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Soil enzymes are considered sensitive indicators of soil management practices. Changes in the soil enzymatic activity in response to conservation agriculture in smallholder rainfed farming systems have not been extensively reported. Therefore, different tillage practices viz. zero tillage (ZT), reduced tillage (RT), and minimum tillage (MT) under fallow-wheat and mungbean-wheat rotations were compared with conventional practices in rainfed Pothwar plateau, Pakistan for C, N, P cycling enzymes. Zero tillage and reduced tillage produced urease activity 312 and 298 µg N g-1 soil 2 h-1, alkaline phosphatise activity 40 and 39 µg p-NP g-1 soil h-1, and dehydrogenase activity 34 and 31 TPF µg g-1 soil 24 h-1 respectively that were higher than minimum tillage and conventional tillage. ZT and RT tillage systems also had higher concentrations of soil organic C, nitrate-N and available-P. Among rotations, mungbean-wheat showed higher activities of the studied enzymes than fallow-wheat. Use of conservation tillage practices especially zero tillage and reduced tillage combined with legume-cereal rotation improves C, N, P cycling enzymes and soil biochemical properties under rainfed conditions of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 24,000 species of helminth parasitize wild birds worldwide, and this number is expanding as interest in wildlife parasitology increases. The objective of the current study was to update the baseline of helminthological surveys conducted on chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in northern Pakistan. After reviewing the available literature, a parasite-host association checklist was developed. Nematodes (53.8 %) were the most commonly reported parasite, followed by cestodes (15.3 %) and trematodes (15.3 %) respectively. Seventy (70) chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) distributed across the Malakand division of northern Pakistan were screened for parasitosis during the period from October 2020 to the end of December 2021. Blood samples of all the specimens were screened for haemoprotozoa, the digestive tract was examined for protozoans and helminths. The examined birds were infected with nine different helminth parasite species identified as cestodes (4 species), trematodes (2 species) and 3 species of nematodes. 29 out of 70 birds were infected, with the male and female infection rates being 36 % and 52.1 %, respectively, with a total prevalence of 41.3 %. Among the infected birds 10 (34.4 %) contained cestodes, 2 (6.8 %) contained trematodes and 17 (58.6 %) contained nematodes. Of which Ascaridia galli and Capillaria phasianina recorded the highest prevalence (10 %). While Amoebotaenia cuneate, Choanotaenia infundibulum, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Lyperosomum longicauda recorded the least (1.4 %) respectively. Reporting of Raillietina echinobothrida, Amoebotaenia cuneate and Lyperosomum longicauda constitute new host records. A. cuneate is a new record in the parasitological list in the country. In terms of host's sexuality, the overall figures show no significant changes in infection indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage and carbon sequestration are critical issues in rain-fed farming areas of Pakistan. Conservation tillage is not extensively used in developing countries on dryland soil where marginal farming is practiced. Therefore, primary purpose of this experiment was to determine the influence of conservation tillage practices on soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic matter (POC), mineral associated organic carbon (MOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (Dha) in loess dry land Pothwar, Punjab, Pakistan. The tillage practices included zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT), reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) with mouldboardplough as a control in main plot and fallow-wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) crop rotation in sub plot as a split plot layout. The results indicated that ZT showed higher SOC (7.90 g kg-1), POC (2.35 g kg-1), MOC (5.1 g kg-1), MBC (359.37 μgg-1) and Dha (45.12 TPFμgg-1 dry weight) than CT. Among crop rotation, overall mungbean-wheat showed higher values as compared to fallow-wheat crop. The study indicated that conservation tillage practices with legume crop rotation have potential for improving soil organic carbon storage and hence carbon sequestration in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In developing countries like Pakistan, leading CO2 emission source is deforestation of temperate forests, which must be estimated precisely for resilient climate policy. This research evaluates temporal deforestation, above and below ground carbon stock, biomass estimation potential of vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, carbon emission from deforestation and carbon sequestration potential. Forest inventory data was collected and used in allometric equations, to calculate aboveground biomass and carbon stock. The temporal deforestation rate was estimated using LANDSAT 7 & 8 (2000 -2015) data. Biomass was predicted using the most optimal VI by developing linear regression model. The carbon emission from deforestation was estimated using activity data and emission factor. Above ground biomass and carbon stock estimated for the study area were 148.79 t/ha and 69.93 t/ha with mean CO2 equivalent value of 322.5 t/ha. The estimated forest cover change using Landsat satellite data (2000-2015) was about 16.88% with 2.51% annual deforestation rate. Relationship between red-edge VIs and AGB were the best and reduced saturation problem. Carbon loss in fifteen years were about 6.96 Mt CO2 e. The carbon sequestration capacity for the study area was 82.07 t/ha ± 13 t/ha. This research methodology is cost effective, helps in sustainable forest management and reduces carbon losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnoecological knowledge refers to the local wisdom, innovations, traditional life style and practices of aboriginal communities. This knowledge also contributes a lot to understanding of conservation stata of culturally significant flora of a region. The present research work is the first one to focus on this particular aspect of cultural knowledge to assessing preliminary conservation status of 295 culturally significant plant species of district Tor Ghar. In such remote and less privileged areas interaction between plants and people is much stronger. Multistage random selection of 700 informants was made. The data was obtained through EPA, group discussion and semi structured interviews. The conservation status of all culturally significant plant species were assessed quantitatively by developing a new special mathematical relation that is CS = K (OC + AV + CE)/TF × RP. A scale was devised on the basis of CS value index and all 295 species were assigned to different IUCN categories. According to this classification 20 species were found critically endangered, 35 endangered, 56 vulnerable, 58 near threatened (rare) and 126 least concerned (secure). This categorization depicts a miniature of ethno-conservation of plants at local level. The current study leads to an enhanced understanding of cultural knowledge on mountain vegetation within the context of anthropogenic impacts and the role of indigenous communities in regional plant conservation strategies and future outlooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests have pivotal role in life sustenance of indigenous people of the area and economy of any country at mass level. Forest health, diversity and richness depends various environmental parameters. In this study, impact of edaphic and physiographic factors on plant communities of reserved forest of Sathan Gali (Mansehra), Pakistan is analyzed. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of plant species were studied dividing the area into 13 stands on physiognomic features. In this analysis 136 plant species of 58 families were classified into four prominent plant communities through TWINSPAN approach. The family index depicted that Asteraceae was dominant among 58 families. Biological spectrum (BS) expressed Therophytes as the dominant plants with 27.34% species, while leaf size spectrum (LSS) classification showed Mesophytes having 25.83% species contribution. Importance value index (IVI) analysis proved that Pinus wallichiana had highest value (351.69) followed by Fragaria nubicola (62.88). In analysis, maximum species diversity (MSD) was found in Pinus-Pteris-Sarcococca community (0.102) while species richness (SR) was in Pinus-Digitaria-Sarcococca community (1.87) whereas maximum species maturity (MSM) was found in Pinus-Cedrus-Vibernum community (65.74). In two statistical analyses; it was found that DCA ordination of reserved forest indicated that the maximum gradient length was 3.32 for axis 1 and 2.57 for axis II while CCA ordination revealed that the maximum eigenvalue was 0.49 for axis 1 and 0.40 for axis II. Among environmental variables the maximum positive strength and impact on composition of community was recorded for altitude and phosphorous (P) while maximum negative strength was recorded for barometric pressure and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and land degradation are emerging threats to global food production. The dry land regions of world are affected by climate change to a greater extent and facing food insecurity. The current pattern of food production has been estimated to be inadequate to meet demands of growing population and required around 38% increase to meet world`s food demands by 2025. Food insecurity in erosion hit dry land regions of Pakistan also demands development of resource-efficient cropping systems to meet the food needs of population growing. The research studies involved different cropping patterns such as fallow-wheat, mungbeanwheat, sorghum-wheat, fallow-lentil, mungbean-lentil, sorghum-lentil, fallowbarley, mungbean-barley and sorghumbarley. The organic amendments involved farmyard manure, NPK, poultry manure, compost and inoculation by phosphorus solubilizing microbes. The effect of cropping systems and soil amendments were evaluated at field scale in terms of water use efficiency measured in terms of economic terms. The results of the studies revealed that double cropping (mungbean-lentil and mungbean-barley) was feasible option in the dryland regions of Pakistan if integrated with the use of poultry manure as alternate environmental-friendly strategy to cut down the use of mineral fertilizers and eliminate summer fallowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to focus on issues of deforestation of rangeland as natural resources during recent decades on a large scale. This rapid deforestation made great effect on the ecology, environment, health and economy of the country. Keeping all these aspects in views it was necessary to carry out forest cover change detection by focusing on the monitoring of the present and past status of forests cover and other related objects using remote sensing and GIS technique. Assessment of deforestation in Thak valley was carried out on temporal basis to elaborate the forests cover change from 1989 to 2009 using Landsat satellite data. Supervised classification and visual interpretation techniques were applied on each image. The integrated classes such as snow covered area, built up area, vegetation related to crop land and forest, water body, bare soil were created and major objects and land cover built-up area were also digitized. The statistical analysis detected a positive relation between two natural factors i.e. rainfall and forest through trend line. It was identified that rainfall pattern also decreased due to forest degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are the unannounced natural disasters that destroy both lives and infrastructures. In July 2010 a huge and unpredictable flood struck Pakistan, especially the catchment area of the River Indus, extending from the north part of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK) Province south to the Arabian Sea. The top five rainfall intensities recorded at Risalpur, Islamabad, Murree, Cherat and Ghari Dopatta were 415mm, 394mm, 373mm, 372mm and 346mm, respectively. The Indus Flood-2010 affected nearly 20 million people spreading over 36 districts of the country. The death toll recorded was nearly 1,800 persons. More than 10 million people were subjected to contaminated drinking water. The destruction to cotton, rice, sugar cane, and animal fodder was recorded as 3,000 km2, 800 km2, 800 km2, and 1000 km2, respectively. And about five hundred thousand tons of wheat was destroyed. The Indus Flood of 2010 caused an estimated 43 billion US dollar loss to Pakistan and adversely affected its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It brought on both the financial crises and socio-political concerns (such as infiltration of the Taliban in the form of a relief supporter). Though this flood has left everlasting impacts on the people of Pakistan, they could be better handled if the government and relief agencies were more determined, honest and committed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Punjab is the most populous among the four provinces of Pakistan, which has around 72 million of people and 205 344 km2 of land. The majority of the population of this province lives in houses made of clay bricks that contain variable amounts of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). The concentration level of NORM in clay bricks used to construct dwellings may pose health hazards to inhabitants if it exceeds the permissible limits. For radiological surveillance, activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were measured in 140 brick samples collected from 35 districts of the Punjab province. A high-purity germanium gamma-ray detector coupled with a personal computer-based multichannel analyzer was employed for the measurement of activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides in the brick samples. The province-wide average activity concentrations and the range (given in parenthesis) of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were found to be 624 ± 133 (299–918), 35 ± 7 (21–47) and 42 ± 8 (22–58) Bq kg–1, respectively. The values lie within the range of activity concentration values for clay bricks of some countries of Asia. Potential radiological constraint was checked in the form of hazard indices calculated from the measured activity concentrations; the indices were found to be less than their limiting values. Indoor external dose was calculated for a standard size room made of clay bricks, and the dose rate was 159 ± 30 (83–219) nGy h–1. The average value of the dose rate is comparable to that of Asian countries and is about twice the worldwide average value. Annual effective dose Eff in the bricks-made room was calculated and the average value of the dose was 0.80 mSv y–1, which is about twice the worldwide background value of 0.41 mSv y–1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper relates to a series of systematic studies regarding measurement of radon concentration in the earthquake-affected areas of northern Pakistan. Radon is a radioactive α-particle-emitting gas originating from the decay series of uranium and thorium and is found anywhere in soil, air and water. The nature of water does not matter with regard to the presence of radon, however, the level of radon concentration varies in different types of water. The present survey is carried out in water samples from the fault zone of Balakot and Mansehra regions, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan, which is important for geological consideration and protection from radiation hazards. The measurements were made on a Pylon system that is based on the radon gas measurement with a Lucas cell. In 72 water samples in the equilibrium state between radon and its progeny, the concentration level of radon is measured. The results show that the radon concentrations are in the range of 4.99–24.52 kBq/m3, with an average value of 15.52 kBq/m3 for all types of water taken in this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses research on the comparison of CRMB test sections with conventional pavement section under the same trafficking and environmental conditions in Pakistan. It is stressed that the poorly functioning pavements lead to inefficient mobility in the country. It is observed that the riding quality in terms of International Roughness Index (IRI) of sections constructed with CRMB and conventional mix was satisfactory.

Assessment of 90Sr is of great interest owing to the fact that this artificially produced radionuclide has high radiological importance because of its high fission yield, chemical similarity to calcium and its relatively long biological and physical half-life. To assess the likely hazard to population, low level 90Sr in environmental samples is determined using pre-equilibrated tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) solvent and extraction-liquid scintillation procedure. 90Y is selectively extracted from nitric acid solution into TBP solvent and stripped into aqueous phase as oxalate. The activity is finally measured by low level liquid scintillation counter using Cerenkov radiation. The specific activity is found only in three vegetation samples with average value of 2.86±1.7 Bq·kg−1 of dry weight. In all other samples analyzed, the activity is below the detectable limit, i.e., 0.03 Bq. Results obtained are comparable with other areas of Pakistan. The chemical recovery of 90Y varies from 75 to 90% for soil, vegetation and water. The present study provides a general background of the detectable radionuclide for the surveyed area that will be helpful in any radiological emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External exposure to environmental gamma ray sources is an important component of exposure to the public. A survey was carried out to determine activity concentration levels and associated doses from 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs by means of high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry in the Swat district, famous for tourism. The mean concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 50.4 ± 0.7, 34.8 ± 0.7 and 434.5 ± 7.4 Bq kg-1, respectively, in soil samples, which are slightly more than the world average values. However, 137Cs was only found in the soil sample of Barikot with an activity concentration of 34 ± 1.2 Bq kg-1. Only 40K was determined in vegetation samples with an average activity of 172.2 ± 1.7 Bq kg-1, whereas in water samples, all radionuclides were found below lower limits of detection. The radium equivalent activity in all soil samples is lower than the limit set in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development report (370 Bq kg-1). The value of the external exposure dose has been determined from the content of these radionuclides in soil. The average terrestrial gamma air absorbed dose rate was observed to be 62.4 nGy h-1, which yields an annual effective dose of 0.08 mSv. The average value of the annual effective dose lies close to the global range of outdoor radiation exposure given in United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. However, the main component of the radiation dose to the population residing in the study area arises from cosmic ray due to high altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic study of natural and fall-out radionuclides was carried out with the environmental samples of soil, vegetation and water from some regions of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan. The pretreatment of the samples was performed in the laboratory using IAEA recommended methods. The analysis of gamma-emitters such as 40K, 226Ra, 232 Th and 137Cs was performed with a high purity germanium detector (HPGe). For the determination of 90Sr, a liquid scintillation counting system was used. The average specific activities of 40K, 226Ra, 232 Th and 137Cs have been found to be 307±101 Bq . kg-1, 10.2±3 Bq . kg-1, 24±6 Bq . kg-1 and 2.8±1.3 Bq . kg-1, respectively, in soil samples. Vegetation samples have smaller values of specific activities and even the analysis of water samples showed values less than LLD for earlier reported radionuclides. Other parameters like hazard indices, radium equivalent activities, absorbed dose rates and effective dose equivalents have also been determined. All these parameters have values less than their respective limiting values representing that the surveyed areas have no significant hazard from health point of view. Analysis of 90Sr for all the samples showed results below LLD. The present study provides a general background of the detectable radionuclides for the surveyed areas that will be helpful in any radiological emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the concentration of natural and fallout radionuclides in environmental samples collected from different localities of Islamabad was performed. For the determination of gamma-emitters such as 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used while for the analysis of 90Sr, a beta-emitter, liquid scintillation counting system was used. The indoor absorbed dose rate was measured by a CaF2 : Dy thermoluminescence detector. Other radiation parameters were also determined to evaluate the radiation hazard. All the results were well within the permissible limits showing that there is no radiation hazard in the environment of Islamabad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of 376 cases of tinea cruris in Karachi is reported. The incidence was low under the age of 15, maximal from 20-25 with a gradual decline thereafter. Two hundred and twenty-six cases or 60% were caused by Trichophyton rubrum, 117 or 31%, by Epidermophyton floccosum. T. mentogrophytes, T. violaceum and T. tonsurans accounted for the remaining 9%. The high incidence of T, rubrum contrasts with reports from elsewhere in the world. Negligence of treatment in the low income groups was one factor responsible for the prolongation of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To determine radiological impact of composite food served at Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) on its worker, cooked meals were collected during 2000–2007 and analysed by gamma and beta radiometry techniques for naturally occurring radionuclides and fission fragments. The only measurable radionuclide was naturally occurring 40K. Its activity range was 40±1.5 to 182.4±3.8Bq kg−1 with cumulative average value of 89.4±35.1Bq kg−1. Based on annual meals taken by the worker in cafeteria, the measured value gives committed effective dose of 74μSv and estimated cancer risk factor of 1.5×10−4 that is a minor fraction of the total risk of 5×10−3. It depicts that food served at PINSTECH cafeteria is radiologically safe for consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat.

Indian crested porcupine is the largest rodent pest that damages a wide variety of crops, vegetables, and tree species which ultimately causes huge economic loss in Pakistan, which is an agricultural country. It prefers to live in hilly terrain but common in temperate and tropical forests, shrublands, and grasslands. This study focused on the identification and assessment of crops damaged along with the main precautionary measures used by the local farmers. The data was collected from twenty-four villages of two union councils i.e. Chamhad and Slahad of district Abbottabad. Two types of data (primary and secondary) were collected from the study area. Primary data was collected for identification and estimation calculation of total crop damaged through direct field observation by taking random quadrates in each village of the study area. The damage in the crop was assessed by randomly selecting a quadrate of 1x1 m2 for the wheat, pearl millet, and Sorghum fields. While 4x4 m2 quadrates were taken for maize and vegetables. At least three quadrate samples were taken from each field including one quadrate taken from the center of the field area. In union council Chamhad, damage to maize (11.31%) and wheat (0.73%) by the Indian crested porcupine while in union council Salhad, damage of maize (6.95%) and wheat (1.6%) was observed. In the entire study area, overall damage to maize crop (8.01%) and wheat (0.88%) was calculated. Based on information obtained from the farmers, the Indian porcupine inflicted damage to potato, tomato, cauliflower, chili pepper, turnip, radish, pea, and onion, etc. Secondary data obtained through a questionnaire survey to explore the human porcupine conflict and precautionary measures used by the farmers and landowners. Open and close-ended questionnaires (159) highlighted the presence of Indian crested porcupine in the study area and 96% of the respondents have seen porcupine directly. Many types of precautionary measures were used by the farmers such as fencing, night stay, night firing, and dogs to decrease the crop damage, respondents (63.91%) use guns for hunting. however, due to the largely agricultural area and nocturnal behavior of Indian crested porcupine majority of the respondents (51.57%) did not use any precautionary measure. Biological control of Indian porcupine is recommended in the study area. Farmers should be encouraged and provide incentives and killing through current should be banned while proper hunting license should be issued to overcome overhunting. Scientific studies are required to control the reproduction of porcupine specifically in the more damaged areas.

Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Objective: To study the vaccination status against Hepatitis B among health care workers and students of a medical school., Materials and Methods: It is a descriptive study done at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. The participants comprised of 206 health care workers of various categories and 327 medical students. The main outcome measure was vaccination status and reasons for non-vaccination., Results: Only 49% health care workers and 42.20% medical students were vaccinated. The main reasons for non-vaccination (47.7%) among health care workers was the high cost of vaccination, while the most often cited reason (33.7%) among medical student was the belief that they were not at risk. This belief was also prevalent among nurses (36.4%), laboratory workers (38.6%) and paramedics (33.2%)., Conclusion: In a low-income country like Pakistan the health institutions should bear the cost for vaccinating their staff. Efforts should also be made to impart appropriate health education regarding hepatitis B infection.