PAKISTAN-INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS AND APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PEACEBUILDING

The recent Pulwama incident has further strained the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan. India's violation of the UN resolution on Kashmir has exacerbated the situation, leaving both countries with seemingly no common ground or shared challenges to bring them to the dialogue table and build confidence and trust for a sustainable relationship. This paper proposes a peace-initiating process prioritising cooperation on common environmental challenges to improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. Environmental peacebuilding, which focuses on shared ecological challenges and provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between rival states, has been explored for a couple of years. However, the cooperative dimensions of environmental peacebuilding have yet to be studied in bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. This paper provides a brief qualitative analysis of relations between two countries, highlights the potential for environmental peacebuilding to improve their relationship, and addresses challenges to successfully implementing this approach.   Bibliography Entry Khan, Omair Farooq. 2023. "Pakistan-India Bilateral Relations and Application of Environmental Peacebuilding." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 155-165

Frequency and Progression of Gliomas in Pregnancy in Population Presenting at Lahore General Hospital, Pakistan

Objective:  To study the frequency and progression of gliomas in pregnant patients in our population. Materials and Methods:  A retrospective study of 30 pregnant patients between 18 to 40 years of age with confirmed gliomas from July 2015 to July 2020 was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, Lahore. Time of diagnosis, grade of glioma, the outcome of pregnancy, and mode of treatment were studied in these patients. Results:  Out of 30 patients, 29 were freshly diagnosed during pregnancy. All patients underwent cesarean section. If the patient presented before 30 weeks of pregnancy, irrespective of the outcome of the baby, the caesarian section was done. If a patient presented after 7 months, in case of low-grade glioma, the patient was in-house transferred and operated for tumor after delivery. A total of 17 patients had low-grade glioma and 12 patients had high-grade glioma. One patient had a recurrent disease during pregnancy, with the progression of tumor from low grade to high grade. Conclusion:  There is an association between pregnancy and the incidence of gliomas. They can be both high or low grades. The mode of delivery is preferably the caesarian section because the stress of labor causes an increase in the frequency of seizures. There is the possibility of recurrence as well as progression to higher grade during pregnancy

Sonographic evaluation of normal liver, spleen, and renal parameters in adult population: A multicenter study

Objective: To determine the normal liver, spleen, and renal parameters in adult patients with no comorbidities. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dow Institute of Radiology, Ojha Campus, LEJ Campus, and Al-Mustafa Hospital Karachi, from October 2016 to March 2017. Methodology: A total of 3,136 study participants with more than 16 years of age of either gender underwent ultrasound examination. All individuals with morbid conditions like hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), liver cirrhosis, hydronephrosis, renal cyst, and liver mass were excluded. Ultrasound scan was performed and longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained of both kidneys (in full inspiration), spleen and liver. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between age and spleen size of the individuals (r=0.053, p=0.012). The correlation of BMI and liver size was also found significantly positive (r=0.237, p \u3c0.001). The correlation of age and kidney size was found significantly negative in between age and right kidney (r=-0.074, p \u3c0.001) and left kidney (r=-0.087, p \u3c0.001). Similarly, the correlation of BMI and renal size was found significantly weak positive between BMI and right kidney (r=0.206, p \u3c0.001) and BMI and left kidney (r=0.227, p \u3c0.001). Conclusion: BMI was found significantly positively correlated with liver size and both kidneys in study participants. Moreover, spleen was found directly and renal size inversely correlated with age of the individuals

Outcome of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis Technique for Management of Extra Articular Distal Tibial Fractures

Objective: To assess the outcome of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) method applied for the management of extra-articular distal tibial fractures.Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Total 57 patients have included extra-articular type A distal tibial fracture, duration of injury <1 week, and competent neurological and vascular status of the fractured site. All the patients were treated with MIPPO Technique by using the distal tibial medial locking plate and the outcome of all patients was assessed radiologically in terms of union and functionally by using the Ovadia-Beals clinical scoring system. Data were analysed by using SPSS v. 21. Results: As per sample size calculation, 57 patients were included with a mean age of 37.19 ± 9.22 years. There were 45 (78.94%) male patients and 12 (21.05%) female patients. According to AO classification; the most common type was 43A1 with 31 patients (54.38%) whereas 18 (31.57%) were in Type 43A2 and 8 (14.03%) in Type 43A3. In our study, fracture union was achieved in a mean duration of 19.6 ± 3.45 weeks. When the functional outcome was analyzed, 41 (71.92%) patients had excellent outcome, 8 (14.03%) had good results, 5 (8.77%) had fair and 3 (5.26%) had poor outcome based on the subjective result and 44 (77.19%) patients had excellent, 7 (12.28%) had good, 3 (5.26%) had fair and 3 (5.26%) had poor result based on an objective result of Ovadia-Beals clinical scoring system. Conclusion: Thus MIPPO can be highly successful in achieving good to excellent outcomes in the maximum number of patients presented with a distal tibia fracture. So in the future, we can rely on this technique for such types of fractures. &nbsp

CAUSES OF DELAY IN THE EXECUTION PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN KHYBER PUKHTOONKHWA PAKISTAN

Construction phase is the big problem in large construction business in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The construction of large industry plays important role for economy growth, development and evolution in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Delay causes a wide range of negative impact on construction projects. Current research focuses on the main flaws which impart delay in projects in sight of various industrial stakeholders which are clients, consultants and contractors. Current study is intended to identify and evaluate the factors causing delay and effects of delays in construction projects of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. The survey was conducted through validated questionnaire from structured interview and pilot survey to collect the responses on the causes of delay and delay effects. Client, consultants, and contractors were asked by questionnaire on the causes and effects of the delays. To analyze the data, statistical formula used to calculate the importance of the causes and effects of the delay through Relative important index (RII). After the outcome of the research fifteen (15) factors to cause delays and nine (9) factors of the effects of delays are examined. The top ranked of the reasons for the delays is the lack of Fund to finance the project to completion. While the top ranked of the effects of the delays is time overrun. By adding weight to these factors of trust in the people of the province will be restored to the correct way of mega-projects. Also provide these crucial attention factors, projects can be abstained from more than budgeting and will be useful to gain time and work area.Â

Identifying the Factors affecting the customer’s Buying Behavior: A case study of Men’s cosmetic Market in Karachi, Pakistan.

The purpose of this study was to determine various factors such as age, occupation, income, models and celebrity influence, as well as the role of metrosexuals (independent variables), which have an effect on consumers in buying men’s cosmetic products (dependent variable). Specific objectives were to study the impact of factors affecting customers buying behavior in the men’s cosmetic market, to determine the impact of appearance on a person’s success in their professional life, as well as to ascertain the age group which uses men’s products the most. A study of the literature review suggested factors which affect the buying behavior of men purchasing male cosmetic products include age, occupation, income, celebrity influence and a rise in the metrosexual phenomenon, however, the research problem pertained to a lack of knowledge on how much of these factors individually affect consumer behavior with regards to purchases. As such, the study was significant and therefore needed to be carried out to examine the impact of various factors on the buying of men’s cosmetic products. Methodology used in this study was quantitative in nature. The method of primary data collection was carried out through a close ended questionnaire administered to 50 participants. Collected data was tabulated, and the analysis was conducted with the help of SPSS. It was concluded that age, occupation, and role of metrosexuals has had a significant impact on the consumer’s buying behavior in relation to the purchase of men’s cosmetics especially in Karachi. It was found out that majority of the people believed that using men’s cosmetics helps them in succeeding in their occupation, improves their appearance , spend a sum of money on buying men’s cosmetics. This study will be helpful for new researchers to understand the impact of these various factors on consumers in buying men’s cosmetic products in Karachi, and for manufacturers to align their promotion strategies for maximum effect

Prevalence of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome using three different definitions and identifying associated risk factors among apparently healthy adults in Karachi, Pakistan:a cross-sectional survey in the year 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three different definitions among apparently healthy adults of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1065 healthy individuals aged 25–80 years of any gender were consecutively included. MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program for Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III guidelines, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified NCEP-ATP III. Results: The prevalence of MetS was highest with the modified NCEP-ATP III definition at 33.9% (95% CI: 31–36), followed by the IDF definition at 32.2% (95% CI: 29–35). In contrast, the prevalence was lower at 22.4% (95% CI: 19–25) when using the NCEP ATP III definition. The risk of MetS significantly increases with higher BMI, as defined by the IDF criteria (adjusted OR [ORadj] 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–2.43), NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.15, 95% CI 1.11–1.19), and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.16, 95% CI 1.12–1.20). Current smokers had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the IDF (ORadj 2.72, 95% CI 1.84–4.03), NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 3.93, 95% CI 2.55–6.06), and modified NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.88). Areca nut use was associated with higher odds of MetS according to both IDF (ORadj 1.71, 95% CI 1.19–2.47) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.58, 95% CI 1.10–2.72). Furthermore, low physical activity had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.84) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.56, 95% CI 1.08–2.26). Conclusion: One-third of the healthy individuals were diagnosed with MetS based on IDF, NCEP-ATP III, and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria. A higher BMI, current smoking, areca nut use, and low physical activity were significant factors

Lack of sleep and its association with academic progress of undergraduate students of foundation university medical college, islamabad, Pakistan

The objective of the study,isto compare the relationship between lack of sleep and the academic performance of the undergraduate students of a medical college of Pakistan. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college of Pakistanin April 2016. Subjects were recruited by non-probability convenient sampling. A total of 140 subjectswereasked questions about sleep by a properly designed questionnaire from 2nd to 5th Year MBBS. Students having a prior diagnosis of sleep disorder were excluded from study.Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18. RESULTS: A total of 101 females and 39 males participated in the study. Duringnon-exam days, 41.14% of the students slept less than seven hours. The figure approached 80% in exam days. Cross tabulation failed to reveal a correlation between hours of sleep and academic performanceSpearman correlation showed a negative academic performance with less sleep in fourth and fifth year students. CONCLUSION: Students sacrifice their sleep during exams particularly girls. However, the association of sleep hours and academic performance was not established in this study. In fact, there was a negative association between academic performance and decrease sleep in fourth and fifth year students

The role of computed tomography for identifying mechanical bowel obstruction in a Pakistani population

Objective: To retrospectively review our experience of CT scan in cases with a final diagnosis of surgically confirmed mechanical bowel obstruction. Methods: It is a retrospective analytical study, done from 2003 to 2008. All adult patients having undergone laparotomy in addition to a preoperative abdominal CT scan over a 5 year period were identified through the medical records and their case notes reviewed. Taking surgery to be the gold standard for diagnosing mechanical bowel obstruction, we compared results of the CT with operative findings to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CT scans. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: A total of 271 patient records were reviewed. The mean age was 46 +/- 19 years and (64%) were men. Mechanical intestinal obstruction was found in 104 patients on laparotomy and CT scan had diagnosed 97 of these. The sensitivity and specificity was 93% respectively. CT scanning correctly identified the cause of the obstruction in 72 (74%) cases. The common reasons for bowel obstruction identified by surgery were adhesions 29 (40%), neoplasm 12 (17 %) and hernias 7 (10%). Conclusion: CT scans are reliable at diagnosing intestinal obstruction with a high sensitivity and specificity but they are not as accurate at defining the etiology of the obstruction