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Biodiversity is under enormous pressure from multiple threats including climate change, land use change, habitat alterations and hunting pressure. One way to ease this pressure on biodiversity and to mitigate the effects of above-mentioned threats, is to establish protected areas. Importance of protected increases many folds in regions that are considered as biodiversity poor regions i.e. deserts. Protected areas have long been a major pillar of biodiversity conservation strategies; the Houbara Protected Area (HPA) is one of the 13 terrestrial protected areas in Abu Dhabi Emirate officially declared in 2017. However, no information regarding the status of biodiversity in the HPA has been communicated to the research fraternity. During the present study, surveys were conducted to fill this gap. The survey area was divided in to 50 grids of 5 × 5 km2 and monitoring surveys were undertaken from January to December 2016. A total of 14 bi-monthly to monthly surveys were conducted within HPA and 196 species of different taxonomical groups were recorded. A year-long survey yielded highly diversified fauna and flora from 19 different habitat types (H) 1.32, (E) 2.28, Shannon Diversity Index). We looked at the influence of habitat breadth and temperature on the species richness and abundance, results shows that in desert setup heterogeneity of habitat is not an important factor in maintaining the biodiversity as total number of individuals as well as species were similar in the grids that have different number of habitat types (df = 34.3, t = -0.472, P = 0.640). However, we did find a positive impact of mean monthly temperature on species richness (df = 154, t = 2.53, P = 0.012). Our study highlights the importance of temperature in driving species abundance and richness in protected area. Abundance and species richness are similar in protected areas indicating that protection is allowing species to explore the heterogenous habitats. Overall, we can conclude that protection is beneficial for species.

Human impacts such as habitat loss, climate change and biological invasions are radically altering biodiversity, with greater effects projected into the future. Evidence suggests human impacts may differ substantially between terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, but the reasons for these differences are poorly understood. We propose an integrative approach to explain these differences by linking impacts to four fundamental processes that structure communities: dispersal, speciation, species-level selection and ecological drift. Our goal is to provide process-based insights into why human impacts, and responses to impacts, may differ across ecosystem types using a mechanistic, eco-evolutionary comparative framework. To enable these insights, we review and synthesise (i) how the four processes influence diversity and dynamics in terrestrial versus freshwater communities, specifically whether the relative importance of each process differs among ecosystems, and (ii) the pathways by which human impacts can produce divergent responses across ecosystems, due to differences in the strength of processes among ecosystems we identify. Finally, we highlight research gaps and next steps, and discuss how this approach can provide new insights for conservation. By focusing on the processes that shape diversity in communities, we aim to mechanistically link human impacts to ongoing and future changes in ecosystems., Ecology Letters, 26 (2), ISSN:1461-023X, ISSN:1461-0248

Background: Oral health is one of the key indicators of the quality of life, overall health and well‑being of the general population. Globally, the high prevalence of the periodontal disease, excessive tooth loss, dental caries experiences, oral cancers and xerostomia are the major issues reported among adult populations. Timely access to oral healthcare facilities preserves the function, morbidity and mortality. The best possible health outcomes are only possible if the personal health care services are accessible timely. So, the primary objective of this study was to explore the barriers to the access of oral health care facilities among adults. In addition, the study also determined the association between adult’s demographic factors and their visits to dental clinics. Subjects and methods: This exploratory study was conducted for two months between November 2019 and January 2020. The study recruited 400 adults including 200 males and 200 females visiting outpatient department (OPD) of public hospital i.e. Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Participants were included in this study if they were 18 years of age or older and had provided written informed consent before data collection. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire whereas barriers to access the oral healthcare facilities was confirmed by asking an open-ended question. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to calculate descriptive statistics (i.e., mean, standard deviation, percentages). The study also determined the association between sociodemographic factors of adults and their tendency to visit dental clinics just for routine checkups using the chi-square test. Results: The average age of the participants was 36.81±9.29 years ranged from 18 – 63 years. Of the 400 participants, 259 (64.75%) reported costly treatment as a barrier affecting access to oral healthcare facilities followed by difficulty in access to dental clinics (27.75%) and fear of the pain of dental procedures (20.25%). Only 52 (13%) adults were regularly visiting dental clinics for routine check-ups whereas 21 (5.25%) respondents never had been to the dentist throughout their life. Nearly, half of the respondents i.e. 189 (47.25%) stated that dental care expenditures were borne by them and none of them was health insured. Statistically, a significant association was found between demographics (i.e. education, rural background and income) and the tendency to visit the dental clinics (p

Although Pakistan has rich biodiversity, many groups are poorly known, particularly insects. To address this gap, we employed DNA barcoding to survey its insect diversity. Specimens obtained through diverse collecting methods at 1,858 sites across Pakistan from 2010–2019 were examined for sequence variation in the 658 bp barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene. Sequences from nearly 49,000 specimens were assigned to 6,590 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), a proxy for species, and most (88%) also possessed a representative image on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). By coupling morphological inspections with barcode matches on BOLD, every BIN was assigned to an order (19) and most (99.8%) were placed to a family (362). However, just 40% of the BINs were assigned to a genus (1,375) and 21% to a species (1,364). Five orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera) accounted for 92% of the specimens and BINs. More than half of the BINs (59%) are so far only known from Pakistan, but others have also been reported from Bangladesh (13%), India (12%), and China (8%). Representing the first DNA barcode survey of the insect fauna in any South Asian country, this study provides the foundation for a complete inventory of the insect fauna in Pakistan while also contributing to the global DNA barcode reference library.

Mental health conditions pose a major challenge to healthcare providers and society at large. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, one in five people will develop a serious mood disorder, including depression, at some time in their life [2]. Early intervention can have significant positive impact on a person’s prognosis, particularly important in affecting outcomes for young people [38]. Co-designed solutions to improve resilience and well-being in young people have specifically been recognised as part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the NZ Health Strategy. Innovative interventions that support long-term change for individuals are urgently needed [10].Self-compassion/self-criticism constitutes a protective/risk factor with regard to developing and maintaining depression [3], particularly in young people [4]. Self-criticism is one of the major psychological factors, defined as dominant response style of negative evaluation and judgement of self to perceived failure [5]. One effective method to increase self-compassion and reduce depression may be to address self-criticism through compassion-focused therapy [6].Virtual Reality (VR) in Health is an emerging field. It is becoming more commonplace with the advent of affordable consumer head-mounted devices, and has significant potential for the understanding, assessment and treatment of mental health problems [7]. It can provide a non-threatening, zero risk environment which allows for free exploring of different strategies [16]. Recent studies support the use of VR technology in the treatment of anxiety, phobia, and pain management. However, there is little research on using VR for supporting, treating and preventing depression. There is also very little work done in offering an individualised VR experience to improve mental health.In our earlier work, we presented iVR, a novel individualised VR experience for enhancing peoples' self-compassion, and in the long run, their mental health, and described its design and architecture. which focuses on real world situations that impact the sample group most and assists them to view these experiences with a self-compassionate lens. This is achieved by being taught compassionate manners of responding to a scenario and by switching perspective. We approached seven mental health professionals for feedback. They felt that introducing elements of choice within iVR would increase their knowledge of clients. We describe their feedback in detail and highlight key points for discussion pertaining to technology use, data safety, privacy, and considerations for addressing depressive symptoms necessary to advance this work. We believe Our contribution can pave the way for large-scale efficacy testing, clinical use, and cost-effective delivery of intelligent individualised VR technology for mental health therapy in future.

Long-term data of local bird communities have shown changes over the past few decades due to anthropogenic pressures, especially in temperate regions. However, we lack information on bird community change in many parts of the world, including hot and dry, desert areas that are also exposed to human activities. We analysed unique time series data of wetland bird abundance spanning over 26 years (1987–2012) collected at an important stopover for long-distance migratory birds, Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar Site in Pakistan. During the monitoring period, species richness of the community had increased over time, but there had also been community turnover. Many species (25/58) had increased in abundance while a few had decreased (4/58). We also found that winter and spring temperatures were positively associated with abundance changes at a community-level, suggesting that some species might have benefited from increasingly warmer temperatures. We assessed whether species attributes such as body size, diet preferences, habitat preference, temperature niche, and range size explained intraspecific variation in species’ population trends. However, most of the species attributes were not important. There was some indication that larger-bodied species had increased more than smaller-bodied species but there was no evidence of a community shift to more generalist species. Given anthropogenic change in this region, our findings suggest that many species are able to persist at this site but on-going monitoring and management of this wetland is essential.

The pandemic of Covid-19 has shaken the world tremendously. Globally, the preventive measures are applied which meagerly enabled the health systems of various countries to fight against the pandemic as the clinical trials of vaccination and quest of effective therapeutic treatment is still in progress. Developing countries like Pakistan are also going through the difficult times amid Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, essential preventive measures are crucial to control the situation among general population. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of Pakistanis residents towards the preventive measures to fight against Covid-19 global pandemic and to explore the relationship of KAP scores related to Covid-19 with demographic characteristics of teachers and students. The complete data was retrieved from 849 respondents out of 1000 questionnaires living in three different cities of Pakistan namely Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The convenient sampling procedure was adopted as survey was taken during the month of April and May 2020, when complete lock down was observed in Pakistan. To access the significant differences among demographic characteristics of an individual independent t-test, Chi-square test and ANOVA was applied. Canonical correlation analysis was employed to ascertain the relationship between KAP scores and demographic variables. Results showed that out of 849 respondents, 89% has good knowledge, 90% scored well in attitude and 75% of teachers and students are sound practicing in order to save themselves from Covid-19.

Mental health conditions pose a major challenge for individuals, healthcare systems and society-and the COVID-19 pandemic has likely worsened this issue. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, one in five people will develop a serious mood disorder, including depression, at some time in their life. Co-designed solutions to increase resilience and well-being in young people have specifically been recognised as part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the New Zealand Health Strategy. Virtual Reality (VR) in mental health is an innovative field. Recent studies support the use of VR technology in the treatment of anxiety, phobia, and pain management. However, there is little research on using VR for supporting, treating and preventing depression. There is also very little work done in offering an individualised VR experience to improve mental health. In our earlier work, we presented iVR, a novel individualised VR experience for enhancing peoples' self-compassion, and in the long run, their mental health, and described its design and architecture. In this paper, we outline the results of a feasibility study conducted recently. Most participants believed introducing elements of choice within iVR enhanced their user experience and that iVR had the potential to enhance people's self-compassion. We also approached seven mental health professionals for feedback, who felt that introducing elements of choice within iVR would increase their knowledge of clients. Our contribution can pave the way for large-scale efficacy testing, clinical use, and cost-effective delivery of intelligent individualised VR technology for mental health therapy in future Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Mental health conditions pose a major challenge to healthcare providers and society at large. Early intervention can have significant positive impact on a person's prognosis, particularly important in improving mental health outcomes and functioning for young people. Virtual Reality (VR) in mental health is an emerging and innovative field. Recent studies support the use of VR technology in the treatment of anxiety, phobia, eating disorders, addiction, and pain management. However, there is little research on using VR for supporting, treatment and prevention of depression - a field that is very much emerging. There is also very little work done in offering individualised VR experience to users with mental health issues. This paper proposes iVR, a novel individualised VR for improving users' self-compassion, and in the long run, their positive mental health. We describe the concept, design, architecture and implementation of iVR and outline future work. We believe this contribution will pave the way for large-scale efficacy testing, clinical use, and potentially cost-effective delivery of VR technology for mental health therapy in future.

Due to concerns about data quality, McKechnie, Coe, Gerson, and Wolf (2016) questioned the conclusions of our study (Khaliq et al., 2015) published in this journal. Here, we argue that most of the questioned data points are in fact useful for macrophysiological analyses, mostly because the vast majority of data are explicitly reported in the peer-reviewed physiological literature. Furthermore, we show that our conclusions remain largely robust irrespective of the data inclusion criterion. While we think that constructive debates about the adequate use of primary data in meta-studies as well as more transparency in data inclusion criteria are indeed useful, we also emphasize that data suitability should be evaluated in the light of the scope and scale of the study in which they are used. We hope that this discussion will not discourage the exchange between disciplines such as biogeography and physiology, as this integration is needed to address some of the most urgent scientific challenges.

Background: Diabetes prevalence has risen more rapidly in middle- and low-income countries and has emerged as the seventh highest cause of death in such countries. Socio-demographics, patient knowledge and clinical factors, such as family history of diabetes, have a vital effect on the disease outcomes. This study assessed self-care practices among patients with type 2 diabetes to determine the probability of self-care by predictor variables, including socio-economic and clinical factors, and quantify the marginal effects of these independent variables on different self-care practices among diabetic patients. Methods: This exploratory study collected data from 200 type 2 diabetes patients at a branch of private pharmacy in Pakistan using a convenient sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire. An ordered probit regression model was used to analyze the different self-care practices among diabetic patients. With self-practices ordered in four classes from poor to good, the marginal effects of each socio-economic and clinical factors were also calculated on the likelihood of aforesaid self-care practices among diabetic patients. Results: Results showed that the relationships of household income, patient’s choice of private or public hospital for treatment, and patient’s weight with self-care probability were statistically significant. These socio-demographics and clinical indicators significantly influenced each category of self-care practices. Conclusion: Socio-demographic and clinical factors played a decisive role in the healthcare practices among type-2 diabetes patients. Monthly household income, patient’s choice of private or public hospital for treatment, and patient’s weight influenced different levels of self-care practices. Income had a negative contribution in poor and fair self-care levels of practices, whereas it had a positive role in average and good self-care levels of practices. Keywords: type 2 diabetes; self-care practices; socio-economic factors; developing country

Active species reintroduction is an important conservation tool when aiming for the restoration of biological communities and ecosystems. The effective monitoring of reintroduction success is a crucial factor in this process. Here, we used a combination of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques and species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate the success of recent reintroductions of the freshwater fish Alburnoides bipunctatus in central Germany. We built SDMs without and with eDNA presence data to locate further suitable reintroduction sites and potentially overlooked populations of the species. We successfully detected eDNA of A. bipunctatus at all reintroduction sites, as well as several adjacent sites mostly in downstream direction, which supports the success of reintroduction efforts. eDNA-based species detection considerably improved SDMs for A. bipunctatus, which allowed to identify species presence in previously unknown localities. Our results confirm the usefulness of eDNA techniques as standard tool to monitor reintroduced fish populations. We propose that combining eDNA with SDMs is a highly effective approach for long-term monitoring of reintroduction success in aquatic species.

Mental health conditions pose a major challenge to healthcare providers and society at large. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, one in five people will develop a serious mood disorder, including depression, at some time in their life [2]. Early intervention can have significant positive impact on a person's prognosis, particularly important in affecting outcomes for young people [38]. Co-designed solutions to improve resilience and well-being in young people have specifically been recognised as part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the New Zealand Health Strategy. Innovative interventions that support long-term change for individuals are urgently needed [10]. Self-compassion/self-criticism constitutes a protective/risk factor with regard to developing and maintaining depression [3]; particularly in young people [4]. Self-criticism is one of the major psychological factors, defined as dominant response style of negative evaluation and judgement of self to perceived failure [5]. One effective method to increase self-compassion and reduction in depression may be to address self-criticism through compassion-focused therapy [6]. Virtual Reality (VR) in Health is an emerging field. It is becoming more commonplace with the advent of affordable consumer head mounted devices, and has significant potential for the understanding, assessment and treatment of mental health problems [7]. It can provide a non-threatening, zero risk environment which allows for free exploring of different strategies [16]. We propose to take this new technology and co-design Virtual Reality scenarios with young people, which focuses on real world situations that impact the sample group most and assists them to view these experiences with a self-compassionate lens. This is achieved by being taught compassionate manners of responding to a scenario and by switching perspective. We provide an overview of an initial proof-of-concept study, propose a study in different social settings and highlight key points for discussion pertaining to technology use, data safety, privacy, and considerations for addressing depressive symptoms necessary to advance this work.

Purpose: Health care costs attributable to breast cancer are substantial. In countries with high poverty, lack of public health infrastructure and low availability of health insurance, the economic burden of disease does not accrue solely to health care, but also on patients and their families. This study was conducted to explore the cost burden (i.e. direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect non-medical costs) incurred by breast cancer patients and their families over diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Data was collected from 200 breast cancer patients at two hospitals in Lahore, provincial capital of Punjab, Pakistan, by employing purposive sampling technique. Costs were aggregated into three categories and compared with each other as per their weightage. Results: The study found that direct medical care (US$ 1262.18 / Local currency (PKR) 129,717) is the largest expense, followed by direct non-medical (US$ 310.88 / PKR 31,950) and indirect non-medical costs (US$ 273.38 / PKR 28,096). Conclusions: The results of this study provide rich insight into the financial burden borne by households of breast cancer patients and suggest policy implications.

Quaternary climatic oscillations had strong effects on Palearctic biodiversity. Although Transcaucasia is hypothesised to be a centre of diversity for many taxa, relatively few studies have investigated its potential role as such, or as a Pleistocene refugium. Using AFLP and sequence data (ITS, matK, trnL-F) from samples collected across the entire range of Microthlaspi perfoliatum, from the Iberian peninsula to Kazakhstan, and including the Mediterranean Basin and Central Europe, in this study it is examined how the interplay of Pleistocene climatic oscillations and historical demography may have shaped the current genetic structure of the species. The results of this study provide evidence that M. perfoliatum survived Pleistocene glaciation in five major refugia, Iberia, southwestern France, Italy, the Balkans and Anatolia/Transcaucasia and a sixth, unknown refugium in the disjunct distribution area in Central Asia. Our analyses support an ancient colonisation of M. perfoliatum towards the western and central Palearctic, perhaps, during the early Pleistocene or late Pliocene, likely starting from Transcaucasia. However, postglacial recolonisation of western and Central Europe has taken place from two distinct refugia, namely southwestern France/northern Italy, and Anatolia/Southern Balkans, respectively. The Iberian populations apparently did not contribute to postglacial recolonisation of Europe, perhaps because the Pyrenees acted as a significant barrier to dispersal. It is also conceivable that a rapidly expanding population from southwestern France and the southeastern part of the range effectively blocked the establishment of latecomers. The present study thus reveals a complex pattern of colonisation of Europe from Transcaucasia, with an interplay of climate and physical geography as main factors shaping the present-day genetic structure of M. perfoliatum. © 2019 Elsevier GmbH

Multiple social and financial barriers exist to breast cancer detection in Pakistan, which may cause a delay in seeking care and the final diagnosis. This analytical study documents the pathways and time courses associated with referral to diagnostic centres to evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This report also verifies the association between socio-demographic and clinical indicators concerning the length of time spent before reaching diagnostic facilities. A purposive sample of 200 patients was selected from two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, for the interviews. Descriptive statistics (that is, percentages, frequencies, and measures of central tendencies) and a multiple linear regression model were used to achieve the study objectives. The descriptive model showed 31–128 days interval between a patient's awareness of a clinical sign or symptom and receiving care. The healthcare system, including traditional healers, took from 7 to 194 days, and the time to diagnosis ranged from 15 to 30 days. Pain severity, larger tumour size, lack of clinical improvement, and the desire to obtain better treatment were reasons given for seeking care, but lack of awareness and fear of financial burden related to accessing healthcare facilities were identified as barriers. Moreover, socio-demographic and other predictive clinical factors were potentially associated with and substantially influenced the likelihood of the increased length of breast cancer patients' time to reach diagnostic centres. In conclusion, referrals by multiple healthcare providers, especially traditional healers and general practitioners, was a significant predictor for delay in diagnosis. Therefore, increased awareness and a responsive healthcare system may reduce the time from the recognition of symptoms to the early detection of breast cancer among women, thus improving outcomes in a developing country.

Video games have had the capability to generate dynamic quests for years. Such quests are generally generated from tables of values or randomly assigning properties without properly regarding player progress, situation, or preference. This paper proposes a framework, called Omni framework, for creating quests that are dynamic and contextually linked by incorporating player statistics and play-style. The core of th framework is the Destiny Concept - the idea that a player's ‘destiny’ can be uniquely ‘discovered’ and followed throughout the game, rather than scripted.

Purpose : To explore the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system of Lahore, Pakistan; and to determine association between students’ socio-demographic indicators and the likelihood of consulting with a pharmacist. Methods : In this exploratory study, data were collected from 589 students at a private sector university in Lahore, Pakistan, using a convenient sampling design. Information was collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (i.e., mean, standard deviation, percentages) and chi square were employed. Results : Of 621 questionnaires, a total of 589 were returned, giving a response rate of 94.85 %. The results showed that 289 students (49.06 %) have interacted with pharmacists; however, the majority of the students (98.64 %) agreed there is a strong need for pharmacists who can provide guidance on medication safety. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant association between family system (x 2 (1) = 4.046, p = 0.004), age of family head (x 2 (1) = 11.755, p = 0.001), education level of family head (x 2 (1) = 10.473, p = 0.001), and consulting a pharmacist. Conclusion : There are important roles for pharmacists to play in order to improve the healthcare system of Lahore, Pakistan. Some social demographics affect the likelihood that a person will seek professional counseling from a pharmacist. Keywords : Medication safety, Healthcare system, Pharmacist consultation, Students’ perception

Mechanistic approaches for predicting the ranges of endotherms are needed to forecast their responses to environmental change. We test whether physiological constraints on maximum metabolic rate and the factor by which endotherms can elevate their metabolism (metabolic expansibility) influence cold range limits for mammal and bird species. We examine metabolic expansibility at the cold range boundary (MECRB) and whether species’ traits can predict variability in MECRB and then use MECRB as an initial approach to project range shifts for 210 mammal and 61 bird species. We find evidence for metabolic constraints: the distributions of metabolic expansibility at the cold range boundary peak at similar values for birds (2.7) and mammals (3.2). The right skewed distributions suggest some species have adapted to elevate or evade metabolic constraints. Mammals exhibit greater skew than birds, consistent with their diverse thermoregulatory adaptations and behaviors. Mammal and bird species that are small and occupy low trophic levels exhibit high levels of MECRB. Mammals with high MECRB tend to hibernate or use torpor. Predicted metabolic rates at the cold range boundaries represent large energetic expenditures (>50% of maximum metabolic rates). We project species to shift their cold range boundaries poleward by an average of 3.9° latitude by 2070 if metabolic constraints remain constant. Our analysis suggests that metabolic constraints provide a viable mechanism for initial projections of the cold range boundaries for endotherms. However, errors and approximations in estimating metabolic constraints (e.g., acclimation responses) and evasion of these constraints (e.g., torpor/hibernation, microclimate selection) highlight the need for more detailed, taxa‐specific mechanistic models. Even coarse considerations of metabolism will likely lead to improved predictions over exclusively considering thermal tolerance for endotherms.

The ever-increasing human-mediated wildlife reshuffling is raising concern for the conservation of biodiversity. The loss of biological distinctiveness among regions lessens the genetic diversity and consequently the evolutionary potential of local biotas to tackle present-day global change and human disturbance. This process may be sometimes cryptic unless investigated by means of a molecular approach. In this respect, game birds are a paradigmatic case. The black francolin (Francolinus francolinus, Phasianidae) is a medium-sized galliform whose distribution range stretches from Cyprus to the Gulf of Bengal. Six morphologic subspecies are known, with three of which occurring in Pakistan, where the species is heavily hunted and used as pet for chirping competitions. We genotyped 98 samples (feathers) at both the entire mitochondrial DNA Control Region gene and nine microsatellite loci to get a deeper insight into the genetic diversity of the black francolin in Pakistan in order to offer cogent recommendations for its conservation management. We identified several mtDNA lineages that were consistent with the currently described subspecies/taxonomy whose pattern of co-occurrence is compatible with the geological history and the faunal movement routes of the region under study. However, the biparentally inherited microsatellites returned a quite discordant picture of an extensive, sex-biased genetic mixing due to the intensive relocations of already overharvested male individuals for chirping competitions. Our results indicated that the genetic integrity of the black francolin in Pakistan could be seriously at risk and call for monitoring and limiting its trade other than enhancing the public awareness of the importance of local biodiversity resources.

The use of virtual reality as a form of exposure therapy for people who suffer from acrophobia (fear of height) has been proved and tested by multiple studies. In this paper, we initiate gamified virtual reality approach to overcome fear of height by providing a design implementation theory. We call this theory High Engagement and Low Intensity-Low Engagement and High Intensity. This theory adds a gamified element to the virtual environment. The idea here is to have game engagement at its highest and intensity of the acrophobia at its minimum in the virtual environment at the start of the treatment. As the treatment progresses, the engagement in the game starts decreasing and the intensity of the phobia starts increasing. The implementation provides two parameters (engagement and intensity) that could be adjusted independently according to the patient needs. We also evaluate the base of our theory through a pilot study.

AimWe test whether physiological constraints on maximum metabolic rate and the factor by which endotherms can elevate their metabolism (metabolic expansibility) govern cold range limits for mammal and bird species.LocationGlobalMethodsWe examine metabolic expansibility at the cold range boundary (MEcrb) and its trait predictors and then use MEcrbto project range shifts for 210 mammal and 61 bird species.ResultsWe find evidence for metabolic constraints: the distributions of metabolic expansibility at the cold range boundary peak at similar values for birds (2.7) and mammals (3.2). The right skewed distributions suggest some species have adapted to elevate or evade metabolic constraints. Mammals exhibit greater skew than birds, consistent with their diverse thermoregulatory adaptations and behaviors. Mammal and bird species that are small and occupy low trophic levels exhibit high levels of MEcrb. Mammals with high MEcrbtend to hibernate or use torpor. Predicted metabolic rates at the cold range boundaries represent large energetic expenditures (>50% of maximum metabolic rates). We project species to shift their cold range boundaries poleward by an average of 3.9° latitude by 2070.Main conclusionsOur analysis suggests that metabolic constraints provide a viable mechanism for projecting cold range boundaries and range shifts in response to climate change for endotherms.

The range-wide genetic diversity of Microthlaspi erraticum (Brassicaceae), a Eurasian calcareous annual plant, was investigated with respect to its migration and post-glacial re-colonisation of Central Europe. Both AFLP and sequence data (ITS, matK, trnL-F) were used to analyse 85 populations of the species sampled across its range, including Europe and Anatolia as well as the disjunct populations in Central Asia. A substantial portion of the explainable genetic variation was found to be correlated with climatic heterogeneity. A low level of within-population genetic diversity throughout the range, and a clear genetic differentiation among populations is consistent with the mainly selfing nature and fragmented distribution of the species. The highest within-population genetic diversity was found in Central Europe. However, the number of rare and private fragments was substantially higher in southern Europe and Anatolia, the inferred ancestral range of M. erraticum, whereas populations found in Kazakhstan originated from Anatolia, following a profound population bottleneck. The diversity patterns found in Central Europe and migration models support postglacial re-colonisation from two regions; the south-western Alps and the Balkans. Hence, our results provide molecular evidence for a suture zone in Central Europe, where advancing genotypes from different refugia meet and mix. © 2017 Elsevier GmbH

This study examines how environmental concerns impact the connectivity amid formal, informal control and performance based on data gathered from different 156 construction companies. The empirical outcomes illustrate that behaviour, outcome relationship between variables and clan control affirmatively affect performance on construction projects. However, self-control is unimportantly identified with project execution. This research uncovers that in construction projects, the adequacy of managerial control varies. The results further suggest that interior environmental concerns contrarily moderate the consequence of control of cleaner merchandise enactment during projects. However, external natural hazards emphatically direct the adequacy of project control, showing noteworthy and assorted roles played by different ecological dangers in the assembly of control and project execution. The interactive empirical outcomes between formal control and external environmental hazards are significantly related to project performance(t > 2, and p 0.05). The study concluded the least significant of all controller means towards the enactment of construction projects. Results showed that for complex projects, operative control approaches should be prioritised over ineffective control methods.

Pakistan is an emerging economy. It provides great opportunity for organized corporate driven retailing. There have been few global retailers who have already tasted some success with their cash-n-carry and supermarket formats. Some home grown retailers have also made forays into this market. There is a lot of need to understand the consumer behavior towards modern retail practices in Pakistan. This research study is conducted with an objective to find out how various factors influence shoppers' behavior towards supermarkets with 300 respondents consisting of 150 males and 150 females by using shop intercept method in the cities of Lahore and Faisalabad in Pakistan. The outcomes of this study provide the insights to understand the influence of several factors like promotion and special offers, easy access to supermarket, geographically convenience and locality, customer services, exploration, pricing factor, socio-economic effects, cleanliness, aesthetics and escape from routine work on the consumer's perception.

Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus (grey francolin, Galliformes) is the only francolin present in the Suleiman Range (central Pakistan), one of the poorest and least developed areas in Pakistan. As a game bird, the francolin is an important income source for the region, but no demographic data are available. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the polymorphism pattern of the Control Region gene (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA), in order to obtain some initial information about genetic diversity, possible structure and demographic dynamics in this population. In 29 individuals captured in four sampling areas in the western and the eastern Suleiman Range, we detected nine polymorphic sites in a 511 bp fragment of the mtDNA Control Region gene, resulting in seven haplotypes. Haplotype (h = 0.818 ± 0.032) and nucleotide diversity (π % = 0.308 ± 0.210) values suggested a large population size and a low divergence among the haplotypes. AMOVA (Φ(ST) = 0.005; P = 0.352) did not detect any significant differences among the western and eastern populations; therefore, specimens of both sampled areas could be considered as drawn from a single population. The observed distribution of pairwise mismatches was bimodal, revealing significant departure from a growing-decreasing population model (P = 0.030); these results would point to a demographic equilibrium. Tribal control of hunting might provide an explanation for this situation, but future overhunting would threaten the survival of this population.

Metabolic critical temperatures define the range of ambient temperatures where endotherms are able to minimize energy allocation to thermogenesis. Examining the relationship between metabolic critical temperatures and basal metabolic rates (BMR) provides a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of how animals respond to varying ambient climatic conditions, especially in times of ongoing and projected future climate change. We make use of this opportunity by testing the heat dissipation limit (HDL) theory, which hypothesizes that the maximum amount of heat a species can dissipate constrains its energetics. Specifically, we test the theory’s implicit prediction that BMR should be lower under higher metabolic critical temperatures. We analysed the relationship of BMR with upper and lower critical temperatures for a large dataset of 146 endotherm species using regression analyses, carefully accounting for phylogenetic relationships and body mass. We show that metabolic critical temperatures are negatively related with BMR in both birds and mammals. Our results confirm the predictions of the HDL theory, suggesting that metabolic critical temperatures and basal metabolic rates respond in concert to ambient climatic conditions. This implies that heat dissipation capacities of endotherms may be an important factor to take into account in assessments of species’ vulnerability to climate change.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rusts are the most widespread and destructive among all other diseases of wheat because of their wide distribution, and their capacity to form new races that can attack previously resistant cultivars which result in serious yield losses. Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici and leaf of orange rust caused by Puccinia recondita are more effective and durable when several rust resistance genes are pyramided into a single line. Molecular survey was conducted to screen altogether 44 Pakistani wheat germplasm lines consisted of 23 cultivated varieties for the presence of Lr10 and Sr9a genes by using co-dominant STS and SSR primers specific for respective alleles. The polymorphic survey revealed that out of 44 germplasm lines obtained from Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, 31 genotypes were observed with Lr10 gene (including C-228, C-245, C- 288), while 13 germplasm lines did not show the presence of Lr10 gene. Of the 23 cultivated varieties, 21 varieties observed Lr10 gene (including Auqab 2000, Chenab-70, Punjab-76, Kohsar-95, Parvaz-94, Pasban-90, Chenab-2000, Satluj-86, Shahkar-95), while only Kohsar 95 and PARI 73 did not show the presence of Lr10 gene. Molecular survey for Sr9a gene depicts that 33 genotypes were observed for stem rust resistance like C-248, LR26, C-250, C-271, C-273, C-288 and C-518, while 11 genotypes (including C-228, C-245, C-247 and C-271) showed no such fragment. Of 23 conventional cultivated varieties, 21 varieties showed the presence of Sr9a stem rust resistance gene like Punjab-76, Pak-81, Kohistan-97, Kohsar-95, Parvaz-94, Pasban-90 etc and 4 varieties showed the absence of Sr9a stem rust resistance gene like Shahkar-95, Parvaz-94, Chenab-2000 and Chenab-79. The identification of Lr10 and Sr9a in Pakistani wheat germplasm will help in accelerating the breeding program in future, including pyramiding of different wheat resistant genes in wheat varieties.

We evaluated the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) D blood groups in the population of Poonch district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The blood group phenotypes were detected by the classic slide method. The ABO blood group system in the total sample showed the same trend of prevalence as for the general Indian subcontinent (B > or = O > A > AB). The same trend was found among males, but among females the order of prevalence was different (O B > A > AB). However, the allelic frequencies in both sexes were in the order of O > B > A. The Rh positive and negative distribution trend in both sexes was also similar.