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Background: Ovine and caprine theileriosis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease, caused by Theileria spp., responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates. Diagnosis of ovine theileriosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, microscopic screening of stained blood smears, and lymph node biopsy smears, but the limitations of these detection methods against Theileria spp. infection limits their specificity. Aim: To overcome these limitations, the current study reports the differential diagnosis of theileriosis through a blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in small ruminants from Pakistan. Methods: The study was conducted on 1,200 apparently healthy small ruminants (737 sheep and 463 goats). First, blood smears were screened for the presence of Theileria piroplasms in red blood cells. Second, PCR amplification based on 18S rRNA gene was performed by using primers specific to Theileria spp. Results: Out of the 1,200 samples of examined blood smears, 100 animals (8.33%) were found positive for Theileria species, which showed intra-erythrocytic bodies in the form of dot and comma shapes. Amplification of the isolated DNA from randomly collected blood samples of 737 sheep and 463 goats showed that an amplicon size of 1,098 bp was positive for Theileria spp. In total, 315 out of the 1,200 small ruminants examined in this study were found positive for Theileria spp. DNA through PCR amplification. Notably, out of the 885 blood samples negative by PCR amplification, only 15 blood samples were found positive by the blood smear test. Conversely, 230 blood samples that tested negative in the smear technique produced a specific band through PCR amplification. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity rates were 26.98% and 98.31% for the blood smear method and 73.01% and 100% for the PCR assay, respectively. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that PCR is the gold standard method compared to the conventional method of smear examination for the diagnosis of ovine and caprine theileriosis in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwestern foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range have been experiencing a surge of catastrophic landslides in the last two decades, as a tragic result of the adverse effects of climate change. This research is about the landslide risk assessment (LRA) which has not been explored yet in the landslide-prone district Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. Landslide susceptibility (spatial probability) was analyzed using random forest model while landslide hazard (temporal probability) was analyzed using Poisson probability model. A random forest-based landslide susceptibility map depicts an accuracy of 0.90. A landslide hazard map was generated by multiplying the temporal probability with the spatial probability and classified as well. Semi-quantitative danger pixels and a fuzzy set theory approach for LRA have been adopted to estimate future landslide risks in the region. The pixel-based LRA approach indicates that 14, 18 and 20 km2 area of settlement while, the fuzzy set theory-based approach depicts that 15, 19 and 21 km2 area of the settlement are under very high landslide risk for 1-, 3-, and 5- year return period respectively. Both approaches produced risk maps that designated various risk zones with almost the same area coverage and results. The LRA maps were classified into five classes including very high (1.99%, 2.33%, 2.80%), high (2.16%, 2.53%, 3.04%), moderate (8.02%, 9.79%, 11.22%), low (17.76%, 22.94%, 23.20%), and very low (70.08%, 62.40%, 59.74%) risk zones for 1, 3 and 5 years return period respectively. This research will assist planners and scientists in developing high-precision management strategies for landslide-affected natural resources, especially in the context of the increasing impact of geomorphic hazards on climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cotton growing areas, short duration sunflower hybrids are desired. The sunflower hybrid ORISUN-675 was developed as short duration sunflower hybrid with better yield in 2016. ORISUN-675 was the outcome of hybridization between CMS line ORI-01 and a restorer line RL-72. The initial cross was attempted during 2016 at farm area of Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad. Later on, this hybrid was tested at various levels like on station trial and multilocation trails for yield and stability evaluation and proved its worth against Hysun-33, NKS-278 and AGSUN-5264. The Station Yield Trial was conducted during 2017 at Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad and Micro Yield Trial during 2018 at various locations in Punjab. National Uniform Sunflower Yield Trials were conducted during 2019 and 2020 at different ecological zones of Pakistan under the supervision of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. All yield trials showed outstanding results of ORISUN-675 in terms of yield and quality against check hybrids. Mean yield of sunflower hybrids showed that ORISUN-675 had the highest average seed yield of 2636 kg/ha under various locations with the highest seed yield of 3367 kg/ha at Rajanpur district followed by the district D.I. Khan with the seed yield of 3248 kg/ha. It also showed good results against disease infestation and attack of insect pests. It has a very good oil quality with excellent ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Stability studies at various locations of Pakistan also showed the worth of this hybrid. Moreover, this hybrid showed very good results at southern Punjab (Cotton zone) which makes it suitable for cotton sunflower cotton cropping scheme. On the basis of yield and stability evaluation, ORISUN-675 was recommended by the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) during 2020 for general cultivation in whole Pakistan whereas it is approved by Punjab Seed Council (PSC) for general cultivation in Punjab during 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Picture fuzzy sets (PFSs), the generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), are more capable of dealing with vague data in real-life problems. Models based on PFSs may be suitable particularly in those circumstances where human perceptions become challenging as well as various kinds of reasoning, like yes, no, abstention, or denial. The aggregation operators (AOs) are essential components in information aggregation as they have the ability to aggregate a group of fuzzy numbers into a single fuzzy number of the same kind. A lot of aggregation operations for PFSs have been developed. Nevertheless, the existing aggregation operators for picture fuzzy information are inaccurate as they fail to aggregate a group of picture fuzzy numbers into a single picture fuzzy number (PFN). To cover the drawbacks of existing AOs, we developed some modified picture fuzzy aggregation operators (PFAOs) named as picture fuzzy modified weighted averaging (PFMWA), picture fuzzy modified ordered weighted averaging (PFMOWA) and picture fuzzy modified hybrid averaging (PFMHA) aggregation operator along with their distinctive features. These operators are essential in developing new multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. This paper defines a number of stakeholder roles (or tactics), with an objective of overcoming the challenges to executing Education 4.0 (EDUC4) that have recently been highlighted in the literature. A MCDM problem provides the basis for the evaluation of the responsibilities of the stakeholders with respect to these constraints. Several management concerns are provided as stepping stones for the development of EDUC4 implementation. The purpose of this study is to identify the qualities that influence the degree of optimism for the adoption and implementation of the EDUC4 in Pakistan's education system while taking government policies into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several devastating landslides have occurred in the NW Himalayas, which has prompted several researchers to strive for improvement in landslide susceptibility modelling (LSM) methodologies. This research analyzes the effectiveness of alternative landslide partitioning techniques on LSM in the landslide-prone district, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. We developed a landslide inventory of 961 landslides and then traditionally divided it into training (672; 70%) and testing (289; 30%) samples. These training samples (672) are processed by the Average Nearest Neighbour Index (ANNI) method to estimate the spatial pattern of landslides in nature. The results provide an ANNI ratio of 0.672 confirming that the landslides distribution pattern is cluster in the complex Himalayan terrain of Muzaffarabad. Among 672, the majority of landslides (529; 79%) depict cluster behaviour, while 189 landslides (21%) depict random behaviour. To evaluate the effectiveness of landslide cluster samples in prediction, five machine learning algorithms (MLAs), that is, K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Logistic Regression (LR) using proposed cluster (529) and traditional (672) random training samples along with 17 geo-environmental factors are executed. However, testing samples (289; 30%) separated at the initial stage remained the same to check the model's effectiveness. The areas under the curve (AUC-ROC), sensitivity, specificity, Kappa index and accuracy (ACC) have been used to evaluate the MLA's performances. An alternative partitioning technique (cluster) shows the highest predictive power with AUC-ROC values ranging from 0.96 to 0.86, Kappa index ranges from 0.76 to 0.60 and ACC ranges from 0.90 to 0.83. Conversely, the random partitioning approach performs less well with AUC-ROC values ranging from 0.95 to 0.83, Kappa index ranges from 0.70 to 0.49 and ACC ranges from 0.87 to 0.80. In comparison, the RF cluster sampling-based model outperforms the other models and their counterparts. The RF model achieved the highest accuracy (0.902), highest AUC (0.962) and highest Kappa index (0.755) followed by XGboost having ACC (0.885), AUC (0.95) and Kappa index (0.724) employing proposed cluster training samples. However, traditional random training samples yield comparatively low ACC of RF (0.868) and XGboost (0.862). These results confirm that cluster training sampling performs well in obtaining reliable and precise LSMs for complex Himalayan terrain. Although random landslide partitioning for training datasets is seldom utilized in LSM, this study highlights that cluster partitioning for landslide training datasets might be a realistic and reliable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background of the Study. Statistical models have been extensively used in modeling and forecasting the different fields of agriculture, economics, social sciences, and medical sciences. The transmission of some diseases is a serious life threat around the globe; therefore, proper assessment and modeling need time. Malaria is one of the major life-threatening diseases in Pakistan, and some death cases due to this disease have been reported during the last decade. Methodology. The data have been collected from the Ministry of Health, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, from January 2011 to March 2022. Data were analyzed by applying time series models for prediction purposes. Diagnostic measures such as RMSE, MAE, and MAPE were used to choose the best forecasting model. Results and Discussion. This study aims to forecast malaria cases by choosing the best forecast model. After comparison, it was concluded that the Holt–Winter multiplicative model outperformed the ARIMA and SARIMA models, with the lowest RMSE, MAPE, and MAE compared to other models. Malaria cases in the district Rahim Yar Khan were forecasted by the Holt–Winter multiplicative model, for the month of April 2022 to January 2023. From the forecasting results, the minimum number of cases was found to be 586.75 in June 2022 and the maximum number of cases was found to be 1281.93 in October 2022 among the next ten months. Based on the results, it is paramount for the GOP (Govt. of Pakistan) to enhance the vaccination policy to erase the impacts of malaria cases to flatten the curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is an important cash crop of Pakistan and export commodity. Yield of cotton crop is affected by many factors but insect pests especially whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is destroying cotton crop yield and quality in recent times. Many control measures are adopted against this pest including chemical control methods. Due to certain environmental issues and insecticide resistance problems, adoption of alternate methods of insect control is imperative. In this experiment we used some insecticides alone and in combination with Salicylic acid against B. tabaci. Flonicamid 50% DF at the rate of 80 g/ac and Diafenthiuran 50% SC at the rate of 200 mL/ac were used against Whitefly. Salicylic acid (SA) by Sigma-Aldrich 500 G was used 01 mL/L of water along with the tested insecticides under field conditions. Highest reduction 90.63% was observed in Flonicamid+SA treatment followed by 82.89% in Diafenthiuran +SA, Flonicamid 77.76%, Diafenthiuron 76.28% and lowest 29.36% reduction was observed in SA treatment with respect to control after 72 hrs. of treatment application. After 7 days maximum reduction 83.43% was observed in Flonicamid+SA followed by 69.02 % in Diafenthiuron+SA, 77.76% in Flonicamid, 66.37% in Diafenthiuron and lowest 21.97% recorded in SA treatment. In SA treatments population of rove beetle, green lace wing and spiders was significantly higher as compared to other treatments. It is evident from the results that SA has enhanced plant resistance against whitefly and thus reduced the damage of pest. SA can be used as alternative combination for the management of cotton whitefly and the amount of insecticide can be reduced for the control of whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, a hierarchical healthcare system is an efficient way of addressing the issue of limited and insufficient healthcare services. Identifying the various degrees of disease based on the doctor's diagnosis is an important step in developing the hierarchical healthcare treatment structure. This research presents a framework for dealing with the issue of diagnosis values presented as "picture fuzzy numbers (PFNs)". Specifically, the goal of this study is to establish some innovative operational laws and "aggregation operators" (AOs) in a picture fuzzy environment. In this regard, we proposed some new neutral or fair operational laws that incorporate the concept of proportional distribution in order to achieve a neutral or fair remedy to the positive, neutral and negative aspects of PFNs. Based on the developed operational laws, we proposed the "picture fuzzy fairly weighted average operator" and the "picture fuzzy fairly ordered weighted averaging operator". Compared to previous techniques, the proposed AOs provide more generalized and reliable. Furthermore, using proposed AOs with multiple decision-makers and partial weight information under PFNs, a "multi-criteria decision-making" algorithm is developed. Finally, we provide an example to show how the novel approach can aid hierarchical treatment systems. This is essential for merging the healthcare capabilities of the general public and optimizing the medical care system's service performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wheat is a staple food in Pakistan and Government of Pakistan stores huge amount of wheat every year to maintain food supply chains especially during scarcity period. Every year, surplus stored wheat is provided to poultry feed manufacturers at lower price and poultry feed manufacturers use stored wheat in diet of poultry with different exogenous enzymes. However, no data is available on the utilization of stored wheat (1.5 and 2.5 years storage) with or without exogenous enzymes in broilers. This study will provide evidence that storage of wheat will require exogenous enzymes in the diet of broilers for enhanced productivity. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stored wheat-based diet (1.5 and 2.5 years stored wheat) with and without the supplementation of xylanase and phytase enzymes in combination or individually on performance parameters, digestibility, digesta viscosity and carcass characteristics of broilers. For this purpose, a total of 640-day-old male broilers were randomly distributed to the 64 pens, and each pen had 10 birds. Two basal isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets contained 1.5 and 2.5 years stored wheat were formulated in this experiment. In the current study, experimental feeds were prepared by supplementing exogenous enzymes in both basal diets with xylanase (500 XU), phytase (500 FTU) alone or in a combination of phytase and xylanase. Performance parameters data represents that both in starter phase and finisher phase, inclusion of exogenous enzymes xylanase and phytase in both basal diets alone or in combination enhance the feed intake, and body weight gain (p < 0.05) and improve the feed conversion ratio in overall phase (p < 0.05). Similarly, supplementation of exogenous xylanase and phytase alone or in combination enhance the nutrient digestibility and reduce the digesta viscosity (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this experiment, it is concluded that supplementation of exogenous xylanase and phytase enzymes alone or in combination in wheat-based diets (stored wheat 1.5 and 2.5 years) enhance and improves the performance of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide predictive performance is expected to vary with different sampling techniques, such as landslide random and cluster sampling. Current advancements in remote sensing technologies and machine learning (ML) have enhanced landslide prediction performance. The Himalayan Mountain range in Pakistan poses an unadorned threat to the ecosystem and valley population because of landslide occurrence. The present study explores, and tests alternative sampling technique based on spatial pattern characterization in the wake of increased landslide prediction efficacy, rather than a renowned random technique for training and testing sampling. Thereupon, landslide inventory data with 17 geo-environmental factors (i.e. topographic, hydrological and seismic factors) were determined. Landslide cluster patterns were confirmed by the Nearest Neighbor Index (NNI) method and after getting the cluster patterns, the predicted performance of landslide sampling was tested using ML and statistical methods. Advanced ML algorithms including Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest Neighbors (KNN) and statistical methods including Weight-ofEvidence (WofE) and Logistic Regression (LR) were used and validated. The landslide-prone district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Neelum Valley), Kashmir Himalayas, Pakistan, was selected as a case study. Prediction performance rates are high with area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.802 to 0.912; accuracy (ACC) ranges from 0.78 to 0.89, and kappa ranges from 0.50 to 0.68 with cluster sampling technique, whereas the performance was low with random sampling technique, with AUC ranges from 0.768 to 0.895; ACC ranges from 0.74 to 0.86 and kappa ranges from 0.48 to 0.64. The descending order of accuracy of the six algorithms was XGboost, RF, KNN, NB, LR and WofE. Our results confirmed that the landslides followed cluster patterns in the study area, and ML algorithms with cluster training samples positively affected landslide susceptibility prediction with a statistically significant difference. The outcomes support the hypothesis that using landslides spatial natural existence, as training samples instead of random concepts, improves the prediction ability; and highlights that alternative landslide partitioning technique could be a practicable and robust choice for landslides prediction modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of rapid COVID-19 antigen test (Panbio, Abbott) in comparison with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in suspected community cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care center in Pakistan Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pathology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Jun 2021. Methodology: The diagnostic value of the Panbio®COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Panbio, Abbott), was determined in comparison with RT-PCR in suspected community cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care center on samples taken simultaneously. 200 individuals reporting to the hospital with signs and symptoms of potential COVID infection or history of significant contact exposure (>1 hour without masking and social distancing) to a RT-PCR positive COVID patient and concurrently requiring a rapid COVID antigen test due to an underlying health condition were included in the study by consecutive sampling. Results: Out of 200 individuals, 53(26.5 %) were COVID positive by RT-PCR whereas 147(73.5%) were clearly negative with no cases of indeterminate viremia on RT PCR. 32(60.3%) out of 53 RT-PCR positive COVID cases were also found to be positive by COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, whereas 21(39.6%) were negative. Out of 147 RT-PCR negative COVID cases, 146(99.3%) were negative by COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test as well whereas 1(0.68%) was positive. Conclusion: COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is suitable adjunct to RT-PCR testing in suspected cases in emergent settings in early days of admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata) is a destructive pest of citrus fruits. Use of synthetic insecticides against fruit fly infestations has created different ecological problems such as the development of insecticide resistance, eradication of beneficial fauna and human health hazards. This situation necessitates looking for alternate biorational fruit fly management tools such as botanical insecticides. This laboratory study was aimed at determining the toxicity of some selected plant extracts (i.e. Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Nigella sativa L. and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad) alone and as binary combinations against B. zonata adults. The study was conducted in the at Department of Entomology, University of Sargodha, Pakistan in July to September, 2019. Bioassay results showed that aqueous extract of A. indica was most toxic to B. zonata adults with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 383.3 μl/g of artificial diet, followed by C. colocynthis and N. sativa with LC50 values of 656.3 and 734.2 μl/g of artificial diet, respectively. Bioassays with binary combinations revealed that A. indica with C. colocynthis (ratio 1:1) showed a synergistic effect exhibiting a LC50 value of 293.1 μl/g of artificial diet. However, all other treatment combinations showed an antagonistic effect. It is suggested that the mixture of botanical extracts should be used carefully as they may sometimes reduce the efficacy of each other upon mixing. These results can thus be used in the development of potential botanical formulations against insect pests such as fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intravenous phenylephrine infusion versus boluses for blood pressure management in elective caesarean sections. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Anaesthesia Department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Jul 2022. Methodology: Three hundred ninety patients requiring elective caesarean section were divided into an Infusion Group (n=195) and a Bolus Group (n=195). The Infusion Group received phenylephrine with 100 mcg/ml titration immediately after spinal anaesthesia as per weight and height at a 1 ml/minute rate and continued for 5 minutes. Infusion stopped if MAP at 5 minutes was above baseline and restarted if dropped below baseline in subsequent readings. In the case of bradycardia, 600mcg of Glycopyrrolate was administered. Parameters recorded at 1, 5, 10 and 15-minute intervals. In the bolus group, total numbers of 100mcg boluses at the end of fifteen minutes were recorded. Protocol for bradycardia and data record intervals was the same. The primary variables were mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate(HR), the total dose of phenylephrine used, and nausea and vomiting. Results: Primary outcome variables showed consistent improvement in maintaining MAP in the Infusion Group versus the Bolus Group (p<0.05). A similar trend was seen with heart rate between both groups (p<0.05). However, the infusion group had an average fall in heart rate compared to the bolus group at all-time intervals. Conclusion: Phenylephrine infusion offers better hemodynamic stability, requiring less ephedrine support than when given in boluses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan developed the ever first variety of barley as Jau-17 in Pakistan. Barley variety performed best in a series of irrigated and rainfed yield trials conducted at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad and outstation yield trials throughout the Punjab province during 2008-2019. In the yield trials for three consecutive years from Preliminary to Regular and Advanced Yield Trials, it had out-yielded the check variety Haider-93 by an average of 23.34% while in outstation yield trials throughout the Punjab province, it produced 11.40% higher grain yield than commercial check variety Haider-93. Jau-17 had medium to tall stature of about 99 to 110 cm length, growth habit was semi erect and had medium-length-awned ear which had yellowish white color. It took 90 to 100 days to complete heading and matured in 140 to 145 days with tillering capacity (154-160 per m²). The seed is amber in color with 1000-grain weight of upto 42 gram. For quality trait evaluation it had good quantity for protein (12 to 13.7%) and test weight (52.7 to 58 kg/hl) along with opaque seed surface. Its malt making quality was excellent for industrial uses. In 2019 Jau-17 was approved by Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation due to its superior performance over the years for better grain yield, resistance against rusts and nutrition quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia infections in sheep can cause a wide range of clinical and laboratory presentations. Changes in blood parameters are a meaningful manifestation of physiological and pathological changes in an organism. Aim: Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze and compare hematological and biochemical parameters between blood profiles of Lohi sheep naturally infected and uninfected with Babesia ovis, the main causative agent of ovine babesiosis. Methods: Initially, blood and serum samples from 67 Lohi sheep were collected, DNA was extracted and babesial infection was detected through polymerase chain reaction. The overall infection rate of B. ovis was 37% (25/67). Sixteen infected (experiment group) and 16 uninfected (control group) sheep that were apparently healthy with no history of previous treatment for babesiosis, were selected for hemato-biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed through an automatic CBC analyzer, while serum collected from gel vacutainers was analyzed for blood urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total bilirubin. Each parameter was compared between infected and uninfected animals using a paired t-test in Minitab Express™ software for statistical analyses. Results: Erythron comparison showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in RBC, hemoglobin, and Hct. A nonsignificant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and RDW- standard deviation (RDW-SD), while a nonsignificant decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) values was recorded in infected sheep. Leukon comparison showed a significantly low level of total leukocyte (p < 0.001) in infected sheep. Platelet (Plt) along with platelet crit (Pct) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were nonsignificantly higher, whereas a nonsignificant decrease in mean Plt volume was recorded in infected sheep as compared to uninfected animals. Among biochemical parameters, blood urea, BUN, and total bilirubin showed significant differences (p < 0.05), while creatinine showed a nonsignificant difference. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on hemato-biochemical changes associated with babesiosis in the Lohi breed. Consistent with hemolytic anemia, these data would justify physical examination and, together with the medical history, would provide an excellent basis for the diagnosis of babesiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is an important cash crop of Pakistan and export commodity. Yield of cotton crop is affected by many factors but insect pests especially whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is destroying cotton crop yield and quality in recent times. Many control measures are adopted against this pest including chemical control methods. Due to certain environmental issues and insecticide resistance problems, adoption of alternate methods of insect control is imperative. In this experiment we used some insecticides alone and in combination with Salicylic acid against B. tabaci. Flonicamid 50% DF at the rate of 80 g/ac and Diafenthiuran 50% SC at the rate of 200 mL/ac were used against Whitefly. Salicylic acid (SA) by Sigma-Aldrich 500 G was used 01 mL/L of water along with the tested insecticides under field conditions. Highest reduction 90.63% was observed in Flonicamid+SA treatment followed by 82.89% in Diafenthiuran +SA, Flonicamid 77.76%, Diafenthiuron 76.28% and lowest 29.36% reduction was observed in SA treatment with respect to control after 72 hrs. of treatment application. After 7 days maximum reduction 83.43% was observed in Flonicamid+SA followed by 69.02 % in Diafenthiuron+SA, 77.76% in Flonicamid, 66.37% in Diafenthiuron and lowest 21.97% recorded in SA treatment. In SA treatments population of rove beetle, green lace wing and spiders was significantly higher as compared to other treatments. It is evident from the results that SA has enhanced plant resistance against whitefly and thus reduced the damage of pest. SA can be used as alternative combination for the management of cotton whitefly and the amount of insecticide can be reduced for the control of whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of rapid COVID-19 antigen test (Panbio, Abbott) in comparison with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in suspected community cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care center in Pakistan Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pathology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Jun 2021. Methodology: The diagnostic value of the Panbio®COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Panbio, Abbott), was determined in comparison with RT-PCR in suspected community cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care center on samples taken simultaneously. 200 individuals reporting to the hospital with signs and symptoms of potential COVID infection or history of significant contact exposure (>1 hour without masking and social distancing) to a RT-PCR positive COVID patient and concurrently requiring a rapid COVID antigen test due to an underlying health condition were included in the study by consecutive sampling. Results: Out of 200 individuals, 53(26.5%) were COVID positive by RT-PCR whereas 147(73.5%) were clearly negative with no cases of indeterminate viremia on RT PCR. 32(60.3%) out of 53 RT-PCR positive COVID cases were also found to be positive by COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, whereas 21(39.6%) were negative. Out of 147 RT-PCR negative COVID cases, 146(99.3%) were negative by COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test as well whereas 1(0.68%) was positive. Conclusion: COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is suitable adjunct to RT-PCR testing in suspected cases in emergent settings in early days of admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of traditional medicines has tremendously increased over the past few decades. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicines for their primary healthcare needs because of their cost effectiveness and efficiency with no or minimal side effects. Zootherapy refers to the use of medicines that are prepared or derived from animals or from their products. The current study documented the folk knowledge related to the practice of various animal‐derived products and ethnozoological based drugs used as medicines by the residents of the Cholistan desert of Bahawalpur (Pakistan). In this regard 46 knowledgeable and reliable elderly people, hakims and spiritual healers ranging from 35–60 years of age having knowledge related to zootherapy were included in the current study. A field survey from February 2006 to November 2007 was conducted by interviewing the selected respondents through a structured questionnaire. They provided knowledge regarding the use of animals and their derived products in traditional medicine. The zootherapeutic knowledge was based on both domestic animals as well as wild animals. A total of 20 animal species were included in the study, among which nine animals were domestic while 11 were wild animals. Among selected animals, nine were mammals, four birds, four reptiles and three insects. It was reported that camel was the most commonly used (n = 32 respondents) among mammals while Pigeon (n = 39 respondents), Spiny‐tailed lizard (n = 41 respondents) and Indian honey bee (n = 27 respondents) among birds, reptiles and insects, respectively, have significant use for the treatment of different diseases. Based on this communication we could recommend that this type of abandoned knowledge should be considered for the management and conservation of faunistic resources. However, the advantageous role of animals and their products was reported but more extensive research is required to explore the bioactive constituents in the raw material of these animals responsible for their beneficial effects. [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]

The Eocene Kuldana Formation (KF) in the Yadgar area of Pakistan, comprises a diverse range of sedimentary facies, including variegated red beds of shales, mudstones, and sandstones, as well as interbedded limestone and marl. In this study, we conducted an integrated micropaleontological, sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical investigation to determine the depositional setting, biochronology, provenance, and paleoclimate of the KF. The study identified six lithofacies and six microfacies, which indicate a variety of environments ranging from floodplains and channels to the margins and shallow marine settings. The nannofossil biostratigraphy places the KF in the Early Eocene, more precisely the NP10 zone (Ypresian), and the fossil zone of benthic foraminifera classifies the study section as the Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ-8 (Middle Ilerdian 2). In terms of petrography, the KF sandstone was classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite, while the QtFL diagram suggests a recycled orogen. Geochemical proxies indicate an oxidizing environment, a high-to-low regular sedimentation rate, moderate-to-intense chemical weathering in the source region, and a warm-humid to dry climate during the deposition of KF. Overall, the findings suggest that the deposition of KF marks the end of Neo-Tethys due to the Early Eocene Indian–Kohistan collision and that the uplifting of the Himalayas provided the source for the deposition of KF in the foreland basin. The study provides new insights into the depositional environment, biochronology, provenance, and paleoclimate of KF, and highlights the potential for red beds as reliable indicators of oxygenation levels in proximity to mineral deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are a complex geohazard, and the key parameters that have a prominent effect on their nature are variations in slope angle and fluctuations in groundwater. The focus of this research was to analyse the prevailing conditions of the Danna‐Sahotar landslide in the south of Muzaffarabad district, Sub‐Himalayas, Pakistan, and evaluating how different conditions effect the stability of the landslide with the integration of geotechnical, geophysical, and slope stability analysis. The geotechnical investigations revealed that the surface layer is mainly sandy with clayey and silty content. The two‐dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) demarcated the presence of a possible slip surface situated in the portion where the resistivity values clearly change. The ERT of the crown is characterized by low resistivity due to the presence of water seepages, which increase the degree of saturation and pore water pressure hence, leading to the slope failure. It was proved that the presence of high moisture content has played an influential role in triggering the landslide. Thorough analysis of integrated research yielded reliable and accurate information on the geotechnical and geological aspects of the landslide. The outcomes were used in slope stability limit equilibrium method (LEM) analysis using GeoStudio software. The slip surface predicted from the LEM was almost circular, which was confirmed by the geotechnical and ERT method. The factor of safety Fs (0.830) along the longitudinal profile of the landslide was calculated, indicating that the slopes along the profile are unstable. The geotechnical survey in combination with ERT and slope stability analysis helped to understand the failure mechanism of the landslide and to improve the layout of the future monitoring experiment, which may be used as a key for the observation of similar slope investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological units of sub-Himalaya Pakistan lying in the core of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxial bend provide vast potential for concrete aggregates in the region. The selection of suiTab. aggregate within active tectonic, fragile lithologic and geotechnical environments is a challenging approach. The present study focused on evaluating the physico-mechanical properties of crushed rock aggregates (CRA) that are already being mined in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas. For this purpose, integrated physico-mechanical with combined petrographic and mineralogical analysis was performed on dolomite and dolomitic limestone of the Cambrian Muzaffarabad Formation and Eocene Margalla Hill Limestone of Yadgar section. Therefore, samples of aggregates were collected from different quarries in accordance with ASTM standards and their mechanical and engineering properties were evaluated through ASTM and BS standards. The physico-mechanical properties of dolomite and dolomitic limestone conclude that the dolomite rocks have the average strength against abrasion (25.12%), impact (20.75%) and crushing (19.57%), higher specific gravity (2.76), lower water absorption (0.65%) and higher value of sulphate soundness (1.5%). On the contrary, the Margalla Hill Limestone which exhibits average values of abrasion (16.93%), impact (22.03%), crushing (19.95%) with lower specific gravity (2.63), high water absorption (0.68%), and low values sulphate soundness (0.77%). The petrographic investigations showed that chert 3 - 6 % and granular quartz 25 - 30 % on average are also found in dolomite and dolomitic limestone, which causes the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR) when used in the concrete. The XRD analysis confirmed that both the formations dominantly contain the minerals dolomite, calcite and quartz. It was also found that Margalla Hill Limestone is more suiTab. to be utilised as coarse aggregate in concrete as compared to dolomite of the Muzaffarabad Formation. These exploitations allow recommending Eocene Margalla Hill Limestone of Yadgar section in the production of the coarse aggregate for concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The number of extremely drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella typhi isolates is growing in the northwest of Pakistan, where health-care facilities are already under strain due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) issue. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, we currently describe the first widespread appearance of an XDR Salmonella typhi epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. This strain of Salmonella typhi is resistant to all first- and second-line drugs and even the third-generation cephalosporin. Methods: Salmonella species isolated from pediatric blood samples shown a high level of resistance to the various antibiotic classes evaluated between November and December 2020. Gender, age, address, and clinical symptoms were among the demographic information that was recorded. A total of 562 blood cultures from symptomatic patients have been collected by the Pathology Laboratory at a tertiary care institution of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. All samples have been processed in accordance with regulatory requirements and incubated in BacT/ALERT 3D. Results: Of the 562 blood samples, 71 included Salmonella typhi, of which 66 (92.9%) and 5 (7%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) and XDR, respectively. Ciprofloxacin (100%), chloramphenicol (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), ampicillin (100%), and cotrimoxazole (93%) were completely resistant to all isolates. Azithromycin and carbapenems were effective against every Salmonella typhi isolate that was MDR or XDR. Males (76%) were more commonly affected than females (24%), and the frequency was substantially higher in children under 15 years of age (88%) than in adults (P = 0.0016). Conclusion: The emergence of XDR Salmonella typhi with a high level of resistance is in fact alarming. Due to the lack of viable treatment alternatives, the current situation necessitates the immediate implementation of efficient preventive measures, such as campaigns for typhoid vaccination and food and water safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace incivility is a common issue experienced by employees around the globe. However, studies observing and interpreting cultural variation in workplace incivility across multiple countries are quite limited. Drawing from the stressors–emotion model, we aimed to investigate how perceived workplace incivility leads to next-day instigated incivility toward coworkers via increased negative affect (NA) at the end of the workday between Chinese and Pakistani employees. Data were collected through snowballing from 100 Chinese and 115 Pakistani employees over 10 consecutive workdays. We found that perceived incivility enhanced one’s after-work negative affect, which led to increased instigated incivility the next morning. Moreover, a higher level of self-regulation mitigates the relationship between perceived incivility and after-work negative affect. The higher level of state-mindfulness mitigates the relationship between after-work negative affect and instigated incivility the next morning. Although the first path of mediation was not significant among Chinese, there was a significant moderating effect on this relationship in both groups. In addition, this effect was weaker among Chinese than among Pakistanis. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with limitations and a future research agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variants of bovine Beta-casein protein (CSN2) gene especially A1 and A2 are the most important variants in dairy cattle. A1 milk protein is considered as risk factor for different disease and milk intolerance which release Beta-Casomorphin-7 during digestion which is a bioactive opioid but not released from A2 milk protein. This opioid is responsible for several human health problems like Coronary Heart disease, type 1 diabetics, milk intolerance and other neurological disorders. In present study, 360 blood sample were collected from Lohani, Achai, jersey, Holstein Friesian, Achai x jersey, Friesian x Sahiwal and Sahiwal x Friesian from different region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons were sequenced for the identification of polymorphism in exon 7 of Beta-casein protein (CSN2) gene. Sequencing analysis explored CSN2 genotype in exon 7 using the Genomic sequence from GenBank (X.71104) g.8101 C > A at codon 67. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CSN2 gene were analyzed and observed that Holstein Friesian cattle exhibited A1A2 33%, A1A1 50% and A2A2 17%, Jersey cattle show 68% A1A1, 18% A1A2 and 14% A2A2, Sahiwal x Friesian 56% A1A1, 26% A1A2 and 18% A2A2, Jersey × Achai 78% A2A2, 15% A1A2 and 7% A1A1, Achai 100% A2A2 Lohani 100% A2A2. This is a preliminary study, conducted with meager resources, therefore, it is very difficult to make conclusion that which particular breed possess harmful alleles and which breed possess useful alleles of beta-casein gene. Therefore, a comprehensive molecular work is needed to be performed with greater number of samples sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycation generates advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its intermediates, thus increasing the risk of developing various ailments including diabetes mellitus. Current study was planned to explore the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of selected nuts viz, Juglans regia (Walnut), Prunus dulcis (Almond), Pistacia vera (Pistachio), and Arachis hypogaea (Peanut), locally available and readily consumed in Faisalabad, Pakistan, for their health‐promoting properties. The prepared methanolic extracts of selected nuts were tested for biological activities including the antioxidant and antiglycation potential. The effect of these extracts against oxidation and AGE formation was evaluated by in vitro method using bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia, Pistacia vera, and Arachis hypogaea were found rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents with increased reducing potential and least IC50 due to the DPPH free radical scavenging inhibition. Dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of glucose‐induced advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) was exhibited by fruit extracts through in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia and Pistacia vera were predominantly effective in the inhibition of early and intermediary glycation products at different incubation conditions. The study indicated that the extracts of selected nuts possess significant antioxidant capacity and are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, making them useful supplements as an important part of a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of medical complications after renal transplantation in recipients. Study Design: Prospective Cohort study. Setting: Nephrology Unit, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: December 2018 to March 2022. Material & Methods: All patients undergoing renal transplant during the study period were included. Patients unwilling to be part of this study or losing follow-ups were excluded. At the time of enrollment, all patients underwent pre-transplant work-up and routine investigations. Baseline characteristics of renal transplant recipients and donors were noted while frequency of post renal transplant medical complications was also noted. Results: In a total of 39 renal transplant recipients, 32 (82.1%) were male while the mean age was 30.31±7.21 years. Mean duration of dialysis before transplantation was 6.81±5.15 months (ranging between 0-24 months). Mean age of the live donors was 35.90±9.36 years. Mean duration of follow up was 26.15±11.62 months. Renal graft dysfunction was reported in 10 (25.6%) patients. Most common medical complications reported in post-transplantation period were sepsis 19 (48.7%), anemia 19(48.7%), secondary polycythemia 10 (25.6%), CMV infection 4 (10.3%) and new onset diabetes mellitus 3 (7.7%). Mortality was reported in 2 (5.1%) renal transplant recipients and the cause of mortality in both those patients was sepsis. Conclusion: Medical complications are common after renal transplantation. Sepsis being more common in 1st6-months post-transplant period. Early recognition and management of these complications is essential for decreasing mortality and morbidity of patients. [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]

Machine learning methods are considered as most effective approaches to accomplish landslide susceptibility analysis around the globe. Landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) have been frequently executed by statistical models in NW Himalaya. However, the comparison and applications of the statistical models with modern machine learning techniques has not been fully explored in this region. Hence, this study aims to compare the predicted performance of statistical and popular machine learning models to explore robust landslide prediction model in the landslide-prone area of NW Himalaya and investigate the compensations and limitations of these models to grasp a more precise and consistent result. This study presented machine learning approaches based on the artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR) and the statistical methods based on the frequency ratio (FR), information value (InfoV) and weight of evidence (WoE). For this purpose, first an inventory map of 1507 landslides was prepared and randomly divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) dataset. Furthermore, 12 landslide conditioning factors (LCFs) were extracted from geospatial dataset to prepare thematic layers in ArcGIS. Thereafter, factor analysis was performed to eliminate colinear and least important variables which can mislead the results. The results showed that all selected LCFs are noncolinear and have significant contribution on landslides initiation, however, lithology, slope angle, annual rainfall and landuse were most influential factors. For modeling purpose, landslide inventory was correlated against all LCFs and trained into six models to produce respective LSMs. Finally, the performance of produced LSM models was validated and compared through area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), Accuracy, Recall, F1-score and Cohen's Kappa coefficients to assess the robustness of employed models. The results exhibit that the performance scores of machine learning models were considerably superior than statistical models. While, the AUROC values based on validation dataset indicate that LR (0.89) has better prediction ability followed by SVM (0.86), ANN (0.84), FR (0.83), InfoV (0.82) and WoE (0.81) in this study. Therefore, it is reasoned out that the machine learning methods are more reliable in generating adequate LSMs. However, the LR is recommended as most efficient model for predicting landslide susceptible zones in study region and thus can be considered as robust model for landslide susceptibility assessment in similar geo-environmental regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes have different preferences for habitats on the basis of their feeding habits and behavior. Spatial hotspots are the target areas in precise control. The diversity indices and habitat web structures are the tools which can be helpful in controlling disease vector in case of epidemic. In this study, microhabitats were specified, surveys were conducted to explore specified microhabitats in Chakwal district of Pothwar region, Punjab, Pakistan. After qualitative and quantitative sorting, checklist of mosquitoes along with diversity indices and quantitative habitat web were prepared, which point out the hotspots of different mosquito species. In this study, a total of 580 specimens, comprising twelve mosquito species belonging to five genera were collected, which were deposited in the Biosystematics Laboratory of Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Results show that Park, Forest area, and scrapyard were the most abundant habitats respectively, while the least abundant habitat was crop area. Parks were found to be the richest habitat, while graveyards were the least rich habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide, a deliberate act of self-harm with the intention to die, is an emerging health concern but, unfortunately, the most under-researched subject in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KPK). In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors that can be associated with suicidal behavior (SB) and to evaluate the prevailing treatment practices for therapeutic efficacy and drug-related problems (DRPs) in psychotic patients among the local population of KPK. A prospective, multicenter study was conducted for suicidal cases admitted to the study centers by randomized sampling. Socio-demographics and data on suicidal behavior were assessed using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), socioeconomic condition by Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale (KSES) and treatment adherence by Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). Drug-related problems and the therapeutic efficacy of prevailing treatment practices were assessed at baseline and follow-up after 3 months of treatment provided. Regarding suicidality (N = 128), females reported more ideations (63.1%), while males witnessed more suicidal behavior (66.6%, p < 0.001). Suicide attempters were mostly married (55.6%, p < 0.002); highly educated (53.9%, p = 0.004); dissatisfied with their life and had a previous history (p < 0.5) of suicide attempt (SA) (20.6%), self-injurious behavior (SIB) (39.7%) and interrupted (IA) or aborted attempts (AA) (22.2%). A greater improvement was observed in patients receiving combination therapy (p = 0.001) than pharmacotherapy (p = 0.006) or psychotherapy (p = 0.183), alone. DRPs were also detected, including drug-selection problems (17.88%), dose-related problems (20.64%), potential drug–drug interactions (24.31%), adverse drug reactions (11.46%) and other problems like inadequate education and counseling (21.55%). Furthermore, it was also found that psychotic patients with suicidal ideations (SI) were significantly (p = 0.01) more adherent to the treatment as compared to those with suicidal attempts. We concluded that suicide attempters differed significantly from patients with suicidal ideations in psychotic patients and presented with peculiar characteristics regarding socio-demographic factors. A combination of therapies and adherence to the treatment provided better outcomes, and targeted interventions are warranted to address drug-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections incur significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nebulization therapy is an excellent option for these conditions because it delivers the drugs directly into the lungs. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on the skills of nurses dealing with nebulization therapy. Methods: A pre–post interventional study was conducted among nurses from three district headquarters hospitals in Punjab province, Pakistan, from August to October 2020. The nurses attended a structured training session on good nebulization practice that included lectures, illustrations, videos, and hands-on training. Nurses completed a self-administered assessment questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results: Of the 136 registered nurses invited to take part in the current study, 103 participated (response rate 76%). Most nurses were aged 26–30 years and had 2–5 years of working experience. Around one-third of the nurses reported performing the nebulization process more than ten times per day. The pharmacist-led educational intervention significantly improved (p < 0.001) participants' knowledge of good nebulization practices according to results from the self-administered questionnaire in the post-training assessment. Practices related to infection prevention and disinfection of nebulizing accessories also significantly improved (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a potential positive impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on complex medication processes related to nurses' awareness of good nebulization practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the sedimentological characteristics of the Margalla Hill Limestone (MHL), a multi‐proxy approach including geochemical, mineralogical, and micropalaeontological investigations were carried out. Using detailed field observations and petrographic investigation of the studied section, five microfacies were dentified. Total organic carbon (TOC) values of the limestone are generally low (0.10–0.96%) and highly degraded, as observed from the low hydrogen index (i.e., 17–349 mg HC/g TOC). TOC is mainly Type‐III and Type‐IV organic matter that reflects a continental source or highly weathered marine organic matter (OM) with minor Type‐II which corresponds to algal or bacterial OM. The values of Tmax range from 419 to 512°C for most of the samples, which lies within the mature stage. Major element abundances do not vary significantly in the studied unit and are mainly linked to variations in clay contents. Trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Th, Rb, U, and Zr) of the MHL depict a mainly detrital origin for shales, and overall decrease in trace element's concentration suggests a change from physical to chemical weathering. The rate of sedimentation as determined by the Th/U ratio indicates a regular to irregular low rate of sedimentation, from base to top of the studied section. The redox conditions, as reflected in the variation of Cr (V/Cr), using the V/Cr ratio with Ni + V indicate that the MHL was deposited under oxic‐dysoxic conditions. Chemical Index of Alteration, Chemical Index of Weathering, Plagioclase Index of Alteration, and Weathering Index of Parker showed that the source region was subjected to intense chemical weathering likely under tropical palaeoclimatic conditions with abundant rainfall. The limestone consists mainly of calcite followed by minor quartz and dolomite. Clay mineralogy revealed that the clay fraction is dominated by kaolinite, smectite, mica, and chlorite. The microfossils of various genera of benthic foraminifera have been identified. Based on benthic foraminifera, an Early Eocene (SBZ‐8; Middle Ilrdian 2) age has been assigned to the MHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is toxic even in the very trace amounts and shows adverse effects on the human being and his environment. Current studies were performed to evaluate the Cd concentration in soil of Lahore (Pakistan) and the results were compared with those reported from other cities of Pakistan. The metal concentration evaluated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS). Cd concen-tration was found to be 1.39-20.82 μg/L, 1.38-93.60 μg/L, 2.42-94.60 μg/L, 2.25-93.98 μg/L and 1.15-8.14 μg/L in GT road, Misri shah, river Ravi, fertilized land of Raiwind side and unfertilized land of Raiwind side, respectively. The higher Cd concentration (2.42-94.60 μg/L) at "River Ravi" as compared to the other investigated areas (1.15-93.98 μg/L) is owed to the dumping of untreated waste from all industrial, sewage, domestic and agricultural zones in "River Ravi". The fertilized land was found to possess higher amount of Cd as compared to the unfertilized land. The awareness in farmers and the periodic monitoring of soil are important to eradicate the sources of Cd poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of marble as a building or dimension stone is one of the most growing commodities throughout the world. Due to the rapid increase in urbanization, dimension stones are commonly used in building interiors as well as exteriors. Marble, being a metamorphic rock is very desirable to be utilized in structural as well as decorative purposes. The study presented herein evaluates the geotechnical characteristics of the Gahirat marble in the Chitral area, Pakistan. For this purpose, 40 representative samples of the Gahirat marble from ten different vicinities of the Chitral area were collected and tested to determine the correlation amongst the different geotechnical properties of the studied rock. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), water absorption, specific gravity, point load strength (PLS), Schmidt rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and soundness, tests were performed to evaluate the strength of the Gahirat marble for its possible use as a dimension and building stone. An average of 12 measurements for each of the ten rock sample collection vicinities were performed. The statistical analysis shows that a fairly strong linear positive correlation (R2 = 0.80, 0.81, 0.84, 0.92) exists between UCS along with BTS, specific gravity, water absorption PLS and UPV. The maximum values obtained for the 12 measurements regarding the mechanical properties such as UCS, BTS, PLS and Schmidt hammer rebound number were 97.25 MPa, 11.34 MPa, 6.75 MPa and 51, respectively. The maximum values of the physical properties such as water absorption, soundness, specific gravity and UPV tests were calculated to be 0.08%, 0.38, 2.68 and 5.04 km/s, respectively. The results of the uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, point load strength and Schmidt hammer rebound tests indicate that the Gahirat marble shows high resistance to crushing and bending effects while the specific gravity values indicate its ability to bear the impact of the degree of polishing and grinding. The water absorption and soundness test values indicated that the Gahirat marble is appropriate to be utilized for floor tiles and outdoor cladding due to its resistance against weathering and low rate of the water absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, there is subsistence kind of farming in Pothwar Region of Pakistan. The per unit area income of farmers is very low and the soils of this region are very poor. Mostly mono-cropping system is prevailing here. So, the pearl millet and mung bean were selected as test crops to evaluate the intercropping system in this region for the ultimate improvement of the net profitability of the farmers per unit area simultaneously not compromising with the food security and soil health. Different line spacing's (inter and intra strip) i.e., 30, 60 and 90 cm were maintained along with different number of lines of pearl millet and mung bean i.e., 1, 2 and 3 in the form of strips for comparison. The results showed that intercropping significantly reduced density and dry biomass of weeds per unit area. Moreover, the biological yield, grain yield and the harvesting index of pearl millet and mung bean were also affected significantly under different sowing geometries. Both crops growth and yield was increased in the narrow row spacing as compared to wider row spacing, whereas, weed density and biomass was decreased in narrow spacing that may be due to less availability of space and more intra and inter specific competition. Maximum land equivalent ratio (1.8) was found under the plot where alternate strips of three lines of both crops were grown at 30 cm intra and inter strip distance and it was followed by (1.7) in the treatment where single lines of both crops were grown alternately at 30 cm distance. Similarly, the net income of intercropped plots having three lines of both crops grown alternately in the form of strips at 30 cm intra and inter strip spacing, was 116% higher than sole mung bean crop and 56% higher than sole pearl millet crop. Maximum weeds (106.4 m-2) were observed in single alternate lines of both crops grown at 90 cm intra and inter strip distance whereas minimum (75.2m-2) in triple lines of both crops grown alternately in the form of strips having 30 cm intra and inter strip distance. Therefore, intercropping of mung bean and pearl millet in the form of strips of three lines having 30 cm intra and inter strip distance is recommended to the farming community of Pothwar Region of Pakistan for taking maximum net returns per unit area per unit time through inter cropping in kharif season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicted decrease in water availability for crop production and uncertainty in climatic conditions require devising the irrigation strategies to increase water use efficiency (WUE) for sustainable crop production. The development of crop cultivars with higher WUE is a pre-requisite for such strategies, particularly in developing countries, including Pakistan, who face stern food security challenges. A two-year field study was conducted following a split-plot randomized complete block design to understand the effects of wheat cultivars (hybrid cultivars, 18A-1 and 18A-2, and local cultivar Ghaneemat IBGE-2016), sowing dates (15th November, 30th November, and 15th December), and irrigation regimes [I (103 mm), II (175 mm), III (254 mm), and IV (330 mm)] at four different growth stages of tillering, booting, anthesis and grain filling on wheat productivity, biomass production and grain yield, and crop-water relations. Early sown hybrid cultivars 18A-1 and 18A-2 showed significantly higher biological and grain yields compared to the local cultivar (59% and 69% higher than the local cultivar). Trends in biomass production and grain yield were also similar at later sowing dates of 30th November and 15th December. However, biological and grain yields decreased with delay in sowing for each cultivar. The data also revealed that hybrid cultivars were better suited to deficient irrigation and generally produced significantly higher biological and grain yields under each moisture regime. Cultivars, sowing dates, and irrigation regime differed significantly for their effects on the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values, chlorophyll a and b contents but not for carotenoids. Sowing dates and irrigation regimes had significant effects on relative water content (RWC), water saturation deficit (WSD), water uptake capacity (WUC), and water retention capacity (WRC); however, only WUC varied significantly between the cultivars. The phenological data show that hybrid cultivars took more days to maturity and grain filling than the local cultivar, and days decreased with delayed sowing. The biological and grain yields show significant positive correlations with SPAD values (p < 0.001) and days to maturity (p < 0.001). Our study shows that hybrid wheat cultivars can be opted for higher biomass production and grain yields under deficit irrigation scenarios of semi-arid climatic conditions in Pakistan. Moreover, the hybrid wheat cultivars can perform better than the indigenous cultivar even for delayed sowing dates of 30th November and 15th December. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry sector is one of the most vibrant segments of the agriculture industry of Pakistan. In addition to different infections, ammonia (NH3) production from litter material of broiler is the most harmful pollutant and causes serious threats for the environment. To overcome this problem, different methods are proposed assuring poultry bird's health and production. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of toxic levels of NH3 on the haematology and serum proteins of broiler birds and its amelioration by using different modifiers. The recovery of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from liver and spleen of broiler birds was also carried out. A total of 100 birds were divided into 5 separate groups (groups A–D). The groups C, D and E were treated with potassium aluminium sulphate, aluminium silicate and Yucca schidigera plant extract, respectively. Blood and tissue samples were collected after slaughtering the birds at 42 days of age. This study revealed increased RBC, total leucocyte count, Hb and heterophils percentage. Serum proteins were decreased in Yucca-treated and potassium aluminium sulphate–treated groups. This study concluded that NH3 production was reduced by the application of different modifiers, and these modifiers also neutralized the changes in blood parameters induced by NH3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a bacterium that infects a wide range of animal species, including humans. In this study, we determined the prevalence of tuberculosis in domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and assessed potential risk factors at four government dairy farms in Punjab, Pakistan. Tuberculin skin testing was performed on 627 water buffaloes. Risk factors such as age, body weight, milk yield, lactation status, the total number of animals, and the presence of small ruminants at the farms were recorded due to their potential association with tuberculosis transmission. The impact of M. bovis infection on complete blood cell counts (CBC) was also assessed. In total, 27 (4.3%) animals were positive for tuberculosis in the four dairy farms. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations were lower in infected animals compared to non-infected animals, whereas the number of platelets was higher in infected animals compared to non-infected animals. The results revealed that the increase in body weight, age of the animals, and water buffalo density on the farm can increase the disease occurrence. Binary logistic regression analysis, including farm and other variables, revealed that the assessed herd-level risk factors of bovine tuberculosis transmission had a statistically non-significant association for monitoring water buffaloes. The current study had emphasized revealing different possible risk factors in native husbandry practices. The study suggests regular tuberculosis screening for proper control of M. bovis infection in water buffalo herds. This will ultimately help to further reduce the cases of zoonotic bovine tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of marble as a building or dimension stone is one of the most growing commodities throughout the world. Due to the rapid increase in urbanization, dimension stones are commonly used in building interiors as well as exteriors. Marble, being a metamorphic rock is very desirable to be utilized in structural as well as decorative purposes. The study presented herein evaluates the geotechnical characteristics of the Gahirat marble in the Chitral area, Pakistan. For this purpose, 40 representative samples of the Gahirat marble from ten different vicinities of the Chitral area were collected and tested to determine the correlation amongst the different geotechnical properties of the studied rock. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), water absorption, specific gravity, point load strength (PLS), Schmidt rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and soundness, tests were performed to evaluate the strength of the Gahirat marble for its possible use as a dimension and building stone. An average of 12 measurements for each of the ten rock sample collection vicinities were performed. The statistical analysis shows that a fairly strong linear positive correlation (R2 = 0.80, 0.81, 0.84, 0.92) exists between UCS along with BTS, specific gravity, water absorption PLS and UPV. The maximum values obtained for the 12 measurements regarding the mechanical properties such as UCS, BTS, PLS and Schmidt hammer rebound number were 97.25 MPa, 11.34 MPa, 6.75 MPa and 51, respectively. The maximum values of the physical properties such as water absorption, soundness, specific gravity and UPV tests were calculated to be 0.08%, 0.38, 2.68 and 5.04 km/s, respectively. The results of the uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, point load strength and Schmidt hammer rebound tests indicate that the Gahirat marble shows high resistance to crushing and bending effects while the specific gravity values indicate its ability to bear the impact of the degree of polishing and grinding. The water absorption and soundness test values indicated that the Gahirat marble is appropriate to be utilized for floor tiles and outdoor cladding due to its resistance against weathering and low rate of the water absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the self-reported attitude and behavior of MBBS students towards academic misconduct and to identify the differences of responses. Study design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of study: Army Medical College, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May to Sep 2022. Methodology: MBBS students from first to final year of both genders who consented to participate were included in the study while excluding unwilling students. Data were collected from 396 medical students by convenience sampling using a validated questionnaire by the University of Dundee. After formal ethical approval responses were obtained on 14 scenarios. Data were analyzed by using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. For descriptive statistics frequency and percentages were identified, and Pearson's Chi-Square test was used to find out the differences in responses among all year (p<0.05). Results: Among participants with mean age 20.93±1.57, there were 285(72%) males and 111(28%) females. In attitude response a significant difference was found for year one students as copying answers or asking about OSCE, copying from published papers, and submitting already submitted work were not considered wrong. In behavior response a significant difference was found for final year students in copying answer or discussing OSCE for degree exam. Conclusion: Participants of this study were morally alert when it involves patients' well-being, however there is vulnerability to commit academic misconduct in all years. Perspective of medical students on cheating, plagiarism, signature forgery is same regardless of seniority and gender. Students' own consideration along with institutional policies may help creating culture against academic dishonesty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes the deadliest animals on the earth, transmit lethal diseases in humans as well as animals. Spatial distribution of mosquitoes provides clues for their precise and accurate control. In this study, which was conducted in 2014-16, different habitats including, graveyards, scrapyards, forest areas, streams, crops, residential areas, and animal sheds were specified in Jhelum district. Surveys for the collection of mosquitoes were made and a total of 365 specimens were collected. These specimens were identified as Culex (9), Anopheles (6), Lutzia (2), Aedes (2), and Armigeres (2) and deposited in the Biosystematics Laboratory of Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Quantitative habitat webs and diversity indices show that scrapyard, animal sheds, and residential areas were the most abundant habitats respectively, while areas near stream were found to be the least abundant habitats. These microhabitats, which are the most abundant ones act as hotspots in case of mosquito-borne epidemic, which should be targeted to control epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biochars had higher total CNPK contents than their feedstocks. • FYM and FYM-B resulted in the highest grain yield and KUE. • Biochars were more effective to enhance maize productivity and SOC content. • Increase in soil K and SOC contents showed positive effects on maize productivity. The contemporary exhaustive agriculture has led to drastic reductions in soil potassium (K) status because of constant soil K mining by crops without sufficient recharge through external K inputs. Therefore, substituting and/or supplementing K through alternative sources has great prospects in developing countries like Pakistan, where imported K fertilizers are comparatively expensive. This two-year field study reports the effects of alternative sources of K as farmyard manure (FYM), sugarcane bagasse and woodchip, and their biochars (B) i.e. FYM-B, bagasse-B and woodchip-B on soil fertility, K availability, K use efficiency (KUE), soil organic carbon (SOC) and maize productivity in calcareous soil of the semiarid northern region of Pakistan. Alternative sources of K and their biochars were applied along mineral K fertilizer as muriate of potash (KCl) at 60 kg ha−1 rate in a randomized complete block design. Results showed that FYM–B significantly increased plant height, grains per cob and 1000-grain weight. The FYM–B increased grain yield by 6.5, 37.2, and 87.0% when compared with woodchip–B, chemical fertilizer and control treatments, respectively. Similarly, FYM–B and woodchip–B significantly increased SOC and soil available K contents as compared with the rest of the treatments. Grain K contents and KUE were generally higher in biochar than their feedstock treatments during both years. However, FYM–B resulted in significantly higher KUE compared to the other K sources and their biochars during both years. The biological and grain yields showed significant positive correlations with soil K and SOC contents. Our study concluded that FYM and FYM-B can be applied as alternative and/or supplementary K sources along woodchip-B and bagasse-B to improve maize productivity, KUE and SOC contents in nutrient poor soil. However, economic feasibility of such practices is required to be priorly investigated on long-term basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]