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The 2022 mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak affected predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM), likely through sexual transmission, which resulted in institutions specializing in sexual health being at the frontlines of the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health in Boston serves close to 10 000 MSM annually, which includes more than 2400 MSM who are living with HIV and 3320 MSM with active HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions. We report on the programs implemented and changes to clinical practice at Fenway Health during the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health diagnosed its first case of mpox in June 2022 and treated this patient with tecovirimat. In early July 2022, Fenway Health administered its first dose of the Jynneos vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization for protection against mpox. As of October 6, 2022, 69 people had tested positive for the mpox virus at Fenway Health. Among the 69 people who tested positive, 43 (62.3%) self-identified as male, with the remaining not reporting a sex or gender identity, and 40 (58.0%) reported their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual. Twenty-five people (36.2%) were treated with tecovirimat. As of October 30, 2022, Fenway Health had administered 6376 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The programmatic changes involved in rollout and scale-up of vaccination, treatment, and community outreach services at Fenway Health during the 2022 mpox outbreak that we describe here could inform strategies to address subsequent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afghanistan is home to the largest illicit drug industry in the world. The depth, influence, and impact of its narco-economy remain unparalleled. Illicit drug production has become a dominant feature of Afghanistan's landscape. The opium economy is pervasive and deeply entrenched. Afghanistan's opium economy has become the source of security rather than the state. Therefore, the degree of dependence on the opium economy has thus become unprecedented in the modern history of drug production. The dependence means any immediate attempt toward opium poppy prohibition/eradication will result in political and socioeconomic crises not only in Afghanistan but the transit states in the region as well. In context of narco-economy, this paper expostulate that the construction of security in traditional and nontraditional discourse are linear, i.e. detached from reality or suffers from moralistic constraint, and therefore, needs to be revisited in line with ground reality of Afghanistan and transit states at large. Deviating from conventional literature on drug-security nexus, the paper argues that a complete prohibition of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is by far a larger security concern than its retention. This research paper, therefore, takes a cursory examination of the security implications and challenges that may ensue as a result of a diminished production capacity of Afghanistan's opium economy either experienced through complete prohibition, eradication programs or through natural calamity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the ease of placement of arterial catheters using palpation versus ultrasound guidance under aseptic measures. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Aug 2022. Methodology: Patients of either gender, aged 18 to 90 years presenting to a paranesthesia clinic that required intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring were included in the study. After induction, under General Anaesthesia, arterial lines were placed following an aseptic technique using ultrasound or palpatory method; in Group-U (ultrasound) or Group-P (Palpation), respectively. Demographic variables of the patient along with hemodynamic readings and success rate at first or multiple attempts, along with the total time of cannulation, were recorded. Results: Out of the total 74 patients, 59(79.7%) patients belonged to ASA-1 Grade, and 15(20.3%) patients in ASA-2 Grade. The mean age of the patients was 48.3±16.3, while mean BMI was 25.42±2.8kg/m2. In Group-P, the first-pass success was achieved in 19(51.4%) patients as compared to 32(86.5%) in Group-U when ultrasound was used (p<0.05). Conclusion: The success rate in placing an arterial line using ultrasound was significantly greater than the conventional palpatory method. Therefore, ultrasound should be a preferred modality during intra-arterial line placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a modified convex optimization technique is used for radiation pattern correction in a cylindrical‐shaped conformal microstrip array antenna. The technique uses numerical simulations to optimize the amplitude and phase excitations, with the goal to decrease the Euclidean distance between the desired field pattern and the obtained (simulated/measured) field pattern while maintaining the main beam direction, null's location, and side lobe levels under control. Two prototypes of 1×4 and 2×4 conformal microstrip antenna array deformed from linear/planar structure to the prescribed cylindrical shape, with different radii of curvature, are studied to demonstrate the performance of the proposed technique. The proposed convex optimization model when applied to conformal antenna array possesses fast computing speed and high convergence accuracy for radiation pattern synthesis, which can be a valuable tool for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare emergency surgeries under spinal anesthesia in COVID-19 pandemic with pre-COVID period in a tertiary care hospital of a developing country. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Main Operation Theatre, Frontier Corps Hospital Quetta, from Mar to May 2020. Methodology: All emergency surgeries done under Spinal Anesthesia, were compared to emergency cases done in the pre-COVID period. Anesthesia notes were reviewed. Emergency cases done under general anesthesia and personal protective equipment worn were also noted. Ages of the patients were from 18-75 years. Spinal anesthesia was performed by consultant anesthesiologist. Result: Among total cases, 260 emergency cases were performed in the main operation theatre during the 3 months of pre-COVID period as compared to only 89 cases in the 3 months duration of COVID-19. Spinal anesthesia was used in 154 (59.2%) cases in the pre-COVID study period, while in COVID-19 pandemic 77 (86.5%) emergency cases were performed under spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia has a significant role in the surgical management of patients in pre-COVID and especially in COVID pandemic. It provides high-quality perioperative care for patients whilst minimizing exposure to staff and utilization of scarce resources of personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel technique based on Hybrid Spatial Distance Reduction Algorithm (HSDRA), to compensate the effects of deformity and mutual coupling occurred due to surface change in conformal arrays. This antenna surface deformation shifts the position of null points and loss of the main beam resulting in reduced antenna gain along with substantial undesirable effects on the antenna performance. The proposed algorithm, which cumulatively incorporates the Linearly Constraint Least Square Optimization (LCLSO) and Quadratically Constraint Least Square Optimization (QCLSO) techniques, is formulated to minimize/reduce the absolute distance between the actual (simulated/measured) radiation pattern and the desired radiation pattern while keeping the direction of mainbeam and nulls position under control. In particular, a 4x4 conformal microstrip phased array from planar surface is deformed to prescribe spherical-shape surface with various radii of curvature, is validated. For the enhancement of Gain of the conformal array antenna, Gain Maximization Algorithm is also proposed, the simulated results of which is compared to the traditional Phase compensation technique and unconstraint least squares optimization. The analytical results for both planar and spherical deformed configurations are first evaluated in MATLAB and then validated through Computer Simulation Technology (CST). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the ease of intubation using glide scope video laryngoscope versus direct laryngoscopy for nasotracheal intubation. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, Aug 2022 to Feb 2023. Methodology: Patients of either gender with age greater than 18 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I or Grade II planned for elective dental or maxillofacial procedures requiring nasotracheal intubation were included. A total of 60 patients were included, with 30 patients in each group. Recorded variables were time to intubate, glottic grade, use of Magill forceps, first attempt success, failure to intubate and postoperative sore throat. Results: With 60 patients after randomised allocation, 30 were allocated to Group-DL (Direct laryngoscopy) and Group-VL(Video laryngoscopy). The success rate in the first attempt was 27(90%) in Group-DL vs 30 (100%) in Group-VL, and the number of patients who could not be intubated was 1(3.3%) vs 0(0%) in both groups. The glottic grade recorded by the operator under vision, time to intubation, use of Magill forceps and post-operative sore throat in both groups was significant with a p-value of <0.05. Conclusion: Glide scope video laryngoscopy provides a better view of the vocal cords with less time to intubation, greater chances of successful intubation, and fewer post-operative chances of sore throat than direct laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the perceptions of health care professionals from a variety of fields (Anesthesia, Radiology, Gynecology, Surgery, and Orthopedics) on inter-professional socialization in a clinical setting to determine any potential disparities between educational training and to identify gaps. Method: After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, a cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023 on 150 Healthcare professionals (Residents of Anesthesiology, Radiology, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, General Surgery and Orthopedics) working at CMH/PEMH. Consecutive non-probability sampling was utilized to collect the data. A closeended questionnaire with interprofessional socialization and valuing scale was administered to the participants, providing proper instructions through hard copy and Google Forms. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results: Study results revealed that participants developed a recognition of the advantages of inter-professional collaboration with the highest score of valuing patient-centred care followed by self-perception of team responsibility and the lowest score of comfort in working with others. Conclusion: This research gives a unique perspective on the experiences of health science professionals from various fields (Anesthesiology, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Radiology, and Surgery) in Interprofessional socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the finding of interviews to explore perception of strugglers in Medical Collage. Aim of study was to acquire into those circumstances which drive strugglers into Medical Collages short of their goals leading towards failures. Utilizing the qualitative research design information was gathered through classroom observations and student interviews. Improved understanding of what motivates students will prompt them to modify their strategy so as to foster self-directed efforts towards their goals. Students who lack motivation intermixes intellectual ability, content knowledge, emotional stamina and goal striving with diverse learning environments. Attributional retraining (AR) is a motivation-enhancing treatment designed to offset the dysfunctional explanatory thinking that can arise from lack of motivation, lame excuses often raised by students of their failure and unsatisfactory learning experiences. The theme includes academic performance, failure and motivation level which translate academic efforts into strugglers perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds, composed of benzene rings. The objective of this research was to identify the optimum condition for the degradation of PAHs contaminated water using photo-Fenton oxidation process via response surface methodology (RSM). Aqueous solution was prepared and potable water samples were collected from water treatment plants in Perak Tengah, Perak, Malaysia in September 2016. The reaction time, pH, molarity of H 2 O 2 and FeSO 4 were analyzed followed by RSM using aqueous solution. A five level central composite design with quadratic model was used to evaluate the effects and interactions of these parameters. The response variable was the percentage of total organic carbon (TOC) removal. PAHs quantification was done using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. The regression line fitted well with the data with R 2 value of 0.9757. The lack of fit test gives the highest value of Sum of Squares (15,666.64) with probability F value 0.0001 showing significant quadratic model. The optimum conditions were established corresponding to the percentage of TOC removal. The PAHs removal efficiency for potable water samples ranged from 76.4% to 91% following the first order of kinetic rates with R 2 values of >0.95. Conventional water treatment techniques are not effective for PAHs removal. Thus, advanced oxidation processes may be considered as an alternative to conventional water treatment techniques in Malaysia and other developing countries. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • PAHs are carcinogenic compounds and abundantly found in mixed use area. • Perak River serves as principal water intakes in Perak Tengah, Perak, Malaysia. • Conventional water treatment techniques are inefficient for PAHs removal. • This research studies Photo-Fenton Oxidation Process for PAHs removal in water. • AOPs may be considered as an alternative to conventional water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aim Experts can accurately predict diminutive polyp histology, but the ideal method to train nonexperts is not known. The aim of the study was to compare accuracy in diminutive polyp histology characterization using narrow-band imaging (NBI) between participants undergoing classroom didactic training vs. computer-based self-learning. Participants and methods Trainees at two institutions were randomized to classroom didactic training or computer-based self-learning. In didactic training, experienced endoscopists reviewed a presentation on NBI patterns for adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps and 40 NBI videos, along with interactive discussion. The self-learning group reviewed the same presentation of 40 teaching videos independently, without interactive discussion. A total of 40 testing videos of diminutive polyps under NBI were then evaluated by both groups. Performance characteristics were calculated by comparing predicted and actual histology. Fisher's exact test was used and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 17 trainees participated (8 didactic training and 9 self-learning). A larger proportion of polyps were diagnosed with high confidence in the classroom group (66.5 % vs. 50.8 %; P < 0.01), although sensitivity (86.9 % vs. 95.0 %) and accuracy (85.7 % vs. 93.9 %) of high-confidence predictions were higher in the self-learning group. However, there was no difference in overall accuracy of histology characterization (83.4 % vs. 87.2 %; P = 0.19). Similar results were noted when comparing sensitivity and specificity between the groups. Conclusion The self-learning group showed results on a par with or, for high-confidence predictions, even slightly superior to classroom didactic training for predicting diminutive polyp histology. This approach can help in widespread training and clinical implementation of real-time polyp histology characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on violence in Karachi, Pakistan. Topics discussed include ethnic violence, politics in the city and murders reported in the city. Other topics which includes business in Karachi, Pakistan, Pakistani Taliban and military courts in Pakistan are also discussed. In addition, justice system of Pakistan is also mentioned.

Objective: To compare the ease of placement of arterial catheters using palpation versus ultrasound guidance under aseptic measures. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Aug 2022. Methodology: Patients of either gender, aged 18 to 90 years presenting to a paranesthesia clinic that required intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring were included in the study. After induction, under General Anaesthesia, arterial lines were placed following an aseptic technique using ultrasound or palpatory method; in Group-U (ultrasound) or Group-P (Palpation), respectively. Demographic variables of the patient along with hemodynamic readings and success rate at first or multiple attempts, along with the total time of cannulation, were recorded. Results: Out of the total 74 patients, 59(79.7%) patients belonged to ASA-1 Grade, and 15(20.3%) patients in ASA-2 Grade. The mean age of the patients was 48.3±16.3, while mean BMI was 25.42±2.8kg/m2. In Group-P, the first-pass success was achieved in 19(51.4%) patients as compared to 32(86.5%) in Group-U when ultrasound was used (p<0.05). Conclusion: The success rate in placing an arterial line using ultrasound was significantly greater than the conventional palpatory method. Therefore, ultrasound should be a preferred modality during intra-arterial line placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the frequency of Depression in Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases with particular emphasis on gender and compliance to treatment. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Rheumatology at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 189 patients were assessed with their detailed history, examination, and lab data collected. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using DSM - 4 criteria. SPSS 26 was utilised for data analysis, and a p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 131 (69.3%) were female and 58 (31.7%) were male patients. Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis ranked the highest concerning the diagnosis with 128 cases (68.25%). Methotrexate was the most commonly used drug with 134 (70.9%) patients receiving it. A total of 169 (89.4%) patients had Depressive disorder, with females outnumbering males, a finding reaching statistical significance (p=0.04). Conclusion: Undiagnosed Depression is common in patients affected by Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases, especially among the female population. Routine screening for depressive symptoms with subsequent referral to the mental health service may serve detection of this comorbidity and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the frequency of Depression in Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases with particular emphasis on gender and compliance to treatment. Study Design: Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Rheumatology at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 189 patients were assessed with their detailed history, examination, and lab data collected. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated using DSM - 4 criteria. SPSS 26 was utilised for data analysis, and a p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 131 (69.3%) were female and 58 (31.7%) were male patients. Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis ranked the highest concerning the diagnosis with 128 cases (68.25%). Methotrexate was the most commonly used drug with 134 (70.9%) patients receiving it. A total of 169 (89.4%) patients had Depressive disorder, with females outnumbering males, a finding reaching statistical significance (p=0.04). Conclusion: Undiagnosed Depression is common in patients affected by Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases, especially among the female population. Routine screening for depressive symptoms with subsequent referral to the mental health service may serve detection of this comorbidity and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon was prepared from coconut coir and its ability to adsorb Reactive Yellow 15 (RY15) dye examined. Batch adsorption tests showed that the extent of dye adsorption depended on the initial dye concentration, the contact time and the pH value of the solution. Equilibrium adsorption was attained within 240 min, with maximum adsorption occurring at a pH value of 2. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon towards the dye was evaluated and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. Equilibrium adsorption data for the coconut coir activated carbon (CCAC) and the commercial activated carbon (CAC) were well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and indicated the higher adsorption capacity of CCAC. The adsorption of RY15 by CCAC and CAC followed pseudo-secondorder kinetics. The results indicate that activated carbon prepared from coconut coir is more effective than CAC for the adsorption of RY15. Hence, CCAC would be a suitable substitute for CAC in the removal of Reactive dyes from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mutagenic and bio-accumulates in nature. This research aims to determine the ecological and health risk assessment of PAHs in Sungai Perak, Malaysia. The sampling was conducted at the up and downstream of Sungai Perak in the district of Perak Tengah, Malaysia. The sampling stations were Tanjung Belanja Bridge (TBB), Water Treatment Plant Parit (WTPP), Parit Town Discharge (PTD), Water Treatment Plant Senin (WTPS) and Water Treatment Plant Kepayang (WTPK). The water treatment plants channel water through the distribution network, to Manjung (249,600 people), Perak Tengah (249,600 people), Kinta (810,400 people) and Hilir Perak (144,400 people) districts. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were applied for ecological and health risk assessments. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) was employed for the health risk assessment. The PAHs contamination level presumptions for all sampling campaigns were low (0–100 μg/L). The HI values of ecological and health risk assessments were found to be aligned with each other. The HI values for raw water were below one (<1) indicating low or no risk while the treated water HI values were more than one (>1) indicating to high risk to aquatic organisms and human health. However, the LCR for raw and treated water exceeded the maximum permissible limit, 1.0 × 10−6 equals to cancer risk of 1 in 1,000,000 people. The LCR for raw water were 1.71 × 10−4 (TBB), 1.35 × 10−4 (WTPP), 1.43 × 10−4 (PTD), 9.54 × 10−5 (WTPS) and 2.37 × 10−4 (WTPK). Meanwhile, the LCR for treated water were 6.90 × 10−5 (WTPP), 5.42 × 10−5 (WTPS) and 2.63 × 10−4 (WTPK). The conventional water treatment system appears to be inefficient to remove PAHs, risking the security of public health. Thus, restructuring the infrastructure of water treatment plants or considering an alternative to rivers as domestic water sources are highly recommended. [Display omitted] • Ecological and health risk assessments of PAHs in Sungai Perak were presented. • Sungai Perak posed low PAHs contamination level presumptions (0–100 μg/L). • Risk to aquatic organisms and human health: Raw (HI < 1) and treated (HI > 1) water. • The LCR for a population exceeded 1.0 × 10−6. • The conventional water treatment system is inefficient, risking the public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research optimized the adsorption performance of rice husk char (RHC4) for copper (Cu(II)) from an aqueous solution. Various physicochemical analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (CHNS) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, bulk density (g/mL), ash content (%), pH, and pHZPC were performed to determine the characteristics of RHC4. The effects of operating variables such as the influences of aqueous pH, contact time, Cu(II) concentration, and doses of RHC4 on adsorption were studied. The maximum adsorption was achieved at 120 min of contact time, pH 6, and at 8 g/L of RHC4 dose. The prediction of percentage Cu(II) adsorption was investigated via an artificial neural network (ANN). The Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient backpropagation (BP) algorithm was the best fit among all of the tested algorithms (mean squared error (MSE) of 3.84 and R2 of 0.989). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted well with the experimental data, thus indicating chemical adsorption. The intraparticle analysis showed that the adsorption process proceeded by boundary layer adsorption initially and by intraparticle diffusion at the later stage. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models interpreted well the adsorption capacity and intensity. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption of Cu(II) by RHC4 was spontaneous. The RHC4 adsorption capacity is comparable to other agricultural material-based adsorbents, making RHC4 competent for Cu(II) removal from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the pre-emptive effect of intravenous paracetamol versus intravenous ketorolac in preventing postoperative shivering and pain after septoplasty in postoperative care unit. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Main Operation Theatre of Frontier Corps Hospital Quetta, from Sep to Dec 2019. Methodology: After ethical committee approval, 90 American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA-I patients, aged between 18-45 years, scheduled for septoplasty, were recruited and divided into three equal groups, Paracetamol (PA), Ketorolac (KE) and Placebo (PL) as per computer generated table. The paracetamol (PA) group (n=30) received 1gm intravenous paracetamol, ketorolac (KE) group (n=30) received 30mg intravenous ketorolac and group placebo (PL) received 100ml normal saline, 20 minutes before completion of surgery. Postoperative shivering and pain was assessed via four-point scale and visual analogue scale (VAS) respectively, in post-anesthesia care unit at 10 and 30 minutes post-extubation. Results: Mean visual analog scale (VAS) score in paracetamol group was 2.7 ± 1.41, ketorolac group was 2.3 ± 1.24 and in placebo group was 3.6 ± 1.44, with a p-value of 0.002. Mean four point shivering score in paracetamol group was 0.3 ± 0.55, ketorolac was 0.7 ± 0.78 and placebo group was 1.4 ± 1.00, with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusion: The effect of paracetamol is better than ketorolac in preventing pain and shivering after septoplasty under general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, but PrEP use has been suboptimal. We describe a telementoring program for clinics in high-HIV burden areas, focusing on systems-level practice transformation and care for populations disproportionately affected by HIV. We developed and delivered a telementoring program for U.S. health centers. We analyzed participants' baseline and post-session surveys to ascertain experiences providing PrEP and caring for people disproportionately affected by HIV, comparing responses between medical and behavioral health clinicians. Forty-eight people from 16 health centers participated. Medical clinicians were more likely than behavioral health clinicians to care for people taking PrEP, but the groups did not differ in self-rated capacity to counsel about PrEP or care for populations disproportionately affected by HIV. Virtual training on practice transformation for PrEP, involving medical and behavioral health clinicians, is feasible and acceptable. PrEP training and delivery efforts should include behavioral health clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying levels of phosphorus on growth and yield parameters of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars at Agricultural Research Station, Swabi-Pakistan, during the year 2016-17. The plots were prepared according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement that were replicated three times. Phosphorus levels (0, 30. 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) were subjected to main plots and cultivars (Meteor, Samrina Zard, Leena Pak and Pea-2009) to sub plots. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of randomly selected plants in each treatment and replication. Results showed that phosphorus levels significantly affected all growth parameters. Maximum absolute growth rate (3.31cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (102.61), pods plant-1 (16.43), pod length (9.53 cm), root weight (4.67 g), nodules plant-1 (19.97), 100 seeds weight (40.66 g) and yield ha-1 (5.71 tons) were recorded in plants treated with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus. The results pertaining to cultivars revealed that maximum absolute growth rate (2.81 cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (100.87), 100 seeds weight (39.73 g), pods plant-1 (17.06), root weight (5.90 g), number of nodules plant-1 (18.66) and yield ha-1 (5.92 tons) were recorded in Leena Pak cultivar. The cultivar Leena Pak was found higher yielding as compared to other cultivars under this study. It can be concluded from the research findings that cultivar Leena Pak should be fertilized with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus for better performance in terms of growth and yield under the agro-climatic conditions of Swabi District-Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potassium (K) and sodium (Na) elements in banana are needed for hydration reaction that can enhance the strength properties of concrete. This research aims (a) to determine the material engineering properties of banana skin ash (BSA) and concrete containing BSA, (b) to measure the strength enhancement of concrete due to BSA, and (c) to identify optimal application of BSA as supplementary cement materials (SCM) in concrete. The BSA characterization were assessed through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Blaine's air permeability. The workability, compressive strength, and microstructures of concrete containing BSA were analysed using slump test, universal testing machine (UTM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 15 oxides and 19 non-oxides elements were identified in BSA with K (43.1%) the highest and Na was not detected. At 20 g of mass, the BSA had a higher bulk density (198.43 ± 0.00 cm3) than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (36.32 ± 0.00 cm3) indicating availability of large surface area for water absorption. The concrete workability was reduced with the presence of BSA (0% BSA: > 100 mm, 1% BSA: 19 ± 1.0 mm, 2%: 15 ± 0.0 mm, 3% BSA: 10 ± 0.0 mm). The compressive strength increased with the number of curing days. The concrete microstructures were improved; interfacial transition zones (ITZ) decreased with an increase of BSA. The optimal percentage of BSA obtained was at 1.25%. The established model showed significant model terms (Sum of Squares = 260.60, F value = 69.84) with probability of 0.01% for the F-value to occur due to noise. The established model is useful for application in construction industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying levels of phosphorus on growth and yield parameters of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars at Agricultural Research Station, Swabi-Pakistan, during the year 2016-17. The plots were prepared according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement that were replicated three times. Phosphorus levels (0, 30. 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) were subjected to main plots and cultivars (Meteor, Samrina Zard, Leena Pak and Pea-2009) to sub plots. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of randomly selected plants in each treatment and replication. Results showed that phosphorus levels significantly affected all growth parameters. Maximum absolute growth rate (3.31cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (102.61), pods plant-1 (16.43), pod length (9.53 cm), root weight (4.67 g), nodules plant-1 (19.97), 100 seeds weight (40.66 g) and yield ha-1 (5.71 tons) were recorded in plants treated with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus. The results pertaining to cultivars revealed that maximum absolute growth rate (2.81 cm day-1), leaflets plant-1 (100.87), 100 seeds weight (39.73 g), pods plant-1 (17.06), root weight (5.90 g), number of nodules plant-1 (18.66) and yield ha-1 (5.92 tons) were recorded in Leena Pak cultivar. The cultivar Leena Pak was found higher yielding as compared to other cultivars under this study. It can be concluded from the research findings that cultivar Leena Pak should be fertilized with 90 kg ha-1 of phosphorus for better performance in terms of growth and yield under the agro-climatic conditions of Swabi District-Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevailing practices regarding personal protective equipment in operation theaters. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from May to Jun 2020. Methodology: After the approval of the approval of the hospital ethical committee, 300 online forms were send. A total of 227 respondents returned the 22 questions survey forms. Data was collected and analyzed using online site www.surveyplanet.com. Results: A total of 203 forms were included in our final analysis. Most 128 (63.1%) were males with 90 (44.3%) common aged between 31-40 years and 168 (82.8%) working in tertiary care hospitals. One hundred and fifty eight (77.8%) were routinely managing known Covid cases per-operatively. One hundred and seventy four (85.7%) reported that personal protective equipment was being provided by the hospital administration; 55 (27.1%) have bought part of full protective equipment at their own expense; 72 (35.5%) re-using protective equipment; 167 (82.3%) being provided with N-95 masks and 120 (59.1%) re-using N-95 masks. One hundred and twenty one (59.6%) wearing level III protective gear during all surgeries, 192 (94.6%) respondents reported maintaining hand hygiene after each patient. Only 65 (32%) taking shower at the hospital at the end of their shift. Conclusion: Most of the operation theaters were providing protective equipment to their staff with nearly half reusing protective gear and N-95 masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonata is one of the most important and potential predatory order and is an excellent indicator of ecosystem health. Current study was conducted in order to explore the dragonflies fauna in District Swabi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A comprehensive field survey was conducted to collect dragonfly adults using aerial nets. 19 sites of District Swabi were surveyed during summer seasons of 2015 and 2016. The study revealed 23 species from 15 genera under 3 families. The abundant family was recorded as Libellulidae that was comprised of 19 species belonging to 11 genera, family Gomphidae included 3 species belonging to 3 genera and family Aeshnidae included one species belonged to one genus. Detailed description of each species, valid scientific names, their habitat, ecological observation, collection date and distributional range for all recorded species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The physicochemical properties of hydrogel polymers in diapers were presented. • WDXRF, FTIR, XRD, pH, turbidity and colour were studied. • The chemical composition (chemical oxides) was determined. • The functional groups and chemical contents were identified. • The crystallinity, pH, turbidity and colour of ND and UD were described. Diapers are reusable waste. This research presents physicochemical properties of sodium polyacrylate in new (ND) and used (UD) diapers, via wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH, turbidity and colour. Additional constituents detected in ND, while others were slightly higher in UD. Slight decrease (2000–2500 cm−1, UD) and bulk peaks (3287–3333 cm−1, UD) were observed and functional group at 2897 cm−1 (ND) disappeared showing their role as absorption sites. The pH (6.83–8.50), turbidity (16.3–36.6 NTU) and colour (153–432 Pt.Co) values were obtained. Thus, this provides a baseline reference for diapers application in concrete technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The physicochemical and leaching properties of FA and BA were presented. • BA and FA shown similar pozzolanic property, potential as alternative binder. • Heavy metals leaching of FA, BA and FA + BA were in permissible limits. • Pb is an indicator for existence of other heavy metals (i.e. Zn, Cu and As) Coal ash (fly (FA) and bottom (BA) ashes) contain heavy metals. This research presents physicochemical and leaching properties of coal ashes (FA, BA and FA + BA) from a Malaysian power plant. The physicochemical (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and leaching properties (toxicity characteristic leaching (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching (SPLP) procedures) of ash samples were determined. Heavy metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Leaching properties were found to complied to the standard guidelines for heavy metals. Further investigation on leaching properties is recommended for construction industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]