GCF Research Outcomes
01-GCF-521
| Research Title | Research Team | Research Problem/Issue | Solution / Results |
| Creating Technological Foundations of Data-Driven Policy Making for Sustainable Urban Development | Dr. Momin Uppal, Department of Electrical Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences | To enable the use of technological innovations in data gathering, data analytics, and data-driven decision-making addressing problems that have overwhelmed small and large cities of Pakistan. To look at problems that span Pakistan's pressing urban problems of sprawl, environment and health, and mobility. | Relevant stakeholders are engaged across all sectors.
Developed remote-sensing-based toolboxes for identifying built-up areas and land-use,
Developed tools for automated road network extraction from satellite imagery, Developing technological and data-driven toolsets for analyzing urban mobility (traffic flows, travel times, origin-destination analysis etc.) for Lahore
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02-GCF-273
| Research Title | Research Team | Research Problem/Issue | Solution / Results |
| Tackling food security by controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in bovines | Dr. Muhammad Imran Rashid, and his team, Department of Parasitology, University of veterinary and animal sciences, Lahore
| To identify real therapies through transmission blocking vaccines for animals at significant risk for tick-borne disease via tick blood feeding physiology. Bovine theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis are potential threat to livestock worldwide. An estimated US$ 22-30 billion are lost to these diseases. The risk of transmission of these diseases to cattle in Pakistan continues to increase. | Identified the target conserved antigens differential gene expression of ticks and associated pathogens using RNA-Seq and proteomic approaches. Defined the protective role of differentially expressed tick molecules in tick-borne pathogens infection within the tick vector by RNA interference approach.
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03-GCF-63
| Research Title | Research Team | Research Problem/Issue
| Solution / Results |
| Enhancement of global competitiveness of Pakistani textile export value-chains by capacity building and product diversification (KnowTex) | Yasir Nawab (PI), Department of Textile Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology, National Textile University, FSD Team comprises of consortium of 4 universities, more than 20 industries, 3 industry associations, and 2 Govt. organizations | To facilitate the shift towards a knowledge-based textile industry for a sustainable enhancement of exports of Pakistan. The exports of Pakistan are stagnant since a decade. The major reasons for stagnant textiles and clothing sector include lack of innovation, no focus on product and market diversification, ignoring products value addition, low productivity, absence of Pakistani brands in the global market, and inconsistent government policies. The focus remained on short term solutions, without a sustainable growth. Keeping in view these weaknesses and export potential of Pakistan's textile/clothing sector, this project aims to facilitate the shift towards a knowledge-based and value-based textile industry for a sustainable enhancement of exports from Pakistan. | First ever textile portal in Pakistan has been launched to showcase the capacity of the export-oriented textile industry of Pakistan (www.textilpk.com).
KnowTex website developed (https://knowtex.pk/) to share regular updates with industry.
Three patents filed.
Four novel products developed with significant market volume developed.
Several awareness seminars and capacity building workshops organized in collaboration with associations and industry chambers.
50 managers trained on Innovation Management
One new lab established.
|
New Outcomes - Feb 2024
04-GCF-290 (Approved Cost: Rs. 64,885,118)
| Research Title | Olfactory Response and Host Plant Feeding Preferences of Desert Locust to Common Plants in Punjab Province of Pakistan |
| Research Team | PI: Dr. Shahid Majeed PIO: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Total HR Engaged: 6 (Male: 5, Female: 1) MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 2, Female: 1 Others: 2 |
| Research Problem/Issue | Locusts are among the most dangerous and cross-continental agricultural pests worldwide. A large swarm can eat lip to 1.8 million metric tons of green vegetation equivalent to food enough to feed 81 million people. Locust control is critical to food security worldwide and requires multidimensional approaches to combat this issue. Recently, locust outbreaks struck Pakistan, around 300,000 square kilometers of farmland is vulnerable to the locust outburst. While some locust control systems are still curative, the socioeconomic consequences of locust outbreaks have led to an increasing paradigm shift from crop protection to preventive management. This project leads to understanding the fundamental to applied aspects by employing nonpreferred plant volatile extracts, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), pheromones, acoustic avoidance communication, olfactory communication, and nanoparticle embedded biopesticides. These experiments will be performed in the laboratory semi-field and field and expected to the development of eco-friendly nanoparticle embedded biopesticides and predatory ultrasonic/neuro wave transmitters. Finally, the outcomes of this project will provide a strong basis in effective preventive management strategy that relies on an Improved knowledge of the pest ecology behavior, electrophysiology. acoustic anti-predatory behavior, and locust management In Pakistan that ultimately leads towards the development of efficient control strategies.
|
| Solution / Results | - Investigate the olfactory and acoustic communication.
- Develop ecofriendly strategies for locust management
|
| Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications | 1 journal paper |
| Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards, others) | 1 event
|
| Industrial partnership | 1 partnership with Kanzo AG Services
|
05-GCF-842 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 25,984,020 )
| Research Title | Synthesis and Characterization of Ecofriendly/Sustainable Reactive Hot Melt Polyurethane Adhesives (RHMPA) from Waste Material(s) |
| Research Team | PI: Dr. Shazia Naheed PIO: Govt. College University Faisalabad Total HR Engaged: 2 Male: 0, Female: 2
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 0, Female: 3 |
| Research Problem/Issue | The purpose was to synthesize ecofriendly and sustainable hot melt polyurethane adhesive from waste material. Waste management is a grave issue in Pakistan, generating around 50 million tons of solid waste annually and 9% of which, equivalent to 4.5 million tones, is plastic. This is such an enormous sum that if we dump this waste collectively, it will go as high as 17,000 meters which is approximately twice the height of K2 (the second-highest mountain peak). On the other hand, agricultural waste makes up around 30% of the population which includes crop residues, weeds, leaf litter, sawdust, forest waste, and livestock waste, etc. Most of this waste either ends up in the ocean or landfills. The poor management of waste is a major issue and the small percentage, which is been recycled, is also inefficient. The five R's – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, recycle– all help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw away. Even though, some companies and NGOs are trying to cope up with the problem, but still there is a long way to go. Our research will not only address this issue but will also create new economic opportunities. Environmental concerns and economical demands have boosted research activity related to the use of renewable precursors for polymeric materials. Researchers are gradually switching from petroleum-based to biomass-based polyols in recent years. In our research, we will synthesize bio-based polyols from PET bottles, agricultural waste, and other relevant waste matter. Polyethylene terephthalate (macrodiol) will be obtained from PET bottles by chemical means. Further, Lignin (natural polyol) will be extracted from agricultural waste, which is the most abundant renewable aromatic biopolymer on earth. Due to its richness, reinforcing capability, eco-friendliness and biodegradable properties, lignin is expected to play an important role in the sustainable production of synthetic polymers. In accordance with sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials are being incorporated into industrial processes. To meet these requirements, there is a need to develop new eco-friendly adhesives. In this proposed project, we will be recycling waste material such as plastic and bio-waste and using them as raw materials for our eco-friendly hotmelt adhesive. Meanwhile different structural, morphological, thermal, and physiological parameters will be observed at each stage of the experiment. Furthermore, various bioactive potential will be determined by observing different biochemical properties like antimicrobial potential, Finally, quality control parameters will be employed to determine adhesion characteristics of adhesives and compared with available in market. There will be effective utilization of waste materials. Organic compounds separated from waste material can be commercialized separately. Moreover, the great advances in the field of polymers and more specifically in adhesives, will allow their use in applications as diverse as aircraft structures, aerospace and automotive industry, marine, building and biomedical applications because of their rapidly developed strength, convenience, environmental-friendly material, and relatively low price. This will help to create new opportunities and jobs in several different sectors of industry. |
| Solution / Results | - Environmental concerns and economical demands have boosted the research activity related to the use of renewable precursors for polymeric materials.
- In accordance with sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials are being incorporated into industrial processes. To meet these requirements, there is need to develop new eco-friendly adhesives.
- Recycling of waste material such as plastic and bio-waste and using them as raw materials for ecofriendly hot-melt adhesive
- Effective utilization of waste materials; The organic compounds separated from waste material can be commercialized separately.
|
| Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals Publications | None |
| Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards) | None |
| Industrial partnership | None
|
06-GCF-844 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 28,675,710 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Rabia Khawar
PIO: Government College University, Faisalabad
Total HR Engaged:
Male: 1, Female: 19
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced:
Male: 0, Female: 7
|
Research Problem/Issue
| Mental
health issues are common, and they are accompanied by significant public and
economic costs, social inequality, and disability-adjusted life years. Almost
10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders
globally and adolescent mental morbidity rates especially in girls (27%) are
alarmingly high in Pakistan. Parental illness is one of the main early year’s
risk factors for socioeconomic disparities in children and adolescent mental
health. Offsprings of parents with mental illness are vulnerable to develop
greater internalizing and externalizing problems and experience a marginalized
position in society due to economic disadvantage, living conditions, lack of
social support, experience of social stigma, fewer educational opportunities.
Individual differences in genetic make-up may interact with exposure to
maladaptive socio-economic and family environments, maladaptive parenting and
personal psychological mechanisms, in explaining transfer of psychopathology to the next generation. The project will serve as the first descriptive map of identifying disadvantaged youth (at risk of developing mental illness as a result of parental mental illness), drivers, mechanism and pattern of mental illness transfer and suggesting preventive strategies to foster healthier transition from childhood to adulthood. Timely identification of vulnerable offsprings may also result in greater financial returns to society as a whole, through improved efficiency and lower net costs of illness and care. The research encourages the involvement of children, young people and their care givers in the development and implementation of health promoting interventions. This project under the theme of Non-Communicable Diseases, Population Health and Genomics directly deals with public mental health and may also relate indirectly to social and economic development of the country.
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Solution/Results
| - Development of family assessment system
- Development of social capital scale
- Standardization of data collection protocols
- Induction and training of project personnel
- Availability of standardized data collection instruments and protocols at all centers
- Coordination across all centers of data collection through visits and seminars/webinars
- Analysis and identification of vulnerable offspring
|
Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 4 Journal papers, 5 conference papers
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 5 Events |
Industrial partnership
| None |
07-GCF-891 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 78,940,800 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Muhammad Masood Rafi
PIO: NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Total HR Engaged: Male: 6, Female: 2
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced:
Male: 6, Female: 2
|
Research Problem/Issue
| Pakistan has been a victim of earthquakes from time to time due to its geological settings. The devastations caused by the 2005 Kashmir earthquake must not be forgotten by the Pakistani nation which resulted in huge economic and human losses including children and women. Despite these occurrences of earthquakes and subsequent losses, studies related to creation of resilient built environment are limited in Pakistan. In particular, understanding seismic hazard of Karachi and its surrounding region is the need of time as this city is the major financial centre of Pakistan any disruption in the city due to a disaster will significantly affect the economic activities throughout the country. The rapid growth of high-rise and tall buildings in Karachi and other big cities of Pakistan require a thorough review to seismic hazard and building codes to ensure that these important buildings do not further add vulnerable building stock. This matter is further aggravated due to the aging infrastructure for which the degree of damage significantly increased under extreme events such as an earthquake.
Apart from the direct damages caused by the ground shaking during an earthquake, indirect losses are resulted by the secondary effects of earthquakes. One of the major secondary effect of earthquakes for Pakistan is a tsunami generated in Indian Ocean. Pakistan has already experienced this type of devastation in 1945 which caused 300 mortalities in a region with very little development at that time. The consequences of a tsunami include flooding, wave impacts, erosion, strong currents and debris flows. Of these, strong currents can cause severe obstruction in the maritime activities and ports which could create substantial challenge for the import/export activities and food security in the country, apart from creating threat to national security. Similarly, floating debris such as trees, structures, vehicles, and other objects can act like pounding objects to cause injuries to people and damage to structures, businesses, ports and harbours, etc. In addition, toxic substances and pollutants that are mixed with flowing water can also damage agricultural land and natural resources both on- and off-shore.
All the aforementioned challenges and aspects of disaster mitigation have been considered in the studies proposed in this project which are aimed at increasing disaster resilience of built environment in Pakistan. These studies have been designed to cover various aspects of this challenge at both macro and micro levels. The macro-level studies are designed to encompassing broad matters implicating vast regions of Pakistan. The models developed for these studies shall be applicable to the infrastructure in other parts of the country. The micro-level studies have been designed to increase the seismic resilience of Karachi. A total of six work packages have been proposed in this project. An experienced team of academics shall conduct these studies which will be assisted by both under- and post-graduate students. The team comprises national and international researchers. The studies proposed in this project are original and shall be helpful to the policy makers, disaster managers, building control authorities, professional engineers, researchers and academicians. The proposed studies in this project have been discussed with different sectoral stakeholders who have agreed to become partners in the project. These include Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, Association of Consulting Engineers, National Centre for Physics (NCP) and Resilience Group.
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Solution/Results
| - Conduct studies for improvement of disaster resilience of built environment
- Post-tsunami vulnerability of Ports and Roadways
- Seismic Hazard Quantification for Sindh
- Development of Microzonation Maps
- Urban Seismic Hazard Monitoring Network
- Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Aging Infrastructure
|
Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| None |
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| None
|
Industrial partnership
| None |
08-GCF-912 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 92,300,112 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Syed Ather Enam
PIO: Aga Khan University, Karachi
Total HR Engaged: Male: 1, Female: 5
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 1, Female: 0
|
Research Problem/Issue
| Brain tumors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan due to their aggressive biological behavior and the lack of adequate infrastructure. The lack of standard management protocols further exacerbates the issue. To address this, a
project called "Virtual Biopsy for Classification, Outcome prediction and Treatment planning of Brain Tumors (Vi BCOT)" is proposed . This tool will combine tumor imaging with gene expression signatures to develop models for non-invasive diagnosis, stratification, and subtyping of tumors, as well as predicting short- and long-term survival.
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Solution/Results
| · Artificial Intelligence models have been developed for initial workings
· MRI annotation and Image pre-processing system has been developed
· Genetic testing is almost completed
· App development is in progress
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| None |
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| None
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
09-GCF-987 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 26,457,375 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Anwar Manzoor
PIO: Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Total HR Engaged: Male: 5, Female: 0
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 5, Female: 4
|
Research Problem/Issue
| The purpose was to develop new heavy metal oxide (HMO) based borate, silicate and/or tellurite glasses using the melt-quenching technique for applications in gamma-ray shielding applications and medical science. Our synthesized glasses will be studied thoroughly for optical, thermal and structural properties using relevant experimental techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDX and optical absorption. We will evaluate the radiation shielding properties by suitable theoretical models and simulation codes such as Geant4, MCNP, FLUKA etc., to understand the interaction mechanism of gamma-rays with the proposed glasses when used in technological applications, and to report the gamma-ray attenuation parameters of these glasses. The proposed work will study the gamma-ray interaction parameters for different glass systems at some dental diagnosis energy and in a wide energy range. The obtained results will be compared with theoretical data (i.e. obtained through Phy-X, and/or WinXCOM software). Additionally, the transmission factors will be evaluated from the simulation codes for the proposed glasses. The gamma-ray attenuation features of the fabricated glasses will be compared with those of standard glasses at the energy values under study. The influence of the concentration of the heavy metal oxides on the radiation shielding properties and their mechanism will be analyzed. We believe that our synthesized lead-free HMO based glasses will show potential applications with better performance in different applications and as radiation shielding materials compared with existing materials.
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Solution/Results
| · Collection and Study of the literature review and Collecting the basic attenuation factors for different commercial glass systems
· Designing the composition of the glass systems theoretically
· Comparing the theoretical results for the designed glasses with the commercial glasses to select the superior glasses among the designed samples to be prepared in the laboratory. Fabrication of some test samples and their characterization
· X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) study to check the amorphous nature of the prepared and synthesized glasses. FTIR measurements to study the structural properties
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 1 Journal (in process)
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| None
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
10-GCF-1044 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 152,110,500 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary
PIO: University of Karachi, Karachi
Total HR Engaged: Male: 2, Female: 6
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced:
Male: 0, Female: 3
|
| Research Problem/Issue | With the exponentially increasing prevalence, diabetes has emerged as the major health challenge which world faces today. In Pakistan, the incidence of diabetes is alarmingly high, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ranks Pakistan at 10 of 221 countries of the world, having 7.5 million cases of diabetes (20–79 years) in 2019, whereas substantial number of diabetic cases remain unreported. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), where the blood vessels and heart are negatively impacted, is the major cause of mortality in patients with diabetes, resulting in 2/3 of deaths in type 2 diabetic individuals. In addition, the risk of developing cardiovascular complications is alike in both type -1, and -2 diabetes, irrespective of age and gender differences. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are non-enzymatic glycated proteins play a critical role as mediators of metabolic memory due to their increased formation in hyperglycemic milieu in diabetes, and their largely slow turnover rate which makes them more deleterious. AGEs are associated with cardiomyocyte death, which is a hallmark of ischemic heart diseases (IHD). AGEs interaction with their receptor, RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products), expressed on cardiovascular cells, lead to enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines, surface adhesion molecules, and activation of pro-apoptotic pathway. Currently, there is no treatment regimen available to inhibit the formation and degenerative effects of AGEs in diabetics and prevent the associated risk of IHD. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore the potential of our in vitro identified antiglycation lead molecules against the glycoxidative stress caused by AGEs, in preclinical and clinical studies The key aim of the current project is to translate our in vitro identified basic discovery into clinical validation.
Our previous in vitro study on primary cardiomyocytes, and macrophages has identified potent lead molecules as glycation inhibitors, and established their mode of action and safety in diabetic state.
The purpose was to further preclinical studies in diabetic animal model and clinical development of these lead molecules through this project may introduce novel therapies for the treatment of chronic cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.
Besides the Searle Pharmaceutical Pakistan as an industrial collaborator for the large-scale production of pharmaceutical preparation.
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Solution/Results
| - Study of the molecular basis of AGEs-associated cardiovascular complications in diabetic conditions
- Identification of drug leads for AGEs-associated cardiovascular complications in diabetes, following extensive pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic and toxicological analysis on diabetic animal model.
- To elucidate the safety and pharmacokinetics profiles of drug leads in Phase-I clinical trial
|
Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 5 Journal papers, 3 patents
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 4 events, 6 awards
|
Industrial partnership
| 1 partnership with Searle Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
|
11-GCF-1054 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 23,447,125 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Barkat Shah
PIO: University of Balochistan, Quetta
Total HR Engaged: Male: 3, Female: 3
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced:
Male: 0, Female: 0
Others: UG Students
Male :90, Female: 111
|
| Research Problem/Issue | Pakistan is facing a youth bulge with 33.4% of Pakistan’s 202 million persons being in the age group of 10 – 24 years. Recent census held in Pakistan show that larger part of youth’s pie belong to the poor and low income communities living in rural areas, towns, cosmopolitan suburbs, or in the settlements that lie as isolated entities from the state streams of governance and development. Although the Government of Pakistan envisions the youth bulge as socio-economic dividend, but contrarily the radical elements are preying on fragmented identities among the youth and turning them into cultural ghosts, especially boys and young men and recruiting them into violence. Girls and young women are both victims, and as mothers transfer their sense of deprivation to the next generation. The youth bulge is therefore turning into a liability instead of a dividend.
Situation in Balochsitan is further worsened due to the crude tribalism and violent occurrences of ethnic and sectarian violence. One of the main gapes that hamper nationwide identity is the lack of exposure visits of especially college students to other provinces of the country, which stopped in 2002.
In 2016, CYAAD, a partner Organization in this project launched a study in the 4 districts of Balochistan which confirmed that majority of youth 1) have a linear perception of identity, 2) Youth’s perception of identity is fixed, and yet selective, 3) they strive to respond with violence as their top priority tool if their prime identity is in danger, 4) most of youth identify their self with ethnic, sectarian, religious and gender identities. The concerned departments did not harness youth potential to avert the socio-economic challenges of the country, and their efforts still remain irrelevant and least effective to address the issue of identity crisis in the country.
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Solution/Results
| - Selection of 300 youth and pre-projects assessment with 600 youth
- Devising and conducting 12-reflective workshops and sessions for experimental group of 300 youth
- 10 orientation seminars for the selection of central cohort of 300 youth across Balochistan
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| None
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| None
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
12-GCF-543 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 159,575,728.08 )
Research Team
| PI: Afsar Ali Mian
PIO: Aga Khan University, Karachi
Total HR Engaged: Male: 7, Female: 13
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 1, Female: 2
|
| Research Problem/Issue | Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) are among the most common genetic diseases caused by mutations in the HBB gene, which encodes the beta subunit of hemoglobin. The global prevalence of this gene is estimated to be 3% and ~400,000 children are born with a serious hemoglobin disorder each year. In Pakistan, it is estimated that each year ~10,000 children are born with β-thalassemia major (a severe form of the disease) and the total number of registered thalassemic children exceeds 100,000. These children require regular red blood cell transfusions along with iron chelation therapy, which are often associated with iron overload and organ damage. Several studies have estimated that <1% of patients with β-thalassemia major in Pakistan expect to live beyond 20 years, representing severe unmet needs for alternative therapeutic approaches. On the other hand, SCD is one of the established causes of anemia and the estimated prevalence in Pakistani population is roughly 4%. The purpose was to utilize autologous CD34+ cells and generate induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs). Skin biopsy was obtained from individuals with SCD and β-thalassemia for development of iPSCs. These CD34+ /iPSC cells were edited by CRISPR/Cas9 to repair HBB gene using HDR approach ii) disrupt BCL11A gene for reactivating the expression of fetal hemoglobin. Moreover, we also utilized Nanoliposomes and exosomes for cellular delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system. The proof of concept will be tested in an appropriate animal model. Overall, our research will aim towards delivering a druggable therapy tested in vitro and in vivo. Any future work beyond this grant will be towards using this product for human clinical trials.
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Solution/Results
| - Establishment of a β-thalassemia and SCD in-vitro model
- Editing of HBB and BCL11A genes in CD34+ HSCs and iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
- Functional characterization of edited HSCs and iPSCs
- Establishment of delivery method for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
- In-vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system using β-thalassemia and SCD animal models
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 4 Journal papers, 4 conference papers, 1 patent
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 1 event
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
13-GCF-744 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 218,593,100 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Muhammad Zaman
PIO: Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Total HR Engaged: Male: 34, Female: 19
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 21, Female: 19
|
| Research Problem/Issue | Rampant urbanization, high population density, road crashes and traffic congestion have become serious issues in the contemporary world. Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to road crashes, in addition to environmental degradation.
These human and financial losses are higher than those in the war on terror. This project assumes that futuristic urban planning can become effective only by using innovative ideas and by employing smart technologies. By applying theoretical debates on human behavior, community mobilization and effective management of the existing resources, and by engaging Public Private Partnerships (PPP), this project intends to contribute to the better urban planning, safe & hassle-free transportation and healthy environment.
The project proposes to achieve four core objectives: (1) Designing of a prototype.
model of Smart Public Transport (SPT) and Smart Parking by employing and optimizing the existing resources and infrastructure; (2) Increasing the efficiency of Electronic Surveillance System with centralized command and control unit to monitor traffic, and to maximize the road safety; (3) Developing a sustainable mechanism to gauge on-road air pollution & vehicles’ carbon emission; and, (4) To prepare strategies for human behavior modification for safe road usage practices through social research, and advocacy & lobbying to update legislation and transport policy.
The research team has developed a comprehensive methodological plan to systematically identify and address the real and potential causes and patterns of road delinquency and inefficient planning, including but not limited to, the hotspots for
road accidents and traffic congestions, vehicles with higher carbon emission, lackadaisical behavior of road users, faults in vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, defective drivers’ licensing mechanism, outdated legislation, and problems due to lack of public awareness and effective training. The project impact will be: reduction in road accidents and traffic congestion; better health; social and economic wellbeing of citizens; and, environmental conservation.
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Solution/Results
| · Road usage, vehicle and commuting data for Islamabad, and a plan for a centralized data center.
· A model for an effective, efficient, and smart public transport system with Central Command and control unit for electronic surveillance in Islamabad
· To formulate strategy to integrate existing informal transport stock with formal transport.
· A research-based plan for smart parking units to minimize the traffic congestion in Islamabad.
· A detailed analysis of existing driver licensing system to identify potential systemic loopholes, and a transitioning plan from digital to smart licensing.
· A mechanism to measure the on-road air quality and carbon emission of vehicles in Islamabad.
· An effective and feasible business plan for public-private partnership to execute the smart public transport model and to build smart parking units in Islamabad.
- Results of survey and experimental research on human behaviour regarding road usage and safety in Islamabad, with effective behaviour modification strategy for the commuters and road users
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 4 Journal papers, 1 conference papers
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 21 events
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
14-GCF-770 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 85,616,342 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Saima Afaq
PIO: Institute of Public Health and Social Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar Pakistan
Total HR Engaged: Male: 61, Female: 21
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male:2, Female: 5
|
| Research Problem/Issue | The project aims to address the health challenges faced by people with TB and type 2 diabetes in Pakistan by integrating diabetes care within TB treatment to improve health outcomes, quality of life, and economic prospects for this vulnerable population. Both diseases pose significant challenges individually, but their co-occurrence exacerbates health outcomes and economic burdens. The project's objectives include designing a specialised care package for TB-Diabetes, piloting its implementation in various settings, and evaluating its impact on Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. By enhancing expertise in health research, implementation science, epidemiology, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the project also aims to fill knowledge gaps in integrated care for TB and diabetes. The project aligns with global health targets, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and aims to contribute significantly to strengthening health systems and reducing the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
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Solution/Results
| · Design a TB-Diabetes care package
· Pilot and refine its implementation strategies
· Implement the package in urban and rural sites and assess its Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance, and potential for scale-up
· Strengthen research capacity in implementation science and research leadership
|
Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 10
Journal papers, 2 conference papers, 1 TB-Diabetes case study
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 5
events, 3 awards
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
15-GCF-790 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 53,472,500 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Talat Roome
PIO: DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Total HR Engaged: Male: 9, Female: 11
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 1, Female: 4
|
| Research Problem/Issue | Rabies, the world's oldest zoonosis, is caused by a lipid-coated, enveloped RNA virus (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae). Rabies is preventable, yet its near-fatal consequences, primarily encephalomyelitis, highlights its severity. Dogs contributing 99% of human infections out of them 40% proves fatal. In Pakistan, the rising endemicity of rabies poses a significant challenge compared to neighboring countries, hindering the goal of eradication by 2030. Incidence in Pakistan is estimated at 7 to 9.8% per million, with 2000 to 5000 annual deaths. Lack of awareness and insufficient treatment exacerbate the issue, as public hospitals often lack recommended Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) rabies vaccines due to shortages and high costs.
Addressing this, our priority focus is the development of cost-effective rabies vaccine. The discontinuation of nerve tissue-derived vaccines in 2015 prompts us to utilize a Vero cell manufacturing system for inactivated whole virus vaccine. To understand the local rabies strains, we propose isolating, sequencing, and performing phylogenetic analysis on wild-type viral strains from dogs. Our interdisciplinary team, comprising molecular biologists, virologists, and pharmacists, will use Vero cell lines in a serum-free medium to minimize production time and costs. The WHO-approved Thai Red Cross-intradermal (TRC-id) 4-dose-regimen, with 80% cost saving, will be adopted for its cost-effectiveness and improved compliance.
Pre-exposure and post-exposure pre-clinical animal trials, utilizing both intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) regimens, will validate vaccine potency, stability, and immunogenicity. Biosafety experts will ensure project safety, adhering to WHO guidelines. Research and development, validated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), will involve clinicians and industrialists in clinical trials and commercialization.
In conclusion, our streamlined approach aims to combat rabies in Pakistan, aligning with global eradication goals while addressing local challenges. This concise strategy underscores the urgency and significance of our research, emphasizing a cost-effective and readily available rabies vaccine to mitigate the impact of this deadly disease.
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Solution/Results
| · Establishment of Virus Seed Bank
· Implementation of QC procedures
· Development of inactivation strategies and validation
· Ordering of all relevant reagents and columns have processed along with the development of standard protocols, laboratory work is under progress
· Confirmation of vaccine efficacy in small animals
· Pilot scale production of vaccine product
· In-house methods established for the testing of finished product using commercially available rabies vaccine
· Pre-qualification of vaccine product from DRAP & Outsourcing of third-party clinical trial
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Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| 2 patents (in process)
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| 2 events
|
Industrial partnership
| 1 Technology Transfer to tertiary care Hospitals & Health Network (in process)
|
16-GCF-921 ( Approved Cost: Rs. 18,926,250 )
Research Team
| PI: Dr. Syed Mazhar Shah
PIO: University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore
Total HR Engaged: Male: 1, Female: 3
MS/PhDs Engaged/Produced: Male: 1, Female: 3
|
| Research Problem/Issue | Oxygen supply system is very crucial for patients in critical conditions. An Efficient and economic oxygen concentrator can provide a great relief to those in need. An oxygen concentrator separates the oxygen from the ambient air by employing molecular sieves that absorb nitrogen and other gases from the ambient air. This project is aimed at synthesis of molecular sieves and development of portable oxygen concentrator (POC) for clinical applications. The molecular sieves will be synthesized and employed in our developed POC. Our POC will be based on pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and the performance of our synthesized molecular
sieves will be evaluated for achieving the best possible efficiency. The effects of morphology, grain size, pore size of the molecular sieves will also be studied in detail. The performance of the POC will also be evaluated at different.
environmental conditions. The developed product will be a great blessing for the patients in critical condition and its portability can offer a variety of advantages This project is expected to result in the material development and fabrication of a prototype POC which can be scaled later for its commercial applications.
|
Solution/Results
| · Synthesis of Molecular Sieves for POC
· Fabrication of POC
· Performance Evaluation of Commercial and New Molecular Sieves for Oxygen separation
- Development of Prototype of POC
|
Scientific/conference Paper/ Journals publications
| None
|
Mass Media Dissemination (events, awards)
| None
|
Industrial partnership
| None
|
