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Papers by Ali Shan

Research paper thumbnail of Gamma-ray activity and dose rate of brick samples from some areas of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan

Science of The Total Environment, 1996

It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and conseq... more It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and consequently to determine the dose rate from these materials. This helps to implement precautionary measures whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. A knowledge of gamma radioactivity is required by the building construction association to adopt preventive measures to mitigate or minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The aim of this work was to measure the gamma activity due to 226Ra, Z32Th and 40K in bricks from the Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan districts of NWFP of Pakistan. The radiological doses to the occupants from the brick floor of a wooden house were calculated. The average y dose equivalent rate was calculated to be 0.14 mSv per year, which is well below the external y dose limit of 0.46 mSv per year as given in UNSCEAR 121.

Research paper thumbnail of Media and Agenda Setting: Effects on the Public, Interest Group Leaders, Policy Makers, and Policy

Public Opinion Quarterly, 1983

Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact o... more Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact of the media upon the general public, policy makers, interest group leaders, and public policy. The results suggested that the media influenced views about issue importance among the general public and government policy makers. The study suggests, however, that it was not this change in public opinion which led to subsequent policy changes. Instead, policy change resulted from collaboration between journalists and government staff members.

Research paper thumbnail of A Longitudinal Study of Agenda Setting for the Issue of Environmental Pollution

Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 1995

This study found that the agenda-setting hypothesis was supported for the issue of pollution from... more This study found that the agenda-setting hypothesis was supported for the issue of pollution from 1970 to 1990. Real-world conditions and the public agenda were not correlated for this issue. Additionally, despite the overall reduction in pollution, media coverage has increased. However, for waste pollution there was a positive correlation found between the media agenda and real-world conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of The Evolution of Agenda-Setting Research: Twenty-Five Years in the Marketplace of Ideas

Journal of Communication, 1993

Communication scholars frequently invoke the concept of a marketplace of ideas during discussions... more Communication scholars frequently invoke the concept of a marketplace of ideas during discussions about speechmaking, the diversity of media content and voices, and related First Amendment issues. They invoke it less often during intramural discussions of how specific concepts ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Agenda Setting Function of the Mass Media At Three Levels of "Information Holding

Communication Research, 1976

The objective of this study was to extend the theoretical concept of agenda setting to include th... more The objective of this study was to extend the theoretical concept of agenda setting to include three levels of peoples' information holding: (1) awareness of general issues; (2) awareness of proposed solutions; (3) specific knowledge about the proposals. A content analysis of three media and a survey were conducted to examine whether or not agenda setting is operative at Levels 2 and 3, since previous research has consistently shown agenda setting at Level 1. Concerning economic issues, high intercorrelations among media regarding economic content were found at Level 2. Agenda setting was found at both Levels 2 and 3, with newspapers primarily setting the agenda for all media users. In contrast to prior agenda setting studies which have found television to play a substantial role in setting the public agenda at Level 1, television was not round to be setting peoples' agenda at Levels 2 and 3.

Research paper thumbnail of The agenda-setting approach

Handbook of political communication, 1981

Research paper thumbnail of The Agenda-Setting Role of Mass Communication

Contemporary Public Opinion, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of trichloroethylene degradation in Fe(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate coupled with citric acid system in the presence of surfactants

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022

This study demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe(II)/citric acid (CA) could e... more This study demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe(II)/citric acid (CA) could effectively degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of Tween-80 (TW-80) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Significant TCE removal of 91.6% (90.1%) with 1.3 g L−1 TW-80 (2.3 g L−1 SDS) were achieved at the PMS/Fe(II)/CA/TCE molar ratio of 4/4/4/1 (20/20/20/1). TCE degradation could be greatly elevated by Fe(II) and CA addition, while the existence of surfactants restrained TCE removal and the inhibitory effect increased with the higher surfactant concentration. The tests of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and reactive radicals scavenging experiments proved that sulfate radical (SO4−•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), and superoxide radical (O2−•) were responsible for TCE degradation and SO4−• acted as the major one. The influences of initial solution pH and inorganic anions k(Cl− and HCO3−) on TCE removal were also investigated. Eventually, TCE removal in actual groundwater tests with surfactants confirmed that the PMS/Fe(II)/CA process has a huge potential of practical application in remediating the groundwater contaminated by TCE after the pretreatment by solubilization using surfactants.

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of Burn Injury at Mayo Hospital, Lahore

To determine pattern of diversified types of injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Causes of Mental Illnesses: A Survey on Attendants of Mentally Ill Patients

The aim of the current work was to examine the beliefs of the attendants relating to the mental i... more The aim of the current work was to examine the beliefs of the attendants relating to the mental illness cause of their patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficient catalytic degradation of trichloroethylene in persulfate system by Ca-Fe2O3 and Cu-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Fluoranthene removal in aqueous phase by Fe(II) activated sodium percarbonate: mechanisms and degradation pathways

Research on Chemical Intermediates, 2021

Резюме. Лекарственное поражение почек составляет от 8 до 60% эпизодов острого повреждения почек (... more Резюме. Лекарственное поражение почек составляет от 8 до 60% эпизодов острого повреждения почек (ОПП) среди госпитализированных пациентов. Как можно более раннее распознавание этого состояния и своевременное принятие мер по коррекции лечения могут уменьшить количество выявленных случаев почечного повреждения и летальных исходов. Цель работы: анализ данных научной литературы о биомаркерах, используемых при проведении диагностики лекарственного поражения почек. Выявлено, что такие маркеры повреждения почек, как уровень сывороточного креатинина, объем выделяемой мочи, концентрация азота мочевины, экскреция натрия, микроскопия мочевого осадка, ограничены в применении в связи с тем, что они не отражают в полном объеме динамику и степень повреждения почек и не позволяют диагностировать развитие ОПП на ранних этапах. Установлено, что наи более перспективными биомаркерами являются в первую очередь KIM-1, L-FABP, NAG, NGAL, цистатин С, кластерин, β2-микроглобулин, МСР-1, IGFBP7 и TIMP-2. Однако определение концентрации новых биомаркеров в моче или в крови для диагностики ОПП может носить лишь рекомендательный характер, так как клинических и доклинических исследований по установлению валидности такого рода тестов проведено недостаточно. До настоящего времени не разработаны точные алгоритмы оценки рисков развития, диагностики, мониторинга течения и терапии ОПП, основанные на определении наличия и уровней данных маркеров в моче и/или в сыворотке крови. Таким образом, необходимо продолжать исследования различных биомаркеров ОПП и совершенствовать экспериментальные модели (как in vivo, так и in vitro), в том числе для изучения потенциальных нефротоксических свойств уже известных и разрабатываемых лекарственных средств.

Research paper thumbnail of Title : Wastewater Production , Treatment and Use in Pakistan

Pakistan, once a water-surplus country, is now a water deficit country. The water availability ha... more Pakistan, once a water-surplus country, is now a water deficit country. The water availability has decreased from 1,299 m3 per capita in 1996-97 to 1,100 m3 per capita in 2006 and it is projected to less than 700 m3 per capita by 2025. Therefore, search for other non-conventional water resources for irrigation i.e. wastewater, has become important. In Pakistan, domestic and industrial wastewater is either discharged directly to a sewer system, a natural drain or water body, a nearby field or an internal septic tank. Mostly, this wastewater is not treated and none of the cities have any biological treatment process except Islamabad and Karachi, and even these cities treat only a small proportion (<8%) of their wastewater before disposal. The wastewater used for irrigation is valued by farmers, mainly because of its nutrient contents and reliability of supply and exert positive impacts on agriculture land values, households, monthly income and employment due to reuse of wastewater ...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced trichloroethylene degradation in the presence of surfactant: Pivotal role of Fe(II)/nZVI catalytic synergy in persulfate system

Separation and Purification Technology, 2021

Abstract Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal performance in non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 (TW-80) and... more Abstract Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal performance in non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 (TW-80) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) involved solution by Fe(II) activated persulfate (PS) was investigated through the strengthening of nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI). 99.5% removal of TCE could be obtained at the PS/Fe(II)/nZVI/TCE molar ratio of 8/4/4/1 with 1.0 critical micelle concentration (CMC) of TW-80 presence (13 mg L−1), while this value was slightly decreased to 88.3% at the molar ratio of 40/20/20/1 with 1.0 CMC of SDS presence (2.3 g L−1) in 180 min. The addition of nZVI significantly promoted TCE degradation, while TW-80 or SDS definitely inhibited TCE removal. Further, TCE removal declined with TW-80 or SDS concentration increasing from 0 to 10 CMC, and continuously decreased at 20 CMC of TW-80 but elevated TCE removal at 20 CMC of SDS. Tests of radical scavengers revealed that HO and SO4− contributed a major part while O2− had less contribution to TCE degradation in PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system. The dichlorination of TCE in PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system was 94.5% with TW-80 and 97.2% with SDS. In addition, TCE (with TW-80) removal was decreased with the initial pH increase from 3.0 to 11.0, while TCE (with SDS) degradation was always beyond 83% in the initial pH change from 3.0 to 11.0. Moreover, the effects of inorganic anions (Cl−, HCO3−) in the solution were evaluated. Experimental results using the actual groundwater revealed the excellent availability of PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system in remediating TCE contaminated field involved with TW-80 or SDS surfactants. In summary, these findings provide a new direction in remediating groundwater from contaminated sites polluted by chlorinated organic solvents after pretreatment by surfactant solubilization.

Research paper thumbnail of A framework for railway transit network design with first-mile shared autonomous vehicles

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 2021

Abstract Providing a railway transit system (RTS) in less populated areas is a challenging task f... more Abstract Providing a railway transit system (RTS) in less populated areas is a challenging task for transportation agencies due to its high construction and operating costs. With the advent of automation, shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) as an integral part of public transit services has the potential to enhance the design of transit systems. In this paper, we present a joint optimization framework of railway transit network design and SAV first-mile service that minimizes the total cost of the combined RTS-SAV services and commuters’ waiting time, while serving a dynamic travel demand in the network. The proposed model optimizes the SAV fleet size and the RTS alignment while enabling vehicle relocations to tackle the vehicle imbalance issue in the SAV service. Due to the non-linear and mixed-integer formulation, we develop a fixed-point algorithm for this joint RTS-SAV problem where we transform the original problem into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation. Our results indicate that the joint RTS-SAV services can be constructed and operated at a lower cost than either of the RTS or SAV services alone. Furthermore, the resulting joint RTS-SAV services are underpinned by a shorter railway alignment and larger fleet size rather than a multi-link extension. Additionally, the joint RTS-SAV services is robust to the variation in total demand, with respect to the railway alignment, SAV utilization and commuters’ waiting time.

Research paper thumbnail of The image of the great steppe according to the book of ibn battuta and the article of N.A. Nazarbayev “Uly dalanyn zheti kyry” (“seven facets of the great steppe”)

Al-Farabi kazakh national university, 2019

The topic of the present research is the specificity of Kazakh nomads, reflected in the article o... more The topic of the present research is the specificity of Kazakh nomads, reflected in the article of N. Nazarbayev "Seven Facets of the Great Steppe" and in the book of Ibn Battuta, an Arab traveler. The value of the research is defined by the fact that the views of the authors of both works have found their full expression in the samples of oral poetic culture of the nomads of the XV-XVIII centuries. The purpose of this research is the systematization of the most essential features of the Kazakh nomads. These features are also described by the famous traveler. He reveals the uniqueness of history and culture of the nomads. The idea of uniqueness and originality of the nomadic civilization is the main message of «Seven Facets of the Great Steppe", which raises "the question is not how to show its greatness by belittling the role of other peoples. Most importantly, calmly and objectively understand our role in the global history, relying on strict scientific facts" (Nazarbayev 2019). In the description of the nomadic country-Desht-I-Kipchak, Ibn Battuta appears as a subtle observer. Due to completeness, accuracy of historical description, we can compare his travel sketches with samples of nomadic poetry. This comparative methodology contributes to the achievement of the purpose of the research in line with the main directions-spiritual renewal, search for a national idea (disclosure code of the nation).

Research paper thumbnail of Development of highly selective PdZn/CeO2 and Ca-doped PdZn/CeO2 catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation

Applied Catalysis A: General, 2018

Effect of Pd, Zn, PdZn alloy and Ca-doped PdZn on CeO2 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol was inve... more Effect of Pd, Zn, PdZn alloy and Ca-doped PdZn on CeO2 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol was investigated. CeO2-supported PdZn and Ca-doped PdZn nanoparticles (NPs) proved to be highly selective, fairly active and quite stable for CH3OH synthesis at reasonably low temperature conditions. In the case of Ca-doped PdZn/ CeO2, methanol selectivity of ∼100 % was achieved at low temperature (T = 220 o C, P = 30 bar and GHSV = 2400 mLg-1 h-1) with reasonable CO2 conversion (7.7 %). CeO2-supported PdZn nanoparticles (NPs) (3-6 nm, measured from HR-TEM) were successfully prepared by the chelating method using citric acid as a chelating agent. The developed catalysts were investigated using a range of characterization techniques (BET, CO-Chemisorption, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR, XRD, XPS, STEM-EDS and HR-TEM). XPS results revealed the presence of Ce +3 ions implying the generation of oxygen-vacant sites over the surface of CeO2supported catalysts which aided in increased CO2 dissociation resulting in higher methanol rates. An in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) study was also carried out for the best performing catalyst at actual reaction conditions to determine the intermediate species and a probable reaction mechanism. Characterization results revealed the significance of CeO2 interaction with PdZn nanoparticles for selective CH3OH formation over ceria-supported PdZn nanoparticles. Addition of Ca, to the CeO2-supported PdZn catalysts, as a promoter, slightly improved the selective conversion of CO2 to methanol by raising the amount of oxygen-vacant sites as revealed by XPS results. DRIFT studies revealed the emergence of monodentate, bidentate formates, CH2O and methoxy species and their subsequent conversion to methanol and CO, steering the reaction mechanism towards formate route for selective formation of methanol.

Research paper thumbnail of Setting the agenda: the mass media and public opinion

Choice Reviews Online, 2014

... It is about telling stories that contain signifi-cant civic utility.15 The agenda-setting rol... more ... It is about telling stories that contain signifi-cant civic utility.15 The agenda-setting role of themass media links journalism and its tradition of storytelling to the arena of public opinion, a relationship with considerable consequences for society. Page 15. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Gamma-ray activity and dose rate of brick samples from some areas of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan

Science of The Total Environment, 1996

It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and conseq... more It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and consequently to determine the dose rate from these materials. This helps to implement precautionary measures whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. A knowledge of gamma radioactivity is required by the building construction association to adopt preventive measures to mitigate or minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The aim of this work was to measure the gamma activity due to 226Ra, Z32Th and 40K in bricks from the Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan districts of NWFP of Pakistan. The radiological doses to the occupants from the brick floor of a wooden house were calculated. The average y dose equivalent rate was calculated to be 0.14 mSv per year, which is well below the external y dose limit of 0.46 mSv per year as given in UNSCEAR 121.

Research paper thumbnail of Media and Agenda Setting: Effects on the Public, Interest Group Leaders, Policy Makers, and Policy

Public Opinion Quarterly, 1983

Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact o... more Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact of the media upon the general public, policy makers, interest group leaders, and public policy. The results suggested that the media influenced views about issue importance among the general public and government policy makers. The study suggests, however, that it was not this change in public opinion which led to subsequent policy changes. Instead, policy change resulted from collaboration between journalists and government staff members.

Research paper thumbnail of Gamma-ray activity and dose rate of brick samples from some areas of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan

Science of The Total Environment, 1996

It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and conseq... more It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and consequently to determine the dose rate from these materials. This helps to implement precautionary measures whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. A knowledge of gamma radioactivity is required by the building construction association to adopt preventive measures to mitigate or minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The aim of this work was to measure the gamma activity due to 226Ra, Z32Th and 40K in bricks from the Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan districts of NWFP of Pakistan. The radiological doses to the occupants from the brick floor of a wooden house were calculated. The average y dose equivalent rate was calculated to be 0.14 mSv per year, which is well below the external y dose limit of 0.46 mSv per year as given in UNSCEAR 121.

Research paper thumbnail of Media and Agenda Setting: Effects on the Public, Interest Group Leaders, Policy Makers, and Policy

Public Opinion Quarterly, 1983

Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact o... more Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact of the media upon the general public, policy makers, interest group leaders, and public policy. The results suggested that the media influenced views about issue importance among the general public and government policy makers. The study suggests, however, that it was not this change in public opinion which led to subsequent policy changes. Instead, policy change resulted from collaboration between journalists and government staff members.

Research paper thumbnail of A Longitudinal Study of Agenda Setting for the Issue of Environmental Pollution

Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 1995

This study found that the agenda-setting hypothesis was supported for the issue of pollution from... more This study found that the agenda-setting hypothesis was supported for the issue of pollution from 1970 to 1990. Real-world conditions and the public agenda were not correlated for this issue. Additionally, despite the overall reduction in pollution, media coverage has increased. However, for waste pollution there was a positive correlation found between the media agenda and real-world conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of The Evolution of Agenda-Setting Research: Twenty-Five Years in the Marketplace of Ideas

Journal of Communication, 1993

Communication scholars frequently invoke the concept of a marketplace of ideas during discussions... more Communication scholars frequently invoke the concept of a marketplace of ideas during discussions about speechmaking, the diversity of media content and voices, and related First Amendment issues. They invoke it less often during intramural discussions of how specific concepts ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Agenda Setting Function of the Mass Media At Three Levels of "Information Holding

Communication Research, 1976

The objective of this study was to extend the theoretical concept of agenda setting to include th... more The objective of this study was to extend the theoretical concept of agenda setting to include three levels of peoples' information holding: (1) awareness of general issues; (2) awareness of proposed solutions; (3) specific knowledge about the proposals. A content analysis of three media and a survey were conducted to examine whether or not agenda setting is operative at Levels 2 and 3, since previous research has consistently shown agenda setting at Level 1. Concerning economic issues, high intercorrelations among media regarding economic content were found at Level 2. Agenda setting was found at both Levels 2 and 3, with newspapers primarily setting the agenda for all media users. In contrast to prior agenda setting studies which have found television to play a substantial role in setting the public agenda at Level 1, television was not round to be setting peoples' agenda at Levels 2 and 3.

Research paper thumbnail of The agenda-setting approach

Handbook of political communication, 1981

Research paper thumbnail of The Agenda-Setting Role of Mass Communication

Contemporary Public Opinion, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of trichloroethylene degradation in Fe(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate coupled with citric acid system in the presence of surfactants

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022

This study demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe(II)/citric acid (CA) could e... more This study demonstrated that peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe(II)/citric acid (CA) could effectively degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of Tween-80 (TW-80) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Significant TCE removal of 91.6% (90.1%) with 1.3 g L−1 TW-80 (2.3 g L−1 SDS) were achieved at the PMS/Fe(II)/CA/TCE molar ratio of 4/4/4/1 (20/20/20/1). TCE degradation could be greatly elevated by Fe(II) and CA addition, while the existence of surfactants restrained TCE removal and the inhibitory effect increased with the higher surfactant concentration. The tests of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and reactive radicals scavenging experiments proved that sulfate radical (SO4−•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), and superoxide radical (O2−•) were responsible for TCE degradation and SO4−• acted as the major one. The influences of initial solution pH and inorganic anions k(Cl− and HCO3−) on TCE removal were also investigated. Eventually, TCE removal in actual groundwater tests with surfactants confirmed that the PMS/Fe(II)/CA process has a huge potential of practical application in remediating the groundwater contaminated by TCE after the pretreatment by solubilization using surfactants.

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of Burn Injury at Mayo Hospital, Lahore

To determine pattern of diversified types of injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Causes of Mental Illnesses: A Survey on Attendants of Mentally Ill Patients

The aim of the current work was to examine the beliefs of the attendants relating to the mental i... more The aim of the current work was to examine the beliefs of the attendants relating to the mental illness cause of their patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficient catalytic degradation of trichloroethylene in persulfate system by Ca-Fe2O3 and Cu-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Fluoranthene removal in aqueous phase by Fe(II) activated sodium percarbonate: mechanisms and degradation pathways

Research on Chemical Intermediates, 2021

Резюме. Лекарственное поражение почек составляет от 8 до 60% эпизодов острого повреждения почек (... more Резюме. Лекарственное поражение почек составляет от 8 до 60% эпизодов острого повреждения почек (ОПП) среди госпитализированных пациентов. Как можно более раннее распознавание этого состояния и своевременное принятие мер по коррекции лечения могут уменьшить количество выявленных случаев почечного повреждения и летальных исходов. Цель работы: анализ данных научной литературы о биомаркерах, используемых при проведении диагностики лекарственного поражения почек. Выявлено, что такие маркеры повреждения почек, как уровень сывороточного креатинина, объем выделяемой мочи, концентрация азота мочевины, экскреция натрия, микроскопия мочевого осадка, ограничены в применении в связи с тем, что они не отражают в полном объеме динамику и степень повреждения почек и не позволяют диагностировать развитие ОПП на ранних этапах. Установлено, что наи более перспективными биомаркерами являются в первую очередь KIM-1, L-FABP, NAG, NGAL, цистатин С, кластерин, β2-микроглобулин, МСР-1, IGFBP7 и TIMP-2. Однако определение концентрации новых биомаркеров в моче или в крови для диагностики ОПП может носить лишь рекомендательный характер, так как клинических и доклинических исследований по установлению валидности такого рода тестов проведено недостаточно. До настоящего времени не разработаны точные алгоритмы оценки рисков развития, диагностики, мониторинга течения и терапии ОПП, основанные на определении наличия и уровней данных маркеров в моче и/или в сыворотке крови. Таким образом, необходимо продолжать исследования различных биомаркеров ОПП и совершенствовать экспериментальные модели (как in vivo, так и in vitro), в том числе для изучения потенциальных нефротоксических свойств уже известных и разрабатываемых лекарственных средств.

Research paper thumbnail of Title : Wastewater Production , Treatment and Use in Pakistan

Pakistan, once a water-surplus country, is now a water deficit country. The water availability ha... more Pakistan, once a water-surplus country, is now a water deficit country. The water availability has decreased from 1,299 m3 per capita in 1996-97 to 1,100 m3 per capita in 2006 and it is projected to less than 700 m3 per capita by 2025. Therefore, search for other non-conventional water resources for irrigation i.e. wastewater, has become important. In Pakistan, domestic and industrial wastewater is either discharged directly to a sewer system, a natural drain or water body, a nearby field or an internal septic tank. Mostly, this wastewater is not treated and none of the cities have any biological treatment process except Islamabad and Karachi, and even these cities treat only a small proportion (<8%) of their wastewater before disposal. The wastewater used for irrigation is valued by farmers, mainly because of its nutrient contents and reliability of supply and exert positive impacts on agriculture land values, households, monthly income and employment due to reuse of wastewater ...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced trichloroethylene degradation in the presence of surfactant: Pivotal role of Fe(II)/nZVI catalytic synergy in persulfate system

Separation and Purification Technology, 2021

Abstract Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal performance in non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 (TW-80) and... more Abstract Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal performance in non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 (TW-80) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) involved solution by Fe(II) activated persulfate (PS) was investigated through the strengthening of nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI). 99.5% removal of TCE could be obtained at the PS/Fe(II)/nZVI/TCE molar ratio of 8/4/4/1 with 1.0 critical micelle concentration (CMC) of TW-80 presence (13 mg L−1), while this value was slightly decreased to 88.3% at the molar ratio of 40/20/20/1 with 1.0 CMC of SDS presence (2.3 g L−1) in 180 min. The addition of nZVI significantly promoted TCE degradation, while TW-80 or SDS definitely inhibited TCE removal. Further, TCE removal declined with TW-80 or SDS concentration increasing from 0 to 10 CMC, and continuously decreased at 20 CMC of TW-80 but elevated TCE removal at 20 CMC of SDS. Tests of radical scavengers revealed that HO and SO4− contributed a major part while O2− had less contribution to TCE degradation in PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system. The dichlorination of TCE in PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system was 94.5% with TW-80 and 97.2% with SDS. In addition, TCE (with TW-80) removal was decreased with the initial pH increase from 3.0 to 11.0, while TCE (with SDS) degradation was always beyond 83% in the initial pH change from 3.0 to 11.0. Moreover, the effects of inorganic anions (Cl−, HCO3−) in the solution were evaluated. Experimental results using the actual groundwater revealed the excellent availability of PS/Fe(II)/nZVI system in remediating TCE contaminated field involved with TW-80 or SDS surfactants. In summary, these findings provide a new direction in remediating groundwater from contaminated sites polluted by chlorinated organic solvents after pretreatment by surfactant solubilization.

Research paper thumbnail of A framework for railway transit network design with first-mile shared autonomous vehicles

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 2021

Abstract Providing a railway transit system (RTS) in less populated areas is a challenging task f... more Abstract Providing a railway transit system (RTS) in less populated areas is a challenging task for transportation agencies due to its high construction and operating costs. With the advent of automation, shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) as an integral part of public transit services has the potential to enhance the design of transit systems. In this paper, we present a joint optimization framework of railway transit network design and SAV first-mile service that minimizes the total cost of the combined RTS-SAV services and commuters’ waiting time, while serving a dynamic travel demand in the network. The proposed model optimizes the SAV fleet size and the RTS alignment while enabling vehicle relocations to tackle the vehicle imbalance issue in the SAV service. Due to the non-linear and mixed-integer formulation, we develop a fixed-point algorithm for this joint RTS-SAV problem where we transform the original problem into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation. Our results indicate that the joint RTS-SAV services can be constructed and operated at a lower cost than either of the RTS or SAV services alone. Furthermore, the resulting joint RTS-SAV services are underpinned by a shorter railway alignment and larger fleet size rather than a multi-link extension. Additionally, the joint RTS-SAV services is robust to the variation in total demand, with respect to the railway alignment, SAV utilization and commuters’ waiting time.

Research paper thumbnail of The image of the great steppe according to the book of ibn battuta and the article of N.A. Nazarbayev “Uly dalanyn zheti kyry” (“seven facets of the great steppe”)

Al-Farabi kazakh national university, 2019

The topic of the present research is the specificity of Kazakh nomads, reflected in the article o... more The topic of the present research is the specificity of Kazakh nomads, reflected in the article of N. Nazarbayev "Seven Facets of the Great Steppe" and in the book of Ibn Battuta, an Arab traveler. The value of the research is defined by the fact that the views of the authors of both works have found their full expression in the samples of oral poetic culture of the nomads of the XV-XVIII centuries. The purpose of this research is the systematization of the most essential features of the Kazakh nomads. These features are also described by the famous traveler. He reveals the uniqueness of history and culture of the nomads. The idea of uniqueness and originality of the nomadic civilization is the main message of «Seven Facets of the Great Steppe", which raises "the question is not how to show its greatness by belittling the role of other peoples. Most importantly, calmly and objectively understand our role in the global history, relying on strict scientific facts" (Nazarbayev 2019). In the description of the nomadic country-Desht-I-Kipchak, Ibn Battuta appears as a subtle observer. Due to completeness, accuracy of historical description, we can compare his travel sketches with samples of nomadic poetry. This comparative methodology contributes to the achievement of the purpose of the research in line with the main directions-spiritual renewal, search for a national idea (disclosure code of the nation).

Research paper thumbnail of Development of highly selective PdZn/CeO2 and Ca-doped PdZn/CeO2 catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation

Applied Catalysis A: General, 2018

Effect of Pd, Zn, PdZn alloy and Ca-doped PdZn on CeO2 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol was inve... more Effect of Pd, Zn, PdZn alloy and Ca-doped PdZn on CeO2 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol was investigated. CeO2-supported PdZn and Ca-doped PdZn nanoparticles (NPs) proved to be highly selective, fairly active and quite stable for CH3OH synthesis at reasonably low temperature conditions. In the case of Ca-doped PdZn/ CeO2, methanol selectivity of ∼100 % was achieved at low temperature (T = 220 o C, P = 30 bar and GHSV = 2400 mLg-1 h-1) with reasonable CO2 conversion (7.7 %). CeO2-supported PdZn nanoparticles (NPs) (3-6 nm, measured from HR-TEM) were successfully prepared by the chelating method using citric acid as a chelating agent. The developed catalysts were investigated using a range of characterization techniques (BET, CO-Chemisorption, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR, XRD, XPS, STEM-EDS and HR-TEM). XPS results revealed the presence of Ce +3 ions implying the generation of oxygen-vacant sites over the surface of CeO2supported catalysts which aided in increased CO2 dissociation resulting in higher methanol rates. An in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) study was also carried out for the best performing catalyst at actual reaction conditions to determine the intermediate species and a probable reaction mechanism. Characterization results revealed the significance of CeO2 interaction with PdZn nanoparticles for selective CH3OH formation over ceria-supported PdZn nanoparticles. Addition of Ca, to the CeO2-supported PdZn catalysts, as a promoter, slightly improved the selective conversion of CO2 to methanol by raising the amount of oxygen-vacant sites as revealed by XPS results. DRIFT studies revealed the emergence of monodentate, bidentate formates, CH2O and methoxy species and their subsequent conversion to methanol and CO, steering the reaction mechanism towards formate route for selective formation of methanol.

Research paper thumbnail of Setting the agenda: the mass media and public opinion

Choice Reviews Online, 2014

... It is about telling stories that contain signifi-cant civic utility.15 The agenda-setting rol... more ... It is about telling stories that contain signifi-cant civic utility.15 The agenda-setting role of themass media links journalism and its tradition of storytelling to the arena of public opinion, a relationship with considerable consequences for society. Page 15. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Gamma-ray activity and dose rate of brick samples from some areas of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan

Science of The Total Environment, 1996

It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and conseq... more It is important to measure natural radioactivity due to y-rays from building materials and consequently to determine the dose rate from these materials. This helps to implement precautionary measures whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. A knowledge of gamma radioactivity is required by the building construction association to adopt preventive measures to mitigate or minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The aim of this work was to measure the gamma activity due to 226Ra, Z32Th and 40K in bricks from the Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan districts of NWFP of Pakistan. The radiological doses to the occupants from the brick floor of a wooden house were calculated. The average y dose equivalent rate was calculated to be 0.14 mSv per year, which is well below the external y dose limit of 0.46 mSv per year as given in UNSCEAR 121.

Research paper thumbnail of Media and Agenda Setting: Effects on the Public, Interest Group Leaders, Policy Makers, and Policy

Public Opinion Quarterly, 1983

Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact o... more Using an experimental design built around a single media event, the authors explored the impact of the media upon the general public, policy makers, interest group leaders, and public policy. The results suggested that the media influenced views about issue importance among the general public and government policy makers. The study suggests, however, that it was not this change in public opinion which led to subsequent policy changes. Instead, policy change resulted from collaboration between journalists and government staff members.