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This qualitative research was conducted with main objective of examining the 'lived experiences' of individuals to manage and cope with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twelve respondents (diagnosed with T2D) were shortlisted using purposive sampling technique from Lahore city Pakistan for this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interview method form the participants. Respondents' interview data were analyzed applying phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify sub-themes and mega themes. IPA identified eleven identical themes from transcribed interviews. Findings highlighted individuals' causes of initial non-acceptance behavior, fears about disease, financial barriers, restrictive life styles, self-management strategies, role of their doctors, and family members to cope with disease. The study recommends that health practitioners should introduce diabetes management awareness programs as findings highlight the role of doctors' counselling to cope with disease and modify patient's life style after the disease. Additionally, patients' awareness about disease played vital role to adjust their life style and coping with it with support from family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized via sustainable route of green synthesis to investigate their activity as photocatalyst against environmental pollutants. Nanoparticles were synthesized from leaf extract of Trifolium alexandrinum as a source of stabilizing, capping and reducing agent. Structural and morphological features of these synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using various techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM and DLS analysis. FeNPs were successfully applied as photocatalyst to remove the methylene blue (MB). Mechanism of removal was investigated by fitting the data in pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order adsorption and reduction models along with intraparticle diffusion model. FeNPs were found highly active with more than 97% degradation of MB within 35 minutes. Stability of catalyst to be reused was checked out and significant results found up to 3 cycles. Nontoxic, low cost, green synthesized FeNPs were proven efficient as catalyst for the degradation of MB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the hybrid WO3/titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared using hydrothermal method for the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation. The scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultra violet visible absorption and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology, structure and functional groups, elemental composition and purity, and optical properties. The morphological results showed the rectangular structure of pure WO3 with size of 36–550 nm, whereas spherical structures were also observed after incorporation of TiO2 in WO3. The monoclinic phase was found with high crystallinity. The composite sample (2% TiO2/WO3) showed seven times improved photocatalytic activity as compared to pure samples. The improvement may attribute to the increase of the photo-absorption effect by the TiO2, the cooperative effect of the WO3, optimal band gap and unique morphological structures. Considering our present study as cost-effective method, the as-synthesised photocatalysts can be suitable and give a new perspective for applied use in energy and environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis is one of the most destructive diseases of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). This disease mainly affects foliage. Growth parameters like plant weight, fresh weight of shoot and root, dry weight of shoot and root, plant height, shoot and root length and total yield are helpful to assess resistance level. The objective of current study was the identification of new sources of resistance by screening of available cucumber germplasm against downy mildew disease and its impact on horticultural attributes. A total of 10 varieties was tested employing Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the research area of Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Results from the study showed that minimum disease incidence of 18.26%with disease rating 3 in variety Hilton and maximum incidence of 51.90 with disease rating 7 was observed in Cucumber-363. HCU-163, Panda India, Anmol, Captan and Local with disease rating 6 were moderately susceptible with varying level of disease incidence. Anmol variety showed highest fresh weight of roots (2.63g), No. of leaves (30 per plant), plant yield (485.60g) and plant weight (15.86g). Panda India and Captan expressed highest dry weight of roots (0.17g) and root length (0.18m). Highest fresh (13.76g) and dry weight of shoots (8.60g), Shoot length (3.15m) and plant height (3.23m) were expressed by Nakrsan and Cucumber-363. So it is concluded that Anmol variety has good horticultural attributes that could be used in developing improved cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight disease is potential threat to the successful production tomato. For management of this disease five plant extracts i.e Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinales, Citrulus calosynthis, and Calotropis gigentea, were evaluated for their antifungal potential at three concentrations (S/50, S/25, S/15) against late blight disease of tomato. Three sprays of these plant extracts were done with one week interval under Randomized Complete block design (RCBD) in the experimental area of Department of Plant Pathology University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Among these plant extracts, maximum reduction in disease was exhibited by Azadirachta indica (32.15%) followed by Moringa oleifera (41.09%), Zingiber officinales (48.88%), Citrulus calosynthis (49.88%) and Calotropis gigentea (53.41%) as compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different plant extracts and chemicals were evaluated against powdery mildew of okra under field condition, in experimental area of Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. A highly susceptible variety Click-5769 was grown in field to check the efficacy of different plant extracts and chemicals against powdery mildew disease (Saccharum erysiph) of okra. In chemicals at standard dose, Score (Diphenoconazole, 0.2%) expressed significant results, after third spray disease incidence was 21% followed by Topsin-M (Thiophenate Methyle, 0.1%) 32.3%, Clipper (Copper oxychloride, 0.5%) 47.67%, Systhane (Michlo Butanil, 0.05%) 54.3%, Benomyl (Cymoxinil, 0.5%) 59% disease incidence as compare to control. Three concentrations 5, 10 and 15% of five plant extracts were used to manage the disease. Among them Neem gave best results at each concentration. After third spray at 15% concentration Neem (Azadirachta indica) reduced 23.2% disease incidence, followed by Garlic (Allium sativum)36.89%, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 42.1%, Dhatura (Datura stramonium) 48.4%, Onion (Allium cepa) 52.33% disease incidence as compare to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reveals the fact that involvement in the co-curricular activities produces its effect on academic performance of the students. Most of the studies have been carried out and they have revealed the fact that particular co-curricular activities certainly effects on the academic achievements of the students. The purpose of this research is to establish that co-curricular activities in which university students participate have a positive effect on their academic achievements. The study was conducted by using the questionnaire filling technique which was distributed among 500 students of the university. The study gave the fact that according to the students involved in any kind of sports, participating in dramatic and other literary activities positively affects their academic performance, while watching the television has also some positive impact on academic performance. So, it can be deduced from the study that co-curricular activities affect academic achievements of the students and this impact also depends upon those activities in which the students are keenly involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effects of core muscle strengthening exercises with and without routine physical therapy on trunk balance in chronic stroke patients., Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Mubarak Medical Complex, Sargodha, Pakistan, from October 28, 2021, to April 28, 2022, and comprised patients of either gender with chronic stroke aged 40-60 years. The subjects were randomised using the lottery method into group A that was managed with routine physical therapy, and group B which was further managed with core strengthening exercises. The intervention comprised 4 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Outcome was measured using Trunk Impairment Scale and Time Up and Go test. Data was collected at baseline, week 4 and post-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 23., Results: Of the 80 individuals screened, 74(92.5%) were included. There were 37(50%) patients in group A; 30(81%) males and 7(19%) females with mean age 56.73±2.37 years. The remaining 37(50%) patients were in group B; 27(73%) males and 10(27%) females with mean age 55.65±2.88 years. Trunk balance and functional mobility improved significantly post-intervention in both groups (p<0.05), but group B values were significantly better compared to group A values (p<0.05)., Conclusions: Core muscle strengthening exercises combined with routine physical therapy were found to be more effective compared to routine physical therapy alone in chronic stroke patients for improving trunk balance and functional mobility., Registration Number: IRCT20211116053070N1.