bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Intravenous Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone in Severe COVID -19 Patients Requiring Respiratory Support in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rajbanshi Lalit Kumar , Rayamajhi Anuj Jung , Bajracharya Akriti , Shah Rajat
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Numerous steroids have been used to combat the intense cytokine storms in severe COVID pneumonia. The study compares the use methylprednisolone and dexamethasone as an adjuvant steroid therapy in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methods: Prospective comparative study including total of 190 COVID-19 severe pneumonia cases admitted in intensive care unit with 93 patients randomly allocated to receive dexamethasone 6 mg and 97 patients allocated to receive methylprednisolone 1mg/kg in two divided doses both by intravenous route for 7 days. Mortality was compared as primary objective while oxygenation parameters and inflammatory markers, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of ventilation, length of ICU-stay, incidence of multiorgan failure were assessed as secondary variables.
Results: At day zero, the patient in methylprednisolone group had significantly lower PaO2/FIO2 ratio (258.3950.36 vs 285.1868.62, P=0.002). At day seven, methylprednisolone significantly improved PaO2/FIO2 ratio (266.5260.73 vs 244.8175.36, P=0.029) and there was substantial decrease in inflammatory markers CRP, Ferritin (P<0.05). PEEP requirement was significantly less with methylprednisolone (P=0.007). Methylprednisolone significantly reduced the incidence of multiorgan failure, need of invasive mechanical ventilation and duration of mechanical ventilation (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in terms of duration of ICU stay and 30 days in hospital mortality between the two groups
Conclusions: Intravenous methylprednisolone significantly improved the oxygenation of COVID -19 pneumonia patients and decreased the inflammatory reactions as compared to similar dose of dexamethasone when given for week duration. However, methylprednisolone did not seem to be superior to dexamethasone in terms of improving mortality.
Prevalence and Correlation of Hypertension, Obesity and Diabetes Among Adults Visiting Community Based Screening Programs
Authors: Bansal Prerna , Shrestha Ayasha , Panthi Srijana
Published: November 2022

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, diabetes, hypertension and obesity are one of the top five continuing risk factors for cardiovascular deaths in the world. Hypertension and obesity increase the risk of long-term vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aims to find the prevalence and correlation of hypertension, obesity and diabetesamong the adults incentral part of Nepal.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 233adults visiting the community based screening programs in Bharatpur-10, Nepal organized by College of Medical Sciences during July 2022 to August 2022. Descriptive analysis was done to find the frequency, percentage and mean.To find the association between continuous variables correlation was used (p-value <0.05).
Results: The mean age was 53.71±12.42 years, 60.9% males and 39.1% females. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 25.7%, obesity was 21.8% and diabetes was 36.5%.The FBS was positively correlated with age, SBP, DBP and BMI. The correlation of FBS with age (p-value 0.05) and SBP (p- value 0.01) was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension, obesity and diabetes were found to be high both in male and female adults visiting the community based screening programs. Fasting blood glucose was found to be positively correlated with age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements of the patient. Thus, level of fasting blood sugar level increases with increasing age, increasing body mass index, increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels of the patient.
HRCT Chest in Patient of COVID-19 Pneumonia at a tertiary College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Rajesh , Chhetri Pramod Kumar , Prasad V. Natraj , Akhtar Kalim , Thapa Kripesh , Mishra Manish , Ghimire Arati
Published: November 2022

Background: COVID19 pneumonia is caused by novel corona virus. The HRCT chest is helpful in identification of COVID-19 Pneumonia. CT chest play a crucial role in assessing the pattern of manifestation and severity of lung involvement in COVID-19. The objective of this study is to described high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest findings in COVID-19 Pneumonia patients in college of medical sciences Bharatpur Nepal.
Method: A prospective, HRCT Chest findings were analaysed in 375 patients. Patients with high CORADS score and suspicious for COVID-19 pneumonia were further tested positive in PCR examination. The study was done for a year period of time
Result: A total 375 patients suspected for COVID-19 pneumonia in HRCT, 341 were PCR positive. The mean age affected by viral pneumonia was 51.9 (51-60 year group). The male were 240 and female were 135. Ground glass opacities is noted in 188 patients, followed by GGO and consolidation in 177, consolidations only in 7 and others findings chest findings in 3 patients.
Conclusion: HRCT chest can help in early detection of COVID-pneumonia. It can also asses the percentages of lung involvement and severity of disease that can guide physician.
Management of Different Types of Pneumothorax at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Authors: Shrestha B. , Karmacharya R. M. , Pant S.
Published: November 2022

Background Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air in the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax can be classified as Spontaneous and Traumatic according to the etiology. Spontaneous pneumothorax is further classified as Primary and Secondary.

Objective This study was conducted to know the management of different types of pneumothorax at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital.

Method This was a hospital based retrospective study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Patients admitted in Surgery Ward with diagnosis of Pneumothorax from January 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study.

Result This study included 144 patients with pneumothorax age ranging from 14 years to 94 years. Most of the patients were male with male:female ratio of 3.8:1. Eighty-four (58.03%) patients had Traumatic pneumothorax followed by Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in 53(36.08%) patients and Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in seven (4.86%) patients. Among 144 patients, chest tube drain was required in 135 patients and nine patients were managed conservatively. One patient underwent Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with Bullectomy and mechanical pleurodesis. Sixteen patients had persistent pneumothorax, among which six patients required chemical pleurodesis, two patients required negative suction therapy and five patients required both chemical pleurodesis and negative suction therapy.

Conclusion This study showed pneumothorax to be more common in male population. Traumatic pneumothorax was the most common type followed by Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and Primary spontaneous pneumothorax.
Sonographic Quantification of Ovarian Volume in Adults Attending General Health Checkup and General Out Patient Department in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Upadhyaya R. P. , Ansari M. A. , Jha A. , Kayashta P. , Paudel S.
Published: November 2022

Background Ultrasonography is the easily available, cheap and reliable method for evaluation of ovaries. Ovarian volume is the major factor in the diagnosis of various ovarian pathologies and confusing discrepancies are found in the literature.

Objective To determine the ovarian volume among individuals attending outpatient department in tertiary level hospital.

Method Descriptive cross sectional study design was used; 305 patients of 16-60 years attending general outpatient department in the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal were included. Ovarian volume was calculated by using transabdominal ultrasonography. Data was collected in the predesigned proforma and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences software.

Result The study showed mean total ovarian volume 5.95 ± 2.44 cc (centimeter cube) with mean right ovarian volume 5.94 ± 2.70 cc and mean left ovarian volume 6.05 ± 2.79 cc. Significant decrease in ovarian volume with age was observed. Height and weight did not show significant correlation with ovarian volumes and no significant variation seen in the volumes of right and left ovaries. Periovulatory ovaries show significantly higher volumes on right side than luteal phase. Similarly, significantly higher volume of left ovary seen in mixed ethnic group than mongoloid group.

Conclusion Measurement of ovarian volume is important for evaluation and management of ovarian disorders. Ultrasonography which is readily available, simple and cost effective is better suited for our environment than other imaging modality. Values of ovarian volume from this study may provide a baseline of normal ovarian volume in our community.
Adrenal Ganglioneuroma
Authors: Kayashta R. , Acharya R. , Pradhan S. , Tuladhar A. S. , Shrestha A.
Published: November 2022

Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare sympathetic differentiated tumors which originate from neural crest cells. These lesions are usually discovered incidentally on imaging and tend to be hormonally silent. Preoperative diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma remains extremely challenging and the gold standard treatment is adrenalectomy. There is good prognosis after surgery without recurrence. We herein report a case of adrenal ganglioneuroma in a 15 year old female who presented with complaint of abdominal discomfort. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography abdomen showed a large septated hypodense right suprarenal mass which was echogenic on Ultrasonography. It showed T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense signal on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of abdomen and pelvis. Excisional biopsy and histological examination of the mass was suggestive of adrenal ganglioneuroma. This report presents the clinical and radiological data for the rare tumor which would share some experience to facilitate the diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma.
OPTIMIZATION OF DIFFERENT CHEMICAL PROCESSES USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY- A REVIEW
Authors: Zaid Hiba , Al-sharify Zainab , Hamzah Mohammed Hazwan , Rushdi Salih
Published: November 2022

Several chemical and biological processes have been investigated and predicted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) models. Response Surfaces Methodology is a useful instrument for designing laboratory-scale experiments that optimize and support the research outcomes with statistical analysis. It is a powerful statistical technique for complex variable study systems. The standard optimization (one component at a time) strategy is well-studied. However, it has significant drawbacks, such as requiring more experimental runs and time and failing to reveal the synergistic impact of processing parameters. It is a valuable instrument for process improvement. Recent research has shown, for instance, that RSM successfully optimizes biodiesel in fats and oils generated from diverse feedstocks. According to this study, Response Surface Methodology is the best cost-effective technique for maximizing environmentally friendly and sustainable methods applied to different experimental procedures. The current review reported RSM's application, theory, methodology, advantages, and limitations for different processes using different oil sources.
REDUCING THE CROSS-POLARIZATION PATTERN IN A DUAL-POLARIZED ANTENNA USING SPIRAL AND SPLIT RING RESONATORS
Authors: K. Ahmed Sadiq , Chandra Madhukar , A. Abdul Hassain Zaid
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces the design of a new dual polarization rectangular microstrip patch antenna based on metamaterial structures at X-band. The work focuses on two distinct configurations of a microstrip patch antenna utilizing metamaterials. Pairs of spiral ring resonators are loaded into a rectangular patch antenna system in the first design. The second strategy involves inserting a split ring resonator at the end of microstrip feed lines. The utilization of metamaterial structures in the microstrip antenna system compensates for the patch antenna's asymmetric current distribution of the flow, resulting in symmetrical current distribution. The simulation results display an import cross-polarization cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) and good port decoupling. The antenna system has various characteristics, including a basic structure and metamaterial inclusions that take up a small amount of space, making the suggested metamaterial inclusions more beneficial for dual-linear polarized patch antenna construction. These prototypes are suitable to work for polarimetric radars.
A REVIEW ON BOND PERFORMANCE OF FRP-CONCRETE SYSTEM AT VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Al-Safy Rawaa
Published: November 2022

Strengthening concrete structures with Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is one of the most commonly used technique to repair and rehabilitate concrete members due to the advanced properties of FRP over other conventional materials such as steel plates. The required performance of FRP-concrete system is linked to achieve proper bond between FRP and concrete substrates that as exposed to different environmental conditions. In the current paper, a review is conducted to highlight the most reported work by other researchers regarding the bond behavior of concrete members that strengthened with FRP in shear-tension and exposed to temperature-based conditions and compared with ambient conditions. The current review focused on the conducted work on FRP/concrete system that strengthened with two different installation techniques (externally bonding (ES) and near–Surface mounted (NSM)) using two different bonding agents (epoxy-based adhesive (EBA) and cement-based adhesive (CBA)) with and without modification. The adoption of two specific bond test procedures (adhesion and single lap shear tests) at ambient conditions and temperature-based conditions was also reviewed intensively to clarify the advantages and drawbacks associated with each test.  Some reported findings by others in conducting bond test methods for different FRP/concrete systems were highlighted as well to address the gap in knowledge and the need for further research in this regard.
Rancang Bangun Portal Berita Berbasis Multimedia Dengan Waterfall
Authors: Supriyanta Supriyanta , Nugroho Herlambang Gilang Setyo
Published: November 2022

Perkembangan teknologi informasi terutama internet sangat pesat, masyarakat yang menggunakan internet terus bertambah. Website yang berisi tentang berita secara online, dengan berita terkini menjadi menarik perhatian. Masyarakat selalu ingin mendapatkan berita yang terbaru secara cepat dan mudah, berada di mana pun dan kapanpun. Ada peluang besar untuk mengembangkan bisnis portal berita, yang online dan bisa diakses melalui berbagai perangkat seperti desktop, mobile, smart phone dan tablet. Website yang berisi portal berita dengan multimedia dalam hal ini video, selain tulisan, gambar masyarakat dapat menikmati berita dalam bentuk video. Portal ini di buat dengan mengunakan metode pengembangan sistem Waterfall, metodologi ini sederhana dan banyak di pakai oleh para pengembang, pengumpulan data untuk membuat portal di lakukan dengan metode studi Pustaka dan melakukan observasi. Portal ini dirancang  dengan menggunakan    bahasa pemograman phpMyAdmin dan Mysql sebagai databasenya. Tujuan dari pembuatan rancang bangun ini ada menangkap peluang bisnis dengan membuat portal berita berbasis multimedia
Pengembangan Aplikasi Berbasis Web dan Android Sebagai Penunjang Kerja di Indonesia: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wahyudi Tri
Published: November 2022

Karena keinginan akan informasi yang semakin meningkat, kehidupan manusia akhirnya memasuki era yang lebih kontemporer dan maju sebagai akibat dari tuntutan akan penciptaan informasi yang begitu cepat dan mudah. Aplikasi Android adalah salah satu kemajuan teknologi tersebut. Banyak orang kini merasa mudah mendapatkan informasi berkat perkembangan aplikasi Android. Oleh karena itu, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan informasi yang lebih mendalam tentang bagaimana aplikasi digunakan di Indonesia untuk mendukung kegiatan baik pemerintah maupun swasta. Makalah jurnal yang mencakup pembuatan aplikasi berbasis web dan android untuk mendukung kegiatan pemerintahan dan komersial dari tahun 2015 hingga 2022 menjadi sumber data penelitian. Artikel-artikel ini adalah publikasi terindeks Scopus dan terakreditasi Sinta. Metode Systematic Literature Review (SLR) digunakan untuk menguji data (SLR). Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah didapatkan 15 artikel yang sesuai dengan inklusi dan eksklusi dengan pembagian sektor pendidikan yang mendominasi pengembangan aplikasi berbasis web dan android untuk membantu kinerja pemakai sebanyak 6 artikel, disusul sektor pelayanan dari pemerintah sebanyak 9 artikel dan pelayanan swasta sebanyak satu artikel.
Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Nilai Berbasis Web pada SMK Manggala Tama Binangun
Authors: Aniroh Sutri , Syafrianto Syafrianto
Published: November 2022

SMK Manggala Tama Binangun Kabupaten Cilacap merupakan SMK Swasta yang telah menerapkan kurikulum SMK 2013 Rev. Teknik dan Bisnis Sepeda Motor dalam sistem pembelajarannya. Proses pengolahan data nilai di SMK Manggala Tama dilakukan secara manual yang menyita banyak waktu terutama pada saat mempersiapkan nilai rapor. Terlebih jika terjadi kesalahan pengisian data nilai siswa, proses penilaian data siswa menjadi tidak efektif dan efisien sehingga dapat menyebabkan penundaan tanggal pembagian nilai rapor kepada siswa. Oleh karena itu perlu dibangun sebuah aplikasi sistem informasi pengolahan data nilai siswa yang efisien, efektif dan saling terintegrasi antar nilai mata pelajaran sehingga dapat langsung menghasilkan hasil rapor siswa sesuai dengan ketentuan yang berlaku di SMK Manggala Tama Binangun Kabupaten Cilacap. Agar aplikasi dapat segera mencapai tujuannya, maka aplikasi yang dibangun berbasis web menjadi pilihan yang tepat, baik dari sisi antar muka, efisiensi, efektifitas, sinkronisasi dengan sistem lain, kompabilitas dengan berbagai platform, pemeliharaan maupun peningkatan jika diperlukan.
Grammatical Error Analysis in Recount Texts Made By Seventh Grade
Authors: Buansari Istihayyu , Pangestu Maulani , Hanifah Tara Fitri
Published: November 2022

Abstract - The objective of this study is to know the most dominant grammatical error made by the seventh-grade students of SMP Trisula Perwari 2 in writing recount text and the reason for the errors. The writer used Betty Azar’s types of error theory and Richards’ sources of error theory. The method used in this study was a descriptive analysis method to describe students’ errors and analyze the data. The research findings show that add a word error holds the first position in the most dominant errors made by the seventh-grade students of SMP Trisula Perwari 2 with 154 errors or 20% followed by other types of error with the total error of verb tense is 114 errors or 15% and spelling is 93 errors or 12%. In addition, the writer found that the students’ errors caused by interlingual transfer and intralingual transfer. The most frequent source of errors affecting the students in making recount text is intralingual transfer with a total of 437 errors (57%), which is followed by interlingual transfer in the second position with a total of 328 errors (43%). Key Words: Error Analysis, Writing, Recount Text.Abstrak - Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jenis kesalahan yang paling dominan dibuat oleh siswa kelas tujuh SMP Trisula Perwari 2 dalam menulis teks recount dan sebab dari kesalahan-kesalahan tersebut. Penulis menggunakan teori jenis kesalahan milik Betty Azar dan teori sumber kesalahan milik Richards. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis deskriptif untuk menjelaskan kesalahan siswa dan menganalisis data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jenis kesalahan add a word berada di posisi pertama dalam jenis kesalahan paling dominan yang dilakukan oleh siswa kelas tujuh SMP Trisula Perwari 2 dengan 154 kesalahan atau 20% diikuti oleh jenis kesalahan lainnya dengan total kesalahan verb tense adalah 114 kesalahan atau 15% dan spelling adalah 93 kesalahan atau 12%. Selain itu, penulis menemukan bahwa kesalahan siswa disebabkan oleh interlingual transfer dan intralingual transfer. Sumber kesalahan yang paling sering mempengaruhi siswa dalam membuat teks recount adalah intralingual transfer dengan total 437 kesalahan (57%) yang diikuti oleh interlingual transfer di posisi kedua dengan total 328 kesalahan (43%).Kata Kunci : Analisis Kesalahan, Menulis, Teks Recount
Translation Techniques of Indonesian Subtitle in Our Planet Documentary Series
Authors: Utami Mega Tri , Satyaningrum Nisrina
Published: November 2022

In Indonesia, the screening of Our Planet documentary which has been translated into Indonesian was carried out by The Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with Netflix starting on June 20, 2020. This collaboration is a manifestation of the Study from Home program. Indonesia's flora, fauna and nature are also part of this documentary. The original language of the documentary is English, and there could be meaning differences in the Indonesian subtitle. The researchers are interested to know about the translation strategies and techniques in translating the subtitles for Our Planet documentary series in maintaining the same meaning as SL. Molina and Albir’s theory which consists of 18 translation techniques was used in this study. The study utilizes a descriptive qualitative method that requires Our Planet’s subtitle transcription both in English (as SL) and Indonesian (as TL) as its data source. The researchers discovered 14 translation techniques, which include established equivalent techniques that have become the most commonly used technique, accounting for 50.6 percent of all techniques used. The description and modulation technique have the lowest percentage, at only 0.6 percent.
“How to Live a Good Life”
Authors: Palattiyil George , Zuntz Ann-Christin , Nair Harish , Bukuluki Paul , Sebba Kalyango Ronald
Published: November 2022

This article provides an ethnographically informed critique of the humanitarian self-management model that informs reproductive health trainings for young urban refugees in Kampala, Uganda. It draws on interviews with 16 adolescent refugees, as well as policymakers, aid workers and health care professionals in Kampala in April 2019. We found that reproductive health education training sessions are a site of gendered learning where displaced boys and girls gain an understanding of what it means “how to live a good life” and how to become marriage material. Their focus on self-control also reflects a wider shift in humanitarianism toward female empowerment as a tool of neoliberal governance. In a low-resource context, however, “self-managing” one’s reproductive health takes on a different meaning, as displaced adolescents weigh up opportunities for short-term income from transactional sex with imagined reproductive futures elsewhere.
Introduction
Authors: Ivasiuc Ana , Dürr Eveline , Whittaker Catherine
Published: November 2022

This introduction to the special section charts the ways in which the concept of vigilance has been loosely conceptualized at the intersection between security, surveillance, and border studies. It rethinks vigilance through the conceptual lens of vigilance regimes, as well as through the productivity of watchfulness in different contexts. Vigilance is conceptualized as an assemblage of moral ideas, belonging, increased attention, and social practice, located in certain sociopolitical contexts, concrete spaces, and technologies. Regimes of vigilance are defined as complex assemblages of practices and discourses that mobilize alertness for specific goals, which are embedded in particular materialities of watchfulness, and which in turn have effects on social practice and processes of subjectivation. This introduction calls for greater analytic attention toward the agency that vigilance produces, and seeks to define vigilance and the regimes that it constitutes, offering a productive lens for the study of socially mobilized alertness.
Vigilance, Knowledge, and De/colonization
Authors: Whittaker Catherine , Dürr Eveline
Published: November 2022

This article shows how vigilance against racism and coloniality in the US-Mexico borderlands produces knowledge, highlighting the decolonizing potential of their dynamic entanglement. Before the Black Lives Matter protests against police violence across the United States in late May 2020, many Latin@s in San Diego, California, already anticipated racial discrimination and violence in light of growing anti-migration sentiment. Those Latin@s who took part in the protests often also protested border patrol violence. Based on long-term ethnographic fieldwork, we argue that the vigilance of Latin@s, who were further racialized as “immigrants” through their protest participation, produced knowledge about ongoing racism and coloniality in San Diego. We propose theorizing vigilance as having both the potential to uphold colonialist structures and to undermine these.
Questioning Artists
Authors: Horst Cindy
Published: November 2022

In this article, I explore the concept of the questioning individual through life history research with two female artists from (post)war contexts. Afghan theater producer Monirah Hashemi’s story illustrates how self-expression in contexts of violence is not only politically but also socially repressed, and illustrates the role that marginalized outsiders can play in questioning. Diala Brisly, a visual artist from Syria, talks of public expression after the suspension of censorship and shows the power of creative self-expression to support resistance to repression. This article explores their contributions of both societal critique and alternative visions of (post)war societies from their positions in exile. I argue that creative processes and cultural expressions can play crucial roles as sources of resistance and ways of creating alternative societal visions.
Embodied Agency
Authors: Christophersen Sara
Published: November 2022

In this article I explore the experiences of three dance artists living and working in Palestine through the concept of “embodied agency.” Based on fieldwork in Palestine and a decade of professional engagement as a dancer and choreographer with the Palestinian dancing community, I examine how the body—through the practice of dance—creates movement in the artists’ lives. Th e article highlights how embodied and expressive spaces of dance expand the artists’ possibilities and room for maneuver. I argue that in the context of protracted occupation, like Palestine, where individuals have little possibility to impact their situation, zooming into the body can be a powerful way to identify spaces where it is possible to have influence on oneself and others.
A Syntactic Analysis of Null Subjects in Academic Discourse
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Aryan Ayaz Ahmad , Shah Bahramand
Published: November 2022

This study uses a minimalist approach to explore the syntactic structures of teachers at the undergraduate level. It aims to find null subject(s) used in the sentence structure of lecturers who teach English in undergraduate classes. For the data collection, two universities of Federal territory in Islamabad were chosen by the researchers. The lectures [of English teachers] delivered in classes were recorded through an audiogenic device which was transcribed word by word manually. The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. In qualitative analysis, the transcribed material was analyzed with the help of parsing and a tree diagram. In quantitative studies, the occurrences of the syntactic parameters are shown with tabulations. The data analyzed reveals that the undergraduate teachers use language with three types of null subjects in their syntactic structures, i.e., Imperative Null Subject, Non-finite Null Subject, and Truncated Null Subject. The minimal sentence structure pairs impact a different level of language, changing its dimensions.
Perception of Corrective Feedback in Pakistani ESL Universities Classroom
Authors: Shahzadi Afshan , Irshad Sadia
Published: November 2022

Scholars' findings on corrective feedback in their empirical studies show the use of written or oral corrective feedback in university classrooms. The study focuses on examining the effectiveness and learners' perception of oral O/WCF respectively in the university classroom to check to what extent written and oral OCF are used with L2 learners at the BS level and the second aim is based on learners' perceptions, which feedback is viewed more effective and why? Observation data were collected from the classroom. Six lessons have been observed using a structured observation checklist. For OCF teacher-learner interaction has been observed. Observational points were noted in the checklist and WCF learners' assignments have been assessed. Semi-Structured interviews were conducted to know the perceptions of the learners. The study employed a Mixed Method Research approach with a pragmatism paradigm. The findings of this study show, teachers use OCF more compare to WCF. Learners found WCF more effective than OCF.
Softening the Propositional Claims: Investigation of Appropriate Use of Hedging Strategies in Academic Writing
Authors: Laghari Tania , Akhter Tahreem , Kakepoto Inayatullah
Published: November 2022

The current study examines the appropriate usage of hedging strategies in the discussion sections of doctoral dissertations in applied linguistics produced by American and Pakistani writers. To do this, a corpus of 50 discussion sections from doctoral dissertations completed between 2018 and 2020 has been compiled. The primary objective of the current study is to examine the hedging strategies utilized in the discussion part to soften the propositional assertions. Martin’s (2008) taxonomy of hedging strategies was utilized to categorize the various types of hedges found in the texts. A computer concordancing tool (AntConc 3.4) was used in order to analyze two corpora for quantification, which was further supplemented with manual analysis. The findings indicated that American writers utilized more hedging devices in their discussion sections, whereas Pakistani writers used fewer hedging tactics. The findings of this study have implications for academic writing and EFL writing instruction.
Learner Autonomy in BS English Classrooms of Southern Punjab: A Learner's Perspective
Authors: Ullah Shahid , Ghani Mamuna
Published: November 2022

Learner autonomy is a modern approach to language learning that requires maximum involvement of students in all the second language learning activities. This innovative concept has been successfully applied in the second language learning environment in Europe and many countries of Asia. This participation by language learners builds motivation and improves language proficiency. In this research, the researcher has endeavoured to measure the level of learner autonomy among BS English students of Southern Punjab. For this purpose, the researcher has accessed public and private sector universities of Southern Punjab as his population. These universities are Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, BZU Layyah sub-campus, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Ghazi University DG khan, Emerson University Multan, and Institute of Southern Punjab Multan. The learner autonomy questionnaire by I.P Egel (2003) was adopted to collect data from 600 learners from six universities in Southern Punjab. Data so collected was analyzed with the help of SPSS files version 22. Results have been presented in the form of graphs and tables.
The Structure of Social Contract in the United States of America: Representative Versus Unrepresentative
Authors: Malik Ahmed Ijaz , Ahmad Tahir
Published: November 2022

The constitutional system in the United States of America has maintained a systematic balance between its federal character, separation of powers and distribution of autonomy.The power of the Center over component and subordinated institutions has been ensured through a combination of the constitutional system as well as a bipartite political system. Ironically, the bipartite system's one weakness is the limitation of choice for the electorates to two candidates.In addition, the growing influence of corporate elites' exercises influences the process of elections as well as the decision-making and legislation.This study critically examines these contradictions and presents analysis of the transformation in the social contract.
The Dying Temples of Hindus and Sikhs in Potohar Plateau: A Case Study of Katas Raj Temples
Authors: Gondal Naveed Ahmed , Arif Sadeed
Published: November 2022

This paper evaluates the impact of partition on the historical temples of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan, especially in the Rawalpindi division. This paper will discuss a case study of Katas Raj's temples. Katas Raj temples are located in the Chakwal district of the Potohar Plateau. The ancient Katas Raj temples are inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. This paper consists of three sections. The first section is about the introduction and religious significance of Katas Raj temples. The second section describes the early condition of Katas Raj before the partition of India and Pakistan. At the same time, the third section of this paper explains the impact of partition on these temples and the current condition of Katas Raj temples. This article highlights the current issue of drying up of the sacred pond of Hindus in Katas Raj and its importance in the Hindu religion as they believe that the pond originated when their Lord Shiva shed his tears on the death of his wife, Sati. The nature of the study is qualitative, and interviews with locals of Chakwal district collect the data; secondary sources are based on books, articles, journals, newspapers and magazines.
The Application of Althusser's theory of ISA in E. M. Foster's Novel "A Passage to India"
Authors: Shah Bahramand , Rahman Gohar , Riaz Sana
Published: November 2022

ISA stands for Ideological State Apparatus. It includes several ISAs i.e. Educational ISA, Religious ISA, Political ISA, Social and Cultural ISA, Media ISA, etc. The novel “A Passage to India by E.M Foster” is a good example of these ISAs. This novel is based on the subject of orientalism, colonialism, and British rule. It discloses the stereotypical image of the Orientals and the continuous process of constructing or brainwashing to which newcomers are subjected, to generate colonizers who are all the same. This study aims to discuss political and religious ISAs in the novel “A Passage to India” by E. M Foster. Further, this research is also based on the application of religious and Political domains of ISA, the study of the relation of ISA with colonialism, and the study of the effects of ideology on society.
Politics of Alliance in Pakistan: A Case Study of MQM (1985-1999)
Authors: Iqbal Rehana , Chawla Muhammad Iqbal , Kiran Naumana
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to make a case study of alliance politics practiced by MQM, a major political party in Sindh, which always remained in coalition to become a part of the government. The politics of alliance formation has remained a regular feature of politics in Pakistan since its inception. Several political alliances were formed in order to achieve the goals of power politics. MQM is a political party whose political influence is limited to the urban-based population influencing Urdu speaking mohajir community. From1988 on-wards, MQM formed alliances with different political parties;however, it could not become a national-level political party. It is a qualitative based study conducted to achieve research purposes. The findings suggest that MQM's alliance politics met failure due to multiple factors such as the party's alleged involvement in violence,practicing the politics of ethnicity, and pursuing regional interests rather than national goals. Moreover, unrealistic demands from the partners, pursuance of personal agendas and dissent of the state to the party's activities However, it left deep impressions on the national political landscape.
Exploring the Functionality of Smuggling and Hindrance for Border Dwellers: A Case Study of Paroom-Iran Border, District, Punjgor, Balochistan
Authors: Ullah Najeeb , Raheem Abdul , Hashmi Hussain Ali
Published: November 2022

This study explores the functionality of smuggling and hindrances faced by border dwellers along the Paroom border. The natives are majorly involved in the illegal transportation of goods and services. Therefore, the study explains how important smuggling is for the local people and what difference it makes in their daily lives.This study describes the kinship role in reciprocity in their trade and transportation and the role of people who clash with the armed forces of Iran and Pakistan to conduct their illegal business. Qualitative research methods have been used to conduct this research. The sample size of thirty is selected from the people involved in informal cross-border trade living on the Paroom, Punjgor Balochistan borderland. The interview guide schedule is incorporated into the research process during data collection. The purposive sampling technique is used because this technique considers the magnificent data and observations from the field. The thematic analysis technique is used for generating themes from data. The researcher expanded the study on a wider level, and every ethics was followed during the study.
A Critical Analysis of Democratic Culture in the Political Parties; Awami National Party, Pakistan People's Party, and Pakistan Muslim League (N)
Authors: Shah Syed Ali , Khan Naushad
Published: November 2022

The undemocratic behavior of the political parties in Pakistan is one of the major causes of political instability and political corruption. The control of a few people or families over parties creates feelings of dissatisfaction and powerlessness among the masses. The situation leads to the development of centralized, family-based, and, autocratic culture in political parties. The political experts and legends pointed out the selection of leadership, selection of candidates for public offices as well as for party offices, and the organizational structure of decision-making bodies of political parties as the basic institutions for party democratization. In the light of the literature review and constitutional framework for political parties of Pakistan, the party leadership, selection of candidates, and decision-making bodies are being examined of sample parties (ANP, PPP, and PM -N).
Nutrient Index Approach for Soil Fertility Assessment in Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Farming Areas of Rewa Province, Fiji
Authors: Sachan H. K. , Krishna Deeksha
Published: November 2022

Nutrient index methods and fertility indicators can be used to determine the fertility status of soils. The information can be used to develop soil management strategies for farmers. The research was conducted in the Rewa district of Fiji, to assess soil fertility status using the nutrient index approach. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) growing farms were selected from three sub-districts of Rewa province for the present investigation and collected soil samples were analyzed in accordance with standard procedures for evaluating chemical parameters and the status of available nutrients in the soil. The study discovered that the soils of farms are acidic in reaction, have low levels of organic carbon and phosphorus, and are moderate in nitrogen and potassium nutrients, however, the soils had a high content of calcium and magnesium. The nutrient index value (NIV) calculated for organic carbon and nitrogen were recorded as low at 1.60 and 1.43 respectively. The NIV calculated for exchangeable phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium content was recorded as high with 4.46,3.10 and 2.35 respectively. The soil fertility for potassium content was in the medium category with a value of 2.01. The results of this study are expected to help build future research plans for the Rewa taro farms and guide necessary methods for sustainable soil fertility management.
Optimizing NPK fertilizer requirements for Jatropha zeyheri tea under greenhouse conditions
Authors: BANGO HAPPY , MPHOSI MABOKO S. , SHADUNG KAGISO G.
Published: November 2022

Jatropha zeyheri is an indigenous crop to South Africa, which contains tea brewing and medicinal properties commonly utilized by local communities in rural areas of South Africa. Domestication and commercialization of indigenous herbal teas have gained popularity in recent years however, domestication of J. zeyheri will require optimum NPK fertilizer mixture to improve the yield and quality. Therefore, the study was intended to determine whether different fertilizer application rates will optimize yield parameters of J. zeyheri tea under greenhouse conditions. At two-leaf stage, J. zeyheri seedlings were transplanted into 25 cm diameter plastic pots. Each pot was filled with heated-pasteurised sandy soil and Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio and placed in a spacing of 0.30 m × 0.30 m inter-and intra-row spacing. Six treatments constituting NPK fertilizer rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with five replications. Treatments were initiated a week after transplanting, and 130 days after that, treatments had highly significant effects on chlorophyll content, leaf width and dry root mass, contributing 70, 78 and 62% in total treatment variation (TTV), respectively. In contrast, vine length, stem diameter and leaf length were significant, contributing 47, 60 and 49% in TTV, respectively. However, treatments had no significant effects on normalized difference vegetation index, number of leaves and dry shoot mass. Jatropha zeyheri plant variables exhibited positive quadratic relations with increasing fertilizer levels. Fertilizer requirements for J. zeyheri were optimized at 3.34 g fertilizer/plant, which translates to 33 kg NPK fertilizer/ha for 10 000 plants of J. zeyheri. In conclusion, J. zeyheri appears to qualify as a low-input tea crop.
Effect of calcium chloride on reducing Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. infection on post-harvest fruits of Carica papaya L. ​
Authors: NASAHI CEPPY , HASIAN IDA , MELIANSYAH RIKA , KURNIADIE DENNY , SUBAKTI-PUTRI SYIFA NABILAH
Published: November 2022

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) is one of the significant post-harvest diseases in fruit crops such as papaya (Carica papaya, L.). calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration potentially reduces the infection of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in papaya fruit coating, the design used in this study was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) using 5 treatments of CaCl2 (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) with 5 replications. The study was conducted at the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, from April to July 2020. different concentrations of calcium chloride were sprayed on the surface of papayas with anthracnose symptoms. The symptoms, signs of the disease, and the intensity of the disease were observed after treatment. The intensity of the disease attack on the tenth day after the application showed non-significant results. The in vivo trial showed that the calcium chloride concentration of 8% could inhibit the growth of C. gloeosporioides by up to 20.93%. The papayas treated with CaCl2 at a concentration of 8% were entirely infected on the fifth day after application, while those treated with 2, 4 and 6% CaCl2 and control were infected on the third day. The calcium chloride 8% suppresses the incidence and severity of anthracnose.
Assessing the potential risks of extreme weather events causing flood hazardsfor rice cultivation regions in Quang Nam Province
Authors: NGUYEN Q. C. , NGO T. H. Y. , VU T. M. H.
Published: November 2022

Globally, changes in rainfall frequency can cause adverse impacts on many aspects of life, especially in the agriculture sector. The increased tendencies of extreme weather events (EWEs) have considerably affected the rice cultivation regions (RCRs) in Quang Nam Province due to the collapse and inundation, resulting in large damage to the crop yield. Understanding the impacts of the adverse weather phenomena on the RCRs can actively support mitigating the potential risks as well as loss in income due to a decrease in crop productivity. The study investigates trends in rainfall across Thang Binh District, a rice cultivation region of Quang Nam Province in the period 2000 - 2019. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate with a 95% confidence level was used to detect maximum rainfall trends over time. The results indicated that terms of annual rainfall and maximum rainfall in the typhoon season months were mostly recorded as the changing trend. Contrary, the analysis also pointed out that a significant downtrend in the number of maximum rainy days and maximum rainfall in October and annual rainfall pattern can be considered a positive signal contributing to reducing the potential risks of crop loss caused by EWEs across the study area in the background of climate variability.
Molecular characters of Boleodorus thylactus (Nematoda) associated with avocado (Persea americana) using ITS rDNA from regions of South Africa
Authors: AMINISARTESHNIZI MEHRNOUSH
Published: November 2022

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the main challenge for fruit production in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Besides, the family Tylenchidae are ectoparasite, affecting the yield in a high population. Boleodorus species are not being reported from avocado in South Africa; therefore, its identification is vital to avocado farmers. Hence, molecular study for its accurate identification is needed. This molecular study was conducted in 2022 at the University of Limpopo to identify the nematodes from South African soil associated with crops and trees. First, the recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the chelex method. Afterward, ITS rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis based on the ITS rDNA showed 100% similarity with a population of Boleodorus thylactus (MZ099822, MZ099823) from Canada. In addition, phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method as implemented in mega x software was done. The phylogenetic analysis put the South African populations of B. thylactus together with other B. thylactus with a 100-bootstrap value. In conclusion, this species' diversity needs to be investigated to determine the impact of this nematode on the avocado yield.
Efficiency of different potassium and sulfur fertilizers on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) production in tropical sandy soil
Authors: HOA HOANG THI THAI , THUC DO DINH , NHAN DO THANH
Published: November 2022

In the sandy soil of Vietnam's South-Central Coast, peanuts are a significant crop. The application of K and S needs to crops has recently attracted a lot of interest, especially for peanut. However, a comparison on the effects of different types of K and S fertilizers viz., ammonium sulphate (AS), superphosphate (SP), NPKS, potassium sulphate (SOP), and potassium chloride (MOP) is to be evaluated on the yield, quality, and K and S content in peanut seed. This study was conducted during winter spring and summer seasons 2019 - 2020 at Binh Dinh province (SCCVN). Equal rate of 75 kg K/ha and 30 kg S/ha was applied as SOP, NPKS and a mixture of AS, SP, MOP and these were compared against a control which applied nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers. SOP application resulted in the highest yield (2.93 - 4.92 t/ha), protein (24 %), lipid (53 %) and seed K (0.19-0.53 %) and seed S (0.57-0.69 %). The study concluded that application of 75 kg K/ha and 30 kg S/ha in SOP fertilizer based on @ 8 tons of cattle manure + 40 kg N + 40 kg P + 500 kg lime/ha is suitable for peanut crop in SCCVN.