Areas Of Karachi Research Articles

Ambient Air Quality Assessment in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan

Pakistan’s urban air pollution is amongst the utmost severity in the world that causes acute damage to the economy and human health. This study was designed for the assessment of ambient air quality in different areas of Karachi. The data were collected as pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season from main industrial zones of Karachi, S.I.T.E area, North Karachi industrial area, Korangi industrial area and Landhi industrial area in the year of 2017-2019. These zones are also a blend of industrial, residential, commercial and heavy traffic zones with dense populations. Ambient air data were collected for different pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matters (TSPM, PM10 and PM2.5). It is observed that in pre-monsoon, there is quite high intensity of particulate matter (TSPM, PM10 & PM2.5) present in the air, whereas CO and NO2 values found in all four zones are moderate in the air samples as prescribed by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) standards. It is observed specifically in Landhi, S.I.T.E Area and Korangi industrial area which are more prone to the exposure of these pollutants. In post-monsoon, the intensity of particulate matters (TSPM, PM10 & PM2.5), CO and NO2 values in all four zones are less to moderate than the values of pre-monsoon due to the seasonal effects. Study data shows that three major zones; Landhi, Korangi and S.I.T.E. industrial areas are at a high exposure to gases and other toxic elements. North Karachi is at the least risk because of having a small scale of industries present. The PM10 & PM2.5 levels average about 2 - 3-fold greater than the SEPA standards. High levels of ambient air pollutants cause severe health problems and chronic diseases on human health. Therefore the implementation of rules and regulations regarding ambient air pollutants should be more rigorous. .

Pilot Study of Air Quality during Pre and Post COVID-19 Lockdown: An Inadvertent Assistance to the Environment

The main object of this study was to examine the levels of air quality in Karachi, Pakistan, before and during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave of lockdown period levied to control the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the environment of Karachi city. Momentous improvement in the air quality has been found during the ‘Lockdown’ being implemented due to the Corona Virus Disease (COVID -19) pandemic in Karachi city. Concentrations of trace gases and particulate matter were used to calculate the results according to the criteria of USEPA. We have analyzed data from fourteen different locations along the busy roads in commercial, residential and industrial areas of Karachi during the period of lockdown. Data were compared to the before lockdown (BL) and during the complete lockdown (CL 1stwave), smart lockdown (SL 2nd wave) and again complete lockdown (CL-2 3rd wave) of COVID pandemic. The results show drastic reductions in criteria pollutants (PM10, CO, SO2 and NOx) concentrations in all the selected area during lockdown period. This study explained the level of air quality and its relation to prepare alternative plans to mitigate the air pollutants and to improve the environment of urban areas.

Assessment the Quality of Life in Karachi City through the Integration of Space and Spatial Technologies

This study is an attempt to map and measure the quality of life in the urban area of Karachi, Pakistan, by using Landsat-7 sensor, Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) combined with Census data through the state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS). For this purpose, the physical environment of the city is determined by the variables of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), surface temperature and land cover/use. These are extracted from the satellite image data through various techniques of remote sensing. On the other hand, the socioeconomic variables were obtained from the 2000 Karachi District Census Reports, to represent the living environment of the city. Finally, the integration of the physical variables with the socioeconomic variables was conducted in a GIS framework using an aggregated Z Sum score approach, in order to derive the quality of life scores for the city of Karachi on the basis of Administrative-Spatial Units called Union Councils (UCs). The results effectively demonstrated the efficiency of the Index raster techniques to evaluate and map the quality of life over the study area. In addition, the GIS techniques also isolated the contributing variables that may be responsible for the spatial variability in the quality of life.

Feasibility of youth empowerment initiative for identifying never- and under-immunized children

Abstract Background One-in-every 5 children globally remains deprived of life-saving vaccines. We developed and implemented the Adolescent Health and Leadership Program (AHLP) among school girls from grades 8-10 (Kiran Sitaras (KSs); Shining Stars) to provide them with soft skills and community mobilization skills and equipping them to become community advocates for immunization. We evaluated the feasibility of KS community mobilization through validating KSs' ability to accurately identify and link never- and under-immunized children with immunization services. Methods We implemented a mixed-methods study in six public schools located in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. After the development and roll-out of AHLP in schools, KSs conducted door-to-door visits in their neighborhoods to identify never-and under-immunized children. This was followed by verification visits by field staff to establish accuracy and immunization camps to vaccinate never- and under-immunized children identified by KSs. Results From January 28 to February 22, 2020, 591 KSs visited 10,330 households, screened 3,295 under-2 children and identified 7.5% (247/3,295) never- and 27.0% (889/3,295) under-immunized children, with an accuracy of 90.4% and 49.6%, respectively. In January 2021, 291 never- and under-immunized children were invited to immunization camps, of which 28.9% (84/291) received vaccinations, while 57.0% (166/291) did not respond to the invite and 14.1% (41/291) were deemed ineligible (illness, overage, etc.). Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility of empowering adolescent girls to boost immunization uptake in LMIC settings. Engaging young women from within the community provides an organic and sustainable solution for promoting immunization coverage and equity today and ensuring they will continue to champion the cause in their capacity as tomorrow's mothers. We are actively scaling-up our solution across the country to create a force of 100,000+ KSs to magnify our efforts. Key messages The Kiran Sitara initiative, via its community-centered approach, leverages the force of adolescent school girls to boost demand and referrals for immunization in unreached geographical pockets. The Kiran Sitara initiative utilizes the power of youth engagement to identify never- and under-immunized children, and subsequently increase vaccine-uptake.

The family planning "know-do" gap among married women of reproductive age in urban Pakistan.

To examine the prevalence and predictors of family planning (FP) know-do gaps among married women of reproductive age (MWRA) in low socio-economic urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. This was a cross-sectional survey of randomly selected 7288 MWRA (16-49 years) to identify predictors of the know-do gap in FP using a logistic regression model. More than one third (35.5%) of MWRA had FP know-do gap, i.e., despite having a knowledge of contraceptives and desire to limit or delay childbearing, they were not using contraceptives. Women were less likely to use FP if they were getting older (25-35 years: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.09-1.94; >35 years: OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.90-4.80), from certain ethnicities (Sindhi: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11-2.42; Saraiki: OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.01-2.71; other minorities: OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.63-3.44); did not receive FP counselling: OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.80; and had not made a joint decision on FP: OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06-1.98). Conversely, women were more likely to use contraceptives if they had >10 years of schooling (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.94), with each increasing number of a living child (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62-0.75) and each increasing number of contraceptive method known (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98). The predictors associated with the FP know-do gap among MWRA should be considered when planning future strategies to improve the contraceptive prevalence rate in Pakistan.

Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen Assay in a Resource-Limited Setting in Pakistan.

The diagnosis of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be challenging due to its cost and a lack of access to centralized testing. There is an urgent need to develop simplified HCV testing algorithms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of a Hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg) assay in a decentralized, resource-limited setting. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study from a highly endemic area of Karachi, Pakistan. Between October 2019 and July 2020, subjects aged 12 years and above who screened positive for HCV antibodies were simultaneously tested for HCV RNA (Xpert HCV Viral Load, GeneXpert® IV, Cepheid, France) and HCVcAg (ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay, Abbott® Diagnostics) to confirm active HCV infection. An Abbott ARCHITECT® i1000SR Immunoassay Analyser was installed at a local district hospital as a point-of-care (POC) facility for HCVcAg testing, while samples for HCV RNA were tested in a central lab. Two hundred individuals (mean age 46.4 ± 14.5 years, 71.5% females), who screened positive for HCV antibody, were included in the study. HCV RNA was detected in 128 (64.0%) while HCVcAg was reactive in 119 (59.5%) cases. Performance of the Immunoassay Analyser was excellent with a higher throughput and quicker readout value compared to the GeneXpert System. The sensitivity and specificity of HCVcAg (≥10 fmol/L) at HCV RNA thresholds of ≥12 was 99.1% (95% CI: 95–100%) and 87.6% (95%CI: 78.4–94%). A strong agreement was observed between the HCVcAg assay and HCV RNA. The ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay showed high sensitivity and specificity compared to HCV RNA in a decentralized, resource-limited setting. It can therefore be used as a confirmatory test in HCV elimination programs, particularly for low-income countries such as Pakistan.

The role of parent-to-child maltreatment in the pathway of self-reported depressive symptoms in Pakistani adolescents.

BackgroundParent-to-child maltreatment has been demonstrated to drastically affect a child’s mental well-being and plays a significant role in developing depressive symptoms. However, little is established about the effect of frequency of parent-to-child maltreatment on the development of depressive symptoms among Pakistani adolescents.MethodsA longitudinal prospective study was conducted, from 2015 to 2017, with 800 adolescents aged 11–17 years old recruited from 32 systematically selected urban and peri-urban areas of Karachi. First, these adolescents were screened for parent-to-child maltreatment in 2015 in a cross-sectional survey. Children with diagnosed psychiatric conditions were excluded from the study. In the second phase, these individuals were followed for 2 years to investigate the symptoms of depressive disorder using a validated tool, “CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies) Depression scale.” The Cox proportional algorithm was used to examine the relationship between the frequency of parent-to-child maltreatment and depressive symptoms.ResultsApproximately 11% of frequently, 9% of occasionally parent-to-child, and 7%of negligibly maltreated adolescents reported depressive symptoms over 2 years. The other significant predictors of depressive symptoms were no formal education of the child (RR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.35–7.34), presence of stressful home environment (RR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.22–3.94), and having both uneducated parents (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.90–3.21). The frequently maltreated females were found to have 4 times the higher risk compared to rarely maltreated males. In addition, frequently maltreated males were twice likely to develop depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe results suggested that frequent parent-to-child maltreatment occurring during childhood leads to the development of depressive symptoms later in the adolescence period. Thus, there is a dire need for interventions to raise awareness among the society on the issue of parent-to-child mistreatment to minimize later mental health consequences.

Assessing the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Depression in Elderly: A Predictive Study

The purpose of this research is to investigate the association of perceived social support (PSS) and depression in middle and older aged people. A random sample of 126 elderly persons, age between 40 years to 75 years, were selected from different areas of Karachi. A demographic data sheet was administered along with study scales. To explore the relationship, correlation coefficient and linear regression were applied. Findings revealed a significant negative relationship between perceived social support and depression (p<.000) in middle and older-aged adults and in male and female middle and older-aged adults, respectively. Further, the analysis revealed that PSS has the potential to bring .09%, .10%, and .06% change in depression among the whole sample and among elderly males and females. Provision and utilization of adequate support systems for the elderly can be beneficial in treating emotional problems and enhance the well-being of this population.

Assessment of Spatial Distribution of Waste Bins in Karachi Through GIS Techniques

Karachi has been facing various issues of municipal solid waste management. In the early 1960s, Karachi was the centre of leisure, now it has stretched out due to its increasing population. However, due to insufficient facilities and ineffective strategies, issues related to waste management are also increasing. For the problems related to waste management, the fundamental units available are municipal trash bins. In this study, 409 GPS point data of collection points of waste have been assembled from various areas of Karachi for assessment of the spatial distribution of waste bins. A spatial variation of distance between the trash bins is also identified through ArcGIS 10.3.1 cartography tool of generalization, which aggregates the points of trash bins by making polygon shape of the same distance. Globally, Geospatial techniques are used for changing the system of waste management. This is the first study that assessed the suitable distance of bins placement in the area under focus. The results revealed that there are no principles acquired by the government for the placement of trash bins with appropriate distance. In many towns of Karachi like Landhi and Korangi, bins are absent which impels people to throw their trash anywhere in the city

Parental Choice

This qualitative study explored parental perceptions regarding parent's choice of quality childcare centers in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Sixteen participants were selected from two centers in different geographical areas. For parents, the most common reason for selecting the childcare centers was the lack of other available options such as family support. Availability and accessibility of childcare centers were reported as supporting factors, while lack of family support, lack of information, and violent city conditions were identified as barriers to choosing childcare centers. In addition, husband support was perceived as a facilitator and a barrier to choosing childcare centers.

The Morphological Characters of Egg and Relationship of Immature Stages of Hermolaus modestus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Eysarcorini)

The paper investigates the biology and structure of egg and different developmental stages from 1st instar to 5th instar of Hermolaus modestus (Distant) (Pentatomidae: Eysarcorini). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory and the species was recognized as plant-sucking pest and mostly recorded on Ocimum basilicum (L.) from different areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The male and female individuals were breed under controlled laboratory condition. The maximum fertility range of Hermolaus modestus was observed 10 to 14 eggs per female and eggs were laid singly on the ventral side of plant leaves near the midrib. The incubation period was completed in 4 to 5 days. Newly emerged nymphs were dark red in colour but later colour changed into brown. The nymph passed through five instars progressively to complete the nymphal period. The first instar completed in 2 to 3 days with its specific characters. The second instar took 6 to 7 days with large clypeus. The third instar having scent gland plates and wing pads, completed in 5 to 6 days. The fourth and fifth instars of H. modestus completed in 5 to 6 and 8 to 9 days with prominent mesonotal and metanotal wing pads, respectively. The total nymphal period varied from 26 to 31 days. The total life cycle showed variation from 30 to 36 days. The total body length of male Hermolaus modestus was recorded as 4.8 mm to 5.0 mm.
 

Wireless Sensor Network–Based Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges Using Advanced Signal Processing Techniques

Abstract Continuous growth in the networks of roads and bridges pose a continuously rising challenge to maintenance agencies for ensuring accident-free operations of transportation network. This challenge exacerbates in developing economies. Specifically, in port/harbor areas, the challenge increases many folds because of the corrosive environment. Assessment of aging civil infrastructure integrity is imperative to guarantee safe operations. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) offer reliable and cost-effective automated applications for structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure. This article presents a vibration analysis–based method for SHM of civil infrastructures using WSNs. In the proposed research work, advanced signal processing techniques are applied on actual vibration data acquired using low-power WSNs to classify healthy and degraded civil structures. The proposed scheme has successfully been implemented on a 20-year-old concrete bridge situated in the harbor area of Karachi, Pakistan. Micro electro mechanical system–based accelerometers connected to low-power–consuming wireless nodes are installed on the bridge under study. The acquired vibration data are uploaded on the cloud. Subsequent application of time-frequency energy analysis of the recorded vibration data enabled the discrimination between healthy and degraded structures. The proposed scheme can be used for civil infrastructure monitoring at remote sites using low-power WSNs with the least intervention.

Conducting household surveys on reproductive health in urban settings: lessons from Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundData collection is the most critical stage in any population health study and correctly implementing fieldwork enhances the quality of collected information. However, even the most carefully planned large-scale household surveys can encounter many context-specific issues. This paper reflected on our research team’s recent experience conducting surveys for a quasi-experimental evaluation of a reproductive health program in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. We aim to describe the issues encountered and lessons learned from this process, and present some potential solutions for conducting future household surveys in similar urban environments.MethodsThe study followed a three-stage random sampling design. Initially, a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to construct the sampling frame with union council (UC) area mapping and cluster demarcation followed by random selection of clusters in the selected UCs within the intervention and control sites. The second stage involved a complete household listing in selected clusters and the final stage was a random sampling of households with eligible women.ResultThis paper describes the issues that were encountered including technical problems related to GIS demarcation of cluster boundaries and hand-held devices for computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI), household listing, interviewing respondents on sensitive topics and their expectations, and ensuring privacy during the survey.ConclusionThis study identifies a number of unique barriers to conducting household surveys in Karachi and highlights some key lessons for survey research in urban settlements. GIS mapping technology is a cost-effective method for developing sampling frames in resource-constrained settings. Secondly, the strategy of interviewing women immediately after the cluster is listed may be applied to make it easier to re-locate selected respondents and to reduce loss-to-follow up. Understanding local norms and developing culturally appropriate strategies to build trust with communities may significantly improve survey participation. Researchers should hire experienced female enumerators and provide continuous training on best practices for interviewing women on sensitive reproductive health topics in urban communities.

Perception and Evaluation of Noise Tempted Health Hazards and Risk Assessment from Portable Power Generators Usage in the Resident of Karachi, Pakistan

The aim of this study was to estimate the noise pollution level and possible health impacts due to the use of portable electricity generators in commercial areas of Karachi, city. 04 locations were selected at Tibet Centre, Empress Market, Garden Road and Saddar GPO Area. This study was designed to assess the perception and knowledge of power generator users towards the noise induced health hazards. A survey was conducted with 312 persons, randomly selected as shopkeepers, office workers and push-carters who participated as respondents in semi-structured questionnaire interview method. The questionnaire was divided into three sections as a) demographic characteristics include age, sex and educational level b) Knowledge and perception of noise pollution hazards and c) noise induced health hazards by the use of portable generators. Participants on the basis of their responses were categorized into four classes, no education / illiterate, SSC, HSC and graduate & above level education. It was established that higher the educational level the respondents had, the more they were likely to be aware of health effects of noise pollution. Results showed that residents are in constant exposure of generator noise show adverse health effect on the habitants which includes hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disturbances, impaired task performance and negative social behavior and annoyance reactions.

Comparison of Electronic Length Frequency Analysis (ELEFAN) for Estimation of Growth Parameters for Lollyfish, Holothuria (Holothuria) atra and Sand Sea Cucumber, Holothuria (Thymiosycia) arenicola (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in the North Arabian Sea, Pakistan

To estimate the growth parameters, the non-seasonal von Bertalanffy and Hoenig seasonal von Bertalanffy models were fitted to the length frequency data of Holothuria atra and H. arenicola obtained from coastal areas of Karachi in the northern Arabian Sea, Pakistan between January and December 2014. The Hoenig seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L∞=36.1 cm total length (TL), K=0.75 year-1 for H. atra and as L∞=34.9 cm TL, K=0.70 year-1 for H. arenicola. H. atra individuals reached 73.9% of their maximum total length at the one year old. For H. arenicola it was calculated as 72.7%. Monthly mean growth rate of H. atra at the same ages was calculated higher than H. arenicola. The seasonal oscillation in growth rate for H. atra (C=0.50) was larger than it was for H. arenicola (C=0.37). The time of the year when the growth is slowest corresponded to the middle of April (WP=0.30) in H. atra and at the beginning of August (WP=0.60) in H. arenicola may be the result of the extended both reproduction and poor nutrition periods due to monsoonal effects on the marine environment. The relatively high growth rates (K>0.7 year-1) of these two species may have important implications for high survival rate, particularly in environmental condition where cause biological stress and marine confusion but may also increase their potential as a candidate species for aquaculture.

Helminth Associated Infections Among Residents of Karachi

Background: Parasitic Helminth parasite affects approximately 2 million individuals yearly throughout the world. These infections are extremely important while often receive inadequate consideration. Helminths are among the gastrointestinal parasites mainly involved in an increased ratio of inflammatory bowel disease, especially in underdeveloped and developed countries.
 Objectives: To study the prevalence of helminth eggs in stool samples collected from five hospitals of Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi, Sindh among different age groups of male and female patients, the targeted age groups were < 1-14, 15-40 and > 40 yrs.
 Methodology: All the samples included in the study, were collected according to ethical review board policy of the participating hospital. Stool Samples were obtained from a total of 1042 patients, of which 198 samples were found to be positive for helminth eggs. The helminths included were Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenales and Hymenolepis nana. The association between helminth infection (A. lumbricoides, A. duodenale and H. nana) and age group was found to be significant.
 Results: Data was structured into male and female, and the association between sex and the intensity of infection gave highly significant results based on the chi-square test. Males showed a noticeable prevalence of helminths than females. Single, double and triple infections were also recorded.
 Conclusion: Present study could be very beneficial for developing programs not only for awareness in the urban and rural population but also for the control of infections due to helminths in Pakistan.

Interplay between Socio-Economic Factors and Language Shift: A Study of Saraiki Language in D.G. Khan

Pakistan is among those very few multicultural and multilingual countries which are celebrated for their ethnic as well as linguistic diversity. From the coastal areas of Karachi to the mountainous terrain of Gilgit Baltistan six major and more than 70 minor languages are spoken in various parts of Pakistan. Urdu relishes the position of National Language whereas the official language of the country is English and is mostly used by the power-wielding strata of the country namely the government functionaries, corporate sector, and education sector. The purpose of the study was to find out the interplay between socioeconomic factors and the phenomenon of language shift. The present research is descriptive in which 300 Urdu speaking children of Saraiki families of D.G. Khan District were selected for data collection. A multiple-choice questionnaire was devised and administered to collect the required data. The results insinuated a strong interplay between socio-economic factors and the language shift.

Impact of Organic Micropollutants Causing Mass Mortality of the Clams (Mactra aequisulcata) Due to Charactersitic Distribution at Karachi Coast, Pakistan


 Mass mortality of bivalve clams along with some other marine fauna was observed during the month of May 2016, mainly consisting of the clams (Mactra aequisulcata) of family Veneridae surfaced over the Clifton coast. The occurrence of mass mortality of the venerid clams Mactra aequisulcata and other marine life has been studied due to the toxicity of chlorinated hydrocarbons (DDTs, HCHs, hexa chloro benzene (HCB), chlordane, dieldrin (4-chlorophenyl), methanol (TCPMOH) and heptachlor epoxide and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Significant compositional characteristics of PCBs and DDTs were found in all dead clams and other fauna including fish (Johnius carutta), crabs (Portunus pelagicus), gastropods (Babylonia spirata), bivalves (Anadara antiquata), (Mactra aequisulcata) and the pen shell (Atrina pectinata) from Karachi coast, Pakistan. Mean concentrations (ranges) of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in crab (Portunus pelagicus) and fish samples were 1.1 (<0.01-1.5), 0.22 (<0.01-1.1) and 0.14 (<0.01-1.3) /µg/g. Those in, bivalves (Anadara antiquata) and pen shell (Atrina pectinata), clams (Mactra aequisulcata) were 0.09 (<0.02-1.2), 0.22 (<0.02-1.3) /µg and 0.13 (<0.01-0.27), respectively. The heptachlor epoxide was found in highest concentration in clam samples (25.00 ± 30.92) µg/g, (wet weight) however, in bivalves, (2.30 µg/g, (wet weight), which were higher than those in other gastropods. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations were also measured in the same samples of gastropods (Babylonia spirata), fish (Johnius carutta), crab (Portunus pelagicus), clams (Mactra aequisulcata), bivalves (Anadara antiquata) and the pen shell (Atrina pectinata) to determine the possible cause of mass mortality. The DDT to metabolites (DDD & DDE) concentration ratios exceeded upto 1.0 in the sessile fauna that is clams (Mactra aequisulcata) and the pen shell (Atrina pectinata) from Karachi coast. These organisms also exhibited dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) inputs, whereas dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDD) was found to be in degraded component and PCBs were generally in low concentrations. The concentrations of DDTs were higher than the ERL guidelines in the coastal areas of Karachi, suggesting that there is potential of ecological risk present in the prevailing environment.
 

Length based growth estimation of sea cucumbers (Holothuria verrucosa and Holothuria pardalis) (Holothuroidea:Echinodermata) collected from coastal areas of Karachi, Pakistan (northern Arabian sea)

To estimate the growth parameters, the non-seasonal von Bertalanffy and Hoenig seasonal von Bertalanffy models were fitted to the length frequency data of Holothuria pardalis and H. verucosa obtained from coastal areas of Karachi during January and December 2018. The Hoenig seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 18.0 cm total length (TL), K = 1. 00 year-1 for H. pardalis and as L∞ = 18.0 cm TL, K = 0.86 year-1 for H. verrucosa. H. verrucosa individuals reached 68.9% of their maximum total length at the one year old class. For H. pardalis it was calculated as 54.2%. The seasonal oscillation in growth rate for H. pardalis (C = 0.90) was larger than it was for H. verrucosa (C = 0.18). The slowest period of growth corresponded to June in H. verrucosa and February in H. pardalis may be the result of the extended both reproduction and poor nutrition periods due to high rainfall regime. The relatively high growth rate (K) of these species may have important implications for their survival, mainly in environments where conditions cause biological stress and oceanic disturbances but may also increase its potential as a candidate for aquaculture.

Women's Experiences And Perspectives Of Induced Abortions In Urban Slum Areas Of Karachi, Pakistan

Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes in developing countries where the rate of obtaining an abortion is high due to financial issues and the desire of a male child. This paper is extracted from a study about roles of midwives in unsafe and induced abortions in the urban slums of Karachi city. The objective of this paper is to discuss the causes of induced abortions and to explore the experiences of women having induced abortions. The study was conducted through interviewing schedule based upon open and close ended questions. The interview guide included questions about the causes of abortions, problems faced by women during the process, and effects on their social and economic aspects of their lives. Results show that the major reason of induced abortion is poverty, including others like large family size and family pressure due to economic burden, male child preference, social stigmas and sometimes due to partner choice. Findings of the study suggest that abortion is a traumatic experience which involved intentional death of an unborn child. It has also been discovered that women experience abortion, felt grief, shame, sorrow, and depression. The study concludes that induced abortion is used as a contraceptive method by poor women. As they are performed in unhygienic and illegal methods, they become a health risk which affects women lives socially, economically, physically and psychologically. The findings of the study will help in understanding the problems faced by women having induced abortions. Additionally, it would also assist in developing gender based reproductive health programs in developing countries.