Areas Of Lahore Research Articles

Chemical composition and source characterization of PM10 in urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan

This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the particulate matter ≤10 µm (PM10) at both congested and non-congested areas of Lahore, the second-largest city of Pakistan. PM10 samples from 10 urban sites in Lahore were analysed for source apportionment. The techniques of scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDX) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were used to determine the morphology and the chemical composition of PM10. Thirteen elements including toxic metals were consequently detected and quantified: Ca (48.1%), Zn (17.0%), Fe (13.3%), Al (8.2%), Mg (6.6%), Pb (5.5%), Mn (0.4%), Cu (0.3%), Ba (0.17%), Cd (0.15%), Ni (0.04%), Cr (0.01%) and Co (0.008%). The results showed that the daily PM10 concentration was 6%–9% higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline values at all urban sites of Lahore. The congested sites showed higher contents than the non-congested areas for most of the elements, including Cd (41.8%), Cr (35.0%), Zn (19.7%), Cu (12.7%), Ni (6.2%), Ca (3.4%), Ba (1.2%), Mg (1.2%) and Al (0.07%). The non-congested areas showed higher contents only for Pb (0.07%) and Co (4.3%). The principal component analysis indicated that 72% of PM10 originates from road dust and vehicular sources, and 38% from industrial sources.

Impact of Job Insecurity and Work Overload on Employee Performance With the Mediating Role of Employee Stress: A Case of Pakistan’s Fast-food Industry

The fast-food industry is one of the booming industries in Pakistan with rapidly developing human resources. However, quick growth has become impeded by numerous human resource management challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors/variables that cause stress among employees in the workplace which consequently affect their performance. Pakistan’s fast-food sector has been taken into account and a comprehensive study has been carried out to find out which variables result in employee stress and affect their overall job performance. Primary data was collected through three hundred and fifty questionnaires disseminated throughout various areas of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad including Emporium Mall, Packages Mall and Dolmen Mall, Lucky One Mall, Centaurus, and key areas popular for fast-food in those cities. Several statistical tools including; Reliability and Validity Analysis, Factor Analysis, Regression analysis, KMO, Cronbach Alpha and the Bartlett Test, are used for data analysis on SPSS and Smart PLS. Results of the analysis show that Work Overload, Job Insecurity (independent variable) and Employee Stress (mediating variable) have a significant impact on Employee Performance (dependent variable). The relationship of Job Security and Work Overload with Employee Stress is positive. Similarly, the relationship between Employee Stress and Employee Performance is also positive and significant. The study described in this paper thoroughly focuses on all the major causes of employee’s stress and its impact on employee performance, it also suggests how Fast-food sector of Pakistan should consider these factors in order to address these issues and provide favorable workplace environment.

Rapid defluoridation of drinking water by calcium carbonate nanoadsorbent: characterization, adsorption studies and application to real samples’ treatment

Abstract Groundwater contamination of fluoride is a serious global issue leading to its excessive intake and subsequently numerous adverse health issues. This research was designed to assess the efficiency of nanoadsorbent for removal of fluoride levels from water. For this purpose, calcium carbonate nanoparticles (average particle size 14.6 nm) were prepared and later applied for effective removal of fluoride from simulated as well as real drinking water (DW) samples collected from different areas of Lahore, Pakistan. The particles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Physico-chemical parameters were studied in batch mode which revealed high adsorption capacity (i.e. 754.36 mg g−1) at room temperature and neutral pH within 10 min. The kinetic isotherms (general, pseudo-first, and pseudo-second order), diffusion studies (intra-particle diffusion and particle diffusion models), and adsorption models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Liu, and Redlich–Peterson) were also applied to evaluate the suitability of adsorption process. The applicability of nanoadsorbent to fluoride-contaminated real DW samples led to 98–100% efficacy of defluoridation.

Effect of Moisture Content on Aflatoxin B1 production in Wheat Flour Samples Collected from Lahore, Pakistan

The present research was conducted to study the effects of moisture contents on the level of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in wheat flour samples collected from different areas of Lahore. Total 30 samples were collected from different locations and shops in Lahore- Pakistan, making sure that they have different levels of moisture contents. Thin layer chromatography technique was (TLC) selected to check the AFB1 contamination levels in wheat flour samples. The AFB1 was detected in 10 samples (33.33%), out of which 7 samples (23.33%) had AFB1 levels within permissible range, i.e. 2 μg/kg, while 3 samples (10%) contained AFB1 levels i.e. 2.67 μg/kg, 2.93 μg/kg, 3.01 μg/kg above permissible range. From the study it was concluded that the contaminated samples had greater moisture contents than that of non contaminated samples. Sample with 35% moisture content has 3.01 μg/kg AFB1 levels. The food stuff can be protected from AFB1 production by minimizing the moisture contents, the lesser the moisture content, the lesser will be the aflatoxin levels in food samples.

Trends in Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices and Factors Affecting Mothers in Suburbs of Lahore

Introduction: Breast feeding has no match as a nutritional resource during the first six months for an infant, necessary for the health of both mother and infant. In past, Pakistan had worst breast feeding rates and despite efforts to promote breast feeding, situation is not satisfactory. Aims & Objectives: Our aim was to determine the frequency of mothers having exclusive breast feeding practices and finding various factors which may affect trends of exclusive breast feeding practices, in rural areas of Lahore. Place and duration of study: This study was done during May 2018 to October 2018 at Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching Hospital. Material & Methods: In this cross sectional study, 254 mothers were interviewed directly and predesigned questionnaire was filled, through non probability consecutive sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Post stratification chi square test was applied. Results: Only 34.3 percent mothers were found to practice exclusive breast feed till 6 months of infant age, 93 percent mothers were of age<35 years, mean age 26.6 years and SD±4.9. Only 3.5% initiate breast feeding within an hour of birth. Chi square test revealed association between exclusive breast feed with insufficient breast milk, initiation time of breast feed and early cessation of breast feed (p<0.05). Conclusion: Declining rates of breast feeding creates an alarming situation and suggests to make more aggressive efforts for promotion of breast feeding the infants. Key words: breast feed, insufficient feed, prlecteal feed

Mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice determination of fever Management of children at Home Rural areas of Lahore

Fever is common problem in children. Most these episodes are managed at home unless consultation from a consultant. Mothers' response to fever will depend on their perception of its cause and Knowledge about how it can be manage. The aim of this study is evaluate mothers' perceptions of fever and its Management at home. Methods: This was a community based descriptive study. It involved the distribution of questionnaires of 19 items on fever and related questions to 110 mothers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The age of 110 mothers who were participated is 19 years to 45 years. Mothers check temperature not from proper place. And gave no proper dose of accurate medicine. Conclusion: Mothers of rural areas of Lahore have good Knowledge about fever however there is need to educate them on the use of thermometer and proper use of drugs. Keywords : Mother s perception, fever, and children DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/67-12 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

An Investigation into the Accumulation of Air Borne Trace Metals in the Lungs of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus Captured from Urban and Semi Urban Areas of Lahore and Pattoki, Pakistan.

With increasing urbanization and industrialization, clean air is becoming a scarce resource. During the present investigation, concentrations of metals (Pb, Ni and Zn) in the atmosphere and their subsequent deposition in the lungs of two common avian species, common myna, Acridotheres tristis (n = 30) and bank myna, A. ginginianus (n = 20), captured from urban areas of Lahore city and semi-urban areas of Pattoki city 80km away from main city of Lahore were determined. The obtained results were analyzed statistically using Independent sample t test and Pearson's correlation. A comparison of trace metal concentrations in air of both the cities was also carried out. Statistically, significant variations were recorded for Pb (t (7) = - 4.276, p = 0.001) while non-significant differences were observed for both Ni (t (7) = 0.049, p = 0.962) and Zn (t (7) = 1.555, p = 0.146).

Prevalence and Knowledge of Scabies among the rural area of Lahore

Prevalence and Knowledge of Scabies among the rural area of Lahore

Geostatistical modeling of dengue disease in Lahore, Pakistan

Dengue outbreak has become a significant mosquito-borne disease in Pakistan with the worst outbreak in the Lahore district in 2011. This situation has emerged as a serious concern for disaster management authorities, and managing risks of dengue outbreaks has become their top priority. This study investigated the relationship of the reported dengue cases in the Lahore district in 2011 with the spatial and temporal changes in climatic and environmental factors. The quantitative co-relational research method was employed to ascertain the association between dengue incidences and weather parameters, land use/cover, and demographic characteristics of the study area. Ordinary least-square and geographically weighted regression analyses were conducted to identify the influence of study variables on the dengue outbreak. Satellite and ground data were used to derive study parameters. A geostatistical dengue risk model was developed to identify the risk-prone areas in Lahore. The geographically weighted multivariate regression model indicated a statistically significant relationship between dengue cases and the built-up area and population density. These two explanatory variables explained 77.4% variance in dengue incidences. This study supported the association between the demographic parameters and distribution pattern of dengue outbreaks in the Lahore district. The dengue risk model identified the vulnerable areas that need particular attention to mitigate future outbreaks.

Bank Employees’ Fatigue Level in Relation to Office Lighting

This research is focused to study light’s visual and non visual impact. The objectives of research are to study lighting systems of banks’ buildings in selected areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Lighting system is studied in term of light level, light color, shadows reflections and direction etc. In second phase employees’ fatigue level is calculated on a scale and studied its association with their office lighting Light impact on male and female employees were also studied. Forty five branches of nine commercial banks were selected as study sampling. Lighting conditions were assessed through check list and employees’ opinion was also recorder through questionnaire. FACES (Fatigue Adjective Scale; reliability .8) was used to asses employees’ fatigue level. Data Analysis showed significant association between fatigue level and light level (lux level). Fatigue level is also associated with employees age.

A1818 Knowledge Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases among Pakistani Population

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The most interesting feature of cardiovascular diseases is that they can be prevented. Majority of the risk factors are controllable including hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, smoking, stress and sedentary life style etc. We aim to assess knowledge, awareness, perception of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors among people living in rural areas of Pakistan. We also aim to evaluate the level of prevention of cardiovascular diseases as a result of awareness and knowledge. Methods: The study was conducted in peripheral areas of Lahore, Pakistan during the year 2016. A structured questionnaire was established that targeted 350 population >20 years. Informed consent was obtained and questionnaire were filled. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Only 26% of the participants agreed that cardiovascular diseases are the most leading causes of mortality. Knowledge regarding cause, risk factors and complications was found inadequate. There was identified lack of health promoting behaviours and practices among the subjects. Practices regarding diet and lifestyle were also found unsatisfactory. Awareness of risk factors was present in 110 (31%) of targeted population. On risk assessment scale, 62% were found at high risk and 38% at low risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: It has been concluded that a significant number of people had little or now awareness regarding the cardiovascular diseases and its complications. We can surely lessen the morbidity and mortality by primary prevention followed by early detection of the diseases and early interventions. The proportion of individuals found high risk and low risk should be screened regularly. We should prevent CVD though outreach programs and mass me

353. Knowledge assessment of cardiovascular diseases among Pakistani pregnant women

Objectives Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The most interesting feature of cardiovascular diseases is that they can be prevented. Majority of the risk factors are controllable including hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, smoking, stress and sedentary life style etc. We aim to assess knowledge, awareness, perception of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors among pregnant women living in rural areas of Pakistan. We also aim to evaluate the level of prevention of cardiovascular diseases as a result of awareness and knowledge. Methods The study was conducted in peripheral areas of Lahore, Pakistan during the year 2016. A structured questionnaire was established that targeted 350 female population >20 years during their 1st and 2nd trimester. Informed consent was obtained and questionnaire were filled. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results Only 26% of the participating pregnant women agreed that cardiovascular diseases are the most leading causes of mortality. Knowledge regarding cause, risk factors and complications was found inadequate. There was identified lack of health promoting behaviours and practices among the subjects. Practices regarding diet and lifestyle were also found unsatisfactory. Awareness of risk factors was present in 110 (31%) of targeted population. On risk assessment scale, 62% were found at high risk and 38% at low risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion It has been concluded that a significant number of people had little or now awareness regarding the cardiovascular diseases and its complications. We can surely lessen the morbidity and mortality of both mother and fetus by primary prevention followed by early detection of the diseases and early interventions. The proportion of individuals found high risk and low risk should be screened regularly. We should prevent CVD though outreach programs and mass media.

Ambient Air Quality & Noise Level Monitoring of Different Areas of Lahore (Pakistan) and Its Health Impacts

Ambient Air Quality & Noise Level Monitoring of Different Areas of Lahore (Pakistan) and Its Health Impacts

Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Obesity and Its Complication in Rural Area of Lahore

Introduction: The population has not been investigated extensively about understanding and perception about obesity and its complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the understanding, recognition and practice between overall population in the selected areas of Lahore related to obesity and its complications. Methods: The descriptive study which involved 100 respondents. The respondents from Hussain Abad Lahore were conveniently approached and recruited. A pre-approved, questionnaire was used for data accumulation. SPSS version 20 was used both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: From Out of the total 100 participants, 53% were females and 47% were males. Almost the half Participant 45% was in the age of 35years. Nearly 91% respondents don’t have idea about normal body mass index of adults. While 89% participants don’t know hormonal problems can lead the obesity. However 51% participants know that obesity can lead the heart problems. . Just about 52% participants were agreeing that when the person consumes extra calories than the individual burns obesity can occurs. 44% participants were agreed that psychological factors can influence the eating habits and obesity more over 36% are agreed that junk food takers are more susceptible to obesity. Only 3% participant checks their Body Mass Index (BMI) level. 26% change their eating habits, physical activity in order to maintain their physique and 11% takes of junk food. Conclusion: The respondents were more careful that obesity happens when a man expends a bigger number of calories than a man devours it. However the respondents know about obesity and its entanglements to some degree, their preparation towards weight isn't general which ought to be investigated later on for better human administrations, and prosperity comes about. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 5, Issue-3: 187-191

Knowledge Attitude and Practice Regarding Antenatal Care among Pregnant Women in Rural Area of Lahore

Background: Prenatal care is medical valuation of mother and fetus, for the duration of gestation used for getting best possible result for the mother and child. Early observation and ongoing care during pregnancy provided more favorable births compared to no prenatal observation. Methodology: The quantitative cross-sectional study design was used with convenient sampling (n=133) from community of Hussain Abad Lahore. Pregnant women between the ages of 20 to 45 years of age. Data was analyzed on SPSS 21 version and application of chi-square test (p=<0.05). Result: The respondents 69.1% (n=94) were identified that pregnant women require to go for their checkup. This study reveals that (n=31) 21.4% participants were agree, (n=98)71.1% participants were disagreed, (n=06)4.4% were neutral that they have Seek antenatal care regularly during pregnancy. 83.1% women believe that antenatal checkup is worthy to monitor mother & fetus’ well-being. Conclusion: 64.7% pregnant women response in yes regarding knowledge about antenatal care. The attitude was shown positive somewhere as 69.6% women were agree and as well as negative, also as 30.1% respondents were disagreed and therefore 61% participants have positive practices towards antenatal care. There was significant association between qualification and knowledge of expectant women about prenatal care, significant association in qualification and attitude and there was insignificant association in qualification and practices. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 5, Issue-3: 155-162

Comparison of Aerosol Optical Depth Products from Multi-Satellites over Densely Populated Cities of Pakistan

Air pollution in Pakistan is causing damage to health, environment and quality of life. Air pollution in Pakistan is not effectively monitored due to heavy cost involved in setting up ground stations. However, Satellite remote sensing can effectively monitor the air pollution in terms of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at regional as well as global level. However, algorithms used to derive AOD from different sensors have some inherited differences which can pose challenges in monitoring regional AOD at high temporal resolution using more than one sensor. Therefore, this study focuses on comparison of four major satellite based AOD products namely Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS), Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), Ozone Monitoring Instrument multiwavelength (OMI) aerosol product and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) with the ground based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) AOD which is only available from Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. The correlation of various AOD products with AERONET AOD is estimated statistically through coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), slope and intercept. It is noticed that MODIS is relatively accurate and reliable for monitoring air quality on operational bases over the land cover area of Lahore (R2 = 0.78; RMSE = 0.18 ), whereas MISR over the coastal areas of Karachi (R2 = 0.82; RMSE = 0.20 ). The results of the study will help the stakeholders in planning additional ground stations for operational monitoring of air quality at regional level.

Comparison of Aerosol Optical Depth Products from Multi-Satellites over Densely Populated Cities of Pakistan

Air pollution in Pakistan is causing damage to health, environment and quality of life. Air pollution in Pakistan is not effectively monitored due to heavy cost involved in setting up ground stations. However, Satellite remote sensing can effectively monitor the air pollution in terms of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at regional as well as global level. However, algorithms used to derive AOD from different sensors have some inherited differences which can pose challenges in monitoring regional AOD at high temporal resolution using more than one sensor. Therefore, this study focuses on comparison of four major satellite based AOD products namely Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS), Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), Ozone Monitoring Instrument multiwavelength (OMI) aerosol product and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) with the ground based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) AOD which is only available from Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. The correlation of various AOD products with AERONET AOD is estimated statistically through coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), slope and intercept. It is noticed that MODIS is relatively accurate and reliable for monitoring air quality on operational bases over the land cover area of Lahore (R2= 0.78; RMSE = 0.18 ), whereas MISR over the coastal areas of Karachi (R2= 0.82; RMSE = 0.20 ). The results of the study will help the stakeholders in planning additional ground stations for operational monitoring of air quality at regional level.

Determination of Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Supply in Selected Areas of Lahore

Water scarcity is an alarming issue in the developing world. Due to population explosion, the supply of water to households is becoming difficult. And as the quality of water supply infrastructure is deteriorating, clean water is getting mixed with sewage and becoming a cause of waterborne diseases. This study was carried out in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, to find out the willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). This study explores the relationship of WTP with socio-economic factors, i.e. income, accommodation and employment. Moreover, questionnaires were administered to randomly selected 200 respondents. For statistical analysis stepwise linear regression, Pearson correlation and chi square were employed to find out the variables that determine WTP for improved water supply quality. Results showed that income was the variable that most significantly impacted the WTP for improved water supply. The WTP amount was found to be 0.70 USD. People were not generally satisfied with the water supply quality. Unavailability of water for 1–2[Formula: see text]h per day was commonly reported by the respondents. However, more studies should be conducted with a larger sample size to enhance our knowledge about water supply situation in Lahore.

World Health Organization \u201cSchool Mental Health Manual\u201d-based training for school teachers in Urban Lahore, Pakistan: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe teacher’s role in school mental health initiatives cannot be overemphasized. Despite global evidence of educational interventions in improving teachers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding mental health, this area remains under researched in Pakistan. This paper presents a study protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a teacher training intervention for improving mental health literacy and self-efficacy among school teachers in urban Lahore, Pakistan.MethodsThe randomized controlled trial will follow the CONSORT guidelines. Participants will be allocated to the Intervention group (receiving the World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO) School Mental Health Manual-based intervention in three 6-h, face-to-face sessions) or a waitlist control group (not receiving training during the study period). Participants will be teachers of private schools with similar broad demographic characteristics in an inner city area of Lahore. The primary outcome measures for the trial is teachers’ mental health literacy. It will be assessed by using the previously applied (during WHO training of Master Trainers) self-administered questionnaire in both groups pre and post training and at 3 months’ follow-up. Secondary outcomes include: for teachers: Teachers’ self-efficacy (assessed by the Teachers’ Sense of Self Efficacy Scale (TSES) short form.); for students (11–16 years): socio-emotional skills and psychological problems measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (assessed at baseline and 3 months post intervention); for schools: the WHO School Psychosocial Profile Questionnaire (baseline and 3 months post intervention).DiscussionGiven the high prevalence of child mental health problems, stigma and lack of services, it is important to consider alternate avenues for promoting positive mental health among youth. This pilot study should establish the effectiveness of the WHO-EMRO School Mental Health Manual-based Intervention improving teacher’s mental health literacy and helping them to learn practical steps that can be implemented at low cost in school settings. It will also provide information regarding intervention implementation and sustainability.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02937714. Registered on 18 October 2016.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Diabetic Patients About Diabetic Foot Disease

Background: Diabetic foot disease (DFD) is a major challenge for the healthcare system, with enormous economic consequences for people living with diabetes, their families and society and it affects both quality of life and quality of care in the diabetic patients. This study was conducted to know about the knowledge, attitude and practices about diabetic foot disease in diabetic patients.Methodology: The study of knowledge, attitude and practices about DFD was done at the different areas in Lahore and at Bhutta Clinical Lab, Multan. Duration of this study was about 6 months. Questionnaire was designed and filled. Sample size of this study was 380. Data was collected and analysed by using SPSS.Results: In this study, 67.9% diabetic patients had poor knowledge, 30% had satisfactory knowledge whereas only 2.1% patients had good knowledge. Regarding attitude towards the DFD, 98.7% patients had good attitude, 1.3% patients had satisfactory attitude and poor attitude had not showed by any patient. In practices score, 47.4% were doing satisfactory practices, 42.9% patients were doing good practices and 9.7% patients were doing poor practices regarding DFD.Conclusion: In this study, awareness of the diabetic foot disease in diabetic patients was poor that may cause increase in the frequency of the diabetic foot disease that may ultimately cause amputation of the lower limb and even cause death due to sepsis. But attitude towards the disease was good in majority of the diabetic patients and practices regarding disease were also satisfactory therefore by increasing the knowledge regarding disease and knowledge of the good practices, reduction of the severe cases of disease and prevention of the disease should be done.