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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]

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]

The current survey was designed to study the infections of Theileria spp. (Theileria lestoquardi and T. ovis) in small ruminants through PCR and microscopy in Musa Pak Shaheed, Multan district, Pakistan amidst 2013. A total of 200 small ruminants (93 sheep and 107 goats) without any apparent signs of theileriosis were examined to diagnose Theileria piroplasms. During sampling, blood was amassed by puncturing the jugular vein in eppendorf comprising EDTA as anticoagulant coated tubes for the detection of Theileria piroplasms. DNA was extracted from collected samples and subjected to PCR amplification to determine ovine and caprine theileriosis. Through a questionnaire, the data regarding animals as well as herds characteristics were gathered to define the risk factors favors the spread of Theileria spp. infection. 24% and 8.5% Theileria infection identified through PCR and microscopic examination during present investigation. The PCR detected 14.5% and 9.5% Theileria piroplasms infection in sheep and goats, respectively. Among Theileria species, PCR identified the incidence of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis was 16.5% and 5% respectively while 6% blood samples revealed mixed infection of both species in overall small ruminants. The infection rate of T. lestoquardi was higher (9.5% and 7%) than T. ovis (3% and 2%) in sheep and goats respectively. Statistically significant correlation revealed between theileriosis and animal species, different age groups, presence of ticks, herd size and herd composition in small ruminants. The outcomes of the current survey ratified PCR amplification is discernible, specific and sensitive assay for diagnosis of ovine and caprine theileriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the important staple crops over the world. Potato crop is threatening by a number of biotic stresses which not only affect plant health and yield but also the quality of the produce. Among biotic diseases, fungal stem and tuber rot are the most common diseases that cause significant loss in potato production in Punjab province, Pakistan. Neocosmospora rubicola was found as a new pathogen causing stem rot of potato in the potato growing area of district Kasur. Symptoms of the N. rubicola infected potato plants were necrotic stem lesions near the collar region. Causal organism was isolated from the infected tissues, purified and identified on the basis of morphological characters, nucleotide sequences of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and partial beta tubulin gene. Phylogenetic analysis was also conducted to determine the phylogenetic relationship of this species with other reported species of this genus. Pathogenic potential of the isolate was verified by artificially inoculating the spores of pathogen in healthy plants. Appearance of same symptoms and re-isolation of N. rubicola from infected tissue confirmed Koch's pathogenicity postulates. Association of N. rubicola causing stem rot in potato is never reported before in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to examine the impact of acculturation attitudes, acculturative stress, and cross-cultural capital on socio-cultural adaptation among Chinese academic sojourners. East Asian Acculturation Measure (Berry, 2001), Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (Sandhu & Asrabadi, 1994), Cross-cultural Capital Scale (Nawaz, 2017), and Revised Socio cultural Adaptation Scale (Wilson, 2013) were used for data collection. The participants of the study comprised of 200 academic sojourners that were approached by using purposive sampling. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the hypothesized relationship and prediction of variables. Results indicated that acculturation attitudes, acculturative stress and cross cultural capital have a significant impact on the prediction of socio-cultural adaptation. The present study is insightful in understanding the process of adaptation among Chinese academic sojourners in the indigenous context. [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]

Pakistan is the only country in the world carved painfully out of India on the basis of its population's Muslim identity. Despite its population's diverse ethnic and religious affiliation, the state formation in Pakistan was such that it always depended on the reactionary Islamist forces in the country that made the system exclusively for the majority whereas the minorities -- particularly the Christian minority -- of the country were institutionally marginalized and suppressed, resulting in the constraint of civil liberties and minority rights. The monolithic image of the country as an Islamic state and the identity of its populations as Muslims explain the structural violence against the Christian and other minorities and the present crisis of human rights violations in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LC50 values for malathion-resistant (PAK) and organo-phosphate-susceptible (FSS-II) strains of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adult beetles were determined through filter paper impregnated method against azadirachtin (Nimbokil 60 EC) and polychlorinated petroleum hydrocarbon (Tenekil 100 EC). The LC50 values of these insecticides were worked out as 12830 and 9331 ppm for azadirachtin and 5148 and 4047 ppm for Tenekil 100 EC against PAK and FSS-II strains, respectively. The results revealed that polychlorinated petroleum hydrocarbon was more toxic than the azadirachtin. Furthermore, both the insecticides were equally toxic to the adult beetles of T. castaneum as the difference was non-significant because of overlapping 95% FLs to LC50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sub lethal effects of abamectin (Sure 1.8 EC) were studied on malathion-resistant (PAK) and organophosphate susceptible (FSS-II) strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae in the laboratory. The objective was to examine changes in production or activities of carboxylesterase (CE), total esterases (TE), alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, alkaline phosphatase (AkP), acidic phosphatase (AcP), total protein, soluble protein and free amino acids (FAA). The sixth instar larvae of T. castaneum were released and exposed for 48h without food on abamectin treated glass petri dishes. The surviving ones were then homogenized in saline and centrifuged prior to biochemical analyses. Results showed differences in the activities of enzymes and quantities of total protein, soluble protein and FAA between strains and among concentrations. Abamectin, at LC10 and LC20, changed the activities /levels of TE, CE, AcP, total protein and FAA in the larvae of both the strains. The activities of alpha-amylase, glucoamylase and AkP remained non-significant at both doses in the two strains. In PAK strain larvae, the TE activity was inhibited with depletion of total protein contents and elevation of FAA contents. In FSS-II larvae, the effect of abamectin on levels of α-amylase, glucoamylase, AkP, total protein and soluble protein remained non-significant. The activities of TE and AcP were reduced at both doses, while activities/levels of CE reduced at LC10 and FAA increased at LC20. It is concluded that abamectin affected the overall body functioning of PAK strain more as compared to FSS-II strain considering disturbances caused in the levels/activities of biochemical components. [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]

Private TV channels in Pakistan have established a new tradition of comedy shows in which they portrayed our politicians in hilarious manners as corrupt, greedy, fighting for power, pelf and personal interest etc. This article explored a comprehensive perception of the people regarding the framing of Politicians through caricatures in the leading comedy shows. A survey of 774 respondents was administered in the Islamabad city by utilizing the probability sampling method. The Findings of the study revealed that the majority of people were convinced that comedy TV shows are presenting a true picture of our politicians and they are responsible for bad governance and political instability in Pakistan. Most of the viewers were sure that female politicians and religious politicians were not being depicted in a more humiliating way as compared to other politicians. They expressed their concern regarding the integrity of the leadership of the mainstream political parties and they also believed that our politicians are liars and they are involved in embezzlement of money. [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]

Pakistan, like many south Asian countries, is home to a multitude of natural hazards. In the aftermath of the October, 2005 earthquake, there was a strong realization of the need of a reliable database consisting of hazard maps, inventories, demographic statistics, critical facilities and vital installation maps. In this context, we prepared a database, several hazard maps of the Mansehra District using GIS/RS tools. Such mapping not only delineated the hazard prone areas but also identified suitable sites for urban and agricultural development. The research primarily relied on secondary datasets that were acquired from a variety of sources. Our analyses demonstrate that the dominant form of hazard in the district is land sliding. Areas exposed to land sliding are randomly distributed. About 622 km² of the district (13% of the total land) falls under High Risk zone. Another 2266 km² of the district (46% of the total land) falls under Moderate risk from a landslide hazard perspective. The remaining 2054 km² area of the district (44% of the total land) makes up the No or Low risk zone. The study concludes that the land of the district has huge potential for developing the forest and agriculture sector. Taken together, our hazard and agro-forestry analysis yields four prominent land uses: 1) about 759 km² or 15% of the total land is determined to be fit for residential purposes, 2) one third of the total land (1681km² or 34%) is found to be suitable for agriculture, 3) one fifth of the total land (1043 km² or 21%) is robust for pastures and, 4) another one third of the total land (1460 km² or 30%) can be assigned to forests. Our analysis further show that at the current population growth rate (2.17) the available residential land (759 km²) would not be sufficient after fifty years to support the rapidly growing population. [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]

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]

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]

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is one of the most important and widely distributed horticultural vegetable crops in the world. It is economically attractive to farmers, due to its short duration for ripping which increases productivity. Thus, it is becoming an indispensable source of farmer's income in Pakistan. The production of tomato has been decreased considerably during the last five years. The present study has been conducted to explore the farmer's socio-economic characteristics, affecting the tomato production in district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A multi-stage-sampling technique and interview method were adopted for data collection. A sample of 160 tomato (Kharif ) growers was drawn from 16 villages of district Peshawar. Chi-Square and Pearson Rank correlation tests were employed to find out the association and correlation between level of productivity and socio-economic characteristics of tomato growers such as education level, work involvement, family size, farming experience, age, and source of income and land size. The results showed a highly significant positive relationship of tomato production with all socio-economic factors except female involvement in the study area. Therefore, extension services and training should be fortified through extension agents for those farmers having no basic education for improving their skills and production of tomato, in turn it will contribute the demands of tomato at provincial and national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli production for more than just food has created needs to expend its cultivation spectrum in Pakistan. Present studies conducted during 2016-17 and were designed to understand socio-economic and agronomic constraints associated with adoption of broccoli in Pakistan. Growers and other stakeholders were contacted by personal visits, telephone calls and distribution of the structured questionnaire. Information was collected from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) provinces, Kashmir and Islamabad. A total of 167 farmers and amateurs growers, engaged in the cultivation of high value or medicinal crops were contacted. Out of these, 68 found as broccoli growers and most probably due to shyness only 37 contributed in data collection process. In the perspectives of health-promoting properties of broccoli 62% were unaware of health benefits and 7% aware of beneficial properties against heart diseases. In case of selection of varieties 37% were unaware of the name of variety and 22% cultivate "Marathon" while a small group was cultivating other improved varieties. In case of agronomic input 96% farmers were applying fertilizers and observing other recommendations for cauliflower. In case of postharvest handling 49 % were not specific for packing material whereas broccoli leaves were being used for wrapping of florets by 30% while 21.6% farmers were using paper for wrapping. The present studies concluded that broccoli has great potential for adoption especially for smallholding growers. But it needs government and media assistance for creating awareness for its health benefits and crop production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli production for more than just food has created needs to expend its cultivation spectrum in Pakistan. Present studies conducted during 2016-17 and were designed to understand socio-economic and agronomic constraints associated with adoption of broccoli in Pakistan. Growers and other stakeholders were contacted by personal visits, telephone calls and distribution of the structured questionnaire. Information was collected from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) provinces, Kashmir and Islamabad. A total of 167 farmers and amateurs growers, engaged in the cultivation of high value or medicinal crops were contacted. Out of these, 68 found as broccoli growers and most probably due to shyness only 37 contributed in data collection process. In the perspectives of health-promoting properties of broccoli 62% were unaware of health benefits and 7% aware of beneficial properties against heart diseases. In case of selection of varieties 37% were unaware of the name of variety and 22% cultivate “Marathon” while a small group was cultivating other improved varieties. In case of agronomic input 96% farmers were applying fertilizers and observing other recommendations for cauliflower. In case of postharvest handling 49 % were not specific for packing material whereas broccoli leaves were being used for wrapping of florets by 30% while 21.6% farmers were using paper for wrapping. The present studies concluded that broccoli has great potential for adoption especially for smallholding growers. But it needs government and media assistance for creating awareness for its health benefits and crop production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage is becoming a serious concern for all crops and particularly for cotton, which has been a major export contributor of Pakistan. In this scenario, drought-tolerant cotton cultivars with zero tillage could be the best option. This research aims to quantify the impact of limited water on lint yield and quality of cotton genotypes. An experiment was managed in a split plot, randomized complete block design, replicated thrice at the Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan. The experiment was conducted in 2016 using treatments irrigation intervals (10, 15, 20 and 25 days) and Bt cotton varieties (MNH-886, CRIS-342, and CRIS-134) as main- and sub-plots treatments, respectively. Total irrigation water used in irrigation treatments, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days intervals were 1125, 750, 560, and 450 mm, respectively. Each experimental unit was 10 × 3 m². Results showed that all the parameters under study had a significant response to the treatments irrigation intervals. Irrigation intervals of 10 days produced more sympodial branches (14) and higher plant height (131cm) as compared to other irrigation intervals. Higher bolls (19 / plant), boll weight (2.9 g), seed cotton (2424 kg ha-1), ginning out turn (GOT, 37%), fiber length (28.1mm), fiber strength (29.5 g per tex) and micronaire value (3.5 μg per inch) were achieved from irrigation interval of 25 days. Interaction effects (irrigation x varieties) revealed that variety CRIS-134 in combination with 25 days irrigation interval conserved 60 % more water, produced 60.5% more bolls per plant, 21.1% higher GOT, 48.7% higher seed cotton yield, and 12.4% higher fiber length compared to all other combinations. Results indicate that CRIS-134 with 25 days irrigation interval in zero tillage system is more advantageous and adaptable in agro-ecological conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage is becoming a serious concern for all crops and particularly for cotton, which has been a major export contributor of Pakistan. In this scenario, drought-tolerant cotton cultivars with zero tillage could be the best option. This research aims to quantify the impact of limited water on lint yield and quality of cotton genotypes. An experiment was managed in a split plot, randomized complete block design, replicated thrice at the Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan. The experiment was conducted in 2016 using treatments irrigation intervals (10, 15, 20 and 25 days) and Bt cotton varieties (MNH-886, CRIS-342, and CRIS-134) as main- and sub-plots treatments, respectively. Total irrigation water used in irrigation treatments, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days intervals were 1125, 750, 560, and 450 mm, respectively. Each experimental unit was 10 × 3 m2. Results showed that all the parameters under study had a significant response to the treatments irrigation intervals. Irrigation intervals of 10 days produced more sympodial branches (14) and higher plant height (131cm) as compared to other irrigation intervals. Higher bolls (19 / plant), boll weight (2.9 g), seed cotton (2424 kg ha-1), ginning out turn (GOT, 37%), fiber length (28.1mm), fiber strength (29.5 g per tex) and micronaire value (3.5 µg per inch) were achieved from irrigation interval of 25 days. Interaction effects (irrigation x varieties) revealed that variety CRIS-134 in combination with 25 days irrigation interval conserved 60% more water, produced 60.5% more bolls per plant, 21.1% higher GOT, 48.7% higher seed cotton yield, and 12.4% higher fiber length compared to all other combinations. Results indicate that CRIS-134 with 25 days irrigation interval in zero tillage system is more advantageous and adaptable in agro-ecological conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. [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]

Abstract: Fisheries play a key role for national income and a source of food in Pakistan. Therefore, forecasting the production of fish is important for better production and for planning of fish export. Objective of this research is to propose suitable Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model for forecasting the production of fisheries, using Box-Jenkins's (1976) methodology. Secondary data, "50 years of Pakistan: volume-iii (1947-1997)" published by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and World Development Indicators World Bank (2016) from the year 1947-2016 was used. After comparing all possible ARIMA model diagnostically, ARIMA (2, 1, 3) is the most parsimonious model with less forecast error. Forecast values for the fisheries production from 633.974 to 720.196 tons for the year 2017-2026 shows a significant increase in the fisheries production. The proposed ARIMA (2,1,3) model for forecasting is helpful for fish producers, researchers, business men, and planning their resources as well as decision making regarding the export and production of fisheries in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]