Objective:To assess the quality of freshwater aquifers (springs) associated diseases, and indigenous perception in Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the department of environmental science, Karakoram International University Gilgit after approval from departmental research committee. In order to get the most accurate results, 18 water samples in triplicates were collected according to our lab own set of sampling standard operating procedures (SOPs) using pre-sterilized bottles of 100 ml from June 2016 to August 2016 along with associated diseases record and structured interviews from indigenous population. For physicochemical and microbial assessment, samples were tested before five hours after collection and associated diseases and indigenous perception was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques.Results:Findings revealed that levels of pH, EC, phosphates, TDS, and nitrite, fall within WHO standards except nitrate, temperature and turbidity. The highest concentration (mgL-1± SE) of Hg in Barkolti and Barsat springs were (0.01±0.005) and (0.02±0.001) while Zn was (0.04±0.02) respectively. The concentration of Cu in Barkolti spring was (0.2± 0.03) while in Barsat spring below the detection level. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Fe in both springs fall within WHO permissible limits. The mean value of E. coli recorded in both Barkolti and Barsat aquifers were (1.08cfu ±0.45) and (2.11cfu±0.56) respectively. The prevalence of water-associated diseases recorded in the order diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and their incidence increases at high peak in summer. Irrespective of physicochemical and microbial components, indigenous population believed that the spring water has curative properties.Conclusions:Physiochemical and microbial parameters of spring's water fall within WHO standards except nitrate, turbidity, temperature, and E. coli, and incidence of certain associated diseases. However, indigenous population is unaware about the fact and believed that spring water very safe.

Saliva is known as the mirror of the body. It is not only essential for retention of removable prosthesis but also protects the oral mucosa from injury by its lubricating effect. Xerostomia or hyposalivation is a commonly encountered condition especially among the elderly that needs to be treated to improve quality of life in denture wearers. This article reviews the various etiologic factors and treatment modalities in patients with xerostomia.

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Purpose: This study identifies the key factors and deterrents to adopting a mobile wallet in Saudi Arabia. This study is intended to analyze the important factors influencing user's intention, preference and perceived satisfaction after the usage of digital payment platform. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study, the integrated model of UTAUT that includes variables such as trust, ease of use, trust, security, self-efficiency, and 'Hedonism' is used to test consumer behavior in the usage of mobile wallet technologies. Statistical tools such as ANOVA, regression analysis and descriptive analysis are used to test the relationship between the level of the satisfaction, consumer preferences and the perception of the respondents in this study. The importance of the model under study and its effectiveness in understanding consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia is analyzed. Findings: The results of this study indicated that there is a positive relationship between the perception of difference and consumer satisfaction. This study also confirmed that the consumer's intention plays an important role in the use and adoption of any new technology. Their thoughts are influenced by social variables such as their family, friends, and society. Practical Implication: Our study being one of its kind therefore it is important in analyzing the features associated with the mobile wallet apps which are in race in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently it is significant in giving the organizations to redesign the versatile wallet applications by and large utilized in Saudi Arabia.