More on Comparison Between First Geometric-Arithmetic Index and Atom-Bond Connectivity Index

The first geometric-arithmetic (GA) index and atom-bond connectivity (ABC) index are molecular structure descriptors which play a significant role in quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies. Das and Trinajsti\'{c} [\textit{Chem. Phys. Lett.} \textbf{497} (2010) 149-151] showed that $GA$ index is greater than $ABC$ index for all those graphs (except $K_{1,4}$ and $T^{*}$, see Figure 1) in which the difference between maximum and minimum degree is less than or equal to 3. In this note, it is proved that $GA$ index is greater than $ABC$ index for line graphs of molecular graphs, for general graphs in which the difference between maximum and minimum degree is less than or equal to $(2\delta-1)^{2}$ (where $\delta$ is the minimum degree and $\delta\geq2$) and for some families of trees. Thereby, a partial solution to an open problem proposed by Das and Trinajsti\'{c} is given.Comment: 10 pages, 2 tables, 1 figure, revised versio

Bears in Pakistan: Distribution, Population Biology and Human Conflicts

We conducted questionnaire based interviews (n = 1873) of respondents coming from 258 localities about bear tracts in northern parts of Pakistan in 2012-2014 to study Himalyan brown (U. arctos isalbellinus) and Himalayan black (U. t. laniger) bears. Brown bears were more frequent in northern latitudes (northern Chitral, Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu), while black bears were widely distributed in southern latitudes (Battagram). Both brown and black bears are present in central latitudes (Astor, Diamir, Kohistan and Mansehra). We identified 34 populations of brown bears; a large population in the Deosai Plateau and small to very small populations in other localities. We identified 9 isolated meta-populations sharing common gene pools; 7 (Bomborat, Gias, Chowgram, Laspur-Malkov, Koshi-Palas, Phunder-Yasin, Khunjerab) very small with serious inbreeding and threat of extinction, while Deosai and Diamir-Astor populations were large but were expected to have a high level inbreeding. Black bears were present in 45 localities; larger populations in three localities of Battagram (Nagram, Rahing and Shamli). We identified 6 meta-populations of black bears; Kohistan-Batagram-Mansehra, Diamir-Astor and south Chitral meta-populations were large; but 3 other populations (Thack, Hisper-Minipin and Chasma) were small/very small, possibly having high inbreeding. Bears raid standing maize crops (regular and severe in 2 localities and irregular and severe in 6) and fruit (apricot, grape, mulberry and walnut). Average annual bears depredation of 54 cattle, 188 goat/sheep, 4 yaks, and 9 horses/donkeys/mules were reported, inflicting an economic loss of Pak Rs. 2,840,000 (US$ 28,400) to the livestock farming community. Respondents reported 4 incidences of bear attack (1 killed, 3 injured) and 2 cases of cub poaching during 2013

The Changing Role of Urdu News Media with Digital Communication in Pakistan

The growing use of digital media has influenced significantly the communication channels of society during recent years in the globe. The media and communication in Pakistan is transforming with information technology. The marvelous boost of digital media devices has changed the communication channels. With digital media revolution, the people in society who formerly had no chance to participate, now they have a great opportunity of to contribute. They can give feedback on news content, comment on stories and share information. If we talk about Urdu news in Pakistan, technology has not left it unchanged. The great revolution in technological field has modified the way public receives information on various aspects. This research work will boost our understanding of how effects of fast spreading technological means have affected traditional modes of Urdu news. During the past decades, western world has got a great benefit from immense development in information communication technology. Furthermore, developing world is widely seen accepting access to internet computer and mobile phone technology. Today's media organizations are extensively using various technological sources. This study also explore the phenomenon of adoption of information technology, role played by media in this digital age and to address the global audience and news collection, influence of internet and extent of freedom of expression to which it has impacted todays media in accessing and delivering information. Though traditional modes of information have got a great jolt by new digital platform and have brought great opportunities for information gathering ofUrdu news in Pakistan.</p

The impact of psychological distance to climate change and urban informality on adaptation planning

Climate change adaptation planning involves adjusting to the impacts of climate change and taking action to mitigate its adverse effects. Psychological distance, the separation between one's self-perception and actual events, can play a significant role in an individual's readiness to adapt to climate change impacts. This study aims to investigate the socioeconomic factors associated with psychological distance to climate change in formal and informal settlements of Lahore, Pakistan. Using a literature review, data indicators were selected and grouped into the psychological distance dimensions of spatial, temporal, social, and hypothetical. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the study area, resulting in a total of 400 responses. Descriptive statistics and sampled paired t-tests were used to measure differences between responses from formal and informal communities, and multivariate regression models were developed to identify socioeconomic factors associated with psychological distance to climate change. The results of the study indicate a significant difference between formal and informal settlements in spatial distance and hypothetical dimensions. Additionally, household size, average household income, number of children, and past experiences with extreme weather conditions were found to be significant factors. The study recommends that these factors be taken into account when engaging with the public, communicating risks, and devising relevant policies for effective adaptation planning

Inhibition in production of cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from dragon fruit plants in response to submicron chitosan dispersions

In vitro and in vivo antifungal potential of submicron chitosan dispersions (SCD) was studied in order to investigate the effect of SCD on cell wall degrading enzymes of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and to control anthracnose of dragon fruit under field conditions. Four concentrations of chitosan (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) were used to prepare submicron dispersions with droplet sizes of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 nm. The highest inhibition in cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes was observed with 600 nm droplet size of 1.0% chitosan concentration. In case of in vivo studies,the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) showed a reduction of approximately 66% of disease incidence (DI). The lower level of production of cell wall degrading enzymes in response to SCD resulted in less disease on dragon fruit plants and sustained in increasing the effective resistance against the irresistible disease of anthracnose

Screening of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivars for drought stress based on vegetative and physiological characteristics

Drought tolerance is an important genotypic character to be exploited for the plant cultivar selection under water deficit conditions. In the recent study, we examined the response of two marigold cultivars (Inca and Bonanza) under different regimes of drought stress. The aim was to determine the best performing cultivar under water/drought stress. Three irrigation treatments include; 4 days (T1), 6 days (T2) and 8 days (T3) in comparison to control 1 day (T0) interval were imposed. Response characters under study were morphological, physiological and anatomical. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications in two factorial arrangements was followed for experiment layout. The results revealed that increasing water stress adversely affect plant height, in both cultivars. Both cultivars showed a decreasing trend to the number of flowers under water stress. Total chlorophyll contents including a, b were also showed reduction under prolonged drought treatment in both cultivars from (2.7 mg g-1 FW) to (1 mg g-1 FW). Overall, the performance of cultivar (cv.) Inca was satisfactory under water stress regimes. These results are helpful for selecting drought tolerant marigold cultivars in water scarce areas.  Â

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS AND NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE OF GLASGOW COMA SCALE WORKING IN HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL SETTINGS

Introduction: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a reproducible tool used to measure the depth and duration of the consciousness level of comatose patients, especially in emergency departments by healthcare professionals for neurological assessment. It is important for members of rehabilitation teams, specifically physical therapists (PTs) and nurses, to have knowledge of the GCS and the necessary skills to apply the scale and interpret the results. The present study is aimed to investigate and compare physiotherapist and nurses’ knowledge in using the GCS in hospital and clinical settings. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which a convenience sample of 1,300 participants was chosen, considering nurses from government and private hospitals and PTs from hospitals and clinics in Faisalabad. SPSS Version 20 was used to enter and analyse the data. Pearson chi-square was used to find out association and Independent Samples t-test was used to compare the knowledge of PT and Nurses. Results: The findings of study revealed that majority of the PTs (84.1%) had good knowledge of the GCS, yet only 2.9% of nurses had good knowledge. Most participants with good basic knowledge of the GCS lacked knowledge in the application and interpretation of GCS. Age, gender, educational level, and type of health facility were strongly associated with level of knowledge with significant p value<.001. The mean knowledge of nurses and physiotherapists was 59.84±14.65 and 89.81±8.45 respectively. Conclusion: The physical therapists' knowledge of the GCS was good compared to the knowledge of the nurse