Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities (DC) along with operational capabilities such as network orientation, academics, social networking and perceived supervisory support (PSS), on the research productivity of doctoral students in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an online quantitative survey from participants recruited via snowball and quota sampling. The conceptual model was developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings DC, network orientation and academic and social networking are shown to have a positive influence on the productivity levels of doctoral students in Malaysia and the UAE. However, the influence was found to be stronger in the Malaysian sample than in the UAE sample. The impact of PSS was not seen to be statistically significant in either sample. Practical implications The findings suggest that attention needs to be paid to strengthening doctoral students’ DC in terms of research skills and competencies, as well as enhancing operational capabilities to improve students’ research capabilities. Originality/value Drawing on strategic management approaches and socialisation theory, this study is assumed to be the first that considers doctoral students’ research productivity in the context of DC.

Introduction: In the current study, prevalence of hepatitis C virus and its routes of transmission were determined in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Total 230 blood samples for HCV were collected from 7 tehsils of District Buner. Diaspot rapid HCV strips manufactured by Diaspot diagnostic USA were used for the detection of HCV-Ab in the blood. Results: Out of 230 blood samples collected from patients, 158 were found positive for HCV infection. Of the 158 positive cases, 102 (64.55%) were male and 56 (35.45%) were female patients. The high rate of Hepatitis C infection was found in the age group of 41-50 years that was 68 (29.56%), followed by age group of 20-30 years that was 60 (26.08%), 31-40 years that was 54 (23.47%). The lowest infection was found in age group above 70 years. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that such high proportion of hepatitis C prevalence will result in high rate of mortality and morbidity in the area. Possible steps are required for the prevention and cure of such viral infections.

Present study was carried out in local population of Barikot, District Swat for incidence of malarial disease. For this purpose a total of 997 individuals were screened for malarial test in the study area and divided into four category of age i.e. (1-15), (16-30), (31-45), (46-onward), gender wise, union council (Kota, Barikot, Shamozo and Ghalegi) and month wise. It was concluded that out of 997 samples, 204 (20.46%) were found positive, in which mostly under positive, under 15 year of age (23.36%), whereas less cases were recorded in adult (46 and above) 22.64. Most of the positive cases were found in the month of November, 24 out of 67 (35.82%) and less cases were noted in the month of May which are 12 out of 106 (11.32%). Incidence of the cases were found in U.C Kota with 60 positive (26.08%) out of 230 blood samples and low prevalence in U.C Ghalaigai with 42 positive (13.12%) out of 320 samples. Gender wise prevalence of malaria disease shows male 106 (27.53%) out of 385 whereas female 98 (16.01%) out of 612.

The present research was carried out to explore the spider fauna of Buner valley with taxonomic study from February 2018 to January 2019. For this purpose samples were collected, four times at each month from 4 tehsils: Daggar, Gagra, Mandan and Totalai. Two methods were used, hand picking and sweep net for collection of samples. During day and night, three habitats, arid area, agriculture land and building area were search for collection. A total of 534 samples of spider were collected from four sampling sites, in which 379 were belonging to family Araniedae. After confirmation, the identified species were belonging to 8 genera (Neoscona, Argiope, Cyclosa, Araneus, Cyrtophora, Larinia, Erivoxia and Poltys) and 19 species. 18 of them were identified to specie level while a single specie to its generic level. The genus Neoscona was the dominant genus 26.31% having 5 species while the genus Argiope 21.05% is the second dominant having 4 species followed by Cyclosa 15.78% having 3 species followed by Cyrtophora and Araneus 10.52% having two species both. The Poltys and Larinia 5.26% are the rarest genera represent single-single specie both. Statistical analysis show that specie richness (D) = 5.77, Simpson index (1-D) = 0.87, Shannon index (H) = 2.33. Diversity of spiders was evenly distributed and calculated Evenness value was H/InS = 0.5408. There is also few atypical species and Fisher alpha estimate high value (Fisher α) = 4.42. Chao-1 estimated we have reported 22 species.

This survey was conducted from January 2013 to December 2013 to explore the avian fauna of Swat valley and to find out the major threats to the avian fauna of the area as it was neglected for years. Direct and indirect methods were used in the study by visiting the field and by interviewing the local peoples and hunters about the current and past status of the avian fauna of the area. During the current study direct and indirect methods were used. A total of 138 species were recorded belonging to 13 orders and 48 families. The order Passeriformes were recorded much in number that were 31 species. Most of the birds were migratory and few were resident. The fauna was very rich due to the flora of the area and also due to less hunting. Orders Anseriformes, Apodiformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Pelecaniformes, Phoenicopteriformes, and Psittaciformes were found migratory and orders Ciconiiformes, Coraciiformes, Galliformes, and Piciformes were found resident while some members of Gruiformes and Passeriformes were found migratory and some resident.

Ladybird beetles belong to family Coccinellidae and are important group of beetles because they are important universal predatory and occupies important place in biological control. In present study, a survey was conducted to explore the ladybird beetles from Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2009-2011. A total of 13 species of Ladybird beetle under eleven genera and three subfamilies (Subfamily Chilocorinae, Subfamily Coccinellini and Subfamily Epilachnini) were collected. These species were Brumoidus suturalis, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis,

The present study was aimed at comparing the brain size of mahseer (Tor putitora) in relation to their body weight and standard length, to investigate the potential impact of rearing environment on brain development in fish. The weight of the brain and three of its subdivisions cerebellum (CB), optic tectum (OT), and telencephalon (TC) were measured for both wild and hatchery-reared fish. The data was analysed using multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and discriminate function analysis (DFA). We found the fish reared under hatchery conditions exhibit smaller brain size related to body weight, when compared to the wild ones. A significant (p<0.5) difference was observed in the length of CB and OT concerning the standard body length while no significant difference was found in TC of the fish from both the origins. The results of the current study highlight a logical assumption that neural deficiency affects the behaviour of fish, that’s why the captive-reared fish show maladaptive response and face fitness decline when released to the natural environment for wild stock enhancement. The current study concluded that hatchery-reared fish exhibit variations in gross brain morphology as compared to their wild counterpart.

Current study was conducted in District Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the period of January to October 2014. During the current study the mammals identified were Grey Goral, Porcupine, Fox, Monkey, Wild boar, Jackal, Hare and Bat. Among these species the Grey Goral was found threatened. The main causes of the species declining in the study area were deforestation, overpopulation and over hunting. Protective measurements are required to save the mammalian fauna of district Buner.