The Determinants of Food Prices: A Case Study of Pakistan

Controlling prices is one of the major tasks for the macroeconomic policy-makers. The recent oil price hike that shifted the policy towards biofuels and some natural calamities increased food prices around the world. This paper analyses the demand- and supply-side factors that affect food prices in Pakistan. Long-run relationship is analysed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) for the period 1970 to 2008. The result indicates that supplyside factors (subsidies and world food prices) have a significant impact on food prices , whereas demand-side factors, such as money supply, are the main cause of the increase in food prices in the short as well as the long run. The error correction is statistically significant and shows that market forces play an active role to restore the long-run equilibrium.Food Prices, ARDL Approach, Pakistan

Measuring Push, Pull And Personal Factors Affecting Turnover Intention: A Case Of University Teachers In Pakistan

It has been observed that professional and qualified teacher’s retention become a challenge for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan as the turnover rate has been significantly increased in recent years. The main objective of this paper is to access personal, push and pull factors and to find out that which factors contribute more to turnover intention. Primary data were collected from 100 teachers of 5 HEIs using questionnaire methods. The results indicate that all factors (personal, pull and push) have contributed in the employees’ turnover intentions. However, some facets of personal factor have significantly contributed in turnover intentions.Turnover, Higher Education Institution, Job Quit, Personal Factors, Push Factors, Pull Factors

Evaluation of Vitamin D and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Iraqi Infertile Women

Although the mechanism underlying the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and reproduction is unknown, research suggests that it may have a direct deleterious impact on ovarian function. This is primarily because vitamin D insufficiency can affect gonadal function. The anti müllerian hormone (AMH) is one of the most important biomarkers produced by granulosa cells and plays a key role in folliculogenesis. This study wanted to look at and compare vitamin D and AMH levels in infertile and fertile women, as well as the relationship between them in both groups. A hundred infertile and fertile women participated in the study. Anti-müllerian, prolactin, follicle-stimulating, and luteinizing hormones, as well as 25 hydroxyvitamin D, were estimated. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 72% of infertile women (n = 36), compared to 48% (n = 24) of the fertile group. There was no significant link between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and AMH in both groups. Infertile women exhibited a significantly lower serum AMH and higher body mass index. This study's findings suggested that the correlation between vitamin D and ovarian reserve markers was unlikely to present. However, the infertile group has a more significant vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency rate

Plasma D-Dimer Value Corrected with Some Physiological and Inflammatory Markers (C-Reactive Protein and Ferritin) in Iraqi Patients with COVID-19 Infection

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been observed that patients have elevated plasma levels of D-dimer and some inflammatory markers (ferritin, interleukine 6, C-reactive protein (CRP) or fibrinogen). Some studies point to the existence of a certain correlation between those markers and D-dimer. CRP is a protein discovered in the 1930s by Tillett and Francis and is an acute phase reactant. It is a pentameric protein which is synthesized by the liver under the action of cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). D-dimers are multiple peptide fragments produced as a result of degradation of crosslinked fibrin, mediated by plasmin. A total of 60 patients were recruited and categorized into :1- group1 (controls), 2- group 2 (COVID-19 patients). 5 ml of blood was obtained from each patient by vein puncture, using 5 ml disposable syringes, then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to collect the serum.  D- dimer, C-reactive protein were measured by using (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). At the same time, the Ferritin was assessed by using a miniVIDAS analyzer for the fluorescent enzymatic detection of β2-microglobulin (β2M) using the technique. Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) (BioMerieux). Our results showed that there was a non- significant difference in the P-values between control and patients males and females. The Mean ± SE of age in control group was 45.90 ± 3.34, while the Mean ± SE of age in patients was 45.35 ± 2.52. There was a non- significant difference between the two groups, the Mean ± SE of CRP in control group was 5.04 ±0.81, while the Mean ± SE of CRP in COVID-19 patients was 37.16 ±3.24, there was a highly Significant differences between them (P≤0.01). The CRP of COVID-19 patients were compared with those of control patients, the results shows significant increased CRP in covid-19 patients group as a compression with the control group, the findings of the study is similar to Jacob Lentner, etal findings. In response to infections, the liver synthesizes significant quantities of acute-phase proteins (APPs), such as CRP. This acute inflammatory protein is a highly sensitive biomarker for inflammation, tissue damage, and infection. It has been shown that CRP levels are correlated with levels of inflammation. CRP levels can promote phagocytosis and activate the complement system. In other words, CRP binds to microorganisms and promotes their removal through phagocytosis. D-dimers are one of the fragments produced when plasmin cleaves fibrin to break down clots. Our study showed that the serum D-dimer concentrations in patients significantly higher than those in control group which is similar to Mamta Soni, etal, 2020 findings. Elevated D-dimer levels have emerged as a consistent finding in severely ill COVID-19 patients, Multiple studies have identified an association between higher D-dimer levels and an increased risk of mortality in the COVID-19 patient population. Ferritin is an iron-storing protein; its serum level reflects the normal iron level and helps the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Circulation ferritin level increases during viral infections and can be a marker of viral replication. Our study showed a significant increase in ferritin level in covid-19 patients group compared to control group, which consider similar to [] results. Although the exact cause for elevated ferritin in COVID-19 infection is unknown, it could be influenced by cytokine release or cellular damage that results in the leakage of intracellular ferritin. It has been previously shown that ferritin is a direct indicator of cellular damage suggestive of an association between organ damage and ferritin production. This could later cause cell death, known as ferroptosis. It is suggested that inflammation associated with sepsis could alter iron metabolism and deficiency to facilitate the immune system, which could be an early sign of COVID

Experimental Study of Solar Collector Performance with Serpentine Mini-Channel

الهدف من هذه الدراسة تنفيذ التجريبية للتحقيق في الأداء الحراري للوح مجمع طاقة شمسية يعمل ع اساس قناة مصغرة. لتطبيق المبادلات الحرارية قناة صغيرة، فمن الضروري أن يكون أدوات تصميم مثالية لتنبأ انخفاض الضغط ونقل الحرارة. جميع التجارب العملية اجريت في مدينة بغداد خلال (تموز) عند زاوية ميلان (°30) درجة باتجاه الجنوب تحت ظروف الطقس المشمس. تم استخدام مائع عمل هو بروبلين كلايكول في جريان طباقي خلال تحقق التجارب العملية عند درجة حرارة دخول ثابتة (20) Cº-15)) ولمعدلات تدفق مختلفة (4.6 لتر/ساعة،5.77لتر/ساعة ،7.96لتر/ساعة ،11.2لتر/ساعة و18.35لتر/ساعة). تم تقييم اداء المجمع الشمسي من حيث معامل انتقال الحرارة، انخفاض الضغط، عامل الاحتكاك، طاقة الضخ، وفرق درجات حرارة الدخول والخروج. في هذه الدراسة تم اختبار الجهاز جود طلاء انتقائي وجود غطاء زجاجي بينت النتائج العملية ان زيادة معدل التدفق تؤدي الى زيادة معامل انتقال الحرارة بينما معامل الاحتكاك يقل. ايظا زيادة معدل التدفق تؤدي الى نقصان الفرق درجات الحرارة لمائع العمل بين الدخول والخروج.In this paper, experimental has been executed to investigate thermal performance of modified design of mini-channel plate solar collector. For the application of mini-channel heat exchangers, it is necessary to have perfect design tools for prophesy pressure drop and heat transfer. Experimental setup were carried out in Baghdad city from (July) with a tilt angle of (30º) to the south under sunny weather condition. The working fluid is propylene glycol in the laminar regime is used for experimental investigation at constant fluid inlet temperature (15 ºC - 20 ºC) and at different flow rates (4.6L/h, 5.77L/h, 7.96L/h, 11.2L/h, and 18.35L/h). The mini- channel solar collector performance is evaluated in terms of heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, friction factor pumping power, and working fluid temperature difference between the outlet and the inlet .In this paper study the test rig with selective coating and with cover glass The experimental results show that an increase in mass flow rate the heat transfer coefficient is also increased while the friction factor is decreased. Also, increase in mass flow rate lead to the temperature difference between the outlet and the inlet working fluid decreases

Heat Transfer Analysis of Modified Solar Collector Plate with Mini-Channel

الهدف من هذه الدراسة تنفيذ التحليلات العملية والعددية للتحقيق في الأداء الحراري للوح مجمع طاقة شمسية يعمل على اساس قناة مصغرة. لتطبيق المبادلات الحرارية قناة صغيرة، فمن الضروري أن يكون أدوات تصميم مثالية لتنبأ انخفاض الضغط ونقل الحرارة. النموذج الرقمي يجمع بين الإشعاع الشمسي مع نقل الحرارة الحمل إلى لوحة امتصاص على أساس قناة صغيرة وكان عدد رينولد يتراوح بين 70 و 300 في معدل تدفق السوائل تراوحت من (4.6 لتر/ساعة الى 18.35 لتر/ساعة) يستخدم للتحقيق التجريبي في درجة حرارة مدخل السائل ( 20 درجة مئوية). كان السائل العامل البروبيلين جلايكول. يتم تقييم أداء قناة تجميع الطاقة الشمسية البسيطة من حيث معامل انتقال الحرارة، عدد نسلت، عامل الاحتكاك وضخ الطاقة. وتكشف النتيجة أنه عندما يكون هناك زيادة في معدل تدفق الكتلة من السائل المتدفق، فإن معامل انتقال الحرارة الحراري يزداد أيضا في حين ينخفض ​​معامل الاحتكاك.In this paper, experimental and numerical analyses have been executed to investigate the thermal performance of modified design of mini-channel plate solar collector. For the application of mini-channel heat exchangers, it is necessary to have perfect design tools for predicting the pressure drop and heat transfer. A numerical model combining solar radiation with convective heat transfer to the absorber plate based on mini-channel has been developed. Reynolds number ranged from 70 to 300 at the fluid flow rate ranged from 4.6 L/h to 18.35 L/h is used for experimental investigation at fluid inlet temperature (20°C); the working fluid is propylene glycol. The mini channel solar collector performance is evaluated in terms of heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, friction factor, and pumping power. The result revealed that when there is an increase in the mass flow rate of flowing fluid, the convective heat transfer coefficient is increased, while the friction factor is decreased

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and central obesity among adults in the Eastern Sudan

© 2020 Omar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Background A global epidemic of obesity has been documented, particularly among African countries. While central obesity and overweight have been reported for many countries, very limited information exists about the prevalence of these health problems in Sudan, and these data are nonexistent for Eastern Sudan. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and central obesity, as well as the factors associated with both, among adults in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan, during the period of January through May 2018. Sociodemographic and health characteristics data were collected through a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured using the standard methods. Both descriptive and inferential statics were applied to analyze the data. Results A total of 594 adults participated in the study; 70.4% of them were female. The mean (standard deviation) age was 44.98 (16.64) years. Of the 594 enrolled participants, 33.7%, 7.4%, 26.8%, and 32.2% were normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The prevalence of central obesity was (67.8%). Approximately, one-third of the participants (29.29%) were obese and had central obesity. In the multinomial regression, being married was the main risk factor associated with overweight, and older age, female sex, being married and hypertension were significantly associated with obesity. In the binary regression, the main risk factors associated with central obesity were female sex and being married. Conclusion The prevalence rates of both obesity and central obesity among the study participants were high. Older age and hypertension were only associated with obesity. Obesity and central obesity were significantly associated with female sex and being married. This study provided valuable baseline information to develop appropriate strategies for the prevention and control of obesity in Eastern Sudan

A relationship study of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, blood groups, and some related factors in Iraqi patients

تم إجراء العديد من الدراسات حول العلاقة بين COVID-19 والمؤشرات الحيوية المختلفة منذ بداية جائحة كورونا بما في ذلك فصائل الدم ABO و D-dimer و Ferritin و CRP. شملت هذه الدراسة ستمائة (600) مريض تم تقسيمهم الى 324 ( 56٪ ) أنثى والباقي  276( 46٪ ) ذكور. اشارت الدراسة الى تكرار فصائل مجاميع الدم A و B و AB وO 25.33 ; 38.00 ; 31.33 و 5.33٪ على التوالي . كما أشار التحليل الاحصائي بوجود ارتباط بين فصيلة الدم ABO و D-dimer و Ferritin و CRP لمرضى COVID-19 من خلال وجود فروق معنوية بينهم وبين الفيريتين (P≤0.01) ، ولكن لا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية لكل من D-dimer و CRP. اما بالنسبة للارتباط العمري بين مرضى COVID-19 والمؤشرات الحيوية ، أظهرت مستويات D-dimer و Ferritin فرقًا كبيرًا (P≤0.01) ، (P≤0.05) بين الأعمار. وفي الوقت نفسه كان مستوى CRP غير كبير.و بالنظر إلى تأثير الجنس على المؤشرات الحيوية لمرضى COVID-19 ، كانت ذكور D-dimer و Ferritin معنوية (P≤0.05) ، (P≤0.01) بالتتابع من الإناث. لكن لا يوجد تأثير مهم لمستوى CRP. أثبتت نتائجنا أن العمر عامل مهم لتطور عدوى COVID-19. يعتبر الارتباط بين فصيلة الدم ABO و D-dimer و CRP و Ferritin أيضا عامل خطورة مهم ويحتاج الى المزيد من التحقيق.Many studies of the relationship between COVID-19 and different factors have been conducted since the beginning of the corona pandemic. The relationship between COVID-19 and different biomarkers including ABO blood groups, D-dimer, Ferritin and CRP, was examined. Six hundred (600) patients, were included in this trial among them, 324 (56%) females and the rest 276 (46%) were males. The frequencies of blood types A, B, AB, and O were 25.33, 38.00, 31.33, and 5.33%, respectively, in the case group. Association analysis between the ABO blood group and D-dimer, Ferritin and CRP of COVID-19 patients indicated that there was a statistically significant difference for Ferritin (P≤0.01), but no-significant differences for both D-dimer and CRP. biomarkers. Regarding the age association between COVID-19 patients and biomarkers, D-dimer and Ferritin levels showed a significant difference (P≤0.01), (P≤0.05) in sequence, between ages. Meanwhile CRP level was non-significant. Considering the gender effect on biomarkers on COVID-19 patients, D-dimer and Ferritin males were significant (P≤0.05), (P≤0.01) in sequence from females. But no-significant effect of CRP level. Our results proved that age is an important factor in the COVID-19 infection’s development. The evidence of the association between ABO blood group, D-dimer, CRP and Ferritin with COVID-19 severity, progression and susceptibility, is important and requires more investigation.

State of air quality in and outside of hospital wards in urban centres – A case study in Lahore, Pakistan

Particulate pollution in healthcare facilities is a potential threat to healthcare workers, patients and visitors. A study was carried out to monitor particulate levels in and outside of five wards of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, a tertiary healthcare facility of Lahore. Measurements indicated that the hourly mean concentrations of PM2.5 in a medical, pulmonology (chest), surgical, pediatric and nephrology ward were 78 ± 37, 86 ± 46, 94 ± 48, 169 ± 122 and 488 ± 314 µg m-3 respectively. The outside levels of PM2.5 of the same wards were 69 ± 27, 81 ± 49, 178 ± 85, 282 ± 164 and 421 ± 240 µg m-3. Indoor levels were higher than outdoors in all the wards except surgical and pediatric ward. Such elevated levels of PM can result in aggravation of the poor health status of the patients as well as affecting the hospital staff and visitors