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Paying tribute and travelling to sacred places have been prevalent among all religions mainly for attaining a more lofty and higher rank not only on spiritual level but also to experience a closer proximity to holy personalities. Hinduism and Islam, being considered among the major religions of the subcontinent, also emphasized the importance of pilgrimages (or sacred travels), i.e. visits to certain places in order to overhaul and purify the stained soul that is the abode of human will, worldly desires and determinations. However, the difference lies in endorsement and execution of performing pilgrimages. Thus, making our topic a unique blend to actually formulate the exact triangle and its vertices that keeps the worshipper moving along the whole life. The research aims at drawing inferences and findings as to what are the real differences that lie between the purpose and achievement regarding sacred travels in Hinduism and Islam. The research methodology used here is narrative; and induces comparison to extract practical results. Keywords: Hinduism, Islam, Purification of soul, Sanctity, Sacred travels, Solitude

The current study was conducted to examine the effects of aerobic training versus cross-training upon cardio-respiratory endurance of middle distance runners. A total of 60 male college’s badminton players between the age of 18-21 years participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups, Experimental Group (EG) n=40 and Control Group (CG) n=20. The EG was further divided into Aerobic Training A and Cross Training B. EG was given prescribed training, while CG remained as usual. Data were collected two times; T1 pre-test and T2 post-test after eight weeks. T-test was applied to measure the statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test results. There is significant effect of cross training on cardiovascular fitness of middle distance runners aged 17 to 24 years. The effect of cross training was measured as a dominant training method for the cardiovascular fitness of middle distance runners as compare to aerobic training and control group. Before the treatments the groups were same in cardiovascular endurance but due to aerobic training and cross training the middle distance runners reduce their weight and BMI as well as improve their cardiovascular endurance after the treatment.

Background: Occupational hazards and risks are a common public health issue, especially when healthcare workers safety is concerned; Noise induced hearing loss is a common preventable occupational hazard which affects millions of people globally1. It is the hearing loss that is caused by prolonged exposure of the ear to the noise2. Aim: To identify prevalence of Noise induced hearing loss in industrial workers from July 1, till December 31st, 2021 Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: The current study was conducted at Taxila at HITEC-Institute of Medical sciences from July 1, till December 31st, 2021. Methodology: A total number of 314 workers working in industrial area with noisy surroundings according to the selection criteria were included in the study. A questionnaire about past medical history of all participants in regard to ear and hearing disorders was obtained. Prevalence of NIHL was assessed in all workers with or without hearing loss. Results: The total numbers of workers included in the study were 314. The total number of patients having NIHL was 42. Prevalence of NIHL was 13. NIHL is a global health problem and is the second most important cause of hearing loss. It is a preventable disorder that affects a large proportion of workers. In our setup the NIHL was lower than expected due to better control of Noise and proper use of noise protective equipment. Keywords: NIHL = Noise-induced Hearing Loss, sensorineural hearing loss, Hearing loss.

Introduction: The objective of this work is to determine the role of a multidisciplinary approach in treating the complex high flow head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), involving radiologists and plastic surgeons for the best possible outcomes. Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, the investigators conducted a retrospective analysis on seven patients with high-flow head and neck AVMs who received treatment at a tertiary care facility. Age at first diagnosis, presenting features, prior therapies, endovascular treatment, surgical treatment, and therapeutic outcomes were all recorded. A comparison of pre-and post-procedure pictures was made to assess the clinical outcomes for all patients. Results: Seven patients with complex high flow head and neck AVMs were jointly managed by performing plastic surgery and interventional radiology. There were male and female, with an average age of 24 years. Each patient underwent embolization followed by surgical resection within a 24-hour window of up to 72 hours. In six out of seven patients, the lesion was removed therapeutically, whereas the seventh required palliative resection. Only one patient, there was a minor wound healing difficulty able to be treated with dressings. Conclusion: The results revealed that embolization alone is not effective to reduce the adverse effects. Incomplete removal of AVM showed the same effect as incomplete removal of a tumour. It may not improve symptoms and may worsen the recurrence, thus multi-modality approach is beneficial. A multidisciplinary approach, aided by the interventional radiologist and enable plastic surgeons to remove the high-flow AVMs effectively.

Aim: To evaluate reliability of anterolateral thigh flap based on a single perforator in pediatric population for lower limb post traumatic defects. Study design: Retrospective cross sectional study Place and duration of study: Pediatric plastic surgery department of the children hospital & university of child health science, Lahore from January 2018 to January 2022. Methodology: After approval from ethical review board, 50 patients who underwent a free Alt flap reconstruction were included in this retrospective analysis. All flaps for lower limb post traumatic raised on a single perforator were included and reliability of flap was assessed for technical feasibility, outcomes and safety. Data was entered and analysed in SPSS ver: 21.0 and presented as frequency and percentages. Results: Mean age was 8.2±3.45 years 64% were males.96% had undergone road traffic accident (4% burn).Lower limb was affected in majority of patients 80% (upper limb 20%). 78% of patients were discharged at 10th post-operative day and 8% had partial flap loss. Conclusion: We concluded in this studyfree tissue transfer of anterolateral thigh flap based on a single perforator in children for covering large defects is a reliable method with good safety margin and minimal complication rate. Keywords: Anterolateral thigh flap, single perforator, pediatric population, free flap, free tissue transfer, perforator flap reliability

Parasitic nematodes are destructive parasites of crop plants and cause enormous damage to them. The earliest signs of nematodes attack are the inactiveness of growth as infestation of nematodes is a slow process. The survey was held to evaluate the percentage of the plant-parasitic nematodes that related to mulberry in various localities in the District Mansehra. For this purpose Mansehra, Balakot and Oghi were selected. From these different areas soil samples were collected and processed by using Baermann funnel technique to examine and calculate the percentage of saprophytic and parasitic nematode populations. From the results it had shown that samples from Mansehra and Balakot had more parasitic nematodes than saprophytic while samples from Oghi were found saprophytic. Tehsil Mansehra showed 65% whereas tehsil Balakot showed 35% population of parasitic nematodes. From Mansehra and Balakot, Helicotylenchus dihystera was found in profusion. For the management of parasitic nematodes inorganic amendment (Carbofuran) and organic amendments (Poultry manure) were used in 250 gram/tree and 8kg/ tree respectively. Samples and subsamples from both treated and untreated trees showed that Carbofuran exterminated the nematode population entirely whereas the population of parasitic nematodes decreased by the implementation of Poultry manure to a notable point. Histograms analysis and ANOVA was done. ANOVA showed that p value for both Carbofuran and Poultry manure impact in Mansehra and Balakot was 0.0001 and therefore was found significant. Thus both were found effective however Poultry manure is more eco-friendly in nature.

VO2 based energy saving smart coatings are of great interest in research and industry due to the reversible crystalline structural transition of VO2 which can induce significant transmittance and reflectance changes in the infrared range.

Herein, we present a green, economic and ecofriendly protocol for synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4-NPs) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) for multifaceted biomedical applications. In the study, a simple aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis, was employed for the facile one pot synthesis of Co3O4-NPs and MgO-NPs. The well characterized NPs were explored for multiple biomedical applications including bactericidal activity against urinary tract infection (UTI) isolates, leishmaniasis, larvicidal, antidiabetic antioxidant and biocompatibility studies. Our results showed that both the NPs were highly active against multidrug resistant UTI isolates as compared to traditional antibiotics and induced significant zone of inhibition against Proteus Vulgaris, Pseudomonas Aurigenosa and E.coli. The NPs, in particular Co3O4-NPs also showed significant larvicidal activity against the Aedes Aegypti, the mosquitoes involve in the transmission of Dengue fever. Similarly, excellent leishmanicidal activity was also observed against both the promastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite. Furthermore, the particles also exhibited considerable antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The biosynthesized NPs were found to be excellent antioxidant and biocompatible nanomaterials. Owing to ecofriendly synthesis, non-toxic and biocompatible nature, the Hibiscus rosa sinensis synthesized Co3O4-NPs and MgO-NPs can be exploited as potential candidates for multiple biomedical applications.

The education enhances human abilities to play their role in making a conducive environment, which can preserve their social and secure. In this way, the basic tasks fall upon shoulders of concerned teachers who over their competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities can produce committed and motivated employees in diverse economic sectors. Alongthe same line, teachers themselves need leaders who can make them motivated and committed to their institutions. In this regard, the leadership is a challenging fact for researchers and academicians. Numerous researchers have focused on styles of leadership in varied professions, situations, backgrounds and cultures. This phenomenon was examined among teaching communities at the higher educational institutions at different levels. The study is expected to be unique in the sense thatit has used motivation (intrinsic) as a mediator in linking the leadership styles (transactional) and organizational commitment that lack in existing research on issues under consideration. In this regard, the researcher used the main variables of study as global variables like leadership styles, commitment and motivation as per the hints from the existing research studies to make clear the contributions towards the existing database of knowledge regarding the issues under consideration.

Purpose: Primary aim of the research study was to develop awareness among the participants about the benefits of exercise and its financial benefits. Methodology: Adults had to perform exercises on Unstable Surfaces (US), Stable Surface (SS) and Machine Based (MB). The protocol of exercises was divided into three categories with 30 participants in each group i.e., Machine Based Surface Resistance Training (M-SRT), Machine Based Unstable Surface Resistance Training (M-URT), and Free Weight Unstable Surfaces Resistance Training (F-URT). Equipment used for tests was imported. Cost of financial expenditure and effects of resistance training exercise protocol on the male adults’ lower limbs muscular power, body fats, and strength were compared. Leg extension strength, leg press, muscle fuel, and body fats were checked on the baseline and after a seven-week resistance training program in the adults and budget, effects took away from the parents. Main Findings: The subjects’ results in maximal resistance training of squad movement were significantly higher in M-SRT and M-URT as compared to F-URT. The average seven-week regular resistance training exercise protocol program in adults with proper supervision will minimize the risk of injury and develop the strength and endurance in the lower limbs of adults up to maximal and that the composition of the body fats was observed lesser. There are training and exercise centres in Dera Ismail Khan city and adults can easily manage to become members of those clubs with nominal registration fees. Fitness and wellbeing are directly associated with the financial benefits of exercise and training. It was observed that the student adults can easily manage the resistance training program for their fitness by curtailing their pocket money. The implication of the Study: The findings of the research study have vital impacts on the daily life routine life of adults. Adults can easily manage to spare some time from leisure and money to keep themselves fit and healthy. The nation needs healthy adults to serve the best and build a nation. The results of analyzed data will help the parents and teachers to motivate their children to participate in the activities of fitness centres and acquaint the adults with financial behaviour change theory. Proper counselling of the experts will be fruitful in light of the recommendations of the study. Novelty: For the first time such a study is going to be conducted in the field of sports and finance. This is primary research in the homeland to highlight the behavioural economics capitalization in sports and training. The financial impacts of training and exercise on the fitness of youth have been studied in length. Future researchers would be benefited from the results of the study and they will be able to include the purchase of basic equipment for exercise and training in the institute budget.

The carriers for hydrophobic bioactives have been extensively studied, while those for hydrophilic bioactives are still challenging. The partition of bioactives in the particles depends greatly on their solubility, interaction with carrier materials, as well as structure of carriers. In this study, chitosan-coated hollow zein particles using calcium phosphate as a sacrificing template (CS-HZ) were fabricated to co-encapsulate folic acid (FA) and caffeic acid (CA). Partition, photostability, and antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds were also studied. The size, polydispersity index and ζ-potential of optimized CS-HZ were 176.3 nm, 0.14 and +39.3 mV, respectively, indicating their small and uniform dimension with excellent colloidal stability. FA interacted with chitosan to form complexes and then coated on the zein particles where CA was encapsulated. After co-encapsulation in CS-HZ, the photostability of both FA and CA was improved in comparison with encapsulation of single compound, with 85% of FA remaining after 240 min of UVA irradiation, and 90% of CA remaining after 80 min. Antioxidant activity of CA decreased upon encapsulation, but significantly increased after irradiation. Findings in this study shed some light on the design of carriers for co-delivery of hydrophilic compounds in acidic condition.

Vanadium dioxide (VO

The structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical characteristics of cubic inorganic perovskites XZrO3 (X = Rb and K) were studied using the Cambridge serial total energy package-based DFT.

Two fungicides, Aliette and ThiovitJet @ 0.15%, containing Aluminum tris (O-ethyl phosphonate) and sulphur compounds, respectively; two plant extracts, Melia azedarach and Azadirachta indica @ 8% and one biocontrol agent, Trichoderma harzianum @ 107 conidia ml-1 were investigated against ascochyta blight of chickpea under field conditions. Treatments were evaluated on three varieties susceptible to chickpea blight. Field trial revealed that Aliette and ThiovitJet significantly decreased disease severity to 17 and 23% respectively, followed by M. azedarach and A. indica which decreased severity to 50 and 56% respectively, compared to control with 75% disease severity. T. harzianum, with a severity of 63%, was significantly less effective than fungicides and both plant extracts in controlling blight disease. The current research revealed that systemic and sulphur containing fungicides, both plant extracts and the biocontrol agent have the potential to control ascochyta blight of chickpea.

Cultivation of edible fungi (mushrooms) is a useful method for bio-conservation in the agriculture industry. For the better production of mushrooms, we used the agricultural waste material as a substrate for the cultivation of mushrooms. After mushroom harvesting, these substrates are available as an excellent source of soil conditioner. In this study, we used the sawdust of a simbal tree (Bombax ceiba L.), office scrap paper, and poultry manure as a substrate to cultivate the Pleurotus sapidus (oyster mushroom). Data recorded from the inoculation of spawn to the harvesting of fruiting bodies by using different parameters. The results revealed that the Treatment-T4 (sawdust of simbal tree 50% + poultry manure 50%) required the least number of days (16 days) for 100% spawn-running, development of pinhead (6.5 days), and fruiting bodies (5.5 days), produced the maximum number of fruiting bodies (24.25), maximum yield (388.40 g), and highest biological efficacy (77.68%). The Treatment-T5 (office scrap paper 50% + poultry manure 50%) took the maximum number of days (32 days) for 100% spawn-running, development of pinhead (18 days) and fruiting bodies (17 days), produced least number of fruiting bodies (9.5), minimum yield (224.50 g), and lowest biological efficacy (44.90%). Therefore, the cultivation of oyster mushrooms is an excellent or environment-friendly technique because the substrate used for mushroom cultivation is economical and readily available.

By employing PBE and B3LYP, we report a density functional theory (DFT) and TDDFT investigation of X-terminated Ge nanoclusters (where X = bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), hydrogen (H), Amino (NH2) and hydroxyl (OH)). This research reveals that surface conditions considerably change the cohesive, structural, optical, and electronic properties of germanium nanoclusters, which plays a key role in the development of nano-devices, for instance, FETs, sensors, etc. We demonstrate that full coverage of nanocluster’s surface with the above-mentioned passivants/functional groups can reduce the HOMO–LUMO gap (and optical gap), for example, up to 1 eV of [110] Ge nanoclusters of 1.5 nm diameter. The following order of magnitude of the electronic gap is observed: H > NH2 > F > Cl > OH or Br. Partial density of states and graphical representation of HOMO and LUMO show that the Br and OH groups significantly lower gap energies, which is confirmed while observing the clear dominance of Br and OH near the HOMO compared with the Ge atoms. Moreover, in addition to the electronic/optical gap, the binding/cohesive energy of OH and Halide-terminated Ge nanoclusters exhibit greater stability compared with other passivants/functional groups.

Hydrogels of Acacia gum (AG) were synthesized in the reverse micelle core of sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in gasoline medium. The as synthesized hydrogels were used as template to prepare Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in situ via the reduction mechanism of NaBH4. The successful synthesis of bare hydrogels and AgNPs loaded nanocomposite hydrogels (AG–Ag hydrogels) were characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Thermal gravimetric analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Different feeds of the as fabricated GA-Ag hydrogels were used to catalyze the well-known reactions of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), and Methyl Orange (MO) reduction in aqueous medium at ambient physical conditions. Remarkably, 1000 mg/L of AG–Ag hydrogels with reduced 4-NP and 2-NP into its counterparts, 4-aminophenol and 2-aminophenol in 24 min and 15 min, respectively at room temperature. Similarly, 1000 mg/L of AG–Ag hydrogels reduced MO completely within 25 min. The aforementioned catalytic reactions followed pseudo first order rate kinetics, and it was found that the value of rate constant (kapp) increased by increasing the catalyst amount which, thereby confirms the high conversion rate of the reactants. Schematic illustration of fabrication and catalytic action of AgNPs grown inside the pre-synthesized AG Hydrogel matrices.

Leaf and stripe rust caused by Puccinia recondita and Puccinia striiformis are important diseases of wheat in Pakistan and worldwide. The survey was carried out to monitor virulence pattern among t...

Background: Present study was conducted to determine species composition of mosquitoes (larvae, pupae and adults) collected from ten different towns of Lahore from September 2014 to August 2015. Methods: Mosquito larvae, pupae and adults (male and female) were collected by using dippers and aspirators from September 2014 to August 2015 in different sites of Lahore comprising of ten towns i.e. Iqbal, Aziz Bhatti, Data Ganj Baksh, Gulberg, Nishtar, Ravi, Samanabad, Shalimar, Wagah, and Lahore Cantonment. Mosquito larvae and adults were identified by standard entomological keys. Diversity, richness and rarity of mosquito fauna were analyzed by the Shannon, Simpson and Margalef indices respectively. Results: In this study, a total of 8656 mosquitoes belonging to four genera namely Anopheles, Culex, Aedes and Man­sonia were identified. Among fifteen species collected, Cx. quinquefasciatus was the most abundant species in the city having 25.8% relative abundance. However An. culicifacies s.l. (sensu lato) was reported as the least abundant species with 0.22% relative abundance. The highest diversity of mosquitoes was shown in the month of August (H= 2.25) while the lowest diversity was recorded June (H= 1.43). Extensive sewage water supported the maximum abundance of Cx. quinquifasciatus in urban areas of this city. Conclusions: This study has significantly elaborated the monthly varying species composition of mosquito fauna of this city. Hence this research will help us to find out the control strategies of mosquito borne diseases in this region.

The plantation of Eucalyptus in hilly areas is not encouraging insight because it vanishes more than 50 litersof groundwater per day into the atmosphere and is gradually more dangerous to the water table and rock reservoirs. Therate of water evaporated by eucalyptus is higher than compared to the incoming showers in the area.This imbalance inthe water cycle caused changes in the water table as well as the flow of water from the springs.On the other hand, itswood is of poor quality and having low market demand as well as domestic use.The precipitation shows -2 inches (-25.8 millimeters) decline per year in the winter season between 1995 and 2014, while the ratio of increase is 1.24inches (31.5 millimeters) in the summer months. Generally,the major share of annual precipitation was from the winterseason before 1995, but onward, it is in summer and the area dropped from humid to sub-humid climate.This seasonalfluctuation of rainfall and dryness of rock reservoirs has not only decreased the water table, but also caused changes inthe flow of water from the springs and rivers. The dryness of the wells after reduction in precipitation, generally leadsto the digging and intensive use of tube wells in the area. The study reveals that the dryness in spring has an aftereffecttotally of cultivation of Eucalyptus on the Raja Gira hill slopes and required mitigation to overcome the issue of wateravailability for the locals.

The plantation of Eucalyptus in hilly areas is not encouraging insight because it vanishes more than 50 liters of groundwater per day into the atmosphere and is gradually more dangerous to the water table and rock reservoirs. The rate of water evaporatedby eucalyptus is higher than compared to the incoming showers in the area.This imbalance in the water cycle caused changes in the water table as well as the flow of water from the springs.On the other hand, its wood is of poor quality and having low market demand as well as domestic use.The precipitation shows -2 inches (-25.8 millimeters) decline per year in the winter season between 1995 and 2014, while the ratio of increase is 1.24 inches (31.5 millimeters) in the summer months. Generally,the major share of annual precipitation was from the winter season before 1995, but onward, it is in summer and the area dropped from humid to sub-humid climate.This seasonal fluctuation of rainfall and dryness of rock reservoirs has not only decreased the water table,but also caused changes in the flow of water from the springs and rivers. The dryness of the wells after reduction in precipitation,generally leads to the digging and intensive use of tube wells in the area. The study reveals that the dryness in spring has an aftereffect totally of cultivation of Eucalyptus on the Raja Girahill slopes and required mitigation to overcome the issue of water availability for the locals

Herein, we report an eco-friendly, facile, one-pot, green synthesis of nanoceria for multiple biomedical applications. In the study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) were synthesized using a simple aqueous extract of Aquilegia pubiflora as an effective reducing and capping agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The NPs were highly stable, exhibited high purity, and had a spherical morphology and mean size of 28 nm. FTIR and HPLC studies confirmed the successful capping of bioactive compounds on the nanoparticles. The well-characterized NPs were evaluated for a number of biomedical applications, and their antimicrobial (antifungal, antibacterial, and antileishmanial), protein kinase inhibition, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and biocompatibility properties were studied. Our results showed that the Aquilegia pubiflora mediated CeO2-NPs were highly active against fungal strains, compared to the tested bacterial strains, with Aspergillus niger resulting in the largest zone of inhibition (15.1 ± 0.27 mm). The particles also exhibited dose dependent leishmanicidal activity with significant LC50 values toward both the amastigote (114 μg mL−1) and promastigote (97 μg mL−1) forms of the parasite Leishmania tropica (KWH23). The NPs were found to be moderately active against the HepG2 cell line, showing 26.78% ± 1.16% inhibition at 200 μg mL−1. Last but not least, their highly biocompatible nature was observed with respect to freshly isolated human red blood cells (hRBCs), making the greenly synthesized CeO2-NPs a novel candidates for multidimensional medical applications.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Qu-loaded Casein phosphopeptides/chitosan particles were prepared by ultrasound. • Ultrasound increased encapsulation efficiency of Quercetin (Qu) by the binary complex. • Ultrasound changed the physicochemical, structural properties of the nanoparticles. • Ultrasound improved the stability, antioxidant activity of the ternary nanoparticles. • Ultrasound-assisted encapsulation can effectively protect bioactive substances., Ultrasound treatment was used to successfully prepare Quercetin (Qu)-loaded Casein phosphopeptides (CPP)/chitosan (CS) nanoparticles. Compared with the control, the above ternary nanoparticles with the smallest size (241.27 nm, decreased by 34.32%), improved encapsulation efficiency of Qu (78.55%, increased by 22.12%) when prepared under following conditions: ultrasonic frequency, 20/35/50 kHz; the power density, 80 W/L; the time, 20 min, and the intermittent ratio, 20 s/5s. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions were the main driving forces for nanoparticles formulation, which were strengthened by ultrasound treatment. The compact, homogeneous and spherical composite nanoparticles obtained by sonication were clearly observed by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The environmental stability (NaCl, pH, exposure time, storage time, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion) and antioxidant activity of the ternary nanoparticles were remarkably enhanced after ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, the ternary nanoparticles prepared by ultrasound exhibited excellent stability in simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The above results indicate that ultrasound not only increases the loading of the nanoparticles on bioactive substances but also improves the environmental stability and antioxidant activity of the formed nanoparticles. Ultrasound-assisted preparation of nanoparticles loaded with bioactive substances could be well used in the functional food and beverage industry.