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People with compromised socioeconomic backgrounds throughout the world are struggling to get their children educated but the situation is getting worse in poorer nations such as Pakistan due to never ending crises. The main objective of the study was to investigate problems faced by low-income families to educate their children. The QUAN-qual study design was used and 120 dropped-off students were selected as a sample of the study from 8 universities in Pakistan. The student's family socioeconomic framework (SFSF) questionnaire was used to collect data. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the students left the University before completion of their degree, due to financial crises. The increase in overall expenses of the family did not allow them to get a portion of finance from their family income to continue their study instead of contributing to family income by getting involved in some kind of job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study specifically covers the comparative analytical study of the articles of the Constitution of Pakistan and India which are relevant with the President with main focus on the Constitutional drawbacks, vagueness in the relevant articles which may cause Constitutional crisis at any time. In this regard comparative analysis of the articles of the Constitution of Pakistan and India has been given. To conduct this research qualitative doctrinal methodology has been applied and utilized data collection methods such as review of relevant documents constitutional provisions and case laws. Through this method this researcher reached on a conclusion and proposed solutions to address the vagueness in the provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan. From this research it appeared that on many issues Constitution of Pakistan is silent and some articles are vague in language need amendment and interpretation therefore there is need of amendment and interpretation in such articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used household income and expenditure, parental perception, believes in tribal norms and voice of mother in the decision making as independent variable to their impact on child's schooling decision compared with its alternate available activities. In this study we used a unique data set collected from various districts of Pakistan for a child labor and education project. The observed relation between income inequality and parental education and the schooling of their children is calculated through a simultaneous equation model. The results reveal that along with the income and education of parents their perception and the role of the mother in decision making have a positive impact on the offspring's schooling. However, belief in tribal norms has a negative significant influence on the schooling of the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater, is an alternative resource, is used as a supplement for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in Pakistan. This paper aims to determine the quantum and quality of groundwater in Matiari district of Sindh, Pakistan, through Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS). The ERS was conducted at 52 location points using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The quantity of good quality groundwater has also been evaluated with ArcGIS interpolation techniques, i.e., the maximum percentage of fresh groundwater is 34% the marginal fresh groundwater 43% at the depth of with few patches of saline groundwater aquifers. Moreover, at 50-m depth, the percentage of fresh groundwater reduces to 21% and the marginal has increased to 48%. However, groundwater below the depth from 50 to 100 m was found only 8% fresh groundwater, 29% marginal, 49% salt water, and 14% high salt water. Analysis of groundwater samples for quality showed a good agreement with the quality obtained from VES results. In addition, a socio-economic survey of 55 tube well owners were conducted through interviews related to groundwater suitability and usage. According to the survey, about 62% of respondents are using good quality groundwater; however, 36% consuming the marginal and the remaining 2% are utilizing the hazardous quality of groundwater. The consumer satisfaction survey showed most farmers (89%) were satisfied with the groundwater usage, while 11% were unsatisfied due to poor-quality groundwater. The crop productivity could be enhanced through awareness and conjunctive use of marginal quality groundwater with the canal water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement production involves high amounts of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Pakistan is facing a serious energy crisis and cement’s cost is increasing. In addition, landfilling of potential concrete components can lead to environmental degradation. The use of waste as cement replacement not only reduces cement production cost by reducing energy consumption, but it is also environmentally friendly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of concrete by partially replacing cement with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Fly Ash (FA). This study is mainly focused on the performance of concrete conducting a slump test, and investigating indirect tensile and compressive strength. Cement was replaced with RHA and FA by 5% (2.5% RHA + 2.5% FA), 10% (5% RHA + 5% FA), 15% (7.5% RHA + 7.5% FA) and 20% (10% RHA+10% FA) by weight. Ninety concrete samples were cast with mix proportions of 1:2:4 and 0.55 water/cement ratio. Cube and cylindrical samples were used for measuring compressive and split tensile strength respectively, after 7 and 28 days. The results showed that after 28 days, the 5% RHA+5% FA sample’s compressive strength was enhanced by 16.14% and its indirect tensile strength was improved by 15.20% compared to the conventional sample. Moreover, the sample’s slump value dropped as the content of RHA and FA increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To share our institutional experience of cCP stent (Covered Cheatham-Platinum stent) implantation in children and adults with native and Re-COA (Coarctation of Aorta). Study Design: A retrospective cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC/NIHD) Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan 2016 to Oct 2018. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent cCP stent implantation for COA was carried out to assess its immediate, short and intermediate term efficacy and safety. Results: A total of 25 individuals diagnosed with significant COA (native and re COA) with a median age of 18years were enrolled. About 15 were male (M: F, 1.5: 1). 23 pt’s had native coarctation and 2 had re coarctation. Mean follow up duration was 14.8 months (range 1 to 29 months). Immediate success was achieved in 100% by significant reduction of pre vs post stenting mean peak systolic pressure gradient (68 mmHg vs 12 mmHg, p<0.001) and increase in the mean minimum aortic diameter (3.5 mm vs 12.8 mm, p<0.001). Mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly reduced after the procedure in 18 (72%). Complications occurred in 18 (72%), which included transient pulse loss in 16 (64%) and restenosis in 2 (8%). Conclusion: Percutaneous CP stent implantation is a very effective and safe intervention for both native and re coarctation in reducing the coarctation gradient and increasing the lesion diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of solar daily variation is performed using the famous Chapman–Miller method for solar cycles 22 & 23 (1986–2007). The objective is to study the characteristics of S q variation at Pakistani geomagnetic observatories using solar harmonics and a more traditional five quietest day's method. The data recorded at the Karachi geomagnetic observatory for SC 22 and 23 and data sets from other Pakistani geomagnetic observatories; Sonmiani, Quetta and Islamabad are analyzed for H , D and Z components of the geomagnetic field. Except for the D and Z components at Karachi and Sonmiani and H component at Islamabad, the two solar daily variations correlated well with each other. Also, the synthesized daily variation from the solar harmonics of H , D and Z components explained the equivalent S q current system reasonably well for all seasons. For H component, the first solar harmonic ( s 1 ) obtained from spherical harmonic analysis of the data, appeared as the largest harmonic with no significant changes for the seasonal division of data. However, for D and Z components, amplitudes are comparable, but undergo distinct variations. s 1 for H and D components increases with magnetic activity while for Z component it is the largest for the medium phase of magnetic activity. With the sunspot number division of data, the weighted mean of the Wolf ratio of all three components is in good agreement with the previous studies. The synthesized solar daily variation for D component, S ( D ), at Karachi, Sonmiani, Quetta and Islamabad did not show any signs of winter anomaly for the period studied. However, S(D) variation at Karachi during winter season showed morning minimum followed by a maximum at local noon and another minimum in the afternoon. We suggest this could be the effects of Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) observable at the Karachi observatory only during the winter season. Similarly, much disturbed in equinoctial and summer months, S ( Z ) illustrated an unwavering daily variation for the winter season at the Karachi observatory for both solar cycles. We find that it is the vertical component which is more strongly correlated with the mean monthly sunspot number and F 10.7 solar radio flux. An interesting result obtained at Islamabad is the semi-diurnal variation of H component with a morning maximum and afternoon minimum and the phase reversal noticed for Z component variation. Attributed to an early eastward current this is, usually, observed for stations close to the S q focus current system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isolated outcrop, comprising a 300 m thick succession of the Late Cretaceous-Palaeocene Ispikan group, is exposed as a thrust-bound inlier within the Oligocene-Miocene succession of the Panjgur Formation, 3 km to the northeast of the Ispikan village, in south-western Makran, Pakistan. The group is divisible into two lithostratigraphic units; 1) the Late Cretaceous Ispikan group in lower part; comprising mudstone, shale, siltstone and sandstone; and 2) Palaeocene Ispikan Conglomerate in upper part; comprising very coarse pebbly sandstone and conglomerate. The Ispikan conglomerate is composed of pebbles of a variety of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Sandstone also dominantly comprises igneous and metamorphic rock fragments. Detrital modes of the sandstone suggest a recycled orogenic source, most probably the Himalayan- Karakorum-Hindukush collision orogen. The group comprises 9 distinct facies, organized as 2 facies associations including the inner-fan channel facies association and the basin-plain facies association, which were parts of the earliest fan system of the Khojak-Panjgur submarine fan complex. The petrology and provenance of the Ispikan group resemble with those of the surrounding younger submarine fan succession of the Oligocene-Miocene Panjgur Formation, however, its stratigraphic and palaeogeographic relationship with the surrounding succession still remains speculative needing further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a major source of water supply for domestic and irrigation uses in semiarid, remote but rapidly developing Kilasaifullah district part of Zhob River Basin, located at Pakistan-Afghanistan Border. Zhob River is among few major rivers of perennial nature in Balochistan, which flows from WSW to ENE and falls in Gomal River, a tributary of Indus River. Keeping in view the important geopolitical position and rapid development of the region, this study is primarily focused on groundwater chemistry for contamination sources as well as agriculture development. Water samples from open and tube wells are analyzed and calculated for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, pH, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Makran Accretionary Belt covers vast areas of the south-western Makran, Pakistan and extends westwards into coastal Iran. In Pakistan this belt is dominated by an overall regressive succession comprising the Siahan/Hoshab shale (a valley-forming claystone/siltstone-dominant facies) and the ridge-forming, sandstone-dominant facies of the Panjgur Formation, a very thick cyclic succession of Oligocene-Early Miocene turbidites. These formations form part of the “Khojak–Panjgur Submarine Fan Complex”. The Panjgur Formation comprises nine distinct facies, which are organized into seven facies associations distinguished by their constituent facies, vertical organizations and lateral geometries. Facies associations include: (1) mid-fan channels, (2) overbank/levee, (3) crevasse-splays, (4) inter-channel, (5) outer-fan-lobes, (6) fan-fringe, and (7) trench floor/basin-plain. The formation displays a hierarchy of 1st, 2nd and 3rd order sedimentary cycles. The 1st order cycles range in thickness from 60m to 450m and conceptually correspond to “sequences” or “depositional sequences” formed mainly in response to sea-level fluctuations. Their boundaries are characterized by gradual or abrupt replacement of claystone/siltstone facies of the basin-plain by thin- to thick-bedded mid- to outer-fan turbidites, representing a basinward shift of the facies. The 1st order cycles generally start with thick- to very thick-bedded sandstones of channelized mid-fan facies, passing upwards into a middle part consisting of thin- to thick-bedded sandstone and claystone facies of the outer-fan-lobes and capped by claystone/siltstone-dominant facies of the basin-plain association. These three parts of the 1st order cycles correspond to the lowstand systems tracts (LST), transgressive systems tracts (TST) and highstand systems tract (HST) of the full depositional sequence. The 2nd order cycles, which are generally thinning-up and thickening-up cycles, range in thickness from 4 to 65m, and occur both as isolated and composite packages, are characterized by mid-fan channelized and outer-fan-lobe associations, respectively. We interpret the 2nd order cycles as parasequences, which formed in response to marine flooding events of relatively short duration. The 3rd order cycles are very small-scale (1–4m thick), mostly thickening-up cycles, which generally represent compensation cycles of the outer-fan-lobes. Sedimentary logs from the measured sections display significant differences in the character of facies, facies associations and cyclicity style but exhibit sufficient similarities to demonstrate that all these sequences formed parts of the same very large submarine fan complex. The succession has been strongly deformed, as attested by the prevalence of asymmetrical/overturned folding, thrusting and imbrication, resulting in great thickening due to tectonic duplication, as well as disruption of the cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The creation of a complex submarine morphology on the passive margin of the Indo-Pakistan continental plate during later stages of its northward drift, just prior to collision with Eurasia, is clearly demonstrated by the nature, architecture and regional distribution of sandstone bodies within the Campanian–Maastrichtian successions (Mughal Kot and Pab formations), exposed within the north–south trending Kirthar Fold Belt of southwest Pakistan. These successions range in thickness from 7m to more than 500m and are dominated by fine to coarse, sometimes pebbly, thin to thick-bedded sandstones with subordinate mudstones and marls, all of which were deposited on the north-facing passive margin of the Indo-Pakistan Plate. Twelve facies have been identified in these sequences and these have been grouped into nine Facies Associations, which were formed within two broadly coeval depositional systems that occupied the contiguous Southern Kirthar and Central Kirthar sub-basins. It is argued here that these sub-basins and their fill-sequences developed mainly in response to major, tectonically induced changes in both the morphology of this sector of the palaeo-margin and in the sediment-supply systems. The more proximal sequences in the east and southeast sectors of the Southern Kirthar sub-basin are dominated by fluviodeltaic deposits while more distal areas to the northwest are characterized by turbidite sandstone bodies formed in channel-levee and lobe complexes within slope and basin floor settings of a relatively confined deep marine trough. In this Southern Kirthar sub-basin, the Mughal Kot Formation comprises basin floor lobes, submarine channel-fill sand bodies and base of slope mud-rich lobes, whereas the succeeding Pab Formation reflects overall progradation of the system, being dominated by submarine slope fan lobes, channels and levee deposits. The Central Kirthar sub-basin displays a broadly east-to-west transition from shoreface (inner shelf), through shelfal delta lobes (middle shelf) and deeper shelf/ramp (outer shelf) facies associations, all formed on a gently inclined, storm- and flood-dominated clastic ramp. Synsedimentary normal faults observed in this study were controlled the depositional architecture and creation of closed deep marine southern Kirthar sub-basin during Late Cretaceous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hedonic price model was used to examine factors affecting livestock price formation while price variations due to time were examined using means and coefficients of variation. A sample of price observations of 725 animals (389 sheep and 336 goats) from Quetta livestock market was collected for one year on quarterly basis with a minimum sample of 150 animals. The objective was to determine seasonal price variation considering the effects of different attributes of the animals namely, live weight, age, gender, body score and time of sale of animals. The results indicated that there were significant differences in prices among seasons. The seasons considered in the study were Eid-ul-Azha, Ramadan, and severe feed shortage period. The prices were the highest at Eid-ul-zha followed by Ramadan and feed shortage (winter) season. The explanatory power of the model was considered adequate as the factors included in the model accounted for 76% of the price variation at Quetta market. Producers should consider major marketing demand events like Eid-ul-Azha, Ramadan, etc. as the exceptional occasion to put up their animals for sale. The price per kg on live weight was higher by 39% and 24% in Eid-ul-Azha and Ramadan seasons, respectively as compared to normal season. Live weight has considered a very important variable in determining the price of an animal. Installation of separate weighing machine for small and large animals should be placed at the entry point of Quetta market. This will help farmers to know the exact weight of animal and brings them at par with other market agents in price bargaining. So, the good quality animals will bring more if they are sold by grade and weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Sulaiman Fold–Thrust Belt is a significant tectonic element in northwest Pakistan, located on the NW margin of the Indian Plate having a rift–drift-collision plate tectonic history. Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene successions in the western sector of this Belt conventionally comprise strata above the widespread pelagic Parh Limestone (Albian–Campanian) and below the fluvio-deltaic Ghazij Formation (Early Eocene). These successions display marked lithostratigraphic variations across the Bibai Thrust, long known to be an important structural feature in the western Sulaiman Belt. The successions on the foot wall, to the east and southeast of the Bibai Thrust (Quetta, Spera Ragha and Chinjun areas), exhibit the most variable lithostratigraphy, were deposited exclusively in shallow marine conditions and include volcanics associated with a local submarine edifice. They also display several internal disconformities, locally accompanied by oxidised units that attest to intermittent emergence. By contrast, coeval successions on the hanging wall, to the north and northwest of the Bibai Thrust (Urghargai–Mazu Ghar and Kach–Ziarat areas) are the products of deposition in deeper marine conditions and also include important volcanigenic contributions. These contrasting lithofacies accumulated respectively in widely separated proximal and distal sectors of the north-western margin of the Indian Plate and their current proximity is attributed to tectonic juxtaposition by relative southward translation of the distal facies along the Bibai and related thrusts. Involvement of Late Eocene limestones in these thrusts and their sealing by Mio-Pliocene fluvial sediments demonstrates that active translation on these thrusts continued at least into Late Eocene or Oligocene times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Early pregnancy nutritional status can be associated with adverse birth outcomes such as small-for-gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (LBW). BMI (Body Mass Index) and MUAC (Mid-upper arm circumference) are easy to use assessments and are indicative of the pre-pregnancy nutritional status if obtained in the first trimester. This study primarily assesses the association of maternal nutritional status using BMI and MUAC with SGA in a community-based cohort of Pakistani women. It also aims to determine the predictive ability of MUAC and BMI in predicting SGA. Secondarily, we assessed the association between maternal nutrition and large for gestational age (LGA) and LBW., Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of an ongoing pregnancy cohort "Pregnancy Risk Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA)"in Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth, Karachi. PRISMA participants who were enrolled between January 2021 to August 2022 were included given they had a gestational age < 14 weeks confirmed via ultrasound, MUAC and BMI measurements were available and birth weight was captured within 72 hours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine an association between maternal nutritional status and SGA. The PRISMA study was approved by the Aga Khan University Ethics Review Committee (2021-5920-15,518)., Results: Of 926 women included in the analysis, 26.6% (n = 247) had a low MUAC (< 23 cm) while 18.4% (n = 171) were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). Nearly one third of low MUAC and underweight women delivered SGA infants (34.4 and 35.1% respectively). Underweight women and women with low MUAC had a statistically significant association with SGA (Underweight: OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.1,2.4; Low MUAC-OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.2,2.3) as well as LBW (Underweight: OR-1.63, 95% CI 1.1,2.4; Low MUAC-OR-1.63, 95% CI 1.2,2.3). ROC curves showed that MUAC and BMI had modest predictability for SGA (AUC < 0.7)., Conclusion: Maternal nutritional status as indicated by BMI and MUAC are strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including SGA, LGA and LBW. Although MUAC and BMI are widely used to determine maternal nutritional status, they have poor predictive ability for newborn size. Further research is needed to identify other tools or a combination of tools to better predict adverse birth outcomes in resource-limited settings and plan interventions., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Groundwater, is an alternative resource, is used as a supplement for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in Pakistan. This paper aims to determine the quantum and quality of groundwater in Matiari district of Sindh, Pakistan, through Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS). The ERS was conducted at 52 location points using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000. The quantity of good quality groundwater has also been evaluated with ArcGIS interpolation techniques, i.e., the maximum percentage of fresh groundwater is 34% the marginal fresh groundwater 43% at the depth of with few patches of saline groundwater aquifers. Moreover, at 50-m depth, the percentage of fresh groundwater reduces to 21% and the marginal has increased to 48%. However, groundwater below the depth from 50 to 100 m was found only 8% fresh groundwater, 29% marginal, 49% salt water, and 14% high salt water. Analysis of groundwater samples for quality showed a good agreement with the quality obtained from VES results. In addition, a socio-economic survey of 55 tube well owners were conducted through interviews related to groundwater suitability and usage. According to the survey, about 62% of respondents are using good quality groundwater; however, 36% consuming the marginal and the remaining 2% are utilizing the hazardous quality of groundwater. The consumer satisfaction survey showed most farmers (89%) were satisfied with the groundwater usage, while 11% were unsatisfied due to poor-quality groundwater. The crop productivity could be enhanced through awareness and conjunctive use of marginal quality groundwater with the canal water., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Objective: To document clinical status and disabilities among live treated leprosy patients., Methods: The observational, descriptive study was carried out at the Leprosy Field Clinic, Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, over a period of six months from April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009. All leprosy patients of either gender and all ages presenting at the centre were included. Diagnosis was made through detailed history, physical examination and leprosy-specific investigations including skin, nasal and ulcer smears for Bacterial Index of M. leprae. The sociodemographic profile of the patients, type of leprosy, previous treatment received, persisting disabilities were all recorded on a proforma. SPSS 10 was used for statistical analysis., Results: Of the total 186 cases in the study, 141 (75.80%) were males and 45 (24.20%) were females. The age range was 14-91 years with a mean of 53 +/- 13.20 years. Borderline Tuberculoid leprosy was the most frequently found subtype of leprosy (n = 81; 43.54%), while Midborderline leprosy was the least common variety (n = 17; 9.13%). The cases had received multi drug therapy for a least 12-18 months previously., Conclusion: Leprosy was prevalent in the study area. A significant number of treated leprosy patients continue to have disabling sequelae of the disease.