These results demonstrate that transmission of goat BSE is genotype dependent, and they highlight the pivotal protective effect of the K222 PRNP variant in the oral susceptibility of goats to BSE.

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Wind power is the fastest growing and environmentally sustainable source of energy among all available renewable energy resources. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the wind characteristics and power potential at Hyderabad, Southeastern province in Pakistan. Two years of wind speed data measured at 10 m above ground level (AGL) have been considered in this study. The annually, monthly, and seasonal variations in wind speed were analyzed, and minimum, maximum, and average values of recorded wind speeds are presented in this paper. Weibull and Rayleigh distribution functions have been applied to analyze the wind characteristics and evaluate the wind power potential of the proposed site. The Weibull shape k and scale c parameters have been estimated using the Weibull function. The higher values of k showed that the wind speed is steady at the site. The average wind speed was found above 6 m/s throughout the year. The most probable wind speed (Vmp) and maximum carrying energy (VmaxE) wind speed were also calculated using Weibull parameters. Root mean square error (RMSE), the coefficient of determination (R2), and mean bias error (MBE) were computed to ensure the good fit of Weibull distribution function. The annual average wind power and energy densities were estimated at more than 255 W/m2 and 2245 kWh/m2, respectively. The power density calculated by Weibull and Rayleigh functions was compared with that calculated by using measured wind data. The energy output and capacity factor of different commercially available wind turbines (WTs), i.e., power ratings from 0.33 to 2.75 MW, have been calculated. The cost of energy was estimated and ranged from $19.27 to $32.80 per MWh. Wind power potential and economic analysis of the collected data reveals that the site is suitable for developing wind power generation projects to power the local communities.

Abstract:The non-renewable energy resources are limited and depleting gradually. As such, energy security has attained the greatest amount of attention globally than ever before. In the meantime, energy crises are already affecting the developing countries such as Pakistan, even though one-third of the population of the country is not even not connected to the national electricity grid. The population with access to on-grid electricity is enduring load shedding of more than 12 h a day. This situation is alarming and require immediate attention is required so as to add alternative energy resources to the country, which has long been relying on imported fuels. It is, therefore, high time that the abundant potential in the renewable energy resources of Pakistan such as solar, wind, and biomass are harnessed. These renewable energy resources are economical and environmentally friendly, and thus considered as sustainable, and the utilization of these in meeting energy demands can help to conserve conventional resources early diminishing. This paper provides a detailed description of the energy consumption and load-shedding scenario in Pakistan thereby focusing specifically Sindh and Baluchistan provinces. Since, wind energy is considered one of the cost-effective renewable resources, six potential sites in these two provinces are considered in this study. These sites lie within 250 km of the southeastern and 800 km of the southwestern regions of Pakistan. One-year wind speed data have been reported for variable heights of these proposed sites which represent to have an annual average wind speed of 6.63 m/s and 5.33 m/s respectively. The power generation data for these location of two provinces is 7.653 GWh, and 5.456 GWh per annum respectively. This study also elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages of harvesting and installing the wind energy and provides a technical proposal for the generation of electricity from the wind in the selected remote zones which are off the national grid. The findings of this paper will help concerned government departments to devise appropriate policies and attract investment in the wind energy sector to eradicate the on-going electricity crisis.

Objective There has been a rise in the magnitude of dermatological diseases in the South East Asian region. This study aimed to determine the pattern of various skin disorders appearing in the Dermatology Department of a tertiary care hospital, which will help people to understand the scale of the rising incidence and possible preventive measures that can be undertaken to curtail it. Methods An observational study was conducted on all the patients who attended the Dermatology Department during a one year span. A thorough medical history with detailed cutaneous examination was carried out on every patient. Investigations and skin biopsies were performed, where required, for confirmation of diagnosis. Results A total of 95,983 patients presented in the outpatient Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical University Mayo Hospital Pakistan. Out of this sample, 24,302 patients repeatedly came to the hospital for a follow up visit related to their diseases, while 71,681 were enrolled as new cases. This group comprised 58% females and 42% males; most patients were in the 20–40 years age group. Out of 71,681, eczema was diagnosed in 22,275 (31.07%), infections including bacterial, viral, fungal, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 20,178 (28.16%), acne 7910 (11.03%), drug reactions 4830 (6.74%), urticaria 2910 (4.06%), and pigmentary disorders such as lichen planus, melasma and vitiligo were reported in 2739 (3.82%) cases. In addition, psoriasis was reported in 2724 (3.80%), bullous disorders in 1187 (1.66%) and connective tissue disorders in 645 (0.90%). The majority of patients presented with advanced eczema and infectious diseases. Conclusion Eczema was the most common skin disease seen in our study, followed by dermatological infections. The emerging challenges for dermatologists are to prevent and reduce these skin diseases that pose a major healthcare burden, as well as affect the quality of patients' lives.