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The commonly occurring haemoparasites in pigeons include Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus which cause decrease in production and performance of the birds. Due to the dearth of knowledge on prevalence of these parasites in pigeons in Pakistan, current survey-based study was planned to assess the prevalence of above-mentioned parasites in pigeons in selected rural areas of District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. The morphological identification of parasites was done under microscope by comparing it with standard keys. Out of 384 samples, 56.51% were found positive for haemoparasites. According to town-wise distribution, Jinnah town, Iqbal town, Madina town and Lyallpur town prevalence was 61.24, 48.86, 55.56, and 59.26%, respectively. According to genus-wise distribution, 48.14, 48.21, and 64.92% prevalence of mixed infection, genera Plasmodium/Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were observed, respectively. The prevalence was found high in female birds (65.9%) as compared to male birds (51.18%). The prevalence was higher in Cheena (69.02%) and Golden breeds (76.57%) as compared to Sialkoti (32.89%) and Dub wali (37.17%). The prevalence was found higher in squabs (74.15%) as compared to adults (49.6%) and growers (52.56%), in scavengers feeding pattern (77.31%) as compared to feeders (35.78%), and in open coop type (76.68%) as compared to closed coop type (36.12%). The values of Hb, PCV, and RBC's count were lower, while WBC's counts were higher in infected pigeons. The values of uric acid, creatinine, albumin and bilirubin were lower while gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and glucose were higher in infested birds as compared to non- infected birds. The study indicated the impact of haemoparasites on the hematological parameters of the birds and the data generated could help in formulating effective control strategies against haemoparasites particularly Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the best economically viable power source with the least environmental impact and socially acceptable for the maize crop. Maize is one of the key economic crops in Pakistan. Solar-, electric-, and diesel-powered drip irrigation systems (DIS) were considered for comparative study. We selected 45 sites of maize crop to collect the data, with an area of 1–3 ha, from three divisions. For economic viability, the benefit:cost ratio, life cycle cost, and payback period were calculated, and CO2 emissions were calculated to assess the environmental impact. The SPSS model was used for one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc and chi-squared tests to check the significance level between all power sources. It was found that the B-C of electric power, solar, and diesel drip irrigation systems was 1.65, 1.52, and 1.44, respectively. Solar, diesel, and electricity power DIS have CO2 emissions of 0.02, 0.730, and 1.106 tons/ha, respectively. The research concludes that solar power and electric power are the best sources for the environment and economically, respectively. It is recommended that solar power DIS be subsidized, which will help to lower CO2 emissions and reduce the electricity shortfall in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a severe threat for productivity of sugarcane crop. Crop models have potential to quantify the climate change impacts, and management practices effects on development and productivity of sugarcane crop. These models provide simulations as a result of interaction between genotype, management, and environment. The current study was conducted with the objectives to (1) calibration, evaluation and application of CSM-CANEGRO-Sugarcane model (2) climate change assessment and make adaptation strategies for industrial (spring and autumn crops) and non-industrial (summer crop) sugarcane. Two field experiments regarding industrial sugarcane were carried out at Multan during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 and two field experiments regarding ponda chewing sugarcane (non-industrial, thick, soft and juicier sugarcane) at Vehari during 2017 and 2018. Calibration and evaluation of CSM-CANEGRO-Sugarcane model showed that all model statistical parameters were obtained under acceptable range. Model sensitivity was also evaluated against Carbon, Temperature and Water analysis for both sites. Results revealed that average temperature is increased almost 0.94 °C during baseline weather data (1980–2018), while according to different climate projections by Global Climate Models (GCMs), average temperature 3–5 °C can be increase during mid-century. So, without adaptation strategies, fresh cane yield will be decreased ranging from 15.31 to 22.57% at different GCMs during mid-century (2039–2069). Adaptation strategies; like 18–25 days earlier planting, increasing 15% N application quantity and increasing frequency of irrigation and growing heat tolerant and more growing degree days requiring varieties can compensate the negative impact of climate change in future scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, a crop variety grown on the commercial scale and under different conditions becomes vulnerable to various kinds of issues involving both biotic and abiotic plant stresses, alone or in combinations. This demands their substitution with new and improved genotypes possessing higher productivity and inherent resistance/tolerance against yield-limiting stresses. In this context, this editorial reports the development of a new chickpea kabuli variety "Noor-2019". This cultivar has improved yield potential, dietary elements (proteins, fat, ash), and more importantly, resistance against fusarium wilt and ascochyta blight compared to the existing varieties. The evolution of this strain commenced in 2002-03 cropping season by crossing K-90399 as a female parent with K-52582 as a male parent. The female parent had high yield potential, whereas the male parent had wilt resistance and was developed through introgression breeding using ILWC-126, an accession of Cicer reticulatum. Henceforth, the genetic variability was created to select for high yield and wilt resistant recombinants in subsequent generations. Resultantly, a uniform and high yielding progeny line PCK-09012, later designated as "Noor-2019" was selected and evaluated for yield, agronomy, and insect pests. This cultivar revealed a potential yield of 2882 kg ha-1 in testing phase and outperformed standard checks by producing 78.2%, 13.1%, and 28.8% higher grain yield in station, adaptation and national uniform yield trials, respectively. The plants of Noor-2019 are 60-65cm tall, semi-erect, and medium in canopy spread. Its grains are light brown, ram-headed, medium in size with a 100-seed weight of 25 g. Adoption of this cultivar across different climatic regions of Punjab, and other provinces could contribute in attaining self-sufficiency in local chickpea production as well as plummeting import bill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to find the difference between the perceptions of students of public and private universities regarding relationship of personal factors (comprising four sub-factors (personal competency, participation in university activities, personal efforts for improvement, personal willingness) and epistemological access. A survey was held with undergraduate students of eight universities (4 public & 4 private) in Pakistan. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample that targeted 1600 under-graduate students of 6th semester from two faculties (Information and Technology, and Business School) of 8 universities (4 private and 4 public) situated in the province of Punjab and Islamabad (Capital Territory) in Pakistan. The data were collected through a self-constructed questionnaire during the academic session 'Fall 2018-2019.' Data was recorded on SPSS and treated statistically; after confirmatory factor analysis, one-way ANOVA was conducted to find the difference between perceptions of students of public and private universities across 5 factors stated above. The results showed that significant difference existed between perceptions regarding provision of epistemological access among four out of five factors. In three cases (personal competency, participation in university activities and personal willingness for improvement) the perceptions of private students were better than the students of public universities, whereas, the public university students' perceptions were better in personal efforts for improvement. It was deduced from the results of Pearson correlation that there existed a positive relationship among the mentioned constructs--personal competency, personal effort for improvement, and epistemological access. However, no significant difference was found between students of public & private universities regarding provision of epistemological access in their respective universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Resistant strains of bacteria are rapidly emerging with increasing inappropriate use of antibiotics rendering them less efficacious. Self-purchasing of antibiotics particularly for viral infections is a key driver of inappropriate use, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. There is a particular issue in countries such as Pakistan. Consequently, there is a need to assess current rates of self-purchasing especially for reserve antibiotics to guide future policies. Aims: Assess the extent of current antibiotic sales without a prescription in urban areas of Pakistan. Methodology: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan using Simulated Client technique. The investigators demanded different predefined antibiotics from WHO AWaRe groups without prescription. Three levels of demand were used to convince the pharmacy staff in order to dispense the antibiotic without a prescription. A data collection form was completed by simulated clients within 15 min of each visit. Results: Overall 353 pharmacies and medical stores were visited out of which 96.9% pharmacies and medical stores dispensed antibiotics without demanding a prescription (82.7% at demand level 1 and 14.2% at demand level 2), with only 3.1% of pharmacies refusing to dispense antibiotics. The most frequently dispensed antibiotic was ciprofloxacin (22.1%). Surprisingly, even the reserve group antibiotics were also dispensed without a prescription. In only 25.2% visits, pharmacy staff guided patients about the use of antibiotics, and in only 11.0% pharmacists enquired about other medication history. Conclusion: Currently, antibiotics are easily acquired without a legitimate prescription in Pakistan. There is a need for strict adherence to regulations combined with a multi-dimensional approach to enhance appropriate dispensing of antibiotics and limit any dispensing of WHO restricted antibiotics without a prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various field trials were performed at different locations of Punjab, Pakistan to study the effect of trace metals on uptake of iron (Fe) and wheat productivity as well as the health risk assessment by ingestion of wheat grains grown with application of different irrigation sources. The experimental design was laid out in RCBD having four replications. Soil samples were taken before sowing of crop from 0 to 15 cm depth and Triticum astivum samples were taken after irrigation through different water treatments examined for pollution load index (PLI), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), daily intake of metal (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) parameters. Fe concentrations in soil from five districts where wheat types watered with 3 different supplies ranged from 30.28 to 41.03 mg/kg and in grain sample ranged between 1.36 and 6.74 mg/kg. All the samples had DIM values of Fe were observed lower than standard tolerable limits and values of HRI less than 1 which indicates that there is no Fe toxicity due to utilization of wheat grains. • Due to water scarcity, farmers use wastewater for irrigation resulting heavy metal accumulation in the crops. • Wheat is a broadly cultivated cereal crop used as staple food in Pakistan that calls for focus of attention. • Studies were conducted at various districts of Punjab, Pakistan to check the uptake of iron (Fe) and yield of wheat. • Bioaccumulation, Translocation and bio concentration factors, DIM, and health risk index parameters were investigated. • Daily intake of Fe less than standard tolerable limits and HRI less than 1 indicated no Fe toxicity due to wheat consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The man's existence is closely linked with animals in multiple use, to earn livelihood and even used as food. The fodder and forages are the major nutritional items along with other supplements. In Pakistan and sub-continent, the shortage of fodder and forages is very common particularly in kharif season because shortage of the fresh water resources. The waste water is manly passed down as supplemental irrigation source to irrigate field crops including fodder and forages. The studies showed the provisions of Iron (Fe) in feces, forages, soil, fodder and grazing animal's blood data collect from the Sargodha, Jhang, Layyah and Bhakkar districts of the Punjab. Five sites, three animal's (Cow, Sheep and Goat) and two origins (Blood and Feces) were selected. Standard samples preparation methods were worker to check occurrence of the heavy rock's metals in the forage and soil samples. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to check Iron (Fe). The results revealed that Fe were found in safe limit, as per WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]