Coal efficiency, carbon reduction, and future policy perspective in Pakistan’s economic growth: a decomposition and decoupling approach

Pakistan is moving toward the large-scale use of coal. Coal plays a dominant role in Pakistan’s energy mix and is estimated to reach 30% by 2030. The purpose of this study is to analyze coal imports and indigenous reserves in relation to CO2 emissions. In particular, this study constructs the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method to see the impact of the factors, decoupling index for the economic relationship, and pollution from coal-fired power plants from 1986 to 2019. The empirical results show that 1) coal consumption and imports are interrelated, while coal production has had the lowest production level since 1986; 2) the energy intensity impact plays a medium role in decreasing coal utilization, followed by the coal share effect; however, the aggregated impact accounts for 0.023% of the total coal use; 3) the economic and population activity effects progressively increase with coal consumption by 0.25% and 0.35%, respectively, with the annual average growth; 4) only “three” decoupling states were observed: expansive coupling, expansive negative decoupling, and weak decoupling. Expansive negative decoupling occurred due to high energy share and energy intensity. Expansive coupling occurred only in 2001 due to rapid growth in coal proportion and a sluggish decrease in energy intensity, and weak decoupling showed a decoupling association between economic growth and coal utilization; and 5) the various coal compositions, such as moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash, and sulfur, can be evaded by 1.82, 4.83, 5.16, 1.43, and 0.39 Mt currently. Finally, environmental analysis recognized that implementing clean coal technologies significantly saves fuel and, consequently, reduces emissions. This study also discusses further policies

Energy substitution effect on transport sector of Pakistan: A trans-log production function approach

Abstract(#br)Transport sector of Pakistan is one of the highest fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emission sector. As a key user of fossil fuel energy, Pakistan’s transport sector has created many problems i.e. noise, air pollution, CO 2 emissions and environmental problem. In this study, trans-log production function model for Pakistan’s transport sector is established and input factors of labor, capital, and energy consumption are comprised. The output elasticity of an individual, input elasticity between a pair of factors, and elasticity of substitution between input factors are analyzed. To manage the multicollinearity issue, ridge regression is applied at different values of K. From 1991 to 2018, the outcomes show that output elasticities and a pair of input factor’s elasticities are increasing. The elasticities of substitutions between labor-energy consumption and capital-energy consumption show higher outcomes because of the more elevated amount of substitution elasticities. The substitution elasticity between labor and capital starts from 0.9797 to 0.9326 with slightly decreasing trend. The outcomes suggest that maximum output can be achieved by increasing capital and energy technologies. By allocating the maximum capital in the transport industry, energy-saving technologies, substitution between energy and capital, and substitution among capital-labor can enhance environmental protection. In the above’s view function, the present study estimates the level of energy-saving and CO 2 emissions reduction under the different scenarios from 2015 to 2018. The policy suggestions of the results are given below

Nexus between Economy, Agriculture, Population, Renewable Energy and CO2 Emissions: Evidence from Asia-Pacific Countries

This study uses panel co-integration methods and Granger causality examines to scrutinize the dynamic causal relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, gross domestic product (GDP), renewable energy (RE), agriculture value added (AVA) and population for the thirteen developed and developing Asia Pacific countries (APCs) covering the period 2005-2017. The results evaluate in two ways: in the short-run, Granger causality test (GCT) is operating from AVA to GDP and express bidirectional causation among GDP and agriculture. In the distant future, there is causality from RE and Population to CO2emissions. The short-run causality is important due to the agriculture sector which causes in boosting GDP while economic development, population and clean energy (including waste and combustible) raise CO2 emissions causes in the reduction of production and services. The research finds out that reduction in AVA, GDP increase, uncontrolled population and lack of attention on clean energy are interrelated in creating emissions. Policy recommendation insights that Asian Pacific establishments should control the population, less use of fossil fuel, encourage clean energy technologies such as solar and wind to fight with global warming

Analysis of Energy Crisis, Energy Security and Potential of Renewable Energy: Evidence from Pakistan

Over the last thirty years, Asian countries have become a chief player in the worldwide scene. Pakistan is facing an acute energy disaster since last decade that impacts on social and economic development. Sustainable energy supply is an essential feature for the economic growth of any society. From the last five years, Pakistan is facing a shortfall between 4,000-5,000 megawatt. This study inspects the association between energy security, energy crisis, energy demand, energy supply, and renewable potential in Pakistan. It also evaluates the final energy demand-supply gap, provincial renewable energy distribution, sectorial distribution, and policy recommendation for future energy. For this study, we applied renewable and non-renewable energy scenarios during 2014-2035 and Market-Allocation method to prove the energy situation in Pakistan. The outcomes show that renewable resources are the best option in reducing energy risk, import cost, and enhance environmental and economic sustainability. With the objectives of our key findings, targeted suggestions and policies are given

Differentiation of Small Hepatic Hemangioma from Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Tri-Phasic Helical Computed Tomography Method

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks second amongst all causes of cancer deaths globally. It is on a rise in Pakistan and might represent the most common cancer in adult males. Among women, HCC is the 7th most common cancer and 6th most common cancer related death. In Pakistan prevalence of HCC varies from 3.7%-16% of malignant tumors and most common cause of HCC is viral hepatitis B, C and D related cirrhosis. Pakistan contributes significantly to global burden of hepatitis C, which is a known risk factor for HCC, and has one of the highest prevalence rates (>3%) in the world. Objective: To find out the difference of small hemangioma from small hepatic cellular carcinoma by using tri- phasic helical Computed Tomography method. Methodology: In this descriptive study, among 81 patients of suspected hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular hemangioma were selected with age and gender discrimination by convenient sampling, at Department of Radiology, UOL Teaching hospital Lahore Pakistan. 128 slice Computed Tomography Toshiba Aquilion machine was used. Results: Out of 81 patients collected with the suspicion of hepatic hemangioma and hepatocellular carcinoma , 41 were females and 40 were males who visited radiology department. It shows 50.6% were females and males were 49.4%. Out of 81 patients, 25 patients came with HHS and 31 were with HCC. 25.9% develop carcinoma on left side, 32.1% on right side, 6.2% on R/L side and remaining 35.8% were Nill. Out of 81 patients 8 develop carcinoma on anterior, 5 on both, 3 on caudate, 5 on lateral,13 on both 4 on middle, 7 on posterior, 6 on segment eight, 1 on segment 4, 1 on segment 7, 1 on segment 2 and remaining 36 sites were nill. 27.5% males develop HCC and 48.8% females develop HCC. Out of 81 patients 36.6% female patients develop HHS and 25.0% male patients develop HHS. Conclusion: In this study we conclude that females develop a large number of HCC and HHS than males. Hepatocellular carcinoma shows enhancement in early arterial and early washout phase while post-contrast images showing capsule-appearance which is relatively specific for HCC. On the other hand, HHS shows uniform enhancement in arterial phase and iso- or hyper-attenuating to liver parenchyma on delayed phase. Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatocellular hemangioma, Computed tomography DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/73-07 Publication date: April 30th 202

Depression, Anxiety And Stress Among Medical And Allied Health Sciences Students At Sargodha Medical College

Abstract Objective: This study attempts to determine the frequency of depression, anxiety and stress and associated factors among medical and allied health sciences students of Sargodha Medical College.  Methods: The nature of the study is cross-sectional, among 350 (175 each) medical and allied health sciences students of Sargodha Medical College. The students were recruited using convenient sampling. Socio-demographic information was recorded and depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The study shows that nearly half of medical students (53.1%) had depression, 69.7% had anxiety and 44% had stress; while among allied health sciences students, 60.6% were depressed, 73.7% had anxiety and 45.1% had reported stress. The mean depression score among medical students was 12.19 ± 9.98 and 13.29 ± 11.12 among allied health sciences students (p≤0.332). Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended that various methods should be adapted and prioritized for enhancing the mental health of the students to support and improve academic learning among students.

Mediation of The Superior-Subordinate Communication In Determining Work Engagement Among Bureaucrats

This study aims to investigate how the superior-subordinate communication mediates policy formulation and employees' dedication in work engagement among the serving bureaucracy in Punjab (province of Pakistan) government. The study used a cross-sectional design vis-à-vis survey method to collect data from a representative sample (n=250) of serving bureaucrats of the Punjab government. The findings showed that there was a positive association between policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE). Furthermore, the findings revealed that the relationship between policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE) was partially mediated by superior-subordinate communication (SSC). The study addressed the research gap regarding the association of the policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE) by examining the mediation of superior-subordinate communication (SSC) in their association by progressing the LMX theory in a less researched context of Pakistan. The results explained how more sophisticated work engagement could be achieved in the implementation of the policies by improving the communication channels between superiors and subordinates among the different ranks of the bureaucrats.&nbsp

Sectorial study of technological progress and CO 2 emission: Insights from a developing economy

ABSTRACT(#br)Many studies have stated that technological progress is an important driver of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and energy consumption. However, the sectorial differences in the relationship between CO 2 emission and technological progress have been understudied by scholars. This study attempts to fill such gap by empirically investigating the impact of technological progress on CO 2 emissions. A quantile regression method and balanced national data from Pakistan covering the period of 1991–2017 are used to establish relationships among the variables. The results and analysis reveal that the agriculture and services sectors have a negative impact on CO 2 emissions, whereas the construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors greatly contribute to these emissions. The lower, medium, and upper-level emitters are used to understand the percentile conditions of each variable. A scenario analysis is also performed to forecast the reduction proportion of CO 2 emissions for the best understanding and policy implication in 2030, 2035, and 2040. The results of this study provide useful insights into the relationship between technological progress and CO 2 emissions and suggest different scenarios for reducing CO 2 emissions in the future that can support policy makers and planners

Influence of thermal and chemical treatment on biosorbent from rice husk and its application in removal of resorcinol from industrial wastewater

The removal of phenolic compounds is of great importance because of their toxic nature and potentially harmful effects on the environment and human health. This study examines the use of rice husk as a biosorbent for eliminating phenolic compounds, particularly resorcinol, from industrial wastewater. Three types of rice husk, namely raw rice husk (RRH), chemically treated rice husk (CTRH), and thermally treated rice husk (TTRH), are utilized after grinding and methanol treatment. Characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical microscopy are used to analyze the rice husk-based adsorbents. The microscopic analysis reveals the presence of nano-pores in TTRH and the existence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in all sorbent samples. XRD analysis confirms the presence of silica in biosorbents. This study also examines the influence of dosage and initial concentration on resorcinol sorption. Optimized dosages of 0.5 g (RRH), 0.5 g (CTRH), and 1.5 g (TTRH) result in sorption capacities of 14 mg/g (RRH), 11 mg/g (CTRH), and 5 mg/g (TTRH). Isotherm analysis indicates that the Langmuir isotherm best describes the sorption behavior of TTRH, while the Freundlich isotherm is observed for CTRH, and both RRH and CTRH follow the Temkin isotherm.Web of Science1112art. no. 334

Deep learning based enhanced secure emergency video streaming approach by leveraging blockchain technology for Vehicular AdHoc 5G Networks

VANET is a category of MANET that aims to provide wireless communication. It increases the safety of roads and passengers. Millions of people lose their precious lives in accidents yearly, millions are injured, and others incur disability daily. Emergency vehicles need clear roads to reach their destination faster to save lives. Video streaming can be more effective as compared to textual messages and warnings. To address this issue, we proposed a methodology to use visual sensors, cameras, and OBU to record emergency videos. Initially, the frames are detected. After re-recording, the frames detection algorithm detects the specific event from the video frames. Blockchain encrypts an emergency or specific event using hashing algorithms in the second layer of our proposed framework. In the third layer of the proposed methodology, encrypted video is broadcast with the help of 5G wireless technology to the connected nodes in the VANET. The dataset used in this research comprises up to 72 video sequences averaging about 120 seconds per video. All videos have different traffic conditions and vehicles. The ResNet-50 model is used for the feature extraction process of extracted frames. The model is trained using Tensorflow and Keras deep learning models. The Elbow method finds the optimal K number for the K Means model. This data is split into training and testing. 70% is reserved for training the support vector machine (SVM) model and test datasets, while 30%. 98% accuracy is achieved with 98% precision and 99% recall as results for the proposed methodology