Search

The aim of the present study is to find the gap between expectations and perceptions of students regarding the service quality of higher education public institutions of Lahore, Pakistan. Paired sample t-test was used to explore the gap between expectation and perception of the students of the higher education of the public institutions of Lahore. Stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data from the students. The results indicated that there were differences between the expectations and perceptions of the students which relate to Reliability, Responsiveness and Assurance dimension. There was no significant difference between the expectations and perceptions of the students towards service quality of higher education public institutions of Lahore, Pakistan in terms of Assurance and Empathy. Research limitations: The data was only collected from the capital city of the province of Punjab. Moreover, the study focused only on higher education public institutions. The research methodology of this study is different from all the other studies which were conducted on this topic. In this study, we have focused to find the problem that students may face in service quality in higher education public institutions.

Purpose: This paper aims to contribute to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by providing holistic insights into financial analysts' personal values, perceived behavioural risk and investment decisions relating to the social aspects of CSR. Specifically, this paper examines whether analysts' personal values, such as religiosity, spirituality and social consciousness, influence their investment decisions relating to a highly profitable firm that is alleged of exploiting labour rights. This study also examines the mediating role of analysts' perceived behavioural risk between personal values and investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected, using a scenario-based survey, from 145 financial analysts at both public and private companies in Pakistan. Findings: The results show that analysts' values, including religiosity, spirituality and social consciousness, have a significant negative impact on their investment decisions. The results also demonstrate that perceived behavioural risk mediates the relationship between these values and investment decisions. Practical implications: This study has implications for the globalised business world, regulators and researchers for incorporating personal and ethical values into risk and investment decision-making. Originality/value: This study establishes the importance of analysts' personal values in risky investment decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leather industry is the second largest export-earning sector of Pakistan. However, because of poor waste management, this industry has been continuously polluting the environment. In this paper, the impact of tanneries on the groundwater quality of Kasur city (i.e., the second largest leather producing city) is examined. The study is conducted in the following three phases: (I) water samples collection, (II) determination of physio-chemical properties, and (III) application of data mining techniques. In phase I, groundwater samples were collected from various sources such as hand pumps, motor pumps, and tube wells. In phase II, several physio-chemical properties such as (i) total dissolved solids (TDS), (ii) pH, (iii) turbidity, (iv) electrical conductivity (EC), (v) total hardness (TH), (vi) total alkalinity (TA), (vii) nitrates, (viii) chromium, (ix) fluoride, and (x) chloride were estimated. The estimated values of all these foregoing parameters are then compared with the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards for Drinking Water (PEQSDW). In phase III, principle component analysis and cluster analysis of the estimated parameters were performed to elucidate the relation between various parameters and to highlight the highly vulnerable sites, respectively. The results exhibit that most of the sampling collections sites are at the threshold of losing quality water. Moreover, it is also found that Mangal Mandi carries the worst groundwater quality among all sampling locations. Overall, it is concluded that serious attention is due from the water and wastewater authorities to further investigate and monitor the groundwater quality of Kasur before the country strikes with another pandemic after COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate individual-related consequences of workplace bullying among the health-care section. Specifically, this study examined the mediating role of burnout between workplace bullying and nurses' well-being. Moreover, passive avoidant leadership is examined as a conditional variable between workplace bullying and burnout. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected data from 314 nurses working in various hospitals through a questionnaire-based survey using Google Form in two waves. Findings: Structural equation modeling confirmed the negative effect of workplace bullying on nurses' well-being, whereas burnout mediates this relationship. In addition, passive avoidant leadership was identified as a conditional variable that strengthens the positive association between workplace bullying and burnout. Research limitations/implications: Although data for the study were collected in two waves, still cross-sectional design limits causality. Practical implications: This study suggests management to focus on developing and implementing counter-bullying rules to avoid the adverse consequences of workplace bullying (e.g. capital loss, recruitment costs, burnout, well-being, etc.). In addition, leaders/supervisors must be trained to fulfill their responsibilities to reduce negative consequences. Originality/value: Studies on workplace bullying in high-power distance cultures are scant. Therefore, drawing upon conservation of resource theory, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the moderating role of passive avoidant leadership on the association between workplace bullying and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study signifies the need for a smart integrated decentralized solar energy system in Pakistan. Since the outlook of energy is highly dominated by its power sector, policy measures must be adopted to ensure its penetration in the system of any country. After the industrial, the housing sector is the major energy-consuming sector. The goal of this study is to assess energy generation through a smart integrated decentralized solar energy system in the power hub of a commercial area in Taxila, Pakistan. Model development involves a hypothetical model built on LabVIEW which allows the user interface a way to intermingle with the source code. It permits the user to the transformation of the values sent to the source code and sees the information that the source code calculates. The proposed system is a collaborative sharing integrated decentralized solar system that credits sunlight-based energy framework proprietors for the power they add to different buildings due to the collaborative sharing mechanism at Rs.10 per kWh. This low-cost electricity is available at your doorstep that you can share according to the collaborative sharing basis that will not range any certain variable. Results from the literature describe that 30% of the cost associated with the commercial price of electricity amounts to distribution cost. This system of the utilization of energy would be applied at a local level to achieve the maximum power generation from solar panels through blockchain use of solar systems, especially in regions that have no entrance to traditional power with little odds of getting associated in the next 5-10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research work was to designate the mineralogical and chemical characterization of the bentonite clay of Shaheed Ghat formation (Ghazij group). Two analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were applied to describe bentonite clay material from Eastern Sulaiman range (ESR) which comprises of three districts (DG Khan, Musakhel and Barkhan) of Pakistan. No comprehensive geochemical description of the area has been carried out to date. The results obtained from six different localities (ESR of Pakistan) were compared with each other, with indigenous areas of Punjab (Attock and Jhelum), KPK (Cherat, Garhi Chandan, Azakhel and Jhandola), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Bimber) and three international countries Turkey (Tireboule), Brazil (Bao Vista) and Nigeria (Gombe state). From the XRF analysis, the major oxides in the selected clay samples are as SiO2 > Al2O3 > Fe2O3 > CaO > MgO > K2O > TiO2 > SO3 > Mn2O3 > SrO. The average value of silica (SiO2), alumina, (Al2O3), iron (Fe2O3) and magnesium (MgO) contents of bentonite clays are 50, 12.57, 10.90 and 2.84 wt.%, respectively. The XRD result shows that Montmorillonite, Albite, quartz, Smectite and Illite are the major clay minerals. All the outcomes from the six sections (Zinda Pir, Khajuri, Rakhi Nala, Kingri, Kot Muhammad Khan and Rarkan) were close to the reported indigenous and international values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyperus iria is amongst the most threatening weeds of rice in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Broad knowledge about the ecology and fecundity of C. iria is important for its effective management. Field studies were conducted over two seasons (wet (WS) and dry seasons (DS)) to investigate the influence of C. iria populations (40 and 80 plants m−2) on its growth, survival, and fertility, with four emergence times, 3, 15, 30, and 45 d after rice emergence (DARE), during 2013. We postulated that (a) higher plant density of this weed would result in more biomass production and viable seeds per unit area, (b) interference of rice would reduce the biomass production and fecundity of this weed, and (c) delaying weed emergence would lead to downsizing of its percent survival and seed bank enrichment in soil. The results indicated that rice interference decreased C. iria growth and seed production as compared with those of plants established without rice interference. A linear decrease in the percent survival of C. iria without rice and a sigmoid decrease with rice were observed during both seasons. Plant height of C. iria was moderately affected up to 30 DARE, and a significant reduction was observed at 45 DARE. There was a linear relationship between C. iria shoot dry weight and seed number plant −1, across-weed density, seeding rate of rice, and emergence time. C. iria seed production, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield were greater when seedlings emerged simultaneously with the rice crop (3 DARE) than when they emerged late. Under rice weed interference growth, the production of viable seeds was completely stopped at 45 DARE. The delay in the emergence of C. iria up to 45 DARE was unable to produce seed in both seasons. The results of the current studies advocate that the emergence, weed biomass, and seed production of C. iria can be checked by adopting suitable cultural weed management practices, which can impede the emergence of weed relative to rice. These practices, enabling the respective crops to be more competitive, will foster integrated weed management approaches, thus offering a key role in seed detection to the soil seed reservoir or pool by notorious weeds in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of crop-weed competition dynamics is necessary for implementation of cost-effective weed eradication strategy. To quantify yield loss and estimate critical competition period of weeds in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop, two-year field study was executed at research area, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan during winter seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18). Treatments comprised of three row spacings viz., S1 = 15 cm, S2 = 20 cm and S3 = 25 cm and twelve crop-weed competition periods viz., weedy until 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 days and till harvesting and weed free until 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 days and till harvesting. Data indicated significant increases in plant height (5%), number of productive tillers count m-2 (2%), grain count per spike (7%), 1000-grain weight (9%), biological yield (7%) and grain yield (15%) of barley in 15 cm row spacing over the other row spacings. On the other hand, significant reduction in weed dry weight (4%) was recorded in 15 cm row spacing followed by 20 cm and 25 cm row spacings. Means data of both years showed that weed free until harvest had a significant improvement in plant height (20%), productive tiller m-2 (13%), grains per spike (57%), 1000-grain weight (67%), biological yield (27%) and grain yield (50%) compared to weedy until harvest. The logistic model supported the field study results and suggested that critical weed free period (CWFP) and critical time for weed removal (CTWR) for barley to avoid 10% yield losses were 73-74 days and 16-18 days after crop emergence (DAE). The model also predicted that wider crop row spacing resulted an extension of 1 day in in CTWR and CWFP for getting better crop yield while maintaining higher farmers' earning. To our cognizance, we are the first who established facts regarding the weed competition period under different row spacing's in barley crop in Pakistan other scientists could avail to develop efficacious weed management plans in other areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the dietary requirements of the rising human population with diminishing water resources, there is the need to adopt techniques that optimize crop yield under reduced water conditions. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effect of mulching and reduced irrigation on wheat production. The experiment included four mulching treatments (un-mulched, black plastic sheet mulch, wheat straw mulch and cotton sticks mulch) and two watering regimes (normal watering and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRI) technique that involves alternate watering to only one side of root zone only) arranged in a completely randomized design. Wheat growth (leaf area index, plant height), water related parameters (leaf relative water contents (RWC), leaf turgor potential and physiological (chlorophyll contents, stomatal oscillation and photosynthetic rate) parameters and biochemical indicators were significantly higher with mulching than un-mulched for both irrigation levels. However, among the mulching treatments, the use of black plastic mulch gave the best results. Among the mulch treatments, RWC increased by 4.29%, 7.50% and 10.73% with black plastic mulch compared to wheat straw mulch, cotton stick mulch and control treatment, respectively. Between the two irrigation levels, higher wheat growth, physiological and water related parameters were found with full irrigation. Whereas leaf osmotic potential, quality traits and antioxidant enzymatic activities were higher with PRI. This study shows that, particularly with black plastic film, mulching combined with partial root zone drying can be effectively used in conserving soil water, thus increasing crop water use, photosynthetic rate, and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooling techniques of photovoltaic (PV) panels captured special attention due to positive impact on PV panels efficiency as continuous elevation of temperature degraded its performance. A number of studies have suggested the better prospects of air, water and phase change material (PCM) for thermal management of PV modules. The present work studies three different nanoparticle-based nano-PCMs for acceleration in performance of PV panel in terms of temperature reduction and increment of electrical efficiency. The experimental methodology was tested in the outdoor conditions of Taxila, Pakistan during winter seasons by using different concentrations (0.25 wt % and 0.5 wt %) of multiwall carbon nanotubes nanoparticles, graphene nanoplatelets and magnesium oxide nanoparticles in phase change material (PT-58). The topmost performance of PV panel is found at 0.5 wt % nanomaterial concentration in graphene nanoplatelets/PT-58 nano-PCM. The experimental results indicate that maximum temperature reduction is observed to be 9.94 °C , 6.53 °C for PV/nano-PCM at 0.5 wt % of graphene nanoplatelets/PT-58 nano-PCM and 0.25 wt % of graphene nanoplatelets/PT-58 nano-PCM respectively while it was 5.01 °C for PV/PCM with highest observation in electrical efficiency of 12.10 % , 11.97 % and 11.74 % respectively as compared to conventional PV panel. The maximum percentage increase of electrical power was 33.07 % in case of GNPs/PT-58 nano-PCM at 0.5 wt % of nanomaterial in base PCM. The graphene nanoplatelets based nano-PCM exhibited best results in terms of temperature reduction as well as electrical efficiency and higher concentration of nanoparticles indicated good results compared to low concentration in nano-PCM. Image 1 • Discussion on cooling techniques of photovoltaic panels. • Concise summary of previous studies on cooling of photovoltaic panels by various authors. • Discussion on nanoparticles-based phase change materials used for experimental work. • Comparison of different properties of nano doped and simple phase change materials in photovoltaic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda belongs to order Lepidoptera and family Noctuidae, is becoming a serious threat in maize growing areas of the world. Firstly, it was reported from African countries and caused significant economic crop losses. Recently the pest has been reported from various areas of Pakistan and knowledge of biomorphic characters was important. By keeping in view, the current study was conducted. The study resulted that complete metamorphosis was observed. The eggs were white to yellow in colour and dome in shape with 2-3 days of the incubation period. The egg width and thickness were recorded as 0.22 and 0.19 mm, respectively. Six larval instars were recorded. The pinacula of each seta was well recorded on all larval instar but more conspicuous in the last instar (6th) as compared to others. Inverted Y line was present on larvae head that mostly differentiates this species from other reported Spodoptera species. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval head capsule width was 0.18±0.02, 0.29±0.00, 0.50±0.01, 0.76±0.47, 1.10±0.13 and 1.98±0.12 mm, respectively. The length and width of the 6th instar larva were 26.98±2.93 and 3.90±0.00 mm, respectively. The total larval period was 15-20 days on maize leaves. Obtect pupa was whitish green. Male was short-lived than female. The pre oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 2-5, 2-4 and 4-6 days, respectively. The study will be proved fruitful for coming researchers and farmers to control this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research proposes that corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects employees' behaviors and attitude. However, the empirical evidence of this claim is limited particularly in the context of eastern developing economies like Pakistan. So, the study in hand is an effort to extend the existing CSR literature by investigating the impact of CSR on employee performance using the lens of social identity theory. Additionally, the study also investigates the intervening role of employee engagement (EE) in the above‐mentioned association. To test the proposed model, data were collected from employees of the manufacturing sector in two waves with an interval of 4 weeks. The findings suggest that CSR has a significant impact on employees' performance and engagement. Findings also confirm that EE partially mediates the association of CSR and employee performance. The study concludes with its theoretical and practical implications and directions for future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel solution for passive cooling of PV with fins, 1-PCM and 2-PCM. • Drop in PV temp was 9.2, 10.2, 11.4, 12.2, 13.5 °C with 0, 2, 5, 8, 11 fins respectively. • 1-PCM configuration performs better than 2-PCM when 1-PCM has PCM of lower m.p. • 2-PCM configuration is better only when 1-PCM configuration has PCM of higher m.p. • Electrical power output enhanced by 13.3% (1-PCM) and 8.8% (2-PCM) The temperature regulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules using passive approach with phase-change materials (PCMs) has fascinated many researchers now-a-days. This article presents real-time experimental investigation of PV panels with PCM under warm climate of Taxila, Pakistan in two phases. In first phase, effect of fins inserted into PCM, is examined by varying number of fins as 2, 5, 8 and 11. Due to improved heat conduction within PCM through metal contact, PV cell temperature lowered by maximum 22.9 °C, 23.7 °C, 24.1 °C, 24.9 °C and 26.5 °C with finless, 2-fin, 5-fin, 8-fin and 11-fin PV/PCM configurations respectively, improving electrical conversion efficiency from 10.2% to 10.9%, 11.3%, 11.6%, 11.8% and 12.2% respectively. In second phase, effect of using 2 PCMs of different melting points, separated by finned-aluminum plate, is investigated and compared with one PCM for PV cooling. It is found that one PCM configuration is more efficient than two PCM configurations as cell temperature lowers on average by 9.7 °C, 7.9 °C and 7 °C with one PCM configuration and two different configurations (i.e. different order) of 2 PCMs respectively. Electrical power output also enhances by 13.3%, 8.8%, and 7.8% respectively. 2-PCM configurations shows better performance than 1-PCM configuration in case only when it is compared to 1-PCM configuration having PCM of higher melting point. Order of PCMs has no significant effect on PV-performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on stakeholder theory and contingency theory, this study examines the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on corporate reputation and financial performance of Pakistani firms with a moderating role of responsible leadership. Perceptual data on CSR, reputation, and performance were collected from 224 senior‐level Pakistani managers through a questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results reveal that socially responsible initiatives for disparate stakeholders significantly and positively influence corporate reputation and financial performance. Moreover, CSR–reputation and CSR–performance direct relationships were found to be negatively moderated by responsible leadership. It suggests that when socially responsible firms have leaders with strong stakeholder values, they practice excessive CSR that hurts performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great number of studies have been conducted to examine the direct impact of corporate social responsibility on firm's financial performance, but this direct relationship seems to be spurious and imprecise. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the intervening role of corporate image and customer satisfaction on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. Data is collected from 229 companies listed on Pakistan stock exchange using simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modelling has been used for the measurement model and for hypotheses testing. Results indicate that corporate image and customer satisfaction partially mediate the association between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. The study concludes that corporate social responsibility significantly affects the firm's financial performance by developing a positive image among the stakeholders and decreasing overall costs. This study will help management of organizations to realize the importance of corporate social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper weed management strategies are very essential for sustainable agriculture crop production. Chenopodium murale L. is one of the most problematic weed all over the world. It's an annual herbaceous plant weed found in Pakistan, India as well as other subtropical and tropical parts of Asia. In approximately fifteen Asian countries, C. murale is the most difficult to control in different crops. It influences negatively on the growth of crops and decreases the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes. It is a plant that grows quickly and makes tiny seeds. It is easier for C. murale to adapt to different agro-ecological situations because of its fast seed development and predisposition towards herbicide resistance. Several cultural methods, including irrigation, crop rotation, herbicide-tolerant crop types, mechanical weed management, and mulching have been helpful in controlling this weed species, but very few researchers have successfully achieved biological control of C. murale. A promising way of management for C. murale could involve the use of allelochemicals. The control of this weed could differ according to the quantity of herbicides used, the type of crop, the method they are applied, method of use, and the tillage techniques. Understanding C. murale 's ecology, biology, and management strategies is very essential for its proper management. This review provides the better understanding about this weed and provides the different strategies to control this problematic weed species. • Chenopodium murale L. is a challenging weed in sustainable agriculture in Asia. Cultural approaches and herbicides provide effective control options for this weed. • C. murale has a high potential for spreading due to its tolerance to environmental stresses and adaptation to various habitats. Integration of multiple management practices can be an effective way to control C. murale and minimize the risk of herbicide resistance. • Understanding C. murale 's biology will assist in developing better control methods. This review provides insight into one of the most challenging weeds to manage globally. • Better understanding of the Bio-ecology and herbicide resistance in C. murale can aid in developing new herbicides and management strategies. • Various cultural approaches, herbicide-tolerant crop varieties, and mechanical weed control provide effective controls. Biological control of C. murale is limited, but allelochemicals show promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey was conducted for the sampling of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor resistance littleseed canarygrass, a major weed of wheat, from Punjab, Pakistan in 2014 for confirmation of resistance. The surveyed regions encompassed four different cropping systems including rice–wheat, maize–wheat, cotton–wheat and mixed cropping. Dose–response assay was conducted for confirmation of resistance. Efficacy of herbicide mixtures including clodinafop–propargyl, metribuzin, pinoxaden and sulfosulfuron at a range of doses was investigated to manage littleseed canarygrass. Results revealed that all populations were resistant to fenoxaprop except PM-BWL-2. The higher level resistance (6.5) was found in populations collected from rice–wheat cropping system. The tested herbicide mixtures at 75% and 100% of the recommended dose of each mixture component provided the effective control of resistant littleseed canarygrass. Mixtures at 50% provided more than 80% control and reduced growth and seed production potential of surviving plants. The confirmation of ACCase inhibitor resistance as the first case of herbicide resistance in Pakistan, leads us to discourage use of ACCase inhibitor herbicides alone. However, herbicide mixtures at 75% and 100% of the recommended dose are suggested to manage this weed for sustainable wheat production in the surveyed cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture occupies an important place in improving the living standards of farmers in Pakistan. About 90% of farm earnings rely on the cultivation of sugar, fibre, cereals and legumes. Due to lack of essential resources and technical expertise, every year thousands of farmers fail to reach maximum yield potential. Over 70% of farmers own less than 5 ha in Pakistan; therefore, it is uneconomic to employ costly mechanical and chemical strategies for the control of pests in their crops. Among these pests, we eds are considered to be the major obstacle to crop production, and can ultimately result in crop failure. Traditionally, manipulation of cropping techniques was employed for the control of weeds; later on, development of synthetic chemical herbicides made it easier to control weeds in a very short time period. However, over time the increased use of herbicides has led to the development of herbicide resistant weeds. Furthermore, increasing environmental concerns, weed population shifts, and increased managerial costs have made it difficult for farmers to control these weed species within their limited economic resources. Nowadays, scientists and research organizations are being urged to provide innovative weed management solutions, with minimal ecological impacts. Studies have revealed the importance of cultural strategies for the management of weeds in different cropping systems. Research has proved that alternation of cultural practices, and selection of competitive crop cultivars, could be a possible strategy to minimize the competitiveness of weeds. Increased crop densities, narrower row spacing, intercropping and alternation in row directions are among the weed control strategies gaining rapid attention in many countries. Unfortunately, limited information is available about weed management using crop competition in Pakistan. This review article focusses on the importance of these agronomic practices in reducing the competitive potential of weeds, for their effective and appropriate management in major crops of Pakistan. It is intended to assist researchers in the design of economically viable and eco-friendly weed management strategies, which will aid in eliminating the burden of herbicides and mechanical cultivation from farmer’s production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaics thermal (PV/T) management has attracted much attention in research, with a particular focus on improving its performance in the current globalized market. As the continuous elevation of PV surface temperature due to direct sun rays degrades PV/T performance, effective cooling of PV panels has been identified as a way of improving efficiency. Thermal regulation strategies have suggested that water, nanofluids, air, phase change materials (PCM), and nano-enhanced PCMs can be varied for cooling purposes. The current study considers silica and carbon black nanoparticles dispersed in phase change materials for two purposes: firstly, to increase the speed of storing and releasing thermal energy of nano-enhanced PCM; and secondly, for improving the thermal conductivity of PCM. The experimentation of this study was conducted in outdoor conditions of Taxila, Pakistan during the month of March 2020. To construct the nano-enhanced PCM, Silica (SiO 2) and Carbon Black (CB) NPs were added to PT-58 at concentrations of 0.25 wt % and 0.5 wt %. NPs at 0.5 wt % concentration in CB/PT-58 as a nano-enhanced PCM showed the topmost performance in cooling of a PV panel. The experimentation depicted a maximum decrease in temperature of the system using CB/PT-58 and SiO 2 /PT-58, at approximately 9.74 °C and 8.92 °C respectively, where the electrical efficiency of the systems improved to 12.07% and 12.00% respectively, at a concentration of 0.5 wt %. The maximum percentage increment in electrical power was 30.45 % and 30.23 % respectively, in the case of CB/PT-58 and silica/PT-58 nano-PCM at 0.5 wt % of NPs in base PCM. The results elucidate that the performance of the system using the CB/PT-58 nano-PCM as a cooling method was higher than the silica/PT-58 nano-PCM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheap Production of bioethanol from renewable lignocellulosic waste has the imperative potential to economically cut burgeoning world dependency on fossils while reducing net emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a principal greenhouse gas (GHGs). This paper highlights key benefits and status of bioethanol production technologies, aiming mainly on recent developments and its key potentials in Pakistan. Most sector of Pakistan economy heavily rely on the energy and power that is being produced using traditional approaches like from oil and hydel. However, the sedimentation in dams cut-down the energy generation and overwhelmed severe energy crisis that are witnessed since last decade. Thus, Pakistan must go to avail alternative sources of energy like hydro, biomass and solar so that energy security can be ensured to recover the tremendous loss of economy. Renewable biomass is abundantly available in Pakistan which can be used to produce bioethanol and electricity. Currently, 22 distilleries are producing the ethanol from sugar cane bagasse and out of these only 8 distillation units are producing motor fuel grade ethanol. The current bioethanol production of country is about 403,500 tons/year along with 2423 tons of biodegradable waste available in major cities. In addition, Pakistan produces 6.57, 0.5, 0.66, and 2.66 million tons of sugarcane, corn, rice, and wheat straw per annum, respectively. This biomass can produce 1.6 million liters of bioethanol which can produce approximately 38% of Pakistan's electricity annually. Despite having large potential, Pakistan is still producing a few volumes of ethanol from sugarcane bagasse. The production of bioethanol can be boosted using (I) pretreatment of agricultural biomass by alkali (II) enzymatic and bacteria-based hydrolysis of the biomass (III) post-hydrolysis using pressurized steam above 100 °C (IV) Fermentation of the biomass@ 7–10 h and (V) and (VI) distillation of bioethanol. This study recommends (1) increase R&D capacities mainly in the west and central regions of Pakistan, (2) initiate mega-projects to promote integrated bio-ethanol production at agriculture farms by providing 1/3 subsides, (3) purchase of bioethanol directly from the major agricultural farms, (4) produce bioethanol related manpower from the key research institutes as specified in this study. • Upgradation of inefficient biogas to bioethanol can solve energy crisis. • Study witnessed huge potential of bioethanol (403,500 tons/year) from cheap biomass. • Key technical barriers in the green development of ethanol is emphasized fact-sheet. • Study implementation will replace inefficient biomass burn into ethanol combustion. • Study will definitively help policy makers to sustain lives of Pakistan people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous elevation in temperature of photovoltaic (PV) panels results in the decline of PV electric power production. This paper presents the experimental methodology tested outdoors in Taxila, Pakistan to lower PV temperature with the simultaneous use of nanofluid (graphene/water) and phase change material (RT-35HC). Performance of this hybrid PVT system in terms of PV temperature, electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency and overall efficiency, is compared with PVT/PCM system integrated with water flowing through tubes inside PCM, PV/PCM system and conventional PV. Effects of varying volume concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%) of graphene nanoparticles as well as flowrates (20, 30, 40 LPM) are also examined and it is found that the best performance is achieved with 0.1 vol% nanoparticle concentration and 40LPM flowrate. From the experimentation results, maximum reduction in PV temperature is observed to be 23.9 °C, 16.1 °C and 11.9 °C with nanofluid-based PVT/PCM system, water-based PVT/PCM system and PV/PCM system respectively, with maximum enhancement in electrical efficiency of 23.9%, 22.7% and 9.1% respectively as compared to conventional PV. It is also found that nanofluid-based hybrid PVT/PCM system shows 17.5% higher thermal efficiency as compared to water-based hybrid PVT/PCM system, and overall efficiency enhanced by 12%. Thus, results ensure the best performance with hybrid PVT system integrated with nanofluid and PCM simultaneously. • Novel solution for thermal management of PV using nanofluid and PCM simultaneously. • Nanofluid-PCM system was most effective followed by water-PCM and PCM alone systems. • At 0.1 vol% conc. and 40LPM flowrate, nanofluid-PCM system showed best performance. • PV electrical efficiency enhanced by 23.9% as compared to conventional PV. • Nanofluid-PCM PVT system showed 12% higher overall efficiency than water-PCM PVT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heating demands are currently fulfilled through conventional technologies based on fossil fuels. However, due to rapid depletion and environmental hazards of fossil fuels, the focus has shifted to harness the heat energy from renewable energy resources such as solar energy. In general, flat plate and evacuated tubes collectors are used for water heating yet there is another technology known as solar thermal tower (STT) which can be used for heating applications. The current study is focussed on real time performance analysis of solar thermal tower water heating system under climate conditions of Taxila, Pakistan. Initially, a mathematical model is developed to design a small capacity solar thermal tower system. The system is simulated using MATLAB for five different climate conditions of Pakistan i.e. Peshawar, Taxila, Multan, Karachi, and Lahore for potential assessment. Afterwards, an experimental setup is developed at Taxila consisting of a cavity type receiver made of stainless tubes, heliostats made of mirror and complete instrumentation for data measurements. The performance analysis is presented in terms of temperature difference (Δ T ), absorbed heat ( Q abs ), and efficiency ( η ) with fixed and variable positions of heliostats for 12 selected days between September and February. The results showed that the maximum temperature difference with fixed heliostats position was 3 °C, Q abs was 27 W and the maximum efficiency was 30%. However, with variable heliostats positions, the maximum value of temperature difference achieved was 16 °C that resulted Q abs 170 W and efficiency 34%. Finally, a reasonable agreement between simulated and experimental results was obtained for climate conditions of Taxila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato farming is a vital component of food security and the economic stability especially in the under developing countries but it faces many challenges in production, blackleg disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum ( Pa ) is one of the main reason for damaging crop yield of the potato. Effective management strategies are essential to control these losses and to get sustainable potato crop yield. This study was focused on characterizing the Pa and the investigating new chemical options for its management. The research was involved a systematic survey across the three district of Punjab, Pakistan (Khanewal, Okara, and Multan) to collect samples exhibiting the black leg symptoms. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory where gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified through biochemical and pathogenicity tests for Pa . DNA sequencing further confirmed these isolates of Pa strains. Six different chemicals were tested to control blackleg problem in both vitro and vivo at different concentrations. In vitro experiment, Cordate demonstrated the highest efficacy with a maximum inhibition zones of 17.139 mm, followed by Air One (13.778 mm), Profiler (10.167 mm), Blue Copper (7.7778 mm), Spot Fix (7.6689 mm), and Strider (7.0667 mm). In vivo , Cordate maintained its effectiveness with the lowest disease incidence of 14.76%, followed by Blue Copper (17.49%), Air One (16.98%), Spot Fix (20.67%), Profiler (21.45%), Strider (24.99%), and the control group (43.00%). The results highlight Cordate's potential as a most effective chemical against Pa , offering promising role for managing blackleg disease in potato and to improve overall productivity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Hameed et al.)

A serious environmental problem that threatens soil quality, agricultural productivity, and food safety is heavy metal pollution in water sources. Heavy metal pollution is the main problem in tehsil Pasrur, Sialkot, Pakistan. Present study was arranged to notice the heavy metals in water, soil, forages and buffalo milk. There are seven sites that were used for this experiment. Highest malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (3.00 ± 0.01) were noticed in barseem roots at site 7. Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) was reached at its peak (1.93 ± 0.01) at site 7 in the fresh barseem. Maximum protein contents (0.36 ± 0.01) were observed in fresh plant samples at site 2. Site 3's buffalo milk samples had the highest Ni content (7.22 ± 0.33 ppm), while Site 3's soil samples had the lowest Cr content (8.89 ± 0.56 ppm), Site 1's plant shoots had the lowest Cr content (27.75 ± 1.98 ppm), and Site 3's water had the highest Cr content (40.07 ± 0.49 ppm). The maximum fat content (5.38 ± 2.32%) was found in the milk of the animals at site 7. The highest density (31.88 ± 6.501%), protein content (3.64 ± 0.33%), lactose content (5.54 ± 0.320%), salt content (0.66 ± 0.1673%), and freezing point (- 0.5814 ± 0.1827 °C) were also observed in the milk from animals at site 7, whereas site 5 displayed the highest water content (0.66 ± 0.1673%) and peak pH value (11.64 ± 0.09). In selected samples, the pollution load index for Ni (which ranged from 0.01 to 1.03 mg/kg) was greater than 1. Site 7 has the highest conductivity value (5.48 ± 0.48). Values for the health risk index varied from 0.000151 to 1.00010 mg/kg, suggesting that eating tainted animal feed may pose health concerns. Significant health concerns arise from metal deposition in the food chain from soil to feed, with nickel having the highest health risk index., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To determine the nutritional knowledge and clinical practices of physicians regarding nutrition in cirrhosis patients., Methods: This multi-centre cross-sectional knowledge and practice study was conducted at Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Bahria Town International Hospital, Rawalpindi, and District Headquarter Hospital, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan, from January to March 2020, and comprised physicians working in wards, out-patient and emergency departments. Data was collected through interviews using a self-generated structured questionnaire. Correct responses were scored 1 and incorrect ones as 0, with a maximum possible score of 13. Data was analysed using SPSS 16., Results: Of the 92 participants, 52(56.5%) were males, while the overall mean age was 28.3±4years and mean years in service 3.7±3 years. The mean score obtained was 5.8±2.1. Of the total, 33(35.9%) physicians had received formal nutritional training, 27(29.3%) were giving regular nutritional counselling and 48(52.2%) wrongly believed in the implementation of restricted diets. A large number of participants incorrectly considered salt 61(66.3%), water 49(53.2%) and lipids/oils 24(26%) to be avoided in ascites. Mean knowledge scores varied significantly for physicians dealing with cirrhosis patients on a daily basis (p<0.001) and those who had received formal training (p=0.003)., Conclusions: The nutritional knowledge of physicians regarding cirrhosis was found to be sub-optimal.

This study was conducted to validate the hepatoprotective activity of Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus. Aqua-methanolic extracts of both plants were evaluated for the presence of various phyto-constituents through HPLC. Different doses of both plant extracts were administered to rats for nine days. Standard control was silymarin 100 mg/kg. Paracetamol 1 gm/kg was administered 3 h post treatment on 9th day for induction of hepatotoxicity. Blood was collected for the evaluation of liver biochemical markers and livers were removed for histopathological evaluation 24 h post-paracetamol treatment. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in both plant extracts. The extracts of both plants decreased the level of alanine aminotransaminase and total bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05), dose dependently and protected hepatocytes from paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. It can be concluded that both plants may possess hepatoprotective activity possibly due to the presence of quercetin and phenolic compounds.

Objective: To see the pattern of antimicrobial drug resistance among Salmonella serovars., Methods: This longitudinal, observational study was conducted at Khan Research Laboratories Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May 2012 to December 2014. All patients presenting with typhoid fever with positive blood culture were included. Age, gender, salmonella serovar and sensitivity to 9 antimicrobial drugs were taken into account. The tested antimicrobial drugs were ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftriaxone and cefixime. SPSS 22 was used for analysis., Results: Of the 197 patients, 118(59.9%) were males and 79(40.1%) were females. Moreover, there were 78(39.6%) children and 119(60.4%) adults. The overall mean age was 19.58±13.82 years. Patients with positive culture for salmonella typhi were 155(78.7%) while patients with positive cultures for salmonella paratyphi A were 42(21.3%). No other serovar was found in this study. Overall percentage of multidrug resistance for both salmonella typhi and paratyphi was 74(37.5%)., Conclusions: The prevalence of multidrug resistance and quinolone resistance among salmonella serovars was high.