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Globally, environmental degradation has prompted several countries to strengthen their protected area networks to halt biodiversity loss. National parks incorporate into their design, are based on scientific evidence, and offer a complete management mechanism to enable successful conservation for the most ecologically critical and vulnerable ecosystem. However, managing these protected areas effectively requires a grasp of the complex dynamics of plant ecosystems and edaphic factors. Nevertheless, Pakistan's protected areas have seen the least investigation of these relationships. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigates the vegetation dynamics and edaphic factors that influence plant distribution in Kala Chitta National Park of Pakistan. A comprehensive botanical survey documented 203 plant species across 60 study sites, revealing a diverse flora comprising species from 160 genera and 54 families. The most abundant families were Poaceae (34 species) and Fabaceae (21 species), Amaranthaceae (13 species) and Asteraceae (15 species). The majority of species were herbaceous (49.2%), followed by grasses (16.7%) and shrubs (15.2%). Climbers and ferns constituted 1.4% and 1.9% of the total, respectively, with co-dominant habits of tall reed and sedge accounting for 2.9% of the vegetation. Ecologically, Therophytes emerged as the most numerous life forms (42.8%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17.7%) and megaphanerophytes (8.3%). Analysis of leaf spectra revealed Nanophylls as the dominant type (36.9%), followed by Microphylls (33%). Phytogeographical distribution highlighted three major clusters, with Asia Tropical, Asia Temperate, and Europe accounting for 45% of species. Four distinct plant communities were identified using TWINSPAN analysis: Senegalia-Dichanthium-Justica (SDJ), Neltuma-Lantana-Cannabis (NLC), Prosopis-Saccharum-Desmostachya (PSD), and Dodonaea-Alhagi-Oxalis (DAO). Each community exhibited unique species compositions and ecological gradients influenced by edaphic factors. PCA revealed associations between specific edaphic variables and plant communities, with available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) linked to the NLC community. At the same time, total nitrogen (TN) was predominantly associated with the DAO community. These findings highlight the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity within Kala Chitta National Park. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring of vegetation dynamics and collaborative conservation initiatives involving local stakeholders to promote ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.

Reliable estimates of how human activities may affect wildlife populations are critical for making scientifically sound resource management decisions. A significant issue in estimating the consequences of management, development, or conservation measures is the need to account for a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, such as land use and climate change, that interact over time altering wildlife habitats and populations. The snow leopard Panthera uncia (Schreber, 1775), as a vulnerable species, is extremely sensitive to indirect impacts of climate change. Given that it is highly difficult undertaking conservation measures on the entire range of snow leopards, identifying hotspots for conservation is necessary. This study was conducted in Bagrot and Haramosh valleys, in the Trans-Himalayan region, to evaluate the impacts of climate and human pressure on snow leopard habitat. Hybrid classification of Landsat satellite data for 2010 and 2020 was performed to elucidate land use changes that suggested a decrease in permanent snow by 10 % and 3 % in Haramosh and Bagrot while an increase in settlements cover by 16 % and 23 %, respectively. Life zone comparison for 2010 and 2020 using the Holdridge life zone (HLZ) classification system disclosed a change from three life zones to five life zones in Haramosh, and four life zones to five life zones in Bagrot, caused by a temperature increase of 2°C to 3°C, indicating that the area is becoming more and more suitable for settlements and less favorable for snow leopards. This study underlines again that mountainous regions are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Warming weather is making survival more difficult for snow leopards. Although they are resilient to the direct effects of climate change, indirect impacts like avalanches, flash floods, urbanization, and human-wildlife conflict make them more vulnerable and threaten their survival. Thus, we recommend establishing further protected areas, better controlling illegal wildlife trade, and conducting genetic studies to understand impacts on snow leopards and rangeland management, livelihood improvement, and human-wildlife conflict reductions.

The good quality of life, growth, nutrition and development of all living beings directly or indirectly depends upon natural surroundings. Urbanization, agriculture, industrial work and greenhouse effects are the leading causes of the climatic changes all over the world. These climatic changes are responsible to increase Carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature on surface of the earth every year. All components of environment i.e. air, water and soil are altering mainly due to anthropogenic activities especially with changing life styles. The objective of this mini review is to elaborate the different climate changes, their causes and effects. Generally, climate change refers to any disturbance in climate which can cause negative impacts on living organisms which include humans, plants, and animals, which will be adverse for environment. With increase in population on the earth and industrialization the environment of the world is being disturbed every day. Human is destroying natural resources continuously for his own pleasure and convenience. Due to Carbon dioxide and other dangerous gases expelling from automobiles and industries are continuously poisoning air. Factories are releasing their wastes directly in water bodies without proper treatment and making them unfit for aquatic life. Plants act as filters which trap all pollutants to make environment cool, clean and green. Increase in population multiplication without increasing the plantation would completely damage the quality of life and our society in future. Plants are natural purifier of environment. Due to increasing concentration of carbon dioxide and global warming, temperature of earth is increasing day by day which cause various disorders in environment. The purpose of this review is to highlight climate change which is mostly occurring when there is rise in temperature and CO2 concentration and its impacts on environment. This change in climate is not beneficial rather it causes the damage of an ecosystem. So, human activities are changing the environment adversely. Increasing climate changes have affected life in different aspects. It is concluded that if we don’t plan the strategies to overcome these changes, in coming few years life on the earth will not be an easy task, and situation will be out of hand.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) which has been ascribed to be due to community carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is highly prevalent in the WHO South-East Asia region. One of the major reasons for this is the misuse of antibiotics in animal farming practices and at the community level, which threatens both human and animal health. However, this problem of antibiotic misuse in poultry farms and in respective farmers is not well studied in countries like Pakistan.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in rural Punjab to explore the current practices of antibiotic use in poultry and poultry farmers, associated factors, their healthcare-seeking behavior and biosecurity practices.ResultsIn the context of antibiotic use for poultry, 60% comprised of Colistin sulfate and Amoxicillin trihydrate whereas Colistin is considered as the last resort antibiotic. In addition, the significant consumption of antibiotics in poultry farms (60%) and poultry farmers (50%) was without prescription by either human health physicians or veterinarians. Most of the farms (85%) had no wastewater drainage system, which resulted in the direct shedding of poultry waste and antibiotic residue into the surrounding environment. The lack of farmers’ education, professional farm training and farming experience were the most significant factors associated with antibiotic use and knowledge of AMR.ConclusionOur study findings show that it is necessary for an integrated AMR policy with the inclusion of all poultry farmers to be educated, a mass awareness program to be undertaken and that strict antibiotic usage guidelines be available to them. Such initiatives are also important to ensure food safety and farm biosecurity practices.

Interleukin-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine having many family members IL-23, IL-27, IL-35, and recently discovered IL-39, produced by macrophages and dendritic cells. IL-12 is an effector cytokine and engages in anti-tumor and many immunotherapies as IL-12 DNA expression, Th1 helper cells, and natural killer cells. IL-12 stimulates interferon γ (INF-γ) synthesis by the activation of STAT4 which then differentiates the Th1 helper cells with the T-bet transcription, playing an important role in cancer treatment. This review focuses on the role of IL-12 family as an antitumor agent as understanding the biology and molecular mechanism of IL-12 family members is crucial for designing new therapeutic strategies against different cancers.

Objective: To determine the hearing outcomes following unilateral cochlear implantation & speech therapy in patients with bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Dec 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: We included 40 cases who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation at the Cochlear Implant Centre of Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi and later on had at least 6 months of continuous speech rehabilitation (post-activation) at Speech Rehab Center of the same hospital. All patients had their cochlear implants activated 6 weeks after the surgery. Auditory rehabilitation was assessed continuously at each session by a single speech therapist and documented using the “5 stages of listening i.e. has a very good vocabulary, has a basic vocabulary, understands words, responds to sounds, doubtful response to sound.” Results: Out of 40 patients, 22 (55%) were male and 18 (45%) were females. Age at the time of cochlear implan-tation ranged from 2 to 8.4 years with a mean age of 4.5 ± 1.34 years. At 6 months 50% of children in age group 2-3 years had clinically and statistically significant response to speech rehabilitation post cochlear implant surgery. Conclusion: We concluded that a cochlear implant is a safe and highly effective treatment for bilateral severe to profound sensorineural deafness in pediatric age from 2 to 8 years while the best results documented in our study are for age 2 and 3 years at implantation.

Knowledge hiding has become an alarming issue for the organizations. Knowledge hiding is an employee’s intentional attempt to conceal knowledge requested by others at the workplace. Employee knowledge hiding significantly influences an organization’s effective functioning. This research is an attempt to extend previous work on antecedents of knowledge hiding. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, it is proposed that receiving poor treatment by organizations in the form of organizational dehumanization creates psychological distress among employees toward the organization. Distress among workers in turn intervenes the path and increases the likelihood of engaging in knowledge hiding behaviors. An employee’s felt obligation for constructive change (FOCC) may moderate the relationship between organizational dehumanization and employee psychological distress. Data for the current study were collected from 245 employees of the telecommunication sector in three-time lags. The results support the direct and indirect effect of organizational dehumanization on employee knowledge hiding behaviors through the mediation of psychological distress. The results also support the moderation of FOCC between organizational dehumanization and psychological distress. Furthermore, the findings of the study may help organizational practitioners and managers about the value of effective organizational climate and practices for better organizational functioning through knowledge sharing and providing insight into undesirable repercussions of organizational dehumanization. Implications for organizations and practitioners are discussed.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most essential fiber crop and is widely cultivated within the tropical regions of the world. It has a major impact on socio-economical get-together in Pakistan. Unfortunately, it has been tormented by cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) that is produced by distinct species of begomoviruses (Family; Geminiviridae) like Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala strain (CLCuKoV-Bu) associated with specific betasatellite—Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). Host resistance against CLCuD has not been achieved yet. The present study employed the use of synthetic genes considering the phenomenon of pathogen derived resistance (PDR). The coat protein (CP) and replication associated protein (Rep) genes sequence from CLCuKoV-Bu were codon optimized, synthesized and used to control CLCuKoV-Bu and associated betasatellite related to CLCuD. The Nicotiana benthamiana plants were Agrobacterium mediated transformed with synthetic CP (CPsyn) and synthetic Rep (Repsyn) under the control of Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The transgenic plants harboring CPsyn and Repsyn genes were infiltrated with CLCuKoV-Bu alone and CLCuKoV-Bu- CLCuMuB inoculums showed relatively milder symptoms as compared with wild sorts and low virus concentration as checked by southern hybridization. The results confirmed that CPsyn, Repsyn genes may be utilized for the resistance of CLCuKoV-Bu and associated betasatellites related to CLCuD and PDR mechanism may also be developed for the control of CLCuD.

Building information modeling (BIM) through data-rich digital representation has revolutionized the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM implementation in the AEC industry has noticeably increased over the last decade. Various BIM roles have been discussed in the literature to ease the process of BIM implementation, but the BIM roles related to project delivery methods have not been standardized. Stimulated by this need, this study develops a BIM roles and responsibilities matrix (BIM-R&R) in the context of the design−bid−build (DBB) projects for developing countries. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, followed by a questionnaire survey comprising 105 responses. The results were analyzed to formulate a BIM-R&R matrix, on which the expert opinion was obtained from the BIM experts. The proposed BIM-R&R matrix describes all the roles and their corresponding responsibilities required along the project life cycle phases of DBB projects. The incorporation of BIM roles in the DBB procurement process will aid in the efficient management of all information and data that may be lost due to the fragmented nature of DBB. BIM roles with enhanced communication and coordination will also help in reducing time and cost overruns while maintaining a high-quality product. This study helps the associated construction industry in its efforts to implement BIM on their projects by providing a method by which to assess which BIM roles are necessary. Moreover, it will provide project and construction managers with a clear understanding of the BIM roles in DBB projects.

The strong nonlinear optical behavior of low-dimensional materials, such as quantum dots and core-shell quantum dots, has been a topic of intense research in recent years. As quantum dots have tunable emission via changes in their sizes, they are potentially useful in photo-electronics, photovoltaic nonlinear optics, light-emitting diode fabrication, and laser protections. Variation among core and shell shape and size, along with the chemical composition of quantum dots, define their enhanced nonlinear optical properties. Some specific nonlinear optical properties, such as nonlinear refraction, optical limiting, saturable absorption, reverse saturable absorption of CdTe and CdSe quantum dots (QDs), as well as core-shell QDs and their applications, were assessed in this paper.

OBJECTIVES: Finding out the role of gender in aggression, self-esteem, and body esteem was the purpose of this study. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional research design was used. Different universities in Peshawar were visited, and 300 students were selected as a sample (N=300), which consisted of both boys (N=150) and girls (N=150) from the age-group 17-22 years. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data, and the measuring tools used were Rosenberg Self-Esteem, Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Body-Esteem Questionnaire. RESULTS: Although the research didn’t prove any difference in gender roles regarding self-esteem, it was revealed that boys are more aggressive as compared to girls. Furthermore, a correlation between self-esteem, body-esteem, and aggression was reported. CONCLUSION: The study gave the conclusion that gender has a role in levels of aggression found in students; however, both boys and girls are equally affected regarding self-esteem and body-esteem.

Except of pest control, insecticides have shown adverse effects on natural enemies as well. Thus, risk assessment of pesticides for biological control agents is critical for effective use in integrated pest management (IPM) schemes. In the present study, the lethal and sublethal effects of chlorpyrifos, a commonly used insecticide that may negatively affect biological control agents, were evaluated on a non-target predator, the Asian ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis. Previous studies have reported on lethal concentrations, but the effects of sublethal concentrations remain unclear. Lethal and sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos were applied to third instar larvae of H. axyridis, and different growth and developmental parameters were measured. Treatment with LC10 (4.62 mg a.i. L−1) significantly shortened the developmental period of third instar larvae, whereas it significantly prolonged those of fourth instar larvae and pupa. Treatment with LC30 (9.59 mg a.i. L−1) significantly increased the larval and pupal developmental period compared with that of the control, whereas feeding potential, female fecundity, and adult longevity significantly decreased after LC10 and LC30 treatment. The pre-oviposition period significantly increased compared with that of the control. Population growth parameters, the finite (λ) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the net reproductive rate (R0), decreased following exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos. According to the results, the use of chlorpyrifos in IPM schemes requires further research because even sublethal concentrations of this insecticide were harmful to H. axyridis population growth.

Purpose: Thriving at work can affect eustress and distress differently, so the main purpose of this study is to determine the impact of thriving at work on stress and to extend the existing literature on stress by examining the mediating mechanism of career growth, which is one of the functions of human resource development, in the relationship between thriving at work and stress. Person environment fit theory is used to explain the framework. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 179 employees of the hospitality sector of Pakistan to assess the impact of thriving at work on eustress and distress through the mediation of career growth. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Findings: Results revealed thriving at work is positively related to eustress whereas it is negatively related to distress, and there is a positive association between thriving and career growth. Furthermore, career growth appeared as an effective explanatory mechanism for relationships between thriving at work and stress. Implications for managers are also discussed. Originality/value: This study encompasses both positive and negative stressors. There are lots of studies available that examine thriving at work and stress, but the present study aims to examine the impact of thriving on both aspects of stress in the presence of career growth as the mediator in the hospitality sector of Pakistan. It also opens new avenues for research on P-E fit theory to gain benefit from the eustress of employees.

Simulation of acoustic wave propagation in the Laplace?Fourier (LF) domain, with a spatially uniform mesh, can be computationally demanding especially in areas with large velocity contrasts. To improve efficiency and convergence, we use 3-D second- and fourth-order velocitypressure finite difference (FD) discontinuous meshes (DM). Our DM algorithm can use any spatial discretization ratio between meshes. We evaluate direct and iterative parallel solvers for computational speed, memory requirements and convergence. Benchmarks in realistic 3-D models and topographies show more efficient and stable results for DM with direct solvers than uniform mesh results with iterative solvers.

Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in cancer progression and response to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy targeting the immune system has emerged as a promising treatment modality, but challenges in understanding the TME limit its efficacy. Optical imaging strategies offer noninvasive, real‐time insights into the interactions between immune cells and the TME. Objective: This review assesses the progress of optical imaging technologies in monitoring immunotherapy within the TME and explores their potential applications in clinical trials and personalized cancer treatment. Methods: This is a comprehensive literature review based on the advances in optical imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging (FLI), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). These modalities were analyzed for their capacity to provide high‐resolution, real‐time imaging of immune cell dynamics, tumor vasculature, and other critical components of the TME. Results: Optical imaging techniques have shown significant potential in tracking immune cell infiltration, assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors, and visualizing drug delivery within the TME. Technologies like FLI and BLI are pivotal in tracking immune responses in preclinical models, while PAI provides functional imaging with deeper tissue penetration. The integration of these modalities with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment monitoring and outcomes. Conclusion: Optical imaging is a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of the TME and optimizing immunotherapy. Further advancements in imaging technologies, combined with nanomaterial‐based approaches, could pave the way for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the depiction of precarious landscapes and human fragility in the works of Charlotte Smith and Mary Robinson, two prominent Romantic writers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Through their vivid portrayals of decaying rural environments, eroding coastlines, and desolate seascapes, both authors use nature as a metaphor to reflect emotional vulnerability, societal instability, and existential uncertainties. Smith's focus on rural decay and personal grief contrasts with Robinson's juxtaposition of urban chaos and natural isolation, yet both converge on the theme of nature as an external manifestation of human fragility. By analyzing their works through the lenses of eco-criticism and feminist theory, the paper reveals how these authors critique gender dynamics and societal power structures through their representations of the natural world. This study contributes to a broader understanding of Romantic literature's engagement with nature, gender, and ecological destruction, highlighting the intersection between human fragility and environmental instability in their works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's objectives are to identify the characteristics of customers and FinTech apps that resist using FinTech services in the era of technology. Consumer characteristics studied in this study were consumer-perceived digital self-efficacy and consumer-perceived digital knowledge. FinTech characteristics were perceived digital security concerns and perceived digital complexity. Moreover, the research aimed to determine if consumers' techno-stress moderates the relationship between consumer characteristics and their resistance to FinTech. The model was supported by innovation resistance theory. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from 384 bank account holders from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Adapted questionnaires with five-point Likert scales for each variable were used. Results indicated that all consumer characteristics have a negative and significant relationship with FinTech resistance. However, among FinTech characteristics, only perceived digital complexity positively influenced FinTech resistance, and the impact of perceived digital complexity was not found on FinTech resistance. The moderating role of techno-stress among all consumer characteristics and FinTech resistance was supported. The Moderating role of techno-stress was supported between FinTech characteristics i.e. perceived digital security and FinTech resistance but not supported between perceived digital concern and FinTech resistance. The findings suggest that educational initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, and online resources, can empower users with knowledge about FinTech solutions, thereby reducing perceived risk and resistance. Regular app reviews will help the organization adapt to evolving challenges and best practices in FinTech adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding, taking into account the moderating influence of coworker support and the mediating function of emotional exhaustion. The current study's model suggests that when supervisors are abusive, people become emotionally exhausted and hide knowledge. Our study proposed that employees who experienced abusive behaviors were more likely to withhold information and knowledge from others in the organization. There was a strong association between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. This means that employees who experienced abusive behaviors from their supervisors were more likely to feel emotionally drained and depleted. Another purpose of the research was to know whether coworker support moderates the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. Coworker support may offer a sense of support and social connection, which can help employees cope with the stress associated with abusive supervision. The model was supported by Social exchange theory. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from 181 workers in the telecom sectors of firms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Adapted questionnaires with five-point Likert scales for each variable were used. Results indicated that abusive supervision has a positive and significant relationship with knowledge hiding. The mediating role of emotional exhaustion between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding was also supported by results. However, contrary to expectations, moderating the role of coworkers' support, between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion gained no acceptance. By incorporating specific training on recognizing and avoiding abusive behaviors from the outset, organizations can set clear expectations for supervisory conduct and create a culture that discourages abusive practices. Regular policy reviews will help the organization adapt to evolving challenges and best practices in preventing abusive supervision, ensuring that policies remain relevant and contribute to a positive work environment. Limitations and future directions are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]