Water Management for a Mega City: A Comparative Study of Selected Localities of Lahore

Pakistan falls in the category of water scarce countries. Lahore a major city of Pakistan, with a population of 12 million is likely to face serious water shortage in near future. The actual amount of water required for each domestic activity was pertinent in order to find the total consumption of water locality wise. One hundred families each from five selected localities were chosen for this survey. The Model town was selected as a model locality so that its findings and calculations can be generalized on other localities for comparison. It was found that for all daily indoor activities, 160.2 million liters (42 gallons) is the total quantity required. For all daily outdoor domestic activities, 487.92 million liters (128.9 million gallons) of water is to be made available. Results were examined and compared with other mega-cities, to learn from their experiences and plans to cope with the challenges in large cities

The Impact of Leadership on Project Performance

In this research study, leadership factors of HR planning were adopted on the basis of project nature and analyzed the effect of the factors on the performance of the project. The links of these factors with strategic goals and objectives of the project were explored in order to improve project performance and develop organizational culture that foster innovativeness, flexibility, formulating and executing HR systems & policies and activities that produce the employees competencies and behavior the project needs to achieve its strategic aims. The data was collected from includes 70 employees from four main consultancies companies working together on a project, located in Lahore, Pakistan. Responses were gone through EFA and Cronbach's alpha test to assure consistency and reliability. Finally, path analysis in SEM using Amos was run to explore the nature and strength of the links. Results suggest that leadership has positive links with project performance. Keywords: HR Planning, Project Human Management System (PHMS), Leadership, SE

Determining Project Performance: The Role of Training and Compensation

The HR is one of the important departments for any organization to accomplish its management tasks in an effective and efficient manner. Major failures of projects may occur due to lack of proper HR planning. This study is aimed to assess whether training and compensations of a project team have any links with the project performance. The data was collected from 73 employees from four main consultant companies working together on a project, located in Lahore, Pakistan. Responses were gone through EFA and Cronbach's Alpha test to assure consistency and reliability. Finally, path analysis in SEM using Amos was run to explore the nature and strength of the links. Results suggest that both training and compensation of project team members are positively associates with project performance. Keywords: HR Planning, Training, Project performance, Compensation, Pakista

Ecological niche model comparison under different climate scenarios: a case study of Olea spp. in Asia

Ecological niche modeling (and the related species distribution modeling) has been used as a tool with which to assess potential impacts of climate change processes on geographic distributions of species. However, the factors introducing variation into niche modeling outcomes are not well understood: To this end, we used seven algorithms to develop models (Maxent, GARP, BIOCLIM, artificial neural networks, support‐vector machines, climate envelope, and environmental distance) to estimate the potential geographic distribution of olives (Olea europaea sensu lato, including Olea ferruginea) under two climatic data sets (current 2000 and future 2050). Five general circulation models and two representative concentration pathway scenarios were used as predictor variables in future projections of the geographic potential of this species; models were fit at global extents (10′ spatial resolution) but transferred and interpreted for a region of particular interest in Central Asia, which largely avoids problems with truncation of niche estimates. We found marked differences among approaches in predicted distributions and model performance, as well as in the future distributional pattern reconstructed, from one algorithm to another. These general approaches, when model‐to‐model variation is managed appropriately, appear promising in predicting the potential geographic distribution of O. europaea sensu lato and thus can be an effective tool in restoration and conservation planning for wild populations, as well as possible commercial plantations of this species

Ameliorate Effect of Ajwa (Phoenix dactylifera) on C-Reactive Protein, Lipid Profile and Cardiac Histopathology in Rabbits

Background: High fat diet causes oxidation of accumulated fat cells which leads to Atherosclerosis. The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein has recently been identified as an independent predictor of future coronary heart disease. The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein has recently been identified as an independent predictor of future coronary heart disease. Present study evaluated the cardioprotective role of Ajwa seed paste on lipid profile and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in rabbits. Methodology: 7 months old rabbits (n=15) for 30 days were kept in animal house school under standard laboratory conditions. Rabbits were divided into three groups (n=5). Group1 served as control group fed basal diet, group 2 fed high fat diet, group 3 fed high fat diet supplemented with 6gm ajwa seed paste. Feed consumption ratio was determined in all groups on daily basis.  Results: Feed consumption ratio showed significant (P>0.05) decrease in group 2and 3 fed high fat diet. In this study, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL) values were increased in group 2 compared to control group. It was found that significant (P>0.05) decrease in the level of bad cholesterol (LDL, VLDL) in group 3 (fed ajwa seed supplemented diet).HDL value showed significant (P>0.05) increase in group 3. HDL is good cholesterol and increased the level of HDL protect against the stroke and heart attack. and increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL).HDL takes the cholesterol from the body and back to liver where liver removes the bad cholesterol. The value of CRP is higher in group 2 due to the consumption of HFD and CRP level in group 3 showed significant (P>0.05) reduction.  Conclusion: It is concluded from present study that ajwa seed paste is beneficial for heart health

Development & application of Conceptual Framework Model (CFM) for environmental risk assessment of contaminated lands

Dumping sites are the most common types of contaminated lands as they pollute the environment. Environmental management of contaminated sites cannot be delivered effectively and efficiently without robust holistic & integrated risk assessment. Previous studies reveal the absence of a risk assessment model that holistically integrates all essential factors progressively and categorically. The study aimed to develop a holistic & integrated Conceptual Framework Model (CFM) for environmental risk assessment and to apply developed CFM on real-world existing Mahmood Booti Open Dumping Site (MBODS). CFM developed in this study had three main tiers i.e., baseline study, hazard identification & exposure assessment, and risk estimation. For the application of CFM, baseline data were collected and assessed. Water, leachate & soil samples were collected within 1000 m across the site and analyzed for physio-chemical parameters and heavy metals to estimate risk. Results of applied CFM depicted that Physico-chemical analysis of leachate, water, and soil revealed significant pollution levels. Heavy metal analysis exhibited that Ni, Pb, Mn, and Cr levels exceeded the allowable limits of the “World Health Organization” in leachate, water, and soil samples. It also revealed the existence of metals at the source (dumping site itself), pathway, and receptor of the dumping site. Eir value for Ni, Pb and Cd from the study area manifested a serious probable risk to ecological integrities. Results for PERI from dumpsite demonstrated a serious ecological risk. It can be concluded that although Mahmood Booti dumping site has been at post-closure stage, it is a momentous source of hazardous toxic contaminants to the nearby inhabitants. The work presented in this paper may reproduce repeatedly to create site-specific risk assessment models of other contaminated lands in a cost-effective, consistent and cohesive manner. Application of CFM at Mahmood Booti Dumping site described detailed risk assessment which helps further in risk management

The mediating role of stakeholders on green banking practices and bank's performance: The case of a developing nation.

The banking sector serves as a nudge between increased financial investments and reduced environmental impacts in the modern era of sustainability thus, integrating the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This paper aims to explore the practices and ongoing activities on account of sustainable banking which is being practised in the Pakistani Banking Sector. A mixed methods approach using a survey with a sample size of (n = 250) and in-depth interviews of (n = 25) provides significant evidence for the research. SmartPLS4.0 was used for hypotheses testing and to ascertain the path coefficient association within the constructs. This research fills the gap in existing literature by testing and implying the mediating role of Stakeholders' Influence on the relationship between Green Banking Practices and the Bank's Performance. The results of the quantitative analysis show a positive association between variables, highlighting the role of stakeholders and their need to partake efficiently, in the countrywide execution of green banking. The qualitative analysis portrays that; green banking is currently the partial focus of the banking sector in the developing economy of Pakistan whereas, approaches like financing green projects, investments in renewable energy, in-house greening of the banking sector, and provision of easy lending facilities to encourage and support environmental initiatives are some commonly practised accomplishments of the banking sector

Environmental Quantification of the Existing Waste Management System in a Developing World Municipality Using EaseTech: The Case of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Evaluation of existing operational and managerial provisions and identification of specific actions that fit and impact in a local context is key to find sustainable solutions. The study aims to develop an understanding of existing waste management practices for a medium sized city of Pakistan and to quantify the related environmental impacts using life cycle assessment (LCA). The existing waste management system in “Bahawalpur”, a city with predominant rural-urban infusion, is characterized by straining resources, low generation rates (0.424 kg/capita/day), prominent source separation, high scavenging activities and open dumping practices. The waste composition analysis proposes organic wastes as the largest constituent (64%) followed by recyclables (27%) and inerts (9%). The LCA model “EaseTech” used to quantify the environmental performance of existing waste management arrangements illustrated that existing waste management system in Bahawalpur City has tangible effects on climate change (3.16 × 107 kg CO2-Eq) and ecotoxicity (3.12 × 106 CTU) categories, while depletion of abiotic resources fossil (−9.60 × 107) category points up most environmental savings. Significant environmental compensations for different impact categories are offered due to high source separation and recycling trade off. The overview necessitates suitable modification in existing waste disposal practice that poses severe impacts on the environment

An Analysis of Age Dependency Burden and Saving Rates in Pakistan

This study analyzes the impact of age dependency on gross savings for the period of 1975 to 2018 by applying ARDL and Granger causality techniques. The findings of the study suggest that young-age dependency and old-age dependency have a negative impact on gross savings in the long run. Granger causality test reveals that the causality between age-dependency of young and gross savings is bidirectional while the causality between age-dependency of old and gross savings is unidirectional. The study is also equipped with policy implications

Physicochemical Properties, Contamination and Suitability of Canal Water for Irrigation, Lahore Branch Pakistan

The pollution status of Lahore branch canal was determined by physical, chemical and metal constituents because the water is used for irrigation of lands in and around the city. The average result of each physical, chemical and metal parameter at 12 different sites (Location-1 to Location-12) of Lahore branch canal was compared with Food and Agricultural organization (FAO). All physical and chemical parameters were within standards limit while metals concentrations were found in variable quantities in canal water samples. cadmium, copper and chromium concentration was found much higher than the permissible FAO standards