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The industrial sector is vital to economic progress, yet industrial pollution poses environmental and economic concerns. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of green industrial transformation in reducing Pakistan's carbon intensity between 1975 and 2020. Carbon emissions are considered an endogenous construct, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, technological innovation, green industrial transformation, environmental legislation, and research and development (R&D) investment are possible mediators. The association between variables is assessed using the robust least-squares approach. Green industrial transformation is connected with lower carbon emissions, yet technical innovation, R&D investment, and inbound FDI raise a country's carbon emissions. The findings support the pollution haven hypothesis in a country. The causality estimates indicate that inward FDI contributes to environmental regulations; green industrial transformation directly relates to inbound FDI and R&D expenditures; and technological innovations correspond to inbound FDI, R&D expenditures, industrial ecofriendly progression, and environmental standards. According to the impulse response function, environmental policies are anticipated to have a differential effect on carbon emissions in 2023, 2024, 2028–2030, while they are likely to decrease in the years 2025–2027 and 2031 forward. Additionally, inward FDI and technology advancements would almost certainly result in a rise in carbon emissions over time. Green industrial transitions are projected to result in a ten-year reduction in carbon emissions. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that eco-friendly industrial adaptations would likely have the largest variance error shock on carbon emissions (11.747%), followed by inbound FDI, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, with R&D spending having a minimal impact over time. Pakistan's economy should foster a green industrial revolution to avoid pollution and increase environmental sustainability to meet its environmental goals.

Chalcone represents a vital biosynthetic scaffold owing to its numerous therapeutic effects. The present study was intended to synthesize 17 chalcone derivatives (3a–q) by direct coupling of substituted acetophenones and benzaldehyde. The target chalcones were characterized by spectroscopic analyses followed by their in vitro antimicrobial, and antileishmanial investigations with reference to standard drugs. The majority of the chalcones displayed good to excellent biological activities. Chalcone 3q (1000 µg ml−1) exhibited the most potent antibacterial effect with its zone of inhibition values of 30, 33 and 34 mm versus Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The results also confirmed chalcone 3q to be the most potent versus Leishmania major with the lowest IC50 value of 0.59 ± 0.12 µg ml−1. Chalcone 3i (500 µg ml−1) was noticed to be the most potent antifungal agent with its zone of inhibition being 29 mm against Candida albicans. Computational studies of chalcones 3i and 3q supported the preliminary in vivo results. The existence of the amino moiety and bromine atom on ring-A and methoxy moieties on ring-B caused better biological effects of the chalcones. In brief, the investigations reveal that chalcones (3i and 3q) can be employed as building blocks to discover novel antimicrobial agents.

Abstract Serious human health impacts have been observed worldwide due to several life-threatening diseases such as cancer, candidiasis, hepatic coma, and gastritis etc. Exploration of nature for the treatment of such fatal diseases is an area of immense interest for the scientific community. Based on this idea, the genus Aspergillus was selected to discover its hidden therapeutic potential. The genus Aspergillus is known to possess several biologically active compounds. The current research aimed to assess the biological and pharmacological potency of the extracts of less-studied Aspergillus ficuum (FCBP-DNA-1266) (A. ficuum) employing experimental and bioinformatics approaches. The disc diffusion method was used for the antifungal investigation, and the MTT assay was performed to assess the anticancer effects. Mice were employed as an in vivo model to evaluate the antispasmodic effects. A standard spectrophotometric technique was applied to gauge the urease inhibitory activity. The antifungal studies indicate that both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were significantly active against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with their zone of inhibitions (ZOI) values reported as 19 ± 1.06 mm and 25 ± 0.55 mm, respectively at a dose of 30 µg.mL−1. In vitro cytotoxicity assay against HeLa, fibroblast 3T3, prostate PC3, and breast MCF-7 cancer cell lines was performed. The ethyl acetate extract of A. ficuum was found to be significantly active against MCF-7 with its IC50 value of 43.88 µg.mL−1. However, no substantial effects on the percent cell death of HeLa cancer cell lines were observed. In addition, the A. ficuum extracts also inhibited the urease enzyme compared to standard thiourea. The antispasmodic activity of A. ficuum extract was assessed by an in vivo model and the results demonstrated promising activity at 150 mg.kg−1. Molecular docking results also supported the antifungal, anticancer, and antiurease potency of A. ficuum extract. Overall, the results display promising aspects of A. ficuum extract as a future pharmacological source.

Objective: to evaluate outcomes of vascularized fibula flap used for Avascular necrosis of femoral head. Outcomes were recorded by post-operative Harris hip and radiological improvement of the femoral head. Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plastic Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: Cases were recruited from 2005-2018 (SIH) performed by the same Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeon. Data from 30 patients was reviewed. Ethical approval and consent of the patient were taken before the utilization of their data. Results: A total of 30 patients were included, comprising 27(90%) males and 3(10%) females. The mean age was 28.3± years. Pre-operative Harris Hip scores were fair in 17(56.7%) and poor in 13(43.3%) patients. Post operatively these scores improvedv and were noted to be excellent in 10(33.3%), good in 18(60%) and fair in 2(6,7%) patients. Radiological improvement was seen in 20(80%) patients, 8(23.3%) showed no change and 2(6.7%) went into progression. The radiological improvement was significantly associated with aetiology (p=0.004) and Avascular necrosis of HIP (p=0.007). Conclusion: A vascularized fibular graft is an effective treatment option for avascular necrosis of the femoral head in terms of improved radiological outcomes and post-operative Harris Hip scores.

This study addresses the issue of secure control design for cyber-physical systems (CPS) against denial of service (DoS) attacks. We take into account a continuous-time linear system with a convex quadratic performance measure and a sampled linear state feedback control. DoS attacks impose constraints on the CPS, where packets may be jammed between the sensor and controller by a malicious entity, potentially resulting in system instability and performance degradation. We assume that the attacker can perform DoS attacks with a limited time and frequency due to energy restrictions. We devise an efficient procedure using the linear matrix inequality approach to compute an upper bound on the performance degradation brought on by the DoS attack. We also propose a redesign of the controller to minimize this performance degradation. Finally, a simulation example illustrates the computation of the performance degradation under a bounded DoS attack and the design of a secure controller. Simulation results show that the designed controller effectively keeps the feedback loop’s performance and stability under attack.

Abstract Background Recently, numerous novel bioactive fungal metabolites have been identified that possess broad therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, and antitumor. The fungal mycochemicals as well as extracts have increased the interest of the scientific community in drug discovery research through a combination approach such as, molecular metabolic, pharmacological and computational techniques. Therefore, the natural fungus Aspergillus ficuum (A. ficuum) (FCBP-DNA-1266) was selected for metabolic and pharmacological profiling in this study. Results The metabolic profile of A. ficuum was explored for the first time and revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as choline sulfate, noruron, hydroxyvittatine, aurasperone D, cetrimonium, kurilensoside, heneicosane, nonadecane and eicosane. Similarly, a pharmacological screen of A. ficuum was performed for the first time in in vivo and in vitro models. Interestingly, both the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions of A. ficuum were found to be more active against Bacillus subtilis among five tested bacteria with their zone of inhibition (ZOI) values of 21.00 mm ±1.00 and 23.00 mm ±1.00, at a concentration of 150 μgmL-1 respectively. Similarly, a significant decrease (P

The increasing globalization and information communication associated with commerce are confronted with the risk experienced over the years in the various production sectors of the economies. The research studied the influence of ICTs capital goods exports, industrial value addition, transportation energy, and globalization on insurance & financial services in a panel of 29 selected European and Central Asian nations. The research spanned from 2012 to 2021 and used a Panel quantile regression model. It was shown that insurance and financial services increased dramatically between the 0.40th and 0.90th quantiles due to technological progress. In addition, for quantiles between 0.10th and 0.90th, industrial value added is positively correlated with increased insurance and financial services. Quantile 0.10t show a negative and significant association between transportation energy and insurance risks. In contrast, quantiles between 0.40th and 0.90th show a positive and significant relationship, indicating a U-shaped relationship between these two variables. The causality findings validated the technology-led industrialization and transportation energy, while a bidirectional association was identified between globalization and transportation energy across nations. The variance decomposition results suggested that industrial value added, globalization, and technological advancement would exert greater variance shocks on the insurance and financial services sector over time. The study concludes that the progression of technology contributes to the maintenance of insurance performance in the age of globalization. This performance might be enhanced by developing more effective transportation energy services and industrial production.

Oil price fluctuations have always been controversial and remain significant in how a country's economy develops. It is especially easy for the worldwide price of natural resources to fluctuate, putting developing nations at risk of economic instability. Consider Pakistan's economy, which is very sensitive to changes in oil prices due to its reliance on the commodity. This research analyses the effects of oil prices on several macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, imports, gross savings, domestic lending to the private sector (DCPS), and industrial value-added in Pakistan. The study uses an error-correcting framework known as autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modelling to examine long-term connections between variables and their short-term implications. Additionally, data acquired between 1970 and 2020 was analyzed using Granger causality tests, impulse response functions (IRFs), and variance decomposition analyses (VDAs). The study found that inflation and domestic loans to the private sector hampered economic development in the near run. Conversely, imports, gross savings, industrial value added, and oil rents have a positive effect. A long-term connection between these variables was verified using the boundaries test. A unidirectional link was found in the causality tests between economic growth and imports, inflation and economic growth, and gross saving and domestic credit. An inverse link between domestic credit and inflation was found. The effect of oil rents on economic development in Pakistan is expected to rise during the next four years, according to the forecasts, before levelling out. According to the VDA results, the most critical factor influencing Pakistan's economic development over the next decade would be domestic lending to the private sector. Following these empirical results, the study proposes policy adjustments that might help Pakistan's economy expand more quickly and sustainably.

The Mg-based dielectric ceramics of (Bi0.5Na0.5)(1−x)MgxTiO3, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.04 was successfully synthesized by mixed oxide route at 850 °C for 2 hrs. The XRD result revealed the single phase monoclinic crystal structure without any secondary phases. The SEM image shows the uniform grain size, low porosity and denser microstructure of the samples. The grains size gradually increases from 1.58 µm to 2.70 µm due to mass transportation during the sintering process. The EDX analysis of the spectra of all the samples was investigated and reported the peaks of elemental compositions (i.e. Bi, O, Ti & Mg). The maximum dielectric constant (εr=1291) for the base composition were observed at 200 °C temperature. The abrupt increasing in tangent loss (tanδ) was reported above 200 °C temperature at frequency range (100 Hz–1 MHz). The TGA analysis shows the net loss (∼0.47 % by weight) was observed and the sample was sustained up to 850 °C calcine temperature.

Trigonella foenum-graecum and Zingiber officinale are used as traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, a comparative analysis and bioactivities of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale lack some necessary information for therapeutic purposes. This study was designed to evaluate the biochemical characterizations and biological efficacy of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiamnesic, and cytotoxic agents. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Antidiabetic potentials were evaluated by glycation, alpha-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition assays. We performed biochemical characterization through analyses of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). Results revealed that total phenolic contents (TPCs) (g GAE/100 g) of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale were 5.74 ± 0.81 g and 6.15 ± 0.06 g, respectively, and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) varied from 1.51 ± 0.58 g CE/100 g to 17.54 ± 0.58. DPPH scavenging potentials of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale extract were 50.27% and 88.82%, respectively. Antiglycation potentials of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale showed a maximum activity at 16–29% and 96%. Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition ranged from 9.43–24.95 and 10.52–27.89 and 54.97%, respectively. All the test samples of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale showed acetylcholinesterase inhibition potential at 0.37–46.88%. HPLC analysis of T. foenum-graecum revealed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and cumeric acid, while Z. officinale revealed the quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, p.Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of aldehydes, ketones, aromatic compounds, amines, and carbonyl groups in T. foenum-graecum, while alcohol, alkane, alkene, ketone, amine, and ether are bioactives present in the methanolic extract of Z. officinale. It was concluded that a comparative analysis of T. foenum-graecum and Z. officinale showed that Z. officinale showed higher therapeutic effects.

Objective: to evaluate management outcomes of post-sternotomy wounds. Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plastic Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan 2020 to Dec 2021. Methodology: We reviewed 35 patients who had developed sternal wound infections post-cardiothoracic surgery. Outcomes of the study were measured using the SF-36 Quality of Life questionnaire. Results: Our patients presented with either Pairolero Type-II 11(31.4%) or Type-III 19(54.2%) sternal wound infection. Preoperatively patients scored 296.667±69.40 in physical functional, 100.00±30.51 in limitations due to physical health, 16.67±37.90 in role limitation due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue scored 43.53±23.70, emotional well-being 163.33±23.54, social functioning as 11.40±11.66, pain score 31.25±19.90 and general health 131.67±35.31. The improvement in scores was noted in all domains postoperatively. Physical functioning mean scored as 790.00±48.07, role limitations due to physical health scored as310.34±67.32, role limitations due to emotional problems scored as 266.67±47.94, energy/fatigue 284.67±18.71, emotional well being 448.67±18.71, social functioning 185.83±12.60, pain score 164.17±22.01 and general health 316.67±34.95. Thirty-four (97.1%) out of 35 patients recovered well postoperative, with a maximum follow-up of 4 years and a minimum follow-up of 1 year. One patient expired on the sixth day of muscle flap coverage of the wound due to cardiac arrest. Conclusion: A positive prognosis can be obtained by this treatment protocol.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes following vaginoplasty by pudendal thigh flap. Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of the Study: Plastic surgery Department, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan 2010 to Dec 2021. Methodology: Vaginal reconstruction was done using bilateral pudendal thigh flap in 20 patients with vaginal defects during eleven years, 2010-2021. Results: All patients were adults with an age range from 18 to 41 years. Five were married, and 15 were unmarried patients at the time of surgery. Out of the 20 patients, 10(50%) were diagnosed with Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser syndrome, 9(45%) with isolated vaginal atresia and 1(5%) with s/p resection angiosarcoma. The mean vaginal length was 9.0±0.46cm, one year post-operatively. Two patients (10%) developed necrosis of the distal part of the unilateral flap followed by infection, which was managed conservatively, and the other was managed with the McIndoe technique. One patient developed a cutaneous fistula which was excised. All flaps survived completely in the rest of the 19(95%) patients. Conclusion: Vaginoplasty using pudendal thigh flap was a safe and reliable method for vaginal reconstruction and showed adequate functional and aesthetic results.

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and by the end of April 2020, it spread to more than 200 countries worldwide. Particularly the USA, Brazil, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, UK, Turkey, Iran, and Russia were the most affected countries till December 2020. Currently, most of the researchers are in a continuous struggle to develop a vaccine or new drugs to combat Covid-19. There are more than 30 drug candidates including Western medicines, natural products, and traditional Chinese medicines, that have shown to exhibit some efficacy against this highly infectious virus. This review encompasses the potential efficacy of some key drugs recently tested against Covid-19. With the rapid spread of Covid-19 reaching a new level every day, there is an immediate need to find safe and effective measures to diagnose, treat, mitigate, and combat the disease. Looking at the alarming dimensions that the disease is acquiring, treatment strategies among the different drug systems are being investigated. Currently, clinical management includes infection prevention, control measures, and supportive care, including supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation when indicated. The pharmaceutical interventions evaluated for the treatment of Covid-19 include human immunoglobulin, interferons, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, arbidol, remdesivir, oseltamivir, favipiravir, carrimycin, methylprednisolone, bevacizumab, thalidomide, vitamin C, pyrodfenidone, darthviravir, bromexistone, ryrexavir, lopinavir, xiyanping, and traditional Chinese medicine. But still, the researchers are struggling to discover the most effective drug for the treatment of the current pandemic of Covid-19. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v13i4.1638

The system of social, Moral, and Economic aspects of life and disciplinary training as contained in Seerat un Nabi (SAWW). The education and manners taught by the Holy Prophet (SAWW) caused the great social, political, and economic revolution in the world. His life is a perfect example of how to design the patterns of a successful individual as well as a collective life. This article aims to describe the perfect example of Seerat un Nabi (SAWW) and discuss how following the Seerat of Rassool Ullah can lead us to live a perfect life which can lead us to success not only in this world but in the hereafter also. This research describes the applied approach through the Economic, social, educational, and moral system of the Prophet’s biography. The findings are, that Islam concerned with all aspects of human life. Education plays an important role in society. Islamic moral and education is the soul of life. This article will further elaborate and lead us to live a perfect life which can lead us to success not only in this world but also in the life hereafter.

Allah Almighty Created human beings with a lot of qualities. Sometimes when these qualities appear in someone he Perform such action which make history. How much qualities has bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by Allah is beyond of human intellect. Biographers mentioned every aspect of life in the book of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) seerah (Biography). Even his personal life is presented in books of seerah. With this there are differences among religious scholar that on what day of Rabi ul awal Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in the wp coming article we will discuss different views about the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Then in the of religious scholar we will Sealed the pre pondering view

Abstract Background Most of the head and neck cancers are time-critical and need urgent surgical treatment. Our unit is one of the departments in the region, at the forefront in treating head and neck cancers in Pakistan. We have continued treating these patients in the COVID-19 pandemic with certain modified protocols. The objective of this study is to share our experience and approach towards head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results There were a total of 31 patients, 20 (64.5%) were males and 11 (35.4%) patients were females. The mean age of patients was 52 years. Patients presented with different pathologies, i.e. Squamous cell carcinoma n = 26 (83.8%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%), adenoid cystic carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%) and mucormycosis n = 1 (3%). The reconstruction was done with loco-regional flaps like temporalis muscle flap n = 12 (38.7%), Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap n = 8 (25.8%), supraclavicular artery flap n = 10 (32.2%) and combination of fore-head, temporalis major and cheek rotation flaps n = 1 (3%). Defects involved different regions like maxilla n = 11 (35.4%), buccal mucosa n = 6 (19.3%), tongue with floor of mouth n = 6 (19.3%), mandible n = 4 (12.9%), parotid gland, mastoid n = 3 (9.6%) and combination of defects n = 1 (3%). Metal reconstruction plate was used in 3 (9.6%) patients with mandibular defects. All flaps survived, with the maximum follow-up of 8 months and minimum follow-up of 6 months. Conclusion Pedicled flaps are proving as the workhorse for head and neck reconstruction in unique global health crisis. Vigilant use of proper PPE and adherence to the ethical principles proves to be the only shield that will benefit patients, HCW and health system.

Allāh the Almighty is the creator of the living and non-living creature. Creation is the Will of Allāh and not that of the creatures. The creation of twins is also the will of Allāh and not that of the parents from whom they are born. Twins are of two types; firstly, the ones who are born with a gap of six months; secondly the conjointly born twins who share the same body; either both are males, both females or one male and another female. Today science has progressed so much that surgery for separation of such joint twins is possible. Their separation is important because the injunctions of Sharī’ah are applicable to a single complete human. In the light of Sharī’ah, if their basic needs are the same then they will be considered one but if their needs are separate then Sharī’ah will give them separate rights and responsibilities. For instance, basic needs like eating, drinking, urination, sex, etc. what are the rights of such twins, the injunctions of Sharī’ah regarding their rights to inheritance, marriage, Surgery, etc. are elaborated in this article.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intravenous Iron therapy on serum Ferritin and Haemoglobin levels in children with iron deficiency anaemia. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Quetta, from Aug 2015 to Jul 2017. Methodology: Patients of either sex with age 1 to 12 years with iron deficiency anemia were included in the study. Sampling technique was Consecutive non-probability purposive sampling. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed on the basis of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Hemoglobin (hb) concentration and serum ferritin. Intravenous iron therapy was given to all patients included in the study. Patients were followed up after 4 weeks. Paired t-test was applied for pre and post therapy HB and serum Ferritin. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total number of patients included in the study was 55. Out of total patients male were 35 (64%) and female were 20 (36%). Mean age of patients was 2.48 ± 1.89 years. Pre therapy Hb and serum ferritin were 8.13 ± 1.96 g/dl and 8.87 ± 10.24, respectively. Post therapy HB and serum ferritin were 11.06 ± 93 g/dl and 52.60 ± 28.61 respectively. When paired t test was applied, the p-value was found statistically significant

Objective: To compare the mortality of preterm babies based on antenatal complications, APGAR score and gestational weight. Study Design: Comparative cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) of CMH, Quetta, from Oct 2015 to Dec 2016. Methodology: All preterm babies were included in the study. Antenatal complications, if any, were recorded from the antenatal checkup data file. Gestational age and APGAR score were recorded at the time of birth. Outcome of newborns was measured as discharged or expired. Stratification was done in regard to different variables and post stratification Chi square test was applied. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total number of patients in our study was 81. Out of total patients male were 41 (51%) and female were 40 (49%). Mean weight of study population was (Mean ± SD) 2.02 ± 0.62. Antenatal complications in the form of pre mature rupture of membrane (PROM) was present in 13 (16%) patients, antepartum hemorrhage (APH) in 4 (5%), oligohydramnios in 12 (15%), polyhydramnios in 1 (1%) and whereas 51 (63%) of the mother had smooth pregnancy. Of the admitted patients 56 (69%) were discharged in satisfactory condition while rest of babies 25 (31%) expired during stay in hospital. Conclusion: Apgar score, antenatal complications and weight of babies were significantly related to pre term babies’ mortality.

Abstract Background The northern part of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan experienced armed conflict since September 2007 till the autumn of 2011. Conflict involved widespread insurgency activity and military intervention including in 2009 internally displacing the 2.5 million people of the valley of Swat to live in camps, with relatives, or in rented accommodation across the region for approximately 4 months. It was during this period the current study was conducted to determine whether Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in pregnant women was independently associated with Low Birth Weight (LBW) in an area affected by conflict and militancy. Methods A case control study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals of district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two hundred twenty-five cases (neonates with birth weight 2.5 kg) were enrolled within 24 h of delivery. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was assessed through the MINI Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0, a validated questionnaire along with the birth weight of the newborn. Maternal anthropometry, anemia and other sociodemographic details were also obtained during data collection. Data was analyzed using statistical package (STATA version 14). Logistic regression analysis of the association between LBW and all variables collected with a p-value of

This study examines the effect of independent directors on carbon information disclosure (CID) in China from 2011 to 2017. Additionally, this study investigates the effect of independent director’s attributes (gender, academic experience, and political connection) on the CID. To test our hypothesis, we collected data of 511 Chinese listed firms. The empirical results show that independent directors have a positive influence on the CID. Moreover, the independent female directors, independent academic directors and independent politically connected directors also enhances the CID. Our findings offer shareholders, regulators, and other stakeholders an integrating perspective on motivating firms to disclose high quality carbon information.

A series of novel spiropyrans were synthesized through the condensation of substituted 3,3-dimethyl-2-methyleneindoline with different nitro-substituted o-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes. Indoles were initially substituted with a variety of alkanes and esters moieties. The substituted 3,3-dimethyl-2-methyleneindoline was then reacted with nitro-substituted o-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes to yield the respective spiropyrans. The synthesized novel spiropyrans were encapsulated in silica nano-shells to protect them from the effect of moisture and pH. The thermochromic behaviour of novel spiropyrans was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. The thermally induced isomerization of spiropyran derivatives was carried out in a water/ethanol mixture. The thermal isomerization of spiro-heterocyclic (colourless form) to merocyanine (MC) (coloured form) was a discontinuous process and was observed in a temperature range of 5–60°C via UV-visible spectrometer. The absorption process occurs reversibly regardless of the heating/cooling sequence. The spiropyran derivatives, therefore, have a potential application for colorimetric temperature indication.

The challenges of environmental protection are especially prevalent in South and Southeast Asian nations, which adversely affects their sustainable developmental goals. During the last two decades, increased industrialization and urbanization have caused massive air pollution, particularly in the most industrialized and densely populated countries. Due to China’s fast economic expansion and development, the demand for natural resources has increased, resulting in climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and environmental risks. China’s ecological footprint has been the subject of little investigation on the premises of a circular economy. This study used a literature review methodology on the critical key factors that hinder or facilitate the transition of a linear economy towards a circular economy. Further, based on the literature review, this study used industrial ecology, energy efficiency, and waste recycling technology factors to analyze the role of the circular economy on the country’s environmental sustainability agenda for the period of 1975–2020. The results show that in the short run, the link between ecological footprints and per capita income is monotonically decreasing; however, in the long run, the relationship is U-shaped. In both the short and long run, waste recycling technology and cleaner manufacturing significantly decrease ecological footprints. Renewable energy consumption increases ecological footprints in the short run but decreases them in the long run. The management of natural resources reduces ecological footprints to support the ‘resource blessing’ hypothesis. The Granger causality corroborated the unidirectional relationship between ecological footprints, oil rents, and urbanization and ecological footprints. In addition, economic growth Granger causes industrialization and waste recycling technology while green energy Granger causes economic growth, industrialization, and recycling technology. The two-way link between economic development and urbanization exists within a nation. The variance decomposition analysis (VDA) predicts that in the future, China’s natural resources, green energy demand, and technological spillover will limit its ecological footprint through material and technology efficiency.

The survival of humans depends on both natural and manufactured surroundings. Though most people spend their time indoors, there are constantly new challenges to address, and air pollution is one of them. This research considered both outdoor and indoor factors that affected green development agendas. Outdoor factors include fossil fuel combustion, renewable energy supplies, and carbon emissions, whereas indoor factors include industrial waste management, chemical use in production, and green technologies. Against the backdrop of the Indian economy, plagued by severe environmental problems from 1995Q1 to 2020Q4, this research evaluated green alternatives for indoor and outdoor environments. Carbon emissions rise with the use of chemicals in production, with the burning of fossil fuels, and with economic expansion, as shown by the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) testing method employed. In contrast, emissions fall when a nation invests in renewable energy technologies and appropriately manages its industrial waste. Granger causality estimations validated the feedback link between industrial chemical usage and carbon emissions while demonstrating a unidirectional causality from chemical use to green energy demand and fossil fuel combustions. Moreover, burning fossil fuels and energy demand causes carbon emissions. Carbon emissions and fossil fuel combustion are produced due to industrial waste handling. The scale of the use of chemicals is expected to have the greatest impact on carbon emissions over the next few decades, followed by industrial waste, renewable energy supply, fossil fuel combustion, and renewable energy technologies. In order to achieve environmental sustainability via emissions reduction, this study proposed policies for a low-carbon economy, renewable energy source encouragement, and sustainable management. Close attention should be paid to clean energy and environmental sustainability by investing in research and development (R&D) to create a long-term sustainable energy strategy that is environmentally benign.

Abstract Background Delayed diagnosis of Oral Cancer (OC) can mean a difference in quality and expectancy of life for the patient. This delay could be from the healthcare side, or more importantly from the patient’s side. Globally, there are studies enumerating the causes for delays from the patients’ side in seeking healthcare for Oral Cancer; however, no similar research is found in the context of Pakistan. This study endeavoured to understand the health seeking behaviour, reasons for delay in consultation and the impact on OC patients’ lives. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with randomly selected OC patients at a private sector tertiary care facility in Islamabad (who met the inclusion criteria of having successfully been treated for Oral Cancer) which caters to the most diverse population for the treatment of Oral Cancer. Theoretical saturation was achieved at 14 interviews. All participants gave verbal consent for participation, which was recorded prior to the interviews. Results Patients (age range 43–68 years) had received the surgical treatment and radiation. The reported delay before seeking a proper medical advice ranged from 1 month to 2 years. Lack of awareness about OC risk factors, symptoms, and whom to approach for treatment were the main reasons. Most respondents relied on self-treatment considering the non-healing wound/ulcer to be a minor issue until they were advised a consultation with a specialist. Treatment started within 1–3 months after a confirmed diagnosis on biopsy. The reported average expenditure on treatment was US$5000-10,000, mostly covered through a private health insurance and others borrowed the money. Conclusion A socio-behavioural change campaign for the general population can result in earlier presentation of the OC, minimizing the financial burden on the patient as well as the health system, and improving the quality of life of the patients.

Abstract Background In recent decades, parasitism has remained one of the major problems of dairy industry in Pakistan. In this context, the most common tick species prevailing is Hyalomma, Boophilus, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus. Result High prevalence was found in cow 20.83% as compared to buffaloes. Over all prevalence of ticks was found as 11.3% whereas no ticks were found from LRS (livestock research station), and Malpur showed higher prevalence (8.67%). Breed wise tick prevalence showed that crossbred cattle was heavily infested (39.53%) while pure bred indigenous cattle was mildly infested (3.03%). Three tick genera found were Hyalomma with high prevalence rate 6.63% and Rhipicephalus and Boophilus with low prevalence rate 1.53% while management system of LRS in Islamabad was found satisfactory with no tick prevalence and rural areas of Islamabad was not satisfactory with 23% of tick prevalence ration. It was concluded from the study that ticks were present in the crossbred cattles of pre-urban areas specially Malpur region of Islamabad with low management system, so there is a need of proper monitoring and management in the pre-urban areas. Conclusion Key steps should be taken for good managements regarding large animals while special care must be taken for small animals. Proper spray must be carried out for the removal of pathogenic species.

Aging is a degenerative, biological, time-dependent, universally conserved process thus designed as one of the highest known risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Every individual has its own aging mechanisms as both environmental conditions (75%) and genetics (25%) account for aging. Several theories have been proposed until now but not even a single theory solves this mystery. There are still some queries un-answered to the scientific community regarding mechanisms behind aging. However, oxidative stress theory (OST) is considered one of the famous theories that sees mitochondria as one of the leading organelles which largely contribute to the aging process. Many reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced endogenously and exogenously that are associated with aging. But the mitochondrial ROS contribute largely to the aging process as mitochondrial dysfunction due to oxidative stress is considered one of the contributors toward aging. Although ROS is known to damage cell machinery, new evidence suggests their role in signal transduction to regulate biological and physiological processes. Moreover, besides mitochondria, other important cell organelles such as peroxisome and endoplasmic reticulum also produce ROS that contribute to aging. However, nature has provided humans with free radical scavengers called antioxidants that protect from harmful effects of ROS. Future predictions regarding aging, biochemical mechanisms involved, biomarkers internal and external factors can be easily done with machine learning algorithms and other computational models. This review explains important aspects of aging, the contribution of ROS producing organelles in aging, importance of antioxidants fighting against ROS, different computational models developed to understand the complexities of the aging.

The defense and peace literature have focused mainly on the military-growth nexus, with little attention paid to the environmental sustainability agenda, which is impacted by increased global arms transfers. The supply of lead-containing ammunition generates complex gas mixtures (including CO2 emissions) and particulates that harm the healthcare sustainability agenda. Based on the significance of the subject matter, the study uses the Indian economy as a case study, with a significant rate of arms transfers associated with higher carbon emissions. The study analyzed data from more than four decades, from 1975 to 2020. Data on arms imports, military personnel, and military expenditures are used to evaluate the ‘ammunition emissions function’. It corresponds to the three research hypotheses, namely, the ‘emissions-defense burden hypothesis’ (arms transfers increase carbon emissions), the ‘emissions-cleaner hypothesis’ (arms transfers reduce carbon emissions), and the ‘emissions-asymmetric hypothesis’ (positive and negative shocks of arms transfers either support the ‘defense burden hypothesis’ or ‘cleaner hypothesis’). The non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) results confirmed the ’emissions-defense burden hypothesis‘ in the long run, as positive and negative shocks from arms imports increase carbon emissions. However, in the short run, positive arms imports increase carbon emissions while negative arms imports decrease carbon emissions. Furthermore, the findings supported the ’emissions-cleaner hypothesis‘ in the relationship between armed forces personnel and carbon emissions. The findings imply that the positive and negative shocks experienced by armed forces personnel reduce carbon emissions in the short and long run. Positive shocks to military spending support the ’emissions-defense burden hypothesis‘ in the short run; however, the results vanished when negative shocks to military spending supported the ’emissions-spillover hypothesis‘ (lowering military spending reduces carbon emissions and increases economic productivity) in the short and long run. The country’s unsustainable economic activities are viewed as a negative factor contributing to long-term carbon emissions increases. The negative shocks of armed forces personnel and positive arms imports would almost certainly have a significant long-term impact on carbon emissions. As a result, the ‘treadmill theory of destruction’ has been confirmed in a country. The study concludes that lead-free ammunition and managing ammunition safety are beneficial to a country’s environmental sustainability agenda.

The global energy mix is shifting from fossil fuels to combinations of multiple energy storage and generation types. Hybrid energy system advancements provide opportunities for developing and deploying innovative green technology solutions that can further reduce emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This study examined the impact of an increasing share of wind and solar electricity production on reducing carbon intensity by controlling coal and lignite domestic consumption and the production of refined oil products in a world aggregated data panel. Data covering the last three decades were used for the analysis by the ARDL bounds testing approach. The results showed that an increasing share of wind and solar electricity production would be helpful to decrease carbon intensity in the short and long term. On the other hand, a 1% increase in coal and domestic lignite consumption increased carbon intensity by 0.343% in the short run and 0.174% in the long run. The production of refined oil products decreases carbon intensity by 0.510% in the short run and 0.700% in the long run. However, refining oil products is associated with positive and negative environmental externalities. The positive aspect depends upon the removal of harmful pollutants and the production of cleaner-burning fuels, while the negative part is related to the operational side of refineries and processing plants that may release contaminants into the atmosphere, affecting global air and water quality. Hence, it is crucial to improve processing and refining capacity to produce better-refined oil products by using renewable fuels in energy production. It is proposed that these are the most cost-effective pathways to achieve industrial decarbonization.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder manifested by decline in memory and mild cognitive impairment leading to dementia. Despite global occurrence of AD, the severity and hence onset of dementia vary among different regions, which was correlated with the customary use of medicinal herbs and exposure level to the causatives. In spite of execution of versatile therapeutic strategies to combat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, success is only limited to symptomatic treatment. The role of natural remedies remained primitive and irreplaceable in all ages. In some examples, the extracted drugs failed to show comparable results due to lack of micro ingredients. Micro ingredients impart a peerless value to natural remedies which are difficult to isolate and/or determine their precise role during treatment. A variety of plants have been used for memory enhancement and other dementia-related complications since ages. Acetyl choline esterase inhibition, antioxidant potential, neuroprotection, mitochondrial energy restoration, and/or precipitated protein clearance put a vast taxonomic variety into a single group of anti-AD plants. Secondary metabolites derived from these medicinal plants have the potential to treat AD and other brain diseases of common pathology. This review summarizes the potential of taxonomically diverse medicinal plants in the treatment of AD serving as a guide to further exploration.

Objective: To study the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and complications of acute pancreatitis in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: Study Design: It was a descriptive study. The study was conducted at Surgical Unit of Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) Rawalpindi from 1st January 2014 to 31 July 2017. All the patients who presented in emergency with abdominal symptoms and diagnosed as a case of acute pancreatitis were included in the study. All the data of gender, age, serum amylase & lipase, etiology, CT severity index, Ranson’s criteria, complications, mortality and management were noted on a predesigned proforma. Percentages and frequencies were calculated for all the data by SPSS 21 version. Results: Total 161 patients were included in the study, with 60.9% females and 39.1% males. Maximum patients 31% were from age group of 26 to 40 years of age and minimum 1.2% from 71 to 85 years. Gall stones were the major cause of the disease contributing 67% of cases. At admission Ranson’s score of the maximum patients 32.2% had total score of 1, While only 1.2% had moderate pancreatitis. After 48 hours of admission 24.2% had 2 score while only 1.2%had severe pancreatitis. The radiological CT severity index 82.6% patients had mild pancreatitis while1.2% patients had severe disease. 93.1% patients were managed conservatively, 1.9% patients went Cystogastrostomy, 1.2% patients needed Exploratory laparotomy and 1.2% patients went for Pancreatic Necrosectomy. On calculating the morbidity 67.7% patients had no significant morbidity. 32.3% had complications including pleural effusion, ascites, pancreatic necrosis, pseudo cyst formation, shock, acute renal failure and multi organ failure. Overall mortality rate was 3.7%. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis in our set up is mainly due to gall stones. A multidisciplinary approach, measurement of severity of disease with computerized tomography scan and Ranson’s scoring system is always helpful in disease management and its complications. Key Words : Acute pancreatitis, Gall stones, Ranson’s scoring, Pancreatic necrosis, Pseudocyst.

Zirconia was prepared by a precipitation method and calcined at 723 K, 1023 K, and 1253 K in order to obtain monoclinic zirconia. The prepared zirconia was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, surface area and pore size analyzer, and particle size analyzer. Monoclinic ZrO2 as a catalyst was used for the gas-phase oxidation of isopropanol to acetone in a Pyrex-glass-flow-type reactor with a temperature range of 443 K - 473 K. It was found that monoclinic ZrO2 shows remarkable catalytic activity (68%) and selectivity (100%) for the oxidation of isopropanol to acetone. This kinetic study reveals that the oxidation of isopropanol to acetone follows the L-H mechanism.

Novel N-linked 5a–e and O-linked glycopyranosides 7a–e were synthesized in high yield from commercially available L-tartaric acid containing two asymmetric centers and C2 axis of symmetry. The compound L-tartaric acid was completely protected and then partially hydrolyzed to get the monoester, which upon treatment with different amino and hydroxyl derivatives of glycopyranoses gave the desired amides and esters. The synthesized derivatives were purified by chromatography and characterized by spectroanalytical techniques. The structure of compound 7c in the series was supported by X-ray analysis. Leishmanicidal activities of compounds 5a–e and 7a–e were investigated which showed moderate to good activities.

In the original publication of this article [1], an author’s name needs to be revised from Babar Tasneen Shaikh to Babar Tasneem Shaikh.

The facilitated passage of Zn (II) across flat sheet supported liquid membrane saturated with TDDA (tri-n-dodecylamine) in xylene membrane phase has been investigated. The effect of acid and metal ion concentration in the feed solution, the carrier concentration in membrane phase, stripping agent concentration in stripping phase, and coions on the extraction of Zn (II) was investigated. The stoichiometry of the extracted species, that is, complex, was investigated on slope analysis method and it was found that the complex (LH)2·Zn(Cl2) is responsible for transport of Zn (II). A mathematical model was developed for transport of Zn (II), and the predicted results strongly agree with experimental ones. The mechanism of transport was determined by coupled coion transport mechanism with H+ and Cl− coupled ions. The optimized SLM was effectively used for elimination of Zn (II) from waste discharge liquor of galvanizing plant of Zn (II).

Activated carbon (AC) was prepared from carbonization of phosphoric acid soaked peanut shell at 380°C under inert atmosphere followed by activation with hydrogen peroxide. The AC was characterized by SEM, EDX, FTIR, TGA, and BET surface area and pore size analyzer. The potential of AC as a catalyst for solvent-free oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (the mixture is known as KA oil) in the presence of molecular oxygen at moderate temperature was investigated in a self-designed double-walled three-necked batch reactor. The effect of different reaction parameters/additive was optimized. The maximum productivity value (2.14 mmolg−1 h−1, without base, and 4.85 mmolg−1 h−1, with 0.2 mmol NaOH) of the desired product was achieved under optimal reaction parameters: vol 12.5 mL, cat 0.4 g, time 14 h, oxygen flow 40 mL/min (pO2 760 Torr), stirring 1100 rpm, and temp 75°C. The AC shows recyclability for multiple runs without any significant loss in activity. Thus, the AC can be an efficient catalyst, due to low cost, ease of synthesis, easy recovery, nonleaching, and recyclability for multiple uses for the solvent-free oxidation of cyclohexane.

A self-designed reaction device was used as a promising equipment to investigate the oxidation characteristics and kinetics of rosin pentaerythritol ester (RPE) under UV irradiation. Photo-oxidation kinetics and the initial quantum yield (Φ) of RPE were calculated. The initial oxidation product of the photo-oxidation reaction—peroxide was analyzed by iodimetry. The peroxide concentration is related to the light intensity (I) and the temperature (T), and the increasing T and I would destabilize the RPE by accelerating peroxide forming. Photo-oxidation of RPE follows the pseudo first-order reaction kinetics. The relationship between activation energy and logarithm of light intensity (ln I) is linear, and it is expressed as Ea = −4.937ln I + 45.565. Φ was calculated by the photo-oxidation kinetics, and the average value of Φ was 7.19% in the light intensity range of 200⁻800 μW cm−2. This research can provide fundamental information for application of RPE, and help obtain a better understanding of the stability of rosin esters.

A series of platinum and palladium supported on titania catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation method with the Pt or Pd loading varying in the range of 0.1–1.2 weight percent. The catalysts were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRF, XRD, FT-IR, and BET surface area analysis. The catalysts were tested for their efficiency in the liquid phase solvent-free photooxidation of toluene to benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in the presence of molecular oxygen. The effect of noble metal contents on the activation energy was studied. Activation energy was found to be in a reciprocal relation to the platinum or palladium content of the catalyst. The percent conversion of toluene was observed to increase in response to an increase in the metal loading on titania. The apparent quantum yield, however, was independent of the platinum or palladium content of the catalyst.

Platinum supported on zirconium dioxide catalyst was prepared by standard method and characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, BET surface area and pore size analyzer, and FT-IR. The catalyst was screened for its catalytic activity in a model reaction, selective oxidation of cyclohexanol. The only one major product, cyclohexanone 31%, with 99.8% selectivity was obtained. Experimental data was analyzed through different kinetic models and we deduced that the reaction follows Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. The apparent activation energy for the model reaction was calculated as 45 kJ/mole. The catalyst was regenerated several times with same efficiency.

The Hindko language is mainly spoken in the province of Khyber Pukhtunkhaw, Pakistan. It relates to the Indo-Aryan family of languages. This paper focusses on the phonemic and acoustic analysis of Hindko fricatives. The phonemic analysis identifies that Hindko has eight fricatives. The acoustic analysis aims to explore temporal and spectral characteristics of these fricatives. The acoustic analysis discloses that Hindko fricatives are distinguishable on the basis of the temporal properties such as friction duration and spectral cues like turbulence noise.

Using sophoridine 1 and chalcone 3 as the lead compounds, a series of novel α, β-unsaturated sophoridinic derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that introduction of α, β-unsaturated ketone moiety and heterocyclic group might significantly enhance anticancer activity. Among the compounds, 2f and 2m exhibited potential effects against HepG-2 and CNE-2 human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were performed to understand possible docking sites of the molecules on the target proteins and the mode of binding. This work provides a theoretical basis for structural optimizations and exploring anticancer pathways of this kind of compound.

The inclusion complexes of a new family of nonionic amphiphilic calix[4]arenes with the anti-inflammatory hydrophobic drugs naproxen (NAP) and ibuprofen (IBP) were investigated. The effects of the alkyl chain’s length and the inner core of calix[4]arenes on the interaction of the two drugs with the calix[4]arenes were explored. The inclusion complexes of Amphiphiles 1a–c with NAP and IBP increased the solubility of these drugs in aqueous media. The interaction of 1a–c with the drugs in aqueous media was investigated through fluorescence, molecular modeling, and 1H-NMR analysis. TEM studies further supported the formation of inclusion complexes. The length of lipophilic alkyl chains and the intrinsic cyclic nature of cailx[4]arene derivatives 1a–c were found to have a significant impact on the solubility of NAP and IBP in pure water.

Hindko is an Indo-Aryan language that is mainly spoken in Khyber Pukhtoonkhaw province of Pakistan. This work aims to identify the oral stops of Hindko and determine the intrinsic acoustic cues for them. The phonemic analysis is done with the help of minimal pairs and phoneme distribution in contrastive environments which reveals that Hindko has twelve oral stops with three way series. The acoustic analysis of these segments shows that intrinsically voice onset time (VOT), closure duration and burst are reliable and distinguishing cues of stops in Hindko.

Purpose. To identify variables affecting length of hospital stay after total hip replacement (THR) while controlling for potential confounders. Methods. Records of 199 consecutive elective unilateral THRs were reviewed. Clinical and demographic data including age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, surgical factors (surgical approach, type of prosthesis, use of cement, operating time), anaesthetic factors (type of anaesthesia, ASA physical status), and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results. 64% of patients left hospital within 12 days, 28% within 3 weeks, and 8% after 3 weeks. The median length of hospital stay was longer in women than men (11.5 vs. 9 days, p=0.009), in patients aged >65 years than those younger (13 vs. 9 days, p65 years than those younger (61% vs. 37% or 24%, p65 years (p