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Corruption is a curse in Pakistan, neither public office nor any structure immune from this phenomenon. Inspired by this, the study commits to examine two significant research issues. First the study assesses to find whether corruption greases the wheel or sanding it. Second, the study commits to determine what causes corruption in firms. This study is based on the World Bank's enterprise survey, data of Pakistani firms. This study tries to associate the effects of corruption on firm performance after controlling for firm specific factors. We check two sets of variables; first set is the variables that cover firm specific characteristics and other is variable that cover intervention with government agencies. The overall conclusion depicts a mixed approach on corruption effects. Our evidence shows that there is a negative association of corruption on firm performance which supports that the hypothesis of ‘sand the wheels’ is widely applicable in Pakistan. The results conclude that younger firms, directly exporting firms, large size firms are more likely to experience a deteriorating effect on their performance. Our study interestingly shows that bureaucratic complexities faced by the firms increases the performance of the firms which supports ‘Grease the wheels’. Study finds that firms struggling in terms of sales growth, younger firms, firms in growing competition, large firms are more likely to pay bribes.

Anthracnose of banana caused by Colletotrichum musae is an invasive disease, which is difficult to control in the export process. Plant extracts used to control plant diseases are gradually becoming substitutes for traditional fungicides because they are safe for the human body and environmentally friendly. The study was conducted to record the prevalence of banana anthracnose in two locations and to determine the best medium for the growth of C. musae and botanical extracts for managing the fungus under in-vitro conditions. Six media viz., Ripen banana peels media (RBPM), Unripen banana peels media (URBPM), Ripen banana flash fruit media (RBFFM), Unripen banana flash fruit media (URBFFM), Banana leaf media (BLM) and Potato dextrose agar media (PDA), four botanical extracts including Garlic (GC), Mint (MT), Eucalyptus (EC) and Neem seed (NS) at 2, 4 and 6% concentrations were tested against the fungus and the control (CL) remain untreated. Potato dextrose agar media (PDA) was used as a standard semi-synthetic growth media. The prevailing frequency of the disease was high in the investigation area. The maximum linear mycelial growth of the C. musae was recorded on PDA (85 mm) followed by URBFFM (40 mm), RBFFM (26 mm) whereas the lowest mycelial growth was recorded on BLM (20 mm) and URBPM (8 mm). In-vitro experiments showed that PDA was the best medium for the mycelial growth of C. musae. Moreover, tested botanical extracts showed high variation in reducing the colony growth of the fungus. EC was found most effective in reducing the colony growth of the fungus followed by NS, GC and MT. These results suggest that all the botanical extracts may be potentially useful for controlling anthracnose of bananas, EC extract can be effectively used for the field experiment. Keywords: Botanical extracts, Efficacy, Growth media, Incidence, Prevalence

Aim: To assess the patient Adherence and Elimination of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Once-Daily Triple Therapy versus Traditional Triple Therapy Study design: A longitudinal study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences Gambat Pakistan from Faburay 2020 to February 2021. Methodology: A total of 159 patients with aggressive peptic ulcer disease were checked positive for rapid urease exam or 13C-UBT had been provided either once-daily (Tinidazole 1000 milligrams + Azithromycin 500 milligrams +Rabeprazole 40 milligrams) or twice-daily (Amoxicillin 1000 milligrams +Clarithromycin 500 milligrams +Esomeprazole 40). The fast urease exams with 13C-UBT were performed ten weeks following the end of the medication. Pill counting, standardized surveys, and interviews were used to assess compliance and side effects. Results: When compared to the twice-daily cohort, patient adherence was shown to be higher in the once-daily cohort (84.8 percent) (68.8 percent) respectively. Meanwhile, 74.6 percent of the participants tested negative for H. pylori following therapy with the once-daily prescription and reported symptomatic improvement. The standard regime, on the other hand, resulted in 68.7% of the individuals testing negative to UBT and symptomatic alleviation (p=0.4063). Conclusion: No statistically substantial variation in elimination frequencies between the two regimes was observed. The once-daily prescription, on the other hand, had improved drug adherence than the standard treatment plan, indicating that it could be a secure and a superior tolerated substitute to traditional triple treatments, particularly for patients who do not adhere to the regimen. To corroborate the findings, more research should be done. Keywords: peptic ulcer disease, adults, helicobacter pylori, azithromycin

Background: Hepatitis virus C (HCV) infection is affecting millions of people globally with an estimated prevalence in Pakistan ranging from 4.5 to 8%. Advent of oral direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in combination therapy has made possible the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Therefore, this study focused to evaluate safety and efficacy of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) Karachi, from 1st September 2017 to 30th June 2018. Patients diagnosed with HCV, presenting in outpatient department were enrolled. All patients received Daclatasavir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin combination. Patient without cirrhosis and with cirrhosis received treatment for 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. End of treatment response was taken as primary end point. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 20.0. Results: Out of 180 patients, 88(48.9%) were male and 92(51.1%) were female, with mean age of 44.59±11.29 years. Majority had genotype 3 i.e., 145(80.6%). In this study population, 97(53.9%) patients were non-cirrhotic and received 3 months treatment while 83(46.1%) cirrhotic patient got 6 months treatment. Post- stratification observed that young patients have better treatment response rate than older individuals (p-=0.031) On the other hand, statistical insignificant association was observed between end of treatment response with regards to gender, duration of treatment, history of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Conclusion: This study concluded that treatment with direct antiviral agents of Hepatitis C virus related chronic liver disease is effectual and has shown equivalent response in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Age is an important factor affecting treatment response i.e, better response achieved in patient with less than 45 years.

Background: Children constitute a big proportion of human population and they are the future of any nation so their health is of prime importance. Child health care has the special focus in the health care policy of any system. . Study Place, Duration and Design: The current research was an observation study conducted during July to December 2021 in Pediatric outpatient department at Indus Medical College Hospital Tando Muhammad Khan. Methods: Consent was taken from parents and demographic data and anthropometric measurements were carried out and recorded on prepared proforma, frequency and percentage was calculated for various parameters Results: There were 956 children evaluated for anthropometric parameters out of which male were 637(66.63%) and females were 319(43.37%). The weight was normal in 603(63.10%), Low in 332(34.73%) and above normal in 21(2.20%) children. The height was seen normal 713(74.5%), short stature was seen in 201(21%) and 42(4.5%) children were taller. Conclusion: Various abnormalities in weight and height of study children were observed.

Background: Biliary Atresia (BA) also known as "progressive obliterative cholangiopathy" is one of the most common conditions requiring pediatric liver transplant and the most common surgically treatable cause of neonatal cholestasis. Associated malformations are present in 25% of cases and it is most common in East Asia, with incidence reported as high as one in 5,000. BA presents with cholestatic Jaundice, initially indistinguishable from physiological jaundice. Symptoms include progressive cholestasis, causing yellowing of the skin, pruritis, pale stools, dark urine. Methods: This study is a Cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child’s Health, Lahore in the duration of 6 months (2018-2019), after approval from the Institution’s Review Board. All patients of age ≤ 14 months, presenting in pediatric emergency with cholestatic jaundice and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this study. Results: In our study a total of 150 cases were enrolled. The mean age of patients in months was 7.13 ± 3.81. The male to female ratio of the patients was 1.3:1, 86(57.33%) males and 64(42.67%) females. The results showed that the mean initial observation of jaundice was 8.54 ± 3.89 days with minimum and maximum duration of 2 & 15 days, respectively. In our study the mean GGT level of the patients was 303.13 ± 58.53. In our study, on the basis of GGT level BA was diagnosed positive in 83 cases and negative in 67 cases, which was exceptionally consistent with the gold standard i.e. histopathology which diagnosed 82 cases as positive for BA and labelled 68 cases negative. Conclusion: Serum GGT elevated levels are suggestive of biliary atresia.

The morpho-physiological selection and linkage between traits have been investigated. There were 20 cotton genotypes grown using RCBD with two replications at experimental area. ANOVA showed significant variation for all the traits. The GCV and PCV values of heritability and genetic advance were higher for the traits like bolls per plant, sympodial branches per plant and plant height, respectively. These traits were more under control of the genetic factors and additive gene action. There was high significant correlation between boll weight and seed cotton yield; transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. There would be yield breakthrough on considering the higher number of bolls per plant, high boll weight per plant and optimum net photosynthesis per plant as the basis of selection. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 17-22, 2022 (March)

School administration in Pakistan is a dilapidated system which need of a paradigm change from bureaucratic to pedagogical leadership. The promotion of senior high school teachers to administrative positions is a transform of role from teaching to administration. The present study aims at to investigate hierarchy of promotions of the posts of head teachers (School Administration Officers) are in BPS 17, up to BPS -20. The stratified random sampling techniques used to collect data from (n= 71), male and female teachers, and, (n= 328) boys and (n=213) girls Government secondary and Higher Secondary Schools at district Karachi central. The mixed method research design, the quantitative approach, surveys were conducted while in qualitative part In-depth semi structured interviews were collected. The study finding reveals that the managerial style and its relationship with head teacher directly impact on official and environment of the school. It is also recommended that the promotion related problem must be addressed properly and a comprehensive policies and plans must be implemented for administrative practices. This study will help to improving teachers and particularly schools to create an educational culture at Sindh in Pakistan.

The peach (Prunus persica L.) is related to the Rosaceae family. It may occur in temperate regions and subtropical climates across the world. In terms of output and planted area, it is the second-largest stone fruit in Pakistan, trailing only apricot. The peach kernel is a high-oil source that is not edible. Its biodiesel-producing properties can be commercially utilized. Peach kernel crude oil was extracted using n-hexane and contained 29.36%. Physical extraction yielded 32.43 % crude oil extracted from peach kernels. The moisture content in peach kernels was 4.24 %. The main parameters that influence biodiesel yield include the molar ratio, the moisture and water content, the temperature of the reaction, and the reaction interval, among others. The oil has an acid rate of 1.53, a catalogue temperature of 1.47 at 30 degrees Celsius, and a definite magnitude of 0.91 at 30 degrees Celsius. The most abundant fatty acid was oleic acid (63.7%), followed by linoleic acid (26.0%). Biodiesel was made with the help of peach oil by trans-esterifying it with methanol in the presence of a base (KOH) catalyst. Vital biodiesel fuel parameters, such as thickness, flash point, specific gravity, and so on, were calculated and associated with ASTM standards. The fuel characteristics of biodiesel are equivalent to those of fossil diesel. This study supports biodiesel generation from peach kernel oil as a viable substitute for diesel production. Additional stability is needed to make biodiesel at the lowest possible price.

Citrus species is a category of fruit that contains a variety of bioactive components throughout the plant. Citrus fruits (and items made from them) are among the most widely eaten fruits in the world, and their supply continues to increase. Oranges, pomelos, limes, tangelos, mandarins, lemons, kumquats, grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits are among them. They are frequently employed in the culinary, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors due to their fragrance and taste. Vitamin C, pectin, limonene, phenolics, iso-limonene, flavanones, and nonanal are the main bioactive components present, and they provide a variety of health advantages. Pharmacological studies have shown that the fruit has numerous nutraceutical benefits, including a strong antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, anticancerous, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, and cardioprotective. It should also be highlighted that all Citrus fruits are an excellent source of minerals, which are required to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Citrus fruit-eating has been linked to a range of health advantages in recent research. This chapter presents an overview of the nutritional aspects of Citrus as well as its health benefits, which will be detailed.

Objective: In order to ascertain the impact of silent inflammatory prostatitis on the clinical results of individuals receiving trans urethral prostate resection owing to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Study Design: Retrospective study Place and Duration: This retrospective study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital Karachi in the period from April, 2022 to September, 2022. Methods: Total 330 patients were presented in this study. In this study, individuals over 45 years without a history of urologic surgery who presented to a urology clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia were included. Pathological outcomes and clinical indicators were evaluated before and one year after surgery. Mean Standard deviation was used to present data and categorical variables were assessed by frequencies and percentages. Results: Mean age of the patients was 61.3±10.42 years. Among 330 cases, 200 (60.6%) patients were had benign prostatic hyperplasia and 130 (39.4%) cases had both prostatic inflammation (category-IV) and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Before TURP, mean prostate volume in BP patients was 55.7±8.11 m3 and in BPH/PI patients was 55.3±10.6 m3 and after TURP mean prostate volume in BP patients was 23.2±1.20 m3 and in BPH/PI group 23.4±8.17 m3. We found that people with prostate inflammation had lower Qmax values and a higher preoperative prostate score compared to those who had no signs of inflammation before to prostate transurethral resection. Conclusion: In this study, we came to the conclusion that in individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate inflammation without symptoms might worsen lower urinary tract symptoms and the rate of urine flow. Keywords: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostate Pathology, Prostatic Inflammation

Maize is the world's leading crop and is widely cultivated as a cereal grain, it is the only food cereal crop that can be grown in diverse seasons, ecologies and uses. Maize yields in Pakistan are very poor due to insect pests and diseases. Among them, the stalk rot of maize caused by Fusarium moniliforme is very important. Keeping in view the huge losses caused by the disease, the present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selected fungicides against the disease development under field conditions and on the plant growth and yield parameters. A total of six fungicides were used such as Scoure, Plyrem, Topguard, Ridomil, Fenatac M, and Cobox with three different concentrations i.e., (50, 100 and 200 ppm). The effect on disease incidence, growth and yield parameters such as plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight, and biological yield (t acre-1) were recorded. The results showed that all applied fungicides significantly affect against stalk rot of maize caused by F. moniliforme. The maximum plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight and biological yield (t acre-1) was noted under Ridomil and Scoure fungicides, followed by Topguard, Cobox, Plyrem and Fenatac M. Whereas, the minimum plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight, and biological yield (t acre-1) was observed under control plants where no fungicides were applied. Keywords: Fungicide, Evaluation, Fusarium moniliforme, Maize, Stalk rot.

Thailand's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) intends to minimize CO2 emissions by 20–25%. Similarly, to focus on achieving the Paris Agreement's long-term target of remaining well below 2 °C, aggressive mitigation steps are necessary beyond 2030. Given the importance, the study examines the impact of energy depletion rate, renewable energy consumption, depletion rate of non-renewable energy, and GDP on CO2 emissions in Thailand from 1980 to 2018. The research using a novel dynamic ARDL simulations model [1] and frequency domain causality (FDC) test. The empirical outcomes indicate that the pace of depletion has a significant adverse impact on CO2 emissions both in the long run and short run. Additionally, we found that renewable energy has a negative and statistically significant impact on CO2 emissions in the short run. However, the depletion rate of non-renewable energy and GDP revealed a positive and statistically substantial effects on CO2 emissions in the short and long run. Also, the FDC test confirmed the short, medium, and long-run causality among DR, RE, DRNRE, and CO2 emission. The findings show that without a radical shift in Thailand's economic environment and energy infrastructure, the nation will have to face high costs in decreasing its CO2 emission.

Cotton is a well-known agricultural and industrial crop that plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy. For this study, RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) using three replications was carried out to sow fifty different cotton genotypes. Results of the experiments showed that under normal and drought conditions, relative water content has highly significant and positive association with excise leaf water while at genotypic level, positively significant correlation with aforesaid traits has been found. Genotypes under study were assembled into five differing clusters by keeping a linkage space. Comparison of all five groups revealed that Cluster-1 is relevant to all the qualities being studied in both conditions as all these characters had the greatest value in the said group. The lowest ranked was observed for parameters under study in Cluster-5. These kinds of discoveries can be useful in planning the new hybridization programs to develop abiotic tolerance in the cotton.

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) μm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) μm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification.

Climate change has been a concern in the public sphere throughout the decades. Also, a constant change in climate as a result of geologic history is posing a global problem. Many earlier studies have focused on various factors; however, this study intends to contribute distinctly; therefore, we select 22 countries among the top 30 forested countries in the world declared by CEO-WORLD in 2020. The study explores the relationship between energy consumption, agricultural value-added, agricultural land, forest area, and real GDP with CO2 emissions from 1980 to 2019. For analysis, we account for heterogeneity in the cross sections by developing a novel panel nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model in order to capture within-group variations, which is the panel data form of the Shin et al. (2014) model. The Pesaran 2007, CADF and CIPS panel unit root testing results indicate that the investigated variables are stationary at their first differences. The empirical finding shows positive and negative shocks in electricity consumption and agricultural land have a favourable and statistically significant long-term effect on CO2 emissions. Positive shocks in agricultural value-added and forest areas have a significant adverse influence on environmental degradation, while negative shocks have a substantial long-term positive effect on CO2 emissions. Positive shock in real GDP is insignificant, whereas negative shock shows adverse and substantial long-term impacts on CO2 emissions. This research's contributions will help policymakers evaluate energy needs and implement clean energy; combating deforestation will help reduce CO2 emissions and improve the quality of the environment and climate change.

Aim: To determine the prevelance and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease among the study population Study design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Poonch Medical College Rawalakot AJK Pakistan from January 2020 to January 2021. Methodology: This study was conducted on a sample size of 302 people utilizing a researcher-created checklist and questionnaire. The survey was made available on the internet. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, which comprised the Chi-square test and descriptive statistics. Questions about increased pain intensity, food intake or not, and other signs and symptoms of reflux and factors that could increase chances of risk such as drinking coffee, smoking, spicy food, certain types of drugs, and alcohol were determined. We also inquired as to whether any investigations had been conducted. Results: The cumulative prevalence of GERD among the individuals was 61.7 percent. Significant discomfort was seen in 12 percent of the cases. Furthermore, 61.7% reported lack of appetite, 55.8% indigestion, 57% nausea and vomiting, 55.5% food regurgitation, and 41.5% chest discomfort as an associated symptom. The primary risk factors discovered were coffee consumption in 77.5%, spicy food in 58.0%, smoking in 17.1% fatty meals in 84.8%, NSAD in 24.5%, and stress in 71% participants. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of GERD based on educational level, age, employment status, marital status, or gender. Conclusion: The percentage of gastroesophageal reflux disease (61.7 percent) was extremely high. Spicy foods, coffee use, fatty meals, smoking and stress were identified as factors that increased risk. Endoscopic investigations on a population basis are advised. Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, adults, spicy food, prevalence

The coronavirus pandemic appeared as the most critical global health disaster of this century to date, which caused environmental, health, and energy crises worldwide. Humanity has encountered the most challenging health emergency since the earlier calamity of World War-II, which posed economic crisis, social, and environmental challenges to entire communities. It severely disrupted the global economy, international relations, and social interactions. Global efforts initiated to mitigate the COVID-19’s rapid spread by launching testing facilities, quarantining suspected cases, treating affected patients, restricting large social gatherings, and imposing full or smart lockdown measures. This research evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of twenty selected countries' best responsive model in overcoming the global crisis and environmental effects and 20 chosen countries responsive strategies. Findings suggest eight crucial strategies/core recommendations to minimize environmental effects, air quality and rivers water quality, reflected better for the short-term, and biodiversity thrived after the COVID-19 outbreak. The study suggests self-produced medical equipment and consolidated supply chain operations to avoid relying on other countries. This article suggests empowering companies to practice social responsibility policies to provide resources for producing environmentally friendly products.Keywords: COVID-19; Novel Coronavirus; learning lessons; overcome crisis; environmental effectJEL Classifications: H51, H52, H53DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.11393

The study was conducted to evaluate the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. Twenty-six groundwatersamples were analysed for the groundwater quality of Chachro Taluka. The EC and TDS contents in most of the watersamples were above WHO (2011) recommended limits. Almost all water samples collected from dugwells located inthe study area have elevated concentrations of Na and Cl exceeding the WHO guidelines. Results of Ca, and Mg showthat 92% and 96% of groundwater samples were within the prescribed limit respectively. Whereas, HCO3, SO4, andNO3 contnets of 88%, 77%, and 69% respectively are also above the guidelines. Statistical results revealed adominating trend among the cations of Na+>Ca+2>Mg+2>K+ and anions occur in the order of abundance, as Cl->HCO3 ->SO4 -2>NO3, respectively. The water quality index (WQI) shows that 15% groundwater samples belong to poorcategory, and 35% water samples were found belonging to very poor category.While, remaining 50% wells were foundunsuitable for drinking purpose.

The physical, chemical and electrical characteristics of industrial aerosols generated from different industries of Faisalabad were investigated not only to improve the industrial setup efficiency but also to reduce the environment pollution generated due to these industries. XRPD technique was employed to study these samples which showed the presence of illite, Quartz, calcite, dolomite, gypsum and chlorite as major phases. The values of resistivity of solid aerosols are in high range (0.07×107 to 4.0×109 ?m) conversely the electrical conductivities are in lower range (0.21-13.30Mho), may be due to high components of Fe2O3 and CaO. Coal fly ash and foundry aerosols do precipitate well in the electrostatic precipitator given their operational temperature and moisture content so it is recommended that by changing the temperature and moisture content of the precipitator its cleaning action and hence the industrial efficiency may be improved. The most of the solid aerosols are alkaline therefore acidic rain probability in near future is completely ruled out. 80% basic (Dark color), 20% acidic (light color) of particulate matter confirms our experimental findings. The SEM analysis of particulate matter showed the presence of a variety of patches but confirms the dominance of industrial cum transportational aerosols interlocking and soot particles. Finally comprehensive research and administrative based solution to tackle the issue without affecting the development process is suggested.

Paspalum is one of the 10 largest genera in Poaceae and is considered as a complex and taxonomically difficult genus due to its similar morphological characters within the species which makes it difficult to delimit taxa within the same genus. The current research work establishes the distinction among species of this genus and resolves taxonomic confusions among this genus. And this distinction is done by micro morphological foliar anatomical characterization by light and scanning electron microscopy. Both the abaxial and adaxial epidermal cuticles of three different species of genus Paspalum were studied and their phytoliths were observed through elemental dispersive spectrophotometric analysis by SEM first time in Pakistan. Results showed great variation in studied anatomical features. P. dilatatum Poir. was comprised of macro-hairs in the intercostal regions only whereas no macro-hairs were found in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. Beak-shaped prickles were found in the intercostal regions on adaxial surface only in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. whereas in P. dilatatum Poir., knife-shaped prickles were present in intercostal regions only on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf epidermis. No papillae were seen in P. dilatatum Poir whereas in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. papillae were found abundantly. In genus paspalum, P. dilatatum Poir. phytoliths showed lowest mass percentage of silicon as 15.13% whereas P. distichum Linn. phytoliths showed highest mass percentage of silicon as 22.00%. Based on micro morphological foliar characteristics a taxonomic key of studied species is also provided to delimit the taxa.

Waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were co-pyrolyzed thermally and catalytically using waste iron dust (Fe) as a catalyst in a close-packed steel batch reactor. Various reaction conditions like temperature, reaction time, mixing ratio, catalyst proportion and initial mass of the reactants were optimized for effective conversion of the waste plastics. Outcomes of the thermal and catalytic reactions were compared to evaluate the catalytic activity of waste Fe in terms of oil yield and total percent conversion. The product oils were fractionated in gasoline, kerosene and diesel ranges. The physicochemical properties of the samples fractions were found to be in close resemblance with the physicochemical properties of the standard fuels. The FTIR analysis indicates aromatic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons in all the samples and alcoholic OH in the Fe-catalyzed reaction product. The GC–MS analyses confirmed the saturated, unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in various fractions ranging from lighter to heavier hydrocarbons in accordance with their boiling point distribution. The catalytic oils were found to contain relatively lighter hydrocarbons as compared to the non-catalytic oils. Calorific values of the catalytic oil and fractionated samples were found to be higher than the corresponding standard fuels.

Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) can contract okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD) caused by Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (genus: Begomovirus and family: Geminiviridae ), vectored by whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci ). This study was carried out to screen okra varieties for resistance to OYVMD and to determine the correlation of vector population with the severity of the disease. Six varieties namely, Tulsi, Durgah, Sabz Pari, Sarahariya, Ramaan Kirshna and Pooja were grown under field conditions at localities of Shahpur, Tando Adam and Peer Kathi during rabi (winter cropping) and kharif (summer cropping) seasons during 2016 and 2017, respectively. The first incidence percent of the disease was recorded in the 8 th week during rabi and the 6 th week during kharif growing season. The Tulsi variety remained disease-free during both growing seasons. A significantly lower disease incidence % was recorded in Sabz Pari (29.32%) and Sarahariya (30.09%) varieties than Durgah, Ramaan Kirshna and Pooja during the rabi growing season. Both varieties were disease-free during the kharif season. There was remarkable variation in disease severity recorded in okra varieties at different trials during rabi and kharif seasons using a 0-6 rating scale (i.e., 0 = The disease-free plants, 1 = 1-10 % vein clearing, 2 = 11-25 % vein yellowing of small leaves , 3 = 26-50 % yellow network on some leaves, 4 = 51-60 % yellow network on all leaves, 5 = 60-70 % complete leaves turn yellow or cream color and 6 => 70 % plant stunted, deformed and small fruit and whole plants becomes colorless). Whitefly appeared in the 5 th week during the rabi and 4 th week during the kharif growing seasons. Vector population during the rabi growing season was significantly higher than in the kharif season. There was a nonsignificant relationship between disease severity and whitefly population in Ramaan Kirshna, Sarahariya, and Sabz Pari varieties. The disease severity in the Pooja variety showed a significant relationship with vector population, but only in the Tando Adam trial ( R 2 = 0.7455, P = 0.0084), whereas the Durgah variety showed a significant relationship between disease severity and vector population in Shahpur ( R 2 = 0.6615, P = 0.0267) and Tando Adam trials ( R 2 = 0.8235, P = 0.0018). The same variety showed a nonsignificant relationship between disease severity and vector population in the Peer Kathi trial. It is concluded that Sabz Pari and Tulsi varieties are resistant to the disease

Grass taxonomy is quite problematic and insignificant taxonomic work has been done on Echinochloa with special reference to Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was carried out to provide taxonomic keys for the identification of this genus through microscopic epidermal leaf anatomical parameters. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were done to delimit the different species. Special structures like hook cells, short and long cells, stomata, macro- and micro-hairs, prickles and silica bodies showed a lot of variation among each species. For instance, E. frumentacea can be distinguished from E. walteri by the presence of macro hairs between the veins. Furthermore, E. crus-galli can be distinguished from E. frumentacea in terms of macro hair size, that is, 45-60 μm and 20-60 μm, respectively. Similarly, E. colona showed marked variations in terms of prickles abundance from E. frumentacea. Overall results of this research reports valuable qualitative and quantitative diagnostic futures for the genus Echinochloa.

The longhorn beetles belongs to family Cerambycidae. The beetles are present in almost all ecosystems, except the ocean and Polar Regions. They are most the important biological control agents into agro-ecosystems. The beetles help in the biological control they eat extensive assortments of tree dwelling, soil dwelling insects and also eat caterpillars, maggots, aphids, bug, ants, wasp. Long horned beetles were gathered from different sites (agricultural fields and their surrounding vegetation) of district Naushahro Feroze with insect net (7.79 cm in diameter and 49.9 cm in length) and hand picking. A of 234 specimens were captured from October 2018 to July 2019. The material was identified into 07 species out of 06 genera. Of which Batocera rubus (Linnaeus, 1758), New Record from Sindh, Batocera rufomaculata (Charles De Geer, 1775), New Record from Sindh, Apriona cinerea (Chevrolat, 1852), New Record from Sindh, Archopalus exoticus (Sharp, 1905), New Record from Pakistan Macrotoma crenata (Fabricius, 1801), New Record from Pakistan, Prionus corpulantus (Bates, 1878) New Record from Sindh, Dorysthenes hugelii (Redtenbacher, 1848), New Record from Pakistan. The highest ratio of specimens were recorded from Mehrabpur and lowest ratio of specimens were recorded from Moro.

Groundwater is the most significant resource of fresh water for irrigation in semi-arid areas of the world. Geochemical characteristics of groundwater of taluka Dahili Thar desert was explored by a...

Objectives: To determine the most common health-related disorders and life satisfaction among the geriatric population of Hyderabad Sindh. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted at department of Community Medicine of LUMHS Jamshoro on geriatric population of district Hyderabad. All the people of 60 years or over and either gender, were included in the study. The volunteer study contributors were pre-informed and approached at their convenient place and time. All study subjects were interviewed regarding their health disorders and life satisfaction. Following a written and informed consent, a self-structured questionnaire was filled by the study volunteers, in the presence of chief investigator under her guidance. All information was recorded via a structured study questioner. Results: Total 422 individuals were studied and their average age was 70.12+6.33 years. Out of 69.4% were males and 30.6% were females. Self-dependent individuals were 14.9%, pension dependents were 34.4%, and 50.7% had other sources of income. As per medical disorders, hypertension and diabetes were the most common health issues followed by vision problems, cardiac issues, dental caries, loss of teeth, osteoporosis, chronic pain, urinary incontinence, haemorrhoids, loss of appetite, stroke, loss of memory and sleeplessness. Health status was excellent in 5.7% of the patients, good health in 212(50.2%), fair health in 123(29.1%) and poor health status was found in 63(14.9%) of the patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that the geriatric population is at high risk of hypertension, GI-problem, liver disease, weight loss, Dental caries, vision problem, DM, obesity, stroke, lung disease, and Benign Prostrate hypertension. Most patients were unsatisfied with their life and this was mostly due to poor socio-economic. Keywords: Old age individuals, health, medical disorder