What ITIA Bridge Program has introduced in Sindh’s institutions?

on 19/06/2023

If detailed communication across various public universities is to be believed the IT Industry Academia Bridge Program has taken its roots in the Sindh province, at least, whereas per the agreement signed between the Information, Science and Technology Department (ISTD) and Hazza Institute of Technology 3000 undergraduates are to be trained in the most modern skills ruling the IT industry now.
I am confident that after this training I shall be able to join any software house or start earning from home, responds a trainee in Sindh University Jamshoro’s Computer Department. Braving the sweltering June heat in hilly Jamshoro, he is not the only one who sees his future turning clear, almost everyone in the training session had begun to visualize what this training is about to bring for them.
Normally undergraduates in our universities keep on swinging about their future but the bridge program has helped them set a kind of objective. ‘I will be a programmer and thus pursuing this training, says yet another trainee who was sitting in another university in Bhit Shah just 50 kilometers away from Jamshoro. His class fellows were found focused on one or another skill that the program has introduced in the training.
Both classes in Jamshoro and Bhit Shah had a stark similarity other than sweltering temperatures. The trainers marked by the Hazza Institute have been able to bolster the confidence of the trainees whose university courses might have lagged to instill good prospects for the future; this training methodology has been able to bridge the gap. ‘’We are doing all these courses practically which we knew theoretically before and trainers are focused’, say the students of both universities.
But the response of trainees and trainers apart, what has made this program more famous is the analysis of the focal persons in the universities which now have come in the domain of the bridge program. The best part of the program is that it is linked with the IT industry and thus focuses practical part of education, says Dr. Intesab, Chairman of the Computer Systems Department of the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah. Dr. Intesab is the focal person of the program but his views are not isolated ones. His views draw a parallel with Dr. Qasim Memon at Sifu University Bhit Shah and Dr. Khalil at Sindh University Jamshoro. All three heads of their departments suggest the comprehensive practical side of the program makes it distinct.
This communication suggests that since the universities rely mostly on a theoretical approach, the students remain thirsty on the practical side and this program has created a real bridge.
The most interesting aspect is that public universities are not the only institutions that require fast-track updating of their curriculum which normally see changes after three to four years, the private universities which are deemed to be better paint the same picture. ‘’In this program, we are being trained in practical terms that we did not get in normal university courses’, says a female trainee at ISRA University Hyderabad. Interestingly, her views depict the same picture that is portrayed by yet another girl in IoBM Karachi. Sitting 200 kilometers away but they find the same gap between theory and practice.
Engineering Reviews’ visit to these universities unfolded yet another revelation that no matter whether you are in IoBM Karachi or ISRA University Hyderabad or Bhit Shah or Nawabshah, the university students’ aptitude for learning remains the same.

PSDP portal launched, data of over Rs.1 trillion projects available for insight

on 19/06/2023

Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Ashan Iqbal last week officially launched Pakistan’s pioneering PSDP portal, country’s official news agency reported.
For the first time in the country’s history, the data of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects (ongoing and previous year) worth Rs 1.1 trillion has been made available at the PSDP portal which has been formally launched for the citizens to ensure transparency.
The event was attended by the Additional Secretary Planning Ministry, Members Planning Commission, the Chairman of Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission SUPARCO and other stakeholders, said a press release.
It is noted that the PSDP, which constitutes the Federal Development Budget, serves as a crucial framework for the government’s development agenda, setting sectoral and regional priorities under the national plan.
This strategic move aims to harness the potential of digital technologies to enhance transparency, improve governance, and promote public awareness of the government’s development course and priorities.
Through the digital platform, citizens will have greater insight into the development projects being undertaken across the country.
It enables them to understand the objectives, scope, and impact of each project, promoting public engagement and participation
Ahsan Iqbal termed this initiative a ‘landmark’ in the country’s history which will ensure transparency in the PSDP projects while engaging the citizens directly through this portal.
“The initiative will help to eliminate the trust deficit between the state and citizens which remained weak in the past, remarked the minister, while highlighting several initiatives taken by the incumbent government since it came into power in April 2020.
The Planning Ministry has recently launched ‘5Es framework for the country’s development while focusing on Exports, Energy E- Pakistan, Environment and Equity. This vital step towards digitalization aligns with the vision of e-Pakistan under the ‘5Es Framework to Turnaround Pakistan’ and underscores the commitment of the Planning Ministry to leverage technology for the betterment of our nation,” remarked the Minister.
Member Governance, Innovation & Reforms at Planning Commission, Dr Adnan Rafiq who took this initiative, under the vision of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqal highlighted the key features of the project.
“The portal displays data on all ongoing PSDP Projects which are also accessible to every citizen as the Ministry has already established a Champions of Reforms Network to seek input from citizens in reviewing and evaluating project proposals under PSDP,” explained Dr Rafiq.
It is noted that the online portal provides an interactive map interface, allowing users to visualize the geographical spread of projects. The users can search for projects by location, view project profiles, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the development initiatives in specific areas.
Chairman SUPARCO Maj General Amer Nadeem while appreciating the Planning Ministry for taking this important step believed that space technology and its applications play a pivotal role in achieving national development goals worldwide.
“Geospatial technologies are a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionise the way we make decisions, thereby saving time and resources and inspiring transparency.

IEEEP launches Local Center at QUEST Nawabshah

on 19/06/2023

The Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP) has opened a new chapter in Nawabshah, a central district in Sindh province. This will be the second chapter after Karachi. The institution’s latest chapter is located in Quaid-E-Awam University of Science & Technology (QUEST) Nawabshah. Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand has been selected as Chief Organizer and interim chairman of this Local Centre.
A statement sent by Dr Saand said the new IEEEP Local Centre at Nawabshah was launched at Electrical Engineering Department Quaid-e-Awam University of Science & Technology campus on 7th Feb 2023.
Prof. Dr. Sohail Aftab Qureshi, President IEEEP inaugurated the new centre. Engr. Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo Vice Chancellor Quaid-E-Awam University of Science & Technology Nawabshah presided over the ceremony held in Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qavi Qazi Memorial Senate Hall.
A large number of faculty members, engineers and students of the university participated in the event. Delegates from IEEEP Local Centre Karachi, Lahore and Jamshoro were also present.
A memorial library in memory of Late Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qavi Qazi
Ex- Vice Chancellor and one of the pioneers of Quaid-E-Awam University of Science and Technology has also been setup in the Electrical Engineering Department of the university and was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sohail Aftab Qureshi and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo The ceremony was also witnessed by Prof. Dr. Abdul Qavi Qazi’s daughter Engr. Fauzia Kazi and his wife, who travelled all the way from Karachi participated in the memorable event.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand, the Chief Organizer and interim chairman of IEEEP Local Centre Nawabshah presented the welcome address.
Arshad Chughtai, Coordinator of the event, gave a detailed background of the formation of the centre and specially urged the youth to fully participate in the activities of IEEEP with full vigor and spirit. Engr. Arshad Chughtai also informed the moot that two eminent engineers from Nawabshah have recently passed away therefore the house offered condolence for late Engr. Jamal Uddin Mughal SE (R) WAPDA and a graduate of Sindh University Engineering College Jamshoro 1967 Batch and Engr. Rao Abdul Jabbar, Chief Engineer (R) WAPDA and a graduate of Sindh University Engineering College Jamshoro 1972 Batch. It was decided that a message of condolence to the bereaved families will be communicated by IEEEP Local Centre Nawabshah.
GR Bhatti Vice President South addressed the ceremony and termed the event to be a new milestone in the history of IEEEP, that the centre has been created in the middle of the province and will go a long way to promote the cause of IEEEP.
Former IEEEP KLC Chairman Engr. Asif Siddiqui also spoke on the occasion and extended his heartiest congratulations to IEEEP and the local organizers.
Khalid Pervez, Chairman IEEEP Local Centre Local Centre Karachi offered every possible assistance and support on behalf of the Karachi Centre and hoped that the new centre will soon succeeded.
Tahir Mehmood Chaudhary, CEO PIE, also addressed and congratulated IEEEP Management and the QUEST University organizers for holding such a remarkable event and prayed for continued success.
Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo, the Vice Chancellor, in his presidential address expressed his gratitude to Engr. Prof. Dr. Sohail Aftab Qureshi, President IEEEP and other distinguished delegates to grace the occasion and assured IEEEP his University’s absolute support to make the centre fully functional and operative. He declared the university would pay the Membership Fee of all eligible undergraduate students of QUEST. He lauded the efforts of Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand and other members of the organizing team worked so devotedly in initiating the steps to the new centre.
Chief Guest Engr. Prof. Dr. Suhail Aftab Qureshi, President of IEEEP, formerly declared the new centre open and announced the list of office bearers and members of the new council. He also announced that IEEEP will also establish a computer centre in the office of the newly formed centre and invited the members of IEEEP Local Centre Nawabshah to visit IEEEP Lahore HQ. The president of IEEEP also announced the first IEEEP student branch as the Quaid-e-Awam University Nawabshah. He congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo, Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand and other faculty members to raise the new centre in such a quick time and termed it as a dire need of time and believed that in times to come the centre will boost the IEEEP activities in the region.
Prof. Dr. Suhail Aftab Qureshi, the chief guest, and Engr. Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo, Vice Chancellor QUEST, the president of the ceremony, distributed shields and the annual excellence award certificate to the professional engineers and academicians and also decorated with traditional Ajrak and Cap-Capa for eminent participants and guests.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand was nominated as the Chairman of IEEEP Local Centre Nawabshah, Vice Chairman Engr. Prof. Dr. Erum Pathan, General Secretary Engr. Shahid Hussain Qureshi, Joint secretary Engr. Dr. Toufique Ahmed Soomro and Treasure Engr. Riaz Hussain Memon.

IEEE PES Chapter Karachi organized a
Technical Seminar

on 19/06/2023

The title of the Seminar was “Metal Clad Switchgear – Design & Type Test ”.
Following the recitation of the Holy Quran, Chairman IEEE PES Engr. Ishtiaq ul Haq welcomed the participants and shared that IEEE PES is regularly conducting its activities intending to disseminate technical, relevant, and advanced knowledge on products and matters concerned with the engineering community.
Engr. Moiz Uddin, has decades of experience in switchgear assembling, designing and product research and development and is currently associated with HRA Switchgear Pvt. Ltd as Sr. Manager Production Planning explained the assembly and unit compartments of Metal Clad Switchgear along with the design guidelines, highlighting the main causes of substation equipment failure, and tests that are conducted by various laboratories to ensure quality.
Engr. Moiz uddin, with the help of animated videos, clarified the concept of design and type testing of various required tests conducted on the Metal Clad switchgear.
There were special student groups who attended the seminar from various universities and took keen interest in the topic. Also, among the participants were people from utility companies , academia and industries.
Some of the important questions addressed in the presentation included:
What is the difference between metal enclosed and metal clad switchgear? What are alternate sources of SF6 switchgear? What maintenance interval should there be? What kind of maintenance is needed?
Engr. Ishtiaque ul Haque Chairman PES thanked Engr. Moiz Uddin, for his time and effort. He encouraged students and young professionals to join IEEE & PES society to get to the maximum benefit of the enormous knowledge available on the platform.

Compatible Properties of Biomaterials

on 19/06/2023

A biomaterial is a substance that has been developed to interact with biological systems for therapeutic (treating, enhancing, repairing, or replacing a tissue function of the body) or diagnostic purposes. In the lab, biomaterials can be created using a number of chemical techniques using metallic or polymeric components, ceramics, or composite materials. Biomaterials can also be obtained from nature. The whole or a portion of a living structure or biomedical technology that performs augments, or substitutes a natural function may be employed and/or altered for a medical application. Such functionalities could be bioactive with more interactive functionality, like hydroxy-apatite-coated hip implants, or they could be relatively passive, like being used for a heart valve.
Bioactivity is the capacity of a designed biomaterial to elicit a physiological response supportive of the function and performance of the biomaterial. This phrase most frequently refers to the ability of implanted materials to firmly bind with surrounding tissue in either osteoconductive or osseo productive roles in bioactive glasses and bioactive ceramics. Materials used in bone implants are frequently created to encourage bone formation while eroding into the surrounding bodily fluid. Therefore, it is desirable for many biomaterials to have strong biocompatibility in addition to good strength and dissolving rates. Typically, surface bio-mineralization, in which a native layer of hydroxyapatite is generated at the surface, is used to measure the bioactivity of biomaterials.
In order to treat, support, or replace a function within the human body, biomaterials are employed in medical devices. To carry out the desired function, a particular biomaterial’s application must bring together the required composition, material qualities, structure, and in vivo reactivity. To get the best possible functional outcomes, many required attributes are classified.
The behavior of biomaterials in varied habitats under various chemical and physical circumstances is connected to biocompatibility. Without mentioning where or how a material is to be used, the word may refer to specific features of a given material. For instance, a substance might not or barely trigger an immune response in a specific organism, and it might or might not be able to integrate with a specific cell type or tissue. One strategy that has potential is the use of immuno-informed biomaterials that guide the immune response rather than attempting to interfere with it. There are numerous different reactions that might occur depending on the material composition of the implant, the implant’s surface, the mechanism of fatigue, and chemical degradation. Both local and systemic issues can be present. These include the impact on the implant’s longevity, immune response, foreign body reaction with the isolation of the implant with vascular connective tissue, and probable infection. An auto- and alloimmune condition with a varied clinical history is graft-versus-host disease. It can appear in an acute or chronic form, affecting various organs and tissues and posing major risks for patients undergoing transplants and employing biocompatible materials. A biomaterial should carry out its intended task within a living organism without adversely influencing the tissues and organs of the body. Biomaterials should be non-toxic to avoid unintended interactions with organs and tissues. The compounds that are released from a biomaterial while it is in vivo are considered to be poisonous. A biomaterial shouldn’t release any substances into the environment unless that is what it is designed to do. Nontoxicity refers to a biomaterial’s lack of pyrogenicity, allergenicity, carcinogenicity, compatibility with blood, and inflammogenicity.