Bismuth Ferrites/Graphene Nanoplatelets Nanohybrids for Efficient Organic Dye Removal

The doped bismuth ferrites have got tremendous attraction owing to its ideal properties for photocatalysis application. We have fabricated the novel lanthanum and manganese co-doped BiFeO3 (namely BLFMO)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanohybrid for photocatalysis with easy and effective synthesis routes namely the co-precipitation (C-hybrid) and hydrothermal (H-hybrid) processes. The H-hybrid showed crystalline structure with lower band-gap than the C-hybrid samples. However, C-hybrid showed higher dye degradation (92%) due its higher surface area (55 m2/g) and the fine incorporation of BLFMO nanoparticles into the GNPs which enhanced the surface adsorption. This is verified from more degradation in dark conditions for these samples. The proposed nanohybrids are novel for photocatalytic application fabricated through the low cost routes which show higher efficiency for practical applications

Online medical education and examinations during COVID-19: Perspectives of a teaching associate

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only challenged global health systems but also social, economic, and educational systems. In this short communication, our focus is on its impact on medical education in Pakistan. We discuss the structure of undergraduate medical education in Pakistan; and how it has evolved in the wake of COVID-19. We describe our role as teaching associates (TAs) at the Aga Khan University (AKU); and how it has enabled us to be a part of the transition to online medical education, with a specific focus on online examinations in medical schools

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Coastal Region a Case Study of Qayyumabad, Karachi, Pakistan

The aim of present study is to assess groundwater quality of Qayyumabad area for drinking purpose. Groundwater samples (n = 20) were collected from wellbores from variable depths (12-300 feet) occurring on both banks of the Malir River near study area. Water quality was assessed through estimation of physical parameters including, pH, Eh, TDS, EC, hardness, temperature, aesthetic character (taste, color and odor) and chemical parameters including major cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), anions (Cl, NO₃, SO₄, HCO₃) and minor/trace elements (Fe, As). Data revealed that groundwater of study area has very high TDS content (range: 805-40340 mg/l) and positive Eh (-180 to +125 mV), suggesting the recent recharge. The pH varies in the range of 6.55-7.75 which comply with WHO limit (6.5-8.5) for drinking water. Major solutes varied in the order of Na (mean: 2587 mg/l) > Mg (433mg/l) > Ca (231mg/l) > K (91 mg/l) while anions in the order of Cl (mean: 3385 mg/l) > SO₄ (mean: 580 mg/l) > HCO₃ (mean: 343 mg/l) > NO₃ (11.43 mg/l). Both arsenic and iron contents occur within the WHO permissible limits except two samples which showed elevated Fe (4950 ppb) and As (100 ppb) respectively. These results suggest that groundwater in study area is unfit for drinking purpose. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained four factors where F1 suggests the salts leaching mechanism and F2 indicated anoxia prevalence due to organic matter decomposition. On the other hand, F3 confirmed water rock interaction and F4 supported the prevalence arsenic release associated with anoxia

Erythromelalgia: An Uncommon Presentation Precipitated by Aspirin Withdrawal

Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder frequently associated with myeloproliferative disorders. We describe a case of elderly patient diagnosed with myeloproliferative disorder in remission. The patient was on aspirin for secondary prevention of stroke and was taken off aspirin and developed erythromelalgia within two weeks of withdrawal of aspirin. After restarting aspirin, patient’s symptoms improved within 2 weeks

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection and advanced maternal age: Success or treatment failure

Infertility rate documented in Pakistan is 21.9% with only 25% success rate even after procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This rate is further on the decline with enhancement of female age. We aimed to observe the effect of female age on oocyte parameters and reproductive outcome after ICSI. It was done by retrospective analysis of a quasi- experimental design carried out after approval from Ethical review board of Islamabad clinic serving infertile couples from July 2010 to August 2011. The response to ovarian stimulation in (282) females was assessed on the basis of groups, A, B, C and D with age ranges up to 25years; 25.1 to 30years; 30.1 to 35years and \u3e35years, respectively. The outcome was assessed as non-pregnant, preclinical abortion and clinical pregnancy groups on the basis of beta hCG and cardiac activity by trans-vaginal scan. We observed that maximum number of pregnancies 32 (38%) occurred in C group, and least 10 (10%) in group A. There was a statistical reduction in the number of mature and fertilized oocytes as the age advanced from group C to D (p\u3c0.05).This shows that reduction in maturity and fertilization of oocytes with advancement of age recommends early referral of couples to assisted reproductive clinics

The English Learner’s Identity in O’ Level EFL Classroom and Its Effect on EFL Learning Investment

The relation between language and identity is not a new thing to discuss, but it has a powerful influence on learner’s self. This issue specifically with English non-native learners is prominent through its greater demand in academic and popular discourse on language usage and its learning throughout the country of Pakistan. The aim of the study is to investigate the construction of identity of L2 learners within English-only ideology in O’ level classroom and its impact on EFL Learning Investment. The findings of the present study indicate that the huge impact of investment on learner’s identity inside and outside the classroom. In this study, data was collected from three learners from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan whose identities are in a state of adaptation in the process of learning. It is observed that English language has a dominance by its number of learners which are increasing day by day and it has become a medium of communication by many of the cultures adopting it as a ‘must learn language’. Keywords: Identity; investment; English learners’ identity; English language learning. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-18-04 Publication date:September 30th 202

Ecorycle - recycling enablers

Ecorycle is a Kochi based enterprise and a Social Entrepreneur partner of ITC group for their Well being Out Of Waste (WOW) programme. Ecorycle offers training sessions to students, teaching and non teaching staff so that they understand the basic concepts of segregation and imbibe the need for recycling in their institutions as well as their homes. The team was conferred “The Best Innovation-Waste in The Smart City 2018” award by Agence Francaise De Development and Alliance Francaise. Ecorycle organise Training sessions to influence a lifestyle change among all levels of oursociety

ABO Blood Groups And Their Link With The Risk of Pre-Eclampsia

ABO blood group antigens have been identified as pathological agent in different disease conditions. For some time, the association of blood group with pregnancy associated conditions like pre-eclampsia is extensively under debate. Preeclampsia is a distressing condition of pregnancy which commonly causes maternal and fetal mortality around the globe. Multiple risk factors are found to be associated with preeclamptic occurrence. In this study our aim was to delineate a specific blood group which could be implicated as a risk factor for pre-eclampsia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi and retrieved obstetric data including blood group was from medical record files of 368 patients. Obtained data was analyzed by IBM SPSS version 21. Results: The prevalence of B group was recorded to be 41.3% as compared to O (26.1%), A (22.8%) and AB (9.8%). So, it can be concluded that women having blood group B are more prone to develop pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: Blood grouping of pregnant women in early weeks of pregnancy could assist in prediction or better management of pre-eclampsia