Role of Urban Parks in Carbon Sequestration– A Case Study of Safari Park, Karachi, Pakistan

Urban parks besides their recreational use can be the potential source of climate mitigation through carbon sequestration. Present study aims to identify the carbon sequestration potential of Safari Park which is by far the largest public park of Karachi established in 1970 covering an area of 0.72 km2. A total of 153 individual trees belonging to 25 species and 14 families were included in the study. Five dominant species with highest Important Value Index (IVI) were Cocos nucifera (14.62 %), Azadirachta indica (14.21 %), Guaiacum officinale (9.93 %), Washington robusta (9.31 %) and Delonix regia (7.11 %). The highest carbon content was sequestered by C. nucifera (9472 kg) followed by D. regia (7599 kg), W. robusta (3576 kg), A. indica (1861.5 kg) while, C. erectus sequestered the lowest carbon content (765.6 kg). Pearson coefficient of all 5 dominant species showed a significantly positive correlation (p \u3c 0.05) between volume and diameter at breast height (DBH) at 0.80 - 0.93 cm, providing an assumption that trees with high DBH have a greater role in carbon sequestration. With a ratio of 17 native and 8 non-native species, the park can serve as an example of well-balanced and diverse ecosystem (Shanon and Simpson Indices of 2.8 and 0.92) focused on yielding maximum carbon content. Because of its large area with high DBH, Cocos nucifera accumulated the most carbon. The tree composition can be taken as a foundation for urban planners who are focused to integrate species diversity, richness and carbon offsetting requirements while setting up a public park in similar arid and semi-arid conditions

Seed Treatment of Capsicum annuum with Two Different Fungicides to Evaluate the Seed Germination Rate

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is the fruit of plants, the Chili is susceptible for several diseases and seed borne fungi Phytophthora capsici which produces collar rot and root of chili. Seed borne pathogens are associated with untreated seeds of chili which are also significantly reduced the germination of seed. This experiment was conducted to find out the seed borne fungi and enhanced the germination of chili (Capsicum annuum) with two fungicides known as Mancozeb 80% WP and Carbendazim 50% WP. Effectiveness of these two fungicides were measured when the seeds planted on blotter paper in petri plates at 270C under lab conditions. These two fungicides significantly reduce the effect of seed borne fungi associated with chili seeds. Mancozeb 80% WP was found most effective to reduce the effect of seed borne fungi and increase the seed germination. Considering the results of the experiment, Mancozeb 80% WP was noted to be a best fungicide against the seed borne fungi. Keywords: Capsicum annuum, Mancozeb, Carbendazim, seed borne fungi, blotter paper. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-4-04 Publication date: February 29th 2020

Microfacies Analysis and Source Rock Potential of Nammal Formation, Western Salt Range Pakistan

The present study investigates the microfacies and source rock potential of the Eocene Nammal Formation in the Nammal Gorge Section, western Salt Range, Pakistan. The Nammal Formation consists of light grey to creamy color limestones, olive green to grey shales and light grey marls. Twelve rock samples of limestone were collected for microfacies analysis and nine samples of limestone and shale were analyzed for determination of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content and source rock potential of the Nammal Formation. Thin section studies of rock samples revealed four microfacies, i.e., mudstones, wackestones, wackestones to packstones and packstones. Microfacies analysis showed that intraclast, planktons and some small benthic foraminifera,pelecypods and opperculina are present in the Nammal Formation. The type of microfacies and abundance of planktons suggest deposition on a carbonate ramp platform within outer neritic to distal shelf environment in the study area. The Nammal Formation presents a coarsening upwards trend and rise in sea level during its deposition. The average TOC value of nine samples of shale is 0.0812 which shows very little organic matter and poor source rock potential of the Nammal Formation

Boron, zinc and microtone effects on growth, chlorophyll contents and yield attributes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar

The micronutrient required in minute quantity and their deficiency leads to diminished growth and yield of crops. The effect of soil application of Zinc (Zn), Boron (B) and Microtone (MT) on growth, chlorophyll contents, mineral profile and yield components were investigated in rice at Chakkanwali Reclamation Research Station District, Gujranwala, Pakistan in the year 2011. Seven treatments which includes Zn 33% at 3 kg/acre, Zn 33% at 6 kg/acre, B 11.3% at 1.5 kg/acre, B 11.3% at 3 kg/acre, Zn + B at 3 + 1.5 kg/acre, Zn + B at 6 + 3 kg/acre and MT + Zn 6% + B + Fe + Mn + Cu 1% each at 500 ml/acre, and F0 considered as the control were used. The results reveal that foliar application of Zn and B (Zn + B at 6 + 3 kg/acre) were proved as the best balanced fertilizer dose for higher growth and yield response. The plant height, tiller/plant, panicle length, kernels/plant, filled kernel/plant, productive kernel, straw, paddy and biological yield increased up to 29.75, 38.40, 28.19, 25.81, 36.52, 38.52, 32.47, 38.27 and 31.79%, respectively. The chlorophyll contents, B and Zn contents in rice plant also increased significantly as compared to the control. However, the B, Zn and MT application reduced the amylase and protein contents of rice plant at all treatment levels.Keywords: Micronutrients, rice crop, growth, chlorophyll contents, Oryza sativa L., yield attribute

Association of depression and life satisfaction with low resilience among married women of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: The concept of resilience is very crucial in promoting positive psychological well-being. However, this construct was never looked among married women of Karachi, Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors of resilience in Pakistan. Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey, using the Wagnild Resilience Scale (RS) to assess resilience, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) for measuring depression and Trait Wellbeing Inventory for determining Life Satisfaction. Systematic sampling was employed to enroll 636 participants of aged 20 to 40 years living in two urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. Prevalence ratio was computed with their 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 636 married women participated in the study. The average age of females with low resilience was 29.8 (5.7) whereas the mean age of females with high resilience was 31.1 (5.7). Around 90% of all the participants could speak in Urdu. The prevalence of low resilience among women was 21.9%. Moreover, the prevalence of depression among low resilience group was 43.9% whereas the mean life satisfaction score among females with low resilience was lower than females with high resilience. The females who had low resilience were younger and had no formal/informal education as compared to their counterparts. After controlling for other variables, the prevalence of low resilience was 1.78 times more among depressed females as compared to the non-depressed with a 95% CI: (1.27-2.51). Moreover with every one unit increase in the life satisfaction scores, the prevalence of low resilience decreased 9%. Furthermore, age and informal schooling were also found to be significantly associated with resilience. Conclusion: Depression and life satisfaction are the potential modifiable risk factors for resilience and hence we can improve resilience through interventions that may focus on reducing depression and improving satisfaction towards life. Our study also recommends that health care professionals should be educated about these modifiable risk factors to bring about a change in the society and reduce the mental health illness by promoting constructive adaptation

Impact of nitrogen nutrition and moisture deficits on growth, yield and radiation use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Crop production in arid and semi arid areas is restricted by soil deficiencies in moisture and plant nutrients, especially nitrogen. In order to evaluate the impact of nitrogen nutrition and moisture deficits on growth, yield and radiation use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, during 2008 to 2009. The study comprised of four nitrogen levels, that is, N0 = control, N1 = 60, N2 = 120 and N3 = 180 kg N ha-1 and three water deficit levels, that is, I1 = irrigation at 25 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD), I2 = irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD), I3 = irrigation at 75 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD). Results of the study revealed that maximum grain yield (6.72 t ha-1) was obtained in the case of N3 (180 kg N ha-1) when I2 = irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit (I2 × N3) was applied in contrast to lowest grain yield (2.00 t ha-1) in response to I3= irrigation at 75 mm potential soil moisture deficit × no nitrogen (control) (I3 × N0). Highest plant height (86.27 cm), number of spike bearing tillers m-2 (320), grains per spike (49.73), 1000-grain weight (50.55 g), biological yield (15.48 t ha-1), straw yield (8.76 t ha-1) and harvest index (43.42%) increased with increasing levels of nitrogen. The maximum value of these parameters was also observed in I2 where irrigation was applied at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit. The maximum value of RUE for TDM (6.45 g MJ-1) was observed in I2 × N3 irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit and nitrogen (180 kg ha-1) treatment combination. Similarly, maximum RUE for grain yield (2.80 g MJ-1) was observed for nitrogen (50 mm potential soil moisture deficit and 180 kg N ha-1).Keywords: Wheat, nitrogen nutrition, moisture deficits, radiation use efficiency, yield, Triticum aestivum L

Adaptation of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) to measure stressful life events in adults residing in an urban megapolis in Pakistan

Background: Contextually relevant stressful life events are integral to the quantification of stress. None such measures have been adapted for the Pakistani population. Methods: The RLCQ developed by Richard Rahe measures stress of an individual through recording the experience of life changing events. We used qualitative methodology in order to identify contextually relevant stressors in an open ended format, using serial in-depth interviews until thematic saturation of reported stressful life events was achieved. In our next phase of adaptation, our objective was to scale each item on the questionnaire, so as to weigh each of these identified events, in terms of severity of stress. This scaling exercise was performed on 200 random participants residing in the four communities of Karachi namely Kharadar, Dhorajee, Gulshan and Garden. For analysis of the scaled tool, exploratory factor analysis was used to inform structuring. Finally, to complete the process of adaption, content and face validity exercises were performed. Content validity by subject expert review and face validity was performed by translation and back translation of the adapted RLCQ. This yielded our final adapted tool. Results: Stressful life events emerging from the qualitative phase of the study reflect daily life stressors arising from the unstable socio-political environment. Some such events were public harassment, robbery/theft, missed life opportunities due to nepotism, extortion and threats, being a victim of state sponsored brutality, lack of electricity, water, sanitation, fuel, destruction due to natural disasters and direct or media based exposure to suicide bombing in the city. Personal or societal based relevant stressors included male child preference, having an unmarried middle aged daughter, lack of empowerment and respect reported by females. The finally adapted RLCQ incorporated Environmental Stress as a new category. Conclusion: The processes of qualitative methodology, in depth interview, community based scaling and face and content validity yielded an adapted RLCQ that represents contextually relevant life stress for adults residing in urban Pakistan

Does the inflow of remittances cause environmental degradation? Empirical evidence from China

Remittances inflow plays a significant role in promoting the economic welfare of a country; it has a multidimensional effect on the economy and links with the carbon emissions. This study examines the possible asymmetric transmissions from remittances to carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in China using time series data from 1980 to 2014. The Non-linear NARDL method is employed to check the longrun asymmetric relationship between remittances inflow and carbon emissions. The findings show that a positive shock in remittances causes an increase in CO2 emissions, while a negative shock in remittances causes a decrease in CO2 emissions. The results support the existence of an asymmetric cointegrating relationship between remittances and CO2 emissions in both short run and the long run. The NARDL dynamic multiplier graph assumes that positive remittances shocks are highe compared to the negative remittances shocks. It suggests that policymakers in China should consider remittances as a policy instrument especially designing strategies and policies related to sustainable environmental quality in the long run