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Pakistan has significant geothermal potential but due to poor energy management and low utilization of rich geothermal energy, the country is ranked among the energy deficient nations in the world. In this study, integrated geophysical techniques were used to assess the geothermal energy potential of various hot springs in the Sindh province. The study revealed that Naing Shareef and Gaji Shah hot springs have remarkable potential for geothermal energy having pool water temperature of 43 °C and 45 °C, respectively. Geophysical resistivity survey was carried out at both Naing Shareef and Gaji Shah hot spring to determine depth, thickness and quality of thermal water. At Naing Shareef hot spring, only a single thermal aquifer zone has been pinpointed within the shale composition of the Oligocene Nari Formation, and it is on average 55.07 m depth and 29.8 m thick. At an average depth of 100.66 m and an aquifer thickness of 77.03 m, the Gaji Shah hot springs exclusively possess a thermal aquifer region established within the sandstone composition of the Oligocene Nari Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of grade inflation has been studied in many countries across the globe, yet it remains under-researched in Pakistan. This study aims to understand grade inflation in Pakistani universities by examining the contributing factors and its consequences. The data for this study was collected through in-depth interviews of 20 professors from four (two public and two private sector) universities in the federal capital of Islamabad, Pakistan. The data reveals that the major cause for grade inflation in the selected universities was the competition between public and private universities to recruit students without giving due consideration to merit. Additionally, the culture of hiring untrained candidates as visiting faculty who aspire to be hired in permanent positions was a key contributing factor that led to grade inflation. Other factors include the limitations of the semester system and individualised directed studies. This study recommends the need to monitor and revisit the examination and grading system in Pakistani universities to enhance imparting quality education and to compete at the international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and safety of fine needle aspiration cytology performed under ultrasound guidance. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Pulmonology Out-Patient Department, Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: One hundred and twenty-four patients of age 10-80 years, with pulmonary, mediastinal, pleural or chest wal lesions, fulfiling the minimal fitness criteria were included. Aspiration was done by a 23-gauge needle, smear made, and fixed slides were sent to the Cytology Department for evaluation. Complications were monitored. Findings were recorded on preformed proforma. Results: 121/124(97.6%) aspirates were adequate while 03 cases (2.4%) were reported not representing the lesion. Fifty cases (41.3%) showed malignant cytology, 71/121 aspirates (58.7%) were non-malignant. A specific cel type could be characterized in 84.5% non-malignant and 68.0% malignant aspirates. Complications were a few drops bleeding at needle aspiration site in 7.5 % and minor pain in 12.0 % patients. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology under ultrasound guidance is an effective and safe diagnostic tool in pulmonary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to examine the effect of idiosyncratic business deals on unethical organizational behaviors in the drug manufacturing industry of Pakistan. The data was collected from 308 managers in the pharmaceutical services sector and exposed to regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings, which are based on social exchange theory, confirm that task (TID), schedule (SID), location (LID), and financial (FID) idiosyncratic deals are all significantly positive predictors of unethical pro-organizational behaviors. The study adds to I-deals literature and has numerous practical implications. The executives should know that UPB exist and they should be the cognizant of the predictors of UPB as a way to diminish prevailing UPB. The study is important in the sense as it demonstrates that all four dimensions of I-deals will be likely to translate into UPB. The study has social implications as it is executed in pharmaceutical services sectors. The pharmaceutical firms are supposed to convey the correct and genuine information to doctors in the best interest of patients. The implications for human resource managers, as well as future directions and limitations, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater, is an alternative resource, is used as a supplement for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in Pakistan. This paper aims to determine the quantum and quality of groundwater in Matiari district of Sindh, Pakistan, through Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS). The ERS was conducted at 52 location points using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The quantity of good quality groundwater has also been evaluated with ArcGIS interpolation techniques, i.e., the maximum percentage of fresh groundwater is 34% the marginal fresh groundwater 43% at the depth of with few patches of saline groundwater aquifers. Moreover, at 50-m depth, the percentage of fresh groundwater reduces to 21% and the marginal has increased to 48%. However, groundwater below the depth from 50 to 100 m was found only 8% fresh groundwater, 29% marginal, 49% salt water, and 14% high salt water. Analysis of groundwater samples for quality showed a good agreement with the quality obtained from VES results. In addition, a socio-economic survey of 55 tube well owners were conducted through interviews related to groundwater suitability and usage. According to the survey, about 62% of respondents are using good quality groundwater; however, 36% consuming the marginal and the remaining 2% are utilizing the hazardous quality of groundwater. The consumer satisfaction survey showed most farmers (89%) were satisfied with the groundwater usage, while 11% were unsatisfied due to poor-quality groundwater. The crop productivity could be enhanced through awareness and conjunctive use of marginal quality groundwater with the canal water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, the focus and concern of the educational planners and managers increasing interest in improving the school efficiency has shifted the attention from overall education system, particularly towards the functions of the schools. This study is an attempt to evaluate the causal impact of school-based management reform program namely school management committee (SMC) with a focus on Sindh province of Pakistan. Here, the study assesses the prepost effect of SMC on various indicators of access and quality of education such as student-flow rates, school environment and teacher quality. Furthermore, for robustness analysis, the study assesses the regression model of DID method to estimate the impact of SMC on outcomes of interest. Finally, the study checks the balance of covariates used in the models at baseline. In order to conduct a pre-post analysis of SMC on quality measures of educational attainment, the study uses a sophisticated quasi-experimental technique known as standard difference-in-differences (DID). The findings of the standard DID model reveals that in Sindh, SMC has significantly improved the quality of schools by providing a better and developed environment of the school. However, the negative impact of SMC on other two outcome measures of quality of education implies inefficiencies in the utilization of SMC funds. These funds usually spend on repairs and maintenance of school instead of focusing on enhancing the quality of education such as improvement in student-survival rate and decline in dropout rate. Moreover, the findings of the robustness check based on regression analysis of DID method find similar estimates of SMC on all the outcome variables. Finally, the balance check of baseline covariates used in the analysis show that covariates are balanced and their differences are different from zero for each outcome of interest. This study proposes the policy implications to make the procedure of SMC functional and effective, this includes improved student access to school, quality of teachers, monitoring, management, curriculum and financing of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is conducted to understand the significance of vocabulary learning. Vocabulary learning is the root of English language learning which reinforces other skills of English language learning. The study is qualitative in nature, based on the review of the previous studies, and conducted to understand the significance of vocabulary learning of English language in Pakistani context. The findings show that vocabulary learning is extremely necessary for English language learning process in Pakistan but it requires proper planning, revision of traditional methods and the need of teachers' equipment with such techniques that could enable a student's effective learning. Provision of exercises and content can also be helpful in enhancing the vocabulary learning process of English language in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plant Fagonia cretica L., is well known in traditional medicines for curing various complaints of human beings from ancient times and is locally known as Dhamasa. Previous many studies have reported the presence of many phytochemicals, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in the various parts of this plant. Therefore, here in this study, we have presented a comprehensive study on the presence of similar medicinal and chemical properties of Dhamsa found in Jamshoro District, Pakistan. For this study, extracts of the root, stem, leaf, and pod of the plant were prepared separately from three different solvents, water, ethanol, and methanol. Then the amount and presence of various phytochemicals, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties, and allelopathic effects were determined in all the extracts. The obtained results of this study confirm the presence of medicinal important phytochemicals in the plant extracts. The antimicrobial testing of this plant proved its highest activity against E. coli (16 ±1.4mm), Salmonella typhi (18±0.7mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15±1.4mm) in methanol, water, and ethanol extracts respectively. The presence of antioxidant activities was also observed in the ethanolic extract of the leaf at about 0.98 mg/ml. While this plant showed allelopathic effects on the growth of radish and spinach plants. So, we have concluded this study that Fagonia cretica L., collected from Jamshoro has the same or more important properties compared to the same plant from other regions, which proves the similar significant value of the Fagonia cretica plant of Jamshoro in various fields of medicinal sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of children until six months of age is considered one of the most critical interventions in tackling childhood undernutrition. EBF rates are suboptimal in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where child undernutrition is most prevalent. This study aimed to explore barriers to EBF in a rural context of Pakistan. Methods: The study was conducted in the rural district Matiari of Sindh, Pakistan, during Jan-March 2020. We used a qualitative exploratory study design and conducted 36 focus group discussions (FGDs). Participants were purposively selected mothers who had not practiced EBF during their previous childbirth, their spouses and mothers-in-law, and lady health workers (LHWs) serving in the study catchment. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English from the local language and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Barriers to EBF included low awareness and cultural practices of prelacteal feeds, insufficient breast milk production, undernutrition of mothers, mothers' occupation as fieldworkers, less birth spacing, low awareness about the correct technique of breastfeeding, maternal and child ailments, abnormal breasts, and influence of in-laws to start top-up feeds. Several facilitators were identified: family support, appropriate maternal diet, maternal awareness, and support in the neighborhood. Conclusion: Barriers to EBF are multifaceted in rural areas, and interventions aiming to improve adherence to EBFshould be multipronged. Awareness-raising alone might not be sufficient, and other interventions should be designed to address the barriers of maternal malnutrition, insufficient milk production, and socio-cultural practices. In addition, safe alternatives to breast milk may be necessary if breastfeeding is truly not feasible. Lack of breast milk substitutes is particularly challenging for poor rural women who cannot afford infant formula milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of psychological entitlement and prevention work regulatory focus on unethical pro-organizational behaviors through reflective moral attentiveness. The data was gathered from three hundred managers from services sector of Pakistan and exposed to hierarchical multiple regression and SEM analyses with SPSS version 23. Drawing from social exchange theory, the results show that psychological entitlement and prevention work regulatory focus are significantly positively related with the unethical pro-organizational behaviors and reflective moral attentiveness exhibits significant mediation role. This article discusses the study's findings including practical and theoretical implications and limitations, as well as future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climatic change has a visible impact in recent abnormal weather events, such as Pakistan’s intensification of the hydrological cycle with changing precipitation pattern, water availability periods, and weather-induced natural disasters. The rainfall flush flood of 2010 alone displaced millionσ of people and damaged properties in just one stroke. The next year, the shocking rainfall flood of 2011 in Sindh, only underscored the enormity of the challenge posed by climate change. The current paper presents the analysis carried out for one-day annual maximum rainfall for Hyderabad and Nawabshah cities, Sindh, Pakistan for the period from 1961 to 2011 using STATISTICA Software for interpolating and forecasting the rainfall time series. The maximum values of observed rainfall were 250.70mm and 256.30mm, while the minimum values were 3.0mm and 0.0mm for Hyderabad and Nawabshah respectively, while the mean of fifty-one (51) years of rainfall data is 51.96mm and 45.3 mm and the computed standard deviations were 42.693mm and 43.896mm respectively. The difference between the mean and standard deviation of one-day maximum rainfall is small, which showed the consistency of the data. The polynomial trend curved lines exhibited fluctuations in the rainfall data, which indicates a continual change in rainfall behavior. Hence, the rainfall data are subjected to a moving mean smoothing with a duration shorter than 3 years. Through these trends, the future one-day annual maximum rainfall can be predicted. The correlation of one-day annual maximum rainfall between Hyderabad and Nawabshah cities had R2 of 0.973. The computed results of return periods of 3, 5, and 10 years for one-day annual maximum rainfall for both cities revealed that the rainfall values for Hyderabad are higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the seepage patterns of earth-fill dams, using critical situations by employing the finite element approach. The Nai Gaj dam is 65km northwest of Dadu city in Sindh Province, Pakistan. In this study, the seepage through the main dam body and foundation is computed and simulated for different scenarios, i.e. maximum, normal, and minimum reservoir level. Seepage analysis was conducted by using the SEEP/W sub-program of GEO-SLOPE software. Dam design parameters and dam geometry data were used as input data to compute the unknown seepage. The seepage behavior of the Nai Gaj dam is shown in terms of net flow which consists of equipotential lines, streamlines, velocity vectors, and phreatic lines. The results show the seepage flux, maximum seepage, and exit gradient at different reservoir levels. The results show that the average flow rate at normal, maximum, and minimum reservoir levels are 1.49×10-7cumec/m, 3.38×10-7cumec/m, and 2.108×10-8cumec/m respectively. In addition, the overall stability of the side slope of the dam is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Cardioplegia is one of the most significant components used to protect the myocardium during cardiac surgery. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the utilization of whole-blood Del Nido cardioplegia (WB-DNC) on clinical outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study is to compare the effectiveness of diluted (blood to crystalloid; 1:4) Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) with WB-DNC in patients who underwent elective CABG in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore-Pakistan. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore. The medical database of all consecutive patients admitted from January 2018 to March 2020 and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results: Out of 471 patients admitted during the study period, 450 underwent various elective cardiac surgeries. Out of 450, 321 patients (71.33%) were operated on for CABG. Only 234/321 (72.89%) CABG patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria; 120 (51.28%) patients received WB-DNC, while 114 (48.71%) patients were administered with DNC. The former group presented with better clinical outcomes compared with the latter in terms of lesser requirements of inotropic support, low degree of hemodilution, shorter in-hospital stay, improved renal function, and cost-effectiveness. Peak values of serum Troponin-T (Trop-T), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) release, and activated clotting time (ACT) were also lower in the WB-DNC group compared with the DNC group. Conclusions: The WB-DNC conferred better myocardial protection, improved early clinical outcomes, and also proved to be economical for patients undergoing elective CABG compared with classical crystalloid cardioplegia solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in Nagarparker area, Thar, Pakistan to assess the small dam's impact on groundwater quality for domestic use and water level variance in wells during pre and post-monsoon periods. The water samples collected from various locations of the study area were analyzed for twenty physicochemical parameters and their appropriateness was assessed using the water quality index (WQI) and geographicinformationsystem (GIS) techniques. The results revealed that groundwater level increased from 15-25 ft near the dams and 8-14 ft away from the dam after rainfall, a minor change was observed in the concentration of chemical and trace elements. Physico-chemical parameters analysis indicated that the concentrations of the 40% parameters (pH, SO4, Fe, CU, Mn, Zn, As and fluoride) were within the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, whereas 60% exceeded the thresholds. The WQI revealed that the quality of only 20% of the water samples was excellent, 25% good, 15% poor, 15% very poor and 25% unsuitable for drinking purposes. The spread of water related diseases in the area also indicated the groundwater contamination. Overall, the quality of water is poor to unsuitable for drinking purposes. Thus, such water should be treated properly before use to avoid toxic and hazardous effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The over-extraction of groundwater from thin fresh groundwater lenses is a threat to the livelihood of farmers in the Lower Indus Basin (LIB). It is essential to monitor and regulate this pumping to sustain fresh groundwater lenses. In this study, we applied a modelling approach in combination with geostatistical analysis to identify the critical locations to monitor the groundwater levels for sustaining fresh groundwater in the LIB. Our approach included four steps: (i) simulating temporal heads using a calibrated hydrogeological model; (ii) sampling monitoring locations using a hexagonal pattern of sampling; (iii) applying principal component analysis (PCA) of the temporal head observations, and selecting high scoring locations from the PCA; and (iv) minimizing the observation points to represent the water level contours. The calibrated model was able to replicate the hydro-dynamic behavior of the study area, with a root mean square of 0.95 and an absolute residual mean of 0.74 m. The hexagonal pattern of spatial sampling resulted in a 195 point network, but PCA reduced this network to 135 points and contour classification reduced it even further to 59 points. The 195, 135, and 59 point networks represented the water levels with average standard errors of 0.098, 0.318, and 0.610 m, respectively. Long-term simulations with increased pumping showed that the water levels would best be assessed by 195 monitoring points, although 135 and 59 points would represent the depleting area but would not capture the water logging area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the scenario of, inadequate testing, the low sensitivity of the COVID-19-PCR test, limited availability of testing kits, and low detection rate, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of high-resolution computed tomography of chest (HRCT) for diagnosing pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. Objective: To determine the diagnostic efficacy of HRCT thorax in Covid-19 pandemic pneumonia. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pulmonology-OPD of Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore-Pakistan from 01-04-2020 to 15-07-2020. 121 patients with dry cough, fever, and dyspnea of sudden onset were included while patients with Bronchial Asthma, ILD, Tuberculosis, Bronchiectasis, COPD, and overt heart failure were excluded. Patients were investigated with chest x-ray, HRCT, COVID-PCR, and hematological tests. HRCT films were evaluated by a qualified and experienced radiologist. Findings were summarized, organized and statistical analysis was done by using SPSS-26 software to make an inference. Results: Five patients were diagnosed as non-covid. Out of 116-diagnosed covid-19 patients, 38(32.75%) showed sub-pleural consolidation, 19(16.37%) consolidation with air-bronchogram, 29(25.0%) crazy paving sign, one pleural effusion (0.86%) and 18 cases (15.51%) displayed reticulations. 11cases(9.48%) had isolated ground glass appearances, while all categories showed it to variable extent. 65 patients (56.03%) were PCR-positive while 51(43.96) patients with positive-HRCT findings for COVID-19 pneumonia had negative nasopharyngeal-PCR. HRCT-Thorax revealed sensitivity: 97.41%, specificity: 80%, PPV: 99.12%, NPV: 57.14%, and diagnostic accuracy of 96.69% for COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusion: HRCT-Thorax, having high sensitivity and adequate specificity, can provide foundations for evidence-based early diagnosis and quantification of coronavirus pneumonia. It can be tremendously useful for decision making in PCR-negative patients and anticipating respiratory improvement or decline by serial scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement production involves high amounts of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Pakistan is facing a serious energy crisis and cement’s cost is increasing. In addition, landfilling of potential concrete components can lead to environmental degradation. The use of waste as cement replacement not only reduces cement production cost by reducing energy consumption, but it is also environmentally friendly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of concrete by partially replacing cement with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Fly Ash (FA). This study is mainly focused on the performance of concrete conducting a slump test, and investigating indirect tensile and compressive strength. Cement was replaced with RHA and FA by 5% (2.5% RHA + 2.5% FA), 10% (5% RHA + 5% FA), 15% (7.5% RHA + 7.5% FA) and 20% (10% RHA+10% FA) by weight. Ninety concrete samples were cast with mix proportions of 1:2:4 and 0.55 water/cement ratio. Cube and cylindrical samples were used for measuring compressive and split tensile strength respectively, after 7 and 28 days. The results showed that after 28 days, the 5% RHA+5% FA sample’s compressive strength was enhanced by 16.14% and its indirect tensile strength was improved by 15.20% compared to the conventional sample. Moreover, the sample’s slump value dropped as the content of RHA and FA increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the only source of fresh water in the Thar Desert which is located in an arid region of Pakistan with dense population and spreads over 19,638km2. Low rainfall, low groundwater recharge, high evaporation and absence of perennial streams are the general reasons for water scarcity. Being the single water source for drinking, domestic and industrial uses, and livestock activities, this source is highly overexploited. Realizing the gravity of the situation, this paper presents a groundwater quality evaluation of Islamkot, Tharparkar, using Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geospatial tools. 40 samples were collected from dug wells. The TDS of 28 samples was found higher than 3000mg/L and 12 samples ranged from 1500 to 3000mg/L. Many (28) samples were not further analyzed due to their very high TDS which made the water unfit for drinking. Twelve samples with TDS ranging from 1500 to 3000 mg/L were further analyzed. The analyzed results revealed the average values of pH, EC, TDS, salinity, chloride, total alkalinity, fluoride, and arsenic. The results did not meet NEQS and WHO guidelines. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted among parameters. Further, groundwater quality was assessed by WQI and indicated that water quality varied from very poor to unsuitable for drinking. The consumption of polluted groundwater has been the main cause of prevalent waterborne diseases and poses a very high risk for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to assess the groundwater potential at Haji Rehmatullah Palari village aquifer, Union Council Sari of Kalu Khuhar along M-9 Motorway near Nooriabad, Sindh, Pakistan, through vertical electrical sounding (VES) by using Schlumberger electrode array method with 02–210 m. The collected data of 12 VES were interpreted by using IPI2win software. Monsoon rainfall period is very short, which starts from July to September (every year in Pakistan). Average rainfall is 150 mm with variation of 25 mm, in some year zero rainfall. During summer season, the evaporation and transpiration rate are about 70%, while the infiltration rate is 15%. Kalu Nadi (hill torrent) is the only source of recharge of this aquifer that depends on the rainfall. Lithological logs interpreted that mostly aquifers are present in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation which hold these freshwater aquifers having minimum 50 m thickness and have great potential for freshwater exploitation. Lithological logs interpreted that mostly aquifers persist in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation which hold the freshwater. Totally, five tube wells were installed at this aquifer and discharging the freshwater of about 98.55 million gallons per year and rapidly depleting the aquifers. Water business is also observed at this aquifer which was breaking influenced on the aquifer without considering the agricultural development to protect the environment. The aquifer is under pressure to drawdown and may suffer with its quantity and quality, if this trend continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water management is one crucial component of agribusiness and municipal policy. One of the water-oriented dimensions is irrigation. In Pakistan, there is a lack of water system planning and water conservation management. This study is an effort to focus on water conservation and optimum crop yield using cost effective irrigation practices. This study is based on the comparative analysis among four irrigation techniques: flood irrigation (conventional), furrow, alternate furrow, and raised bed on wheat crop in order to decide the most efficient irrigation technique on clay loam soil. The wheat crop was cultivated in Rabi season from November 2015 to March 2018 on a one-acre area of a local farmer of Sajawal district, Sindh. Randomize complete block design (RCBD) method was used to design and allocate 3 irrigation sub-plots. The results show significance p<0.05 and the efficiency of conserved water by using the furrow irrigation was 25%, alternate furrow 49%, and raised-bed 31% in comparison to conventional methods. Furthermore, crop yield indicates that furrow irrigation and raised-bed gave higher yields. The increase in yield was 35% by using raised-bed technique and 20% by furrow irrigation whereas by using alternate irrigation it was 15% in comparison with the conventional method. The soil type is clay loam and saline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicocele, a vascular event, is associated with infertility due to testicular damage that causes abnormal spermatogenesis in males. The goal of this study is to ascertain the diagnostic significance of scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) by measuring peak systolic value (PSV) and resistive index (RI) of the arteries supplying blood to the testis and their association with semen quality attributes. Sixty prospective patients (age: 20-50 years) undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy at a teaching hospital were included in the study. Semen parameters and CDUS were recorded and testicular blood flow was determined as PSV and RI of subcapsular artery and intraparenchymal artery of the testes. Nonparametric statistics was applied to test the correlation/association of the semen quality with the PSV, RI, and other variables. Results revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.28; p < 0.05) between progressive motility of spermatozoa and resistive index of the intraparenchymal arterial blood flow. Furthermore, it was noticed that the progressive motility of spermatozoa was tended to be negatively correlated (r = -0.236) with resistive index of subcapsular arterial blood flow. In conclusion, this study has revealed that progressive motility of sperms has correlation with the intraparenchymal blood flow of testes. The progressive motility of sperms could be correlated with RI of testicular blood flow. The apparent lack of association between diameter of varicocele vein and semen quality signifies the need of investigating some other factors that may be involved in pathogenicity of varicocele. The diagnostic value of CDUS may be carefully interpreted and clinically correlated in assessment of severity of varicocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the obstacles that impede the implementation of cloud computing (CC) in small-scale building projects. Based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant scholarly sources, this research paper aims to delineate the many obstacles that are often encountered during the implementation of CC. A comprehensive analysis is conducted based on the replies obtained from a survey of 217 stakeholders in the building sector. Using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) methodology, this research assesses the interrelated obstacles associated with technological and operational restrictions, risk and privacy considerations, cultural dynamics, behavioural variables, unpredictability, and resource barriers. Furthermore, a model is developed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in order to get a deeper comprehension of these hindrances. The results of the EFA emphasize the significant impact of risk and privacy barriers in impeding the adoption of CC. The present study offers valuable insights that may inform policymakers in their efforts to enhance the effectiveness of construction projects by addressing the issue of data fragmentation. Through the identification and addressing of these limitations, the research study makes a valuable contribution to the optimization of data fragmentation procedures. Furthermore, it promotes the sustainability of existing building projects by facilitating the more effective exploitation of cloud computing. This paper presents a novel methodology that establishes a foundation for identifying and tackling the many barriers that impede the broad adoption of cloud computing in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for water resources highlights the need for improved management of this diminishing resource to ensure high water productivity. In order to cope with this situation, it is imperative to make use of available water resources more efficiently through high-efficiency irrigation systems (HEIs). The present study aimed to conduct the economic analysis of high efficiency irrigation systems in Punjab province of Pakistan. We also measured and compared the water productivity of modern and conventional-irrigated farms. We used primary data collected from 120 farmers located in Nurpur Thal, Bhalwal, Sargodha and Lodhran districts of Punjab province. These areas were purposively selected based on relatively higher concentration of HEI infrastructures installed on the farms. Sprinkler irrigation system was mainly installed on wheat crop while the drip irrigation systems were installed on mango orchards. Therefore, one half of the sample consisted of modern and conventional farmers growing wheat crop and the other half of the sample consisted of modern and conventional farmers growing mango orchards. Economic analysis measures of benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and net present value (NPV) were estimated. The results of the study showed that the users of high-efficiency irrigation systems (sprinkler and drip irrigation) earned higher gross margins. The BCR and NPV values showed that installation of HEI systems was an economically feasible option. In addition, water productivity at modern farms was higher than those of conventional farms. Our results showed that most of the farmers using HEIs were large farmers, therefore, we suggest that policy interventions should be directed at increasing the adoption rates among small farmers. This could be done by spreading awareness among the farmers about the economic benefits offered by HEIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural areas of Pakistan, a large number of women are engaged in sustainability of livestock sector which provides them employment opportunities, income and fulfil their nutrition value. This study was aimed to analyze the sustainable rural development through women's engagement in livestock sector of Punjab, Pakistan. The study was conducted in rural areas of the Punjab province of Pakistan. Multistage sampling technique was used for data collection. The sampling units including district, tehsils, union councils and villages were selected randomly. Two hundred and forty respondents were selected by systematic random sampling technique, according to Fitzgibbon table. Data were collected with the help of a well-designed interview schedule and analyzed by using different statistical techniques. Majority of the respondents (85.4%) declared livestock as a major source of income. Out of total, 66.3% of the respondents used to spend =9 hours daily in livestock management. Majority of the respondents (74.2%) affirmed livestock as a major source to fulfill the food requirement of their families. It is recommended that government and private organizations should arrange domestic livestock related skill development training programs for rural female and support them through provision of credit facilities. So that, women can play their active role in sustainable livelihood for their families and themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the ways in which social media was misused among secondary school students and how students could be prevented by teachers and parents developing some preventive strategies. This was a quantitative study conducted under a survey research design. All 10th grade students and teachers of secondary schools in Sargodha division, Punjab, Pakistan, made up the total population of the study. A total of 400 individuals were sampled, and of those, 52 teachers and 348 parents provided responses. The data was collected with the help of a self-made questionnaire built on a 5-point Likert scale. In the results, significant evidences of social media misuse were found among students. The study also discovered a substantial impact of parents and teachers' preventive measures on students' social media misuse (R2 = 0.72), F (1, 197) = 69.55), p < .001. In conclusion, teachers and parents played an effective role in keeping students from misusing social media by developing some preventive strategies. However, parents and teachers who are unaware of children's misuse of social media should contribute to preventing them from misusing it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 50% of wetlands in the world have been lost in the past century, and the remaining wetlands have been degraded to different degrees because of the adverse influences of human activities and climate change impacts. Though protected under Ramser convention, the situation of Haleji wetland complex and Hadero wildlife sanctuary is not very promising. The current paper is focusing to revitalize the abandoned and devastated Ramsar site "Haleji Wetland Complex" and a forgotten wetland "Hadero Wildlife Sanctuary", situated in Thatta district, Sindh province of Pakistan. Both these wetlands are of great importance for natural habitat and reducing risk of coastal disasters and floods. The study mainly employed Arc-Hydro tools using remotely sensed data of ASTER GDEM 2 to determine the topography of both wetlands and their possibilities to connect with freshwater sources, and leeway to increase their respective water holding capacity. The study reveals that all the three wetlands can be re-connected with Indus River to turn them into fresh water bodies for sustaining natural habitat and increasing water harvesting capacities to cater human drinking water needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study has been conducted in the command area of Gadeji minor, Sindh, Pakistan to compute the amount of net groundwater recharge and its effect on sustainable irrigated agriculture. In this connection, Water budget equation was used and three groundwater recharging components along with one discharging component were computed for both Rabi and Kharif crop seasons for the period (2001-2013). Data shows that groundwater is rising at rapid rate during the Kharif season. The percolation rate through cropped fields is the major recharge component; accounting for 81% in the total mean recharge of 8.42 million m3, moreover the rice area is the major contributor to net groundwater recharge during Kharif season. The contributions of canal seepage and rainfall are estimated to be 16 and 04% respectively for the above period. However, during the Rabi season groundwater is rising at low rate where canal seepage is the major recharging component with an average contribution of 48% in the total mean recharge of 2.32 million m3, the contribution of deep percolation from cropped fields is estimated to be 47% as compared to the rainfall of only 05%. Survey shows non-functionality of most of the tubewells, groundwater withdrawal is not sufficient to fully offset groundwater recharge which has increased water table and caused waterlogging and soil salinity in more than 40% of agricultural land. To overcome this rising water table problem, it is recommended: to change existing cropping pattern (i.e. minimize or no cultivation of rice crop), lining of minor and all its watercourses, adopt salt tolerant crops and increase groundwater withdrawals by operating tubewells on emergency basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been marked variation in the trend of frequency of Glomerulonephritis around the world. Retrospective data showed that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most common form of Primary Glomerulonephritis. Similar retrospective analysis done in Pakistan showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS ) as the leading histopathological diagnosis. To our knowledge there was no prospective data available in Pakistan that showed the frequency of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in renal biopsy patients at tertiary care hospital. Rationale of our study was to see frequency and burden of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) diagnosed on renal biopsies done at a tertiary care setting. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nephrology Section from 2nd December 2011 to 2nd June 2012.Total seventy nine patients of either sex were included undergoing renal biopsy for evaluation of cause of proteinuria. Patients demographics were recorded. On discharge they were asked for follow up with report of histopathology of biopsy. Quantitative variables like age, 24 hour urinary protein excretion or protein-creatinine ratio was presented as mean ± standard deviation whereas qualitative variables i.e. gender, outcome (histopathological diagnosis) was taken as categorical. Results: Frequency of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) diagnosed at renal biopsy was 16.5 %. Among FSGS patients 9 were males (69.2%) and 4 were females (30.8%). Conclusion: FSGS is a common histopathological diagnosis which could be anticipated in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Large prospective trial in our part of the world is required to determine the frequency of FSGS so that approximate burden of patients suffering from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS ) could be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study measures competitiveness at farm level and economic efficiency at country level of tomato production in relation to tomato trade by using Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) framework in Punjab, Pakistan. The province was divided into two tomato production regions i.e., Central and Southern Punjab for analysis purpose under importable scenario by using import parity price. Results of PAM model revealed that tomato production in both regions of Punjab has competitiveness under prevailing market situation as indicated by positive private profitability and private cost ratio (PCR) which is less than 1. Competitiveness difference in two regions indicated that Central Punjab has more competitiveness at farm level in tomato production. Economic efficiency results i.e. Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) ratio remained 0.39 and 0.51 in Central and Southern Punjab, respectively with positive social profitability indicating strong comparative advantage under importable scenario. The above results implied that Central Punjab has greater economic efficiency than Southern Punjab in domestic resources use for production of tomato as import substitute commodity. Results of Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) and Effective Protection Coefficient (EPC) indicated that combine effects of policies on output and tradable input market did not pass any protection to tomato farmers in the study area. Net effect of policy or market failure is reducing the profitability of tomato producers at farm level which indicates lack of motivation from policies for farmers to expand tomato production as import substitute crop. Present study recommended competitiveness and economic efficiency analysis in other tomato producing regions of the country for year round tomato supply on the basis of resource efficiency and to curtail tomato imports to save the precious foreign exchange. To enhance the competitiveness there is need to increase farmer's incentives through increase of farm level price up to import parity prices of tomato through efficient marketing. Technological improvement in production, marketing and value addition of tomato is also needed to address farm and market level issues of competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon concentrations were measured in kucha, semikucha and pucka houses located on the sedimentary rocks of Early Pleistocene-Pliocene Soan Formation, Pleistocene Mirpur conglomerate and recent deposits. The radon concentration was measured using CN 85 nuclear tracks etch detectors in box type dosimeters installed in the bedrooms and kitchens of the houses. It was found to vary from 14±7Bqm-3 to 258±28Bqm-3 with an average of 105±17Bqm-3. The average radon concentration in the kucha, semi-kucha and pucka houses was 78±15Bqm-3, 108±18Bqm-3 and 108± 18Bqm-3 respectively. The increase in radon concentration from kucha to pucka houses was attributed to the type of house, differing humidity related to the Mangla Dam, temperature, bed rock geology, structures (joints, fractures and faults), aggregates and uraniumbearing sand. This study shows that the average radon level is within the accepted safe health limit (200Bqm-3) for the inhabitants of New Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the statement of Nasim Fatima, an eminent scholar and library scientist, during the celebration of the World Books & Copyright Day in Pakistan on April 23, 2015. It includes her advocacy for the establishment of more public libraries all over Pakistan to serve people who are willing to learn and move forward in life, and the positive change that libraries can bring to the society, particularly enhancing the literacy rate.

Background: In early 2021, the 10-valent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) was replaced with 13-valent (PCV13) by the federal directorate of immunization (FDI), Pakistan. We assessed the impact of a higher valent vaccine, PCV13, on the serotype distribution of nasopharyngeal carriage in rural Pakistan., Methods: Children <2 years were randomly selected from two rural union councils of Matiari, Sindh in Pakistan between September-October,2022. Clinical, sociodemographic and vaccination histories were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and processed at Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Aga Khan University, Karachi. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the culture positive isolates., Results: Of the 200 children enrolled, pneumococcus was detected in 140(70 %) isolates. Majority of age-eligible children (60.1 %,110/183) received 3 PCV13 doses. PCV10 carriage declined from 13.2 %(78/590) in 2017/18 to 7.2 % (10/140) in 2022, additional PCV13 serotypes (3, 6A/6C and 19A) decreased from 18.5 %(109/590) to 11.4 %(16/140) while non-PCV13 serotypes increased from 68.3 %(403/590) to 81.4 %(114/140). There were 88.5 %(n = 124), 80.7 %(n = 113), 55.0 %(n = 77), and 46.0 %(n = 65) isolates predicted to be resistant to cotrimoxazole, penicillin(meningitis cut-off), tetracycline, and erythromycin respectively., Conclusion: Replacing PCV10 with PCV13 rapidly decreased prevalence of PCV13 carriage among vaccinated children in Matiari, Pakistan. Vaccine-driven selection pressure may have been responsible for the increase of non-PCV13 serotypes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Groundwater, is an alternative resource, is used as a supplement for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in Pakistan. This paper aims to determine the quantum and quality of groundwater in Matiari district of Sindh, Pakistan, through Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS). The ERS was conducted at 52 location points using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The quantity of good quality groundwater has also been evaluated with ArcGIS interpolation techniques, i.e., the maximum percentage of fresh groundwater is 34% the marginal fresh groundwater 43% at the depth of with few patches of saline groundwater aquifers. Moreover, at 50-m depth, the percentage of fresh groundwater reduces to 21% and the marginal has increased to 48%. However, groundwater below the depth from 50 to 100 m was found only 8% fresh groundwater, 29% marginal, 49% salt water, and 14% high salt water. Analysis of groundwater samples for quality showed a good agreement with the quality obtained from VES results. In addition, a socio-economic survey of 55 tube well owners were conducted through interviews related to groundwater suitability and usage. According to the survey, about 62% of respondents are using good quality groundwater; however, 36% consuming the marginal and the remaining 2% are utilizing the hazardous quality of groundwater. The consumer satisfaction survey showed most farmers (89%) were satisfied with the groundwater usage, while 11% were unsatisfied due to poor-quality groundwater. The crop productivity could be enhanced through awareness and conjunctive use of marginal quality groundwater with the canal water., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: There is an impression that trans urethral electric vaporisation of prostate (TUEVP) is a relatively safe surgical procedure for obstructing benign prostates, however before considering it an alternative to Trans urethral resection (TURP) in our setting. we conducted this study to assess its safety. convenience and especially cost effectiveness in our practice., Methods: Fifty patients with signs of benign prostatic enlargement causing acute urinary retention were selected and divided into two equal groups A and B. Patients of group A underwent TURP while the group B patients had TUEVP. Postoperative follow up to assess the results of the surgeries, including noting the complication rate, began 24 hour after the catheter was removed, continuing during postoperative visits of the patient at 2 weeks, 3 months and finally 6 months., Results: For approximately same size prostate, the mean operation time was less for TUEVP as compared to the TURP. The mean volume of irrigating fluid used and the number of blood transfusions required was also less in the TUEVP patients. In addition. TURP patients were also noted to have slight postoperative hyponatraemia. Clot retention was more frequent in the TURP group than the TUEVP group. Urethral catheters were required for longer duration (mean duration 74.88 hrs vs 24hrs, p=0.0001) and so was the hospital stay (mean duration 6.25 days vs 4.4 days. p=0.0046) in the TURP group patients. Total mean cost of treatment was also higher in the patients undergoing TURP. Among the complications, only the peroperative blood transfusion rate was higher in the TURP patients as noted above., Conclusions: The TURP has slightly higher morbidity and is costlier than TUEVP but its results in terms of relieving outflow obstruction are significantly better than TUEVP. It is therefore concluded that TURP is a more effective procedure but TUEVP with lesser morbidity and cost, is more suitable for relatively lesser obstructions in our setting.