HYPERSONIC WEAPON SYSTEMS – A NEW WAVE OF ARMS RACE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

Technological advancements and tactical applications have always played a significant role in determining the outcomes of military conflicts. The emergence of Hypersonic Weapon Systems is considered a game-changer in contemporary and future warfare, as it can potentially dominate the early stages of conflict. Major powers like the US, China and Russia are pursuing technological superiority by developing hypersonic weapons, which could undermine conventional strategic capabilities and render even the most advanced air and missile defences obsolete. However, there has been limited discussion on the impact of deploying hypersonic weapons in the Indian Ocean region and its implications on strategic stability in the Pakistan-India military matrix. This paper examines the induction of hypersonic weapons by the Indian Navy, utilising insights from security dilemma and conventional deterrence theories to navigate the complex strategic landscape in the region. It contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between the arms race and conventional deterrence in Pakistan and India, highlighting the risks of an arms race in the Indian Ocean region. Without strategic dialogue on regulating hypersonic weapons systems, the chances of escalation and conflict could increase significantly.   Bibliography Entry Raza, Imran and Nasir Mehmood. 2023. "Hypersonic Weapon Systems – A New Wave of Arms Race in the Indian Ocean Region." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 28-39

Hypotensive, vaso-relaxant, cardio-depressant and diuretic effect of crude extract of Crotalaria burhia (Fabaceae)

Purpose: To examine 70 % aqueous-methanol crude extract of Crotalaria burhia (Cb.Cr) for its hypotensive and diuretic effects. Methods: The effect of intravenous administration of Cb.Cr on blood pressure (BP) of normotensive anesthetized rats was studied. In vitro experiments on rabbit isolated aortic and atrial preparations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of action. The diuretic effect was assessed following oral administration of Cb.Cr in rats. Results: Intravenous administration of Cb.Cr produced 14.70 ± 1.21, 22.00 ± 2.24 and 36.21 ± 2.65 % reduction in mean arterial blood pressure of the rats at doses of 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. It was more potent in relaxing potassium (80 mM)- than phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions in isolated aorta of rabbit with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.58 ± 0.03 and 1.58 ± 0.16 mg/mL, respectively, which are similar to verapamil. The extract showed depressant effects on spontaneously beating atrial preparations of rabbit in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Cb.Cr also increased urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion in rats. Conclusion: Crotalaria burhia crude extract exhibits hypotensive and diuretic effects in rats. The hypotensive activity of the extract possibly involves vasodilator, cardio-depressant, calcium channel blocking and diuretic actions. Keywords: Khip, Crotalaria burhia, Calcium channel blocker, Antihypertensive, Diureti

POWER REALIGNMENT IN SOUTH ASIA – AN OUTCOME OF BRI (CPEC)

Pakistan and China, through CPEC, have uplifted decade’s old and time-tested bondage to the zenith of economic cooperation on a win-win basis. In the Chinese equation, BRI (CPEC – an integral part of BRI) is an initiative for the economic integration of the global community in the 21st century. In contrast, the US endeavours to ensure the implementation of international order at sea through its Indo-Pacific strategy. Considerable academic work has been undertaken distinctly on the US Indo-Pacific strategy and BRI (CPEC); however, scanty academic efforts have been made on future power realignment in South Asia. By employing Mahan’s theory of sea power, this paper explains the future maritime scenario in South Asia, which will evolve due to the power contestation of global players in the Indian Ocean and the formulation of two distinct power blocks with the US and China as leading players. It also answers how Indian Ocean littorals will align themselves in this great powers’ contestation. An in-depth understanding of the economic interests of Indian Ocean littorals through BRI and gaining benefits through a strategic partnership with the US will provide insight into future power realignment in South Asia. The paper concludes that China will likely formulate collaborative maritime security arrangements with BRI partners who will become Chinese allies to secure energy requirements. Likewise, India, Japan, South Korea and the US (under QUAD) will endeavour to impede China's economic progress, forming a power block in the Indian Ocean region.   Bibliography Entry Khawaja, Asma Shakir, and Imran Raza. 2022. "Power Realignment in South Asia – An Outcome of BRI (CPEC)." Margalla Papers 26 (1): 85-97

Comparison of two methods (precipitation manual and fully automated enzymatic) for the analysis of HDL and LDL cholesterol

Objective: To compare accuracy and throughput time for the measurement of HDL and LDL cholesterol by manual precipitation and fully automated enzymatic methods. Methods: Fifty, serum samples collected over a 4 months period (February - May 2004) were analyzed for HDL and LDL cholesterol by two different methods i.e. precipitation manual and automatic enzymatic method in the section of chemical pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan. Results: The mean standard deviation for HDL Cholesterol by precipitation method and automated method were 43.12 +/- 8.97mg/dl and 43.86 +/- 10.34mg/dl respectively (p-value = 0.301). The mean standard deviation for LDL cholesterol by precipitation method and automated method were 111.76 +/- 25.57mg/dl and 111.8 +/- 28.41mg/dl respectively (p-value = 0.981). The calculated t and F value for HDL-C was 0.0172 and 0.75 respectively, and calculated t and F values for LDL-C were 0.047 and 0.809 respectively. Average time for manual method was 45 minutes and automation 20 minutes. Conculsion: Both the precipitation (manual) method and the automated method provide reliable, precise and accurate results. In both the methods t and F values were less than critical. Automated method provide high throughput and are less labor intensive. The choice of method can depend on laboratory facilities and workloa

Pakistani Youth in Relation to CPEC and Their Future as Entrepreneurs

The objective of the study is to reveal whether the Pakistani youth accepts CPEC as their future and have shown positivity to become an entrepreneur. Our study reveals that; the youth in Pakistan feels that it is a need of time for their country and to take this opportunity as positive indicator towards their country prosperity and economic revival in no times. The research is focused on the samples based upon the youth of Lahore specifically the university students who directly have impact over being the entrepreneurs of Pakistan We use frequency analysis for our resultants, that helps us to interpret the data at a glance initially for the subject problem identified. It also helps us to evaluate and highlight the factors involved with the composition of its involvement as variable

Workplace Ostracism and Employee Reactions among University Teachers in Pakistan

This study investigated the positive and negative behavioral outcomes resulting from the pragmatic and psychological impacts of workplace ostracism experienced by university teachers in Pakistan. Using a qualitative and phenomenological approach, the data were gathered from 20 ostracized teachers working in public and private sector higher educational institutions in Pakistan. The results revealed that participants faced both the psychological and pragmatic impacts of workplace ostracism. Most of the ostracized teachers indicated positive behavioral outcomes due to being collectivist and placing a high value on social relations. Ostracized teachers used resource investment strategies by improving in-role and extra-role performance that reflect their re-inclusion expectations and less chronic prevalence of workplace ostracism. But participants showed their intention to engage in negative behaviors such as withdrawal, decreased performance, and resignation if they constantly face ostracism in future. The results of this study can be used by the university administration to develop an inclusive and non-discriminatory culture and policies to minimize the occurrence of workplace ostracism

The Surgical Results in Pure Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Surgeries in 403 Pituitary Adenomas: An 8-Years of Experience from a Single Neurosurgical Unit

Objective:  To review and report the results in pure endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery done at our unit for pituitary adenomas (PAs) in last 8 years. Material and Methods:  We reviewed 403 consecutive patients who underwent pure endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery for newly diagnosed pituitary adenomas between August 2012 and July 2020 at our neurosurgical unit. Endocrinological, demographic features and outcomes, their complications, and duration of stay in hospital were assessed in these patients who were operated in our neurosurgical Unit. The Mean Follow-up on average was 3.5 months. Results:  403 consecutive cases were reviewed. Majority of cases were in the 4th decade of life at presentation. 227 (56%) were non-functioning pituitary tumors and 176 (44%) were hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Thirty-one (7.7%) complications were observed in 28 post-operative patients. The most frequently observed complication was diabetes insipidus (temporary in 19 (5%) and permanent in 3 (0.7%) cases), cerebrospinal fluids leaks (5 cases) (5.7%), Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (1 case) (0.2%), internal carotid injury (1 case) (0.2%), Empty Sella syndrome (1) (0.2%) and post-operative cardiac complication (1 case) (0.2%). The Follow-up on average was 3.5 months. Conclusions:  The pure endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery of pituitary adenomas provides acceptable and reasonable results representing a safe alternative procedure to the traditional Trans-sphenoidal microscopic approach