No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation’s i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

Dengue is a viral disease which is serious health concern from last few decades and the infection transmitted through mosquito bite into human. This study was conducted to carry out prevalence of dengue fever in District Swabi. A total of 196 blood sample were collected from patients with age ranges (0-80 years) having dengue fever on the basis of physical symptoms from Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi during August to October 2017. Serological test were performed for detection of IgM, IgG and NS1 (Non structural protein antigen of virus) against dengue. Out of total 196 confirmed dengue cases the most prone gender was male 123(62%) while 73(38%) were female. Among the age groups; 21-30 years group 62 (31.6%) was found the most predominated age group. The higly affected areas in district Swabi were Topi (40.8%) followed by Main Swabi (27%), Maneri (8.2%), Marghuz (6%), Shawa Ada (5.1%), Shah Mansoor (5.1%), Gohati (4.1%), and Chota Lahore (3.6%). Therefore, the health department should take actions by educating the public about basic cleanliness of the environment. The community should be encouraged to participate in the control of such vector based diseases/infections.

In recent years, a new learning approach called "Flipped classrooms model" has been stated as an effective way of learning. In this study, a statistical approach for the comparison of traditional lecture method and Flipped classrooms model has been performed for the academic performance of students in 6th and 7th semesters in the subject of Psychology. The study comprised of two semesters (32 weeks). The students in the 6th semester learned by traditional lecture method while in the 7th semester, students used the Flipped classroom model. The students and subject were the same in both the semesters. The statistical analysis showed that 7th semesters students learned by "Flipped classrooms model" achieved better academic performance than the 6th-semester students learned by traditional lecture method. The t-test analysis showed that the students learned by Flipped classroom model have effect size 3% more than academic achievements of students learned by traditional lecture method.

Contribution/Originality: This study makes a critical review of 33 studies on Flipped classroom model with the view to understand how the previous studies have acknowledge the importance, adaptability and of flipped classroom model in the modern learning environments and also how they differentiated this model from the Traditional Lecture Method. INTRODUCTIONLearning is an essential element of humankind and crucial for the development of a nation (Hafeez et al., 2020). Buckman et al. (2010) stated that there are four important strategies for active learning (1) create individual activities in and out of the classroom (2) integrate students in group activities (3) inspire informal group, and (4) assign project tasks to cooperative students. Engaging these concepts with "Flipped classroom model" involves students to take part in the learning process with full concentration. This model enables students to learn more cooperatively and think critically. It also allows students to share their knowledge with peers (Michel, Cater III, & Varela, 2009). The Flipped classroom model improves the efficacy of learning and increases the motivation level of

Plastics are available in different shapes nowadays in order to enhance the living standard. But unfortunately, most of these plastics are synthetic in nature that is why they show resistance to physical and chemical degradation processes and enhance environmental hazards. The aim of the present research study was to isolate and identify beneficial fungal species from soil that have the capability to degrade plastic. Soil samples from a waste disposal site at Peshawar district were diluted and inoculated on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) for fungus isolation. After isolation, the identifications of fungal species were done using standard identification techniques such as colony morphology and microscopic examination. The isolated fungal species that were identified were Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, white rot, and brown rot fungi. After isolation, a degradation experiment was conducted to evaluate the capability of fungal isolates towards degradation of plastic. For this purpose, a 2 cm2 plastic piece was treated with fungal isolates for one month in a liquid culture system. The weight loss percentage was estimated at 22.9%, 16.1%, 18.4%, and 22.7% by Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus flavus, brown rot, and white rot, respectively, which was confirmed by the Fourier transform analysis. The obtained FTIR peaks revealed the C–H bond deformation in alkenes, ketones, and esters. It has been concluded from the study that fungal species play a significant role in the degradation of synthetic plastic which can be used in bioreactors in future studies for the degradation of complex plastic materials.