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Improved software for processing medical images has inspired tremendous interest in modern medicine in recent years. Modern healthcare equipment generates huge amounts of data, such as scanned medical images and computerized patient information, which must be secured for future use. Diversity in the healthcare industry, namely in the form of medical data, is one of the largest challenges for researchers. Cloud environment and the Block chain technology have both demonstrated their own use. The purpose of this study is to combine both technologies for safe and secure transaction. Storing or sending medical data through public clouds exposes information into potential eavesdropping, data breaches and unauthorized access. Encrypting data before transmission is crucial to mitigate these security risks. As a result, a Blockchain based Chaotic Arnold's cat map Encryption Scheme (BCAES) is proposed in this paper. The BCAES first encrypts the image using Arnold's cat map encryption scheme and then sends the encrypted image into Cloud Server and stores the signed document of plain image into blockchain. As blockchain is often considered more secure due to its distributed nature and consensus mechanism, data receiver will ensure data integrity and authenticity of image after decryption using signed document stored into the blockchain. Various analysis techniques have been used to examine the proposed scheme. The results of analysis like key sensitivity analysis, key space analysis, Information Entropy, histogram correlation of adjacent pixels, Number of Pixel Change Rate, Peak Signal Noise Ratio, Unified Average Changing Intensity, and similarity analysis like Mean Square Error, and Structural Similarity Index Measure illustrated that our proposed scheme is an efficient encryption scheme as compared to some recent literature. Our current achievements surpass all previous endeavors, setting a new standard of excellence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syed Ali Hussaini was an eminent religious scholar, and a prestigious spiritual mentor. He served Islam by influencing the hearts of the Muslims through his ethical and spiritual teachings. His words and practical implementation of the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah by his own-self, inspired the hearts and the souls of the Muslims of his era. The selfless dedication of Syed Ali Hussaini enlightened the dark alleys of the straying hearts and confused minds of the Muslims. His enthusiastic and strict subordination to the Sunnah of The Prophet (PBUH) enlivened the true spirit of Islam in this age of Science and Technology. The people, who ever came in contact with him, fell in love with his noble personality and sublime character. He has written many books on different categories, but in this article a few of his books on the category of Tasawuf have been introduced and reviewed. It maybe concluded that he has imparted a legacy in the field of Tasawuf, in general; and guidance to the people of Pakistan, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the predictors of death during intensive phase of Multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment according to the weight of patients at the time of diagnosed. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at three public hospitals in the Lahore, Punjab region, namely Jinnah Hospital, Mayo Hospital and Gulab Devi Hospital on 1,496 patients receiving treatment for MDR-TB from January 2018 to December 2020. Data were collected from electronically nominating and recording system of the hospitals. Data were fitted to Cox proportional hazards regression model with 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the associations between predictors of death and weight of MDR-TB patients during the intensive phase of treatment. Results: This analysis revealed a MDR-TB mortality rate of 30% and the mortality rate due to MDR-TB during the intensive phase of treatment was 23%. The variables related to increased mortality among underweight patients were age more than 60 years (HR: 0.398, 95% CI: 0.314-0.504), diabetes (HR: 1.496, 95% CI: 1.165-1.921), current smoking (HR: 0.465, 95% CI: 0.222-0.973), history of MDR-TB (HR: 0.701, 95% CI: 0.512-0.959) and culture positive at the time of diagnosed (HR: 0.499, 95% CI: 0.379-0.659) during the intensive phase of treatment. Conclusion: The high mortality rate among the underweight MDR-TB patients during the intensive phase of the treatment requires the nutritional support for malnourishment and ensured a close follow-up of the elderly patients with co-morbidities as well as family history of Tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allah bestowed His Blessings upon man when He sent His Messenger, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH). At that time, man was entangled in social, cultural, environmental, emotional and psychological barriers which had been weakening his bondage to his Creator, The Almighty. He (PBUH) explicitly planned to free human beings from the shackles that chained them from within and from without". As the Qur'an says that the Prophet (PBUH) is commissioned "to remove from their burdens and the shackles which were upon them". A number of books and articles have been written on his diligent training of mankind for its social, cultural, environmental and emotional evolution. The Researcher felt the need of acknowledgement of his practices in the context of psychological problems. This article has explored the psychological aspect of his (PBUH) character and discussed as to how the Muslims can help themselves to eradicate and solve the psychological problems prevailing in the society with the help of Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The study is qualitative and analytical based on the Qur'an, the Hadith and the Researches done so far in the field of Psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the communication of images through the internet has increased. Due to the growing demands for data transfer through images, protection of data and safe communication is very important. For this purpose, many encryption techniques have been designed and developed. New and secured encryption schemes based on chaos theory have introduced methods for secure as well as fast communication. A modified image encryption process is proposed in this work with chaotic maps and orthogonal matrix in Hill cipher. Image encryption involves three phases. In the first phase, a chaotic Henon map is used for permuting the digital image. In the second phase, a Hill cipher is used whose encryption key is generated by an orthogonal matrix which further is produced from the equation of the plane. In the third phase, a sequence is generated by a chaotic tent map which is later XORed. Chaotic maps play an important role in the encryption process. To deal with the issues of fast and highly secured image processing, the prominent properties of non-periodical movement and non-convergence of chaotic theory play an important role. The proposed scheme is resistant to different attacks on the cipher image. Different tests have been applied to evaluate the proposed technique. The results of the tests such as key space analysis, key sensitivity analysis, and information entropy, histogram correlation of the adjacent pixels, number of pixel change rate (NPCR), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), and unified average changing intensity (UCAI) showed that our proposed scheme is an efficient encryption technique. The proposed approach is also compared with some state-of-the-art image encryption techniques. In the view of statistical analysis, we claim that our proposed encryption algorithm is secured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed remote sensing (optical and synthetic aperture radar) and data analysis techniques to quantify vertical ground displacements and assess their contribution to coastline erosion. To provide evidence from Pakistan, we selected the coast of Karachi—a mega-city located along the dynamic coastline of the Indus River Delta—which has been experiencing severe coastal erosion during the last few decades. Observations from the C-band Envisat/ASAR and Sentinel-1A sensors over the 2004–2010 and 2014–2016 periods, respectively, enabled us to study vertical ground displacements in the study area, providing a long-term assessment during 2004–2016. Results suggest that some areas along the Karachi coastline are subsiding at comparable rates to or even much higher than the relative sea-level rise (SLR, ~1.9 mm/yr), which may amplify the rates of relative SLR in coming years, along with accelerating coastal erosion. Various parts of the study area along the coast are unstable and undergoing displacement. Landsat images from 1989 to 2018 (10-year temporal resolution) were further used to examine the state of coastline erosion using three statistical approaches (i.e., End Point Rate (EPR), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), and Least Median of Squares (LMS)). While the erosion underlaid the majority of the eastern sections of the study area, the ground displacements were spatially heterogeneous across the study area and along the coastline. Erosion rates of ~2.4 m/yr spatially corresponded with ground displacement rates of up to ~−1.4 cm/yr, but not all the coastline segments with high annual mean erosion rates were associated with local mean subsidence. The causes of ground displacements and coastline erosion were analyzed, and results were interpreted by integrating spatial ancillary information. Results indicate that rapid urbanization, construction on reclaimed land, coastline erosion favoring seawater intrusion, failed drainage/sewerage networks, and soil liquefaction are contributing to the site-specific variations in the land displacement in Karachi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine medians of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free ß subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG-ß) in the first trimester of healthy pregnant women visiting tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) from May 2018 to May 2019. Methodology: Healthy pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy reported for an antenatal checkup in Obstetric OPD, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) and Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi were included in the study. PAPP-A level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using PR 4100 Microplate Reader®, and serum hCG-ß were analysed on random access IMMULITE 2000®. Results: A total of 135 pregnant women were enrolled in the current study. The mean age of subjects was 27.66 ± 4.24 years, mean maternal weight was 59.91 ± 8.87 kgs and mean gestational age was 10.37 ± 1.16 weeks. Median value of PAPP-A was 1289.43 mIU/L (range: 510.8-5965.99) and hCGß was 120985 mIU/ml (range: 23592-290000). Conclusion: Median values of PAPP-A and HCGß can be used to calculate (Multiple of Medians) MoM during the first trimester in tertiary care setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road infrastructure and transportation networks play a major role in development of a country's economy and local residents. In Pakistan, such dependence has led to major investments in road construction with the mega-project China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Using social exchange theory, this study investigates residents' attitudes toward CPEC development in Pakistan. Primary data used in this research study has been collected from 286 residents of Pakistan through an online survey. The local community's support of CPEC in Pakistan was investigated by using several parameters, including the community's personal benefit, satisfaction, and perceived effects (positive and negative). Findings of this study indicate that the local community's personal benefit is a strong predictor for support of CPEC development, while satisfaction and positive effects mediate the relationship between personal benefits related to CPEC and support for CPEC development. However, the perceived negative effect of CPEC has not shown a significant relationship with support for CPEC development. Results of this study may help CPEC policymakers understand the local community's perceptions, gain local community support for the CPEC route, and design policies accordingly for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine association between iron deficiency anemia and bone profile in cases of chronic kidney disease not undergoing dialysis. Study Design: Comparative cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in collaboration with department of Nephrology, Armed Forces Institute of Urology, Rawalpindi, from Sep 2018 to Oct 2019. Methodology: A total of 300 chronic kidney disease patients who were not dependent on any kind of dialysis were included in our study. Chronic kidney disease was confirmed according to National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative criteria. Hemoglobin, Mean corpuscular volume and ferritin levels were used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Association of Calcium, inorganic Phosphorous, Magnesium, Alkaline phosphatase and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) was determined with iron deficiency anemia. Results: Out of 300 patients studied 201 (67%) were females while 99 (33%) were males. Mean age of participants was 43.51 ± 5.652 years. Mean duration of chronic kidney disease was 4.36 ± 3.712 years. One hundred and forty one (47%) patients had no anemia while 159 (53%) had presence of iron deficiency anemia. After applying binary logistic regression analysis hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia were noted to have a statistically significant association with iron deficiency anemia in the target sample size. Conclusion: This study revealed a high frequency of iron deficiency anemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia were found having strong association with presence of iron deficiency anemia in non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a megaproject, which directly and indirectly benefits the local community of two countries, namely, Peoples' Republic of China and Pakistan. The purpose of current research is to investigate the impact of CPEC development on the quality of life of local residents in China and Pakistan. We intend to investigate the perceptions of local community related to CPEC development, as policymakers of both countries argue the CPEC to be equally beneficial for the people of China and Pakistan. To test the proposed hypotheses, we collected primary data through a research survey conducted in Pakistan and China. In total, 410 Chinese respondents and 480 Pakistani respondents were included in the study. Most of the hypotheses were supported in both studies showing the positive attitude of the people of both communities towards CPEC project. Specifically, the perceived impact of CPEC has shown a significant effect on employment and quality of life in both samples. This research provides important suggestions and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbon silver nano-assembly was prepared from silver nanoparticles and carbon dots (AgNP@CD). It was used to quantify hydrogen peroxide and glucose by UV-visible spectroscopy. Banana peels were used to prepare the CDs by a microwave-assisted method. The CDs can be prepared within 5 min at 700 W. They act as (a) substrate, (b) stabilizer, and (c) reductant to convert silver ions to AgNPs. The nano-assembly was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The CDs have a particle size of 1.4 nm. Photoexcitation of the CDs with a UV lamp of 365 nm results in blue fluorescence. The absorption spectra of the CDs show a peak at 205 nm along the wide shoulder absorption band. On incorporation of the Ag nanoparticles into the CDs matrix, the color of the CDs turns into yellow and an additional absorbance peak at 408 nm appears. FTIR spectroscopy shows that different functional groups are present on the CDs. They are responsible for the stabilization of the AgNPs. On exposure to H2O2, the color of the nano-assembly disappears gradually. Hence, the assembly can be used as a colorimetric indicator probe for H2O2 with a linear response in the 0.1-100 μM concentration range. It can also be applied to the determination of glucose by using glucose oxidase which causes the formation of H2O2 from glucose. The linear response ranges from 1- 600 μM. The detection limits for H2O2 and glucose are 9 nM and 10 nM, respectively. In our perception, this is the lowest detection limit reported so far. The AgNP@CD nano-assembly does not respond to saccharides, maltose, fructose, and lactose. It can be used to quantify glucose in diluted blood plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a technique to construct Cohen–Macaulay graphs from a given graph; if this graph fulfills certain conditions. As a consequence, we characterize Cohen–Macaulay paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networking sites provide a virtual platform for socialization, interaction, and entertainment. The overuse of social networking sites has become a global phenomenon, especially among young generations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the addiction elements of social networking sites and the impact of such an addiction on online self-disclosure. Additionally, the moderation effect of openness and extraversion was also analysed. Data from university students in Pakistan was gathered online using the Google survey application. In total 290 samples were gathered and examined. SPSS and AMOS software programmes were used to analyse data. Findings confirmed that young generations tend to have greater online self-disclosure due to social networking sites addiction. Both moderation results also showed a significant relationship between social networking sites addiction and online self-disclosure. The results of the current study are also used as a guideline for making policies related to social networking sites addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family ties are arguably of particular importance in an era of globalization, where ideological and material changes in national and global arena intersect with personal choices and decisions that influence family life. As globalization proceeds, so do the choices, dilemmas, opportunities, threats and outcomes that are followed by the dynamic process of globalization. This study determines the links of global interactions with family ties using cross-sectional and panel data sets over the period 1980-2014. The global integration is measured using three dimensions of globalization that are economic, social and political globalization. The empirical results show that overall globalization negatively affects family ties. However, this effect varies depending upon the measures of globalization. Economic and social globalizations negatively influence family ties while the role of political globalization is insignificant. Moreover, the results of social globalization are relatively more conducive and strong. Finally, results also suggest that income inequality tends to negatively influence the strength family ties. Findings of the study are robust to different specifications, alternative estimation methods and various control variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the estrogen, progesterone, Prolactin and testosterone serum levels in melasma patients. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2020. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with melasma and 40 without melasma were included in this study. The study comprised female melasma patients aged 20 to 50 years old. All participants were tested for serum estrogen, progesterone, Prolactin and testosterone levels using immunoassay in the follicular phase (9th day) of the menstrual cycle. Results: The statistically significant increase in serum progesterone (p=0.001) was found in patients with melasma. A significant decrease in prolactin levels (p=0.0001) was found in patients with melasma. No association was found between Group-1 and Group-2 regarding serum estradiol and testosterone (p=0.070 and p=0.461 respectively) Conclusion: Patients with melasma have increased progesterone levels and decreased serum prolactin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new public key cryptosystem that uses noncommutative groups as platform group. The underlying hard problem of the proposed cryptosystem is a combination of discrete log problem and conjugacy search problem. Due to use of noncommutative platform groups, it is expected that the presented cryptosystem provides higher levels of security against known attacks. Some important issues regarding the choice of platform and parameters of this cryptosystem are addressed. Further, a brief analysis of security aspects is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the use of geographical information system (GIS) datasets and methods to investigate landslide susceptibility in the rugged mountainous terrain of Shigar and Shyok Basins in northern areas of Pakistan. Study area is situated in Karakorum mountainous region where catastrophic landslides occur frequently and pose a serious threat to local living conditions. Landslide susceptibility index maps were prepared by combining four main indicators groups: (1) human induced parameters, which contain Landsat 8 imagery and distance from roads; (2) topographical parameters, which include slope, aspect and plan curvature; (3) hydrological parameters, which contain stream power index, topographic wetness index and distance from drainage and (4) geological parameters, which consist of lithology and distance from major thrusts and faults. These layers were prepared in GIS environment, and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based heuristic approach was adopted to generate final landslide susceptibility map for this preliminary regional level landslide hazard study. Three different susceptibility zones have been identified in the region. AHP weights with 0.04 consistency ratio were used in the preparation of final map. The final landslide susceptibility map of the study area indicates that the low, moderate, and high landslide susceptibility classes are respectively covering 23.2% (4745 km2), 45% (6737 km2), 23.2% (3444 km2) when distance from roads, distance from drainage and distance from major thrusts and faults parameters were not incorporated in the analysis. Including distance from roads, distance from drainage and distance from major thrusts and faults parameters layers to the final landslide susceptibility analysis shows that moderate susceptibility class is the predominant landslide susceptibility category covering 88% (13,412 km2) of the study area characterized by steep slopes (30°–45°), low positive plan curvature (0–1) and weak lithology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in patients with viral warts. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2020. Methodology: One hundred patients were included in the study, 50 with viral warts (Group-1) and 50 without warts (Group-2). Our study included both male and female patients of 10 to 60 years of age. Three categories were made according to their serum vitamin D levels. First, all participants were tested for serum vitamin D levels using ELISA. Results: In Group-1, 20(40%) had insufficient, and 25(50%) had deficient vitamin D levels. A statistically significant decrease in serum 25-OHD levels (p = 0.004) was found in patients with viral warts. In Group-2, 9(18%) had insufficient, and 2(4%) had deficient vitamin D levels. The mean serum vitamin D level was 22.61±10.11 in Group-1 and 45.12±24.60 in Group-2, resulting in a significant difference between patients with viral warts and those without viral warts regarding serum vitamin D levels (p=0.004). Conclusion: Patients with viral warts have deficient vitamin D levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc biofortification of cereal grains is suggested for controlling widespread human Zn deficiency in developing countries. In present field trail, various Zn treatments [control, priming of seeds in 0.5% (w/v) Zn solution (seed priming), dipping of roots in 0.5% (w/v) Zn solution (root dipping), application of 20 kg Zn ha–1 (soil application), sprays of 0.25% (w/v) Zn each at tillering and heading stages (foliar application) and combination of soil + foliar Zn applications] were applied as ZnSO4·7H2O to rice grown under submerged conditions on a Zn deficient calcareous soil. Treatments significantly (P≤0.05) increased grain and straw yield; however, seed priming and root dipping increased paddy yield only by ≤5%. Increased grain weight also significantly increased grain phytate content. Whole grain Zn concentration increased from 22 (at control) to 29 mg kg–1 (at soil + foliar application).Zinc applications methods, especially soil + foliar application, decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio and increased estimated human Zn bioavailability in grains based on trivariate model of Zn absorption. Conclusively, soil + foliar Zn application is suitable for optimum paddy yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of rice grains. However, a limited increase in grain Zn concentration (7 mg kg–1) by Zn application suggested exploitation of molecular and genetic approaches in Zn biofortification programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc application is required for optimum crop growth especially in calcareous soils located in semiarid to arid regions. The use of poor quality brackish water in arid zone agriculture further poses threat to soil productivity. Effect of Zn application (0, 3 and 9 mg kg-1) and sodium absorption ratio of irrigation water (SARiw; distilled-water control, 8 and 16 (mmolc L-1)½) on plant growth and mineral concentration (Ca, Na, K and Zn) in shoots of two contrasting maize cultivars (hybrid, FHY-993 and synthetic variety, C-20) were evaluated in a pot study. Plant shoots showed a significant decrease (up to 31%, on average basis) due to increasing levels of SARiw and a significant increase (up to 13%, on average basis) in dry matter with the application of Zn to soil. Both cultivars varied significantly in response to Zn application and SARiw. Maximum increase in growth was observed in FHY-993 with application of Zn; while minimum decrease in plant growth due to increased level of SARiw was observed in C-20. The results indicated mitigation of sodicity effects by Zn application especially for FHY-993 with higher Zn requirement. Zinc application reduced shoot Na concentration while increased shoot Ca and K concentration; therefore, significantly increased Ca:Na and K:Na ratios in plant shoots. Conclusively, Zn application to maize improved growth by balancing K:Na and Ca:Na concentration ratios in shoots of stressed maize. However, the response may vary among cultivars depending upon their Zn requirement and Na susceptibility. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method combined with continuous flow injection analysis is described for the determination of Cr(VI). Strong CL signals were generated by Cr(VI)-catalysed oxidation of gallic acid in the presence of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide. Effects of reagent concentrations, temperature, pH, flow rates, mixing coil length and mixing flow sequences on the chemiluminescence intensity were studied. Under the optimised experimental conditions, the relationship between the logarithm of concentration (log C) of Cr(VI) and the logarithm of intensity (log I) is linear over the range of 2 × 10−11 – 5 × 10−4 mol L−1, with the detection limit (3σ) of 4 × 10−12 mol L−1. Relative standard deviation of ten measurements of 1 × 10−9 mol L−1 Cr(VI) is 1.7%. This flow injection analysis (FIA) system proved to be able to analyse up to 40 samples h−1. Effects of various interferences possibly present in the water samples were investigated. Most cations and anions, as well as organic compounds, did not interfere with the determination of Cr(VI) in water samples. The experimental results obtained for chromium in reference materials were also in good agreement with the certified values. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, a flow injection chemiluminescent method was developed for determination of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). Determination of EDTA was achieved via the quenching of chemiluminescent (CL) signal of KMnO4-Na2SO3-H2O2 system, in which [image omitted] was found to be the main emitter. Under optimum analytical conditions, a detection limit of 4 × 10-13 M (3σ) and linear dynamic range of 2 × 10-12-5 × 10-6 M was obtained for EDTA. Relative standard deviation for 1 × 10-9 M EDTA was 1.5% (n = 11). Proposed method is simple, rapid with high sensitivity, and has wide linear range. Method was applied to the determination of EDTA in canned foods with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified Trautz-Schorigin reaction, by using tannic acid-H2O2 system for the oxidation and determination of two kinds of carbonyl compounds was developed in this paper. It was found that formaldehyde and acetaldehyde could effectively enhance the chemiluminescence signals of tannic acid-H2O2 system in alkaline medium. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method has a linear range of 7 × 10-9-1 × 10-4 mol L-1 for formaldehyde and 1 × 10-8-1 × 10-4 mol L-1 for acetaldehyde with detection limits of 9 × 10-11 and 3 × 10-10 mol L-1, respectively. The relative standard deviations for 15 repeated measurements of 1 × 10-6 mol L-1 HCHO and CH3CHO are 1.13% and 1.65%, respectively. Analysis time per sample is 35 seconds. A comparison of results found by the proposed method with those obtained by a standard reference method provided good agreement. The proposed method is simple, rapid, convenient, and sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we propose a specific sandwich immunoassay method for human-immunoglobulin G (HIgG). This immunoassay protocol takes advantage of sandwich binding of primary and secondary antibodies for increased specificity. Polystyrene microspheres (PS) serve as immobilizing support, site for sandwich immunoassay and then subsequently used for chemiluminescence (CL) detections. In this sandwich immunoassay, PS microspheres were modified with the primary anti-HIgG (Ab1) via electrostatic interaction, while CdTe nanoparticles (CdTeNPs) were modified with horseradish peroxidase labeled anti-HIgG (Ab2) via covalent binding. Antigen HIgG (Ag) was specifically captured by the first and secondary antibody and form sandwich immunoassay format. Combination of the remarkable sensitivity of CL method and the use of CdTe NPs as anti-HIgG–HRP carrier for the enzymatic signal amplification, provide a linear response range of HIgG from 0.01 to 300ngmL−1 with an extremely low detection limit of 0.3pgmL−1. This immunoassay system has many desirable merits including sensitivity, accuracy, and little required instrumentation. The assay results were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and showed relatively good reliability. Significantly the new protocol may become quite promising technique for protein immune-detection as well as DNA analysis and other biological analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we developed an entirely new and highly sensitive luminol–H2O2 flow injection chemiluminescence system using the enhancement effect of CdTe quantum dots–IgG bioconjugates. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a kind of bio-molecule was conjugated to different sized CdTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). Using PL spectra and CL intensity profiles, it was found that chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) was possibly occurring between CdTe–IgG bioconjugate and luminol. Under optimum conditions, increase of IgG concentration in CdTe–IgG bioconjugate resulted enhancing effect on CL intensity of luminol–H2O2 system. Moreover quenching effects on CL intensity by addition of different proteases can construct turn off biosensor for these proteases with low detection limits and wide linear range. Furthermore, the effects of various organic and inorganic species on CdTe–IgG bioconjugates enhanced luminol–H2O2 CL system were also studied in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Water-soluble CdTe quantum-dots (QDs) of different sizes and capped with mercaptosuccinic acid were prepared by the microwave irradiation method. The QDs can significantly enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) of the pyrogallol-H2O2 system. Those with a diameter of 3.8 nm produce the most intense CL. UV-vis, photoluminescence, and CL spectra were acquired in order to explore the effect. The results showed that the chromium(III) ion in the concentration range from 20 pM to 30 µM enhances CL, and this is exploited for its trace determination.The limit of detection (3σ) is 6 pM, with a relative standard deviation ( n = 11) of 1.7%. A continuous flow injection CL method was developed and applied to the determination of chromium(III) in tap water and lake water samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the multitude of experiments on determination of formaldehyde, no experiment has made any attempt to determine the exact amount of formaldehyde in textile materials by flow-injection chemiluminescence. In this article, flow-injection chemiluminescence analysis is used effectively for the selective determination of formaldehyde in textiles. The reaction is based upon the modified Trautz-Shorigin reaction, in which formaldehyde and gallic acid are oxidized with aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide, producing relatively strong chemiluminescence. The effects of reagent concentrations, temperature, pH, flow rates, mixing coil length, and flow sequences on the chemiluminescence intensity were studied. Under the optimized experimental conditions, formaldehyde in an aqueous solution was determined over the concentration range from 0.20-1.0 × 10-7 M with a linear calibration graph; the detection limit (LOD; S/N = 3) was 5 × 10-8 M. The relative standard deviation of 12 replicate measurements of 2 × 10-5 M formaldehyde was 1.1%. This flow-injection analysis system proved able to analyze up to 50 samples/h. The effects of various interferences possibly present in the textile samples were investigated. Most cations and anions, as well as organic compounds, do not interfere with the determination of formaldehyde in textile samples. The proposed method is very simple, rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and can be applied to a variety of textile samples at low concentration levels without any enrichment treatment. This method was applied to the determination of formaldehyde in different textile samples and compared with the state standard method used in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly sensitive flow-injection chemiluminescent method for the direct determination of pyrogallol compounds has been developed. Proposed method is based on the enhanced effect of pyrogallol compounds on the chemiluminescence signals of KMnO4–H2O2 system in slightly alkaline medium. Three important pyrogallol compounds, pyrogallic acid, gallic acid and tannic acid, have been detected by this method, and the possible mechanism of the CL reaction is also discussed. The proposed method is simple, convenient, rapid (60samplesh−1), and sensitive, has a linear range of 8×10−10 molL−1 to 1×10−5 molL−1, for pyrogallic acid, with a detection limit of 6×10−11 molL−1, 4×10−8 molL−1 to 5×10−3 molL−1 for gallic acid with a detection limit of 9×10−10 molL−1, and 8×10−8 molL−1 to 5×10−2 molL−1 for tannic acid, with a detection limit of 2×10−9 molL−1, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD, n =15) was 0.8, 1.1 and 1.3% for 5×10−6 molL−1 pyrogallic acid, gallic acid and tannic acid, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of pyrogallol compounds in tea and coffee samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A pot study was conducted on Gujranwala series (Udic Haplustalf) to compare zinc (Zn) requirement of maize hybrids (FHY- 456, FHY- 396, and FHY- 421) and indigenous varieties (EV-1089, Golden, and Soneri). Uniform rates of nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium (N:P:K) and four rates of Zn were applied in triplicate according to CRD. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main and interactive effect of maize genotypes and zinc application on shoot growth and Zn uptake. The three maize varieties uniformly produced maximum shoot dry weight at 3 mg Zn kg-1 soil. The maize hybrids produced maximum shoot dry weight at 9 mg Zn applied kg-1 soil. A 6.3 mg Zn kg-1 plant tissue was optimum for FHY-421 (hybrid) and 9.5 mg Zn kg-1 plant tissue was optimum for Soneri (variety). Hence, more pronounced response in maize hybrids than indigenous varieties require higher rates of Zn application. However, further verification of the results is warranted under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B) deficiency is widely reported in alkaline calcareous soils of the world, including Pakistan. High calcium (Ca) content in such soils can affect the availability and utilization of B by plants. Effect of applied B at different levels of Ca addition on maize was studied in hydroponics. Four maize cultivars ('EV-5089', 'SWL-2000', 'EV-6089', and 'Sultan') were grown at three levels of Ca (0.25 mM, 1 mM, and 2 mM) and two levels of B (0 and 25 μ M). Application of both the nutrients increased shoot dry matter production. However, application of Ca antagonized the B concentration in shoot of four maize cultivars. A curvilinear relationship existed between Ca/B ratio in shoot and relative shoot dry matter of maize cultivars. Implication of using of Ca/B ratio for managing commonly occurring B deficiency in calcareous soils is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants and explore selfefficacy, age, education, gender and socioeconomic status as the significant predictors of superstitious beliefs among participants. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Garrison University, Lahore Pakistan, from May to Nov 2020. Methodology: Total number of 200 study participants, age ranged of 18 to 50 years, were selected. The questionnaires; (1) a measure to superstitions scale and (2) general self-efficacy scale, were used to analyze the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy with the role of ageing, education and socioeconomic status among participants. Result: Out of 200 male and female participants, study results reveal that superstitions belief and self-efficacy were correlated positively in a very small to moderate direction. Moreover, the study result showed that age (ß=0.10), gender (ß=0.05), socioeconomic status (ß=0.91), and self-efficacy (ß=0.24) were positively predicting superstitious beliefs while education (ß=-0.09) was negatively predicting the superstitious beliefs among participants. Conclusion: The results of the study showed the positive correlation between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants. Furthermore, the study concluded that participants' age, gender, socioeconomic status and self-efficacy were positive predictors of superstitious belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land is a pricy and scarce resource, particularly in urban areas. If it is utilized effectively, suitable sites can be allocated for urban wastewater safe disposal through effluents treatment and reuse. This study used multicriteria decision-making approach known as weighted linear combination to map the suitability of an on-site natural wastewater treatment system in the urban and industrial environments—selecting Faisalabad City in Pakistan as the study area. Location of the study region in a water-scarce zone increases the scope of the untreated wastewater disposal into land and water bodies as well as its reuse for irrigation. Data on climate parameters (i.e., temperature, rainfall, and evapotranspiration), geophysical parameters, (i.e., including soil, topography, depth to groundwater table, and groundwater electrical conductivity), and socioeconomic parameters (i.e., land cover maps and proximity from roads/railways and rivers/canals) are used for the development of weighted linear combination based suitability index maps. Analytical hierarchical process-based heuristic approach is adapted to estimate the relative importance of all the parameters. Weights with less than 0.10 consistency ratio are used in the preparation of the final suitability map. The land area required for the proposed on-site wastewater treatment system is estimated as a function of climatic factors and wastewater characteristics. Adoption of the proposed multicriteria framework helped identifying four potentially environment-friendly and economically viable sites. The results show that geospatial multicriteria framework could efficiently help urban planners in sustainable wastewater management, particularly in developing countries where climate-change-induced water scarcity and associated health issues are critical. • Better wastewater management in cities is critical for socio-ecological well-being. • A spatial framework for siting an on-site wastewater treatment plant is proposed. • The framework identifies potential ergonomic sites in a decentralized manner. • The framework acts as a decision-support-system for urban planning/design. • The application of the spatial framework is equally useful for other urban regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal erosion endangers millions living near-shore and puts coastal infrastructure at risk, particularly in low-lying deltaic coasts of developing nations. This study focuses on morphological changes along the ~320-km-long Sindh coastline of Pakistan over past three decades. In this study, the Landsat images from 1989 to 2018 at an interval of 10 years are used to analyze the state of coastline erosion. For this purpose, well-known statistical approaches such as end point rate (EPR), least median of squares (LMS), and linear regression rate (LRR) are used to calculate the rates of coastline change. We analyze the erosion trend along with the underlying controlling variables of coastal change. Results show that most areas along the coastline have experienced noteworthy erosion during the study period. It is found that Karachi coastline experienced 2.43 ± 0.45 m/yr of erosion and 8.34 ± 0.45 m/yr of accretion, while erosion on the western and eastern sides of Indus River reached 12.5 ± 0.55 and 19.96 ± 0.65 m/yr on average, respectively. Coastal erosion is widespread along the entire coastline. However, the rate of erosion varies across the study area with a general trend of erosion increasing from west to east in the Indus Delta region (IDR), and the highest average erosion rate is 27.46 m/yr. The interdecadal change during 1989–1999, 1999–2009 and 2009–2018 periods depicted an increasing linear trend (R2 = 0.78) from Karachi to Indus River (IR) East zone. The spatial trend from west to east is positively correlated with mean sea level rise, which has increased from 1.1 to 1.9 mm/year, and negatively correlated with topographic slope, which is found to be decreasing eastward along the coastline. The findings necessitate appropriate actions and have important implications to better manage coastal areas in Pakistan in the wake of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores a very important issue arising from the initiation of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan, as the major impact seems to be focused towards small businesses and how they will cope in this competitive market once Chinese businesses enter in the country. According to scholars and officials, CPEC will generate several business opportunities for the local Pakistani community. However, studies related to the CPEC project are limited and only focused on the development of the CPEC project in various aspects alone. The existing study examined the local entrepreneur's attitude and intention in the context of CPEC using a sample of 255 survey questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Data were gathered from the existing business community in Karachi, Pakistan. The results validated most of the hypotheses showing positive attitude towards entrepreneurs and intention towards CPEC development project. Specifically, local transportation and accessibility of cities show a significant relationship with a positive attitude. Similarly, the attitude of entrepreneurs also shows a positive relationship with entrepreneur's intention towards CPEC development projects. Findings have important theoretical and practical implications for policymakers of CPEC in creating an overall entrepreneurial ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China and Pakistan have initiated a mega project with the name of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This study examines how local residence support of CPEC is shaped in Pakistan. This study employs a social exchange theory to explain how perceived impacts affect an individual's level of support for CPEC development. Findings reveal that social exchange theory fits the data well by confirming that the more residents perceive impacts positively, the more they are likely to support CPEC. Data were collected online using the Google platform from 280 citizens, residing in all provinces of Pakistan. Findings of this study validate most of the hypothesis. Positive impact shows significant effect on personal benefit and support for CPEC development. Similarly, personal benefit also shows significant effect on support for CPEC development. However, negative impact shows insignificant effect on personal benefit and support for CPEC development. Findings of this study will guide the government officials and policymakers of CPEC about the perception of local people residence, both positive and negative impact. Policymakers can use the findings of this study to gain local citizen's support for the CPEC development projects and designs policies accordingly for the future projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China and Pakistan have initiated a mega project with the name of CPEC (China‐Pakistan Economic Corridor). CPEC projects in Pakistan are an initial stage, and government officials and policymakers expected that CPEC projects are beneficial for local Pakistani community, as this project generates several business and employment opportunities for local citizens. This research study examines the benefit of the CPEC projects and its influence on local Pakistani citizen's living standards. Data were collected online using the Google platform from 310 citizens, residing in all provinces of Pakistan. In total, 310 samples were analyzed and reported, and for data analysis, SPSS version 21 and AMOS 8.0 tools were used; the findings of this study validate most of the hypothesis. Based on results, this study discussed the local Pakistani community benefits with numerous factors such as perceived education, income, and employment. Results of this study will guide the officials and policymakers of CPEC to gain local citizen's support for the CPEC development projects and designs policies accordingly for the future projects. This study also provides important guidelines for CPEC policymakers and officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial–temporal rainfall assessments are integral to climate/hydrological modeling, agricultural studies, and water resource planning and management. Herein, we evaluate spatial–temporal rainfall trends and patterns in Pakistan for 1961–2020 using nationwide data from 82 rainfall stations. To assess optimal spatial distribution and rainfall characterization, twenty-seven interpolation techniques from geo-statistical and deterministic categories were systematically compared, revealing that the empirical Bayesian kriging regression prediction (EBKRP) technique was best. Hence, EBKRP was used to produce and utilize the first normal annual rainfall map of Pakistan for evaluating spatial rainfall patterns. While the largest under-prediction was estimated for Hunza (− 51%), the highest and lowest rainfalls were estimated for Malam Jaba in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (~ 1700 mm), and Nok-kundi in Balochistan province (~ 50 mm), respectively. A gradual south-to-north increase in rainfall was spatially evident with an areal average of 455 mm, while long-term temporal rainfall evaluation showed a statistically significant (p = 0.05) downward trend for Sindh province. Additionally, downward inter-decadal regime shifts were detected for the Punjab and Sindh provinces (90% confidence). These results are expected to help inform environmental planning in Pakistan; moreover, the rainfall data produced using the optimal method has further implications in several aforementioned fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extant literature affirms that passion is important for entrepreneurs' success. However, the related studies have failed to explain how and when entrepreneurial passion (EP) affects firms' radical innovation (RI). The current study explores the connections between EP and firms' RI and mediation of exploratory learning (EL) in this relationship. Moreover, we investigate the moderating role of the Zhong–Yong thinking (ZYT) of Chinese entrepreneurs. Findings from 310 new Chinese enterprises demonstrate that EP directly influences RI and indirectly through EL. ZYT of entrepreneurs can likewise reinforce the connection between their EP and RI via EL. Lastly, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of smartphone users have increased worldwide, research on the usage of the smartphone has received scholarly attention. However, different results were found in previous studies in different contexts. The main research question is whether adopting smartphones by students improve learning or generates interference. The purpose of this study is to examine the usage of smartphone among university students in Pakistan. Using a survey approach, data were collected from different universities/colleges of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. total, 585 entries was analyzed using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 software. Results of analysis, validated most of the hypothesis showing the intention of Pakistani students towards smartphone usage for academic purpose. In addition, findings confirm that students' self‐efficacy related to a smartphone works as a moderating role of intention to use a smartphone for learning and actual usage of the smartphone. The current study has several implications in terms of smartphone usage and student academic performance. Limitations and implications of the study are also discussed in the last section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, potential status of the transgenic crops on the basis of previous authentic studies were evaluated through review of literature at Transfermation Lab, Agricultural Biotechnolgy Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2019. Transgenic crops are a great break through in the field of agriculture since 1996. Popularity of transgenic crop is evident as the area under cultivation has been increased many fold in some developed countries i.e. United State, China, Argentina and Brazil etc. These crops have shown the potential to cope with the serious emerging challenge of global food shortage. Changing climate, increasing world population and the unavailability of quality food to the masses are the main reasons of food scarcity among global population. Developing countries are more vulnerable to food security issues. Moreover, in developing countries mineral deficiencies and malnutrition are very common and also severe issues. To deal with these serious issues, researcher's have successfully developed several transgenic crops. Maize has maximum number of approved transgenic variants till now. Pakistan has also approved transgenic cotton for commercial cultivation. Many of the crops like maize, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum and many others are targeted to enhance the minerals, iron, zinc, pro-vitamin A contents etc. Despite of potential applications, several issues are also associated with transgenic crops making them risky for soil ecosystems, natural food web and human health. In this review paper, intrusion of transgenic crop in agriculture, role in food security, potential risk related to ecology and human health and public perception about transgenic crop in discussing in depth in light of literature published up to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we characterize the classification of simple maps from the plane to the plane given by J. H. Rieger, in terms of invariants. On the basis of this characterization we present an algorithm to classify the simple maps from the plane to the plane and also give its implementation in computer algebra system SINGULAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green approach was employed for the synthesis of heterostructures of g-C 3 N 4 @MoO 3 and characterized by XRD, UV–vis, SEM and FTIR techniques to evaluate the structural, morphological, and optical features of the heterostructures. The XRD analysis revealed the high crystallinity and intensity of g-C 3 N 4 /MoO 3 higher than the g-C 3 N 4 and MoO 3. The g-C 3 N 4 shows a crumpled layered arrangement and a MoO 3 rod-like structure. The refractive index (n), bandgap energy (E g) and extinction coefficient (k) (optical properties) are determined by UV–vis spectroscopy. The g-C 3 N 4 /MoO 3 optical properties like k (2.15), n (2.37), dielectric coefficient (0.43), electronegativity (0.739) and bandgap energy (2.75 eV) were enhanced significantly. In visible region, the g-C 3 N 4 /MoO 3 demonstrated excellent performance for the degradation of RhB dye. The mobility and detachment of electron-hole pairs in type-II heterojunction semiconductors are responsible for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity (PCA) in visible region, which can be utilized for the dyes remediation in effluents under natural sunlight irradiation. [Display omitted] • A green route was employed for graphatic-C 3 N 4 @MoO 3 heterostructure synthesis. • Characterization was done by XRD, UV–vis, SEM and FTIR techniques. • The optical properties enhanced of g-C 3 N 4 @MoO 3 versus g-C 3 N 4 and MoO 3. • g-C 3 N 4 @MoO 3 showed promising catalytic activity under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a key abiotic stress that confines agriculture development worldwide. Silicon (Si) is commonly considered to be a valuable element for resistance against drought and for sustainable agriculture. To investigate the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of Gerbera jamesonii plants, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and exposed to water stress (60% FC) and well-watered (100% FC) conditions. Foliar application of Si was carried out after ten days (48 days after sowing) of drought treatment and was repeated weekly, while well-water was regarded as control. Water deficiency significantly abridged the morphological attributes, pigments, and stress-related metabolites and negatively affected the photosynthetic apparatus in drought-stressed gerbera plants. However, Si supplementation by 40 mg L−1 produced increased leaf area (31%), stem length (25%), flower diameter (22%), plant fresh biomass (17%), total chlorophyll (48%), and concentration of carotenoids (54%) in water-stressed plants. Similarly, the accretion of a total free amino acid (41%) and the activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glycinebetaine, total soluble proteins, total free proline, and malondialdehyde were enhanced by 44%, 31%, 53%, 33%, 330%, 61%, 51%, and 66%, respectively, under drought stress in comparison with control conditions. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic rate (89%), the transpiration rate (12%), and stomatal conductance (55%) were significantly enhanced in water-deficit gerbera leaves with Si supplementation. This study proposes that the foliar application of Si is a viable and convenient method of improving the performance of elegant gerbera flower plants in regions of the world that are facing severe water deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to determine the moderating effect of customer relationship on supply chain risk management and organizational performance, specifically for Pakistan's logistics sector. The logistics sector is selected for the study as it has considerable significance in the country's economy and also having substantial growth due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This study is quantitative in nature and data collection is performed through a questionnaire based on several instruments (operation risk management, strategic risk management, perceived performance, customer relationship) from officials (administrative and management) of various public and private logistics companies involved in supply chain and customer relationships. A total of 227 responses are received out of 300, with 11 incomplete responses being eliminated. The hypotheses are formulated based on the literature and research theme. The hypotheses testing are performed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology. The findings suggest that strategic risk management and supply chain performance have a favorable relationship. The study also showed that there exists a negative association between customer relationship and performance. Conversely, the relationship between operational risk management and performance was not established in this study. The findings of this study offer inspiration for future research that can apply these findings on large sample of companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants and explore selfefficacy, age, education, gender and socioeconomic status as the significant predictors of superstitious beliefs among participants. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Garrison University, Lahore Pakistan, from May to Nov 2020. Methodology: Total number of 200 study participants, age ranged of 18 to 50 years, were selected. The questionnaires; (1) a measure to superstitions scale and (2) general self-efficacy scale, were used to analyze the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy with the role of ageing, education and socioeconomic status among participants. Result: Out of 200 male and female participants, study results reveal that superstitions belief and self-efficacy were correlated positively in a very small to moderate direction. Moreover, the study result showed that age (β=0.10), gender (β=0.05), socioeconomic status (β=0.91), and self-efficacy (β=0.24) were positively predicting superstitious beliefs while education (β=-0.09) was negatively predicting the superstitious beliefs among participants. Conclusion: The results of the study showed the positive correlation between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants. Furthermore, the study concluded that participants' age, gender, socioeconomic status and self-efficacy were positive predictors of superstitious belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pakistan has second highest prevalence of HCV in the world. The epidemiology and burden of HCV infection varies in people of different ages. Objective: Present study was designed to measure the prevalence of HCV among children in selected public and private hospitals of Lahore Methods: Children in the study were screened for anti-HCV test through ELISA (third generation ELISA Kit and Qaigen kit) for detecting the viral load from June 2018 to May 2019. Results: Children in the study were screened for anti-HCV test through ELISA (third generation ELISA Kit and Qaigen kit) for detecting the viral load. The average age of non-reactive and reactive children was 7.28±3.36 and 5.50±3.8 years respectively. Socio-economic status was found associated with anti-HCV. An association was found significant for birthplace, delivery assisted by, and type of milk given to the child. Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of HCV is 3.85% in childern in lahore city of Pakistan, which is alarming situation for healthcare providers, researchers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the frequency of depression among fertile and infertile women reporting in CMH Abbottabad. Study Design: A case control study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Combined Military Hospital Abbottabad, over a period of six months from January 2013 to June 2013. Patients and Methods: The inclusion criteria were all those patients who were married. All the cases were selected from the women reporting in the obstetrics and gynecology department of CMH Abbottabad for investigation and treatment of infertility. A total of 200 patients, 100 fertile and 100 infertile women were included. Patients were given questionnaire form with their consent for research. Beck depression inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression among fertile and infertile women. Other factors such as age, educational level, and duration of infertility, pressure from family members, miscarriages, and support from husband were studied. Results: Depression was significantly higher in infertile women as compared to fertile women i.e. 95% vs. 63% (p < 0.001). It was higher among women with more than 1 year of duration of marriage as compared to those with infertility of one year duration or less. Conclusion: Infertility is associated with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-4 prerequisites quality education provisioning. In this context, we present important insights and references for educational interventions/investments to be tailored to local necessities in Pakistan. Several spatial statistical models such as the Global Moran's I-based spatial autocorrelation, multivariate clustering, and the Cluster and Outlier model are used to explore geographic heterogeneities and patterns. Additionally, significant determinants among several socio-economic, spatio-environmental, and infrastructural variables are identified for education status (EdS) using regression. As a result, a large geographic inequality regarding EdS is found in Pakistan. While a strong spatial association is evident, the districts in northern Punjab are identified as significant hotspots—higher EdS clusters (∼22% of total districts, 95% confidence). Majority of the 44% poorly performing districts belong to Balochistan province (95% confidence). Overall, the educational status in Punjab is higher as compared with other provinces. We find that four out of seven potential factors (i.e., poverty, urbanization, electricity accessibility, and school infrastructure) are statistically significant determinants of EdS. Among these, poverty is the most strongly associated (mean coefficient value −18.848) factor to control EdS. The results have important implications to decision-making for immediate or gradual actions in the context of spatially equitable provisioning of quality education through an informed prioritization (i.e., low performing districts). Based on the findings, while rigorous measures are needed for low performing regions and the identified determinants to improve education status, this study sheds light on the mechanisms to achieve SDG4, consequently promoting human well-being through educating communities. • Pakistan's EdS is analyzed at the district-level. • Spatial-statistical techniques are coupled for EdS profiling. • While 44% districts show very poor EdS, poverty is the most significantly associated. • Lowest EdS is observed for districts in Balochistan province. • Results provide important references for policy, decisions, and actions to achieve SDG4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the direct and indirect links between behavioral biases and investor's investment decisions via the mediating role of risk perception through structural equation modeling. The study is conducted among individual investors who are engaged in investment for several years in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Purposive sampling technique was used for data collection and the sample size was consisted of 450 questionnaires. The findings contribute that risk perception mediates between blue-chip stocks and investment decisions. Furthermore, risk perception does not play the mediating role between herding bias, disposition effect, and investment decisions. However, the disposition effect has a strong direct relationship with risk perception. The study is beneficial to individual investors who can make investment decisions by self-estimation rather than to follow the others' opinion. The proper training and education to the investors is also an appropriate path to overcome these biases. Risk is the major factor that discourages investment decisions but blue-chip stocks are a major risk eliminating factor while building investment decisions. Most of the prior studies focused on behavioral biases and investment decisions of individual investors but this study contributed to the mediating effect of risk perception. Human capital, anomalies, computer literacy, and artificial technology could also be used as a mediator and moderator for future orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymers either serve as shielding or capping agents to restrict the nanoparticle size. This study demonstrates the polymer depositions and their effects in synthesis and sharp stabilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and to develop gold/silver nanoalloys (Au/Ag nanoalloys). Effects of different polymers are tested to justify their role in synthesis and stability of phloroglucinol (PG) coated AuNPs and Au/Ag nanoalloys. Cationic and anionic i.e. [Polydiallyldimethylammonium]+ (PDDA), [Polyethyleneimine]+ (PEI), [Polystyrene sulfonate]2− (PSS) and neutral polymer Polychlorotriflouroethylene (PCTFE) produce praiseworthy stable AuNPs and Au/Ag nanoalloy. To prove polymer effects characterization protocols including UV–vis, Fluorescence (PL), IR and AFM imaging are performed to fully investigate the mechanism and size characteristics of these nanoparticles/nanoalloys. In this study sharp size controlling/sheilding effects were observed particularly with cationic polymers simply through the favorable electrostatic interactions with the terminal ends of PG Potent/significant detection of doxorubicin (DOX, an antileukemic agent) via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between PEI shielded AuNPs (AuNPEI) and DOX was achieved upto 10pM level, while PDDA protected AuNPs facilitated the detection of ascorbic acid based on fluorescence enhancement effects in wide range (10–200nM) and with detection limit of 200pM. Similarly sensing performance of PEI stabilized Au/Ag nanoalloys on addition of halides (Cl−, Br-, I−) is evaluated through red shifted SPR along with continuous increase in absorbance and also through AFM. Moreover the addition of halide ions also helped the regeneration of AuNPs by taking away silver from the Au/Ag nanoalloys enabling their detections upto subnanomolar levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]