Impact of Financial Literacy and Parental Socialization on the Saving Behavior of University Level Students

This is an explanatory study on the impact of financial literacy and parental socialization on the saving behavior of university level students. Using primary data collection method, 400 questionnaires were distributed to the students of universities across Pakistan. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis are employed by using SPSS. Our results demonstrate that financial literacy and parental socialization positively influence the saving behavior of students. Our result revealed that the students who have financial literacy exhibit more saving behavior as compared to others who do not have financial knowledge. It is also concluded that the student willingness to save increased due to receiving financial education from their parents

Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Technique based Prevalence of Surra in Equines

This project was carried out to find the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in equine in District Gujranwala by using indirect fluorescent antibody technique and thin smear method. Blood samples were collected from a total of 200 horses and donkeys of different ages and either sex. Duplicate thin blood smears were prepared from each sample and remaining blood samples were centrifuged to separate the serum. Smears from each animal were processed for giemsa staining and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Giemsa stained smears revealed Trypanosome infection in 4/200 (2.0%) samples and IFAT in 12/200 (6.0%) animals

Prevalence of Black Quarter in Association with Patho-Morphological Alterations in Affected Tissues at Different Zones of Punjab-Pakistan

Background: Blackleg or Black Quarter (BQ) is a serious bacterial disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei. It causes edematous and gaseous changes in skeletal muscles of animals. The study was designed to find prevalence of BQ in 6 districts of Punjab, Pakistan from June 2018 to June 2019.Methods: Animals were randomly monitored, and selected in each union council regardless of age, sex and species, but lameness and hyperthermia were the selection parameters. A proforma was used to record the experimental readings of each animal. A total of 1500 swab samples from bovines (cattle and buffaloes) were processed through conventional PCR and culture sensitivity tests to examine the comparative diagnostic efficacy and suitability of the test.Results: Sensitivity and specificity of culture tests were 87.6% and 34.19% respectively, whereas PCR demonstrated 81% and 47.3% results for the said aspects, respectively. Alpha toxin gene (Ccta) was amplified at 52.2oC yielding an amplicon size of 1400 base pairs. Area wise and season wise prevalence of each animal was also determined. The prevalence of BQ in cattle was significantly higher (P 0.05) in Lahore (0%) and Nankana Sahib (8%) which belonged to the canal irrigated zones.Conclusion: There was higher prevalence of BQ in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan that show the higher risk of disease transmission. A systematic surveillance system is essential to regularly monitor the disease incidence and prevalence in these areas of Pakistan.Keywords: Black Quarter; Prevalence; Pathological; Ruminants;  Zone

Comparative Evaluation of Parasitological, Serological and DNA Amplification Methods for Diagnosis of Natural Trypanosomal Infection in Equines

Abstract.-The study was conducted to evaluate and compare the parasitological (micro-haematocrit method, MHCT), serological (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA) and molecular (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) methods for diagnosis of trypanosomal infection in equines. Blood samples, taken from 500 animals (horses and donkeys), were primarily screened with formol gel test. Of 500 samples examined, 120 samples were found positive with formol gel test. Later, these samples were further processed for the parasitaemia with MHCT, detection of antibody against trypanosmal antigens positive ELISA and trypanosomal DNA using PCR. Results showed that higher number of positive samples (p < 0.05) were detected with PCR (30.8%) compared to either ELISA (21.6%) or MHCT (17.5%). The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 85.7% and 79.5%, respectively compared to PCR which were found to be 100% and 58.97%, respectively. To conclude PCR test was found to be a superior test over MHCT and ELISA for the diagnosis of trypanosome in equines and can be used in field conditions

Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with exposures in the workplace. We aimed to assess the association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data from 28 823 adults (≥40 years) in 34 countries. We considered 11 occupations and grouped them by likelihood of exposure to organic dusts, inorganic dusts and fumes. The association of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze, dyspnoea, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC with occupation was assessed, per study site, using multivariable regression. These estimates were then meta-analysed. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between sexes and gross national income. Results Overall, working in settings with potentially high exposure to dusts or fumes was associated with respiratory symptoms but not lung function differences. The most common occupation was farming. Compared to people not working in any of the 11 considered occupations, those who were farmers for ≥20 years were more likely to have chronic cough (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.19–1.94), wheeze (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.63) and dyspnoea (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53–2.20), but not lower FVC (β=0.02 L, 95% CI −0.02–0.06 L) or lower FEV1/FVC (β=0.04%, 95% CI −0.49–0.58%). Some findings differed by sex and gross national income. Conclusion At a population level, the occupational exposures considered in this study do not appear to be major determinants of differences in lung function, although they are associated with more respiratory symptoms. Because not all work settings were included in this study, respiratory surveillance should still be encouraged among high-risk dusty and fume job workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries.publishedVersio

Prevalence of chronic cough, its risk factors and population attributable risk in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study: a multinational cross-sectional study

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardised protocol and definition. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identifed risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington,KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Prevalence of chronic cough, its risk factors and population attributable risk in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study: a multinational cross-sectional study

Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardized protocol and definition. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population-attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identified risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington, KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education, and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Financial Leverage, Distress, and Firms Performance: Global and Local Perspective

Purpose: This study examined the effect of financial leverage on firms’ performance. The study examined the phenomenon in the background of financial crisis. Methodology: For detailed investigation, the study selected 1879 firms from different countries of the world. In the meantime, the study selected a sample of 263 firms from domestic economy of Pakistan. Firm level secondary data of 2005-2012 were used for analysis purposes. Panel regression model is applied, and interactive dummy were added to probe the effect of leverage in crisis period. Findings: The study found a negative effect of leverage on firms’ performance. During the crisis period, leverage remained helpful to absorb the negative effect of crisis on firms selected from different countries. The similar trend for firms in Pakistan was, however not observed. Based on study results, it is concluded that the leverage plays a substantial role in firms and extreme care is needed in its adjustment. Furthermore, behaviour and dynamics of firms in Pakistan are different from many other countries. Implications: The local dynamics and circumstances should be considered in designing the capital structure of the firms.             

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites for energy applications: Recent advancements and future prospects

Recently graphene, a two-dimensional, layered carbon nanomaterial, has gained attention of the researchers working on nanomaterials due to its outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. When incorporated into polymer matrices, graphene serves as a versatile filler, resulting in the development of high-performance nanocomposites with variety of applications. This review article delves into the latest advancements in graphene-based polymer composites, primarily focusing on their role in energy-related applications.The article explores the extensive potential of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites and covers their fabrication using diverse techniques. These techniques include solution mixing, in-situ polymerization, electrospinning, and layer-by-layer assembly, each tailored to meet specific composite requirements. These versatile methods enable researchers to design and engineer graphene-polymer composites with tailored properties.The practical applications of these composites span various fields, with a significant emphasis on energy-related applications. They find utility in energy storage and conversion. This includes the enhancement of supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyte membranes, all of which benefit from the improved performance and stability imparted by graphene. The article meticulously reviews the latest breakthroughs and innovations in these areas, underscoring the substantial progress achieved by researchers in enhancing the efficiency of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites for energy applications which includes conversion and storage.This review article provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites. It covers their fabrication techniques, outlines their applications in energy storage and conversion, and showcases both recent advancements and historical developments. By acknowledging the achievements and considering potential future directions, the article offers a well-rounded perspective on the evolving landscape of energy-related materials science

Effect of Oxytocin Administration before Milking on Milk Production, Somatic Cells Count and fat Contents in Milk of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes

This study was escorted to know the effect of oxytocin administration before milking on milk production, somatic cells count and fat contents in milk of buffaloes. Twenty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 10) buffaloes were treated intramuscularly with 30 IU of oxytocin daily before the start of milking for the period of 7 days, whereas group B (n = 10) buffaloes were given no treatment and served as control. Milk samples were collected from all buffaloes 7 days before (Phase I), during (Phase II) and after (Phase III) the treatment. There were significantly higher (P<0.05) milk production (liters) during phase-II in group A (8.57±0.07 liters) buffaloes as compare to group B (8.40±0.04 liters) whereas non-significant differences were recorded in the mean milk production between group A and B during phase-I (8.46 vs 8.43 liters) and III (8.54 liters). Somatic cells count varied from 72.96 to 97.01 × 103 and 71.86 to 77.14 × 103 cells per ml in group A and B, respectively. Mean somatic cells count were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group A as compared to group B during phases II of study. During phase I, II and III, there were non-significant differences in fat percentage between two groups of buffaloes. It was concluded that milk production and somatic cells count in milk of Nili-Ravi buffalo were affected by oxytocin injection before milking whereas there was no effect of oxytocin on milk fat percentage