Optimization and analysis of cutting parameters using cryogenic media in machining of high strength alloy steel

In this research, liquid Argon is used as a cryogenic media to optimize the cutting parameters for evaluation of tool flank wear width of Tungsten Carbide Insert (CNMG 120404-WF 4215) while turning high strength alloy steel. Robust design concept of Taguchi L9 (34) method is applied to determine the optimum conditions. This analysis revealed is revealed that cryogenic impact is more significant in reduction of the tool flank wear

Sources of banking sector development: Case of Pakistan

This study intends to examine the sources of banking sector development of Pakistan, using capital formation, interest rate, trade deficit, general price level, and remittances as the proposed indicators. There is a lack of studies that investigate the impact of investment and trade deficit on the development of the banking sector. The empirical data for the study is taken from World Development Indicators for 38 years. For reliable estimates, the ARDL cointegration technique has been used to estimate the long-run determinants of the development of the banking sector and financial inclusion. Domestic credit to the private sector has been used as a proxy for the banking sector development because of its market orientation. The results show that an increase in the investment, imports, and general price level leads to an increase in the provision of domestic credit which leads to banking sector development

Results of Lumbar Transpedicular Fixation for Spondycolisthesis, in Terms of Back Pain Relief

Objective:  The goal of this study was to see how transpedicular fixation for degenerative spondylolisthesis affected lumbago. Methodology:  A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar between May 2018 and February 2020. Degenerative spondylolisthesis was diagnosed using static and dynamic spinal X-rays. The research excluded the patients with grade 5 spondylolisthesis, congenital anomalies, or prior spinal surgery. The visual rating scale was used to assess pain alleviation (GRS). Dynamic or static lumbosacral X-rays and 3D CT scans were used to assess union. Results:  In total 70 patients, 38 (54.3%) were male and 32 (45.7%) were female. L5–S1 was impacted in most of the cases (68%). 40% of patients were having Meyerding grade II. All patients had pedicle screw fixation. Following surgery, 44 (63%) patients reported no pain, and 12 (17%) patients reported mild discomfort. 8 (11%) patients reported moderate pain and 6(9%) patients experienced severe pain. There existed a significant difference between pre/postoperative moderate-severe GRS scores (p-value: 0.000336). After surgery, we were able to negotiate surgical unions with 91.4% of the patients. Conclusion:  For individuals with spondylolisthesis who need pain relief, transpedicular fixation is a safe, straightforward, and effective treatment. It also aids with the surgical union and the improvement of the neurological condition. Keywords:  Spondylolisthesis, Meyerding grading, Transpedicular fixation

Incidence, Pattern, and Outcome of Stray Bullet Injuries: Three Years’ Experience in a Teaching Institute

Objectives:  The purpose of this study is to better define the incidence, pattern, and outcome of a stray bullet. Materials & Methods:  The current study summarizes the data on stray bullet injuries presented to the Emergency Department (ED) Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 24 subjects were included for three years. We enrolled all patients who had head or spine injuries caused by a stray bullet. Data were extracted on demographic profile, site of injury, operative procedure, complication, and mortality, and were recorded on prescribed proforma. Results:  A total of 24 subjects were included for 3 years. 17 (70%) were male patients and 7 (30%) were females. Male to female ratio was 2:1. out of 24 cases, 9 (37.5%) were from District Peshawar, 3 (12.5%) cases were from Mardan and Charsadda District, and 2 (8.3%) cases were from Swat. 12 cases had a bullet in the Head and face. out of which 7 were supratentorial 3 cases had a bullet in the posterior fossa. Out of 24 cases, 13 (54.1%) were operated for the removal of bullets. 5 (20.8%) developed focal or generalized fits. 13 (54.1%) developed a neuro deficit. 4 (16.6%) of cases remain in a vegetative state, and the overall mortality rate is 20%. Conclusion:  Morbidity and mortality due to stray bullets is an increasing problem in our society. This study aims to bring awareness among the concerned authorities to try and bring an end to this menace resulting in deaths and misery

Urban-rural inequities in knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis in two districts of Pakistan's Punjab province

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The aim of this study was to explore inequities in knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis (TB) among the urban and rural populations.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Pakistan's Punjab province. The 1080 subjects aged 20 years and above, including 432 urban and 648 rural respondents, were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed after taking verbal informed consent. Logistic regression was used to calculate the crude odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the urban area. The differences in knowledge, attitudes, practices and information sources between the urban and rural respondents were highlighted using Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The study revealed poor knowledge regarding TB. The deficit was greater in the rural areas in all aspects. The knowledge regarding symptoms (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.59-2.61), transmission (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.44-2.59), prevention (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.70-2.96), duration of standard treatment (OR 1.88, 95% 1.41-2.49) and DOTS (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.43-2.38) was significantly higher in the urban areas (all P < 0.001). Although a majority of the subjects (urban 83.8%, rural 81.2%) were aware of the correct treatment for TB, less than half (urban 48.1%, rural 49.2%) were aware of the availability of the diagnostic facility and treatment free of cost. The practice of seeking treatment at a health facility (P = 0.030; OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.06-3.82), as soon as they realized that they had TB symptoms (P < 0.001; OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.26-2.35), was significantly higher in the urban areas. People in the urban areas were more likely to feel ashamed and embarrassed being a TB patient (P < 0.001; OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.50-2.76); however, they seem to be supportive in case their family member suffered from TB (P = 0.005; OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.13-2.06). Nearly half of the respondents, irrespective of the area of residence, believed that the community rejects the TB patient (urban 49.8%, rural 46.4%). Television (urban 80.1%, rural 68.1%) and health workers (urban 30.6%, rural 41.4%) were the main sources for people to acquire the TB related information.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Respondents' knowledge regarding TB was deficient in all aspects, particularly in the rural areas. Intended health seeking behavior was better in the urban areas. Television and health workers were the main sources for TB related information in both the urban as well as the rural areas. Therefore, the area of residence should be considered in tailoring communication strategies and designing future interventions for TB prevention and control.</p

Outcome of patients operated for depressed skull fracture with dural tear

Objective:&nbsp;&nbsp;The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of patients operated for depressed skull fracture with a dural tear. Material and Methods:&nbsp;&nbsp;A descriptive case series (n = 155) was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar for six months. Results:&nbsp;&nbsp;The mean arrival GCS was 10.64 ± 2.33. About 21.9% (n = 32) patients presented with a GCS of ? 8, while the remaining 78.1% (n = 123) presented with a GCS of ? 8. About 8.4% (n = 13) patients died due to the complications of the brain injury. The most common postoperative complication was found to be progressive neurologic deficit (PND) occurred in 21 (13.5%) patients. Penetrating injury to the head was also associated with unfavorable outcomes after surgery (p = 0.046), which shows that penetrating injury is associated with increased brain damage and hence consequently poor outcomes. Conclusions:&nbsp;&nbsp;The neurologic status as denoted by the Glasgow coma scale is one of the most important factors which predicts the outcome. Surgical management of depressed skull fractures with dural tear has favorable outcomes in about two-thirds of patients. The remaining one-third patient remains in the severely disabled group. Every effort should be made to reduce the occurrence of complications as they are directly related to postoperative functional outcomes

Impact of caffeine and vitamin D3 on the body-weight of pregnant BALB/c mice

Objective:  To investigate the effect of caffeine and Vitamin D3 on the body weight of pregnant BALB/c mice.  Design of Study:  An RCT (Randomized control trial) in the Lab.  Place and Duration of Study:  The study was carried out at Anatomy Department, Army Medical College (AMC), Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, from Oct 2018 to Oct 2019.  Material and Methods:  Six-week old pregnant BALB/c mice, thirty (30) in number, weighing  26-28g, were taken and divided into three groups with 10 pregnant mice in each group.  The control group G1 was given standard diet with water ad libitum for 21 days.  The animals in experimental group G2, in addition to the standard diet, were given 10mg of caffeine per 100g body-weight once a day on alternate days by oral gavage for 21 days.  Similarly, mice in group G3, in addition to the diet of group G2, were given 0.1µg of vitamin D3 per day by oral gavage for 21 days.  The body-weights on 1st day, 7th day, 14th day and 21st day of gestation in all the groups were measured to determine the influence of caffeine and vitamin D3.  Results:  Mean body-weights of mice in control group G1 were noted as 26.8 ± 0.789g,  30.7 ± 0.949g, 36 ± 0.667g and 42 ± 1.054g on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day of gestation, respectively.  The mean body-weights of experimental group G2 were recorded to be 26.7 ± 0.675g, 29.9 ± 0.738g, 34.3 ± 0.823g and 39.5 ± 0.972g on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21th day of gestation, respectively.  The mean body-weights of experimental group G3 were determined as 26.8 ± 0.632g, 30.4 ± 0.699g, 34.6 ± 0.516g and 40.5 ± 0.850g on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day of gestation, respectively.  In comparison to the control group G1, the body-weights of animals in experimental group G2 showed more decrease in accrual of body-weight than noted in experimental group G3.  Conclusion:  Caffeine intake has decreasing influence on the growth of body-weight in pregnant mice while intake of vitamin D3 somewhat nullifies the harmful effect of caffeine on body-weight.

The Impact of Migration on Rural Poverty: The Case Study of District Faisalabad, Pakistan

Internal-migration is the process of displacement of people within a country, mostly for better employment. Pakistan is among those South-Asian countries who have high rate of internal-migration. Poverty is considered to be an important factor in this context. This study estimates the rural-household poverty in Pakistan's Faisalabad District and the impact of internal-migration on rural-household poverty. By using stratified random sampling technique, 180 respondents were selected and interviewed. Propensity Score Matching method was used to examine the causal effect of internal-migration on household-poverty level. Results reveal that the ATT estimates of 0.18 for poverty reduction which shows that the household participation in the internal-migration decreases the probability of poverty by 0.18 points, suggesting that internal-migration has a significant impact on poverty reduction among the rural-households. The study suggests the policy makers to focus on rural development and enhance labor productivity, so that internal-migration is discouraged, which will ultimately reduce poverty. Keywords: Internal-Migration, Rural-Poverty, Pakistan JEL Classifications: I320, J11, D310, D1