Genetic Variations of Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor Gene With Premenstrual Syndrome Among Pakistani Menarcheal Girls: A Pilot Study

The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises various physical and emotional symptoms which are associated with the menstrual cycle. The emotional changes might be due to the variation in the levels of BDNF especially lower levels of plasma BDNF may be present at the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. To date, no data were present to associate the link between BDNF gene polymorphism and PMS among young Menarcheal females. So, the goal of this investigation is to find out the possible relationship between BDNF gene polymorphism and PMS among young Menarcheal females of Pakistan. A total of 92 menarcheal girls with age range of 11-14yrs met the inclusion criteria. All participants were screened for the depression and PMS using Zung’s depression scale/ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM IV) criteria and world health organization (WHO) criteria for PMS respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from oral samples by Salting out method and BDNF genotyping was done using PCR-RFLP analysis. Results showed no significant association (χ2=1.685, p-value=0.431) was observed between BDNF genotyping and PMS among menarcheal girls. BDNF (rs6265) AA and GA genotypes did not show significant association with the risk of PMS. Hence, it was concluded that BDNF gene polymorphism may not be associated with the PMS among Pakistani Menarcheal girl

Comparison of Efficacy of Laryngeal Mask Airway and Intersurgical-Gel Supraglottic Airway Device During General Anesthesia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Upper airways collapse during anesthesia is a common issue faced by anesthetists. Air way maintenance is an essential component of general anesthesia. Laryngeal mask airway and Intersurgical-gel (i-gel) air way devices are new advances in general anesthesia. Present study aims to compare the ease of insertion and hemodynamic response of i-gel supraglottic and laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Material and Methods: A Randomized Clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Anesthesia, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Study duration was 6 months (June 2014- December 2014). A total of 60 patients were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Ethical approval was taken from ethical review board of Sheikh Zayed Hospital and informed written consents were taken from all the participants. Patients were randomly divided into two groups using lottery method. Group A was given laryngeal mask airway device while group B patients were provided with i-gel supraglottic device during anesthesia. Patients were compared for ease of insertion and hemodynamic parameters. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Chi-square and t-test were applied and p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in study. Mean age of patients was 35.2±11.7 years in LMA group and 36.7±13 years in i-gel group. Group B had lower number of insertion attempts (p=0.01) and high insertion satisfaction (p=0.4) as compared to group A. However, process failure and bleeding rate was found to be slightly higher in group B (16% and 13% respectively) as compared to group A (p>0.05). Conclusion: i-gel supraglottic device is a successful alternative option in terms of ease of insertion and less hemodynamic response as compared to laryngeal mask airway during general anesthesia. Key words: , ,&nbsp

Psychometric Features of Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) Among the Students of Higher Education Sector in Karachi –Pakistan

Purpose: The motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) are extensively used by researchers and educators to measure self-regulated learning skills. The survey originally published in English has also been translated into multiple languages. However, a gap in the literature is found for its reliability and validity studies in the Pakistani context, specifically in the higher education sector. Therefore, this study was designed to establish the local norms and appraise the scale factors in specific samples and cultures. Methodology: Path analysis was used to examine the latent factor structures to determine whether MSLQ is appropriately reliable and valid to be used on our normative sample. All 15 subscales of the MSLQ were administered to a sample of 272 (n: 272) students enrolled in the undergraduate program of a private university located in Karachi, Pakistan. Findings: Results from the administration of MSLQ on a sample from the local population suggest that the scale is reliable and valid. Subscales (the exogenous variables) were loaded onto their respective factors with high regression weights. Statistically significant correlations were found among eleven subscales and the academic performances of students. The gender difference was found in eight subscales with significant Cohen’s D. However, the model fit indices on SEM show a relative fit and poor fit on some of the indices. Conclusion: This study concludes that students’ learning strategies and motivation have an impact on academic outcomes and considerable gender difference prevails in terms of motivation and learning strategies in Pakistani students

A comprehensive study of key Electric Vehicle (EV) components, technologies, challenges, impacts, and future direction of development

Abstract: Electric vehicles (EV), including Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), are becoming more commonplace in the transportation sector in recent times. As the present trend suggests, this mode of transport is likely to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the near future. Each of the main EV components has a number of technologies that are currently in use or can become prominent in the future. EVs can cause significant impacts on the environment, power system, and other related sectors. The present power system could face huge instabilities with enough EV penetration, but with proper management and coordination, EVs can be turned into a major contributor to the successful implementation of the smart grid concept. There are possibilities of immense environmental benefits as well, as the EVs can extensively reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by the transportation sector. However, there are some major obstacles for EVs to overcome before totally replacing ICE vehicles. This paper is focused on reviewing all the useful data available on EV configurations, battery energy sources, electrical machines, charging techniques, optimization techniques, impacts, trends, and possible directions of future developments. Its objective is to provide an overall picture of the current EV technology and ways of future development to assist in future researches in this sector

NUTS: Network Updates in Real Time Systems

International audienceFactories need to adapt their communication networks to versatile customer-driven markets. Software defined networking enables a programmatic approach that provides modularity, flexibility and paves the road for behavior certification. Previous works proposed rigorous programming languages and abstractions offering safety properties and verification in best-effort environments. In this work, we propose an approach to provide live update of network elements behavior while respecting real-time constraints. During the network updates, the traffic can be deviated to devices not involved in the desired upgrade ensuring that communication invariant and software requirements are always taken into account. We leverage Temporal NetKAT to write network wide programs and P4 annotations to give indications on the impact of the implementation on deterministic real-time communications passing through network appliances

Bio-based textile processing through the application of enzymes for environmental sustainability

Textile industries contribute significantly to the economy of many developing countries. Every year, these countries export millions of dollars’ worth of textile products to developed countries. However, textile industries use expensive and corrosive chemicals that pose a significant threat to environmental quality and public health. This has led to serious concerns and necessitated the inclusion of safer and environmentally friendly alternatives. Consequently, bio-based processing has created a new approach utilizing biotechnological advances. This article uses evidence from the scientific literature to examine the application of industrial biotechnology in textile-processing industries, which includes enzymes, as a sustainable alternative to the harsh toxic chemicals currently used in textile processing. The article draws on evidence that enzymes offer a competitive advantage over chemicals with less resource requirements (energy and water), reduced emission and less waste. Due to high specificity, enzymes produce minimum byproducts. The implementation of enzymes in textile processing could offer environmental benefits, and improve public health and the sustainability of textiles and apparel. This article contributes to critical awareness by providing succinct information about major enzymes used in textile processes to improve the performance of textile materials, thus contributing to changes in behaviours and attitudes towards textile processing and environmental sustainability. This can assist textile manufacturers and governments in the developing world in campaigns to promote biotechnologies for environmental sustainability

Sector Sustainability Check: Rural Open Defecation Free (ODF) & Rural (Drinking) Water Supply Schemes (RWSS) Punjab & Sindh Provinces

This study focused on the behavioral sustainability of latrine use and continued functionality of rural water supply systems in ODF certified villages in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. Our chief role was to develop, integrate and analyze social norms measures as part of the larger sustainability check. This report presents those methods, measures and findings. PennSONG served as an associate partner in the report, working with lead partner AAN Associates (www.aanassociates.com) and associate partner Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (iese.nuse.edu.pk). The study was substantially supported by the Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC), the Government of Pakistan, and UNICEF Pakistan