47 research outputs found
SOCIAL EVILS IN MEDIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN 21ST CENTURY
echnology and social media has become a vital part of daily lives of people, especially children. There are advantages of using technology and being active on social media but there are equal disadvantages and risks that come along with excessive use of electronic devices. As per American Academy of Pediatricians children are spending 7 hours a day on media such as computers, phones, I-pads, television and other electronic devises. A child as young as age 2 starts using mobile phone to view rhymes and videos on you tube which brings many risks to their health and wellbeing. This paper reviews the literature and discusses the problems caused by social media, technology such as obesity, aggressive behavior, negative effects on mental health, cyber bullying, texting/sexting and contact to problematic and illegal content etc. in children from age 2 till 18. The paper highlights the ratio of UAE parents, who are aware of social evils and take measures to protect their children. Also, the study attempts to provide solutions and guidelines from pediatricians that would be helpful for parents and individuals, in addressing the difficulties instigated by electronic devices and social media in addition to molding their children as healthier citizens. We hope that this paper will make relevant institutions provide more educational platforms to parents in order to spread awareness about the impact of media on children along with appropriate measures that can be taken to deal with it. 
Impact of FDI and Trade Balance on Economic Growth during 1990-2014, a Case Study of Pakistan
Purpose:The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of macroeconomic variables, Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Balance on the Economic Growth (GDP) on Pakistan economy by using the 25 years data from the time period 1990-2014.Methodology:For the empirical finding time series annually data are used to monitor by examination the stationarity of all dependent and independent variables. Unit root (ADF) test are used to check the stationarity of all the variables. Additionally The Johansen co-integrated test to check the long run relationship in the middle of the variables and to see the short run relationship VECM are used. All the variables are significant, and goodness of fit use regression the econometric model is analyses.Findings:The study found that there is significant impact of independent variables Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Balance on dependent variable GDP. And the signs of co-efficient shows, Trade Balance have negative relation with GDP while Foreign Direct Investment has positive relation with GDP. Keywords: Unit Root , Co-integrated , ECM , Regression , FDI , Trade Balanc
Factors Influencing on Stock Market in Pakistan
The stock market is an economic institution that promotes the growth and development of the economy of a nation. This paper investigated the impact of inflation on stock market performance .The aim of this research to find out factors which have great impact on stock market performance of any country. This study discusses the main variable like interest rate and inflation rate and their effect on stock market performance. This study investigated that interest and inflation rate has significant negative relation with stock market performance, while in regression analysis it has been observed that the value of R2 = 0.62 means model is fit and can predict outcome. This study provides valuable knowledge to the government, economist and shareholders to jug the position of stock market for investment purpose. Keywords: Stock Market Performance, Inflation Rate, Interest Rat
Utilization of RSM for optimization of physical variables to improve bacteriocin production from Lactobacillus plantarum strain MS
The utilization of natural antimicrobial substances has been increased in the pharmaceutical sector due to their stability and inhibition activity against pathogenic microorganisms. In the current study, the bacteriocin synthesis by locally isolated Lactobacillus plantarum MS from yogurt, has been optimized by using response surface methodology. Statistical optimization of physical variables by using Box-Behnken design, 3200 AU/mL bacteriocin activity was detected at 30 °C temperature, 18h incubation time and pH 6 against Staphylococcus aureus. The resulting bacteriocin was found to be stable a broad range of pH (2-12) and temperature (37-100 °C) but the activity of bacteriocin was slightly disturbed at 121 °C. Besides, bacteriocin showed stability after treatment with various enzymes (catalase, amylase, and lipase), salt (NaCl), and surfactants (triton X-100, EDTA, and SDS) but found sensitive by treating with proteolytic enzymes (proteinase K and trypsin) in comparison with untreated bacteriocin. Because of such biochemical characteristics, these antibacterial peptides could be possibly incorporated in the field of pharmacy to fulfil consumer’s demand for natural remedies
Survey of Hypocalcaemia Frequency in District Lahore, Pakistan
Calcium is important for regulation of various physiological functions like bones, teeth, different types of muscular movements, blood pressure, body growth and maintenance. But continuous calcium deficiency may cause hypocalcaemia in which major cause is insufficient intake of calcium along with other pathological states, financial constraints and lack of general public awareness about the significance and physiological role of calcium. Statistical analysis on the basis of current survey indicates that females remain malnourished and suffer from hypocalcaemia more than males. That’s why; there is urgent need of organized efforts for general public awareness from government and private platforms. Moreover, future researchers should introduce better diagnosis techniques and economical dietary sources and treatments to reduce frequency of hypocalcaemia
Influence of Socio-demographic Variables on Prevalence of Hypertension in Lahore Division, Pakistan
Hypertension is a growing public health issue at global level and it is considered as a potent factor for cardiovascular ailments. But various socio-demographic factors are root causes to provoke this physiological disorder. In current study, through cross sectional survey, performa based data of 100 persons was collected from cities Lahore division, Pakistan. The results showed that males are more suffering than females and fall in age range of 20-40yrs. Most frequently reported initial symptoms are fatigue, irregular heartbeat and difficulty in breathing. Whereas district wise comparison indicated higher prevalence level in Lahore and Kasur than Shiekhupura and Nankana Sahib. Similarly, ANOVA results highlighted that economic status matters the most, parallel to the extent of awareness among masses, that’s why; mediocre is suffering more than upper or lower class. Thus cost effective treatments based findings should be our future goal to control this growing disease
Frequency Of Depression In Patients With Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Objective: To determine the frequency of depression in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2020 to March 2021 on a total sample size of n=100 patients (age 49.84 ± 0.91 years) using a simple random sampling technique, visiting the medical department of the federal government polyclinic hospital, in Islamabad. Patients presenting with macrocytic anaemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency were included while the patients with previously diagnosed depression were excluded from the study. Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured through the ELISA technique. Patient Healthcare Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was designed and presented to patients with vitamin B12 deficiency for depression assessment. Patients with PHQ-9 score ≤5 were rated as having no depression and the patients with score ≥5 were rated as having depression. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism and the correlation coefficient was measured through non-linear fit and linear regression curves while ordinary ANOVA (non-parametric) was applied for study variables.
Results: The average level of vitamin B12 in the serum and PHQ-9 score were recorded as 158 ± 4.94 (pg/uL) and 5.85 ± 0.30, respectively. Vitamin B12 levels and PHQ-9 score depicted an inverse correlation, however, no association was found between gender and PHQ-9 score.
Conclusion: Data depicted that the patients presenting low levels of vitamin B12 in their serum have shown corresponding high PHQ-9 scores which is an indicator of depression. However, depression prevails in all age groups without any discrimination of gender
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Infections in Hostel Residents of Lahore, Pakistan
To maintain our good health, properly functioning gastrointestinal (GIT) track is always considered essential. Though in current era, living standards are much improved now but still gut infections are frequently reported around the globe. Because in third world countries, like Pakistan even in big cities people don’t have dietary sources of good quality. That’s why; a survey of randomly selected 10 hostels was conducted to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal infections among them. The results showed that mostly sufferers fall in age group of 18-28years and among them, females are more than males. Important causative factors for transmission of enteric pathogens are intake of impure water (in 42% cases), unhygienic food (in 18% cases) and blend of these two (in 33% cases) with major symptoms of abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, nausea and vomiting. But still only 19% gastric patients of hostel take proper medication for cure and rest of other are left untreated either due to lack of awareness or financial constraints. So these issues should be seriously addressed by the authorities to control the frequency of GIT infections among hostilities of Lahore, Pakistan
Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control agent against insect pests of Gossypium hirsutum.
Isolates of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisoplaie, Verticillium lecanii and Paeciliomyces lilicuns from Punjab, Pakistan, were evaluated for their inhibitory and insecticidal efficacy against White fly, House fly, American bollworm, Army worm, Spotted worm, Gray weevil, Jassids, Aphids, Ant and moth. Four strains of B. bassiana, two strains of P. lilicuns and one strain of M. anisoplaie and V. lecanii were used. B.bassiana (Bb04) exhibited significant mortality percentage against moth, gray weevil, cotton seed bug white fly, American worm, spotted worm, army worm, house fly, ants, jassids and aphids. Among all the strains of entomopathogenic fungi used, B. bassiana strains Bb01 revealed least mortality percentage against the targeted insect pests. V. lecanii Vl01 strain showed the highest mortality rate against cotton seed bug while it showed least efficiency against spotted worm. M. anisopolie Ma01 showed the highest mortality percentage against moth and showed the minimum results against spotted worm. In case of tested strain of P. lilicuns strains Pl01 and Pl02 displayed the highest mortality percentage against gray weevil, cotton seed bug and showed the minimum results against spotted worm and moth. Key words: Entomopathogenic fungi, Pathogenicity, Cotton pests, White fly, American bollworm, Army worm, Gray weevi
Effects of mental imagery on lower limb function in sub-acute stage of stroke patients; a randomized controlled trial
Introduction: Stroke is the most common type of cerebrovascular injury caused by sudden decrease in blood supply that can lead to weaknesses and other associated problems. Many treatment options are available for stroke with promising results. This trial was designed to explore the role of mental imagery (visual) in the sub-acute stage, considering the stroke patient, especially in evaluating its effects on the lower extremities.
Material & Methods: An experimental randomized controlled trial was performed from July to August 2018 in physiotherapy departments of National Hospital and Aadil Hospital Defence Lahore. A total of 80 patients having sub-acute stroke with strong perceptions having a score of 25 or more in the Mini Mental Score Exam and a 3 +/5 manual muscle testing grade system in the lower extremity were taken using non-probability consecutive sampling procedure. All the patients were divided into 2 groups randomly. Conservative treatment including strengthening and balance training were given to one group and conservative treatment with addition of visual imagery to the second group. Independent t-test was used to assess significant differences between the two groups.
Results: Comparison of Berg Balance Scale at pre-intervention between the experimental group and the controlled group was not significant, 13.76 ± 2.85 vs 13.84 ± 3.26 (p=0.927), respectively. After intervention the effects of treatment were significant in both groups, 18.64 ± 2.33 vs 17.80 ± 2.94(p=0.007), respectively. Comparison of Time Up and Go test at pre-intervention between groups was not significant, 6.28 ± 1.86 vs 6.68 ± 0.99(p=0.347), respectively. The intervention effects after treatment in both groups were significant, 1.84 ± 1.28 vs 3.56 ± 1.26 (p=0.001), respectively.
Conclusion: It is concluded that mental imagery along with conservative treatment plays a vital role in construction of neural circuit in sub-acute stroke patients