210 research outputs found
Milk Supply Chain and Efficiency of Smallholder Dairy Producers in Pakistan
No full textMany developing countries are re-orienting their production and marketing systems by linking local agri-producers with organized supply chain networks and supermarkets to meet increasing consumer demands. However, the existing literature is silent on the effects of such integration on relative inefficiency of smallholder producers. This paper analyzes the effects of such supply chains using data from a natural experiment in the dairy sector of Pakistan. We study the impact of rural milk supply chain, known as milk district, on smallholder efficiency of commercial dairy producers by employing stochastic production frontier and technical inefficiency effects model using survey data of 800 dairy households. While location of dairy households in our sample is exogenously determined, building of milk supply chain indeed decreases technical inefficiency. We detect stronger power of milk district in further reducing technical inefficiency if the farms are located in remote areas, or if their size is relatively large. The advice to policy makers from these results conforms to the standard economic view that market competition leads to decreased levels of technical inefficiency of smallholder producers.supply chain, Production frontiers, Dairy efficiency, Food policy
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
No full textBACKGROUND 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
Artistic Review of Dr. Mahmood Ahmed Asir's Poetry: ڈاکٹر محموداحمد اسیر کی شاعری کا فنی جائزہ
No full textThis paper presents an artistic review of the poetry of Dr. Mahmood Ahmed Asir, a distinguished voice in contemporary Urdu literature. The study emphasizes the aesthetic dimensions of his creative expression, highlighting the richness of imagery, rhythmic patterns, and stylistic elegance that characterize his work. Special focus is placed on his use of symbolism, metaphors, and linguistic innovation, which together create a distinctive artistic identity. By examining selected poems, the paper reveals how he blends traditional poetic conventions with modern sensibilities to produce a unique harmony of form and thought. His poetry not only captures the beauty of human emotions and cultural experiences but also reflects a refined artistic consciousness that resonates with readers across generations
Keywords: Mehmood Ahmed Asir, Poetry, Literature, Symbols, Expression
Genetic diversity in upland cotton for cotton leaf curl virus disease, earliness and fiber quality
No full textIn Pakistan during last two decades the major factor
limiting cotton production is cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD). For
estimation of genetic diversity regarding CLCuD tolerance, fiber quality
and some yield contributing traits, 101 cotton genotypes imported from
USA were evaluated. Different statistical procedures like cluster, principle
components (PC) and correlation analysis were employed to identify the
suitable genotypes that can be further exploited in breeding programme.
Significant associations were found between yield contributing trait, boll
weight and fiber related trait, staple length. Earliness related traits, like
st st days taken to 1 square and days taken to 1 flower had positive correlation
with each other and both these traits also showed their positive
association with ginning out turn. The negative significant correlation of
CLCuD was obtained with monopodial branches, sympodial branches and
plant height. Principal component (PC) analysis showed first five PCs
having eigen value >1 explaining 67.8% of the total variation with days to
st -1 1 square and flowering along with plant height and sympodia plant which
were being the most important characters in PC1. Cluster analysis
classified 101 accessions into five divergent groups. The genotypes in
st cluster 1 only showed reasonable values for days to 1 square and flower,
sympodia per plant, ginning out turn, staple length and fiber fineness and
the genotypes in cluster 5 showed promising values for the traits like
cotton leaf curl virus, ginning out turn and fiber fineness. The genotypes in
cluster 1 and 5 may be combined to obtain desirable traits related to
earliness and better disease tolerance. Scatter plot and tree diagrams
demonstrated sufficient diversity among the cotton accessions for various
traits and some extent of association between various clusters. It is
concluded that diversity among the genotypes could be utilized for the
development of CLCuD resistant lines with increased seed cotton and lint
yields with desirable fiber quality
Assessment of genetic diversity for cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuD), fiber quality and some morphological traits using different statistical procedures in Gossypium hirsutum L
No full textCotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD) is one of the major factors limiting cotton production in Pakistan. For the assessment of genetic diversity one hundred cotton genotypes was evaluated for CLCuD tolerance, fiber quality, yield and some yield related traits. For evaluation of these traits cluster, principle components (PC) and correlation analysis were employed to obtain suitable parents that can be further exploited in a breeding programme. CLCuD exhibited negative and significant association with seed cotton yield (-0.317**) while with other traits it showed non-significant correlation. The ginning out turn had a significant positive correlation (0.367**) with fiber fineness but negative and significant association (-0.273**) with fiber length. For staple length only positive and significant association was found with sympodia per plant (0.210**). Plant height showed positive association (0.661**) with sympodia per plant and seed cotton yield (0.233*) while sympodia per plant showed positive and significant association with seed cotton yield (0.271**). Principal component (PC) analysis showed first 5 PCs having eigen value >1 explaining 71.3% of the total variation with plant height, sympodia per plant and seed cotton yield being the most important characters in PC1. Cluster analysis
classified 100 accessions into four divergent groups. In cluster 3 and 4 included genotypes with higher tolerance of CLCuD and better fiber quality along with higher yield potential were included. Scatter plot and tree diagrams demonstrated sufficient diversity among the cotton accession for various traits and some extent of association between different clusters. The results concluded that the diversity among the genotypes could be utilized for the development of CLCuD resistant varieties with higher lint yield and germplasm conservation programs aimed at improving CLCuD tolerance with better fiber quality
Cotton leaf curl virus disease a principle cause of decline in cotton productivity in Pakistan (a mini review)
No full textAmong most serious threats of last two decades with reference to cotton crop in Pakistan is Cotton leaf Curl Virus. This disease inflicted huge losses not only to the cotton crop but also to the economy of Pakistan. It first appeared in 1967 on few plants in Multan and in 1992-93, caused a decline in production down to 9.05 million bales and during 1993-94, to 8.04 million bales well below the estimated targets in Pakistan. Various disease inducing procedures like grafting, delayed sowing, whitefly mediated disease transfer were exploited to screen out material against this notorious disease. Climate change and weather fluctuations have a profound influence on the spread of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus. Climate change is altering temperature and precipitation patterns, resulting in the shift of some insect/pest from small population to large population thus effecting crops yield. The abiotic factors like temperature and plant age influence cotton leaf curl virus disease epidemiology. Fiber quality traits like Ginning out turn, fiber length, fiber uniformity index, fiber fineness, fiber bundle strength, maturity ratio also deteriorated because of change in composition of major fiber components including cellulose, protein, wax and pectin. The ambiguity about inheritance is also prevailing whether it could be through dominant or recessive genes which may be monogenic or polygenic whereas Extrachrmosomal inheritance is also under discussion. The resistance break down depends upon the evolutionary potential of the pathogen and possibility of recombinations, by which new variants of viruses evolved. The resistance gained for Multan-CLCuV became susceptible to Burewala-CLCuV due to virus mutation and lack of durable resistance. Virus tolerant cultivars along with management practices like changing sowing dates, proper crop nutrition, better cultural practices, efficient vector control and buffer crops are the ways that can help to get better crop. Systemic poisoning of cotton seed by seed treatment may make the cotton crop safe in initial 40-50days after sowing. Biotechnology can also help in controlling this disease through transcriptional gene silencing. By exploiting biotechnological tools broad spectrum resistance can be introduced against all viruses present in the field
Performance of improved practices in farmers’ fields under rainfedand supplemental irrigation systems in a semi-arid area of Pakistan
No full textIn Pakistan, like many of the developing countries, crop yields under dryland agriculture are very low.This field research aimed at investigating improving land and water productivities and farmers’ incomesthrough improved water management, crop intensification and diversification under rainfed and supple-mental irrigation (SI) conditions. With improved packages (e.g. high yielding varieties, appropriate seedrates, time of sowing, and use of fertilizers) an average of 31% higher yields of rainfed wheat (Triticumaestivum) were obtained by farmers compared to their traditional practices. The net income under theimproved package was about Rs. 70,000/ha (1 US$ = Rs. 72), almost double that under farmers’ currentpractices. The highest wheat yield of 5102 kg/ha obtained in small plots was 28% higher than for farmers’current practices; followed by the raised bed yield of 4776 kg/ha. With only 20% extra cost for waterused as SI for small plot sowing with improved practices, there was 47% higher wheat yield and over 60%higher net income obtained compared to farmers’ practices. Similarly, with about 10% additional cost forSI, groundnut (Arachis hypogea) yield and net income increased up to four times compared to farmers’practices. It may be concluded that, in this environment, much of the yield gap between farmers andresearch may be closed by adopting simple and low cost integrated packages
Impact of Financial Reforms on Efficiency of State-owned, Private and Foreign Banks in Pakistan
No full textThis paper uses a unique bank level data from 1991 to 2000 and evaluates how financial reforms affect banking efficiency of domestic and foreign banks in Pakistan. The results suggest that banking efficiency falls during initial reform period when banks adjust to enhanced competition, but increases in more advanced stages of reform. While in general foreign and private banks show superior efficiency and factor productivity than state-owned banks, the relative performance of foreign banks worsens after the consolidation stage of the financial reforms is over. We show the importance of link between bank size, asset quality and bank branches with efficiency indexes, and also note that every 10% increase in share of nonperforming to total loans decreases banking efficiency from 6% to 10%.Bank efficiency, Financial Reforms, frontier analysis
Seeking Moderation Amid Religious Extremism and Political Turmoil: A Case Study of Afghanistan
No full textThis study investigates the interplay of Islamic ideology, violence, and political strategies in contemporary Afghanistan, examining domestic and foreign influences. This study applies library resources to explore the delicate relationships between Afghan Islamic philosophy, politics, and warfare by utilizing a thematic analysis framework. By closely analyzing the historical development of Islamic philosophy, politics, and violence in Afghanistan, as well as the impact of foreign stakeholders, the study aims to offer a thorough understanding of this interconnected web of complexities. Employing thematic analysis to dissect Islamic thoughts in Afghanistan, stressing the diversity of viewpoints and the vital role of external stakeholders. This research will shed light on the complex interplay of terrorism relationships among terrorism, politics, and conflict resolution, highlighting the dire need for Wasatiyya (moderation). By bridging historical viewpoints with contemporary ground realities, the study will offer an understanding of Afghanistan’s socio-economic and political complexities. This article significantly contributes to the academic discourse and directs future research into the complex political realities within the region.  
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