Effectiveness of ozone oxidation reaction for removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from poultry litter leachate was investigated. The poultry litter leachate (PLL) was prepared using a locally fabricated triple bed arrangement. The leachate was ozonated at its original pH for different periods in order to examine the effect of ozone dose on color and COD reduction. After 54 minutes of ozonation of PPL at its original pH 7.86, 73% of color and 50% of COD were reduced. The effect of initial pH was studied by adjusting pH of the leachate at 5, 7 and 9. Ozonation at an initial pH 7 removed 77% of color and 58% of COD after 54 minutes of ozonation. Statistical analysis revealed that decolorization of the leachate was independent of initial pH while COD reduction was a function of an initial pH value. An acidic pH of 5 decarbonated the leachate and molecular ozone reaction mechanism resulted in the higher removal efficiency. On the other hand, a basic pH of 9 was confronted with high alkalinity and increased self decomposition resulted in the loss of oxidant. The process was optimized at 18 minutes of ozonation time with a sequential pH adjustment.

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Background: Whether familial or sporadic, whatever the cause may be, among hereditary hematological disorders, thalassemia accounts for 4.5 out of 10,000 live births worldwide1. Among other complications that these patients have, magnitude of transfusion related iron overload ranges from 9.5%-18%2. Prevalence of post transfusion iron overload in Southeast Asia is much higher than Western world3. Aim: To measure the prevalence of iron overload and chelation therapy in patients of thalassemia major and knowledge and attitude of population towards iron chelation therapy in Sargodha, Pakistan. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Rai Hospital, a private-sector hospital and Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital in Sargodha. Total 390 patients of beta thalassemia major aged 1 month-20 years were included in the study. Data Records of 390 patients of beta thalassemia major, confirmed on hemoglobin electrophoresis admitted in the hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were included. Data were collected on socio-demographics clinical and laboratory profile. Analysis was done in SPSS Results: The mean age of the participants was 8.79 years, and 51.2 % were males and 48.9 % were females. Iron overload was found in 85.64% % of patients. Highest figure was 18,666ng/ml. Mean serum ferritin level was 3815 ng/ml. 30.2% received regular chelation therapy; 35.3%was on irregular chelation therapy and in 34.3% it was not started yet. Significant factors associated with iron overload and lack of chelation therapy were highly constrained socioeconomic status, repeated and frequent transfusions, lack of knowledge of importance of chelation therapy and unawareness of complications of transfusion. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence and perils of disease itself and treatment related complications government should focus on establishing thalassemia centers nationwide to cater problems faced by these patients where trained doctors and paramedical staff can counsel them regarding disease prognosis and importance of iron chelation therapy in course of disease. Keywords: Prevalence, iron overload, thalassemia major, chelation therapy

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) continues to be the most pervasive form of Violence against Women (VAW) in Pakistan, manifested through abuses varying in nature from physical, sexual, or economic to psychological form of violence. While these acts of violence occur at the micro level and are often explained in terms of individual or household characteristics, the macro landscape of access to justice, rule of law and governance mechanisms also shape the degree to which such acts continue to happen. Despite positive developments in the legal arena and policy landscape related to VAW, serious violations continue to take place which question the effectiveness of the mechanisms and structures in place to curb and prevent VAW. Based on an in-depth policy and legal analysis and drawing from a high-level discussion on barriers to women’s access to justice, especially related to IPV, this paper teases out the gaps and weaknesses that hinder women’s access to justice. The paper also elucidates a number of policy recommendations, which if adopted, can help ease women’s journey to achieve justice.