of Pakistan using their monthly retail prices. For analysis Vector Error Correction Model and Co-integration approach were employed. Results showed that wheat and rice market prices are integrated. Some markets have positive or negative transmission shocks on each other due to the different geographical locations and transport infrastructure. All the wheat markets are adjusted to price changes in the long run equilibrium except few markets. Unidirectional and bidirectional causality exists between wheat and rice markets. Bad and poor infrastructure is a major impediment to price transmission among the markets. These market imperfections lead to food insecurity in the country. Government should formulate better policies and develop infrastructure towards better and efficient market function. The results of this study will help the policy makers to formulate a better policy to enhance marketing function to overcome food insecurity situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogeochemistry of organic carbon (OC) is of great significance to regional and global biogeochemical cycles. Studies on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations and their fluxes from the Indus River, Indus Delta and coastal waters of the shelf area off the Indus Delta are limited. Major creeks of the Indus Delta (Waddi Khuddi Creek (WK), Dabbo Creek (DC), Hajamro Creek (HC) and Khobar Creek (KC)), along with the Indus River and the adjacent offshore area of the Arabian Sea, were sampled in the winter, summer, and post and pre-monsoon periods to investigate the fate, transformation, and source of OC. In this study, a high concentration (3.1 mg L-1) of POC was found in KC (the main river channel), which is directly influenced by runoff. The POC concentration varied seasonally in the creeks (WK, HC and DC). The POC% decreased as the total suspended matter (TSM) increased, and this correlation strengthens during the southwest monsoon (SW monsoon). The concentrations of DOC and POC have decreased (by 19.3 and 22.7%, respectively) relative to values reported in previous studies from the Indus River. The source of the DOC and POC was mainly the mangrove litter and benthic microalgae. Stable carbon (δ13C) was used as a proxy to trace the autochthonous and allochthonous sources of DOC and POC in the creeks. The contribution of POC to TOC in WK, DC, HC, and KC was 19.2 ± 7.5%, 26.5 ± 10.7%, 27.1 ± 8.7%, and 61.3%, respectively, increasing from west to east in the creeks; the contribution of POC to TOC in the offshore region was 22.3 ± 17.2%. There was clear evidence through the isotopic studies that the mangroves contribute significantly to the DOC and POC in the Indus Deltaic creeks. Towards to the Arabian Sea, high fluxes of TSM (5.43 × 1013 kg year-1), were recorded during the SW monsoon period when there were rains and floods. In comparison with the previous studies, POC and DOC flux is reduced from 1.30 × 109 to 2.42 × 105 kg year-1 and 3.83 × 109 to 2.89 × 105 kg year-1, respectively. In comparison with the Himalayan rivers (Brahmaputra and Ganges), the reduction in POC and DOC flux is also observed due to the low discharge of Indus River. There is still need of the study for the discharge and fluxes (TSM, DOC and POC) of the creeks of eastern and western side of Indus River for the complete transfer of OC through the creeks of Indus Delta to the world oceans. • The river discharge influenced the concentration of organic carbon and TSM. • Mangroves contribute significantly to the DOC and POC in the Indus Delta. • In the dry season, DOC increased from creeks towards offshore. • POC was composed of marine phytoplankton and estuarine microalgae in coastal water. • High concentration of chlorophyll a was observed in the nearshore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has impacted the usual global movement patterns, atmospheric pollutants, and climatic parameters. The current study sought to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on urban mobility, atmospheric pollutants, and Pakistan's climate. For the air pollution assessment, total column ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and tropospheric column nitrogen dioxide (NO2) data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), and dust column mass density (PM2.5) data from the MERRA-2 satellite were used. Furthermore, these datasets are linked to climatic parameters (temperature, precipitation, wind speed). The Kruskal–Wallis H test (KWt) is used to compare medians among k groups (k > 2), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test (WRST) is for analyzing the differences between the medians of two datasets. To make the analysis more effective, and to justify that the variations in air quality parameters are due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used. The findings revealed that the limitations on human mobility have lowered emissions, which has improved the air quality in Pakistan. The results of the study showed that the climatic parameters (precipitation, Tmax, Tmin, and Tmean) have a positive correlation and wind speed has a negative correlation with NO2 and AOD. This study found a significant decrease in air pollutants (NO2, SO2, O3, AOD) of 30–40% in Pakistan during the strict lockdown period. In this duration, the highest drop of about 28% in NO2 concentrations has been found in Karachi. Total column O3 did not show any reduction during the strict lockdown, but a minor decline was depicted as 0.38% in Lahore and 0.55% in Islamabad during the loosening lockdown. During strict lockdown, AOD was reduced up to 23% in Islamabad and 14.46% in Lahore. The results of KWt and WRST evident that all the mobility indices are significant (p < 0.05) in nature. The GLM justified that restraining human activities during the lockdown has decreased anthropogenic emissions and, as a result, improved air quality, particularly in metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have undergone reassortment with multiple non-N1-subtype neuraminidase genes since 2008, leading to the emergence of H5Nx viruses. H5Nx viruses established themselves quickly in birds and disseminated from China to Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Multiple genetic clades have successively evolved through frequent mutations and reassortment, posing a continuous threat to domestic poultry and causing substantial economic losses. Live bird markets are recognized as major sources of avian-to-human infection and for the emergence of zoonotic influenza. In Pakistan, the A(H5N1) virus was first reported in domestic birds in 2007; however, avian influenza surveillance is limited and there is a lack of knowledge on the evolution and transmission of the A(H5) virus in the country. We collected oropharyngeal swabs from domestic poultry and environmental samples from six different live bird markets during 2018–2019. We detected and sequenced HPAI A(H5N8) viruses from two chickens, one quail and one environmental sample in two markets. Temporal phylogenetics indicated that all novel HPAI A(H5N8) viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, with all eight genes of Pakistan A(H5N8) viruses most closely related to 2017 Saudi Arabia A(H5N8) viruses, which were likely introduced via cross-border transmission from neighboring regions approximately three months prior to virus detection into domestic poultry. Our data further revealed that clade 2.3.4.4b viruses underwent rapid lineage expansion in 2017 and acquired significant amino acid mutations, including mutations associated with increased haemagglutinin affinity to human α-2,6 receptors, prior to the first human A(H5N8) infection in Russian poultry workers in 2020. These results highlight the need for systematic avian influenza surveillance in live bird markets in Pakistan to monitor for potential A(H5Nx) variants that may arise from poultry populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient dynamics play an important role in mangroves and adjacent coastal ecosystems. This paper discusses the spatiotemporal variation of physicochemical factors in two monsoons and intermonsoons and their influence on chlorophyll a and the dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations in selected creeks. The present study focused on dense mangrove cover creeks (Waddi Khuddi (WK) and Dabbo (DC)), sparse mangrove cover creek (Hajamro (HC)), and no mangrove to mixed terrestrial and agricultural vegetation (Khobar (KC)) along with the Indus River and adjacent NE Arabian Sea. Silicate (SiO 3 2–) was the most abundant nutrient, and its concentration increased from the northeast to the southwest monsoon and decreased during the fall intermonsoon. Erosion of the riverbank catchment area, weathering, and sand mining are the major sources of elevated SiO 3 2–. The highest concentration of nitrate (NO 3 –) was found in the main river channel (KC) throughout the year, with maximum concentration (37.42 ± 5.05 μM) in the river (KC) during the rainy season (SW monsoon) due to the agricultural runoff that resulted in an increase in chlorophyll a. The concentration of nitrite (NO 2 –) was high in the creek (DC) with mangroves and agricultural runoff input. The concentration of phosphate (PO 4 3–) was high in mangrove-dominated creeks (WK and DC), suggesting litterfall as a major source of PO 4 3− from the creeks. The river with no mangrove cover (KC) indicated that PO 4 3– was a limiting factor. In the case of DSi:DIN ratios, SiO 3 2–was not limited throughout the sampling period for primary production. The chlorophyll a concentration increased from upstream to downstream in the river and was positively correlated with SiO 3 2– and NO 3 –, resulting in the dominance of diatoms during the SW monsoon. The study confirms that natural sources (river/terrestrial runoff and geomorphological factors) and anthropogenic factors (application of fertilizers, manure, construction of dams, and industrialization) significantly influenced the nutrients and chlorophyll a , both spatially and temporally. On a global scale, SiO 3 2– concentrations in the Indus River during the southwest monsoon were lower than those in the Himalayan rivers (Brahmaputra, Ganges, Huanghe, and Yangtze Rivers). The NO 3 – concentration is comparable with that of Narmada, Tapti, and Pangani Rivers but lower than that for rivers originating from the Himalayas. Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in coastal waters were mainly caused by urbanization and population increase, which affect the higher trophic level productivity and fish abundance in the coastal and shelf areas. Therefore, an integrated approach for the management and monitoring of upstream river systems is required for a better future. • The river discharge influenced the nutrients, chlorophyll a , TSM and salinity. • Groundwater showed elevated silicate concentrations. • Mangrove-dominated creeks were not limited by phosphate. • Light and turbidity play an important role in chlorophyll a concentration. • The delta has a strong tidal influence that keeps the system well mixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is a small to medium-sized, evergreen or deciduous tree that native to northern India, Pakistan and Nepal. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of M. oleifera for the first time (accession number of MH778650), and it is also the first reported chloroplast genome of Moringaceae. The chloroplast genome is 160,599 bp long and includes 113 genes. Its LSC, SSC and IR regions are 88,933, 19,482 and 26,092 bp long, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis exhibited that M. oleifera was clustered with other Moringaceae species with 100% bootstrap values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has severe consequences not at just local, regional but also at a global scale. Since such shifts in the climate, the substantial agriculture sector of Pakistan has been suffering widely from its drastic change. The present study is carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan, to explore the perception of smallholder farmers related to climate change. Data is collected from 400 smallholder farmers of Malakand, Mardan and Swabi districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This study expounds the perception of farmers and their farming adaptations to variations in climatic occurrence. Binary logistic regression was employed to discover the aspects that shape smallholder farmer's adaptation strategies. Our results depicted that the awareness and farm household's exploits methods for climate change adaptation were common throughout the study area. The main adaptation strategies carried out or executed by the smallholder farmers were irrigation, non-farm activities and early planting schemas. This research identified the barriers to climate change adaptation were lack of money, unavailability of required seed, nonexistence of market access, insecure land tenure system and shortage of information. The findings of the study recommend improving farmer's awareness and providing timely information about climate change. To improve farmer's well-being, adequate extension services and greater investment facilities are required to support farmers to sustain their livelihoods in the long run to cope with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]