Showing papers by "Fatima Jinnah Women University published in 2016"

Dynamics of land use and land cover change (LULCC) using geospatial techniques: a case study of Islamabad Pakistan.

Abstract: One of the detailed and useful ways to develop land use classification maps is use of geospatial techniques such as remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). It vastly improves the selection of areas designated as agricultural, industrial and/or urban sector of a region. In Islamabad city and its surroundings, change in land use has been observed and new developments (agriculture, commercial, industrial and urban) are emerging every day. Thus, the rationale of this study was to evaluate land use/cover changes in Islamabad from 1992 to 2012. Quantification of spatial and temporal dynamics of land use/cover changes was accomplished by using two satellite images, and classifying them via supervised classification algorithm and finally applying post-classification change detection technique in GIS. The increase was observed in agricultural area, built-up area and water body from 1992 to 2012. On the other hand forest and barren area followed a declining trend. The driving force behind this change was economic development, climate change and population growth. Rapid urbanization and deforestation resulted in a wide range of environmental impacts, including degraded habitat quality.

A machine learning approach for student assessment in E-learning using Quinlan's C4.5, Naive Bayes and Random Forest algorithms

Abstract: Student Assessment on e-learning platforms is a debated subject. The focal emphasis of this research study is to predict fair/transparent student evaluation using machine learning algorithms. A prediction on students' final grade showing whether the student will pass or fail would benefit the student/instructor and act as a guide for future recommendations/evaluations on performance. An in depth study on the assessment techniques for e-learning such as Markov Model, metacognitive perspectives has been conducted. A proposed model for fair/transparent student evaluation/performance has also been presented. Specific parameters have been defined that are then efficaciously tested by applying machine learning algorithms. In this study, classifiers such as Decision Trees-J48, Naive Bayes and Random Forest are used to progress the excellence of student data by initially eradicating noisy data, and consequently getting better prognostic accuracy. The scope of the paper has been set for undergraduate programs. The experimental results endow with set of guidelines to those students who have low grades. Performance testing has also been conducted for verification, accuracy and validity of results.

New method for the adsorption of organic pollutants using natural zeolite incinerator ash (ZIA) and its application as an environmentally friendly and cost- effective adsorbent.

Abstract: Rapid development of civilization together with the evolution of industry has caused deep changes in the quality of the environment in which the human beings live The enhancing demands for a healthy environment, particularly for the removal of pollutants from industrial and municipal wastewater, are a major reason to search for new materials Zeolites are potential materials and can conveniently be used as adsorbents for the removal of environmental pollutants The present research offers a green approach to investigate the removal efficiency of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and azo dyes from wastewater using zeolite derived from incinerator waste (ash) as an effective, economical, and environmentlly friendly suitable material as an adsorbent The significance rests on the use of hazardous waste into a useful resource (adsorbent) Batch adsorption studies are conducted and results are analyzed by UV–vis spectrophotometer The results depicted the performance of zeolite incinerator ash (1 mg/kg) in re

Production and Biomedical Applications of Probiotic Biosurfactants.

Abstract: Biosurfactants have been widely used for environmental and industrial applications. However, their use in medical field is still limited. Probiotic biosurfactants possess an immense antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, antitumor, and antibiofilm potential. Moreover, they have an additional advantage over conventional microbial surfactants because probiotics are an integral part of normal human microflora and their biosurfactants are innocuous to human. So, they can be effectively exploited for medicinal use. Present review is aimed to discourse the production and biomedical applications of probiotic biosurfactants.

Assessment of soil quality parameters using multivariate analysis in the Rawal Lake watershed.

Abstract: Soil providing a wide array of ecosystem services is subjected to quality deterioration due to natural and anthropogenic factors. Most of the soils in Pakistan have poor status of available plant nutrients and cannot support optimum levels of crop productivity. The present study statistically analyzed ten soil quality parameters in five subwatersheds (Bari Imam, Chattar, Rumli, Shahdra, and Shahpur) of the Rawal Lake. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), cluster analysis (CA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to evaluate correlation in soil quality parameters on spatiotemporal and vertical scales. Soil organic matter, electrical conductivity, nitrates, and sulfates were found to be lower than that required for good quality soil. Soil pH showed significant difference (p 0.75) and indicated that these were the most influential parameters of first factor or component. Cluster analysis separated five sampling sites into three statistically significant clusters: I (Shahdra-Bari Imam), II (Chattar), and III (Shahpur-Rumli). Among the five sites, Shahdra was found to have good quality soil followed by Bari Imam. The present study illustrated the usefulness of multivariate statistical approaches for the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets to understand variations in soil quality for effective watershed management.

Genetic Polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and Risk of Prostatic Carcinoma - a Meta-analysis of 7,281 Prostate Cancer Cases and 9,082 Healthy Controls.

Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms constitute one of the reasons behind the racial variation in prostate cancer occurrence. Published studies regarding genetic associations of glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) null deletion polymorphisms with prostatic carcinoma have generated inconsistent results among different populations. To date, even a single meta-analysis is not available representing the association of these genes with prostate cancer in different ethnic groups. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide a clear picture of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null deletion and risk of prostate cancer among different ethnic groups (i.e. Asians, Europeans, Americans, Africans and Eurasians). A systematic search was performed with the help of various search engines to find out the all the recent studies (2004 to 2015) evaluating the role of GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion in prostate cancer development. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of a total of 34 studies with 7,281 cases and 9,082 controls was analyzed using STATA and MedCalc software. Overall, GSTM1 deletion (OR 3.67; CI 1.39-9.85; P= 0.001) was strongly associated with prostatic cancer. In the sub group analysis GSTM1 null deletion was also significantly associated with prostate cancer among Asians (OR 4.84; CI 1.08-21.5; P= 0.03), Eurasians (OR 17.69; CI 9.87-31.70; <0.001) and Americans (OR 0.11; CI 0.01-1.06; P= 0.05). No association was observed among Europeans (P=0.42) and Africans (P= 0.40). As a whole GSTT1 null deletion (OR 0.85; CI 0.28-2.58; P= 0.77) did not show anyt significant association with prostate cancer risk among different populations. When the data were stratified into different groups, however, Africans demonstrated a significant association of GSTT1 null deletion (OR 1.95; CI 1.57-2.39; <0.001) with prostate cancer, whereas no association was found among Asians (P= 0.90), Americans (P= 0.50), Europeans (P= 0.89) and Eurasians (P= 1.0). In conclusion, both GSTM1 and GSTT1 may contribute to prostate cancer development but GSTM1 may prove to be a stronger candidate risk factor.

Asymmetric Monetary Policy Rules for an Open Economy: Evidence from Canada and the Uk

Abstract: We present an analytical framework to examine the open economy monetary policy rule of a central bank under asymmetric preferences. The resulting policy rule is then empirically examined using quarterly data with regard to Canada and the UK from 1983q1 to 2007q4. Our empirical investigation shows that the open economy policy rule receives support from the data and that the monetary policy makers in the UK and Canada have asymmetric preferences. Robustness checks based on model calibration provide support for the suggested policy rule.

Equation-Method for correcting clipping errors in OFDM signals

Abstract: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is the digital modulation technique used by 4G and many other wireless communication systems. OFDM signals have significant amplitude fluctuations resulting in high peak to average power ratios which can make an OFDM transmitter susceptible to non-linear distortion produced by its high power amplifiers (HPA). A simple and popular solution to this problem is to clip the peaks before an OFDM signal is applied to the HPA but this causes in-band distortion and introduces bit-errors at the receiver. In this paper we discuss a novel technique, which we call the Equation-Method, for correcting these errors. The Equation-Method uses the Fast Fourier Transform to create a set of simultaneous equations which, when solved, return the amplitudes of the peaks before they were clipped. We show analytically and through simulations that this method can, correct all clipping errors over a wide range of clipping thresholds. We show that numerical instability can be avoided and new techniques are needed to enable the receiver to differentiate between correctly and incorrectly received frequency-domain constellation symbols.

Effects of the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model on peristalsis

Abstract: This paper addresses the influence of newly-developed Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model on peristalsis. Analysis has been carried out in a two-dimensional planner channel with wall properties and the Soret effect. An incompressible viscous fluid fills the space inside the channel. The relevant mathematical modeling is developed and a perturbation technique is employed to obtain a series form of solutions about small wave numbers. Expressions of velocity, temperature, concentration and heat transfer are treated graphically, corresponding to elasticity parameters, relaxation time and Prandtl numbers specifically. The graphical results are found distinctive that offers challenging role for further research on the topic. Further, the results of Fourier’s law can be verified when the relaxation time of the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model is considered absent or concepts of large wavelength and small Reynolds numbers are applied.

Functionalized mesoporous silica: absorbents for water purification

Abstract: The release of heavy metals into the environment is a potential threat to water and soil quality as well as to plants, animals, and human health. In the current research work, organically functionalized mesoporous silicates (MSU-H) were prepared by the co-condensation between sodium silicate and organoalkoxysilanes in the presence of the nonionic surfactant triblock copolymer P104. The surfactant was used as a template for improving the porosity of hybrid gels. Synthesized materials were characterized. The surface morphology and textural properties of such materials varied with various kinds of groups in the channels. In this study, removal of some heavy metal ions from aqueous solution by adsorption process was investigated. Batch adsorption studies show that the adsorption capacity of metal ions on the functionalized silicates is more than that on pure MSU-H. Data show adsorption on synthesized materials is a time-efficient process, suggesting adsorption on external surface as well as the mesopo...

Synthesis of zeolite from marble powder waste: a greener approach and its application for the removal of inorganic metals from wastewater

Abstract: The wastewater containing heavy metals, produced at various stages of operation in textile, printing, plastic, and paper-making industries, pose major hazards to the environment and the public health. Therefore, it is necessary that the pollutants should be treated before discharge by using highly efficient adsorbents. Zeolite is a potential material and can conveniently be processed as adsorbents for the removal of environmental pollutants. A wide range of commercial zeolite has been marketed but due to high cost it is of limited use. The present research offers a green approach for the application of zeolite synthesized by using marble powder waste as a precursor. The significance rests on the conversion of waste into a useful adsorbent marble zeolite (MZ). Zeolite is an environmental friendly, novel, and cost-effective adsorbent. In the current study, remediation of heavy metals in industrial wastewater is done using zeolite. The marble waste contains metals like Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Cu in i...

Adopting information security techniques for cloud computing—A survey

Abstract: Cloud Computing is widely used technique for data storage on-demand but involves risk such as data security, privacy protection, access-control and data confidentiality. Present study is a survey of the popularly used encryption techniques that is helpful to secure sensitive information on cloud. A discussion of the fundamental challenges and issues/characteristics of cloud computing has been done. Identification of security and privacy issues within this framework are highlighted. Study of the widely used encryption techniques helpful in securing sensitive information on cloud is debated. Scope has been set for academicians and researchers. Diverse versions of the encryption techniques surveyed and analyzed to identify optimization features for cloud security.

Effects of ambient gaseous pollutants on photosynthesis, growth, yield and grain quality of selected crops grown at different sites varying in pollution levels

Abstract: In recent decades, ambient gaseous pollution has increased due to anthropogenic activities worldwide. The studies to evaluate the adverse effects of ambient pollutants on commonly grown food crops are still limited, especially in Asian countries like Pakistan. The present study was conducted to measure the ambient pollutants in different sites of Faisalabad and their impact on growth and yield of wheat, mung bean and peas. Plants were grown in pots and placed at three sites named as control (Wire house of Government College University, Faisalabad), low pollution (LP) (Farm Area of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute) and high pollution (HP) (GT Chowk, Faisalabad) sites. Results showed that ambient ozone (O3) concentration was highest at HP site followed by LP site and was below AOT40 in control site. Ambient pollutants caused foliar injury in crops and decreased plant height, leaf area, biomass and grain yield. Pollutants caused a reduction in photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance and net...

Empirical use of information retrieval to build synthetic data for SMT domain adaptation

Abstract: In this paper, we present information retrieval as a powerful tool for addressing an imperative problem in the field of statistical machine translation, i.e., improving translation quality when not enough parallel corpora are available. We devise a framework, which uses information retrieval to create a synthetic corpus from the easily available monolingual corpora. We propose an improved unsupervised training approach with a data selection mechanism, which selects only the most appropriate sentences, thus reducing the amount of data, which is less related to the domain in the additional bitext. We also introduce a new method to choose sentences based on their relative similarity/difference from the query sentence. Using the synthetic corpus created by our method, we are able to improve state-of-the-art statistical machine translation systems.

A review of the pollen analysis of South Asian honey to identify the bee floras of the region

Abstract: This review focuses on previous work on honey pollen analysis (melissopalynology) to determine the bee floras of South Asian honeys. After a brief historical introduction on melissopalynology, the abundance and distribution of pollen and the nectar source for bees of specific regions are identified. With the help of 124 research papers referenced, a list of the bee flora of South Asia has been compiled, representing 750 plants serving as the pollen sources. Knowledge of bee floras of this region will prove to be significant for beekeepers during nomadic beekeeping, by increasing pollination and honey production and, hence, improving the apiculture industry of the region.

The treatment of HCV in patients with haemoglobinopathy in Kurdistan Region, Iraq: a single centre experience

Abstract: Various variables that might influence the rapid and sustained virological response to recombinant PEG-IFN-α-2a were explored in Iraqi HCV-infected patients with haemoglobinopathy. Forty-three patients were evaluated for the relationship between rapid virological response (RVR), IL-28B polymorphism, viral load, liver enzyme levels, blood group, ultrasound findings, or HCV genotype and the sustained virological response (SVR) achievement. The overall RVR was 55·81% while the overall SVR was 53·49%. SVR in patients that achieved RVR was 82·61% (P = 0·0004). A significant association was found between initial alanine transaminase levels and viral load with SVR achievement (P = 0·025) and (P = 0·004), respectively. Thirty-two (74%) out of 43 of our samples were host genotyped at the IL-28B locus as CC, a significant association was found between CC group and SVR achievement (P = 0·04). Of our samples, 23/43 (53%) were typed as HCV genotype 4, 10/43 (23%) as genotype 1, 9/43 (20·9%) as genotype 3 and 1/43 (2·3%) as genotype 2. A significant association was found between genotype 3 and SVR achievement (P = 0·006). Multivariate analysis showed that only RVR achievement independently associated with SVR in the Iraqi population (P = 0·00). These results can be used to classify the patients requiring the more expensive new direct-acting antiviral drugs.

Monitoring Forest Cover Change of Margalla Hills Over a Period of Two Decades (1992-2011): A Spatiotemporal Perspective

Abstract: Forests play a critical role in the provision of the ecological interconnectedness, and essential ecosystem services. Deforestation is a serious environmental problem throughout the world including Pakistan where a striking depletion of forest reserves has been an ecological concern for quite some time. Remote sensing techniques have been used to monitor land use and forest cover changes. The present study aims at visualizing the potential impacts of climate change and declining forest reserves on Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). ERDAS Imagine 9.1 and ArcGIS 10.2 softwares were employed for the spatial and temporal analysis and visualization of over the past two decades. Our analysis revealed a great increase in the built-up area, barren soil and agricultural land, whereas diminishing trend is shown by the classes such as water body, lower vegetation, scrub and conifer forest. The conditions of the region are unsatisfactory and require conservation practices to be carried out in order to avoid susceptibility against ecological and socio-economic disturbances.

LInkage between herbaceous vegetation and soil characteristics along rawal dam islamabad

Abstract: This study provides an analysis of the soil, vegetation types and species distribution along Rawal Dam, Rawal Lake and its three tributaries (Bani Gala, Chattar and Bari Imam Streams and its tributaries), with a focus on the environmental factors that control species distribution. After identifying the study area’s herbaceous vegetation and analyzing the soil’s physical and chemical parameters, the variable data were connected into a relationship. TWINSPAN (Two Way Indicator Species Analysis) classified the herbaceous vegetation into seven different communities with which; the formulated groups in DCA (Deterended Correspondance Analysis) were coherent. CCA (Canonical Correspondance Analysis) produced the relationship of soil parameters such as pH, organic matter, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc, and Iron with the herbaceous vegetation. The most effectual and varied parameter was the Potassium and Manganese that was available among the heavy metals. Thus, this study analyzed the overall relationship among soil, vegetation and the species present at the selected site.

Fabrication of alumina based electrically conductive polymer composites

Abstract: Novel electrically conductive composites were synthesized by incorporating Cu coated alumina (Cu-Al2O3) powder prepared via electroless plating technique as filler (0–21wt %) into polystyrene-b-methylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) matrices. XRD analysis depicted maximum Cu crystallite growth (26.116 nm∼ plating time 30 min) onto Al2O3 along with a significant change in XRD patterns of composites with Cu-Al2O3 inclusion. SEM–EDX analyses exhibited uniform Cu growth onto Al2O3 and confirmed presence of Cu, Al, Pd in Cu-Al2O3, and C, O, Al, Cu, and Pd in PS-b-PMMA and PS composites. Increasing filler loadings exhibited increased electrical conductivity (5.55 × 10−5S/cm for PS-b-PMMA; 5.0 × 10−6S/cm for PS) with increased Young's modulus (1122MPa for PS-b-PMMA; 1053.9MPa for PS) and tensile strength (27.998MPa for PS-b-PMMA; 30.585MPa for PS) and decreased % elongation. TGA demonstrated increased thermal stability and DTG revealed two-step degradation in composites while DSC depicted pronounced increment in Tg of Cu-Al2O3/PS-b-PMMA with increased filler loading. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42939.

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of chlorosulfuron in selected minerals and Pakistani soils

Abstract: Sorption and desorption efficiency of Chlorosulfuron that is sulfonylurea herbicide was checked by selecting different minerals and two types of Pakistani soils that were different on spatial scale. In Pakistan, sulfonylurea herbicide is being used against wide varieties of broad leaf weeds and for some grasses as well. Results obtained after the experimental work showed that adsorption co-efficient isotherm for Chlorosulfuron in tested soils data well fitted the Freundlich equation. In all the cases, slope n<1 was resembling the C type curve and isotherm was nonlinear. Due to low adsorption, distribution co-efficient (K d) parameters were also low. Results indicated that soil samples (silt loam) collected from northern hilly areas Ayubia, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa showed more adsorption for Chlorosulfuron herbicide i.e. 25.5% than the sandy soil of Multan Punjab. The major difference between the sorption capacities of both of the soil was due to the difference in soil organic matter and soil pH. Among both these factors, organic matter plays more significant role in sorption. Adsorption efficiency of synthesized compounds on different soil types of known composition can be predicted by the adsorption and desorption results of the present study.