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Abstract Nanotechnology is the art and science of dealing with nanoscale particles. This has transformed contemporary dental practices through myriad contributions to biomaterial science. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles procured from Bacillus subtilis, an eco-friendly and biogenic source, can significantly magnify the physiochemical attributes of dental materials. However, postoperative sensitivity is a major drawback of composite restorations. The incorporation of these nanoparticles into dental adhesives can greatly benefit clinical dentistry by resolving this issue. This trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel titanium dioxide nanofortified adhesive on the postoperative sensitivity of composite restorations. Methods This triple-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Islamabad, from May 15, 2023, to November 25, 2023. Participants (n = 60) with Class I and II primary carious lesions with a minimum cavity depth of 3–5 mm were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30). After obtaining informed consent, the restorative procedure was accomplished using a minimally invasive approach and etch-and-rinse adhesive strategy. In group A, a nanofortified adhesive was used for composite restoration, whereas in group B, an adhesive without nanoparticles was used. Postoperative sensitivity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score at follow-up periods: of one day, one week, two weeks and one month. A Chi-square test was used to compare postoperative sensitivity between the two groups. The level of significance was set at p

Understanding the dynamics of Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) is crucial for effective environmental monitoring and management, especially in regions like Pakistan that are sensitive to climate change. This study employs an innovative approach using MODIS NDVI data and the Pixel Dichotomy Model (PDM) to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of FVC across Pakistan from 2003 to 2020. Our findings reveal an overall increasing trend in FVC, with the highest value recorded in 2017 (0.37) and the lowest in 2004 (0.26). The Hurst exponent analysis (R/S ratio = 0.718) indicates a degree of long-term memory in the FVC time series. Rainfall was found to positively correlate with FVC (r = 0.6), while Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the Compounded Night Light Index (CNLI) exhibited negative correlations (r = −0.59 and r = −0.43, respectively). The Random Forest regression model highlighted CNLI as the most influential predictor (importance = 62.4%), emphasizing the need to consider human-induced factors in environmental management. These results provide critical insights for sustainable land management and contribute to understanding vegetation-climate interactions in arid and semi-arid environments.''

ABSTRACTThe study examines the complex dynamics of changes in LULC over three decades, focused on the years 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022. The research highlights the significance of comprehending these alterations within the framework of environmental and socio-economic consequences. The changes in land use and land cover (LULC) have significant and far-reaching effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. This study offers useful information for politicians, conservationists, and urban planners by examining historical patterns and forecasting future changes. The study utilized a Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-NN), a well-known machine learning technique that excels at collecting intricate patterns. This model’s design had three layers: input, hidden, and output. The model underwent 10,000 iterations during its training process, and a thorough statistical analysis was conducted to assess the impact of each driving component. The MLP-NN model demonstrated impressive performance, with a skill measure of 0.8724 and an accuracy rate of 89.08%. The accuracy of the LULC estimates for 2022 was verified by comparing them with observed data, ensuring the model’s reliability. Moreover, the presence of evidence likely was found to be a significant factor that had a substantial impact on the accuracy of the model. The study highlights the effectiveness of the MLP-NN model in accurately predicting changes in LULC. The model’s exceptional accuracy and proficiency make it a powerful tool for future LULC forecasts. Identifying the primary causes of model performance and understanding their implications may help to enhance land management strategies, encourage spatial planning, guide accurate decision-making, and facilitate the development of policies that align with sustainable growth and development.

Abstract This study assesses the relationships between vegetation dynamics and climatic variations in Pakistan from 2000 to 2023. Employing high-resolution Landsat data for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) assessments, integrated with climate variables from CHIRPS and ERA5 datasets, our approach leverages Google Earth Engine (GEE) for efficient processing. It combines statistical methodologies, including linear regression, Mann–Kendall trend tests, Sen's slope estimator, partial correlation, and cross wavelet transform analyses. The findings highlight significant spatial and temporal variations in NDVI, with an annual increase averaging 0.00197 per year (p

Background: Although Dengue fever is affecting various tropical and sub-tropical regions but it is common disease in Pakistan at time of floods. It can be easily managed with appropriate knowledge of disease and preventive measures only.Objective: To estimate knowledge perception and prevention awareness of individuals with respect to sociodemographic characteristics towards Dengue fever. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectionalstudy was conducted at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, IslamabadfromFebruary to April 2023. Methodology: Close-Ended structured questionnaire with non-probability convenience sampling was used, where 384 participants belonged to age groups between 15–60 years. Total 25 questions were employed to calculate disease knowledge whereas 11 Questions to investigate prevention awareness. Chi-Square Test was used to evaluate categorical values and their association was estimated with p-value

The increasing pressures of urban development and agricultural expansion have significant implications for land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Murree and Kotli Sattian tehsils of the Rawalpindi district in Pakistan. This study's primary objective is to assess spatial variations within each LULC category over three decades (1992–2023) using cross-tabulation in ArcGIS to identify changes in LULC and investigates into forest fragmentation analysis using the Landscape Fragmentation Tool (LFTv2.0) to classify forest into several classes such as patch, edge, perforated, small core, medium core, and large core. Utilizing remote sensing data from Landsat 5 and Landsat 9 satellites, the research focuses on the temporal dynamics in various land classes including Coniferous Forest (CF), Evergreen Forest (EF), Arable Land (AR), Buildup Area (BU), Barren Land (BA), Water (WA), and Grassland (GL). The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier and ArcGIS software were employed for image processing and classification, ensuring accuracy in categorizing different land types. Our results indicate a notable reduction in forested areas, with Coniferous Forest (CF) decreasing from 363.9 km2, constituting 45.0 % of the area in 1992, to 291.5 km2 (36.0 %) in 2023, representing a total decrease of 72.4 km2. Similarly, Evergreen Forests have also seen a significant reduction, from 177.9 km2 (22.0 %) in 1992 to 99.8 km2 (12.3 %) in 2023, a decrease of 78.1 km2. The study investigates into forest fragmentation analysis using the Landscape Fragmentation Tool (LFTv2.0), revealing an increase in fragmentation and a decrease in large core forests from 20.3 % of the total area in 1992 to 7.2 % in 2023. Additionally, the patch forest area increased from 2.4 % in 1992 to 5.9 % in 2023, indicating significant fragmentation. Transition matrices and a Sankey diagram illustrate the transitions between different LULC classes, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamics of land-use changes and their implications for ecosystem services. These findings highlight the critical need for robust conservation strategies and effective land management practices. The study contributes to the understanding of LULC dynamics and forest fragmentation in the Himalayan region of Pakistan, offering insights essential for future land management and policymaking in the face of rapid environmental changes.

The article extends beyond conventional models and indicators by initially attempting to capture the complex effects of green technological innovations and changes in natural resource extraction and natural gas production on a novel environmental quality indicator (CO, intensity, CO2ei) for the BRICS countries from 1990 to 2020. The empirical analysis for the candidate panel was conducted using robust analytical techniques, including the fully modified OLS (FMOLS), dynamic OLS (DOLS), canonical correlation regression (CCR), and seemingly unrelated regression (SUR). The results corroborated the role of green technological innovations as an effective deterrent against increasing levels of CO2ei. Still, the outcomes suggested that changes in natural gas production and natural resource extraction had escalated CO2ei in the candidate panel. The country-wise analysis reflected significant variance among the candidate panel countries. For instance. the model revealed that natural gas production abated CO2ei in China and India only, while its environmental effects remained adverse in the remaining countries. Per estimations, the unrequited extraction of natural resources facilitated the reduction of CO2ei in Brazil and Russia, but it also raised CO2ei in the rest of the BRICS countries. In addition, the causality estimation highlighted the following causal flows: i) the feedback effect from natural gas production to CO2ei; ii) one-way causality from CO2ei to green technological innovations and from natural resources extraction to CO2ei. The study offers novel and actionable policy recommendations for policymakers and theorists to steer sustainable and environmentally conscious initiatives in the BRICS countries.

IntroductionThis study delves into the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) in a Metropolitan area over three decades (1991–2021) and extends its scope to forecast future scenarios from 2031 to 2051. The intent is to aid sustainable land management and urban planning by enabling precise predictions of urban growth, leveraging the integration of remote sensing, GIS data, and observations from Landsat satellites 5, 7, and 8.MethodsThe research employed a machine learning-based approach, specifically utilizing the random forest (RF) algorithm, for LULC classification. Advanced modeling techniques, including CA–Markov chains and the Land Change Modeler (LCM), were harnessed to project future LULC alterations, which facilitated the development of transition probability matrices among different LULC classes.ResultsThe investigation uncovered significant shifts in LULC, influenced largely by socio-economic factors. Notably, vegetation cover decreased substantially from 49.21% to 25.81%, while forest cover saw an increase from 31.89% to 40.05%. Urban areas expanded significantly, from 7.55% to 25.59% of the total area, translating into an increase from 76.31 km2 in 1991 to 258.61 km2 in 2021. Forest area also expanded from 322.25 km2 to 409.21 km2. Projections indicate a further decline in vegetation cover and an increase in built-up areas to 371.44 km2 by 2051, with a decrease in forest cover compared to its 2021 levels. The predictive accuracy of the model was confirmed with an overall accuracy exceeding 90% and a kappa coefficient around 0.88.DiscussionThe findings underscore the model’s reliability and provide a significant theoretical framework that integrates socio-economic development with environmental conservation. The results emphasize the need for a balanced approach towards urban growth in the Islamabad metropolitan area, underlining the essential equilibrium between development and conservation for future urban planning and management. This study underscores the importance of using advanced predictive models in guiding sustainable urban development strategies.

The electrolysis of water for substantial production of hydrogen and oxygen with very high purity is considered as a potentially practical technology. In the present study, we have fabricated a graphene-oxide hybrid zinc-selenide electrocatalyst and characterized it using different techniques. XRD analysis confirms the phase purity and crystal structure of the electrocatalyst. Furthermore, the elemental arrangement and morphology of the electrocatalyst were examined by electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To check the activity of electrocatalysts through electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear cyclic voltammetry (LSV), and impedance analysis have represented that catalyst activation occurs at lower applied potential because of the decrease of electro-negativity of the anion. The ZnSe also displayed efficient OER catalytic performance in a basic medium, making it a very energetic bifunctional electro-catalyst for water splitting with a cell voltage of 1.38 V and an overpotential of 155 mV at 10 mA/cm2.

Pakistan is in a terrifying and devastating energy crisis. Recently, the prediction for energy consumption has intensified compared to its production capacity, which is problematic for Pakistan's social and economic stability. Hence, it is vital to examine the link between power consumption, power prices, urban transition, other electricity use, and economic expansion from 1970 to 2018 in Pakistan. For analysis, the second-generation econometric technique of Lee and Strazicich (2013), novel Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (AARDL), and Frequency Domain Causality (FDC) is useful to detect the long-medium and short-run association among the variables. The results show that power consumption stimulates economic expansion in the short and long-run, though the rise in power prices declines economic activity in the short and long-run. Also, urban transition and other electricity use are a substantial positive and negative impact on economic expansion in the short and long-run. The outcome suggests that efficient energy supply, low-cost power prices, proper urban transition management, and other energy use could be useful for policymakers to achieve SDGs 7 and 11 in Pakistan.

Globally, energy is considered a backbone for any country's sustainable growth. However, Pakistan has still encountered a massive energy crisis that affects its society economically. Therefore, policymakers keenly focused on distinguishing factors contributing to Pakistan's sustainable energy plan in the current scenario. Given the importance, it is vital to examine technological innovation, institutional quality, public-private partnerships in energy, and GDP with electricity consumption from 1980 to 2019. The study uses novel dynamic ARDL simulations, and Cumulative Fourier Frequency Domain Causality (CFFDC) approaches for empirical estimation. The findings show that GDP and institutional quality have an affirmative short- and long-run effect on energy consumption. On the other hand, technological innovation has a long-term positive influence on electricity consumption. In contrast, public-private partnerships in energy were found insignificant. The outcomes suggest that technological innovation, institutional quality, and GDP are the most effective determinants and have the greatest effect on energy consumption. Other problems must be addressed, such as pervasive corruption and bureaucratic complexities, underdeveloped grids, and insufficient resource management.

Plant derived compounds have always been an important source of medicines and have received significant attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Millions of plant-based herbal or traditional medicines are used to cure various types of cancers especially due to activation of proliferative genes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the altered and attenuated gene expression of the selected growth factor namely Transforming growth factor Beta -1 (TGFβ1) and MYC in human hepatoma-derived (Huh7) liver cancer cell lines in response to extracts of Artemisia absinthium dissolved in selected organic solvents. Ethanolic, methanolic and acetone extract of different plant parts (leaf, stem and flowers) was used to access the antiproliferative activity by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR revealed that the transcript levels of TGFβ1 are induced in the samples treated with methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium. Furthermore, reduced expression levels of MYC gene was noticed in cancerous cells suggesting antiproliferative properties of the plant. This study further highlights the resistance profile of various microbes by antimicrobial susceptibility test with plant extracts. In addition, antidiabetic effect of Artemisia absinthium have also shown positive results. Our study elucidates the potentials of Artemisia absinthium as a medicinal plant, and highlights the differential expression of genes involved in its mitogenic and anti-proliferative activity with a brief account of its pharmacological action.

Background Begomovirus is one of the most devastating pathogens that can cause more than 90% yield loss in various crop plants. The pathogenicity determinant βC1, located on the betasatellite associated with monopartite begomoviruses, alters the host signaling mechanism to enhance the viral disease phenotype by undermining the host immunity. The understanding of its interacting proteins in host plants to develop disease symptoms such as curly leaves, enations, vein swelling, and chlorosis is crucial to enhance the disease resistance in crop plants. The current study was designed to reveal the contribution of βC1 in disease pathogenicity and to unveil potential interacting partners of βC1 protein in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Methods The βC1 gene was cloned in pGKBT7 and used as bait against the cDNA library of N. benthamiana and its pathogenesis was tested against the healthy plant and the plants infiltrated with empty vectors. The yeast two-hybrid-based screening was performed to find the interacting factors. Successful interacting proteins were screened and evaluated in various steps and confirmed by sequence analysis. The three-dimensional structure of the Nuclear Transport Factor 2 (NTF2) protein was predicted, and in-silico protein-protein interaction was evaluated. Furthermore, protein sequence alignment and molecular phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify its homologues in other related families. In-silico analyses were performed to validate the binding affinity of βC1 protein with NTF2. The 3D model was predicted by using I-TASSER and then analyzed by SWISS MODEL-Workspace, RAMPAGE, and Verify 3D. The interacting amino acid residues of βC1 protein with NTF2 were identified by using PyMOL and Chimera. Results The agroinfiltrated leaf samples developed severe phenotypic symptoms of virus infection. The yeast-two-hybrid study identified the NTF2 as a strong interacting partner of the βC1. The NTF2 in Solanaceae and Nicotiana was found to be evolved from the Brassica and Gossypium species. The in-silico interaction studies showed a strong binding affinity with releasing energy value of −730.6 KJ/mol, and the involvement of 10 amino acids from the middle portion towards the C-terminus and five amino acid residues from the middle portion of βC1 to interact with six amino acids of NTF2. The study not only provided an insight into the molecular mechanism of pathogenicity but also put the foundation stone to develop the resistance genotypes for commercial purposes and food security.

The study was conducted to evaluate the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. Twenty-six groundwater samples were analysed for the groundwater quality of Chachro Taluka. The EC and TDS contents in most of the water samples were above WHO (2011) recommended limits. Almost all water samples collected from dugwells located in the study area have elevated concentrations of Na and Cl exceeding the WHO guidelines. Results of Ca, and Mg show that 92% and 96% of groundwater samples were within the prescribed limit respectively. Whereas, HCO3, SO4, and NO3 contents of 88%, 77%, and 69% respectively are also above the guidelines. Statistical results revealed a dominating trend among the cations of Na+ >Ca+2 >Mg+2 >K+ and anions occur in the order of abundance, as Cl- >HCO-3 >SO4-2 >NO3, respectively. The water quality index (WQI) shows that 15% groundwater samples belong to poor category, and 35% water samples were found belonging to very poor category. While, remaining 50% wells were found unsuitable for drinking purpose.

Electricity usage plays a vital role in raising the massive growth in the economy; also, the industrial sector is the key factor of overall energy demand closely related to the economy. The study aims to contribute in two ways. First, the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) estimates electricity consumption in Pakistan during 1970-2018 to find the relationship between electricity consumption, price, and real gross domestic product. Second, decomposing the overall impact of an unexpected shock on each variableos Dynamic Variance Decomposition Technique applied. The empirical analysis shows that the factors are co-integrated. The results also indicate the long-run relationship between electricity consumption, price, and real gross domestic product in the industrial sector. Further, the VECM analysis responses are also confirmed by the variance decomposition method. The findings confirm the potential of the industrial sector. We propose that formalized and proper assurance of electricity needs and demands at a reasonable price can boost the local industry's confidence and attract foreign investors. However, a strong governance structure should be extended to the public sector to ensure policies that priorities the distribution of energy to businesses for development.

A nonlinear thermo-convective Arrhenius Casson fluid flow between two vertical parallel plates is modeled under the actions of exothermic chemical reaction, linear and nonlinear volumetric thermal and concentration expansions. The non dimensional coupled system of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using Parametric Continuation Method (PCM). The numerical results of (PCM) method are graphically justified with the solutions of bvp 4 c package, which presented an excellent agreement with each other. For further validation of (PCM) method, the obtained results are also compared with previously published work and found an accuracy upto two decimal places. It has been found that Frank-Kameneskii’s parameter, depends on Arrhenius kinetics, has the tendency to enhanced the exothermic chemical reaction, which give rise in internal heat generation and heat transfer rate. The findings of the present study may be used for making energy source materials and in biological systems. Furthermore, the increasing values of Kr are responsible to drop the exothermic reaction level within the flow system, due to which the mass transfer is reduced and make a reduction in concentration profile.

During the growing season of 2021–2022, a total of 145 symptomatic tomato leaf and fruit samples were collected from different locations in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia, showing a moderate-to-severe mosaic with dark green wrinkling, blistering, narrowing, and deformation with necrosis spot on tomato leaves, while irregular brown necrotic lesions, deformation, and yellowing spots rendering the fruits non-marketable were observed on tomato fruits. These samples were tested serologically against important tomato viruses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the obtained results showed that 52.4% of symptomatic tomato samples were found positive for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), wherein 12 out of 76 samples were singly infected; however, 64 out of 145 had mixed infection. A sample with a single infection of ToBRFV was used for mechanical inoculation into a range of different host plants; symptoms were observed weekly, and the presence of the ToBRFV was confirmed by ELISA and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total RNA was extracted from selected ELISA-positive samples, and RT-PCR was carried out using specific primers F-3666 and R-4718, which amplified a fragment of 1052 bp. RT-PCR products were sequenced in both directions, and partial genome nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank under the following accession numbers: MZ130501, MZ130502, and MZ130503. BLAST analysis of Saudi isolates of ToBRFV showed that the sequence shared nucleotide identities (99–99.5%) among them and 99–100% identity with ToBRFV isolates in different countries. A ToBRFV isolate (MZ130503) was selected for mechanical inoculation and to evaluate symptom severity responses of 13 commonly grown tomato cultivars in Saudi Arabia. All of the tomato cultivars showed a wide range of symptoms. The disease severity index of the tested cultivars ranged between 52% and 96%. The importance ToBRFV disease severity and its expanding host range due to its resistance breaking ability was discussed.

Recently, analyses of the air quality in Pakistan have received significant interest, especially regarding the impact of air pollutant concentrations on human health. The Atlas of Baseline Environmental Profiling along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at five locations in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is a major landmark in this regard due to the presence of massive glaciers in the region, which are considered as water reserves for the country. Using various statistical measurements, the air quality was analyzed at the studied geographic locations. Further, air quality was evaluated based on air pollutant data acquired from ambient air monitoring laboratories. For example, 24 h concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) were found to range from 25.4 to 60.1 µg/m3, with peaks in the winter season at Gilgit. It was found that PM2.5 values were 1.7 and 1.3 times greater than National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) standards only at Gilgit and Chilas, respectively, and 1.5 to 4 times greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) standards at all locations. Similarly, PM2.5 concentrations were found to range from 31.4 to 63.9 µg/m3, peaking at Chilas in summer 2020. The observed values were 1.1 to 1.8 times and 2 to 4.2 times greater than the NEQS and WHO standards, respectively, at all locations. In addition, the average peaks of black carbon (BC) were measured at Gilgit, both in winter (16.21 µg/m3) and summer (7.83 µg/m3). These elevated levels could be attributed to the use of heavy diesel vehicles, various road activities and different meteorological conditions. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX) and ozone (O3) were found to be within NEQS and WHO limits. Based on air quality metrics, the effect of PM2.5 on air quality was found to be moderate in Sost, Hunza and Jaglot, while it was at unhealthy levels at Gilgit and Chilas in the winter of 2019; moderate levels were observed at Sost while unhealthy levels were detected at the remaining locations in the summer of 2020. There are no specific guidelines for BC. However, it is associated with PM2.5, which was found to be a major pollutant at all locations. The concentrations of CO, SO2 and O3 were found to be at safe levels at all locations. The major fraction of air masses is received either locally or from transboundary emissions. This study demonstrates that PM2.5 and BC are the major and prevailing air pollutants within the study region, while other air pollutants were found to be within the permissible limits of the WHO and NEQS.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, perception and information sources of nurses about climate change. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study conducted with total number of 105 respondents and duration of 03 months of 2016 at Dow University Hospital Karachi. Study population consisted of nurses and nursing management. Data collected through structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and associations. Institutional Review Board by Health Services Academy Ethically approved this study. Written consent from participants was taken prior to collect the data. RESULTS: Most of the nurses 96(94.4%) considered that air pollution affects their health. 74(70.5%) were known flooding as one of the adverse effects of climate change, academic qualification age and designation shown association at α =0.05 and CI: 95%. Over than 78% stated that social media was source of their information. The second most source was 67.6% national or international media. CONCLUSION: Majority of the nurses has insufficient knowledge and weak perception regarding adverse health effects of climate change, main sources of information were social media. Nurses knowledge can be enhance through in-house trainings and up gradation of the nursing curriculum.

This study presents the performance of quarry rock dust (QRD) incorporated fly ash (FA) and slag (SG) based geopolymer concretes (QFS-GPC) exposed to ambient and elevated temperatures. A total of five QFS-GPC mix types were prepared. The quantity of FA (50%) was kept constant in all the mixes, and SG was replaced by 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of QRD. The fresh, hardened properties of the QFS-GPC mixes, viz., workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strengths, and XRD for identification of reaction phases were evaluated. The prepared mixes were also heated up to 800 °C to evaluate the residual compressive strength and weight loss. The workability of the QFS-GPC mixes was observed to be reduced by increasing the dosage (0 to 20%) of QRD. Superplasticizer (SP) was used to maintain the medium standard of workability. The compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths were increased by replacing SG with QRD up to 15%, whereas a further higher dosage (20%) of QRD reduced the mechanical strengths of the QFS-GPC mixes. The strength of the QFS-GPC specimens, heated to elevated temperatures up to 800 °C, was reduced persistently with the increased contents of QRD from 0 to 20%. It was concluded from the study that QFS-GPC can be used to achieve 30 MPa strength of concrete.

Dr.Tabassum Kashmiri is renowned a scholar of Urdu literature. He is a poet, critic, researcher and literary historian. This article gives a meticulous analysis of Literary History of Urdu Literature written by him in the light of basic and vital principles of literary history and historiography. In this article we also discussed the multidimensional aspect of his history in the light of his vision, modern critical approach and his distinctive style. How and where this multidisciplinary study works? An attempt has been made to measure and encompass the depth and breadth of his literary history. This article also spotlights some singificant features of his writing.

WRKY transcription factors are a class of DNA-binding proteins that bind with a specific sequence C/TTGACT/C known as W-Box found in promoters of genes which are regulated by these WRKYs. From previous studies, 43 different stress responsive WRKY transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana, identified and then categorized in three groups viz., abiotic, biotic and both of these stresses. A comprehensive genome wide analysis including chromosomal localization, gene structure analysis, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis and promoter analysis of these WRKY genes was carried out in this study to determine the functional homology in Arabidopsis. This analysis led to the classification of these WRKY family members into 3 major groups and subgroups and showed evolutionary relationship among these groups on the base of their functional WRKY domain, chromosomal localization and intron/exon structure. The proposed groups of these stress responsive WRKY genes and annotation based on their position on chromosomes can also be explored to determine their functional homology in other plant species in relation to different stresses. The result of the present study provides indispensable genomic information for the stress responsive WRKY transcription factors in Arabidopsis and will pave the way to explain the precise role of various AtWRKYs in plant growth and development under stressed conditions.

ABSTRACT: AIM OF THE STUDY: To improve the working environment of the Lady Health Workers in Sindh. OBJECTIVES: To assess stress among the Lady Health Workers and to find out the association in between stress and demographical variables. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative Cross sectional study was done during the Nov; 2016 to March 2017, in Jacobabad District (Garhi Khairo, Thul and Jacobabad Taluka) among the Lady Health Workers working or attached with MCH centers. Simple random sampling technique were used and sample size calculated on prevalence rate, N=78. SRQ-20 (WHO inventory) questionnaire were used to collect data. SPSS 21.0 were used to analyses data and frequency tables and logistic regression were analyzed. RESULT: Response rate was 96%. The mean age of the LHWs was calculated age was 35.59+7.995 years, monthly income mean was 20500+438 and mean of job experience were 4.87+3.599 years. Marital status only found significant p-value 0.04. CONCLUSION: Nature of Job of Lady Health Worker is mentally stressful which is altering the regular rotation of the human as well productivity of work.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence (WPV) is very common routine problem faced by majority of health care providers among them nurses are at great risk of violence because of nature of their work and usual contacts with patients and their relatives. Most of the cases are not handled and reported properly and these incidents include verbal abuse, physical assault, bullying/mobbing, and sexual harassment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Workplace violence being faced by nurses at work and To find out the nature of workplace violence among nurses. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional survey was conducted and questionnaire was adapted from a standardized questionnaire designed collaboratively in GENEVA (2003) by the International Labor Office (ILO), the International Health Organization (IHO), the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and the Public Services International (PSI). RESULTS: Out of 104 questionnaire Ninety nurses responded to questionnaire (response rate was 86.5%). The prevalncey of WPV was 35.5% and respondents reported that exposure to physical attacks (46.7%), verbal abuse (52.2%), bullying/mobbing (27.8%) and sexual harassment (15.6%) at least one time during their last year of service. Most of the violence was attempted by patients and their family members and majority of sexual harassment cases were reported by female nurses and most of them were attempted by staff or co-workers. CONCLUSION: High rate of workplace violence shows that the environment in which nurses are working is not safe and healthy for them and preventive measures are needed to protect the nurses at their work place.

In this study, efficacies of different therapeutic regimens along with 10% zinc-sulfate footbath for the treatment of acute foot rot in adult sheep were evaluated. The research work conducted on the adult sheep (n=104) of both sexes which were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex during April 2013 to May 2014. Foot rot was confirmed based on clinical and physical examinations. The sheep were divided into four equal groups; G-I, G-II, G-III, and G-IV. The animals of the G-I, II and IV were treated with a mixture of amoxicillin and cloxacillin at 15 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) through intramuscular (IM) route, oxytetracycline at 20 mg/kg b.wt., IM, and enrofloxacin at 5 mg/kg b.wt., IM, respectively. The animals of G-III were treated with gamma benzene hexachloride cream. Along with the above treatments, all four groups were given footbath with 10% zinc-sulfate. Mean recovery time (days) was recorded as lowest in G-II (3.83±0.64) followed by G-I (4.17±0.31), G-IV (4.38±0.0.79) and G-III (5.67±0.98), respectively. The mean±SE values of rectal temperature and ruminal motility that were recorded before and after the treatment showed significant (p

The present paper describes the surgical management of acquired prepubic hernia due to prepubic tendon rupture in 6 ovines of both sexes (4 pregnant ewes and 2 rams) aged 2.5±0.89 years and weighing 29.5 ± 1.8 kg. The sheep were presented with the complaint of caudal abdominal swelling and reluctance in lying down. The physiological parameters were within normal range. The sheep were operated under diazepam sedation and lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia using 2% lignocaine hydrochloride. Surgical repair was undertaken through a ventral midline incision and simultaneously caesarean section was performed in pregnant cases. All the animals recovered uneventfully.

Genome of plant viruses consists of either RNA or DNA. DNA viruses can be categorized into two types, (1) circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), these viruses are able to replicate through the process of reverse transcription from RNA (the caulimoviruses and badnaviruses), (2) viruses that have circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which replicate through a dsDNA intermediate (the Geminivirus and nanoviruses). Begomoviruses are whiteflies transmitted geminiviruses and infect many economically important dicotyledonous crops including cotton, potato, tomato, cassava and chili. Begomoviruses cause leaf curl disease in cotton. In this review article, the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) has been introduced systematically.

Begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) are single-stranded DNA viruses transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Many economically important diseases in crops are caused by begomoviruses, particularly in tropical and subtropical environments. These include the betasatellite-associated begomoviruses causing cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) that causes significant losses to a mainstay of the economy of Pakistan, cotton. RNA interference (RNAi) or gene silencing is a natural defense response of plants against invading viruses. In counter-defense, viruses encode suppressors of gene silencing that allow them to effectively invade plants. Here, we have analyzed the ability of the begomovirus Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMV) and its associated betasatellite, Cotton leaf curl Multan β-satellite (CLCuMB) which, together, cause CLCuD, and the nonessential alphasatellite (Cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite [CLCuMA]) for their ability to suppress gene silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. The results showed that CLCuMV by itself was unable to efficiently block silencing. However, in the presence of the betasatellite, gene silencing was entirely suppressed. Silencing was not affected in any way when infections included CLCuMA, although the alphasatellite was, for the first time, shown to be a target of RNA silencing, inducing the production in planta of specific small interfering RNAs, the effectors of silencing. Subsequently, using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and Northern blot analysis, the ability of all proteins encoded by CLCuMV and CLCuMB were assessed for their ability to suppress RNAi and the relative strengths of their suppression activity were compared. The analysis showed that the V2, C2, C4, and βC1 proteins exhibited suppressor activity, with the V2 showing the strongest activity. In addition, V2, C4, and βC1 were examined for their ability to bind RNA and shown to have distinct specificities. Although each of these proteins has, for other begomoviruses or betasatellites, been previously shown to have suppressor activity, this is the first time all proteins encoded by a geminiviruses (or begomovirus-betasatellite complex) have been examined and also the first for which four separate suppressors have been identified.

Lepidium latifolium Linn. (perennial pepperweed) is one of the preferred phytofoods among cold arid region of Ladakh, India and its leaves contribute significantly to people's diet. This study was conducted to determine its nutritive value and antioxidant activity. Plant samples from three different locations were selected in the present study. Results showed that this plant is an excellent source of glucosinolates, notably sinigrin that is present in very high amount (∼70-90%). Its value ranged from 149 to 199 µg per g fresh weight. Fatty acid composition analysis showed that its leaves were abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid (18∶3) whose percentage is about 50%. Higher glucose and crude protein along with higher nitrogen to sulfur ratio, supplements the nutritive value of this plant. Based on total phenol, flavanoids, free radical scavenging activity and DNA protective activity showed that this ecotype of perennial pepperweed contains high antioxidant properties. The percentage inhibition for O2(-) scavenging activity ranged from 41.3% to 83.9%. Higher content of phenols (26.89 to 50.51 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight) and flavanoids (38.66 to 76.00 mg quercetin equivalents per g dry weight) in leaves could be responsible for the free radical scavenging activity of this plant. Depending upon the location of the plants, variations were observed in different activities. Based on the systematic evaluation in this study, preparations of Lepidium latifolium from Ladakh can be promoted as substitute to dietary requirements.

This study investigates the relationship between childhood abuse and the likelihood of engaging in criminal or delinquent behavior in adulthood. It also evaluates Pakistan's legislative framework for child protection, highlighting gaps and inconsistencies, and proposes actionable recommendations to address these issues. The research employs a qualitative review based on interview questionnaires and legal documents, alongside empirical analysis, to explore the association between early trauma and criminal behavior. The legislative framework was designed to identify problems in definitions, preventive measures, and victim support systems. Findings reveal a strong link between childhood maltreatment and criminal tendencies in adulthood. Key issues include ambiguous definitions of child abuse, insufficient counseling provisions, and legislative inconsistencies, particularly concerning the age of majority. Routine disciplinary practices often overlap with abusive behaviors, further complicating child protection efforts. The study emphasizes the need for standardized definitions of child abuse, implementation of trauma counseling regulations, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to support victims and prevent recidivism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study features the estimates of MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) of the commercial high-priced Spotted croakers (Protonibea diacanthus, Sciaenidae) of Pakistan by evaluating year-wise catch and effort data. Catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and a surplus production model incorporating covariates (ASPIC) was applied to analyze data from 24 years (1986 to 2009) of catch and effort. The MSY was assessed using the initial proportion (IP) value of 0.9 because the starting catch was about 90% of the maximum catch. The calculated MSY values for the Fox model with three error assumptions of least square, log-transfer, and gamma were 4481 MTs, 4215 MTs, and 4443 MTs. In contrast, the results of MSY were the same in Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models as 7265 MTs and 7373 MTs, respectively. Except for Fox models, the gamma error assumption was presented with minimization failure for all models. The calculated MSY results from ASPIC analysis with the two surplus production models of Fox and Logistic were 4609 MTs and 8445 MTs when using an IP value of 0.9. The estimated output values of the Fox model from the CEDA packages, which were lower than the recent catch, indicate that the stock is in over-fished condition, but other analyses from Schaefer and Pella Tomlinson showed higher values than the recent catch indicate safer stock. Similarly, the MSY estimated values from the Logistic model were greater than the current catch. In contrast, from the Fox model of ASPIC analysis, they were also higher than the recent catch, revealing the stock is not under control. However, it is necessary to initiate specific managerial measures to maintain the current fishing effort of this species in Pakistani waters to protect the decreasing trend of the existing stock of P. diacanthus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]