Climate change and our future
QS World Merit Pakistan hosts webinar on how to save the life

on 29/01/2023

QS World Merit Pakistan arranged an exceptional Webinar on Climate Change with the platform of SIMA Classroom Challenge under the leadership of Beth Eden(CEO QS World Merit), ZoyaZaitseva( Global Head of Partnerships QS World Merit), Prof Bhawani Shankar (Advisor MUET and Advisor QS World Merit Pakistan), Engineer Muhammad ZakirShaikh (President QS World Merit Pakistan and Lecturer/Business Development Manager NCRA-CMS MUET) and by Engineer DileepKumar (Member QS World Merit Pakistan and Chief Organizer of the Webinar) on 21st December 2021 at ARTS Foundation Mirpurkhas, Sindh. The event was held in Hybrid Mode (Physical as well as online participation). Various renowned people and Activists from all walks of life across the globe had joined the webinar and gave their valuable opinion on the issues of Climate Change under the main theme of “What About Our Future?” CEO QS World Merit Beth Eden and Global head of partnership ZoyaZaitseva stressed taking global measures for Climate Change.
Following Guests Speakers joined the Climate Change Webinar:
Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Choudhry, Advisor MUET and Advisor QS World Merit Pakistan.
Engr. Muhammad Zakir Shaikh, President QS World Merit Pakistan and Focal Person of Pride, MUET.
Engr. Dileep Kumar, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and Event Organizer.
Samreen Khan Ghauri, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and Founder/CEO of Shelter Participatory Organization Pakistan.
Prof. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Professor and Sustainable Development Expert at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.
Zulfiqar Ali (PMP) Canada, P. Eng, PMP Construction Industry based in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Abdur Rehman, CEO skill drills, President of Clifton Board Community, International License Life Coach, and Social Entrepreneur.
Waqas Qadeer Soomro, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and CEO/Founder of Smart Mentor.
Marvi Awan, LLB, GBV Counselor, Human and Women Rights Activists, Climate activist.
Muhammad Nawaz Khan, Chairman Pak Green Foundation.
Matanat Hussain, President of Rotact Club of Mirpur Khas.
Marvi Palijo, Climate change, and Human Rights Activist.
Dr. Ishrat Fatima, President Rotaract Club of Skardu.
Asad Rajput, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and PhD Scholar in Water Sciences.
Engr. AlirazaKaimkhani, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and Founder & CEO D-Trust Organization.
Zohaib Ahmed, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and climate Change Activist.
Ajay Jessani, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and climate Change Activist.
Tauqeer Mahar, Member QS World Merit Pakistan and climate Change Activist.
The webinar was arranged to discuss the very reality of the day that is Climate change. In the starting, the team presented a documentary with the name: What About Our Future? All the speakers highlighted the importance of Sustainable Development Goals and everyone said that it is true that Change is the law of nature and we like change as all the progress in the world is through the phenomenon of change but the change which harms you and puts your very existence in danger is an alarming one. Climate change is that alarming change which not only harms us but our future generations. It is true, without any exaggeration, that climate change is a threat to the existence of life on this planet earth.
Going through the pages of history, we find that the history of climate change dates back to the Industrial Revolution. After this revolution, the trends of the world changed and so did the living styles. Throughout the time till now, our home earth has gone through multiple changes. Many factors along with human factors are responsible for these changes. We all know the reasons behind this growing problem such as industrialization, rising population, rapid urbanization and last but not the least, the release of harmful pollutants in the air which initiates green House effects. Resulting, with the ozone layer depletion, the earth is losing its protection against dangerous ultraviolet rays. The detailed report was written by Engr. Dileep Kumar who also presented several facts and figures during his talk in the Webinar.
This comes in the shape of global warming. A report shows that since 1990 the world population increased from 5.3 billion to 7.8 billion in 2021 with an addition of 2.5 billion people. Population growth coupled with global warming makes for a lethal combination to put pressure on over-exploited natural resources and endangered ecosystems. The whole world is facing the adverse effects of climate change in the shape of rapidly reporting wildfires, heavy rains, floods, glacier melting, endangered marine life, and the disturbed water cycle. It is directly or indirectly harming the patterns of life on earth. It is the very reason for growing food insecurities which can potentially increase in coming years.
There is no doubt in the fact that this is a collective issue. According to the global climate Risk index, Pakistan is the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. According to another report by IMF, Pakistan is the 3rd most water-stressed country in the world and 4th highest in user of water. However, Pakistan has played an exceptional and significant role in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Pakistan has also made notable efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals related to Climate change When we see other initiatives taken by the Pakistani government in this regard, we see the globally appreciated plan of billion tree tsunami under the Initiative of Clean and Green Pakistan. Under this project, 10 billion trees are being planted. Pakistan is working on Green Diplomacy. Our Prime Minister Imran Khan was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to speak and we were a partner in launching the Middle East Green Initiative. Moreover, besides at the federal level, even at the provincial level, provincial governments are also working in this regard.
At last, it was unanimously decided that everyone must speak; we must raise our voices against this menace before it is too late. We must work collectively for the Socialization of the masses about the severity of the issue. We must work on possible grounds to fight this collective problem. We must nurse our injured home, Earth. We must join hands to protect ourselves and our future generations. We must save the earth. We must save the life.n

Usman Institute of Technology achieves university status

on 29/01/2023

Usman Institute of Technology has been given the status of a university by the Sindh Government. Attending the inaugural ceremony of the varsity as the chief guest, Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail said, “Youth is the future of our country. I am happy to come to such institutions, which are equipped with all the technological facilities for which we send our children to study abroad.” He further stated that I always enjoy talking to faculty members and students. “UIT University has made this journey with great efforts and it is considered as one of the best institutions,” said the governor.
He congratulated the Chancellor of UIT University Hussain Hasham and the board members and added that the government had launched a successful youth program because when a student graduated from an institution they think about what to do next? The government will give 500,000 to such youngsters under the youth program scheme. He stated, “There is a lot of talent in Pakistan. We must tell our success stories to students and youngsters. I hope that this institution will help in the future and development of our youth.”
Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Shoaib Zaidi said, “This institution is serving since 1994 as a nonprofit organization. More than 4000 graduates serving in reputed firms not only in Pakistan but also internationally.
Political, corporate, and industrial dignitaries including Board Members of Usman Memorial Foundation, Members of Board of Governors & Board of Advisors, also attended the opening ceremony of UIT University.n

PEC, PAE join hands for promoting engineering profession Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Dr. Jameel Ahmed khan inks
MoU; PEC needs no new academy anymore

on 29/01/2023

Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Academy of Engineering (PAE) for what it says promoting the engineering profession through policy, innovation, technological advancement, professional skills, capacity building, and industry- academia-linkages.
Following this MoU signed by Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman PEC, and Dr. Jameel Ahmed Khan, President PAE, the council will not need to set up any engineering academy that Najeeb Haroon’s predecessor had moved for. “Now, we need not establish the National Academy of Engineers for enhancing the skill set of engineers in Pakistan.” Engr Haroon told Engineering Review.
A comprehensive MoU spread over 10 pages contains all details of what the council and PAE will do together for the betterment of engineers and engineering promotion.
This understanding is signed for three years and during that period both entities will retain their separate status. The agreement says: Both the Parties shall at all times retain independent and separate legal status organizationally and financially and may not act nor bind the other in any way nor represent that it is in any way responsible for the acts of each other.
The clauses pertaining to intellectual property and confidential information shall be an exception to this clause and shall be binding on both the Parties.
It is decided and agreed upon between the two parties that implementation or breach of the provisions of this memorandum shall not result in legal or financial obligations on the parties.
Both the Parties agree to appoint a designated point of contact or a Committee that shall work together and oversee the overall conduct, performance, and guidance from their respective entity (The PEC & The PAE) to develop a plan for moving forward with this MOU including the development of milestones, deadlines, and targets that shall hopefully move the Parties towards the execution of this MOU.
The PAE is a registered entity on December 20, 2013, under Societies Act I 860 as a learned society composed of elected fellows having a minimum qualification of Ph.D. in Engineering, and active in the engineering professions in the areas wherever applied. The academy is a member of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS), which has acquired consultative status
at the UN. The PAE represents Pakistan, the only Muslim country having an Academy of Engineering recognized by the international body comprising thirty one countries.
The document says it sets forth the general principles which both the parties propose to follow as they cooperate in order to promote the engineering profession in line with the Act of PEC.
Both entities aim at strengthening and integrating academia, industry, government, and society in the country under the concept of the Quadruple Helix model. Also, will focus on research and policy review to contribute to national and emerging/technical issues.
They will work for promoting academia-industry linkages and other related professional activities towards innovation and entrepreneurship and provide fresh advanced level trainings to engineering professionals including engineers, faculty, and Program Evaluators from different institutions/organizations to ensure professional development and management skills.
They will collaborate and support the PEC function as a Think Tank to advise and assist the government on technical and policy issues.
Moreover, they will provide a platform for engineers to interact and problem sharing and undertake studies on emerging and important topics in the field of engineering and technology.
Other points of understanding include:
To plan joint CPD activities and trainings for all levels of engineers for capacity building and professional development.
To facilitate engineers for the platform of the PAE to interact and problem sharing.
To carry out Think Tank activities at the PAE for technical and policy issues.
To use the platform of PAE for holding PEC technical meetings and other activities like curriculum development, specific studies, etc.
To play a role for industry-academia linkages for HEIs, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and other industrial groups.
To bear the cost incurred for the exclusive activities, workshops, seminars, meetings and technical/policy studies of the PEC held at the PAE or organized jointly.
To bear the recurring and operational cost in supporting and executing the activities at PAE towards the fulfillment of PEC objectives and functions.
Any other activity planned in mutual consultation of both the parties.
The purpose and responsibilities of the PAE includes
a. To plan joint activities, workshops, seminars and undertake policy/technical studies
b. To execute the jointly planned CPD activities and trainings for all levels of engineers for capacity building and professional development.
c. To provide a platform of PAE for the engineers to interact and problem sharing.
d. To facilitate PEC Think Tank activities at PAE for technical and policy issues.
e. To provide platform and resources of PAE for holding PEC technical meetings, seminars, workshops, and other activities like curriculum development, specific studies, etc.
f. To facilitate its platform for industry-academia linkages for HEIs, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and other industrial groups.
g. To arrange and support PEC activities, meetings, technical/policy studies, etc.
h. To engage and provide infrastructure and personal in supporting and executing the activities towards the fulfillment of PEC objectives and functions.n

ERASMUS+ Teaching Mobility Program
MUET, SSUET
academicians visit Politecnico di Milano Univetsity

on 29/01/2023

Faculty and Staff members from MUET and SSUET Karachi were invited to take part in an Erasmus+ KA107 Staff Mobility exchange program at Politecnico di Milano for two weeks. The mobility took place within the framework of ERASMUS+ Teaching Mobility and in accordance with the Teaching Programme. The delegation of MUET was led by Prof Dr Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry whereas the delegation of SSUET was led by Prof Dr Muhammad Aamir. During the visit, all staff members delivered their presentations and discussed their research work as well. There was a sequence of visits to various laboratories and learning platforms as well. The delegation also visited the Pakistani Consulate in Milan and met with the Honourable Consulate General Her Excellency Madam Aqsa Nawaz who appreciated the exchange programs and projects being done by Pakistani Universities. Being a member of BoG HEC, Prof Dr Bhawani Shankar discussed various collaborations which can be done under the umbrella of HEC and PEC. President QS World Merit Pakistan Engr Muhammad Zakir Shaikh also briefed about the various projects regarding Sustainable Development Goals and their impacts on society.
The delegation also visited the Competency Development INDUSTRY 4.0 Centre of Politecnico Milano Italy. It was really surprising to see that they have turned sick Industry into Competence Centre Industry 4.0 which provides a wide range of knowledge, methodologies, and digital tools that encompass the entire product lifecycle: from the design to the engineering, from the production management to the delivery to the customer, and the end of the product life cycle. The one-of-a-kind large demo center spans 2,500 sqm, hosting 20 use cases, training classrooms, co-working, and meeting spaces. The unique growth path towards digital transformation relies on different stages: to inform and show the technologies of Industry 4.0, to explain them with specific training sessions, and transfer and implement the outcomes through dedicated projects. The Staff also visited PolifabLab, The National University Library (Bibliotecanazionaleuniversitaria in Italian) in Turin, Italy, which is one of the country’s main libraries. Many projects for academic and research work and projects for developing research collaboration in the areas of common interest were also discussed.n

Mechanism of Thermal Barrier Coating

on 29/01/2023

To operate successfully in harsh thermo-mechanical settings, a thermal barrier coating must meet specific parameters. Proper porosity, as well as suitable coordinating of warm extension coefficients with the metal surface that the warm obstruction covering is coating are required to deal with thermal expansion pressures during heating and cooling. Significant volume fluctuations (which occur during phase changes) might cause the coating to crack or spall, hence phase stability is necessary. Oxidation resistance, as well as good mechanical qualities for rotating/moving parts or parts in contact, are required in air-breathing engines. In automotive applications, thermal barrier ceramic coatings are becoming more widespread. Exhaust manifolds, turbocharger casings, exhaust headers, downpipes, and tailpipes are among the components of the engine exhaust system that are specially designed to limit heat loss. The metal substrate, metallic bond coat, thermally generated oxide, and ceramic topcoat are the four layers that make up a thermal barrier coating. The ceramic topcoat is usually made of yttria-stabilized zirconia, which has a low conductivity and is stable at the nominal operating temperatures found in thermal barrier coating applications. The TBC’s largest thermal gradient is created by this ceramic layer, which keeps the bottom layers cooler than the top. Above 1200 °C, however, YSZ undergoes unfavorable phase changes, transitioning from t’-tetragonal to tetragonal to cubic to monoclinic.
Thermal barrier coatings are used to insulate metallic substrates so that they can be utilized at high temperatures for long periods of time. As a result, they frequently experience thermal shock, which is a stress that occurs in a material when it encounters a sudden temperature change. Because the thermal shock strains can cause cracking in the thermal barrier coating if they are sufficiently powerful, this thermal shock is a primary factor to the failure of thermal barrier coatings. In reality, frequent thermal shocks caused by repeatedly turning the engine on and off are a major cause of thermal barrier coating-coated turbine blade failure in aeroplanes. Although most ceramic coatings are applied to metallic items directly related to the engine exhaust system, technical advancements have made it possible to apply thermal barrier coatings to composite materials using plasma spray. Ceramic-coated components are already widespread in modern engines and on high-performance components in racing series such as Formula 1. These coatings are utilized to reduce physical degradation of the composite material owing to friction in addition to providing thermal protection.
The thermodynamic data for these reactions have been determined experimentally over several years, revealing that Si(OH)4 is the dominant vapor species in most cases. To protect these CMCs against water vapor and other environmental degradants, even more, sophisticated environmental barrier coatings are necessary. Sand particles, for example, begin to melt and react with coatings as gas temperatures rise to 1400 K-1500 K. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon oxide are frequent components of molten sand (commonly referred to as CMAS).
These coatings can help parts last longer by minimizing oxidation and thermal fatigue and allowing for higher operating temperatures while limiting structural component thermal exposure. Thermal barrier coatings, when used in conjunction with active film cooling, allow working fluid temperatures to exceed the melting point of the metal airfoil in some turbine applications. There is a lot of drive to develop new and superior thermal barrier coatings since there is a lot of interest for additional proficient motors having higher fevers with better sturdiness/lifetime and more slender coatings to decrease parasitic mass for turning/moving parts.n