Faisalabad Region Research Articles

Media Coverage of Smog in Punjab: A Comparative Study of Urdu and English Dailies

This research explores the media coverage of smog in Punjab, with a specific focus on Faisalabad city, employing a qualitative research methodology guided by the social learning theory. Smog, a pervasive environmental concern, poses significant challenges to public health and the ecosystem. Understanding how media, in both Urdu and English languages, frames and disseminates information about smog is essential in addressing this pressing environmental issue. The study's central objective is to investigate how language and cultural context influence media portrayals of smog in Urdu and English dailies within the Faisalabad region. This research endeavors to uncover the factors contributing to media narratives surrounding smog. Employing qualitative research techniques, the study seeks to discern the underlying dynamics that influence the framing of smog-related issues in the media, ultimately contributing to more informed environmental discourse and policy initiatives in Punjab.

Examining The Impact Of Operational Strategy And Employee Motivation On Project Performance In The Construction Projects

Continuous performance management through monitoring and evaluation techniques plays an essential role in attaining success in the project. To enhance project performance, the manager must create a positive work environment and do more than work within predefined project management constructs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the motivation of employees on project performance. A primary and quantitative study was held to identify the relationship between the variables (e.g., motivation, project performance, and op[1]erational strategy). We distributed questionnaire surveys to units of analysis; they helped us select the best sample from our selected Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore and Faisalabad region Projects. The data was collected through questionnaires by interviewing the 210 project workers and managers using convenience sampling. The data were analyzed through SPSS and Smart PLS. Statistical results such as Descriptive Analysis, Regression Analysis, Moderating Analysis, and Boot Strapping were used to establish the relationship between variables and Cronbach Alpha to measure the scale reliability. The results show that the worker's motivation has a significant positive effect and is essential in increasing the project's performance. Operational strategy as a moderator has a significant positive impact on project performance. This study is critical because it provides practical insights regarding the most important factors. In this study, we discuss the factors that affect worker performance and find the factors related to the worker to achieve the project performance. The conclusion supports that workers' motivation enhances the project's performance.

Evaluation and selection sunflower hybrids for seed yield under different environmental conditions of Punjab

Estimation of environmental effects are essential for selection of genotypes for general cultivation at various regions. With this aim a research trial was conducted during spring, 2021 to evaluate suitability and stability of eight sunflower hybrids developed by Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad (ORI, FSD), against two check hybrids at different locations in Punjab. The prime objective of this experimentation was to evaluate and classified sunflower hybrids by multivariate method of principal component analysis (PCA) using the GGE biplot software for their yield. Statistix 8.1 was used to analyze the recorded data and GGE biplot was used for Principal Component Analysis and pictorial demonstration of data. Analysis of variance showed presence of significant variation between hybrids, environments and their interaction. Sunflower hybrid FH-555 showed highest mean yield in Punjab followed by FH-741. The first two principal components present 76% of the total variation. Results indicated that the hybrid FH-740 and FH-751 are best suitable for Multan, hybrid FH-741 and FH-732 for Muzaffargarh, FH-555 for RajanPur, Hysun-33, FH-331, FH-675, FH-648 and S-278 for Faisalabad region. The hybrid FH-741 is highly stable hybrid in yield performance across the environments. The case of this hybrid (FH-741) was submitted in Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) and got approval for general cultivation in whole Pakistan during 2022. Again the case was submitted in Punjab Seed Council (PSC) and got approval for general cultivation in Punjab during 2023. Keywords: Genetic variability, micro yield trial, stability, seed yield, statistix 8.1.

Impact of Teachers' Motivation on Students' Performance

The main goal of this research was to analyze the impact of the motivation of teachers on the academic achievement of students. For the current study, twenty secondary school teachers from the Faisalabad region participated in structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The interview questions stated that a 20 to 30-minute interview period was to be anticipated. The responses were recorded before being turned into text. Teachers contend that a number of interconnected environmental factors influence their motivation, dedication, passion, and commitment to their line of work. The influence of teacher excitement on student involvement and participation cannot be overstated, say many educators. The influence of teacher excitement on student involvement and participation cannot be overstated, say many educators. Motivated teachers can create a stimulating learning environment that fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and internal motivation. The study's findings suggest that teachers should use a range of incentive tactics to raise student performance.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF nuc AND mecA GENES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM MASTITIC MILK

The emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is mainly due to the presence of resistant genes. The objective of this study is to perform antibiotic susceptibility profiling and molecular detection of nuc and mecA genes of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic milk. A total of 105 milk samples were collected from dairy farms in the Faisalabad region. They were cultured on Staph-110 media and mannitol salt agar. Biochemical tests included catalase and coagulase, were also performed for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling of MRSA was done by disc diffusion method and molecular screening of Staphylococcus aureus for the detection of nuc and mecA genes was done by using PCR. Selected 8 antibiotics based on previous history being commonly used in dairy practices. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus observed by PCR was 58.09%. Oxacillin (1µg) and vancomycin (30µg) showed 100% resistance, while enrofloxacin (5µg), amoxicillin (25µg), ampicillin (10µg), oxytetracycline (1µg), gentamycin (10µg) and tylosin (30µg) showed 1.64, 55.74, 73.77, 13.11, 1.64 and 11.74% resistance, respectively. Susceptibility percentages of enrofloxacin (5µg), amoxicillin (25µg), ampicillin (10µg), oxytetracycline (1µg), gentamycin (10µg) and tylosin (30µg) were 27.87, 37.70, 14.75, 19.67, 98.36 and 9.84%, respectively. Enrofloxacin (5µg), amoxicillin (25µg), ampicillin (10µg), oxytetracycline (1µg) and tylosin (30µg) showed 70.49, 6.56, 11.47, 67.21 and 78.69% intermediate resistance against MRSA. Among the mastitic cases, 58.09% were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. These isolates were susceptible to gentamycin in 98.36% and tylosin in 78.69% cases, so these antibiotics can be used for the treatment of mastitis.

Estimation of Suitable Climatic Niches for Different Cultivars of Mungbean ( Vigna radiate L.) through Morphologic Characters

The present study was conducted at four different locations for the evaluation of mung bean (vigna radia L.) genotypes. It was shown that all of the genotypes performed better in producing yield at Sarghoda region of Pakistan. The mung bean genotype MPP-15039 performed highest in Sarghoda region and produce high yield in all other three location of the Pakistan in comparison with other genotypes. In Faisalabad region all the genotypes performed on second number in producing mung bean yield as compared to other region. The production of the genotypes was on third position at Sialakot followed by Faroqabad. It was also depicted from the study that the genotypes producing more pods also produced more yield. The Genotype MPP-15039 was producing more pods in Sargodha region and it produced more yield. The genotypes producing less number of the pods also produce low yield as in MPP-15002 as shown in graph 3.

Investigation of potential sites for ground water recharge in urban areas (Faisalabad)

The increasing world population led to extensive agriculture and expansion of industries, thereby, putting greater demand on water. In the last few decades, an increasing awareness has thus been shown on the importance of occurrence and distribution of water on the earth. A great importance is now being given to hydrology all over the world in the development and management of water resources. The life on Earth is directly related to temperature, air and water. Salt water covers about 97% of the total water. Only 1% is available to living organisms. The quality of this 1% is continually being degraded. Some of it is contaminated and cannot support life. The scarcity of water has become an established factor now and the intensity of problem is increasing day by day. Human use of natural water particular of fresh water resources have increased steadily over the centuries. Ground water is used as main source of drinking water and about 30% of world’s fresh water is stored as ground water. By realizing the importance of the problem, the issue of decreasing levels in the ground water has been addressed globally. Various countries are adopting different strategies and plan to cope with the alarming situation. Artificial recharge of ground water has become a common practice around the globe during the last few decades. The project and study primarily focuses on the artificial recharge method of ground water. The study is based on different techniques and their application in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Through these studies and suggestions, we can improve the situation and decreasing levels of ground water. The recharged aquifers then can be used to provide water for purposes like drinking etc. Further the conclusions are drawn related to existing situation and recommendations are made for the proper management and preservation of groundwater.

Seroprevalence, associated risk factors and clinico-pathological studies of buffalopox disease in various regions of Punjab province, Pakistan.

Buffalopox (BPX) is a highly contagious disease that causes high morbidity and production losses in buffaloes. During this study, seroprevalence, effect of various associated risk factors, and pathological studies of BPX were recorded in the Punjab province. A total of 97 blood samples and 63 scabs were collected from clinically pox suspected buffaloes. Serum was harvested to perform single radial hemolysis to assess the seroprevalence, and scabs were subjected to PCR for BPX virus confirmation. Results revealed that, animal demographics and environmental associated factors showed significant effect (p⟨0.05,1⟨R2⟩0) on BPX occurrence. The overall BPX seroprevalence was recorded 4.18% in the Punjab province. The BPX was recorded 5.48% in Nili Ravi breed during winter (7.42%), aged 5-7 years (7.46%) under loose housing (5.51%) in the Faisalabad region (8.03%). Further, BPX was 5.37% in pregnant, 6.86% pregnant milking buffaloes during the 3rd lactation period (7.28%) in dairy herds (5.20%). The BPX was 5.22% in non-vaccinated buffaloes where multiple animals were reared together (4.99%) in the herds having 21-30 total number of animals. A total of 49 scab samples were found positive for the BPX virus via PCR with C18L gene amplification. Grossly, inflammatory lesions with pits in the center and wart-like nodules were seen on teats and udder of buffaloes. Increased leukocytes, especially neutrophils and lymphocytes, were seen in the blood of the infected animals. These results provide a broader window to understand the effect of associated risk factors, strengthen the diagnostic aid, and to contain the current spread of BPX in Pakistan to safeguard large ruminant-based livelihood.

Cross-Sectional Questionnaire of Donkey Owners and Farriers Regarding Farriery Practices in the Faisalabad Region of Pakistan.

Simple SummaryEnsuring the welfare of donkeys in low-middle income countries (LMICs) requires a collective approach involving donkey owners, farriers, veterinarians and researchers. Faisalabad is an industrial city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, where donkeys are used for goods transportation. Working donkeys require regular farriery to avoid hoof and limb problems, including lameness. The perception of owners regarding the farriery needs of their donkeys, and the farrier’s understanding of quality farriery, play an important part in ensuring donkey welfare. In this study, owners were asked questions about lameness issues in their donkeys, farriery intervals, factors that they considered important in choosing a farrier, as well as problems that they experienced with farriery. Farriers were asked about their business structure, challenges, and the farriery requirements of donkeys in the region. Farriers reported a lack of training, meager wages, and that farriery is an unregulated industry in Pakistan. Owners provided mixed reports regarding the quality of farriery their animals received. Owners ranked the relationship with their farrier as the most important consideration when selecting a farrier, with cost not being a major factor. This study provides important information for interventional projects taking place in the region for the improvement of donkey welfare, and mitigation of lameness and foot-related problems.Quality farriery is essential to ensure donkey welfare, and many intervention programs in low-middle income countries (LMICs) train farriers, and educate owners, regarding the farriery needs of donkeys. It is essential for interventional programs to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders in donkey-owning communities. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Ten farriers and 55 donkey owners participated in the study. Farriers reported receiving no formal training for farriery, insufficient wages (PKR 65 or USD 0.36 per hoof) and the requirement to use traditional tools. Farriers reported an average shoeing time of 5 min per hoof and shoeing between three and 30 donkeys a day. Donkeys were mostly shod while they were harnessed to a cart. Six donkey-owning farriers reported shoeing their donkeys every 20 to 25 days. Owners reported varying shoeing intervals of 20 days to 90 days. Shoeing interval was also affected by seasonal and weather changes. Owners considered their relationship with farriers as the most important factor in choosing a farrier rather than cost. A majority (87%) of the owners reported lameness in their donkeys. The study provides important insights into the many challenges and opportunities in developing quality donkey farriery in the region.

Spatial variations in the biochemical potential of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench)] leaf and fruit under field conditions.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench) plays a significant role in humans nutrition because its fresh leaves, stems, flowers, pods and seeds, are used for multiple purposes. The present study attempted to determine the spatial variations in biochemical attributes of osmoprotectants and the oxidative defense system of okra plants. Samples of soil and okra plants (leaves and fruits) were collected from three different locations: Faisalabad region-1 (7 JB-I), Faisalabad region-2 (7 JB-II) and Pindi Bhattian. Chlorophyll contents, glycine betaine (GB), ascorbic acid (AsA), total phenolics, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were analyzed in the leaves and fruits of okra plants. Soil analyses showed that pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and saturation of soil were higher in Faisalabad region 2, while organic matter, sand, Zn, and Cu were higher in the Pindi Bhattian region. The results from okra leaves showed that Pindi Bhattian had higher chlorophyll a, GB and H2O2 contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had a higher ratio of chlorophyll a/b compared to the other regions. However, Faisalabad regions 2 and 1 had higher leaf phenolic contents, Faisalabad regions 1 and 2 showed higher leaf proline contents, and Faisalabad region 2 possessed higher AsA and MDA contents. Analyses of okra fruits showed that Faisalabad region 2 had higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had higher chlorophyll b contents. Faisalabad region 2 and Pindi Bhattian had higher ratios of chlorophyll a/b, and Faisalabad region 1 showed higher phenolic, AsA, H2O2, and MDA contents of okra fruit, whereas the Faisalabad regions exhibited higher proline and GB contents than the Pindi Bhattian region. Overall, okra leaves and fruits showed better responses in the Faisalabad regions, and these results may be used to screen for okra cultivars with better tolerance under different environmental conditions.

Comparative Leaf Anatomy of Grasses (Poaceae) in Faisalabad Region of Pakistan

Comparative Leaf Anatomy of Grasses (Poaceae) in Faisalabad Region of Pakistan

Ecotypic Morphological and Physio-Biochemical Responses of Two Differentially Adapted Forage Grasses, Cenchrus ciliaris L. and Cyperus arenarius Retz. to Drought Stress

Crop performance and yield are the results of genotypic expression as modulated by continuous interaction with the environment. Among the environmental aspects, drought and salinity are the most important factors, which limit the forages, including grasses, on a global basis. Grass species have the ability to grow under low water conditions and can produce high dry yield, proteins, and energy in areas exposed to drought stress. For this purpose, we conducted the present study to understand the response of forage grasses under drought stress from two different regions (Salt Range and Faisalabad) of Punjab, Pakistan. Two ecotypes of each grass species (Cenchrus ciliaris L. and Cyperus arenarius Retz.) were grown in pots at the botanical research area, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan. A group of plants were subjected to drought stress (60% field capacity) and controlled (100% field capacity) after three weeks of seed germination. The results from the present study depicted that the fresh and dry weights of root and shoot were decreased significantly under drought conditions. Moreover, C. ciliaris of the Salt Range area showed more resistance and higher growth production under drought stress. The chlorophyll (a and b) contents were also decreased significantly, while MDA, total soluble sugars, and proline levels were increased significantly under water-limited environments in the C. arenarius of Salt Range area. Enzymatic antioxidants (superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD)) and leaf Na+ were significantly raised in C. arenarius under drought stress collected from the Faisalabad region. Cenchrus ciliaris showed higher level of H2O2, total soluble proteins, glycinebetaine, catalase (CAT) and POD compared to C. arenarius. It also retained more leaf and root Ca2+, and root K+ under drought stress. It was concluded from the study that C. ciliaris is more resistant to drought in biomass production collected from the Salt Range area. The results suggested that C. ciliaris can be more widely used as a forage grass under water-scarce conditions as compared to C. arenarius.

Thermal Discomfort Levels, Building Design Concepts, and Some Heat Mitigation Strategies in Low-Income Communities of a South Asian City.

Heat stress provokes thermal discomfort to people living in semiarid and arid climates. This study evaluates thermal discomfort levels, building design concepts, and some heat mitigation strategies in low-income neighborhoods of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The outdoor and indoor weather data are collected from April to August 2016 using a weather station installed ad hoc in urban settings, and the 52 houses of the five low-income participating communities living in congested and less environment-friendly areas of Faisalabad. The discomfort index values, related to the building design concepts, including (i) house orientation to sunlight and (ii) house ventilation, are calculated from outdoor and indoor dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. Our results show that although June was the hottest month of summer 2016, based on the monthly mean temperature of the Faisalabad region, the month of May produced the highest discomfort levels, which were higher in houses exposed to sunlight and without ventilation. The study also identifies some popular heat mitigation strategies adopted by the five participating low-income communities during various heat-related health complaints. The strategies are gender-biased and have medical, cultural/customary backgrounds. For example, about 52% of the males and 28% of the females drank more water during dehydration, diarrhea, and eye infection. Over 11% and 19% of the males and females, respectively, moved to cooler places during fever. About 43% of the males and 51% of the females took water showers and rested to combat flu (runny nose), headache, and nosebleed. The people did not know how to cure muscular fatigue, skin allergy (from a type of Milia), and mild temperature. Planting trees in an area and developing open parks with greenery and thick canopy trees can be beneficial for neighborhoods resembling those evaluated in this study.

Variation of soil arthropods abundance and diversity between two sites of the Punjab province in Pakistan

Soil Arthropods are a vitally important component of the ecosystem, as their diversity, abundance, and distribution pattern play a vital role in ecosystem sustainability. Their population is expected to vary according to geographical patterns and environmental variables such as temperature, and humidity. For this purpose, we collected soil arthropods from the two regions having different latitudinal patterns: FSD (Faisalabad) and MGRH (Muzaffargarh). The soil faunal samples were collected fortnightly from the mango orchards for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018. During the whole research, a total of 8301 specimens of (16, 11) orders, (118, 57) species, and (5027, 3274) individuals were recorded from FSD and MGRH, respectively. Order Coleoptera found the maximum abundance in both regions among all orders. Our results showed that the FSD regions had a high abundance of arthropods compared to the MGRH region. In comparison, the different diversity factors and abundance revealed a strong correlation with the abiotic factors. They showed a high pattern of distribution and richness at the FSD region, as low temperature and high humidity were observed in the FSD region that influences the more diversity occurrence of fauna. Our results predicted that the habitat type and environmental factors such as humidity and temperature play a significant role in the distribution pattern of arthropods in any geographical region.

Factors Affecting Brand Switching Behavior in Telecommunication: A Quantitative Investigation in Faisalabad Region

The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors effecting brand switching behavior of customers in the telecommunication industry of Pakistan. The study is conducted in Faisalabad city. A quantitative approach has been employed to measure the relationships between the variables of the study. Primary data was collected through a Questionnaire. The sample of 204 respondents were selected on the basis of convenient sampling. SPSS was used to record and compute data. The Regression analysis, reliability, and Correlation tests were applied in order to test research hypothesis. The findings reveal that price, brand image, network quality, value-added services, and promotional activities directly influence consumer switching behavior among youngsters. The outcomes of the research can help telecommunication companies in deciding what factors are more important to keep customers loyal and to discourage brand switching.

HCV infection and frequency of distribution.

Worldwide, an estimated 130-170 million people are infected with Hepatitis C. The geographic distribution of HCV infection is highly variable between and within countries. To start the antiviral therapy, it is necessary to find the genotype in order to get better forecast about observed duration of treatment. This also provides the load of virus. Treatments for patients with chronic HCV infection have recently advanced with newly licensed antivirals, which specifically target HCV. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of HCV in Faisalabad region of Pakistan and to evaluate the frequency distribution of various HCV genotypes among those with HCV infection. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional. Settings: Blood samples were received from Biotech Lab, Pinum cancer hospital Faisal Laboratory, Alshafa lab Jaranwala, Mehran Lab, Samundari, Rashid Lab, Shahkot and Molecular care, Human Molecular Diagnostic Department of Biochemistry University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Period: May 2016 to April 2017. Material and Methods: The data for this study included a total of 382 anti-HCV positive blood sera samples, collected from different collection centers. Nested reverse transcription (RT) PCR was done for the qualitative detection of HCV. RNA using primers that correspond to the relatively conservative 5'UTR noncoding region of the highly mutable HCV were used. Data was analysed using the descriptive statistics. Results: 233 samples were found to be confirm positive for HCV RNA by qualitative PCR. 98 (42%) were females and 135 (58%) were males. The age-group of 36-45 years bear the largest number of HCV patients (37.08%) and smallest number of patients was in the 56-65 years age-group. A total of 87.55% patients belong were below 45 years of age. The genotype 3a, 135 (77%) was the most prevalent form of all HCV genotypes in Faisalabad. A peripheral area of Faisalabad almost same distribution has been observed. The other strains detected were 2a, 29% 3b 11% were males and 5% were female), and none of the patient was detected with 2b, 4a, 5a and 6a genotype of HCV. Conclusion: This data analysis shows that there is no specific relationship of age-groups or genders in case of prevalence of different HCV Genotypes but female patients were found to have higher frequency of HCV infection.

Serratia sp. CP-13 augments the growth of cadmium (Cd)-stressed Linum usitatissimum L. by limited Cd uptake, enhanced nutrient acquisition and antioxidative potential.

The current study was aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects and bioremediation potential of a Cd-tolerant bacterial strain, Serratia sp. CP-13, on the physiological and biochemical functions of Linum usitatissimum L., under Cd stress. The bacterial strain was isolated from the wastewater collection point of Chakera, Faisalabad, Pakistan, as this place contains industrial wastewater of the Faisalabad region. The Serratia sp. CP-13, identified through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, exhibited a significant phyto-beneficial potential in terms of invitro inorganic phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity. Effects of Serratia sp. CP-13 inoculation on L. usitatissimum were evaluated by growing the plants in CdCl2 (0, 5 or 10mgkg-1 dry soil)-spiked soil. Without inoculation of Serratia sp. CP-13, Cd stress significantly reduced the plant biomass as well as the quantity of proteins and photosynthetic pigments due to enhanced H2 O2 , malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and impaired nutrient homeostasis. Subsequently, Serratia sp. CP-13 increased the plant fresh and dry biomass, plant antioxidation capacity, whereas it decreased the lipid peroxidation under Cd stress. In parallel, Serratia sp. inoculation assisted the Cd-stressed plants to maintain an optimum level of nutrients (K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe and Mn). The isolated bacterial strain (Serratia sp. CP-13) when applied to Cd-stressed L. usitatissimum inhibited the Cd uptake, reduced Cd-induced lipid peroxidation, maintained the optimum level of nutrients and thereby, enhanced L. usitatissimum growth. The analysis of bio-concentration and translocation factor revealed that L. usitatissimum with Serratia sp. CP-13 inoculation sequestered Cd in plant rhizospheric zone. Serratia sp. CP-13 inoculation is a potential candidate for the development of low Cd-accumulating linseed and could be used for phytostabilization of Cd-contaminated rhizosphere/soil colloids.

Virulence-associated genes and antimicrobial resistance among avian pathogenic Escherichia coli from colibacillosis affected broilers in Pakistan.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis that leads to high morbidity and mortality among poultry birds. To date, there is a lack of knowledge about virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and multidrug resistance of APEC isolates from Pakistan. In this study, we determined the VAGs and antibiotic resistance profiles of APEC isolates recovered from colibacillosis affected broilers in Faisalabad region of Pakistan. A total of 84 diseased and dead birds from different local broilers farms were collected and examined for the gross lesions of colibacillosis by conducting postmortem examination. Of these, APEC isolates were recovered from 75 (89.2%) birds. Antibiotic susceptibility tests against 11 antimicrobial agents showed the highest resistance against ampicillin (98.6%) followed by tetracycline (97.3%) and ciprofloxacin (72%). The presence of 11 virulence-associated genes (VAGs) was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 75 APEC, 32 (42.6%) harbored > 5 VAGs. Most commonly found genes were increased serum survival (iss; 84%), iron transport (iutA; 74.6%), and colicin V (ColV; 60%). Twenty-two isolates (29.3%) were found to possess a combination of VAGs; iss, tsh, iroN, and iutA, in addition to other VAGs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of virulence-associated genes and multidrug resistance among APEC isolates in Pakistan. In the future, the strains with the predominant set of VAGs can be used for colibacillosis diagnosis and as a potential vaccine candidate.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of CeO2–TiO2 nanocomposite for degradation of crystal violet dye and industrial waste effluent

This study presents the synthesis of CeO2–TiO2 nanocomposite and its potential application for the visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of model crystal violet dye as well as real industrial waste water. The ceria–titania (CeO2–TiO2) nanocomposite material was synthesised using facile hydrothermal route without the assistance of any template molecule. As-prepared composite was characterised by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS for surface features, morphological and crystalline characters. The formed nanostructures were determined to possess crystal-like geometrical shape and average size less than 100 nm. The as-synthesised nanocomposite was further investigated for their heterogeneous photocatalytic potential against the oxidative degradation of CV dye taken as model pollutant. The photo-catalytic performance of the as-synthesised material was evaluated both under ultra-violet as well as visible light. Best photocatalytic performance was achieved under visible light with complete degradation (100%) exhibited within 60 min of irradiation time. The kinetics of the photocatalytic process were also considered and the reaction rate constant for CeO2–TiO2 nanocomposite was determined to be 0.0125 and 0.0662 min−1 for ultra-violet and visible region, respectively. In addition, the as-synthesised nanocomposite demonstrated promising results when considered for the photo-catalytic degradation of coloured industrial waste water collected from local textile industry situated in Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Enhanced photo-catalytic performance of CeO2–TiO2 nanocomposite was proposed owing to heterostructure formation leading to reduced electron–hole recombination.

Impact of Financing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Profitability with Moderating Role of Islamic Finance

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the very significant for the development of economy of the country, grasp the attention of government and policy makers in developed as well as in developing countries. SMEs in Pakistan have their vital role in economic growth. Therefore, it is essential that SMEs have right to use sources of finance. The study used the quantitative approach that was accomplished by survey questionnaires. Two hundred SMEs and seventy bank branches were selected in Faisalabad region in Pakistan, to get response on questionnaires about their financing patterns and effects of Islamic financing as moderator in their fixed assets, set up and current assets financing. The study showed that fixed assets, set up and current asset financing have positive relation with the growth of SMEs and Islamic modes of financing was not behaved as moderator in Faisalabad city in Pakistan.