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Pakistan has significant geothermal potential but due to poor energy management and low utilization of rich geothermal energy, the country is ranked among the energy deficient nations in the world. In this study, integrated geophysical techniques were used to assess the geothermal energy potential of various hot springs in the Sindh province. The study revealed that Naing Shareef and Gaji Shah hot springs have remarkable potential for geothermal energy having pool water temperature of 43 °C and 45 °C, respectively. Geophysical resistivity survey was carried out at both Naing Shareef and Gaji Shah hot spring to determine depth, thickness and quality of thermal water. At Naing Shareef hot spring, only a single thermal aquifer zone has been pinpointed within the shale composition of the Oligocene Nari Formation, and it is on average 55.07 m depth and 29.8 m thick. At an average depth of 100.66 m and an aquifer thickness of 77.03 m, the Gaji Shah hot springs exclusively possess a thermal aquifer region established within the sandstone composition of the Oligocene Nari Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wastewater is a major source of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and a hotspot for the exchange of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes (ARGs). The occurrence of Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria (CRB) in wastewater samples is a major public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze Antibiotic resistance in bacteria from wastewater sources in Pakistan. Methods: We analyzed 32 bacterial isolates, including 18 Escherichia coli, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 10 other bacterial isolates using phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility assay and whole-genome sequencing. This study identified the ARGs, plasmid replicons, and integron genes cassettes in the sequenced isolates. One representative isolate was further sequenced using Illumina and Oxford nanopore sequencing technologies. Results: Our findings revealed high resistance to clinically important antibiotics: 91% of isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, 75% to ciprofloxacin, and 62.5% to imipenem, while 31% showed non-susceptibility to gentamicin. All E. coli isolates were resistant to cephalosporins, with 72% also resistant to carbapenems. Sequence analysis showed a diverse resistome, including carbapenamases (blaNDM-5, blaOXA-181), ESBLs (blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM), and AmpC-type β-lactamases (blaCMY). Key point mutations noticed in the isolates were pmrB_Y358N (colistin) and ftsI_N337NYRIN, ftsI_I336IKYRI (carbapenem). The E. coli isolates had 11 different STs, with ST410 predominating (28%). Notably, the E. coli phylogroup A isolate 45EC1, (ST10886) is reported for the first time from wastewater, carrying blaNDM-5, blaCMY-16, and pmrB_Y358N with class 1 integron gene cassette of dfrA12-aadA2-qacEΔ1 on a plasmid-borne contig. Other carbapenamase, blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-72, were detected in K. pneumoniae 22EB1 and Acinetobacter baumannii 51AC1, respectively. The integrons with the gene cassettes encoding antibiotic resistance, and the transport and bacterial mobilization protein, were identified in the sequenced isolates. Ten plasmid replicons were identified, with IncFIB prevalent in 53% of isolates. Combined Illumina and Oxford nanopore sequencing revealed blaNDM-5 on an IncFIA/IncFIC plasmid and is identical to those reported in the USA, Myanmar, and Tanzania. Conclusions: These findings highlight the environmental prevalence of high-risk and WHO-priority pathogens with clinically important ARGs, underscoring the need for a One Health approach to mitigate ARB isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We assessed the effectiveness of oral Hydroxychloroquine (HC), Azithromycin (AZ) and Oseltamivir (OS), alone or combined, among patients hospitalized with mildly symptomatic coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). Methods: Following the approval of the National Bioethics Committee and prospective registration (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04338698), a multicenter randomized clinical trial of adaptive design was conducted at 10 multispecialty hospitals in Pakistan. Patients were randomized into seven treatment groups. Starting April 15, 2020, consenting, eligible, otherwise healthy adult patients or those with co-morbidities under control, were recruited if they presented with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 (scored 3 on a 7-point ordinal scale anchored between 1 = not hospitalized, able to undertake normal activities, to 7 = death) confirmed by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Two primary outcomes were assessed by day seven: Turning qRT-PCR negative; and clinical improvement of two points from the baseline. Outcome rates were compared using a chi-square test. Multiple imputations were applied to handle missing data. An interim data analysis was carried out on July 19, 2020, following which the study continued without treatment group changes. Data Safety and Monitoring Board advised to stop recruitment due to its futility on January 18, 2021. Results: Of 471 patients randomized, a total of 426 (90.4%) completed the follow-up for primary outcomes. Based on imputed data analyses at day seven: Total qRT-PCR negative cases were 137/471 (29%, 95% CI 25.0 - 33.4). By day seven, a total of 111/471 (23.5%, 95% CI 19.8 - 27.6) showed clinical improvement. No serious or non-serious adverse event was reported. Conclusions: Among patients with mild COVID-19, there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of oral antimalarial, antiviral, or antibiotic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Objective: To analyse experience of the surgical team in COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Study Design: Analytical Observational study. Setting: Department of Surgery, Tertiary Care Hospital, Sialkot, Pakistan. Period: March to September 2020. Material & Methods: After the permission of ethical review committee (ERC/12/2020), data was collected by all four groups surgeons, Resident and internees, paramedical staff and other staff of surgical teams. A simple, 6 question-questionnaire, manually typed, was distributed to all members willing to complete and return the questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-23. Results: Majority (91.27%) of the surgical team members got satisfactory training to handle with Covid-19 Cases. The 80 % was in fear to contract the disease while working in isolation and COVID-19 wards and about (76%) were well adjusted to their newly assigned duties. About 85% of surgical team members experienced prolong duty hours (12 hours a day) related stress and similar percentage participated in the management of surgeries done during this period. Conclusion: Surgical Team participated and adapted to meet the newly assigned duties to lookafter the isolation and COVID-19 wards. Team members experienced stress and fear of contracting disease was a matter of concern. However, it has taken care of all trauma, life-threatening emergencies and oncological cases adhering to use of principles of use of PPEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: This paper aims to analyze the series of significant events which contributed to the deterioration of the Pakistan-US relations before November 26 2011, and the strategic, diplomatic, and financial implications of this event for the two countries. Methodology: This qualitative study is based on secondary sources such as journal articles, PhD thesis, newspapers, official reports, and websites. Principal Findings: On November 26 2011, an aerial attack of NATO forces on two of the Pakistani border Military Check posts leaving at least 24 soldiers dead outraged Pakistani people and government. Subsequently, already strained Pakistan-US relations touched the lowest ebb. NATO supplies to Afghanistan were immediately suspended by Pakistan, demanding a formal investigation and apology by the U.S. It is pertinent to note that the Salala incident was only the tip of the iceberg. There were other events before this that contributed to the growing mistrust between the two strategic partners. Application of this Study: This study can be helpful for the foreign policy decision-makers of the U.S. and Pakistan to maintain these bilateral relations on a smooth footing based on mutual trust and respect for each other's sovereignty and security. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study has analyzed the implication of significant events during the Obama period and particular focus on the Salala Check Post-incident and the strategic, diplomatic, and financial impacts of these events for both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of online social networking site activities on brand choice for health-related businesses; the study also explored the mediating impact of brand perception on the connection of online social networking site activities and brand choice in health-related businesses. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 300 customers, randomly selected from health sector businesses in Pakistan. The findings indicate that online social networking site activities had a substantial influence on customers' brand choice in health-related businesses and that brand perception mediates the connection between online social networking site activities and customers' brand choice in health-related businesses. The research also recognized the increasing significance of online social networking sites in health-related businesses. The study offers insights for health-related companies and their managers on visualizing brand perception as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subsurface groundwater potential was calculated through the Geographic Information System (GIS) tool in district Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan; research was carried out in the vulnerable and arid climatic regions of the study area, which experienced unpredictable droughts and extreme floods. The primary recharging source of the aquifer is rainfall only in monsoon season from July to September. The current situation of water resources is critical in the region; in the present research work, two principal groundwater aquifers were encountered present in lithology of Laki formation mostly in sand and gravel lithology, which are shallow and deep aquifers. The GIS has been employed as a preservative tool to estimate groundwater potential. The estimated groundwater potential was 29,330.22 million cubic meter (MCM) under the monitoring area of 3207.25 square kilometers (km2); thus, the volume of groundwater was 9.14 MCM/km2 in the selected cluster zone of the study area. It is realized that using a GIS tool combats the susceptible situation and shows authenticated results of groundwater potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of Indo-Pakistan relations is replete with animosity since independence in 1947. Among many conflictual issues, water distribution and water rights have emerged as new dimensions affecting bilateral relations. Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has been holding on since it was formalised in 1960, however, India has manipulated its provisions at will, affecting the flow of western rivers' water to lower riparian Pakistan for past many years. India is now in a position of limiting the vital irrigation resource of Pakistan due to unlawful construction of dams in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) in violation of IWT. Despite wars and standoffs, IWT has sustained, however, Indian ambitions of constructing more dams in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) are clear violations of treaty and threatening postures towards Pakistan for not supplying even a drop of water have created distrust and heightened tension. This research article critically investigates the Indian aqua aggressions in violation of IWT, implications for Pakistan and suggesting a viable framework for safeguarding Pakistan's water rights in the face of antagonising Indian posturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to assess the groundwater potential at Haji Rehmatullah Palari village aquifer, Union Council Sari of Kalu Khuhar along M-9 Motorway near Nooriabad, Sindh, Pakistan, through vertical electrical sounding (VES) by using Schlumberger electrode array method with 02–210 m. The collected data of 12 VES were interpreted by using IPI2win software. Monsoon rainfall period is very short, which starts from July to September (every year in Pakistan). Average rainfall is 150 mm with variation of 25 mm, in some year zero rainfall. During summer season, the evaporation and transpiration rate are about 70%, while the infiltration rate is 15%. Kalu Nadi (hill torrent) is the only source of recharge of this aquifer that depends on the rainfall. Lithological logs interpreted that mostly aquifers are present in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation which hold these freshwater aquifers having minimum 50 m thickness and have great potential for freshwater exploitation. Lithological logs interpreted that mostly aquifers persist in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation which hold the freshwater. Totally, five tube wells were installed at this aquifer and discharging the freshwater of about 98.55 million gallons per year and rapidly depleting the aquifers. Water business is also observed at this aquifer which was breaking influenced on the aquifer without considering the agricultural development to protect the environment. The aquifer is under pressure to drawdown and may suffer with its quantity and quality, if this trend continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the water quality of the lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. Eighty- two water samples were collected from forty-one locations of lower Indus Basin (Kashmore to Keti-Bander) during pre and post monsoon seasons. The variation pattern in the water quality has been observed in both seasons. The samples were analysed for physical quality (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, salinity and conductivity), chemical quality (chloride, total alkalinity, total hardness, sulphate, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, lead, mercury, copper, cadmium and nitrate) and biological quality (coliform bacteria). The study reveals that the concentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium in water samples during both seasons were slightly higher than the permissible limits, whereas, all other parameters were within WHO guidelines. The higher concentration of heavy metals must be rectified by the concerned authorities in order to protect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the early complications of Martin's Modified Duhamel Procedure. Design: Retrospective study. Period: January 2017-December 2017. Setting: The Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Faisalabad. Material and Methods: This study included Eighty Six children who underwent Martin's modification of Duhamel's procedure for treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. Results: Early postoperative complications (with in 1st 30 days of operation) were observed in 86 patients. The complications noted were bleeding (n=3), wound infection (n=20), burst abdomen (n=5), anastomotic leak (n=8), intestinal obstruction (n=4), early post-operative constipation (n=6), enterocolitis (n=6), soiling (n=5) and mortality (n=2). Conclusion: Early post-operative complications in the series included bleeding, wound infection, burst abdomen, anastomotic leak, intestinal obstruction, constipation, enterocolitis, soiling and death. The complications rate in this study is comparable to the previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Security is a prime concern of every nation state. But, the concept of security is quite complex as it is difficult to determine its nature. The concept is debated as the security from whom? From states, groups, individuals, non-state actors or nature itself? A holistic concept of security, incorporates an infinite variety of securities: ranging from human security, non-military security and military security, non-traditional security, gender security, economic security, environmental security, food security, and of course, energy security, which is the main focus of this paper. Though, there is no agreed definition of energy security available in the literature, a somewhat acceptable definition of energy security is that 'its availability must be uninterrupted, in abundance and affordable.' An ideal energy security posture is a country's self-sufficiency in it. In spite of this ideal posture, it is argued that no country in the world can ensure its energy security without exercising its military security. Military force has always been used in the world to ensure uninterrupted, sufficient and affordable access of energy by the energy importers and also by the energy exporters to secure their sovereignty and protect their energy assets against any perceived threat. That is why there is a very close connection between the two concepts. Pakistan is struggling to meet its energy needs and also forced to employ its security forces to ensure the security of its energy installations, gas pipelines and the CPEC ventures, including a number of energy projects under its umbrella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursery experiments were conducted at Horticultural Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2009-2011 to standardize asexual propagation methods in guava (Psidium guajava L.) by different grafting techniques i.e. T-budding, T-grafting and cleft grafting. Maximum success percentage (59.26) was achieved in plants budded by T-grafting followed by Tbudding (22.58%). The plants in T-grafting sprouted in 35.9 days and produced 26.47 cm sprouting length and 16.75 number of leaves as compared to the plants grafted via cleft grafting (7.54% success). Cleft grafting technique showed minimum performance in other parameters also. The study provided useful information on clonal multiplication of elite germplasm of guava under protected environment for developing commercial nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out at Horticultural Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan to find out some new hybrid in mandarin with elite characters. At least 500 flowers of Feutrell's Early were emasculated, crossed (Feurtell's Early x Kinnow), bagged and tagged. After getting F1 fruits, seeds were extracted and sown. At bearing stage, physico-chemical analysis was carried out. Newly formed hybrid (Feutrell's Early x Kinnow) was more juicy (55.79%) than its parents (Kinnow and Feutrell's Early) and it contained less number of seeds (11). This new hybrid had less average weight (120.54g) and size (27.33 cm) than parents but showed more acidity (0.69%) than Feutrell's Early and less than that of Kinnow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a speech by Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, chief of the Naval Staff Pakistan, at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs on February 8, 2008, in which he discussed the threats of terrorism to maritime security, descriptions of the most significant threats to security in ocean trade and the considerable efforts to pursue collaborative maritime security in the Arabian Sea.

Objective: To find out the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treatment of empyema gallbladder. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and duration of study: PNS Shifa Karachi and CMH Lahore, Pakistan from January 2010 to August 2013. Material and Methods: Out of 493 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) by a single consultant surgeon during the study period, 40 patients who had empyema gall bladder on laparoscopic findings were included in the study. All patients with diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (n=117) who had no pus present in gall bladder and patients with diagnosis of biliary colic or chronic cholelithiasis (n=336) were excluded from the study. Results: Forty patients were diagnosed to have empyema gall bladder. LC was successfully completed in 39 patients (97.5%). In one patient (2.5%) the procedure was converted to open cholecystectomy (OC) due to finding of cholecystoduodenal fistula on laparoscopy. Mean operating time was up to 58.62 ± 26.33 minutes. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 (7.5%) of the operated patients. Mean duration of hospital stay was 1.7 ± 2.09 days. One patient with co-morbidity of diabetes mellitus died of septicemia resulting in a mortality rate of 2.5%. Conclusion: In laparoscopy for empyema gallbladder the complications are related to the advanced disease process and not to the approach. In skilled hands, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed successfully in patients with diagnosis of empyema gallbladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use hosepipes and sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. The sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. In the current study, different flow rates in sprinklers were evaluated as a strategy to optimally use groundwater to cool water buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rates 1.25 and 2.0 L/min both had better physiological response, more feed intake, and higher milk yield compared to the 0.8 L/min. However, the flow rate 1.25 L/min was more efficient in cooling the buffaloes because it yielded similar physiological, production, and the behavioral responses despite using 37.5% less groundwater compared to 2.0 L/min. The current findings will help farmers to reduce the amount of groundwater used in cooling dairy buffaloes. Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. These sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of different sprinkler flow rates on the physiological, behavioral, and production responses of Nili Ravi buffaloes during summer. Eighteen buffaloes were randomly subjected to three sprinkler flow rate treatments in a double replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The flow rates were 0.8, 1.25, and 2.0 L/min. During the study, the average afternoon temperature humidity index was 84.6. The 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups had significantly lower rectal temperature and respiratory rates than the 0.8 L/min group. Water intake was significantly higher in the 0.8 L/min group. Daily milk yield was higher in the 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups than in the 0.8 L/min group. These results suggested that the sprinkler flow rates > 0.8 L/min effectively cooled the buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min appeared to be more efficient, as it used 37.5% less water compared to the 2.0 L/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study psychiatric problems among those attending primary care clinics in two major cities in Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants attending primary care clinics in Lahore and Faisalabad in Punjab, Pakistan were interviewed from October 2015 to October 2016. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to generate diagnoses based on International Classification of Disease (ICD 10). Analysis was carried out using SPSS v.21. Results: We were able to interview 282 participants attending the two clinics. The mean age of the study population was 41.2 ±15.1 years. Majority were females (n=191, 70.9%) and were married (n=234, 83.0%). Two hundred and twenty-two participants (78.7%) had a psychiatric problem. Fifty-four (19.1%) patients described to have a positive family history of mental health problems. Almost one-third (n=93, 33.0%) had been in touch with faith or spiritual healer previously. None of the participants had been referred to a psychiatrist. There were no statistically significant gender differences, except for manic episode (p =0.001), psychotic episodes (p =0.000) and alcohol use disorders (p =0.025) which were higher in men, while anorexia nervosa (p =0.000) was higher among women. Conclusion: This study using a standardized interview found the rates of psychiatric problems to be alarmingly high in primary care in Pakistan. There is a need to further study psychiatric problems in Pakistan using both quantitative and qualitative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Isolated fungal strains were used to solubilize Thar lignite coal under defined laboratory conditions to extract humic acids. • Analyses of extracted products showed increased bioactivity of the products as compared to commercial products. • Enzyme activity staining analysis showed the presence of fungal cellulases and xylanases involved in lignite liquefaction. Fungal liquefaction of coal is a promising technology to convert low rank coal into value-added products such as humic acids (HAs) that are extensively used as fertilizer. Use of Pakistani Thar lignite for humic acid extraction can promote agriculture industry in Pakistan. In this study, fifty-five fungal strains were isolated from Thar lignite and screened for their lignite solubilization efficiency. Isolates M13 and MI exhibited highest capacity for lignite solubilization and HA was extracted with 67.4 ± 4.3 percent (w/w) yield. Elemental analysis showed increased nitrogen (0.72–1.39 percent) and oxygen (41.7–48 percent), and decreased carbon (51.8–46.1 percent) and sulphur (1.18–0.73 percent) contents in bio-extracted HA (bHA) compared to chemically extracted HA (cHA). UV/Vis spectroscopy showed increased E4/E6 value from 5.6 ± 0.39 (cHA) to 6.28 ± 0.35 (bHA) indicating reduced molecular mass and aromaticity and increased bioactivity of molecule. FTIR analysis also confirmed these results. HPLC analysis of bHA and cHA showed typical choromatogram of humic acids. Enzyme activity staining indicated the presence of fungal cellulase and xylanase on SDS-PAGE gel. The degradation of lignite macromolecules by lignin degrading fungi is a complex process dependent on alkaline substances, chelators, surfactants and extracellular fungal enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of eight sweet orange, Citrus sinensis Osbeck, varieties was evaluated at Horticultural Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2006-2008. At least ten plants of each variety were selected in the progeny garden. At the maturity physiochemical analysis of fruit of These plants was carried out. The varieties included were; Tarocco, Sanguinello, Moro, Blood Red, Musambi, Mars Early, Salustiana and Valencia Late. On the basis of two year means, the maximum fruit weight (253.67 g) and size (51.25 cm²) was recorded in Salustiana, maximum juice, percentage (56.72) in Valencia Late and minimum acidity (0.28%) was recorded in Musambi. Minimum number of seeds per fruit (1.33) was recorded in Salustiana and maximum number of fruits per plant (450.67) was recorded in Valencia Late. In view of the quality characters and yield, varieties Salustiana, Musambi, Tarocco and Mars Early can be planted in Faisalabad region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The anatomical variations of two plants from the Nyctaginaceae family, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea glabra, were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy methods in this work. Bougainvillea is a dicotyledonous with defensive traits that can withstand extreme (hot and dry) settings; according to the findings, crystal inclusions in cells, woody spines, and an abnormal development pattern are all features that help them survive against predators and are unique to this species. The Bougainvillea plant's leaves are arranged in simple pattern, alternate to each other along stem having an undulate leaves edge and an oval form. The xylem and phloem, palisade, parenchyma midrib, spongy mesophyll, raphide crystal bundles, and trichomes were all visible when bracts and leaves were transversally sectioned and dyed with toluidine blue O (TBO). The presence of crystals was confirmed by a detailed examination of the transverse leaves by using bright-field and cross-polarizing microscopy. Dissecting microscopic examination showed that all the leaves revealed leaves venation pattern that had midvein, lateral veins areoles, and trichomes. Although trichomes have been identified on both sides, a closer look at a cleaned leaf dyed with TBO showed multicellular abundant trichomes on adaxial surface. Stomata complexes were typically found on the abaxial surface of the leaf according to epidermal peels. Present studies also showed that on adaxial side, stomata were lesser in number or were absent and also showed that the morphologies of the pavement cells on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf differed., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

COVID-19 is appearing as one of the most fetal disease of the world's history and has caused a global health emergency. Therefore, this study was designed with the aim to address the issue of public response against COVID-19. The literature lacks studies on social aspects of COVID-19. Therefore, the current study is an attempt to investigate its social aspects and suggest a theoretical structural equation model to examine the associations between social media exposure, awareness, and information exchange and preventive behavior and to determine the indirect as well as direct impact of social media exposure on preventive behavior from the viewpoints of awareness and information exchange. The current empirical investigation was held in Pakistan, and the collected survey data from 500 respondents through social media tools were utilized to examine the associations between studied variables as stated in the anticipated study model. The findings of the study indicate that social media exposure has no significant and direct effect on preventive behavior. Social media exposure influences preventive behavior indirectly through awareness and information exchange. In addition, awareness and information exchange have significant and direct effects on preventive behavior. Findings are valuable for health administrators, governments, policymakers, and social scientists, specifically for individuals whose situations are like those in Pakistan. This research validates how social media exposure indirectly effects preventive behavior concerning COVID-19 and explains the paths of effect through awareness or information exchange. To the best of our knowledge, there is no work at present that covers this gap, for this reason the authors propose a new model. The conceptual model offers valuable information for policymakers and practitioners to enhance preventive behavior through the adoption of appropriate awareness strategies and information exchange and social media strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in the blood samples of adolescent boys, chewing different smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in Pakistan. For comparative purpose, boys of the same age group (12-15 years), not consumed any SLT products were selected as referents. To determine trace levels of Cd and Pb in blood samples, a preconcentration method, vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VLLME) has been developed, prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The hydrophobic chelates of Cd and Pb with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate were extracted into the fine droplets of ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, while nonionic surfactant, Triton X-114 was used as a dispersing medium. The main factors affecting the recoveries of Cd and Pb, such as concentration of APDC, centrifugation time, volume of IL and TX-114, were investigated in detail. It was also observed that adolescent boys who consumed different SLT products have 2- to 3-fold higher levels of Cd and Pb in their blood samples as compared to referent boys (p < 0.001).

Some species of marine benthic algae belonging to the Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta collected from different coastal areas of Karachi (Pakistan) were investigated for their antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and insecticidal activities. Brown seaweeds showed greater antibacterial activity than the green and red ones. Botryocladia leptopoda (J. Ag.) Kylin exhibited the greatest antifungal activity and Codium shameelii Nizam. the least. The highest phytotoxic activity (95%) was displayed by Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Nees at 100 microg/mL concentration, while Osmundea pinnatifida (Huds.) Stack. showed the low insecticidal activity as compared to the other investigated species. Many elements e.g. Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb, Zn were determined quantitatively. Among them Ca, Cr and Pb were found to occur in largest amount in green seaweeds, Co, Cu, Fe and Zn in greatest quantity in brown seaweeds, while Cd, K, Mg and Na in highest proportion in the investigated red seaweeds., (Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)