69 research outputs found
جھوک سیال : دیہی پنجاب کا ثقافتی اظہار
No full textSyed Shabbir Hussain Shah, a government officer, had a passion for fiction writing. His only novel "Jhok Sayal" was published in 1972 by his widow Malika Pukhraj, a renowned singer. It sheds light on the exploitation of the native population by politicians, feudal lords, and religious figures. The novel vividly portrays the rich diversity of rural Punjabi culture. Moreover, it also explores the social and political realities of its time, providing an insightful commentary on the challenges faced by the local community
Faunistic analysis of insects of Deva Vatala National Park and agroecosystem of Gujrat Pakistan
Get PDFInsect biodiversity drives ecological functioning and provides ecosystem services in different landscapes. Protected areas with the least anthropogenic disturbances provide resources with the least disturbance in habitat favouring insect species belonging to different guilds to coexist and contribute to the ecosystem processes. Studies have highlighted the significance of anthropogenic landscapes including agricultural ecosystems for harboring rich native biodiversity. To understand the species composition and abundance agricultural landscape, we explored insect fauna in Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber (Azad Kashmir), and associated croplands of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. We aimed to assess the abundance, richness, and diversity of the insect orders, families, and species found in the two habitats i.e. national park and croplands. Fortnightly surveys were conducted during 2017-2019. Sampling methodology consisted of handpicking, using sweep nets, light traps, and pitfall traps, and insect collection was identified by using taxonomic keys. A total of 239 insect species representing 10 orders and 69 families were collected and identified from both habitat types. For both diversity and abundance, we detected a significant difference in community composition at species, family, and order levels. Several insect orders and families demonstrated significant differences (p< 0.05) in either abundance or richness or both between the two types of habitats. Several families of Coleoptera, which contains dung beetles, ground beetles, ladybird beetles showed greater richness in DVNP. However, we also detected that several insect orders showed greater richness in the croplands of Gujrat. But we observed the pattern of the greater abundance of insect orders in DVNP. Both types of habitat can have important consequences on insect fauna having great importance in the ecosystem services and functions. Protected areas nearby associated croplands have the potential to contribute immensely to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision both at the local scale and the landscape scale
Sensitive detection of pre-existing BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations in CD34+ cells of newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients is associated with imatinib resistance: implications in the post-imatinib era
Get PDFBACKGROUND BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations are infrequently detected in newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Recent studies indicate the presence of pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations in a higher percentage of CML patients when CD34+ stem/progenitor cells are investigated using sensitive techniques, and these mutations are associated with imatinib resistance and disease progression. However, such studies were limited to smaller number of patients. METHODS We investigated BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations in CD34+ cells from 100 chronic-phase CML patients by multiplex allele-specific PCR and sequencing at diagnosis. Mutations were re-investigated upon manifestation of imatinib resistance using allele-specific PCR and direct sequencing of BCR-ABL kinase domain. RESULTS Pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations were detected in 32/100 patients and included F311L, M351T, and T315I. After a median follow-up of 30 months (range 8–48), all patients with pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations exhibited imatinib resistance. Of the 68 patients without pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations, 24 developed imatinib resistance; allele-specific PCR and BCR-ABL kinase domain sequencing detected mutations in 22 of these patients. All 32 patients with pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations had the same mutations after manifestation of imatinib-resistance. In imatinib-resistant patients without pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations, we detected F311L, M351T, Y253F, and T315I mutations. All imatinib-resistant patients except T315I and Y253F mutations responded to imatinib dose escalation. CONCLUSION Pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations can be detected in a substantial number of chronic-phase CML patients by sensitive allele-specific PCR technique using CD34+ cells. These mutations are associated with imatinib resistance if affecting drug binding directly or indirectly. After the recent approval of nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib and ponatinib for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia along with imatinib, all of which vary in their effectiveness against mutated BCR-ABL forms, detection of pre-existing BCR-ABL mutations can help in selection of appropriate first-line drug therapy. Thus, mutation testing using CD34+ cells may facilitate improved, patient-tailored treatment.Zafar Iqbal, Aamer Aleem, Mudassar Iqbal, Mubashar Iqbal Naqvi, Ammara Gill, Abid Sohail Taj, Abdul Qayyum, Najeeb ur-Rehman, Ahmad Mukhtar Khalid, Ijaz Hussain Shah, Muhammad Khalid, Riazul Haq, Mahwish Khan, Shahid Mahmood Baig, Abid Jamil, Muhammad Naeem Abbas, Muhammad Absar, Amer Mahmood, Mahmood Rasool, Tanveer Akhta
The The Use of Modality: A Stylistic Analysis of Karel Capek’s Grafitto
No full textThe article analyses various shades of modality and its role in extracting the literary and thematic concerns of the writer from the text. It focuses on the use of modality in Karel Capek’s Grafitto, identifies the shades used in the text and shows that by using different verbs the characters express their attitude to various events and situations. The article shows that the study of modality not only helps the readers determine the style of the writing but also assists them in comprehending the meanings in the story meticulously and scientifically and why the writer uses certain shades of modality more frequently than others. To analyse the text, the researcher has used Paul Simpson’s given types and shades of modality and shown that by using epistemic modality more often, the author has brought forth the existential uncertainties and ambivalence in the life of characters
Spatiotemporal occurrence of beehives of genus Apis in Northern Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
No full textGlobal insect pollinator declines in different landscapes have urged an increased need to assess the distribution and abundances of these pollinators in different landscapes. We explored seasonal patterns of occurrence of honeybees in selected districts of Northern Punjab (Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi) and associated two districts of AJK (Bhimber and Mirpur). We recorded the occurrence of beehives from agroforestry, cropped areas, and parks or tree plantations on monthly basis from 2019 to 2021. Taxonomic keys were used to identify the Apis spp. and consequently, beehives were recognized. Data were arranged seasonally i.e., Fall-Winter (September to February), Spring (March–May), and Summer (June–August). Data demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the distribution patterns of beehives of Apis spp. among districts and seasons. In Jhelum and Bhimber districts, A. dorsata and A. cerana had a high percentage of hives as compared to A. florea but a lower percentage of hives was recorded in Sialkot and Gujranwala.
A. dorsata had shown maximum occurrence in Jhelum (20.83%) than in Bhimber (14.52%) and Rawalpindi (16.41%). While A. cerana indicated a higher percentage of hives in Jhelum (20.95%) followed by Bhimber (17.74%), and Mirpur (14.53%). We detected that A. florea had a higher occurrence in Bhimber (16.61%), Sialkot (15.87%), and Jhelum (15.31%). The synthesis of our study suggests that A. dorsata may have greater occupancy in the areas with sub-mountainous topography. While there is a more generalized distribution of A. cerana and A. florea in plains like Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Gujrat. Based on our findings regarding their occurrence and coexistence, these three species have the potential to contribute to the honey production and genetic diversity of local flora in the study area
Seasonal diversity and distribution patterns of birds in agricultural landscapes of Gujrat, Pakistan
Get PDFHabitat selection in agricultural landscapes by wild bird species shows their adaptability to maximize their opportunities to benefit from landscape crop production. We assessed seasonal patterns in avian diversity and distribution of agroforestry, urban croplands and rural croplands of Gujrat, Pakistan from April 2017 to March 2019. We randomly positioned three 1 km transects > 500 m apart at each sampling point in three study sites. We conducted both morning (05-08:00) and afternoon (16-19:00) surveys, recording all birds seen or heard along transects to a maximum perpendicular distance of 50 m; 0.1 km2 surveyed per transect. In total, we recorded 39 bird species belonging to 20 families and eight orders. We found significant differences in seasonal abundance and species richness related to species’ residential status. Across the survey period, species diversity was greater in winter (October-March; H´= 3.279) than in summer (April-September; H´= 2.987). Spatially, avian diversity was highest in agroforestry (H´ = 4.261), then urban cropland (H´ = 3.746), and lowest in pure croplands (H´ = 2.247). Bird community composition changed significantly across seasons and agricultural systems. Resident species tended to contribute most to intra-seasonal and system community similarities. The avian communities reported from these semi-arid croplands indicate agriculture landscapes provide habitat for both summer visitors and winter visitors. Overall, agroforestry systems support higher richness and diversity than more open, cropland systems
The Sensitivity of DTR to the Increased CO2 over Mid-latitude Semi-dry Regions
No full textThe rationale for this study lies in the fact that the mid-latitude regions are largely affected by the global and regional scale circulation changes. Moreover, earlier studies emphasize that the variation in atmospheric concentration of heat-trapping gases, cloud amount and moisture contents produce substantial regional climatic changes. Therefore, it is of significant practical importance to analyze the sensitivity of midlatitude regions to anthropogenic forcing, especially, the CO2 radiative forcing. This study assesses the role of CO2 radiative forcing in causing asymmetric diurnal changes over the mid-latitude semi-dry region using an idealized experiment conducted by single column (1-D) RadiativeConvective Model (RCM) of the diurnal cycle. The model is capable enough in highlighting the main features responsible for the observed diurnal asymmetry in the ground temperature. A significant decrease in the Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) is observed in this region under doubled CO2 forcing. The amount of thermal radiation trapped by CO2 forcing in the presence of water vapors plays a key role in surface temperature changes and resultant decreasing of the DTR. It is further found that CO2 induced climatic feedbacks are equally important in producing diurnal asymmetry. To better understand the complete picture of the DTR variability, one needs to explore all the possible forcing and feedbacks such as caused by aerosols, water vapors and cloud amount along with their distribution in the atmosphere.The author would like to thank Prof. Georgiy Stenchikov, Chairman, Earth Science and Engineering Department, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology for providing access to his single column RCM used in this study
Impact of Tropical Volcanic Eruptions on Hadley Circulation Using a High-Resolution AGCM
Get PDFThe direct radiative effects of volcanic eruptions resulting in solar dimming, stratospheric warming, global surface cooling and reduction in rainfall are well documented. However, eruptions also cause indirect climatic impacts that are not well understood. For example, solar dimming induced by volcanic aerosols could cause changes in tropical Hadley circulation that in turn largely affect evaporation and precipitation patterns. Therefore, understanding the sensitivity of HC to volcanism is essential, as this circulation is directly related to precipitation changes in the tropics and with other large-scale circulations. Hence, to better understand the post-eruption sensitivity of HC and associated changes in the hydrologic cycle, simulations for the El Chichón and Pinatubo tropical eruptions were conducted using a high-resolution atmospheric model (HIRAM), effectively at 25 and 50 km grid spacing. The model simulated results are then compared with observational and reanalysis products. Both the model and observational analysis show posteruption weakening, shrinking and equatorward displacement of the updraft branch of HC caused by the equatorward shift of midlatitude jets and hemispheric land-sea thermal gradient. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is tightly coupled to the rising branch of HC, hence, post-eruption weakening and equatorward displacement of HC cause weakening of ITCZ that adversely affects rainfall distribution in the monsoon-fed regions, especially the South Asian and African tropical rain-belt regions. The modelproduced post-eruption distribution of cloud contents suggests a southward shift of ITCZ. The HIRAM results are largely in agreement with the reanalysis, observations and previous studies indicating that this model performs reasonably well in reproducing the global and regional-scale dynamic changes caused by volcanic radiative forcing.I thank Earth Science and Engineering Department, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia for providing computational facilities that were used to conduct model simulations. The observational and simulation results are available from the author upon reques
Study of Generalized Hourglass Section in Carbon Nanocone via Connection Number
No full textIn 1972, Gutman and Trinajstic showed that total π-energy of a molecule depends upon a numeric quantity which is often called as Zagreb index. In the same report, they also discussed another numeric quantity depending on the number of atoms at a distance two from a particular atom and proved influencing results on π-energy of a molecule. In modern literature, this quantity is named as connection number. In this article, we will describe some Zagreb connection numbers for hourglass section in carbon nanocone network with different lengths of cycle in the central core
Genome Based Research in Aquaculture
Get PDFGenome -based technologies are being instigated to manipulate the structure and function of the genome and to identify the genes of interest for genetic modification of economically important species. Genome editing technologies have also been designed for genetic manipulation of aquaculture species to increase production and quality with minimum investment costs. DNA marker technologies are the most widely used genome technologies. DNA fingerprints are used to construct physical maps while genetic maps are based upon meiotic recombination. BAC fingerprinting is the commonly used method for physical mapping. Next- generation sequencers revolutionized science and allowed the de-novo whole genome sequencing. QTL mapping has made it possible to identify the genes responsible for a particular trait. Government involvement and better training of aqualturists are direly needed to reinforce the practical implications of genome- based technologies
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