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Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia that may occur due to genetic, environmental or lifestyle factors. Natural remedies have been used to treat diabetes since long and many antidiabetic compounds of varied efficacies have been isolated from medicinal plants. Rhazya stricta has been used for decades for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and associated ailments. Considering the folkloric use of R. stricta against diabetes, it was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of its root extracts against diabetes through in vitro assays and in vivo studies using animal model along with phytochemical profiling through GCMS. Methods: Various fractions of Rhazya stricta obtained through column chromatography were evaluated for a variety of assays including a-glucosidase, Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), beta-secretase and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion studies. For the in vivo studies the alloxan-induced diabetic mice were treated with root extracts and blood glucose levels, HbA1C, and other biochemical markers along with the histological study of the liver were done. The phytochemical identification was performed using an Agilent 7890B GC coupled to a 7010 Triple Quadrupole (MS/MS) system. GraphPad Prism software version 5.01 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Majority of the extract fractions showed excellent results against diabetes by inhibiting enzymes DPP-IV (Up to 61%) and beta-secretase (Up to 83%) with IC50s 979 pg/ml and 169 mu g/ml respectively with increase in the GLP1 secretion. The results of in vivo studies indicated a marked reduction in blood glucose and HbA1c levels along with positive effects on other parameters like lipid profile, liver functions and renal functions of extract-treated mice as compared to control. The histological examination of the liver demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against diabetes led changes and various classes of phytochemicals were also identified through GCMS i, QC 20201123

In the present research, we used bias corrected output of regional climate model (RegCM4.3) to generate streamflow for future climate change projections in the Northwestern Upper Indus Basin (NUIB) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The average annual runoff was found to be continuously increasing by the end of 21st century. The increase in precipitation as well as the streamflow for summer and winter in the NUIB indicated that RegCM4.3 simulated climate change projections were realistically transferred to HEC-HMS hydrological model. Maximum streamflow peaks, both in frequency and magnitude, were observed in July and August over three streamflow gauges (i.e. Besham, Nowshera and Khairabad) posing possible threats of flood risks during the monsoon season in Pakistan. Significant streamflow changes were projected for winter and spring seasons. The analysis of flow duration curve for three hydrometric stations indicates that the flow occurrence probability could be greater under both scenarios relative to the reference period. The increase in streamflow was projected under high (Q(5)) and medium (Q(50)) flow, which could possibly be related with the increase in monsoon precipitation events in the NUIB. Overall it is to be expected that the NUIB will confront more floods as a result of projected increase in medium and high flow, which demands better policies and management towards the water resources of the NUIB. This study is expected to contribute considerably to climate change impact assessment studies over the NUIB, Pakistan.

We assessed the present and future climatologies of mean summer monsoon over South Asia using a high resolution regional climate model (RegCM4) with a 25 km horizontal resolution. In order to evaluate the performance of the RegCM4 for the reference period (1976-2005) and for the far future (2070-2099), climate change projections under two greenhouse gas representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were made, the lateral boundary conditions being provided by the geophysical fluid dynamic laboratory global model (GFDL-ESM2M). The regional climate model (RCM) improves the simulation of seasonal mean temperature and precipitation patterns compared to driving global climate model (GCM) during present-day climate conditions. The regional characteristic features of South Asian summer monsoon (SASM), like the low level jet stream and westerly flow over the northern the Arabian Sea, are well captured by the RegCM4. In spite of some discrepancies, the RegCM4 could simulate the Tibetan anticyclone and the direction of the tropical easterly jet reasonably well at 200 hPa. The projected temperature changes in 2070-2099 relative to 1976-2005 for GFDL-ESM2M show increased warming compared to RegCM4. The projected patterns at the end of 21st century shows an increase in precipitation over the Indian Peninsula and the Western Ghats. The possibilities of excessive precipitation include increased southwesterly flow in the wet period and the effect of model bias on climate change. However, the spatial patterns of precipitation are decreased in intensity and magnitude as the monsoon approaches the foothills of the Himalayas. The RegCM4-projected dry conditions over northeastern India are possibly related to the anomalous anticyclonic circulations in both scenarios.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is more common in developing countries and considered as the major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, immune compromised individuals especially in organ transplant recipient and other immunosuppressive drug users. Blood transfusion is a major source of infection in such individuals. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among healthy blood donors of different age groups in local population of Islamabad. Total 175 serum samples were taken from completely healthy male donors and all were tested negative for HBsAg, HIV 1/2 antibody, HCV antibody, Malaria and Syphilis. These samples were analyzed for anti-IgM CMV and anti-IgG CMV using the ELISA technique. From 175 samples, 3.4% tested were positive for CMV IgM antibody and 96.5% were positive for CMV IgG antibody. None of the donor was positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity of CMV IgG based on distribution of age. As about 96.5% of blood donors were seropositive for CMV, it should be mandatory in blood banks to screen donors blood for CMV. Furthermore there is need to maintain record of CMV negative blood bags and also of CMV negative blood donors and these should only be transfused to immunocompromised patients and to neonate to avoid complications of CMV.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is more common in developing countries and considered as the major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, immune compromised individuals especially in organ transplant recipient and other immunosuppressive drug users. Blood transfusion is a major source of infection in such individuals. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among healthy blood donors of different age groups in local population of Islamabad. Total 175 serum samples were taken from completely healthy male donors and all were tested negative for HBsAg, HIV 1/2 antibody, HCV antibody, Malaria and Syphilis. These samples were analyzed for anti-IgM CMV and anti-IgG CMV using the ELISA technique. From 175 samples, 3.4% tested were positive for CMV IgM antibody and 96.5% were positive for CMV IgG antibody. None of the donor was positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity of CMV IgG based on distribution of age. As about 96.5% of blood donors were seropositive for CMV, it should be mandatory in blood banks to screen donors blood for CMV. Furthermore there is need to maintain record of CMV negative blood bags and also of CMV negative blood donors and these should only be transfused to immunocompromised patients and to neonate to avoid complications of CMV.

Along with the other medicinal plants Eruca sativa has remarkable potential against various diseases. Present work is based on the estimation of antioxidant potential of dist. Water, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of E. sativa seed oil . On phytochemical determination it was exposed that different plant extracts/fractions contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, steroids and proteins. Its physico-chemical screening was concluded the saponification value and fat value of the E. sativa seed oil. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using DPPH free radical scavenging scheme. The maximum (30.601.1) anti-oxidative potential was exhibited by aqueous extract of E. sativa seed oil. IC50 was calculated maximum 126.2 in eq. extract of E. sativa seed oil. From current study, it is concluded that this plant seed oil could be used as a source of natural antioxidant and medicinal purposes

Along with the other medicinal plants Eruca sativa has remarkable potential against various diseases. Present work is based on the estimation of antioxidant potential of dist. Water, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of E. sativa seed oil . On phytochemical determination it was exposed that different plant extracts/fractions contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, steroids and proteins. Its physico-chemical screening was concluded the saponification value and fat value of the E. sativa seed oil. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using DPPH free radical scavenging scheme. The maximum (30.601.1) anti-oxidative potential was exhibited by aqueous extract of E. sativa seed oil. IC50 was calculated maximum 126.2 in eq. extract of E. sativa seed oil. From current study, it is concluded that this plant seed oil could be used as a source of natural antioxidant and medicinal purposes

In the guise of inseparable relationship between language and culture the ELT textbooks writers and publishers of the native speaker countries produce such textbooks in which a great cultural gap is found between the contents of the textbooks and the needs and objectives of the ESL learners in Pakistan. In the present research the evaluation of “Oxford Progressive English” (OPE) was carried out through an evaluation model for the content analysis of the aspect of sociological sense culture; the second aspect of culture posited by Adaskou, Britten and Fashi (1990) in the foreign language teaching. The detailed analyses of the contents and the findings of the research highlight that there are such social, cultural, religious and pedagogical contents in these textbooks that do not match with the cultural values and pedagogical needs and objectives set for the ESL learners in Pakistan. The research concludes that course contents of OPE textbooks are not culturally relevant to the learner. These are heavily imbued with the target culture as compared to the learner’s culture. These OPE textbooks impart foreign colonial agenda in the guise of hidden curriculum which is a great hindrance in learning English. There is a dire need to replace these foreign cultural contents in the ESL/EFL textbooks written by the foreign authors with the local and indigenous culture so that the ELT objectives may fully be achieved. Key words: Culture, ELT, Sociological sense culture or culture with a small ‘c’, content analysis

Along with the other medicinal plants Eruca sativa has remarkable potential against various diseases. Present work is based on the estimation of antioxidant potential of dist. Water, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of E. sativa seed oil . On phytochemical determination it was exposed that different plant extracts/fractions contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, steroids and proteins. Its physico-chemical screening was concluded the saponification value and fat value of the E. sativa seed oil. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using DPPH free radical scavenging scheme. The maximum (30.601.1) anti-oxidative potential was exhibited by aqueous extract of E. sativa seed oil. IC50 was calculated maximum 126.2 in eq. extract of E. sativa seed oil. From current study, it is concluded that this plant seed oil could be used as a source of natural antioxidant and medicinal purposes

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is more common in developing countries and considered as the major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, immune compromised individuals especially in organ transplant recipient and other immunosuppressive drug users. Blood transfusion is a major source of infection in such individuals. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among healthy blood donors of different age groups in local population of Islamabad. Total 175 serum samples were taken from completely healthy male donors and all were tested negative for HBsAg, HIV 1/2 antibody, HCV antibody, Malaria and Syphilis. These samples were analyzed for anti-IgM CMV and anti-IgG CMV using the ELISA technique. From 175 samples, 3.4% tested were positive for CMV IgM antibody and 96.5% were positive for CMV IgG antibody. None of the donor was positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity of CMV IgG based on distribution of age. As about 96.5% of blood donors were seropositive for CMV, it should be mandatory in blood banks to screen donors blood for CMV. Furthermore there is need to maintain record of CMV negative blood bags and also of CMV negative blood donors and these should only be transfused to immunocompromised patients and to neonate to avoid complications of CMV.

Along with the other medicinal plants Eruca sativa has remarkable potential against various diseases. Present work is based on the estimation of antioxidant potential of dist. Water, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of E. sativa seed oil . On phytochemical determination it was exposed that different plant extracts/fractions contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, steroids and proteins. Its physico-chemical screening was concluded the saponification value and fat value of the E. sativa seed oil. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using DPPH free radical scavenging scheme. The maximum (30.601.1) anti-oxidative potential was exhibited by aqueous extract of E. sativa seed oil. IC50 was calculated maximum 126.2 in eq. extract of E. sativa seed oil. From current study, it is concluded that this plant seed oil could be used as a source of natural antioxidant and medicinal purposes

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is more common in developing countries and considered as the major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, immune compromised individuals especially in organ transplant recipient and other immunosuppressive drug users. Blood transfusion is a major source of infection in such individuals. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among healthy blood donors of different age groups in local population of Islamabad. Total 175 serum samples were taken from completely healthy male donors and all were tested negative for HBsAg, HIV 1/2 antibody, HCV antibody, Malaria and Syphilis. These samples were analyzed for anti-IgM CMV and anti-IgG CMV using the ELISA technique. From 175 samples, 3.4% tested were positive for CMV IgM antibody and 96.5% were positive for CMV IgG antibody. None of the donor was positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity of CMV IgG based on distribution of age. As about 96.5% of blood donors were seropositive for CMV, it should be mandatory in blood banks to screen donors blood for CMV. Furthermore there is need to maintain record of CMV negative blood bags and also of CMV negative blood donors and these should only be transfused to immunocompromised patients and to neonate to avoid complications of CMV.

In the guise of inseparable relationship between language and culture the ELT textbooks writers and publishers of the native speaker countries produce such textbooks in which a great cultural gap is found between the contents of the textbooks and the needs and objectives of the ESL learners in Pakistan. In the present research the evaluation of “Oxford Progressive English” (OPE) was carried out through an evaluation model for the content analysis of the aspect of sociological sense culture; the second aspect of culture posited by Adaskou, Britten and Fashi (1990) in the foreign language teaching. The detailed analyses of the contents and the findings of the research highlight that there are such social, cultural, religious and pedagogical contents in these textbooks that do not match with the cultural values and pedagogical needs and objectives set for the ESL learners in Pakistan. The research concludes that course contents of OPE textbooks are not culturally relevant to the learner. These are heavily imbued with the target culture as compared to the learner’s culture. These OPE textbooks impart foreign colonial agenda in the guise of hidden curriculum which is a great hindrance in learning English. There is a dire need to replace these foreign cultural contents in the ESL/EFL textbooks written by the foreign authors with the local and indigenous culture so that the ELT objectives may fully be achieved. Key words: Culture, ELT, Sociological sense culture or culture with a small ‘c’, content analysis

This article aims to explore the utility of the relationship between lexical richness and size as an indicator of acquisition status of English language of L2 learners of intermediate level, having rural background on the basis of their self -written output. 126 students’ essays were used to measure the lexical richness (126 students of Sem-I and 63 students of Sem-II) Lexical Frequency Profile was used to sort it out. Its values discriminated students of different proficiency level and displayed L2 Learners vocabulary size in use. LFP result’s consistency and legitimacy was obtained by comparing its result with an independent and separate measure of vocabulary size, VLT. The result showed that lexical richness has a direct link with vocabulary size (receptive vocabulary) of L2 learners. It discusses the utility of the inference based on the lexical richness of L2’s written text for monitoring purpose of language acquisition process of L2 learners and to determine appropriate strategies for the desired growth of vocabulary size.

This article aims to explore the utility of the relationship between lexical richness and size as an indicator of acquisition status of English language of L2 learners of intermediate level, having rural background on the basis of their self -written output. 126 students’ essays were used to measure the lexical richness (126 students of Sem-I and 63 students of Sem-II) Lexical Frequency Profile was used to sort it out. Its values discriminated students of different proficiency level and displayed L2 Learners vocabulary size in use. LFP result’s consistency and legitimacy was obtained by comparing its result with an independent and separate measure of vocabulary size, VLT. The result showed that lexical richness has a direct link with vocabulary size (receptive vocabulary) of L2 learners. It discusses the utility of the inference based on the lexical richness of L2’s written text for monitoring purpose of language acquisition process of L2 learners and to determine appropriate strategies for the desired growth of vocabulary size.

The performance evaluation of local server, especially the performance of the serial port, internet connection and also the database functions, running over the 32-bit Windows XP Embedded is a part of control and monitoring system. This system consists of Wireless Sensor Network, Local Server, Data Transfer (via the Internet), Main Server and Clients. The WinXPe is lighter environment and the Local Server acts as gateway software that communicates between wireless sensor networks. The gateway software is Windows based application that is developed with the help of MFC of Visual Studio. The performance of serial port is verified through comparison of packet error rate under both Windows XP and Windows XP Embedded. The performances of database functions are verified through comparison of time spend to create table, insert value, delete table, delete specific values of table, and update table, etc. under both 64-bit and 32-bit system.

The present study is aimed at examining how critical literacy helps the students in using language efficiently and exploring new ways of reading any text. The study focuses on gauging the place of critical literacy at graduate level and also checks the awareness of students and teachers to this productive way of using language. This study also tries to find out about the gap that exists between the objectives of critical literacy in Pakistan and our present curriculum. For this purpose both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used. Finally it brings the results that in Pakistan curriculum dominantly focuses the structural level of language and does not give students sociopolitical insight. The learning of students is more bookish and does not enable the learners to employ their language skill in understanding the ways of the world. Keywords: Critical Literacy, Critical thinking, Curriculum, Civic education, Teaching methodology

The performance evaluation of local server, especially the performance of the serial port, internet connection and also the database functions, running over the 32-bit Windows XP Embedded is a part of control and monitoring system. This system consists of Wireless Sensor Network, Local Server, Data Transfer (via the Internet), Main Server and Clients. The WinXPe is lighter environment and the Local Server acts as gateway software that communicates between wireless sensor networks. The gateway software is Windows based application that is developed with the help of MFC of Visual Studio. The performance of serial port is verified through comparison of packet error rate under both Windows XP and Windows XP Embedded. The performances of database functions are verified through comparison of time spend to create table, insert value, delete table, delete specific values of table, and update table, etc. under both 64-bit and 32-bit system.

The present study is aimed at examining how critical literacy helps the students in using language efficiently and exploring new ways of reading any text. The study focuses on gauging the place of critical literacy at graduate level and also checks the awareness of students and teachers to this productive way of using language. This study also tries to find out about the gap that exists between the objectives of critical literacy in Pakistan and our present curriculum. For this purpose both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used. Finally it brings the results that in Pakistan curriculum dominantly focuses the structural level of language and does not give students sociopolitical insight. The learning of students is more bookish and does not enable the learners to employ their language skill in understanding the ways of the world. Keywords: Critical Literacy, Critical thinking, Curriculum, Civic education, Teaching methodology

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) below 600°C using supporting catalyst chemical vapor deposition method was reported by many research groups. However, the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition received less attention due to imperfect nanotubes produced. In this work, the effects of varying the preheating temperature on the synthesis of CNT were investigated. The reaction temperature was set at 570°C. The preheating set temperature was varied from 150 to 400°C at 50°C interval. Three O-ring shape heating mantels were used as heating source for the preheater. In situ monitoring device was used to observe the temperature profile in the reactor. Benzene and ferrocene were used as the carbon source and catalyst precursor, respectively. Vertically aligned CNTs were synthesized when the preheating temperature was set at 400°C. When the preheating temperature was increased up to 400°C, both the length and the alignment of CNTs produced were improved.

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) below 600°C using supporting catalyst chemical vapor deposition method was reported by many research groups. However, the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition received less attention due to imperfect nanotubes produced. In this work, the effects of varying the preheating temperature on the synthesis of CNT were investigated. The reaction temperature was set at 570°C. The preheating set temperature was varied from 150 to 400°C at 50°C interval. Three O-ring shape heating mantels were used as heating source for the preheater. In situ monitoring device was used to observe the temperature profile in the reactor. Benzene and ferrocene were used as the carbon source and catalyst precursor, respectively. Vertically aligned CNTs were synthesized when the preheating temperature was set at 400°C. When the preheating temperature was increased up to 400°C, both the length and the alignment of CNTs produced were improved.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely synthesized at high temperatures via floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) method. It is important to reduce the synthesis temperature of CNTs to allow better control of the reactor’s conditions, and to eliminate the formation of carbon by-products as well as reduce the overall cost. Therefore, the main objectives of this work were (i) to synthesize carbon nanotubes at low temperatures using some improvements to the CVD technique, (ii) to investigate the effects of temperature on the synthesis of CNTs and (iii) to simulate the temperature and velocity profile of the FC-CVD system in the absence of reaction. The synthesis temperature of CNTs was examined in the range between 500oC and 600oC at 10oC interval. The preheating set temperature was varied between 150oC and 400oC at 50oC interval. All experiments were conducted at 1 atm and exposed sections were insulated with glass wool covered with aluminum foil. Three O-ring heating mantels were used as a preheater and three ceramic boats were used to collect the product. Temperature in-situ monitoring device was used to monitor the temperature profile in the reactor and provide the exact time to heat up the catalyst and, thus, initiate the reaction. A single heat source for both catalyst and reactor was employed to enhance the growth of CNTs. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to simulate the velocity and temperature profiles of the system in the absence of reaction. The morphology and internal structures of the CNTs formed were analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). The thermal stability and the purity of the products were analyzed by Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The results of the work showed that CNTs were formed at the synthesis temperature ranging from 530oC to 600oC. Both quality and quantity of CNTs synthesized were increased with the increase in synthes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely synthesized at high temperatures via floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) method. It is important to reduce the synthesis temperature of CNTs to allow better control of the reactor’s conditions, and to eliminate the formation of carbon by-products as well as reduce the overall cost. Therefore, the main objectives of this work were (i) to synthesize carbon nanotubes at low temperatures using some improvements to the CVD technique, (ii) to investigate the effects of temperature on the synthesis of CNTs and (iii) to simulate the temperature and velocity profile of the FC-CVD system in the absence of reaction. The synthesis temperature of CNTs was examined in the range between 500oC and 600oC at 10oC interval. The preheating set temperature was varied between 150oC and 400oC at 50oC interval. All experiments were conducted at 1 atm and exposed sections were insulated with glass wool covered with aluminum foil. Three O-ring heating mantels were used as a preheater and three ceramic boats were used to collect the product. Temperature in-situ monitoring device was used to monitor the temperature profile in the reactor and provide the exact time to heat up the catalyst and, thus, initiate the reaction. A single heat source for both catalyst and reactor was employed to enhance the growth of CNTs. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to simulate the velocity and temperature profiles of the system in the absence of reaction. The morphology and internal structures of the CNTs formed were analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). The thermal stability and the purity of the products were analyzed by Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The results of the work showed that CNTs were formed at the synthesis temperature ranging from 530oC to 600oC. Both quality and quantity of CNTs synthesized were increased with the increase in synthes