512 research outputs found
Biosensing
No full textIn this work, we explore the nonenzymatic detection of H2O2 using anodic SnO2 nanoporous channels (NPC) decorated with CuO quantum dots (QDs). The open-top and crack-free morphology of SnO2 NPC was obtained by modified anodization. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy. FESEM and HRTEM results show that SnO2 has a uniform channel width and pore size with an average diameter of around 40 nm. XRD, EDAX, XPS, Raman, and HRTEM measurements confirm the high purity of anodic SnO2 NPC with successful deposition of CuO QDs. Pristine (SnO2) and hybrid (SnO2-CuO) electrodes were used directly as the nonenzymatic H(2)O(2 )biosensor. The hybrid electrode demonstrated an ultrahigh sensitivity of similar to 85,250 mu A mM-1 cm-2 with an extremely low limit of detection (0.001 mu M), broad linear detection ranges of 5-95 and 25-450 mu M, and a quick response time (less than 1.9 s) toward H(2)O(2 )detection. This can be attributed to the advanced SnO2 nanoporous structure, the reduced band gap, and the formation of additional surface sites as a result of CuO QD decoration. H(2)O(2 )measurement in human blood serum demonstrates high sensitivity, good accuracy, and excellent selectivity of the fabricated hybrid electrode compared to the commercially available biosensor. Density functional theory results indicate that the formation of SnO2-CuO is energetically favorable. H(2)O(2)is strongly and selectively adsorbed over the SnO2-CuO nanostructure possessing a large negative adsorption energy (-1.89 eV) and evinces a significant decrease in the band gap (up to 1.59 eV) of the hybrid structure. The fabricated biosensor showed the highest sensitivity, excellent selectivity, good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability, thus confirming it as a favorable candidate for nonenzymatic H(2)O(2 )sensing and quantification.
The Effectiveness of Community-Based Development in Poverty Reduction: A Descriptive Analysis of a Women-Managed NGO in Rural Pakistan
Get PDFTo assess the targeting performance of community-based development activities and deduce the impact of such activities on poverty reduction, we implemented a survey of a non-governmental organization (NGO) in northwestern Pakistan. A distinct characteristic of this NGO is that it is managed mostly by women and its interventions are conducted through community-based organizations (COs), most of whose members are also female. This characteristic is rather unusual for a male-dominated society like Pakistan. Descriptive analyses of village, CO, and household level data shows that the NGO was able to target poorer villages. Villages with COs are characterized by lower adult literacy rates, lower availability of basic amenities, and higher susceptibility to natural disasters. With regard to household-level welfare indicators - such as consumption, women’s empowerment, children’s school enrolment, and the weight-for-age of infants - we found that the consumption levels of CO member households tended to be lower than that of households in non-CO villages. However, the difference between CO member households and non-member households in CO villages was insignificant, possibly owing to the mixing of the selection effect (i.e., poorer households are served by the NGO) and the causal effect of interventions on poverty reduction. On women’s empowerment and child schooling, CO member households tend to perform better than other households, suggesting the favorable impact of the interventions and/or the self-selection of such households vis-à-vis program participation.
Folio
No full textNisar Ahmad-Essay-The Role of Stereotypes in the Development of the Female Personality. pp. 1-2; M. Moazzam Zubair-Essay-By Love Serve One Another. pp. 3; Jehanzeb Anwar-Essay-A Great Escape. pp. 4-5; Ahmed Ilyas Butt-Essay-War: A Solution for Peace. pp. 6-7; Fatima Zahra-Essay-Proliferation of Electronic Media and Youth. pp. 8; M. Imran-Essay-Environmental Pollution and Our Responsibility. pp. 9; Muiz Junaid Khan-Essay-Intelligence. pp. 10; Safa Aleem-Essay-A Wake-up Call. pp. 11; Fareeha Tahir-Essay-Karo Kari: The Cruelest Reality in Pakistan. pp. 12-13; Adnan Farooqui-Essay-Democracy. pp. 14; Riaz Akbar-Essay-Politics: a Dirty Game or a Human Necessity? pp. 15-16; Mujtaba Chaudhry-Essay-Emancipation of Women. pp. 17; Adeel Riaz-Essay-The Unheard Miseries of Bonded Laborers. pp. 18-19; Nazeef Ishtiaq-Essay-Pakistan Today. pp. 20; Muhammad Adeel-Short Story-Broken Threads. pp. 21-23; Tehreem Fatima-Short Story-But Still. pp. 24; Naima Fatima-Short Story-Once Upon a Time. pp. 25-26; Syed Irfan Haider Shah-Short Story-By The Riverside, I Sat and Wept! pp. 27-28; Faiqa Javed-Short Story-Ghosts. pp. 29; M. Bilal Aslam-Short Story-A Mysterious Night. pp. 30-31; Sabrina Asim-Short Story-A Dismal Encounter. pp. 32; Umair Vahidy-Short Story-Uncertain Ambiguities. pp. 33-36; Jahanzaib Aslam-Interview-Jamsheed Marker. pp. 37-43; U. Vahidy, H. Aslam-Interview-Cecil Chaudhry's Interview. pp. 44-48; N. Ahmad, K. Shah-Interview-Muhammad Junaid. pp. 49-51; N. Ishtriaq, U. Vahidy-Interview-Qazi Laeeque Ahmed. pp. 52-56; S. Aleem, S. Ahmad-Interview-Bilal Bajwa. pp. 57-58; M. Mesam Ismail-Reflections-Loneliness. pp. 59; Haya Fatima-Reflections-I Love to Fantasize. pp. 60; Jahanzeb Anwar-Reflections-A Faith for the Faithless. pp. 61; Fizza Ali Shah-Reflections-Where Are We Heading To. pp. 62; Rabia Shad-Reflections-Need of Revolution. pp. 63; Mariam Iqbal-Reflections-An Extract from a Mother�s Diary. pp. 64; Ali Abbas-Reflections-Sense of Responsibility. pp. 65; Sabrina Asim-Reflections-Painting in Words. pp. 66; Dr. Waseem Anwar-Poetry-Reading Between Silences. pp. 67; Muhammad Adeel-Poetry-The Hand. pp. 67; Nauman Ahmad-Poetry-Fragrance, Piercing Through My Heart. pp. 68; Shumyila Imam-Poetry-Human Right. pp. 68; M. Y. Sandhu-Poetry-To the Mausoleum. pp. 69; Mumtaz Hussain Kherani-Poetry-The Real Inventor. pp. 69; Shakeel Fiaz-Poetry-God Almighty. pp. 70; Jahanzaib-Poetry-My Mother. pp. 70; Ahmed Ilyas Butt-Poetry-A Walk in the Park. pp. 70; Tajwar Ali Buber-Poetry-My Craze. pp. 70; Samra Zafarullah-Poetry-How can we Forget? pp. 71; Tanzeel Ahmad Khan Niazy-Poetry-My Daddy. pp. 71; Toqeer Ahamad Wazir Gilgity-Poetry-Heart and Mind. pp. 71; Faisal Nizami-Poetry-I am... pp. 71; Basit Zafar-Poetry-Lord! pp. 72; Nauman Ahmad-Poetry-I Try Reaching You. pp. 72; Muiz Khan-Poetry-Untitled. pp. 72; Warda Tahseen-Poetry-I am Not a Perfect Girl. pp. 72; Nisar Ahmed-Poetry-Chaos. pp. 73; Furqan Farukh-Poetry-I'll Die Another Day. pp. 73; Nisar Ahmed-Poetry-Secret Joy. pp. 74; Jahangir Jan Khokhar-Poetry-I Want To. pp. 74; Arman Ahmed-Poetry-On the Edge of Dreaming. pp. 74; Professor Arif Qureshi-Poetry-Mother, O' Dear Mother! pp. 74; Furqan Farrukh-Poetry-Love at First Sight. pp. 75; Faisal Karim Nomali-Poetry-Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). pp. 75; Saad Akmal-Poetry-Laid Forgotten. pp. 75; Zamzam Rizvi-Poetry-A Lonely Island. pp. 76; Jahanzaib Aslam-Poetry-O My Beloved! pp. 76; Society Reports. pp. 77-80; [Urdu]. 80 p.Mr Jamsheed Marker. before page 37; Mr Cecil Chaudhry. after page 48; Qazi Laeeque Ahmed. after page 56; Mr Bilal Bajwa. before page 57; Presidents 2009-2010. after page 76; FCC Dramatic Club. before page 77; 20 pages covering different activities at FC, i.e. Alumni Reunion, Commencement, Honors Convocation, Drama, Class of 2010, Sports, Debates and Societies. after page 80; Professor Dr Agha Sohail. before page 7 Urdu section; Professor Dr Ehson Raza Khan. before page 15 Urdu sectio
Investigation of electrical properties for cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvester
Get PDFIn the present era, the renewable sources of energy, e.g., piezoelectric materials are in great demand. They play a vital role in the field of micro-electromechanical systems, e.g., sensors and actuators. The cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvesters are very popular because of their high performance and utilization. In this research-work, an energy harvester model based on a cantilever beam with bimorph PZT-5A, having a substrate layer of structural steel, was presented. The proposed energy scavenging system, designed in COMSOL Multiphysics, was applied to analyze the electrical output as a function of excitation frequencies, load resistances and accelerations. Analytical modeling was employed to measure the output voltage and power under pre-defined conditions of acceleration and load resistance. Experimentation was also performed to determine the relationship between independent and output parameters. Energy harvester is capable of producing the maximum power of 1.16 mW at a resonant frequency of 71 Hz under 1g acceleration, having load resistance of 12 k Omega. It was observed that acceleration and output power are directly proportional to each other. Moreover, the investigation conveys that the experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical results. The maximum error obtained between the experimental and numerical investigation was found to equal 4.3%
Management of knee osteoarthritis with cupping therapy
No full textThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of cupping therapy at a clinical setting for knee osteoarthritis. A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. Cupping was performed on 0-6 th day; 9-11 th day and 14 th day, i.e., 11 sittings follow-up to determine longer term carryover of treatment effects utilizing both objective and subjective assessment. The assessment was performed before and after treatment spreading over a period of 15 days. The results of this study shows significant and better results in the overall management of knee osteoarthritis, particularly in relieving pain, edema, stiffness and disability. The efficacy of treatment with cupping therapy in relieving signs and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is comparable to that of acetaminophen 650 mg thrice a day orally, in terms of analgesia, anti-inflammatory and resolution of edema with minimal and temporary side-effects like echymosis and blister formation while as control drug has greater side-effects particularly on upper gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended that further studies are conducted with a larger study samples and of longer duration
The Role and Impact of China’s Trade Internationalization: A Paradigm Shift in the World Economy
No full textIn the present era, China has instigated a soft power image to dominate the world (by sweeping the world trade and markets) in contrast to the United States of America (USA) and European Union hard power strategy. This study presents and reviews the growth in China’s trade in the context of the global economy. On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that China has caused a paradigm shift in the global economy through its trade-centered policies. Its dominance is largely attributed to the encouragement of local investors and promoting trade and products through a policy of minimizing barriers to openness. It is also observed that China’s economy has been more stable in the recessionary times and has strong correlation with total world trade import and export volume
Changing Susceptibility of Enterococcus Species in Urinary Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Get PDFObjective: To determine the efficacy of Fosfomycin against the Enterococcus species and if can still be the drug of choice for lower urinary tract infections.
Setting: This study was conducted from August 2022 to March 2024 at Microbiology Laboratory, MTI- GKMC/BKMC, Swabi, KPK.
Methodology: After seeking permission from the institutional review board, a total of 3000 urine samples were received at Microbiology Department of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi, KPK in the said time period for culture and sensitivity. Urine specimens were inoculated on Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar (Oxoid, UK) and incubated aerobically at 35°C ± 2 for 18 to 24 hours. After identification of colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical reactions were carried out to confirm if it was Enterococcus species, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out. Demographic data of the patients was also recorded.
Results: Out of the total 3000 urine samples received at Microbiology Department of BKMC, Swabi, 95 samples yielded the growth of Enterococcus species out of which 22% were Vancomycin resistant and showed 51% resistance to Fosfomycin.
Conclusion: An increased rate of fosfomycin resistance against Enterococcal isolates was observed in our study, which urges cautious prescription of Fosfomycin and it is necessary to continuously monitor fosfomycin resistance in future as well
The Determinants of Food Prices: A Case Study of Pakistan
Get PDFControlling prices is one of the major tasks for the macroeconomic policy-makers. The recent oil price hike that shifted the policy towards biofuels and some natural calamities increased food prices around the world. This paper analyses the demand- and supply-side factors that affect food prices in Pakistan. Long-run relationship is analysed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) for the period 1970 to 2008. The result indicates that supplyside factors (subsidies and world food prices) have a significant impact on food prices , whereas demand-side factors, such as money supply, are the main cause of the increase in food prices in the short as well as the long run. The error correction is statistically significant and shows that market forces play an active role to restore the long-run equilibrium.Food Prices, ARDL Approach, Pakistan
Introduction and editional critique of Mustafa b. Ali, and his work "Risale-i Tecvid"
No full text17. yüzyıl Osmanlı müelliflerinden olan Mustafa b. Ali, Mekke'nin yanı sıra Mısır'da bulunmuş, fıkıh, hadis ve kıraat ilminde kendisini yetiştirmiş bir âlimdir. Bu çalışmanın da konusu olan Risâle-i tecvîd adlı eseri de müellifin tecvîd konusunda kaleme aldığı eserlerden biridir. Eser; bir mukaddime, dokuz bâb ve bir hâtimeden oluşmaktadır. Bablarda ele alınan konular ise harflerin mahreçleri, sıfatları, istiâze ve besmele, zamir, med ve kasr, idğâm ve izhâr, tenvin ve nûn-u sâkin, tefhim ve terkik ve vakf ve sektedir. Hâtime bölümünde de Duhâ ve Leyl sûresinden Kur'ân'ın sonuna kadar her sûrenin sonunda okunan tekbir ve salavatlarda nasıl vasl ve vakf yapılacağı üzerinde durmuştur. Eserde tilâvet sahasında en çok kullanılan Âsım kıraati ve Hafs rivâyeti esas alınmıştır. Ancak tecvîd kaideleri anlatılırken sadece Âsım veya Hafs'ın görüşlerine yer verilmemiş; yeri geldikçe diğer kıraat imamlarının görüşlerine, tecvîd kaidelerine yönelik aralarındaki ihtilaflara ve hem fikir oldukları konulara da değinilmiştir. Dolayısıyla eserde ele alınan bu tecvîd kaideleri kıraat imamlarının ve tecvîd âlimlerinin görüşleri ve uygulamaları doğrultusunda daha geniş bir çerçevede işlenmiştir.One of the 17th century Ottoman authors, Mustafa b. Ali is a scholar who has been in Egypt as well as Mecca and trained himself in the science of fiqh, hadith and qiraat. His work titled Risâle-i tecvîd, which is also the subject of this study, is one of the works written by the author on tajwid. The work consists of a preliminary, nine chapters and a hâtime. The topics dealt with the origin of letters, adjectives of the letters, istiâze and basmala, pronouns, med and kasr, idğâm and izhâr, tenvin and nûn-ı sâkin, tefhim and terkik and waqf and sekte. In the chapter of Hâtime, it is emphasized how to make a vasl and vakf in takbir and salawat recited at the end of each surah from Surah Leyl and Duha to the end of the Qur'an. In the work, the most used recitation the qiraat of Asim and one of his narrators, Hafs, was taken as basis. However, while explaining the rules of tajwid, not only the views of Asim or Hafs were included, but also the opinions of other qiraat imams, the disputes between them regarding tajwid rules and the issues they agreed upon were also mentioned. Therefore, these rules of tajwid discussed in the work are discussed in a wider framework in line with the views and practices of qiraat imams and tajwid scholars
Interdiscursivity in Pakistani Drama Serials: A Study of Critical Discourse Analysis
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to analyse the interdiscursivity of Pakistani dramas by applying critical discourse analysis to them. This article explores the nature, function, and use of interdiscursivity in four different Pakistani dramas. Baandi by Asma Nabeel, Cheekh by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, Baghi by Shazia Khan, Ab daikh Khuda Kia Karta hai by Syed Amer Ali Shah Husaini. This paper also deals with the strategies of language and how language is being practised by different characters in different dramas to show their cultural background through the lens of media. Fairclaugh's dimensional model has been used to analyse the data. The study also takes into account how interdiscursivity explores the hidden agenda behind these ideologies. This study aims to dig out scenes and characters from these four dramas. Discursive practises have been shown through the perspective of violence and hegemony created by the continuous practise of patriarchy in our society.
 
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