Scope of Additive Manufacturing in Pakistani construction Industry: Exploring challenges

Additive manufacturing technology has become a new innovative method of production and construction for the past one decade. This technology, also known as 3DP is being used in multiple industries Like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and pharmaceutical. Seeing the AMs progress in these industries, much work has also been done in developed countries, construction sector in applying AM technology by using Aggregate based, polymer and metallic materials. Early research suggests that additive manufacturing technology used in the construction industry is able to lessen labor costs, decrease waste material as well as construct customized complex geometrical structure that can be hard accomplish through traditional construction methods. Various challenges, on the other hand, can hinder and slow the adoption of AM. In various cases, challenges like size limitations, imperfection in appearance, cost, on-site and of-site fabrication , mass manufacturing, material heterogeneity and structural reliability and AM standardisation and intellectual property have been identified in the literature. This study examines literature, on the scope and challenges of AM in technologically advanced countries. It uses four case-based evidence to underline the benefits and status of AM in accelerating the R&D in emerging economies, specifically to Pakistan. Furthermore, it supports in identifying the external and internal challenges faced by companies belonging to the Pakistani construction industry, regarding the adoption of AM technologies in Pakistan to limelight

Stability analyses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids for oleic acid and yield traits under multi location trials in Pakistan

The development of a hybrid with high oleic acid is an important breeding goal for sunflower. High oleic acid sunflower has better cooking quality due to low oxidation and rancidity. Hence, inbred lines differing for oleic acid content were selected, alongside the development of hybrids where one or both parents exhibited high oleic acid content in edible oil, and then evaluated at various sites (i.e. with comparatively low temperature during sunflower reproductive phase at Sargodha and Faisalabad; while high temperature and low humidity at Bhawalpur and Multan) in Pakistan during spring season. Moreover, autumn season was relatively cool and high humid for sites (Faisalabad and Sargodha, Pakistan). DNA profiling of hybrids differing for oleic acid content using N1-3F/N2-1R confirmed the presence of a high oleic acid allele in the hybrids. Oleic acid content and seed yield components were increased at high temperature and low humidity to a greater extent in spring than in autumn season. Among the hybrids, one (H5) had stable high oleic acid content during the spring season with higher seed yield and kernel to seed percentage than the check cultivars (Hysun-33 and FH-331). Analysis of the combining ability of two locations revealed a relationship between mean oleic acid contents and combining ability, thereby suggesting the effectiveness of selection in developing high oleic acid inbred lines. Newly developed inbred C.112.P was a positive combiner for oleic acid at all sites except Sargodha, while restorer populations such as RH.344, RH.345 and RH.347 were positive male combiners

Prevalence of Colibacillosis in Young Broiler Chicks and Antibiogram of Escherichia coli in Different Areas of Hazara Region

Background: Poultry sector is a vital zone of Pakistan economy and is a feasible source of animal derivative protein.  In term of mortality and morbidity the development of this segment is significantly affected by a lot of problems. Hazara region is well known for poultry in Pakistan. Colibacillosis, caused by Escherichia coli is vital disease among poultry of all ages resulting in huge economic losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of colibacillosis in young broiler chickens and antibiogram of E. coli in different areas of Hazara region.Methods: The current study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of colibacillosis in young broiler chickens and antibiogram of E. coli. This study was done during February 2019 to June 2019; a total of 200 (n=200) liver samples of freshly dead young broiler chicks were randomly collected from the postmortem section of Veterinary research and disease investigation center Abbottabad (VRDICA). The identification of E. coli was confirmed by gram staining and biochemical tests. Susceptibility pattern to 13 antibiotics was also checked.Results: Total of 200 (n=200) samples were brought to the VRDICA for the diagnosis of disease and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Out of these 130 were positive (Overall prevalence =65%).Area wise prevalence varied from area to area and highest prevalence was recorded in Abbottabad (81.11%) followed by Havelian (75%), Manghal (72.22%), Mansehra (60%), Qalandarabad (50%) and Haripur (28.57%). About age group, highest mortality was found in 11-15 days old chicks (93%) as compared to 6-10days (83.33%) and 1-5 days old chicks (21.42%). Antibiogram showed highest sensitivity to Gentamicin (100%) afterward Colistin Sulphate (92.30%). However, lincomycin (92%) and streptomycin (96%) display highest resistance.Conclusion:  In this study, the highest prevalence of infection was observed in young chicks that play a crucial role in their mortality. E. coli had showed resistance to commonly recommended antibiotic so care should be taken while prescribing the drugs.Keywords: Young broiler chicks; E. coli; Colibacillosis; Prevalence; Antibiogram

COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers of Teaching Hospitals Affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University

Objectives: To overview COVID-19 scenario among healthcare workers in teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University Subjects & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research was done among 482 coronavirus infected healthcare professionals from three teaching hospitals (Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Head Quarters) that were affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University during January 2021. Healthcare workers with COVID confirmation via RT-PCR testing reports were included in the study through consecutive sampling. Their demographic profile, workplace attributes, clinical manifestations, oxygen saturation, source of infection, re-infection, hospitalization, requirement for oxygen supply and disease severity according to COVID-19 adult cases categorization were inquired. Data analysis was done by means of SPSS version 25.0. Results: Mean age of 482 healthcare workers was 29.6 ± 5.7 years. Mainstream (69.1%) of our study participants was constituted by female healthcare staff. Majority (34%) were postgraduate trainees followed by 29% nurses and 20% house officers. Mean duration of sickness was 13.6 ± 6.4 days. About 63.1% of study subjects were COVID infected during July –December 2020. About 4.8% healthcare personnel were asymptomatic and 78% caught infection from their workplace. Approximately 82% suffered from fever while 71.4% and 55.8% went through bodyaches and cough respectively. Out of 39 hospitalized workers, 23 required oxygen supply for their vitality. Severe COVID infection was determined only among 5.4% healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Healthcare workers are more susceptible to acquire COVID infection from their workplace. In view of this vulnerability, firm compliance to preventive measures against coronaviurs infection by healthcare staff and general public is deemed necessary for their viability

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Informed Consent among Dental Practitioners

  To assess the knowledge and practices of dental practitioners regarding informed consent. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 dentists at the College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore from June 2019 to June 2020. A pre-validated questionnaire was used. Mann Whitney U test was performed to find the statistical difference in the knowledge and practice scores across the gender and place of practice of dentists and the Kruskal Wallis test for scores across the years of clinical experience and qualification of dentists. RESULTS: The mean practice score was significantly different across levels of qualification (p=0.032) but not across years of practice (0.366). There was no significant difference in the mean knowledge score across years of practice (p=0.744) and levels of qualification (p=0.366). The highest mean score among knowledge questions was seen for the questions which inquired if informed consent should be taken before treatment. The highest mean score among practice questions was seen for the question which inquired if dentists obtained informed consent from parents before treating children.   CONCLUSION: The mean knowledge score for females was higher in comparison to males and was the highest in dentists with an experience of greater than 10 years. Most dentists were aware of the concepts, types and processes of informed consent and the importance of taking the patient`s consent before treatment. Taking informed consent from patients before treatment, keeping it as part of their record and taking parents’ consent before treating children were practiced

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

Association Of Electroencephalogram Patterns With Ammonia Levels In Hepatic Encephalopathy Patients

Objective: To find out the association between electroencephalogram (EEG) and hepatic encephalopathy. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients (with the age of52.5±6.09years for males and 51.7 ± 6.10 years for females) of reported hepatic encephalopathy, visiting the medical department (indoor and OPD) at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad. The study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2021. Patients who had known epileptic and structural brain lesions or strokes were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism software. The significance of data (p-value or R2 value) was calculated through a two-tailed test or correlation coefficient. Results: All the patients in hepatic encephalopathy grade IV reported abnormal EEG representing triphasic waves and flattening of EEG pattern. There was no correlation observed between age, gender and hepatic encephalopathy grades. However, a significant correlation (R2= 0.9032) was observed between serum ammonia levels and hepatic encephalopathy grades. Elevated serum ammonia levels depicted the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Overall, the percentage of patients with abnormal EEG increased with increasing grade of hepatic encephalopathy. It was quite intriguing to note that EEG, being the common method to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy grades, is not dependent on patients’ socio-economic status. Conclusion: Data concluded that serum ammonia levels are well associated with the progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Moreover, the EEG patter provides the appropriate information about the neurological abnormalities associated with the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Hence, serum ammonia levels and EEG both should accurately be used as indicators for diagnosis and monitoring the response to the treatment of various grades of hepatic encephalopathy. Data warrant further investigations to get a better insight into hepatic encephalopathy's relationship with EEG patterns through the inclusion of molecular parameters

The Association of Gender with the Patterns of Impactions and Associated Radiolucency’s in Mandible and Maxilla

OBJECTIVES To find the association between gender and the patterns of impactions and associated radiolucency in Mandibleand Maxilla. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 385 Orthopantomograms (OPG) of patients visiting SharifMedical and Dental College (SMDC), Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) and Institute of Dentistry,CMH, Lahore Medical College, Lahore over a period of three months from December 2020 to February 2021.The angle of the impacted third molar was classified using Winters classification. The Pell and Gregoryclassification was used for depth of third molar impaction and ramus relationship of mandibular third molars.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23 and a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The angle of impaction and gender in impacted mandibular third molars were significantly associated with eachother (p=0.011) while the depth of impaction (p=0.729), and ramus relationship(p=0.318) were not significantlyassociated with gender. The associa tion between gender and periapical radiolucency (p=0.605), peri coronalradiolucency (p=0.591), caries (p=0.499) and external resorption (p=0.499) were non-significant. In maxillaryimpacted third molars the association between gender and depth of impaction (p=0.121), angle of impaction(p=0.284), periapical radiolucency (p=0.111), peri coronal radiolucency (p=0.805) and caries (p=1.000) werenon-significant. CONCLUSION In impacted mandibular third molars the periapical, peri coronal radiolucency,caries and external resorption weremore in the males as compared to the females. In maxillary third molar impactions, the periapical radiolucencyradiolucency was greater in males while peri coronal radiolucency was greater in females