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Since the 1980s the mission of the national citizenship education curriculum in Pakistan has been the Islamization of society. The government curriculum guidelines require textbooks to emphasize Islam as the national ideology of the state of Pakistan. Recognizing the deleterious effect of an exclusivist curriculum on the civic unity of the nation, some stakeholders propose a liberal-democratic reform agenda for social studies. The main goal of the proposed agenda is to use the curriculum for creating a tolerant, moderate, and enlightened citizenry. However, proponents of a theocratic vision of good citizenship, which currently dominates the curriculum, vehemently oppose these reform efforts.

Simple Summary: Dermacentor ticks have a wide geographic range with an uneven distribution in the globe. They are not scientifically well known because they survive in hard topographic and harsh climatic regions along with elevated mountains. Many mammals serve as a primary host for Dermacentor ticks, like many other tick species. The present study aimed to provide the first morphological and molecular confirmation of Dermacentor marginatus and its related pathogens like Anaplasma marginale and Rickettsia raoultii in Pakistan. In this study, a total of 26 specimens (19 males and 7 females) were collected from goats and morphologically identified. A subset of 18 specimens were subjected for the molecular characterization of ticks and associated pathogen detection. In the BLAST and phylogenetic analyses, D. marginatus and their associated pathogen sequences showed close resemblance with their corresponding species. In the present study, we reported the first genetic characterization of D. marginatus and associated A. marginale and R. raoultii in Pakistan. Due to the difficult access and harsh climate, it is important to investigate the ticks and related pathogens in the northern parts of Pakistan due to their zoonotic threats. Ticks of the genus Dermacentor Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) are poorly known systematically due to their habitation in harsh topographic environments and high mountains. Dermacentor ticks are diversely distributed in the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. There is no available information on the occurrence of Dermacentor marginatus in Pakistan; thus, the current investigation aimed the first morphological and molecular confirmation of this species and associated Anaplasma marginale and Rickettsia raoultii. Ticks were collected from goats (Capra hircus) and morphologically identified. Genomic DNA was extracted from 18/26 (69.23%) tick specimens, including 11 males and 7 females (1 unfed and 6 fed females). Extracted DNA was subjected to PCR for the amplification of genetic markers like 16S rDNA and cox1 for ticks, 16S rDNA for Anaplasma spp., and gltA and ompB for Rickettsia spp. A total of 26 D. marginatus ticks composed of 19 males (73.07%) and 7 females (26.9%) [1 (3.84%) unfed and 6 (23.07%) fed females] were collected from goats. According to amplicons via BLAST analysis, the 16S rDNA sequence showed 97.28–98.85% identity and the cox1 sequence showed 95.82–98.03% identity with D. marginatus. Additionally, the 16S rDNA sequence for Anaplasma sp. was detected in D. marginatus that showed 100% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Rickettsial gltA and ompB sequences for Rickettsia sp. showed 100% identity with Rickettsia raoultii. In phylogenetic analysis, ticks' 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences clustered with the same species. In phylogenetic analysis, A. marginale based on 16 rDNA clustered with A. marginale, while gltA and ompB sequences clustered with R. raoultii. This is the first study on the genetic characterization of D. marginatus and associated A. marginale and R. raoultii in Pakistan. The northern areas of Pakistan, which need to be explored in terms of ticks and associated pathogens due to their zoonotic threats, have been neglected due to the inaccessible climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care workers including medical students are vulnerable to hepatitis B & C virus infections. The objective of this study was to determine the level of willingness for screening among medical students. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was carried out at Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan from 1st April 2010 to 15 June 2010. All enrolled students were notified to report for screening for Hepatitis B & C. Those who reported were tested for hepatitis B & C. The screening was performed by immuno-chromatographic technique (ICT). The data was analysed in SPSS version 13.0. Willingness score between male and female students and pre-clinical and clinical students was compared by chi square test and p-values calculated. Results: There were 330 students in Medical College at the time of study, with 222 males and 108 females. Among these 168 students were in the preclinical and 162 in the clinical classes. Out of these, 171 (52%) reported for screening; 106 (62%) males and 65 (38%) females; 103 (60.2%) preclinical and 68 (39.8%) clinical students. Only one male student (0.6%) was found to be HbsAg positive and none for anti-HCV. A significant difference was noted on comparing the willingness level regarding screening between male and female, as well as preclinical and clinical students (p less than 0.05). Conclusion: There is a lack of willingness regarding screening for hepatitis B & C among medical students, especially male students of clinical years. Medical students need motivation for screening at the start of their professional training. (Contains 1 table.)

Beyond the concerns associated with marginalised groups' underrepresentation, we posited that socio-demographic aspects and associated stigma provoke gendered social exclusion among older adults. Although these linkages have been frequently acknowledged, concrete evidence remains complicated. In a sample of 384 older adults from various administrative zones of the Lahore metropolitan, we examined that gendered social exclusion is typically connected with socio-demographic stereotypes. Statistics revealed that 72.3% of older adults reported social exclusion. Homemakers and non-workers were more prone to experience social exclusion than employed respondents. Findings further discovered that the social exclusion rates were more significant among older women (93.1%) than older men (47.5%). Among older women, those involved in some employment, having a personal income, living in higher-income households and joint families with their children or peers, and having access to a private car were less possibly socially excluded. The substantial gender aspect of social exclusion appears to be provoked by a gender-based socio-cultural context, limiting older women's participation in daily socio-economic pursuits. Finally, possible consequences of increased social exclusion among older women and strategies to cater to this emerging issue are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land surface temperature (LST) is defined as a phenomenon which shows that microclimate of an urban system gets heated much faster than its surrounding rural climates. The expansion of buildings has a noteworthy influence on land use/land cover (LULC) due to conversion of vegetation land into commercial and residential areas and their associated infrastructure by which LST is accelerated. The objective of the research was to study the impact of changes in LULC on LST of Southern Punjab (Pakistan) through remote sensing (RS) data. Landsat images of 30-year duration (1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017) were employed for identifying vegetation indices and LST in the study region. These images also helped to work out normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) maps. There was an increase from 29620 (3.63 %) to 88038 ha (10.8 %) in built-up area over the 30 years. LST values were found in the range 12–42 °C, 11–44 °C, 11–45 °C and 11–47 °C in the years 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017, respectively. Regression coefficients (R2) 0.81, 0.78, 0.84 and 0.76 were observed between NDVI and LST in the corresponding years respectively. Our study showed that NDVI and NDWI were negatively correlated with less LST; however, NDBI showed positive correlation with high LST. Our study gives critical information of LULC and LST and will be a helpful tool for policy makers for developing effective policies in managing land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Plant performance is mainly estimated based on plant architecture, leaf features and internal microstructural changes. Olive (Olea europaea L.) is a drought tolerant, oil yielding, and medium sized woody tree that shows specific structural and functional modifications under changing environment. This study was aimed to know the microstructural alteration involving in growth and yield responses of different Olive cultivars. Eleven cultivars were collected all over the world and were planted at Olive germplasm unit, Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal (Punjab) Pakistan, during September to November 2017. Plant material was collected to correlate morpho-anatomical traits with yield contributing characteristics. Overall, the studied morphological characters, yield and yield parameters, and root, stem and leaf anatomical features varied highly significantly in all olive cultivars. The most promising cultivar regarding yield was Erlik, in which plant height seed weight and root anatomical characteristics, i.e., epidermal thickness and phloem thickness, stem features like collenchymatous thickness, phloem thickness and metaxylem vessel diameter, and leaf traits like midrib thickness, palisade cell thickness a phloem thickness were the maximum. The second best Hamdi showed the maximum plant height, fruit length, weight and diameter and seed length and weight. It also showed maximum stem phloem thickness, midrib and lamina thicknesses, palisade cell thickness. Fruit yield in the studied olive cultivars can be more closely linked to high proportion of storage parenchyma, broader xylem vessels and phloem proportion, dermal tissue, and high proportion of collenchyma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faisalabad is a major industrial area in Pakistan's Punjab province that discharges wastewater into the Chenab River. Industrial effluents in Faisalabad are predicted to pose a significant threat to the riparian vegetation of the Chenab River and nearby vegetation. Heavy metal pollution of plants, water, and soils is one of the biggest problems worldwide that needs to be addressed because heavy metals above normal levels are extremely dangerous to both riparian vegetation and wildlife. The results indicated high levels of pollution in the industrial effluents as well as in the river in terms of salinity, metal toxicity, TSS, TDS, SAR, the acidic and alkaline nature of the industrial effluents, and the spread of industrial effluents up to 15 square kilometres in the Chenab River. Despite the higher pollution, four plants were found at all sites: Calotropis procera, Phyla nodiflora, Eclipta alba and Ranunculus sceleratus. It was found that most of the selected plants were phytoaccumulators, making them best suited to survive in harsh environments such as those with industrial pollution. The Fe concentration in the plant constituents was the highest, along with Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu, all of which were above the permissible limits of the WHO. The metal transfer factor (MTF) was higher in most of the plants studied, and even exceeded 10 at some severely affected sites. Calotropis procera proved to be the most suitable plant for growth on drainage systems and also at river sites, as it had the highest importance value across all sites and seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chenab River in Pakistan is a part of the Indus River System and bears rigorous inundation every year in the monsoon period imposing catastrophic impact on lives and infrastructure. Due to the fragile economy of developing countries, pre-disaster estimation is strictly required to improve flood management as well as to store maximum water in hydraulic structures to ensure water sustainability. In the present research work, flood frequency analysis was used to estimate extreme flood events with the help of annual peak downstream discharge data of 96 years (1925–2020) assembled on five barrages of the Chenab River the Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, and Panjnad, respectively. Four different methods including the Gumbel, log Pearson, log normal, and Pearson type III were used to estimate peak flood events with a return period of 200, 500, and 1000 years. The estimated peak discharge values of the Gumbel and Pearson type III were not far beyond the annual observed peak discharge value. Design flood is estimated. The chi-square method is used to guesstimate the suitable methods concerning results. The Gumbel and log normal for Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, and Panjnad barrages proved good. While for Panjnad, log Pearson, log normal, and Gumbel gave suitable results for the chi-square method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find the magnitude of clinically overt hypocalcaemia post-total thyroidectomy and its relation with the age of the patient. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Bahawalpur Pakistan, from Jan 2017 to Dec 2019. Methodology: Sixty patients who were to undergo total thyroidectomy were included in the study in strict compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups according to their ages. In Group-A, patients younger than 50 and Group-B, patients older than 50 years were included. All the patients were followed up by clinical examination for the development of clinically overt hypocalcaemia and confirmed by measurement of serum calcium. Results: Mean age of the patients was 42.75±13.05 years, with an age range of 20 to 68 years. Of all the patients, 14(23.3%) were male, and 46(76.7%) were females. Seven patients in Group-A developed post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia clinically, whereas, in Group-B, only one developed this condition. Clinical post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia developed more often in the younger age group and these results were statistically significant (p= 0.023). Conclusion: Clinically overt hypocalcaemia develops more often in younger patients after total thyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The receptor activator NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegrin (OPG) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the risk of breast cancer to bone metastasis. This study was designed to investigate the association of RANKL and OPG gene polymorphisms with breast to bone metastasis in Pashtun population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and methods: A total of 215 participants were enrolled containing 106 breast cancer patients, 58 breast to bone metastasis and 51 age and gender matched healthy controls. RANKL (rs9533156) and OPG (rs2073618, rs3102735) polymorphisms were genotyped in genomic DNA, using Tetra-ARMS PCR protocol. The results were analyzed among the three groups and P-value less then 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Our results displayed significant association of OPG (rs3102735) risk allele and corresponding genotypes in breast cancer vs healthy controls, bone metastasis vs healthy controls and breast cancer vs breast to bone metastasis as a disease risk. However, there was no association observed for OPG (rs2073618) risk allele and corresponding genotypes with the diseases risk. Similarly, RANKL (rs9533156) risk allele and corresponding genotypes in breast cancer vs healthy controls, bone metastasis vs healthy controls and breast cancer vs breast to bone metastasis exhibited significant association except for the risk allele carrying genotypes in breast to bone metastasis. Conclusion: OPG (rs3102735) and RANKL (rs9533156) exhibited significant association with breast to bone metastasis while OPG (rs2073618) didn't show significant association with breast to bone metastasis in Pashtun population of Pakistan. However, this study unlocks more questions to investigate the exact scenario of genetic predisposition of breast to bone metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exchange rates are crucial in regulating the foreign exchange market's dynamics. Because of the unpredictability and volatility of currency rates, the exchange rate prediction has become one of the most challenging applications of financial time series forecasting. This study aims to build and compare the accuracy of various methods. The time series model Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Generalized Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) are utilized to forecast the daily US dollar to Pakistan rupee currency exchange rates (USD/PKR). Lagged observations of the data series and moving average technical analysis are used in both models. Explanatory factors were used as indicators, and the prediction performance was assessed using a variety of commonly known statistical metrics. These statistical metrics suggested the presence of conditional heteroscedasticity. Thus, the process turns to capture the volatility effect of conditional heteroscedasticity through GARCH modeling. It may be inferred based on the results of tentative models; that the ARCH model outperforms the GARCH model in terms of predicting the USD/PKR exchange rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delivery of financial services was revolutionized by digitization, which compelled financial institutions to adopt technology that enables them to provide the best appropriate service at a reasonable price. However, due to recent disruption in the country's financial system, financial institutions must incorporate modern technologies to help lower ineffectiveness and improve service quality. This study investigates the impact of digital economy on financial sector competence. According to literature studies, financial organizations in Pakistan are attempting to adopt and integrate digitization into their operations. Given that a generous portion of Pakistan's population is considered digitally illiterate, the number of people who signed up for and used digital financial products was staggering. Therefore, financial institutions must incorporate their business functions with pertinent technology to maintain and improve profitability. Furthermore, they must invest in digital infrastructure and human resource training to incorporate technology in providing services. Policymakers should also strengthen data security and cybercrime laws, policies, and regulations to allow market participants for free and confident operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey was conducted in rice-wheat cropping system of Gujranwala zone, Pakistan during Kharif season 2020 to estimate the economic viability and profitability analysis of mechanically transplanted rice (MTR) in comparison to conventional manual transplanting (CT). Convenience and snow-ball non probability sampling method was used due to less adoption rate of MTR with a sample size of 240. Among targeted MTR growers 72% had 6-row riding type mechanical transplanters (MT), 18% had 4-row walk after type MT and 10% had 8-row riding type MT. Super Basmati and PK 386 were found more adopted varieties with 47% and 38% share of rice area. An 11-13% improved yield and 16-20% more net returns estimated with MTR by acquiring required plant population in the field despite of paying 6.17% more operational cost for sowing and transplanting nursery. For service users of MT on rental basis the 292-303 values (variety wise) of marginal rate of returns (MRR%) was calculated. The project appraisal method of financial analysis illustrated the viability of MTR from the owner user or service provider's point of view as calculated by the indicators like benefit cost ratio, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period (yr) and breakeven point (ha yr-1). Hence, the adaptation of MTR would give farmers the opportunity to increase the productivity of rice crop and their farm income by coping the issues like labor scarcity, less plant population, delay in transplanting with more aged nursery, improper fixation of nursery plants in the soil etc. The study results projected mechanically transplanting area (ha) for riding type MT as well as for walk after type MT respectively as 64.78 and 28 annually. Accordingly, there would be 36.15 (000 ha) mechanically transplanted area (5.41%) of province Punjab, Pakistan annually after completion of the Govt. prevailing project on rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the frequently encountered cyanotic heart diseases. We describe how we handled anesthesia for a pregnant woman with uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot during a cesarean section. Less than 10% of patients with Congenital Heart Disease survive for more than 10 years. Among the survivors, very few of them reach adulthood in countries like Pakistan with no previous surgical interventions. The occurrence of such case is quite rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated noise level is an emerging global problem. Therefore, the present work is conducted that can improve, increase, and integrate the already known issue in literature with new information coming from an emerging country such as Pakistan. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the urban noise levels and traffic density of Chiniot and Jhang and (ii) to determine nonauditory health effects of noise levels on the residents of both cities. Noise levels were examined from 181 locations (103 from Jhang and 78 from Chiniot) and categorized into hospitals, educational, religious and recreational, residential, industrial areas, and traffic intersections. A-weighted noise level measurements were taken using an integrated sound level meter which recorded short-term road traffic noise continuously for 15 min at each location (LAeq15). The urban noise data showed 82% of the sites in Jhang (LAmax = 103 dB) and 95% in Chiniot (LAmax = 120 dB) exceeded the noise limits set by the National Environment Quality Standard of Pakistan (NEQS-Pak) and World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, higher intensity of noise levels (LAeq15 ≥ 100 dB) was recorded in Chiniot (17 sites) than in Jhang (1 site). Regression analysis showed a relatively strong relationship of traffic density with noise at Chiniot (R2 = 0.48) compared to Jhang (R2 = 0.31). However, spatial variability of noise with traffic density was observed in both cities. Survey study revealed that all the respondents in Jhang and Chiniot suffered from many noise-related health problems such as annoyance (53 and 51%), depression (45 and 47%), dizziness (61 and 65%), headache (67 and 64%), hypertension (71 and 56%), hearing loss (53 and 56%), physiological stress (65 and 65%), sleeplessness (81 and 84%), and tinnitus (70 and 62%) due to noise, respectively. We conclude that noise levels are higher in Chiniot primarily due to high road traffic and secondarily due to high population density. It is recommended that vehicle maintenance and family and urban planning could be effective measures to reduce urban noise levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-nine accessions were collected from arid and semi-arid areas of Pakistan to explore adaptive components in red-grained wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Single-line selections of these accessions were grown on an arid and a control site; that is, Uchkera Farm (UF) and Botanical Garden (BG), Faisalabad. The accessions grown at BG exhibited significantly better biomass and grain yield production than those grown at UF. Accession Ck5 from Chakwal produced the maximum grain yield (17.7 g plant−1) at BG and Jm3 (8.1 g plant−1) at UF. Among the eight accessions selected for further anatomical studies, Dg2 showed increased yield per plant at UF, which was related to root modifications like increased cortical region thickness, endodermal cell area, vascular region thickness, metaxylem area, and root hair length. Stem modifications included increased vascular bundle area, phloem area and stomatal density, while leaves showed increased cuticle thickness, bulliform cell thickness, trichome density, and length. Increased stomatal density and area were also found. Accession Jm3 showed a decrease in yield at UF. Root modifications in Jm3 included increased epidermal cell area, sclerenchymatous thickness, endodermal cell area, and root hair length. Stem modifications in this accession included increased stem cellular region thickness and sclerenchymatous cell area. Leaves had increased abaxial epidermal cell area, trichome number and length, and abaxial stomatal density. In conclusion, morpho-anatomical characteristics varied greatly in the red-grained wheat accessions at both experimental sites that have potential for incorporation into breeding efforts for drought tolerance in modern wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the impact of global financial crisis (GFC) on Pakistan's economy mainly transmitted through Gulf Financial Crisis (GCC). In this regard, we assess the effects of both the global and Gulf financial crises on remittances, workers' emigration, return migration, national savings and foreign investment. Applying Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) before (2000–07) and after GFC (2008–18), we demonstrate that Pakistan witnessed remarkably low FDI inflows and labour force emigration along with higher return migration rates after the crises. Investment from the UAE and other Gulf countries declined eightfold immediate after the global financial crisis, contributing considerably to the decline of the country's GDP growth during 2008–10. There was significant curtailment in emigration volumes and spurts in return migration after 2012, because of the Gulf oil price crisis. The positive trend in remittances until 2015 seems to be influenced by post‐9/11 anti‐money laundering legislation and depreciation of the rupee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of cyber technology, the biggest evolution has been observed in the use of Internet for financial purposes, in particular for the Internet banking sector. However, with the increase in the number of Internet banking users, many security issues have been discovered. In the recent past, there have been many successful cyber-attacks on the Internet banking services (IBS) throughout the world. There exists a huge amount of various data about the security of the banking systems, however, proper analysis of such data using various learning techniques is needed for security assessment. In this research work, we aim to assess the security of IBS by developing a framework based on deep analysis of big data (available in various formats) and the existing security requirements of the country. We propose a framework consisting of 93 data categories to assess the security of the IBS. We evaluate our proposed approach on a case study consisting of the banks providing IBS in Pakistan. A total of 21 Pakistani banks providing Internet banking services are analyzed thoroughly using our proposed framework. The result uncovered many deficiencies in the Internet banking services of the analyzed banks. All these deficiencies are conveyed to the respective banks for verification and helping them to take corrective measures. In addition, a comprehensive set of security recommendations is developed for the banks, their customers and the regularity authority for improving Internet banking security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a global public health and environmental problem because of its non-degradable and toxic nature. This study was carried out to assess the As contamination and potential health risk through water intake in rural and urban areas. Water samples were collected from urban and rural areas of Kahror Pacca, Punjab, Pakistan, and then, analyzed for As concentration. The concentrations of As in water samples were 1.62 − 35.28 and 3.23 − 45.62 μg/L for the rural and urban areas, respectively. The spatial distribution of As-rich shallow groundwater specifies their direct contamination through anthropogenic influence and agricultural practices. The chronic risk exposure was evaluated based on the determined As through hazard quotient, average daily dose, and cancer risk. Results disclosed that hazard quotient values were > 1 in studied drinking water samples. The cancer risk due to As consumption surpassed the threshold limits defined by the United States environmental protection agency (1.0E-04 to 1.0E06). Statistical analyses, including principal component analyses and Pearson correlation, suggested that As contamination in drinking water was imputed to both geogenic and anthropogenic reasons. It is revealed that intake of As contaminated water might result in various cancer problems to the community in the future. Arsenic concentration surpassed WHO drinking water guidelines Arsenic has hazard quotient values > 1 through electric pump water consumption Statistical analysis revealed geogenic and anthropogenic activities contributed to water contamination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is a key component for living beings to sustain life and for socio-economic development. Anthropogenic activities contribute significantly to ground/surface water contamination particularly with trace elements. The present study was designed to evaluate distribution and health risk assessment of trace elements in ground/surface water of the previously unexplored area, Tehsil Kot Addu, Southern-Punjab, Pakistan. Ground/surface water samples (n = 120) were collected from rural and urban areas of Kot Addu. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics: total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and EC (electrical conductivity), cations, anions, and trace elements particularly arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). All of the water characteristics were evaluated based on the water quality standards set by World Health Organization (WHO). Results revealed the suitability of water for drinking purpose with respect to physicochemical attributes. However, the alarming levels of trace elements especially As, Cd, and Pb make it unfit for drinking purpose. Noticeably, 23, 96, and 98% of water samples showed As, Cd, and Pb concentrations higher than the permissible limits. Overall, the estimated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk to the exposed community was higher than the safety level of USEPA, suggesting the probability of cancer and other diseases through long-term exposure via ingestion routes. Therefore, this study demonstrated an urgent need for water filtration/purification techniques, and some quality control measures are warranted to protect the health of the exposed community in Tehsil Kot Addu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Substrates inoculated with bacterial and fungal strains had highest germination percentage and earliest mean germination. • Trichoderma spp. (108 CFU mL−1) inoculated substrate produced uniform healthy marigold seedlings. • Enterobacter MN-17 (107 CFU mL−1) inoculated substrate resulted in uniform seed germination of zinnia. • Physico-chemical attributes of PGPR inoculated substrates were within recommended levels. Nursery raising of ornamental flowering annuals using soilless substrates is becoming a lucrative industry worldwide. Pakistan, being an agricultural country, still doesn't have its own cheaper and sustainable soilless substrates for high quality nursery production. Therefore, a study was conducted at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan and Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA, for development and evaluation of a cheaper, sustainable, and easily available soilless substrate using agricultural by-products along with its value addition by inoculating it with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. For this purpose, coco-coir, rice hulls ash and composted sugarcane pressmud were combined in ratio of 1:1:1; v/v/v and were inoculated with Bacillus (MN-54), Enterobacter (MN-17) and Trichoderma species in 108 CFU mL−1 and 107 CFU mL−1 solutions. These inoculated treatments along with uninoculated treatment, a negative control (sand: silt; 1:1, v/v) were evaluated for their physico-chemical and nursery raising aspects for 'Inca' marigold and 'Giant Dahlia Flowered' zinnia. The study revealed that Enterobacter MN-17 (107 CFU mL−1) inoculated substrate had highest water holding capacity (72.9 %), total porosity (81.04 %) and organic matter contents (92.9 %). Whereas, Trichoderma spp. (108 CFU mL−1) inoculated substrate had better electrical conductivity (1.59 dS m−1) and pH (5.64) and resulted in highest final germination percentage (93.6 %), with greatest seedling vigor index (2195), seedling shoot length (10.2 cm), root length (12.5 cm) and leaf total chlorophyll contents (57.4 SPAD) in marigold. However, in zinnia, Enterobacter MN-17 (107 CFU mL−1) inoculated substrate resulted in highest germination percentage (98.3 %), greatest seedling vigor index (3302), seedling root length (15.8 cm) and leaf total chlorophyll contents (55.8 SPAD), whereas same strain with 108 CFU mL−1 took shortest time for mean germination (3.8 days). In conclusion, substrate enriched with Enterobacter MN-17 (107 CFU mL−1) or Trichoderma spp. (108 CFU mL−1) may be used to produce high quality ornamental flowering annuals nursery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agile software methodology describes an approach for the development of software under which solutions of requirements evolve through the collaborative effort of cross-functional teams. This research study analyzed the impact of agile methodology usage on project uncertainty along with user participation acting as a mediator and managerial support acting as a moderator. . The said relationships were investigated under the support of agile governance theory. Data was collected from middle-tier officers of renowned IT companies in Pakistan through adapted questionnaires.The data was analyzed through AMOS-SEM statistical techniques. Results show that agile methodology usage significantly decreased impacts of uncertainty in projects but User Participation doesn't act as a mediator in the relationship. Moreover, managerial support is established as a moderator in the hypothesized relationship. Thus, implications are discussed and implications are provided for the targeted sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CPEC is a mega investment project, termed as a key to rapid economic growth of Pakistan. It is an economic corridor providing connectivity to China, building around which Pakistan is believed to harness economic dividends as time passes. The project has great strategic significance and it contains enormous economic prospects, thus is vital for both the countries. Though, CPEC is not completed yet, it has already started contributing to Pakistan's economy as investment in energy projects has increased electricity supplies. CPEC has attracting private sector investment in to Pakistan, which as per official estimates, is expected to boost economic growth rate to 5.5 percent in the near future. While CPEC is a game changer for the development, government needs to pay attention to develop human capital (health, education, trainings and skills) and infrastructure (western route) in order to develop lagging regions and to improve the living standard of people living there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic characteristics as well as the farm size of wheat productivity in district Peshawar. Wheat is the main staple food item of the country's population and the largest grain crop as well. Pakistan has been regularly importing wheat, except for the few years. This study is based on primary data collected in 2019 from district Peshawar.A sample of 200 (160 large and 40 small) wheat growers weretaken from twelve selected villages of Peshawar. An unpaired t-test was used to test the differences in the socioeconomic factors and farm sizes on the wheat production. Chow test were used for structural differences and dummy variable were introduced in the production function to test any significant productivity differentials (if any) between two farm groups. A significant difference was found awing to the socioeconomic factors of two farm groups. Moreover, the Chow F-Ratio confirmed the differences between small and large farms in terms of yield. The statistical value of dummy variable posted higher productivity for the large farms (almost 14%). Hence, results call for higher attention to be diverted to small farms as majority of land owners in Peshawar. The farmer's have small holdings and lack of adequate access to inputs, agriculture credit and extension services left them technically inefficient. In addition, it is suggested that government and private sector should initiate programs to educate and train the farmers in order to bring advance techniques or improve theirconventional agriculture practices to increase wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the existence and coincidence of pre‐ and‐post stock price multiple bubbles in Chines and Pakistani capital markets under China Pakistan Economic Corridor regime using generalized supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) test with weekly closing prices for the period 2013–2018 for different market indices of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Empirical results depict that multiple stock bubbles exist in PSX at the end of 2016 and as well as in Chinese stock markets in the mid of 2014–2015 and these stock price bubbles are correlated between Pakistan and China. The present study is expected to be pioneer in its nature to apply GSADF for the identification of multiple stock bubbles in emerging stock markets of Pakistan and China which can be further used for comparison of stock bubbles in other regional markets such as BRICS or SAARC regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey-based study was conducted to analyze the current scenario of substrate usage in local ornamental plants nurseries of Punjab, Pakistan, during 2017, using stratified random sampling technique. Ornamental nurseries of Faisalabad, Lahore, Islamabad, Kasur and Multan were surveyed on a detailed questionnaire, which consisted of comprehensive personal and business information of nurserymen, substrate usage for ornamental plant production and major issues of nursery production business in Punjab, Pakistan. Collected data were coded, decoded and arranged statistically in tabular form, and were analyzed through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) IBM (International Business Machines) version 19. Results demonstrated that majority of local nurserymen were using soil or silt for raising ornamentals. Moreover, major obstacle in nursery production was the unawareness of the nurserymen regarding modern nursery raising techniques and majority (56%) even had no idea about use or significance of soilless substrates. However, a large number (62%) of nurserymen were interested to produce export quality plants, using cheaper local soilless substrates, if available at affordable prices. Only a few nurserymen, who were using modern imported substrates, demanded the tax exemption facility (35%) and reduction of import export barriers (21%), training of labor about modern substrates and nursery raising techniques (21%) and awareness about modern technologies (16%). Ignorance about modern soilless substrates (53%) and high costs of imported soilless substrates (25%) were reported to be the major issues in limited use of soilless substrates. Nurserymen also complained that they were using personal resources only to cope with their nursery issues and no support was available from public or private sector. Nurserymen were purchasing the traditional substrates, viz. silt from other nurserymen (48%), and get some guidance from university experts, floriculture websites or through floriculture department extension agents. Use of garden soil or silt traditionally and unawareness of the modern soilless substrates were reported as major reasons of low quality nursery production and nurserymen were looking for affordable locally developed soilless substrates for better quality ornamental nursery production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of electronic communication has been significantly increased over the last few decades. Email is one of the most well-known means of electronic communication. Traditional email applications are widely used by a large population; however, illiterate and semi-illiterate people face challenges in using them. A major population of Pakistan is illiterate that has little or no practice of computer usage. In this paper, we investigate the challenges of using email applications by illiterate and semiilliterate people. In addition, we also propose a solution by developing an application tailored to the needs of illiterate/semi-illiterate people. Research shows that illiterate people are good at learning the designs that convey information with pictures instead of text-only, and focus more on one object/action at a time. Our proposed solution is based on designing user interfaces that consist of icons and vocal/audio instructions instead of text. Further, we use background voice/audio which is more helpful than flooding a picture with a lot of information. We tested our application using a large number of users with various skill levels (from no computer knowledge to experts). Our results of the usability tests indicate that the application can be used by illiterate people without any training or third-party's help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faisalabad is one of the major industrial cities of Pakistan, which may cause noise pollution to the local residents due to the development of robust industrial and transport systems. This study aimed at (i) mapping the noise pollution levels at various locations of Faisalabad city; (ii) comparing noise pollution levels in the morning, the afternoon, and the evening for each source; and (iii) assessing nonauditory effects of noise on human health. Two industries and 43 famous/busy locations of Faisalabad Sadar were selected to study noise pollution by using the sound level meter for the period of 24 h. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to get a public perception about the health impacts of noise pollution. The measured equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLeq) were higher than the permissible limits at all the sampling locations during morning, afternoon, and evening hours. The maximum sound pressure level (SPLmax) was 102 dB inside the production unit in the afternoon at Mian Muhammad Siddiq Textile Loom industry. The average SPL was found at State Bank road (102 dB), Children's Hospital (101 dB), Jhang Bazar (100 dB) in the afternoon and at Punjab Medical College in the evening (97 dB). Based on the survey, 94% of respondents reported headache, 76% sleeplessness, 74% hypertension, 74% physiological stress, 64% elevated blood pressure levels, and 60% dizziness due to noise. Noise pollution is higher than the standard limits and causes auditory as well as nonauditory effects on humans. The vehicles and industrial machinery should be maintained, and sound proofing and protection equipment should be provided to the workforce in order to protect them from extreme noise levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discusses the impact of fiscal decentralisation on economic growth to have an indepth analysis of different policies that are in practice for decentralisation. This study makes it obvious that mere decentralisation is not enough; the equally important matter is how to decentralise? In this context, the empirical evidence suggests that fiscal decentralisation can impact economic growth in the long-run only when provinces are allowed and incentivised for higher own source revenue generation. On the other hand, higher federal transfer (another important source of fiscal decentralisation) only had short-run implications for the economic growth in the case of Pakistan. This finding should attract policymakers' attention while assessing the NFC awards in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined association between perceived parent adolescent conflict and social competence and whether gender of the adolescents moderated impact of parent-adolescent conflicts on their social competence. The sample of 120 college students (60 boys and 60 girls) who were living with both biological parents was recruited from the public colleges of Lahore. The Conflict Behavior Questionnaire and Social Competence Scale for Adolescents were administered to the participants. Results revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the mean scores of adolescent boys and girls on their perceived adolescent conflict with father (t = 9.41, p <.001) and with mother (t = 2.66, p <.012) however boys' conflict with their parents was stronger than that of girls. Interestingly, both boys and girls perceived their relationship with the parent of the opposite sex as more conflicting. Parent-adolescent conflicts negatively predicted social competence and gender moderated the relationship between motheradolescent conflict and social competence of adolescents after statistically controlling for demographic variables i.e., age of adolescents, class and family system, unlike the case of father-adolescents conflict. Furthermore, adolescent girls scored significantly higher on social competence than boys (t =2.45, p < .016). The findings have been discussed in regard to gender roles in the cultural environment/settings of Pakistan where a huge gender disparity exists between the sexes. As a developing country, changing family life-style due to urbanization and spread of education in Pakistan appears to bode well in negotiating gender discrepancies and viewpoints for adaptive parent-adolescent relationship. It can, in turn, boost social competence as well, among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Citrus reticulata was under environmental stresses. • Micronutrients and melatonin present in high concentration in ecotypes under stress. • Antioxidants were checked. • Effects of antioxidants were checked on photosynthetic pigments. • Melatonin and other antioxidants were alleviated in stress environment. A major commercial fruit in Pakistan, citrus plays an important role in the economy of the country. The current study examined antioxidant responses in citrus plants exposed to various abiotic stresses like industrial pollution, dust pollution, water logging, drought, and salinity, varying in soil properties and agro-climatic conditions, citrus species and cultivars are most susceptible to abiotic stresses in most citrus-producing countries. The effects of abiotic stresses on citrus plants and fruit physiology were studied in six different sites like Thal desert and pollution stressed areas of Faisalabad. A study of the physiological characteristics of various plants has revealed that citrus plants contain more chlorophyll as the concentration of melatonin increases. Integrative elemental and metabolic techniques have been used to study the potential role of melatonin in citrus defense against abiotic stress and to understand the interactions between melatonin and stress-related phytohormones at the elemental and metabolic levels. Citrus plants sensed abiotic stresses based on morphological observations and physiological analysis. Morphological analysis shows that the abiotic stresses adversely affected the leaves, stems and roots. Physiological analysis shows that antioxidant and micronutrients concentrations (boron (B), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl)) were also adversely effected in citrus plants. Iron concentration was also found higher in healthy plants with a slight difference. Results show that the activity of antioxidants was increased in stressed plants but the activity of melatonin was slightly changed in healthy plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric cataracts cause significant visual disability worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of pediatric cataracts by sex, age groups, laterality, type and presentation in population of D.I.Khan District, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out at Department of Ophthalmology, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from January 2015 to December 2015. Sample was collected from Eye unit, DHQ Teaching Hospital, D.I.Khan. Pediatric cataract patients under 14 years of age were included in the study. Demographic variables were sex and age groups. Research variables were laterality, type and presentation. All variables being nominal were analyzed through frequency and percentages. The observed and expected distribution of pediatric cataract by sex, age groups, laterality, type and presentation were respectively tested by chi-square goodness of fit test. Results: Out of a sample of 47 patients, 29 (61.7%) were boys and 18 (38.3%) girls, 22 (46.81%) were <5 years and 25 (53.19%) 5-14 years of age. Thirty three (70.21%) had unilateral and 14 (29.79%) bilateral cataracts. Type was congenital/developmental in 27 (57.45%) patients and traumatic in 20 (42.55%). Presentation was by defective vision in 23 (48.94%), leukocoria 14 (29.79%), strabismus 7 (14.89%) and screening in 3 (6.38%) cases. The observed distribution of pediatric cataract by sex (p=.0158), age groups (p=.00002), laterally (p=<.00001) and type (p=.00001) was similar to expected, while for presentation, it was different than expected (p=.1033). Conclusion: The prevalence of pediatric cataract was higher for boys than girls and higher for older children (5-14 years) than younger (<5 years) children. Unilateral were more common than bilateral cataracts and the congenital/developmental were more common than traumatic cataracts. Defective vision was the most common presentation of pediatric cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global Health Estimates 2015 has shown IHD as second leading global cause of death and 3rd leading global cause for DALYs for 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine frequency, distribution and determinants of DM in adult acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Departments of Ophthalmology & Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017. 331 cases were selected with margin of error 4.511%, 90%CL and 25% prevalence of DM in 73,438 adults assumed to have IHD. All indoor adult patients of ACS were eligible. Sex, age groups, and residence and presence of DM were variables. Frequency and distribution were analyzed by count and percentage. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chisquare goodness-of-fit and of association by chi-square test of association. Results: Out of 331 patients with ACS, 225 (68.0%) were men and 106 (32.0%) women, 221 (66.8%) =60 years and 110 (33.2%) >60 years, and 210 (63.4%) urban and 121 (35.6%) rural. Frequency of DM was 79/331 (23.87%). Out of 79 patients with DM, men were 44 (13.29%), women 35 (10.57%), age group =60 years 57 (17.22%), >60 years 22 (6.65%), urban 53 (16.01%) and rural 60 (7.85%). Our prevalence of DM was lower than expected (p=.00214), our distribution by sex was similar to expected (p=.4993) while our distribution for age groups (p=.01209) and residence (p=.00005) were not similar to expected. Presence of DM was associated to sex (p=.011) but not to age groups (p=.0304) and residence (p=.5241). Conclusion: Prevalence of DM in adult ACS population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan was found lower than expected. The prevalence was more in men than women, more in younger age group (=60 years) than older age group (>60 years) and more in urban than rural population. Our prevalence of DM was lower than expected, our distribution by sex was similar to expected while our distribution for age groups and residence were not similar to expected. The presence of DM was associated to sex but not to age groups and residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at to investigate the existence of multiple bubbles and specific corresponding events in Pakistan Stock Exchange across different industrial sectors using Generalized Sup Augmented Dickey Fuller (GSADF) test of right-tailed ADF as proposed by Philips et al. (Int Econ Rev 56:1043–1078, 2015a, Int Econ Rev 56:1079–1134, 2015b) by using monthly data for the period of 2007–2016. Findings of study confirm the existence of multiple bubbles in KSE-100 Index along with different industrial sectors. Empirical results depict that Investments, Chemicals and Textile Spinning were the only few sectors where no stock price bubbles were identified. The present study is expected to be pioneer in its nature to apply GSADF for the identification of multiple stock bubbles in emerging stock market of Pakistan which can be further used for comparison of stock bubbles in other regional markets such as BRICS or SAARC regions in order to find out the similarities and dissimilarities in the events causing stock market bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global Health Estimates 2015 has shown the stroke as second leading global cause of death and 3rd leading global cause for DALYs for year 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency, distribution and determinants of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017. A sample 217 was selected with margin of error 5.59%, 90%CL and 50% prevalence of hypertension in 200,000 adults at risk of stroke population through consecutive sampling. All indoor adult patients of stroke were eligible. Sex, age groups, and residence and presence of hypertension were variables. Frequency and distribution of hypertension were analyzed by count and percentage. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit and of association by chi-square test of association. Results: Out of 217 patients with stroke, 123 (56.7%) were men and 94 (43.3%) were women, 86 (39.6%) were=60 years and 131 (60.4%) were>60 years, and 105 (48.4%) were urban and 112 (51.6%) were rural. Frequency of hypertension was 132/217 (60.83%). Out of 132 patients with hypertension, men were 74 (34.10%), women 58 (26.73%), age group=60 years 46 (21.20%), >60 years 86 (39.63%), urban 72 (33.18%) and rural 60 (27.65%). Presence of hypertension was associated to residence (p=.023) but not to sex (p=.817) and age groups (p=.072). Conclusion: Frequency of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan was found to be similar as expected. Frequency was more in men, in older age group (of>60years) and in urban population. The presence of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division was associated to residence but not to sex and age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thyroid disorders are a commonly encountered problem in hilly areas of Pakistan. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency and distribution of thyroid disorders among patients presenting with suggestive signs & symptoms of thyroid disorders in Hazara Division, Pakistan. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics & Neonatology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan from January, 2017 to January, 2018. Exclusion criteria was patients taking medicines such as Lithium and Cordarone. Sample size was 55 selected using consecutive sampling technique. Reference values were taken as follows; serum TSH=0.4-4.0 µIU/L, serum T3=100-200 ng/dL), serum T4=5-13.5 µgm/dL. Demographic variables were sex and age. Research variables were thyroid status (euthyroid/hyperthyroid/hypothyroid) and levels of thyroid function tests (TFT). Categorical variables such as sex and thyroid status were calculated by frequency and percentages whereas numeric variables such as age and TFT by Mean and SD. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS Version 20. Results: Out of the total 55 patients, 11 patients were males and 44 patients were females. The minimum age was 20 years, maximum age was 90 years. Mean age was 43.24 years±15.118. Out of the total 55 patients, 14 (25.5%) were euthyroid, 30 patients (54.5%) were hyperthyroid and 11 (20%) patients were hypothyroid. Out of the 14 patients that were euthyroid, seven were males and seven were females. Out of the 30 hyperthyroid patients 26 were females and only 4 were males. All 11 hypothyroid were females. Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism is more common thyroid disorder in Hazara Division specially in adult females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pakistan is one of the countries where practice of forensic odontology and its record keeping is poor due to which we face difficulty in identification of individuals in disasters and other medicolegal problems. The objectives of this study were to know the status of forensic odontology and to determine the dental status of adult patients attending dental outpatient department of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Methods: A cross-sectional Study was carried out from 1st September to 30th September 2018 in the Department of Dentistry, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. A questionnaire was designed including preliminary record, standard dental chart, notation chart and other variables. A sample of 96 patients having all permanent teeth were included and examined. Non-probability convenience sampling was used. Data was collected and analyzed on SPSS. Results: The sample consisted of 59.4% males and 40.6% females. Mean number of present teeth with sound status was 24±5. Faulty development was found in 14.6% of the patients. Faulty alignment, black/brown stains and attrition were observed in 38.5%, 86.5% and 25% of the patients respectively. No statistically significant association was found (p >0.05) between gender and faulty development, faulty alignment, staining or attrition. Forensic odontological practice and its record are not maintained in the hospital. Conclusions: High proportion the patients have black/brown stains. Faulty alignment is more as compared to faulty development. In our study we observed that no odonatological record is maintained in our hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is posing stresses on water resources, food security, population, environment and economy of the southern Punjab. Integrated climate change risk assessment is carried out using assessed likelihood approach for defined mean, hot & dry, central, warm & wet climate models over selected time slices and adaptation plans. Climate models are based on the 5 th , 50 th & 95 th percentiles of PRECIS RCM projections of temperature & precipitation under IPCC A2 & A1B scenarios. Four time slices 2015, 2035, 2065 and 2085 are selected to assess the temporal climate change risk and to evaluate the performance of selected adaptations to reduce climate threats over considered assets. Results are presented in terms of risk indices and risk reduction units (RRUs). In first half of the 21 st century, climate change risk will continue to increase from current level and is high (>10) in most of the selected time slices. Maximum ensembles of climate models, time slices and adaptation plans observe moderate (37–40 RRUs) and high (40–55 RRUs) risk class. Cumulative risk has been calculated through integration of sectoral sensitivity e.g. population density, land use, food security and multidimensional poverty to climate change risk class using AHP and overlaying in GIS environment. About 90% and 83% area of southern Punjab is falling in high cumulative risk. About 13% area, comprising Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur district is under very high cumulative risk. Water induced adaptations like development of water resources, dam & flood control protection, temporary flood barriers and water resource acquisition are the preferred and suitable adaptations as these observed >100 RRUs for most of the ensembles. Assessing baseline vulnerability and sectoral sensitivity to climate stimuli are the hot spots requiring priority attention and firm decision making by disaster management authorities and communities residing in southern Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyspnea is a common symptom in patients presenting to emergency departments worldwide. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of spirometry findings in subjects presenting with dyspnea in Bannu, KP, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Bannu Medical College, Bannu, KP, Pakistan from 1st December 2015 to 31st march 2018. Sample size was 4300 selected through convenient sampling technique. All patients with acute and chronic dyspnea were included. Any patient unable to perform spirometry, recently diagnosed smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), recent myocardial infarction and any infectious disease patient were excluded. A self-administered proforma was used for data collection. The demographic variables were sex and age groups. The research variables were type of lung pathology, severity of obstructive lung pathology, severity of restrictive lung pathology, causes of obstructive lung pathology and causes of restrictive lung pathology. All variables being categorical were analyzed through count and percentages using SPSS version17. Results: Out of 4300 subjects, (55.72%) were males and (44.28%) were females. Two thousands four hundred and forty five (52.32%) had obstructive, (22.49%) restrictive, (12.9%) with mixed pattern and (4.3%) had normal spirometry. In obstructive patients bronchial asthma were (35.13%), COPD 741(30.3%) asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) (9.48%), acute bronchitis (05.64%), bronchiectasis 173(7.07%) and unclear diagnosis (04.17%). In restrictive patients post pulmonary tuberculous fibrosis (PTB) were (33.77%), cardiovascular disorders (28.35%), interstitial lung diseases (17.79%), chest wall disorders (6.47%) and unclear diagnosis in 143(13.6%). Conclusion: Ninety five percent of individuals were having an abnormal spirometeric pattern. mostly old males were having bronchial asthma & COPD as obstructive and PTB & CVDs as restrictive lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few decades, contamination of urban children's parks (UCPs) with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has been attracting more and more interest; however, assessment of eco-environmental and child exposure risks particularly in developing countries remains limited. The current study investigated PTE (Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) concentrations, potential sources, and their health risk assessment in UCP soils of 12 major cities in Pakistan. The results showed that the mean concentration of Ni exceeded the SEPA-permissible limit in all UCP sites, while other PTEs were found to be within acceptable limits. The soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and soil particles size were determined in UCPs soils. The contamination factor and pollution load index results indicated low to moderate pollution levels (CF < 3) and (PLI<1) for all PTEs except Ni in some of the selected cities. Quantile–quantile (Q-Q) plotting determined the normal distribution line for all PTEs in the UCPs. Principal component analysis showed the mixed sources of contamination from industrial emissions, fossil fuel combustion, vehicular emissions, wastewater irrigation, as well as solid waste disposal and natural sources of soil parent materials in all park sites. ANOVA results showed that all the PTEs except Cd had moderate to higher contamination values than the reference site. The risk assessment study revealed that children had high exposure to the selected PTEs via all exposure pathways. The hazard index (HI) mean value (1.82E+00) of Ni for all exposure pathways was greater than 1, while total risk value of Cr (1.00E-03) had exceeded USEPA limit, indicating cancer risk. Consequently, the study of UCPs soils revealed PTEs contamination that could pose a potential health risk to the local population in the studied UCPs regions of Pakistan. Thus, the present study recommends that the influx of PTEs originating from natural and anthropogenic sources should be mitigated and government should implement strict enforcement of environmental regulations and proper management, as well as air quality monitoring guidelines for public health should be strictly adopted to reduce traffic- and industrial emission-related to PTEs in metropolitan areas. [Display omitted] • Nickel had the highest prevalent contamination in UCPs soils among PTEs. • Vehicular and industrial emissions are the main driving factors influencing PTEs. • Children were relatively more susceptible than the adults to PTEs exposure in all. • UCPs soils. • Monitoring strategies should be implemented to mitigate PTEs pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the review is to document, assess and analyze the results of the previously reported data on levels of different pesticides in selected fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. The findings of the previous studies clearly indicated that more than 50 % of the samples were contaminated with organophosphate, pyrethroids and organochlorine pesticides. Many studies reported that among fresh fruits and vegetables tomato, apple, melon, mango, grapes, and plum crossed the FAO/WHO permissible limits for these contaminants residual levels. The comparison of other regions showed that observed levels were found above maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 50 % of the samples but were in agreement with the studies from neighboring countries like China and Bangladesh. Higher hazard risk index (HRI) values were calculated for dieldrin, methamidophos, o, p′-DDT, diazinon and p, p′-DDT in apple, mango, banana, melon, potato and onion. The review also highlights that data on pesticide residues in foodstuff is scarce which should be overcome by further extending studies from different areas of Pakistan. In order to ascertain the provision of food suitable for human consumption, it is imperative to monitor pesticides in food commodities by the country's authorities and enforce guidelines based on permissible limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.), a popular and economically profitable bulbous cut flower, has high demand in both Pakistan domestic and international markets on account of its attractive spikes, florets of huge forms, dazzling colors, varying sizes, and long vase life. However, its quality production is badly affected by non-uniform sprouting, poor crop stand, and old cultivars. To overcome these problems, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of humic acid (HA) applied along with NPK (17:17:17) and five exotic cultivars of gladiolus, 'Eminence', 'Cantate', 'Essential', 'Corveira' and 'Fado', on uniform crop stand, growth, flowering, and quality of cut gladiolus. Among HA treatments, three applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting, 3-leaf, and 6-leaf stages of plant development, followed by two applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting and 3-leaf stage, proved best for early and uniform sprouting, more foliage growth per plant, greater leaf area, and total leaf chlorophyll contents, earlier spike emergence, greater number of florets per spike, longer stems and spikes, and greater diameter of a spike, higher flower quality, longer vase life, higher number of cormels per clump, and greater cormel diameter and weight. Plants grown without HA and NPK application (control) or application of NPK alone, applied at planting, had poor growth, reduced yield, and inferior quality. Among cultivars, 'Fado' performed best for commercial cultivation, considering the applications of HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (control; canal water with 0.4 dS m-1), 2.5 dSm-1, 5.0 dS m-1, 7.5 dS m-1 and 10.0 dS m-1, respectively) developed after 6 weeks of pruning (beginning of study) on plant growth, flowering and quality of three cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars viz. 'Kardinal', 'Angelique' and 'Gold Medal' were studied to achieve better management, quality production and ascertaining salinity tolerance of promising cut roses being grown commercially in Pakistan. Plants were grown in pure sand in order to eliminate substrate salinity effect on plants. Number of leaves branch-1, leaf area, leaf total chlorophyll contents, bud diameter, flower diameter and flower quality were greater when plants were grown with canal water (control) having only 0.4 dS m-1 salinity, which also reduced interval between flushes by early flowering, while plant height, number of flowers plant-1 flush-1, fresh and dry weight of a flower, stem length and diameter were greater with 2.5 dS m-1 substrate salinity followed by canal water (control). Among cultivars, 'Angelique' proved comparatively more salt tolerant as compared with 'Kardinal' and 'Gold Medal' by producing vigorous growth and greater number of flowers. In summary, cut rose cultivars studied cannot tolerate higher substrate salinity and preferably be grown with < 2.5 dS m-1 NaCl substrate salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan during the year 2008–2009 to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid to minimize the toxicity of salinity on sunflower. For this purpose different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 50, 100 mg L−1) were applied through foliar spray at vegetative stage of sunflower plants. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design. In this study, growth, yield and physiological parameters of the sunflower plants were collected to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid under salt stress. Concentration of 100 mg L−1of ascorbic acid applied as foliar spray significantly enhanced the fresh and dry weight of shoot of sunflower, photosynthetic pigments, ions uptake such as potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) and 100 achene weight of sunflower. These findings led us to conclude that foliar applied ascorbic acid could mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mountainous areas in the northern Pakistan are blessed by numerous rivers that have great potential in water resources and hydropower production. Many of these rivers are unexploited for their water resource potential. If the potential of these rivers are explored, hydropower production and water supplies in these areas may be improved. The Indus is the main river originating from mountainous area of the Himalayas of Baltistan, Pakistan in which most of the smaller streams drain. In this paper, the hydrology of the mountainous areas in northern Pakistan is studied to estimate flow pattern, long-term trend in river flows, characteristics of the watersheds, and variability in flow and water resource due to impact of climate change. Eight watersheds including Gilgit, Hunza, Shigar, Shyok, Astore, Jhelum, Swat, and Chitral, Pakistan have been studied from 1960 to 2005 to monitor hydrological changes in relation to variability in precipitation, temperature and mean monthly flows, trend of snow melt runoff, analysis of daily hydrographs, water yield and runoff relationship, and flow duration curves. Precipitation from ten meteorological stations in mountainous area of northern Pakistan showed variability in the winter and summer rains and did not indicate a uniform distribution of rains. Review of mean monthly temperature of ten stations suggested that the Upper Indus Basin can be categorized into three hydrological regimes, i.e., high-altitude catchments with large glacierized parts, middle-altitude catchments south of Karakoram, and foothill catchments. Analysis of daily runoff data (1960-2005) of eight watersheds indicated nearly a uniform pattern with much of the runoff in summer (June-August). Impact of climate change on long-term recorded annual runoff of eight watersheds showed fair water flows at the Hunza and Jhelum Rivers while rest of the rivers indicated increased trends in runoff volumes. The study of the water yield availability indicated a minimum trend in Shyok River at Yogo and a maximum trend in Swat River at Kalam. Long-term recorded data used to estimate flow duration curves have shown a uniform trend and are important for hydropower generation for Pakistan which is seriously facing power crisis in last 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]