This study investigated the patterns of HWC and the attitudes of local people to wildlife conservation around Dachigam National Park, Kashmir. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 394 households from the 10 sample villages for household survey. Data were collected through questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and direct observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and correlation analysis. Results revealed that the major types of HWC were crop raiding, livestock predation, increased risk of livestock diseases and direct threats to human life.  Majority of the respondents (44.82%) faced crop damage and domestic animal loss, 26.25% reported threat to humans and 0.67% reported that they did not face any conflict with wild animals. Close proximity of the villages to the park and seasons influenced livestock predation intensity with highest predation in the summer season (58.4%). To mitigate these problems, the local people utilized various traditional methods including guarding and drum beating. Most of the people had positive attitudes towards the conservation of wildlife. Appropriate measures are to be implemented to mitigate the HWC problems and safeguard the biodiversity of the wildlife in the park.

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Introduction: The primary aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of dental practitioners regarding HBV serological markers. Second objective was to determine prevalence of occupational exposures to HBV amongst dentists. Methodology: A questionnaire was constructed pertaining to various aspects of HBV serology; validated by an expert panel; and piloted at 49 dentists. A Cronbach-alpha value of 0.7 was attained and thus extensive survey was conducted among dentists in routine practise treating hepatitis B patients at dental teaching hospitals in Peshawar, KP. The data was analysed using SPSS v.22. Results: A response rate of 58% (a total of 290 respondents) was attained. All respondents were vaccinated against HBV. Over 50% reported not to follow Standard precautions for every patient. Overall, 20.3% experienced HBV exposure, eight were administered PEP. Fifty-four percent of FYs; 74.5% PGTs and 71.6% of faculty dentists correctly answered: HBsAg to be the ‘serological hallmark of HBV infection’; this was the most correctly answered question. Sixty-four percent dentists failed to identify the infectious carrier phase. Over 50% of dentists in each category failed to correctly answer 5/8 of the HBV serology. Conclusions: Over 20% reported HBV occupational exposure but zero transmissions. Majority of dentists did not have correct information on HBV serological profile which may jeopardise cross-infection control. Further education on HBV serological markers and its clinical relevance to dentistry along with stringent adherence to Standard precautions is recommended.

The chapter explored the various psycho-social issues that the general masses are still suffering from due to the sudden arrival of COVID-19 pandemic and how the impending uncertainties, regarding almost every aspect of routine life and their own existence, played a major role in moderating the effects of these psycho-social issues. Additionally, amidst all of these uncertainties, how resilience of people whether social, mental or religious helped people in overcoming their different fears and psycho-social issues. The chapter incorporated findings achieved from different samples such as that of students, employees, health workers etc. And the role of resilience throughout the history in helping humankind overcoming such disastrous situations. Moreover, the chapter also tried to incorporate the protective strategies which can be useful in overcoming the prevalent uncertainties that still remain.

Background: Since the very beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher community is working day and night gathering data, writing articles to aware the general public of the various issues associated with the pandemic. However, in pursue of delivering fast and quick information to the public, in some cases ethical considerations were not properly applied. In pandemic situation the ethical considerations are more important to follow, which the current research tries to highlight. Methods: A narrative review of previous pandemics and the ethical guidelines provided by WHO, CIOMS and other literature was studied. Based on the literature and current guidelines the research has recommended few ethical principles to follow while conducting researches during pandemic. Results: The present study has underlined several of key recommendations which have been used in previous pandemic situations with vulnerable populations such as; that of mental health, self-harm and suicidal populations. Similarly, the study has also advised using diverse range of methods and techniques to help the participants feel emotionally and mentally relaxed during and after research. Conclusions: Though it is important in this time of crisis to conduct researches, it is equally important to safe guard the participants mentally and physically, especially those who come under vulnerable populations. The present review has tried emphasizing certain methods which can be helpful in achieving desired goals while protecting the participants.