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The lithospheric velocity structure of the lower Indus basin has been evaluated through inversion of fundamental modes of both Love and Rayleigh wave group velocities from the broadband records of a seismic network maintained by the Institute of Seismological Research, Gujarat, India. We have considered three clusters of wave paths A, B, and C that mainly cross the lower Indus basin from south to north; the wave paths of A mainly cross the continental shelf, and the wave paths of B and C pass through the lower Indus basin. The measured group velocities correspond to periods of 5 to 90 s for Rayleigh waves, and 5 to 115 s for Love waves. These data sets resolve the structure of the lithosphere through a nonlinear inversion based on a genetic algorithm with a wide solution space. The mean and standard deviation (S.D.) of the 70 accepted solutions for each of these three clusters provide the 2D structure for the lower Indus basin from south to north. The sediment consists of two layers with total thickness from 5.7 to 6.6 km increasing northward. The crustal thickness also increases northward from 32.9 (cluster A) to 39.7 km (cluster C) in the lower Indus region. The S-wave velocity below the crust varies from 4.55 to 4.59 km/s, which is close to the corresponding velocity of 4.60 km/s of the Indian shield region to the east of the Aravalli range. The thicknesses of the lithosphere, as well as the velocities of the uppermost mantle of the lower Indus plain, are similar to that of the Indian shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traditional engineering design optimisation which is the process of identifying the right combination of product parameters is often done manually, time consuming and involves a step by step approach. This paper identifies recent approaches to automating the manual optimisation process and the challenges that it presents to the engineering community. Engineering design optimisation is classified based on design evaluation effort and degrees of freedom viewpoints. An overview of different approaches for design optimisation is presented. The study identifies scalability as the major challenge for design optimisation techniques. Large-scale optimisation requires significant computing power and efficient algorithms such as swarm intelligence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: It aimed to develop an expert consensus regarding the risk assessment, diagnosis, and threatened miscarriage management during the first trimester in Pakistan., Methods: A three-step modified Delphi method was applied to develop the consensus. Eleven specialized obstetricians and gynecologists participated in its development. If 75% or higher agreement level was attained on each assertion, it was declared as a consensus., Results: Age of 35 or above, previous history of two or more previous miscarriages, and direct strong trauma were considered to be threatened miscarriage risk factors. Infection was discussed and specified to include specific infectious diseases, like malaria, and COVID-19 as a risk factor. The experts agreed from the first time on considering endocrinological disorders, thrombophilia, and lifestyle variables as threatened miscarriage risk factors. They proposed adding a statement concerning acquired thrombophilia which was accepted unanimously. Finally, experts agreed on the importance of educating pregnant women about factors whose risk can be modified by modifying their behavior. As for diagnosis statements, it was agreed to be trifold: physical examination, imaging, and laboratory testing. Physical examination included abdominal and pelvic exams but focused more on vaginal examination with speculum to identify bleeding severity and etiology. The statements regarding the imaging approaches to diagnose threatened miscarriage in the first trimester achieved a consensus in most statements. TVS was recommended to check on uterine structural abnormalities, fetus viability focusing on heartbeat and crown-to-rump length, gestation sac size and emptiness, subchorionic hematoma, and ectopic pregnancy. Each was defined on how to identify and diagnose in separate statements. Statements about laboratory tests indicated the need for human chorionic gonadotropin hormone assessment whether serial or once is dependent on the ultrasound. Recommended hematologic investigations include complete blood count for anemia, Rh factor for potential bleeding risk and in special cases, thrombophilia assessment is undertaken. The first and foremost management aspect was follow-up while most management statements were controversial, and some were altogether removed with only some reaching agreement after discussion., Conclusion: These consensus statements aggregated the best available evidence and experts' opinion-supported statements to improve patient education, risk assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation as well as management of threatened miscarriage during the first trimester in Pakistan., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: Tabrez Ali and Sobia Ali are salaried and full-time employees of Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited., (Copyright © 2024, Iqbal et al.)

Objective: To determine the foetal outcome and mode of delivery in patients with meconium stained liquor during labour., Methods: The observational study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-II of Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences from June to November 2007. The patients with gestational age more than 37 weeks who presented with meconium stained liquor and cephalic presentation were included and the foetal outcome and mode of delivery was assessed in all such subjects. The data was collected on pre-designed proforma and analysed using SPSS version 10. Chi square test was applied with 95% confidence interval and p-value < or = 0.05 was considered significant., Results: A total of 75 patients with meconium stained liquor were identified during the study period. The patients with reactive cardiotocography (CTG) were 50 (66.7%) and with non-reactive CTG, 25 (33.36%). Of the total, 45 (60%) patients were delivered through normal vaginal delivery, while 30 (40%) were delivered by caesarean section. The rate of instrumental delivery was also increased which was 12 (26.7%). Among the neonates exposed to meconium stained liquor, 62 (82.7%) babies were delivered with apgar score > 7. Only 13 (17.3%) babies were delivered with apgar score < 7 in one minute., Conclusion: Meconium stained amniotic fluid is a common occurrence during labour and is associated with increased caesarean section rate and foetal morbidity and mortality.