Synthesis of silver-coated bioactive nanocomposite scaffolds based on grafted beta- glucan/hydroxyapatite via freeze-drying method: anti-microbial and biocompatibility evaluation for bone tissue engineering

Advancement and development in bone tissue engineering, particularly that of composite scaffolds, are of great importance for bone tissue engineering. We have synthesized polymeric matrix using biopolymer (β-glucan), acrylic acid, and nano-hydroxyapatite through free radical polymerization method. Bioactive nanocomposite scaffolds (BNSs) were fabricated using the freeze-drying method and Ag was coated by the dip-coating method. The scaffolds have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) to investigate their functional groups, surface morphology, and phase analysis, respectively. The pore size and porosity of all BNS samples were found to be dependent on silver concentration. Mechanical testing of all BNS samples have substantial compressive strength in dry form that is closer to cancellous bone. The samples of BNS showed substantial antibacterial effect against DH5 alpha E. coli. The biological studies conducted using the MC3T3-E1 cell line via neutral red dye assay on the scaffolds have found to be biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. These bioactive scaffolds can bring numerous applications for bone tissue repairs and regenerations

Time Series Analysis and Forecasting of Air Pollutants Based on Prophet Forecasting Model in Jiangsu Province, China

Due to recent developments in the global economy, transportation, and industrialization, air pollution is one of main environmental issues in the 21st century. The current study aimed to predict both short-term and long-term air pollution in Jiangsu Province, China, based on the Prophet forecasting model (PFM). We collected data from 72 air quality monitoring stations to forecast six air pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3. To determine the accuracy of the model and to compare its results with predicted and actual values, we used the correlation coefficient (R), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results show that PFM predicted PM10 and PM2.5 with R values of 0.40 and 0.52, RMSE values of 16.37 and 12.07 μg/m3, and MAE values of 11.74 and 8.22 μg/m3, respectively. Among other pollutants, PFM also predicted SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 with R values are between 5 μg/m3 to 12 μg/m3; and MAE values between 2 μg/m3 to 11 μg/m3. PFM has extensive power to accurately predict the concentrations of air pollutants and can be used to forecast air pollution in other regions. The results of this research will be helpful for local authorities and policymakers to control air pollution and plan accordingly in upcoming years

İyi yönetim ilkeleri ışığında kamu-özel ortaklıklar: Pakistan örneği.

Public-Private Partnerships have gained immense popularity since their inception in the 1980s and have become a preferred procurement tool for the governments. Despite PPPs being widespread, the scholars have divided opinions mainly into two schools of thought about PPPs. The proponents consider it as a governance tool; however, the opponents see it as a substitute terminology for privatization and a 'language game' from the vocabulary of neoliberalism. This dissertation takes a qualitative empirical approach to study PPP in light of the governance approach and the principles of governance by taking Pakistan as a case. The semi-structured interviews serve as the field data collection tool, and the respondents consisted of four groups being the public and private sector, civil society, and academia. The analysis of the field data diagnosed the institutional health and identified the inadequacies in the PPP model of Pakistan. The dissertation gives recommendations for managerial, political, and legal reform of the PPP model of Pakistan. The research concludes that the PPP model of Pakistan partially complies with the principles of good governance. There are multiple economic, political, and administrative prerequisites that ensure the effective v implementation of PPP. Hence, the government motives define the trajectory of PPPs towards becoming a governance tool or a mere 'language game.'Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Graduate School of Social Sciences. Political Science and Public Administration

Hindistan ve Pakistan arasındaki barışın korunması: Şangay işbirliği örgütünün rolü.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was created in 2001 in order to promote economic, security and political cooperation between the member states. Pakistan and India became observer states to the SCO as the most influential countries in South Asia and as nuclear powers. The relations between Pakistan and India are hostile since their birth, which led to wars, continuous arms race which caused a major threat to the regional peace. The most influential members of the SCO are China and Russia. While Pakistan has close relations with China, India has the same with Russia. In the recent SCO-BRICS joint Summit held in Ufa, Russia in July 2015, Pakistan and India have been recognized as permanent members of the SCO taking effect in 2016. This development increases the possibility of the SCO to play the role of an arbitrator between Pakistan and India and help resolving the frozen conflicts between them. This thesis aims to answer the following questions: Are terrorism, extremism and separatism joint threats to all the members of the SCO? Would it be possible to create a joint strategy to fight the current and the potential pressures? Can Russia and China bring India and Pakistan on the same page through the SCO’s forum? Can joint economic motives and energy club within the SCO help Pakistan and India in maintaining peace? Will the SCO be able to overcome its current limitations and cope with the Western criticism?M.S. - Master of Scienc

تِروینی کی ترویج میں پاکستانی شعرا کا حصہ

[Tirvini is a short poem of three lines only. First two lines present an idea in totality, the third lines sometimes stretches the idea even further or surprises the reader negating the idea altogether. Its founding father is a celebrated Indian national named Gulzar, however this form of poetry thrived in the best habitat in Pakistan.   Allama Shariq Jamal Nagpur and Dr Manazir Ashiq Harganvi tried with much success to delineate its form and features which proved in turn counterproductive hampering its speedy progress. This article asserts that Pakistani poets contributed substantially to take it to the current apex. A Pakistani scholar named Ali Haider Malik subscribed a first-ever introductory article of Tirvini to a Bombay based magazine”Shaair” (poet) in 1998. He presented few sample poems of Yawar Amaan and Fouqia Mushtaq in his article. Later on a first-ever book of Trivini –“Tirvinian” was also published from Pakistan. This first publication kick started a series of seven books of Tirvini in quick succession to stamp its popularity. It is not without much surprise that even Gulzar’s first book of Tirvini was also published from Pakistan. Besides these interesting details some other poets with respect to their works are discussed in this article.

Investigating the spatio-temporal pattern of PM

PM2.5 is a typical air pollutant which has harmful health effects worldwide, particularly in the developing countries such as China due to significant air pollution. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatio-temporal pattern of PM2.5 concentration in Jiangsu Province, China. The data were collected from 72 monitoring stations between 2018-21 and the HYSPLIT model was used to study the transport pathways of air masses. According to the obtained results, the concentration of PM2.5 was obvious during the study duration. The results show that the concentration of PM2.5 was constantly decreased from 2018 to 2021, while the level of PM2.5 was higher in winter and lower in summer in Jiangsu. The backward trajectory analysis revealed that the trajectories were originated from the Siberia, Russia and passed thorough Mongolia and northwestern parts of China then reached at the study spot. These air masses played a significant role in aerosol pathway and affect the air quality of Jiangsu

Controlled assembly of silver nano-fluid in Heliotropium crispum extract: a potent anti-biofilm and bactericidal formulation

The study describes the optimized method for silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) synthesis using Heliotropium crispum (HC) plant extract. Optimization of physicochemical parameters resulted in stable and rapidly assembled AgNPs. FTIR results suggest presence of plant phytochemicals that helped in the reduction, stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The assembled Ag nano-composites displayed the peak surface plasmon resonance (SPR) around 428 nm. The presence of uniquely assembled Ag-biomolecule composites, cap and stabilize nanoparticles in aqueous plant suspension. Spherical, uniform-shaped AgNPs with low poly-dispersion and average particle size of 42 nm and was determined through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning election microscopy (SEM) which present robust interaction with microbes. The study also evaluates the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of biologically synthesized AgNPs on clinical isolates of MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 mg mL−1) of nanoparticles that presented bactericidal effect was made through inhibition assays on bacterial strains. The concentration which presented potent bactericidal response was then evaluated through growth inhibition in liquid medium for anti-biofilm studies at 2.0 mg mL−1. HC-Ag nanoparticles mediated anti-biofilm effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa was revealed through SEM. Complete breakdown of biofilm\u27s extracellular polymeric substances resulted after incubation with AgNPs. Peptidoglycan cell wall destruction was also revealed on planktonic bacterial images after 24 h of incubation

A National Survey to Assess the COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Conspiracy Beliefs, Acceptability, Preference, and Willingness to Pay among the General Population of Pakistan

The current study aims to assess the beliefs of the general public in Pakistan towards conspiracy theories, acceptance, willingness to pay, and preference for the COVID-19 vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire during January 2021. The Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was utilized for statistical data analysis. A total of 2158 respondents completed the questionnaire, among them 1192 (55.2%) were male with 23.87 (SD: ±6.23) years as mean age. The conspiracy beliefs circulating regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were believed by 9.3% to 28.4% of the study participants. Among them, 1040 (48.2%) agreed to vaccinate on its availability while 934 (43.3%) reported the Chinese vaccine as their preference. The conspiracy beliefs of the participants were significantly associated with acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The existence of conspiracy beliefs and low vaccine acceptance among the general population is a serious threat to successful COVID-19 vaccination