Strukturna analiza i karakterizacija ležišta kredne sekvencije u Kohala Bala, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The southeastern Hazara is a portion of the Himalayan Fold-Thrust Belt, formed by the interaction of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. The present research was conducted to analyse the structural geometry and assess the reservoir potential of the Cretaceous sequence (Chichali Formation and Kawagarh Formation) in southern Hazara, Pakistan. The mapped stratigraphic units range from Late Jurassic, Samana Suk Formation to early Eocene, Margalla Hill Limestone, along with unconformities. The research area is under intense deformation and is characterised by the thrust faults with accompanying folds. The fore-thrust faults are steeply dipping towards the north with associated back-thrust dipping southward, and the folds are mainly asymmetric anticlines and asymmetric synclines along with symmetric anticline (Barkot). The structures trend mainly NE-SW, indicating NW-SE compressive stresses. Reservoir quality is evaluated by using petrographic image analysis, SEM analysis, plug porosity, and permeability analysis. The porosity observed varies from 0.282% – 10.89%, 0.016% – 1.78% in Chichali (Sandstone) Formation and Kawagarh (Limestone) Formation, respectively. Simultaneously, the measured permeability in Chichali and Kawagarh Formation varies from 0–0.064 mD and 0–0.014 mD, respectively. The primary porosity type was intergranular/interparticle, intragranular, fracture, and vuggy porosity. SEM analysis shows that microporosity is present in the Cretaceous sequence and, calcite, dolomite, quartz, feldspar, and pyrite are the major minerals. The reservoir studies show that the Chichali Formation can be proven a good (Tight) reservoir rock, and Kawagarh Formation may prove as a reservoir (if the fractures in the subsurface, formed by severe tectonic deformation are not filled with cementing material) and seal/cap rock. Strukturna analiza i karakterizacija ležišta kredne sekvencije u Kohala Bala, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PakistanJugoistočna Hazara predstavlja dio himalajskoga borano-navlačnoga pojasa nastaloga interakcijom indijske ploče s euroazijskom pločom. U okviru ovoga istraživanja analizirana je strukturna geometrija i potencijal ležišta kredne sekvencije (formacija Chichali i Kawagarh) u južnoj Hazari, Pakistan. Kartirane stratigrafske jedinice kreću se od gornje jure, formacija Samana Suk, do donjega eocena, vapnenac Margalla Hill, zajedno s diskordancijama. Područje je istraživanja intezivno deformirano, a karakteriziraju ga reverzni rasjedi s pratećima borama. Prednje su navlake strmo nagnute prema sjeveru s pripadajućim pozadinskim navlakama nagnutim južno, dok su bore predstavljene asimetričnim antiklinalama i sinklinalama zajedno sa simetričnom antiklinalom (Barkot). Strukture su uglavnom položene SI – JZ, što upućuje na pojavu tlačnih naprezanja smjerom SZ – JI. Kvaliteta ležišta ocijenjena je analizom petrografskih slika, SEM analizom te analizom šupljikavosti i propusnosti. Vrijednosti variraju od 0.282 % do 10.89 % u formaciji Chichali (pješčenjaci) i 0.016 % do 1.78 % u formaciji Kawagarh (vapnenci). Izmjerena propusnost u formaciji Chichali varira od 0 do 0,064 mD, odnosno od 0 do 0.014 mD u formaciji Kawagarh. Zapažen je međuzrnati, unutarzrnati, pukotinski i vuggy (otopljeni) tip primarne šupljikavosti. SEM analiza pokazala je prisutnost mikroporoznosti u krednoj sekvenciji, dok su kalcit, dolomit, kvarc, feldspat i pirit definirani kao glavni minerali. Formacija Chichali dobra je ležišna stijena, dok se formacija Kawagarh može opisati i kao ležište, ali i izolator, ovisno o tome jesu li tektonske pukotine ispunjene cementnim materijalom

MinION as a Teaching tool in a Graduate course in Pakistan

Genomics is a rapidly evolving field of study that is increasingly being utilized as a tool to detect ethnic and tribal-specific mutations that may be the key to rare and common diseases with higher prevalence in the population under study [1]. However, researchers and science educators in remote areas can often find it difficult to access the latest genetic technologies, probably due to its high costs and lack of suitable infrastructure. Recent technological innovations are resulting in portable, low-cost instruments that enable next-generation sequencing in remote environments, offering new opportunities to generate a more widespread network of trained geneticists [2]. We need to formalize educational efforts to teach students and young researchers with hands-on training to excel in molecular and bioinformatics knowledge. Here, we report our experience of using the MinION pocket size sequencer in a graduate course. The graduate course had some theoretical lectures that explained the basic principles of genomics followed be practical sessions. We hope that the training material developed during this course will provide the community with useful tools to help educate future generations of genome scientists in Pakistan.

Comparison of Ondansetron & Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Post Spinal Shivering

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Spinal Anaesthesia is a major component of Anaesthetist's tool set and is widely used in Anaesthesia practices. A frequent problem encountered after spinal Anaesthesia is shivering caused by hypothermia. Incidence is 10-40%, if no prophylactic measures are taken, in different studies conducted on this topic. Hypothermia during intraoperative period is caused by different causes like  cold ambient OR temperature, cold IV fluids, unhumidified cold inspired gases, body cavity exposure, extremes of age and prolonged procedures. Shivering occurs because of vasodilation caused by inhibition of vasoconstriction by spinal Anaesthesia and altered perception from anaesthetized dermatomes. Shivering has an array of adverse effects including increased workload for cardiopulmonary system , poorly tolerated by patients at extremes of age. A number of drugs have been studied for shivering. Objective: To compare efficacy of Dexmedetomidine and ondansetron for prevention of shivering under spinal Anaesthesia Setting: AFIU  Study design: Randomized quasi experimental study  Study duration: 03 months  Materials and Methods:  The selected patients were randomly allocated to any of the two groups  with 50 patients each, according to computer generated random numbers. Both groups recieved study drugs after spinal Anaesthesia. Ondansetron group, 0.1mg/kg (groupO) and Dexmedetomidine group 0.1mcg/kg (group D). Patients were scored for shivering at scheduled intervals and rescue doses of Pethidine were given for severe shivering not responding to study drugs. Results:  Our study in group O had high mean shivering scores at scheduled intervals as compared to group D  Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine provides better control of shivering than Ondansetron               &nbsp

Spatio-temporal landslide inventory and susceptibility assessment using Sentinel-2 in the Himalayan mountainous region of Pakistan

The 2005 Kashmir earthquake has triggered widespread landslides in the Himalayan mountains in northern Pakistan and surrounding areas, some of which are active and are still posing a significant risk. Landslides triggered by the 2005 Kashmir earthquake are extensively studied; nevertheless, spatio-temporal landslide susceptibility assessment is lacking. This can be partially attributed to the limited availability of high temporal resolution remote sensing data. We present a semi-automated technique to use the Sentinel-2 MSI data for co-seismic landslide detection, landslide activities monitoring, spatio-temporal change detection, and spatio-temporal susceptibility mapping. Time series Sentinel-2 MSI images for the period of 2016–2021 and ALOS PALSAR DEM are used for semi-automated landslide inventory map development and temporal change analysis. Spectral information combined with topographical, contextual, textural, and morphological characteristics of the landslide in Sentinel-2 images is applied for landslide detection. Subsequently, spatio-temporal landslide susceptibility maps are developed utilizing the weight of evidence statistical modeling with seven causative factors, i.e., elevation, slope, geology, aspect, distance to fault, distance to roads, and distance to streams. The results reveal that landslide occurrence increased from 2016 to 2021 and that the coverage of areas of relatively high susceptibility has increased in the study area

Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract improves growth, biochemical attributes, and productivity of late-sown quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has gained significant popularity among agricultural scientists and farmers throughout the world due to its high nutritive value. It is cultivated under a range of soil and climatic conditions; however, late sowing adversely affects its productivity and yield due to shorter growth period. Inorganic and organic phyto-stimulants are promising for improving growth, development, and yield of field crops under stressful environments. Field experiments were conducted during crop cultivation seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18, to explore the role of inorganic (hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid) and organic [moringa leaf extract (MLE) and sorghum water extract (sorgaab)] phyto-stimulants in improving growth and productivity of quinoa (cultivar UAF-Q7). Hydrogen peroxide at 100 μM, ascorbic acid at 500 μM, MLE at 3% and sorgaab at 3% were exogenously applied at anthesis stage of quinoa cultivated under normal (November 21st and 19th during 2016 and 2017) and late-sown (December 26th and 25th during 2016 and 2017) conditions. Application of inorganic and organic phyto-stimulants significantly improved biochemical, physiological, growth and yield attributes of quinoa under late sown conditions. The highest improvement in these traits was recorded for MLE. Application of MLE resulted in higher chlorophyll a and b contents, stomatal conductance, and sub-stomatal concentration of CO2 under normal and late-sowing. The highest improvement in soluble phenolics, anthocyanins, free amino acids and proline, and mineral elements in roots, shoot and grains were observed for MLE application. Growth attributes, including plant height, plant fresh weight and panicle length were significantly improved with MLE application as compared to the rest of the treatments. The highest 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant were noted for MLE application under normal and late-sowing. These findings depict that MLE has extensive crop growth promoting potential through improving physiological and biochemical activities. Hence, MLE can be applied to improve growth and productivity of quinoa under normal and late-sown conditions

Crisis averted: a world united against the menace of multiple drug-resistant superbugs -pioneering anti-AMR vaccines, RNA interference, nanomedicine, CRISPR-based antimicrobials, bacteriophage therapies, and clinical artificial intelligence strategies to safeguard global antimicrobial arsenal

The efficacy of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in combating bacterial infections faces a grave peril in the form of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an exceedingly pressing global health issue. The emergence and dissemination of drug-resistant bacteria can be attributed to the rampant overuse and misuse of antibiotics, leading to dire consequences such as organ failure and sepsis. Beyond the realm of individual health, the pervasive specter of AMR casts its ominous shadow upon the economy and society at large, resulting in protracted hospital stays, elevated medical expenditures, and diminished productivity, with particularly dire consequences for vulnerable populations. It is abundantly clear that addressing this ominous threat necessitates a concerted international endeavor encompassing the optimization of antibiotic deployment, the pursuit of novel antimicrobial compounds and therapeutic strategies, the enhancement of surveillance and monitoring of resistant bacterial strains, and the assurance of universal access to efficacious treatments. In the ongoing struggle against this encroaching menace, phage-based therapies, strategically tailored to combat AMR, offer a formidable line of defense. Furthermore, an alluring pathway forward for the development of vaccines lies in the utilization of virus-like particles (VLPs), which have demonstrated their remarkable capacity to elicit a robust immune response against bacterial infections. VLP-based vaccinations, characterized by their absence of genetic material and non-infectious nature, present a markedly safer and more stable alternative to conventional immunization protocols. Encouragingly, preclinical investigations have yielded promising results in the development of VLP vaccines targeting pivotal bacteria implicated in the AMR crisis, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile. Notwithstanding the undeniable potential of VLP vaccines, formidable challenges persist, including the identification of suitable bacterial markers for vaccination and the formidable prospect of bacterial pathogens evolving mechanisms to thwart the immune response. Nonetheless, the prospect of VLP-based vaccines holds great promise in the relentless fight against AMR, underscoring the need for sustained research and development endeavors. In the quest to marshal more potent defenses against AMR and to pave the way for visionary innovations, cutting-edge techniques that incorporate RNA interference, nanomedicine, and the integration of artificial intelligence are currently under rigorous scrutiny

Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether participation in competency-based fellowship programs for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) results in high-quality care in independent practice. We measured quality indicator (QI) adherence during the first year of independent practice among physicians who completed endoscopic training with a systematic assessment of competence. METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of invited participants from 62 training programs. In phase 1, 24 advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs), from 20 programs, were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. We used a comprehensive data collection and reporting system to create learning curves using cumulative sum analysis that were shared with AETs and trainers quarterly. In phase 2, participating AETs entered data into a database pertaining to every EUS and ERCP examination during their first year of independent practice, anchored by key QIs. RESULTS: By the end of training, most AETs had achieved overall technical competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 73.9%) and cognitive competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 94.1%). In phase 2 of the study, 22 AETs (91.6%) participated and completed a median of 136 EUS examinations per AET and 116 ERCP examinations per AET. Most AETs met the performance thresholds for QIs in EUS (including 94.4% diagnostic rate of adequate samples and 83.8% diagnostic yield of malignancy in pancreatic masses) and ERCP (94.9% overall cannulation rate). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, we found that although competence cannot be confirmed for all AETs at the end of training, most meet QI thresholds for EUS and ERCP at the end of their first year of independent practice. This finding affirms the effectiveness of training programs. Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02509416

Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether participation in competency-based fellowship programs for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) results in high-quality care in independent practice. We measured quality indicator (QI) adherence during the first year of independent practice among physicians who completed endoscopic training with a systematic assessment of competence. METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of invited participants from 62 training programs. In phase 1, 24 advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs), from 20 programs, were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. We used a comprehensive data collection and reporting system to create learning curves using cumulative sum analysis that were shared with AETs and trainers quarterly. In phase 2, participating AETs entered data into a database pertaining to every EUS and ERCP examination during their first year of independent practice, anchored by key QIs. RESULTS: By the end of training, most AETs had achieved overall technical competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 73.9%) and cognitive competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 94.1%). In phase 2 of the study, 22 AETs (91.6%) participated and completed a median of 136 EUS examinations per AET and 116 ERCP examinations per AET. Most AETs met the performance thresholds for QIs in EUS (including 94.4% diagnostic rate of adequate samples and 83.8% diagnostic yield of malignancy in pancreatic masses) and ERCP (94.9% overall cannulation rate). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, we found that although competence cannot be confirmed for all AETs at the end of training, most meet QI thresholds for EUS and ERCP at the end of their first year of independent practice. This finding affirms the effectiveness of training programs. Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02509416

Empowering women at the higher institutional level: analysis of business education and leadership training program

Purpose – The research study aims to assess the women’s Business education and leadership training program at a higher institutional level in order to examine how the program impacts and contributes to women’s empowerment. Further, this research sought to explore women’s leadership training aspect that has not explicitly elucidated. Besides, this study looks upon women’s self-perception by empowering them with skills and leadership capabilities to change hard-core gender stereotypes in society. Research methodology – The sample size comprised of 82 enrolled female students in the training program. The qualitative statistics (i.e., three focus groups) evaluated with the Kirkpatrick model. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to compare pre-and post-training quantitative data (i.e., questionnaire). Effect size is measured to check the effectiveness of the training program. Findings – The post-training evaluation revealed higher scores in knowledge, tools, and leadership skills. The training program encouraged women to bring change in self-perception and gain confidence for transformative changes in society. Findings support the effectiveness of leadership education and training programs. Research limitations – This research conducted in a Pakistani patriarchal cultural context and one region of Pakistan (Punjab). Hence the results are carefully generalised. The long term outcomes of this leadership training program and women’s performance in the job market are not studied. Practical implications – Findings suggest that a training program positively affects women’s learning, knowledge, and behaviour. Training programs empower women with practical tools for self and business development. The program encouraged women to gain better insight into work-life challenges and enhance personal competencies to gain equal rights. Originality/Value – This research will significantly contribute to the relatively scarce literature on the effectiveness of women’s business education and leadership training programs at a higher institutional level in the Pakistani context for women empowerment