Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: B. Life and Environmental Sciences

Solar Energy Potential in Pakistan: A Review

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This review paper focuses on the potential of solar energy and its applications in addressing the energy crisis in Pakistan. Currently heavily reliant on non-renewable sources, Pakistan faces severe power shortages and lacks access to electricity in many rural areas. The paper highlighting its geographical position and the availability of solar radiation. The review emphasizes the need to harness the vast solar energy resources available in the country. It was discovered that over 100,000 MW of electricity from sunlight could be generated, particularly in regions within the Sunny Belt. The annual average daily global radiation of Pakistan is: horizontal (GHI) - 16 MJ/m², oblique (GTI) - 13 MJ/m². The minimum annual average daily GHI in Pakistan is higher than the world average annual average daily GHI. At the same time, in Pakistan, thermal power generation accounts for most of the energy production (61% in 2020, 63% in 2021, and 61% in 2022), while renewable energy sources account for the least (3% in 2020, 2% in 2021, and 3% in 2022). It emphasizes the need for research and development, as well as policy support, to promote the adoption of solar energy technologies. In conclusion, this review paper sheds light on the significance of solar thermal energy as a renewable and sustainable solution for Pakistan's energy dilemma. It underscores the need for increased investments, technological advancements, and policy interventions to harness the immense solar energy potential and pave the way for a greener and more energy-secure future in Pakistan.

Fruit Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Three Saudi Arabian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars Grown in District Khairpur, Pakistan

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the present study fruit morphological and biochemical characterization of three Saudi Arabian date palm cvs. (Ajwa, Safawi and Ruthana) were carried out, which were cultivated in the district Khairpur, Pakistan. Fruits were collected at four different fruit growth stages (kimri, khalal, rutab and tamar) from fifteen years old trees for morphological (fruit colour, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, pulp ratio, seed length, seed diameter, seed weight) and biochemical analyses (moisture content, pH, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars). Results of fruits physical characters showed that significantly highest fruit length (5.5 cm at rutab stage), fruit weight (20.2 g at khalal stage) was observed in cv. Safawi, whereas at khalal stage significantly lowest fruit length (3.4 cm) was observed in cv. Ajwa and fruit weight (13.2 g) was observed in cv. Ruthana. Fruits showed significant variations in colour and weight from kimri to tamar stage. Biochemical analyses of fruits revealed that highest moisture content (86.2%) was observed in fruits of cv. Ruthana at kimri stage. Total soluble solids (TSS) increased from 8.7% (at kimri stage) to 20.5% (at tamar stage) in cv. Ruthana. pH of the fruits at kimri stage was 3.2 in cv. Ajwa, whereas pH increased to 5.2 in cv. Ruthana at tamar stage. Total sugars (reducing and non-reducing) increased from 7.56% in cv. Ajwa at kimri stage to 69.7% in cv. Safawi at tamar stage as significantly highest values. Findings obtained in the present study described morphological attributes and biochemical constituents of the fruits of three exotic cultivars introduced in climatic conditions of the district Khairpur, Pakistan will open the route and interest of the farmers to introduce other elite date cultivars grown in the world.

Macromoths (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) and Geometer Moths (Geometridae: Lepidoptera) Species Diversity in Central Sindh, Pakistan

Zaryab Gul, Mansoor Ali Shah, Naheed Baloach — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Moths are primarily nocturnal, phytophagous, pests of agriculture, night pollinators, and potential bioindicators. The current study is the first to provide information on the diversity, richness, and abundance of moth species in central Sindh, Pakistan. Moths were collected by light traps, light sheets, and insect nets. A total of 517 specimens were collected during four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn) and sorted out into 2 families. Moreover, Family Erebidae was sorted out into 3 subfamilies (Arctinae, Calpinae, and Erebinae) of 5 genera (Utethesia, Chalciope, Creatonotus, Grammodes, and Eudocima) with 8 species (Utethesia pulchella Linnaeusn1758, Utethesia lotrix Cramer 1789, Chalciope mygdone Cramer 1775, Creatonotus transiens Walker 1855, Grammodes geometrica Fabricius 1775, Grammodes stolida Fabricius 1775, Eudocima phalonia Linnaeus 1763, and Eudocima maternal Linnaeus 1767) while family Geometridae was sorted out into 3 subfamilies (Sterrhinae, Ennominae, and Geometrinae) of 3 genera (Scopula, Isturgia, and Microloxia) with 5 species (Scopula pulchella Fabricius 1794, Scopula minorata Boisduval 1833, Isturgia disputaria Guenee 1858, Isturgia Pulinda Walker 1860, and Microloxia herbaria Hubner 1800). However, the family Erebidae was found to be the most prevalent with 8 species while the family Geometridae was found to be the least prevalent with 5 species. However, the family Geometridae was found to be highest in abundance with 305 specimens while the family Erebidae was found to be lowest in abundance with 212 specimens. According to the localities, the highest value (0.91) of Simpson's index (D) was recorded for Matiari; while the lowest value (0.86) was recorded for Jamshoro. The survey locations featured varied moth fauna, as evidenced by the fact that Matiari was recorded as the highest value (2.394) Shannon index (H) while Jamshoro was recorded as the lowest value (2.034).

PCR-based Detection and Prevalence of Theileria Species in Sheep from Quetta District, Balochistan

Nabeela Tariq, Maria Khan, Tahreem Shaikh, Zil e Huma, Shakeela daud — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Theileriosis is a serious hemoparasitic illness that severely limits the production of small ruminants. The current study aims for early and accurate detection of theileriosis using polymerase chain reaction for treatment as conventional techniques are not specific. Blood samples were collected from sheep between July and October of the year 2020. A total of 100 samples were taken, 69 samples were from tick-infested sheep exhibiting illness signs, while 31 samples were from tick-free sheep. To detect Theileria species in sheep, DNA was extracted, and the PCR method was used. The prevalence of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis was 22.47% and 64.04%, respectively, with a 13.48% frequency of mixed infection with both species. T. ovis was detected in around 80% of tick-infested sheep, indicating a significant association (P<0.01) with ticks. T. lestoquardi was found in 28.99% of tick-infested sheep, indicating a significant connection (P<0.001) with ticks. The incidence of T. ovis was significantly related to the summer season but T. lestoquardi was non-significantly related to the summer season (P>0.05). A high prevalence of Theileriosis is found in Quetta. The parameters studied were strongly correlated to the infection except for T. lestoquardi with the summer season. Early detection with the help of polymerase chain reaction can accelerate treatment and reduce transmission to increase livestock production in Pakistan.

Immunity Patterns of Covid-19 Recovered Patients in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Huda Khan, Maisoor Ahmed Nafees, Saif Ud Din, Mehran Kausar, Raja Imran — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The main purpose of this study was to assess the immunity of recovered patients in COVID-19 patients. The idea was to unveil the nexus between the onset of COVID-19 coupled with the virulence of the disease and the immune responses of the target population in tandem with the intake of local/traditional foods. In the current study antibody presence and complete blood profile of 100 individuals were studied for COVID-19, from the Gilgit area. Immunity against COVID-19 recovered patients was observed during this investigation after more than eight months of their recovery. In this study, 78.2% of people were positive for Immunoglobin G antibody and 23.7% for Immunoglobin M antibody. The most infected age group recorded was 31-40 years. The mean blood glucose level in random was 143.38 mg/dL and 128.18 mg/dL in males and females, respectively. The mean cholesterol level in males was 148.82 mg/dL while the female cholesterol mean was 126.49 mg/dL. White Blood Cells were observed within their prescribed ranges. The mean hemoglobin level was 14.580 g/dL and 12.022 g/dL while mean RBC was 4.7838×10⁶ m/µL and 4.2993×10⁶ m/µL and the mean platelets were 238.45×10³/µL and 261.91×10³/µL in male and female, respectively. It is observed that the A⁺ blood group was more susceptible to infection. About 75% of individuals consume highly rich and nutritious food. About 55% of people engaged themselves with exercise. 25% of participants used their normal regular diet during the infection phase on the other hand 75% of individuals treated themselves with a specific and highly nutritious diet for their rapid and healthy recovery. More than 65% of people were re-infected after COVID-19 vaccination but the symptoms were not severe. Due to the strong innate immunity of people from this region, they recovered more rapidly. The dietary habits, high hemoglobin levels coupled with regular exercise might have a positive impact on early recovery of COVID-19-infected patients.

Prevalence of Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystem: A Case Study of Thal Canal

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Microplastic pollution in the aquatic ecosystems is a hot global debate due to wide spread effects on human life and environment. This study aims to identify microplastic pollution presence in the Main Line (ML) Thal canal, its distributaries and provide an overall estimation of microplastics concentration in surface water of Thal Canal. Six major sampling points at ML canal and distributaries were assessed for microplastic prevalence out of which five locations showed microplastic contamination. Size, structure and type of microplastic were assessed using light microscopy and FTIR. The study provided baseline information about the prevalence of microplastics in Thal Canal and evaluated their categories according to their size, color and type of polymers. Microplastics concentration in the canal ranged from 6.4 ± 0.5 to 8.8 ± 0.5 particles/m³. Films, mostly transparent in coloration, were the most prominent microplastic type appeared in this study. Polyethylene with 55% presence was the most prevalent type of microplastics found in the canal and the distributaries. This study provides a better understanding of the extent of microplastic pollution assessment in Thal canal with equal emphasis on Microplastic presence in distributaries which may be beneficial in identifying the introduction of microplastics at sources.

Price Distortions and Competitiveness of Cotton Production in Pakistan

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research is conducted to determine the cotton price distortions, as well as competitiveness at national and international levels. National competitiveness has been measured by using the nominal protection coefficient (NPC) and benefit-cost ratios for the period 2008-09 to 2018-19. To gauge international competitiveness, trade base indices under the revealed comparative advantage approach are used. A comparison of the international competitiveness of Pakistan with major cotton-exporting countries has also been made. The results of this research revealed that at the national level cotton producers in Pakistan faced implicit taxation for most of the years during the study period, as NPC_i averaged at 0.87 as an import substitution crop. Export parity prices were slightly less or equal to the domestic prices by varying degrees as NPC_e averaged at 1.06. The production cost grew at the rate of 12.3% per annum, while cotton output prices grew at the rate of 8.4 percent per annum. Consequently, a decrease was registered in the benefit-cost ratio during the study period. Pakistan has experienced comparative and competitive advantage for cotton as indicated by results of revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indices. A comparison of Pakistan’s indices with main exporters/competitors demonstrated that Pakistan has a relatively higher comparative and competitive advantage for cotton. However, Pakistan’s international competitiveness exhibited a declining pattern since 2011-12. This result is consistent with the national level scenarios as the benefit-cost ratio has declined over this period. It can be concluded that productivity growth and a reduction in input costs are needed to improve overall competitiveness in cotton production and trade.

Efficacy of Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Powder on Lipid Profile and Hematological Indices in Chickens on a High Fat Diet

Aisha Saleem, Irum Naureen, Muhammad Naeem — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Moringa oleifera belongs to the Moringaceae family and genus Moringa. Moringa oleifera has many beneficial pharmaceutical and nutritional properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplements of Moringa oleifera leaves powder after consumption of a high-fat diet on cholesterol TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL and hematological parameters such as Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PCV, RBCs, WBCs, PLT neutrophil, heterophil and lymphocytes count in chicks. Golden Misri Chickens were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (the Control group) was given Feed-13. Group 2 (Experimental Group) was given Feed-13 and mustard oil (high-fat diet) Group 3 (experimental Group) was given Feed-13 + mustard oil and 1.5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder. Group 4 (experimental Group) was given Feed-13 and 1.5% of Moringa oleifera leaves powder for four weeks. The results of the current study showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight in Experimental Group 3. Experimental group 3 showed a significant increase in levels of HDL, TG, RBCs, and Hb, while significantly decreased (p > 0.05) in LDL, TLC, WBCs, MCHC, MCV, MCH, TC, TP, Monocytes count, neutrophil count, and platelet counts. Moringa oleifera supplementation showed a significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL, and TC levels. The findings of this study demonstrated that powdered Moringa oleifera is a beneficial and effective dietary supplement that increases HDL, TG, Hb, and RBCs, and decreases cholesterol levels.

Performance and Instability of Oilseed Crops in Pakistan

Muhammad Nisar Khan, Arshad Mahmood Malik, Faheem Khan — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This comprehensive study spanning from 1971-72 to 2021-22 consistently discerned distinct patterns of variability and instability within Pakistan's oilseed crops. Analyzing instability in the cultivation area, yield, and production of oilseed crops is crucial for effective planning and strategy formulation. The study encompasses the analysis of nine oilseed crops, namely cotton, rapeseed-mustard (including canola), sesame, groundnut, sunflower, castor seed, linseed, soybean, and safflower. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) and the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index (CDVI) were employed to assess fluctuations and instability in the cultivation area, production, and yield of these crops. The findings highlighted that cotton exhibited a high degree of instability in production and yield, while rapeseed-mustard (including canola) consistently displayed a high degree of production volatility, underscoring the critical need for a sustainable and steady supply of these commodities. Sesame output revealed frequent instability, demanding prompt and effective mitigation actions. Groundnut production consistently demonstrated mild inconsistency, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring to ensure supply stability. Sunflower cultivation faced substantial insecurity, necessitating comprehensive stabilization techniques. Soybean production continually grappled with significant insecurity across all factors, emphasizing the importance of robust risk management. Safflower production consistently posed challenges due to extreme instability, requiring ongoing solutions. Linseed regularly manifested moderate instability, indicating room for improvement with better management. Castor seed production showed considerable volatility in cultivation area and production but low yield instability, underscoring the significance of targeted stability solutions. Addressing insecurity in Pakistan's oilseed crop sectors is crucial for food security, requiring proactive measures like improved forecasting, resource allocation, and informed policy-making for long-term stability.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Sheep Breeds in Diverse Habitats of Baluchistan Province through the Analysis of the vertnin Gene

Rameez Raja Kaleri, Hubdar Ali Kaleri, Ghulfam Ali Mughal, Ahmed Nawaz Khosa — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to identify the vertnin gene in four different sheep breeds of Balochistan by studying their genetic characteristics and analyzing molecular markers. For this purpose, four different sheep breeds, Balochi, Rakhshani, Harnai, and Bibrik, were selected. A total of 10 animals from each breed were chosen to study the impact of breed and the vertnin gene on carcass features. The selection of animals was based on their phenotypic characteristics such as age and teeth. Blood samples of 10 ml were collected and transported to the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, LUAWMS Uthal, Balochistan. Genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction was carried out using a modified inorganic method. The results showed that Balochi had a change in amino acid cytosine (C) > into thymine (T) mutation, Rakhshani had a change in guanine (G) > into adenine (A) mutation, Bibrik had a change in adenine (A) > into cytosine (C) mutation, and Harnai had a change in thymine (T) > into cytosine (C) mutation. The maximum divergence was 0.15715 bp in relation to the comparison in all studied sheep breeds. The phylogenetic results showed that the Balochi breed has 95–97% similarities with the other breeds when sequences were compared. The results revealed that the gel-electrophoresis bands of the Balochi breed were slightly higher, respectively. It was concluded that the vertnin gene exists in different breeds of sheep and might show a broad range of differences, even with similar DNA sequences. However, the purity based on the vertnin gene is at high risk, as a notable difference was found between the Balochi and Harnai sheep.

Caffeine-Containing Local Products and Their Effects on Liver and Kidney Histopathology: A Comparative Study

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Caffeine has several modified natural and synthetic forms and it is the most abundantly consumed drug around the globe. It is present in fruits, seeds and leaves of many plants but coffee contains highest content of caffeine and is considered its richest source. It is also found in much high ratio in non-alcoholic beverages, i.e., tea and carbonated drinks like coke. The aim of current mammalian model based investigation was to evaluate the possible histopathological variations influencing the function of kidney and liver due to the intake of selective caffeinated products: Arabica and Robusta beans’ blend based coffee and coke. The 30 albino mice of male gender and 1.5 month age were acclimatized for ten days and later on, categorized as group I (control group which was treated with standard mice feed), experimental group II (treated with coffee blend) and experimental group III (treated with coke). The renal and hepatic histological sections were cut and stained for weekly observations. Hematoxyline and eosin staining was used and microscopic observations were recorded at 40X. The ANOVA based statistical analyses showed that significant variations occurred in body weight, diameter of renal blood vessels, glomeruli and of necrotic areas of both experimental groups (p ≤ 5%). Moreover in hepatic tissues, vein wall thickness, diameter of bile ducts and liver lobules also indicated significant variations. The conclusion is excessive and regular intake of above mentioned composition having coffee and coke may result in diverse physiological disturbances and a programmed general public awareness is required regarding their limited intake.

Impact of Perceived Servicescape on Patient Satisfaction through Mediating Role of Service Credibility and Moderating Role of Received Word of Mouth in Rehabilitation

Tanzila Zahid — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of perceived servicescape (PS) and credibility of the healthcare service provider (CHSP) on patient satisfaction(PtS) in rehabilitation settings of public and private hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Mediating effect of CHSP and moderating effect of received word of mouth (WOM) have also been studied in this relationship. A sample of 300 patients receiving rehabilitation care was selected by applying convenience sampling technique. The design of this study was cross-sectional in nature. Self-administered questionnaire was designed to be utilized. Application of the correlation and regression were executed to analyze the collected quantitative data. The cross-sectional study method, limited geographical area coverage, and small sample size did not allow the detailed testing of the causal relations among study variables. Results of this study have indicated that there was a significant direct positive relationship between perceived servicescape and patient satisfaction and this relationship was also mediated positively by CHSP. There was a substantial direct positive relationship between perceived servicescape and CHSP and, between CHSP and patient satisfaction. However, the moderating effect of received WOM was found to be insignificant. It is recommended that healthcare managers should develop a credible service framework that focuses on better affordability, competitiveness, awareness, empathy, service expertise, pleasant interactions with patients through centeredness communication and beliefs and, subsequently, it will contribute to patient satisfaction and success of the rehabilitation settings. This is the first-ever study of the impact of perceived servicescape on patient satisfaction through CHSP as a mediator and the moderating influence of received WOM in rehabilitation.