bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Additive Glycerol on Piezoelectric Properties of Modified Sol-Gel (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Aziguli Haibibu , Zhang Tao , Yu Ping
Published: May 2020

Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCTZ) ceramics, one of the lead-free pizoelectric materials, were focused due to the environmental concern against lead. A modified BCTZ powder sol-gel fabrication process was experimentally introduced with the addition of glycerol, in order to provide an effective approach to optimize the piezoelectric response of BCTZ ceramics. The results showed that the piezoelectric properties enhanced in terms of the piezoelectric coefficient of d33, 510 pC/N and the electromechanical coupling coefficient of kp, 0.501. The enhancement in electrical properties, such as dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric, could be related to the homogenous microstructure and larger grain size of BCTZ ceramic powders after the introduction of glycerol during the modified sol-gel strategy.
Preparation of Nanocrystalline Fe2O3 Powder by Cryomilling with Liquid Nitrogen and its Magnetic Property
Authors: Zhang Zhi Wei , Luo Bing Wei , Zhou Hai Tao , Wang Fen
Published: May 2020

Rapid preparation of nanocrystalline γ-Fe2O3 powder with superparamagnetism was realized by cryomilling commercial Fe2O3 powder using liquid nitrogen. The effects of milling temperature and duration on the grain size, phase and microstructure of the nanocrystalline Fe2O3 powder were analyzed. Magnetic property of the nanocrystalline γ-Fe2O3 powder was also tested by magnetometer at room temperature. The results demonstrate that nanocrystalline γ-Fe2O3 powder with single phase can be prepared rapidly by cryomilling with liquid nitrogen. The mean particle size of γ-Fe2O3 powder can be reduced from 300 nm to 13 nm by cryomilling at −130 °C within 3 hours. The nanocrystalline γ-Fe2O3 powder shows superparamagnetism at room temperature.
Numerical Simulation of Ti-Based Metallic Glasses as Whipple Shield Bumper by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Methods
Authors: Tang Wei Qi , Zhang Kun , Li Yan Sen , Wang Yang , Zhang Ya Ting , Wei Bing Chen
Published: May 2020

The debris clouds produced by hypervelocity impacts on Ti-based metallic glasses (Ti-MGs) and Al-6061-T6 bumper were studied by smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) methods. The change of the vanguard shape, dispersion and ejection angle were also obtained with the same bumper thickness to the projectile-diameter ratio (h/d). For the same h/d valve, the debris cloud of Ti-MGs bumper had a more widely dispersion and ejection angle than with Al-6061-T6 bumper; the vanguard velocity of Ti-MGs bumper was also lower than Al-6061-T6 bumper. Moreover, for the same bumper areal density, the vanguard of the debris cloud in MGs bumper was plane-shaped. This study demonstrates that Ti-MGs exhibit an excellent bumper protection performance, which asset can pave new paths for their further applications.
Preparation and Formation Mechanism of High-Energy Ball-Milled Sn4P3
Authors: Dong Yu , Xia Zi Han , Ren Bo Da , Song Li Jiao , Zuo Min
Published: May 2020

In this work, Sn4P3 powders were successfully synthesized by mechanical alloying route and the relative processing parameters were optimized in details, including the weight ratio of Sn/P, milling duration, Al powders doping and sintering treatment. Based on the microstructure analysis of products, the optimal weight ratio of Sn/P was determined as 5:1, closing to the stoichiometric ratio of Sn4P3. After milling for 30h, Sn4P3wires with large specific surface were obtained. It is worth noting that after doping with 5 wt.% Al powders, more quantity of Sn4P3 wires with multi-directional bending were observed, which would improve the application of phosphides due to the larger surface area. Furthermore, it was found that the sintering process would improve the formation of Sn4P3according to the increasing intensity of diffraction peaks. Meanwhile, the quantity of Sn4P3 wires was found to decrease, which might result from the merging behavior of powders during the sintering process.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 5052 Al Alloy by Cryogenic Rolling
Authors: Shi Jin Tao , Zuo Jin Rong , Zhang Ji Shan
Published: May 2020

The microstructure, mechanical properties, texture evolution and microstructure-property relationship of 5052 Al alloy by cryogenic-rolling (CR) and room-temperature rolling (RTR) were investigated. The results show that CR can effectively refine the grain size and optimize the comprehensive mechanical properties of the material. At the same time, the maximum strengthening effect of CR can be achieved when the deformation is 50%. In addition, the temperature benefit of CR can reduce stacking fault energy.
Quasi-Static Axial Compression Behavior and Energy Absorption Evaluation of Steel Foam-Filled Tubes
Authors: Guo Chao Qun , Wang Tian Yao , Yuan Tian Xiang , Ma De Lin , Zhou Yun , Zuo Xiao Qing
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the quasi-static axial compressive performance of newly developed steel foam-filled tubes (SFFTs). The energy absorption capability of steel foam-filled tubes was assessed. The results show that steel foam-filled tubes collapse in the axisymmetric-concertina deformation mode. The plateau stress of the plastic deformation of the steel foam-filled tubes decreases with the increase of porosity of steel foams, and is significantly higher than the sum of the identical steel foam and aluminum tube. The absorbed energy per unit volume of the steel foam-filled tubes is 8%~ 15% higher than the sum of those of identical aluminum tubes and steel foams with porosity ranging from 65% to 80%.
Effect of Amount of Nb/Ti Co-Doping on the Microstructure and Electrochemical Performance of SrCoO3-δ-Based Perovskite
Authors: Deng Hai Peng , Shu Li Nan , Liang Feng Li
Published: May 2020

An increasing number of attention is being paid to perovskite oxides due to their relatively low prices and comparable ability in being an alternative choice to replace high-priced metal catalyst in many fields. In this work, a group of Ti/Nb co-doped SrCoO3-δ-based perovskite oxides SrTixNb0.2-xCo0.8O3-δ (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2) were synthesized and measured as candidates for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Among all the perovskite samples, SrTixNb0.2-xCo0.8O3-δ (x=0.175, STNC-4) displayed the lowest OER overpotential of 0.4 V and the lowest Tafel plots as well as fastest charge transfer ability. This catalyst also revealed a great durability in alkaline solution.
Lotus Leaf Derived Natural Dye as Sensitizer and Biochar as Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Ping , Xu Shun Jian , Zhang Meng , Zhong Wei , Xiao Zong Hu , Luo Yong Ping
Published: May 2020

Natural dyes were obtained from lotus leaf by ethanol extraction, and biochar was prepared by one-step pyrolysis in this study. The UV-Vis spectrum of lotus leaf derived natural dye indicated that it had good light absorption performance. The energy conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with the natural dye as sensitizer and platinum as counter electrode was 0.36%, and the filling factor was as high as 0.66. Owing to its relatively rich pore structures and glassy carbon materials, the biochar showed its good catalytic performance, which made the PCE of DSSC reach 1.42% when the biochar as counter electrode and N719 as sensitizer. Meanwhile, the PCE achieved 0.15% when lotus leaf derived natural dye as sensitizer and biochar as counter electrode simultaneously. This study has realized the full utilization of biomass in dye-sensitized solar cells, providing the possibility for preparation of low-cost and high-efficiency DSSC.
Effects of Co Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of Cu3SbSe4 at Moderate Temperature
Authors: Bo Lin , Wang Wen Ying , Wang Yong Peng , Wang Lin , Zuo Min , Zhao De Gang
Published: May 2020

Cu3SbSe4-based thermoelectric materials are a class of thermoelectric materials with diamond-like structure which exhibit high thermoelectric properties at moderate temperature region and have broad research prospects. In this study, the p-type Co-doped Cu3-xCoxSbSe4 (x=0-0.015) thermoelectric materials were fabricated by melting-annealing-ball milling-hot pressing process to investigate the effects of Co doping on the thermoelectric properties of Cu3SbSe4. It is found that the average power factor of Cu2.995Co0.005SbSe4 was increased by 30% compared with the pure sample, indicating that Co doping had a great effect on the electrical properties of Cu3SbSe4. The energy gap of ternary p-type semiconductor Cu3SbSe4 was around 0.27eV. As the Co content increasing, the lattice distortion enhanced the phonon scattering, which led to the decrease in lattice thermal conductivity. The maximum thermoelectric figure of merit, ZTmax, reached 0.46 at 600K for the Cu2.995Co0.005SbSe4.
The Effect of Stretching on UHWMPE Microporous Film by Thermally Induced Phase Separation Method
Authors: Wang Xiao Na , Mu Yue , Zhao Guo Qun , Gao Jia Cheng , Zhou You Lei , Cheng Zhi Hao
Published: May 2020

UHMWPE microporous membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation(TIPS) combining with stretching. TIPS method was adopted to resolve processing difficulties of UHMEPE, and the subsequent stretching was used to optimize pore structure. The preparation process utilized liquid paraffin (LP) as the diluent. The effect of different stretching ratios on pore structure was investigated through SEM, XRD and mercury intrusion test. The results indicated that stretching process not only greatly improved the pore size uniformity and pore distribution uniformity, but also had a great influence on pore size controlling. When the stretching ratio was lower than 80%, the pore size was concentrated in nano-region which pore size distribution was around 0.02-0.03 μm. While the stretching ratio was larger than 80%, due to bridging breakage and liquid paraffin movement, pore size was concentrated in the micron area where pore size mainly distributed around 1μm, which had a practical significance for controlling the pore size of membranes in industrial production. And it’s obtained that at the same concentration of UHMWPE, the microporous membranes prepared in this study have more uniform pore structures than those reported previously.
Microscopic Properties of Point Defect and its Cluster in Delta-Phase Plutonium: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Xin Du Qiang , Gao Yu Bing
Published: May 2020

Self-irradiation effect induced by Pu α decay is an important influencing factor for long-term storage of Pu-based materials. In order to reveal the collision displacement cascade for uranium recoil nucleus induced by alpha decay in delta-phase plutonium at atomic level, we review the recent progress in self-irradiation of metallic plutonium and its alloys. We perform a molecular dynamics (MD) calculation on basis of modified embedded atom (MEAM) interatomic potentials, and obtain the minimum of displacement threshold energy (MDTE) for {1 1 1} lattice direction and microscopic evolution of He self-interstitial cluster. These findings are in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results, and can be viewed as an essential input parameter for mesoscopic simulation to obtain the evolution of microscopic configuration at longer time and space, and might be also helpful for understanding the nucleation and growth mechanisms for vacancy and/or self-interstitial and its clusters, He-vacancy cluster and He bubbles in delta-phase plutonium and its alloys.
Phase Field Study of Second Phase Particles-Pinning on Strain Induced Grain Boundary Migration
Authors: Li Kai , Shen Yao , Li Da Yong , Peng Ying Hong
Published: May 2020

A phase field model was presented to investigate the effect of particles-pinning on grain boundary migration in materials containing stored energy differences across the grain boundaries. The accuracy of the phase field framework was examined by comparing the simulated results with theoretical predictions. The pinning effects of coherent and non-coherent second phase particles on the boundary migration were studied in triple-grain models. 2D simulations with second phase particles of different sizes or different area fractions were performed. The effect of stored energy difference across the boundary on the particles-pinning was also investigated. The results showed that the pinning effect could be enhanced by the decrement of the particle size and the increment of particle area fraction. Increasing the stored energy difference across the grain boundary induced higher grain boundary migration velocity and weaker particles-pinning.
Thermodynamic Calculation of the Liquidus Projections of the Al-Cu-Fe-Si and Al-Cu-Fe-Mg-Si Multicomponent Systems on Al-Rich Side
Authors: Zhao Jing Rui , Du Yong , Zhang Li Jun , Liu Shu Hong , Xia Jin Huan , Wang Jin Wei
Published: May 2020

The thermodynamic calculations of Al–Cu–Fe–Si quaternary system and Al–Cu–Fe–Mg–Si quinary system were carried out using CALPHAD approach based on the Al–Cu–Fe–Mg–Si thermodynamic database. The liquidus surface projection of Al–Cu–Fe–Si quaternary system at the Al-rich corner was constructed, and then the solidification structures of four Al–Cu–Fe–Si alloys were analyzed by the Gulliver-Scheil solidification simulation. The calculated results were in good agreement with the previous experimental data. The liquidus surface projections of A1–Cu–Fe–Mg–Si quinary system at the region of Al-Cu, Al-Si and Al-Mg were constructed, respectively. The liquidus projection of the multicomponent aluminum alloy system at the Al-rich side was accurately drawn, which could accurately predict the primary phase in the solidification process of the alloy. This work has an important guiding significance for the design of the aluminum alloys.
Gender Responsive Budgeting and Women in Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath H.M.W.A.
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates, through a gender lens, how budgets are conceived, planned, approved, executed, monitored, analyzed and audited. It involves an analysis of government expenditure on women as compared to expenditure on men. The methodology was designed to analyze the budgets of two Provincial Councils and selected budgets of 11 Ministries with 6 Ministries in more detail at a national level to understand how budget allocations prioritize the needs of women. As monitoring of the impact of financial policies on women is more complex, the study was re-focused to include selected Districts level budgets and the involvement of Civil Society Organizations. The analysis of financial policies and budgets shows that it is a complex process due to lack of clarity in how budgets are allocated and there was no reliable information generated, and the funding system itself is a challenge for tracking as the provincial councils, ministries and other agencies through which state services are delivered received funds from the state sources and donors which leave many gaps in data. Generally, Sri Lanka’s budgeting process and outcome monitoring was gender neutral. Impact monitoring in health and education is the strongest as gender disaggregated data and considerable attention has been paid in bridging the gender gaps but not in all other sectors. Also, the study found that there were significant disparities in how women access and benefited from economic development especially because of their triple roles of production, reproduction and social. It was found that there is no consistent analysis of how government budgets are gender responsive or accountable. Therefore, a more comprehensive study of the impact of budgetary and social protection policy and practice on the women members is required.
Technical Efficiency of Small Scale Vegetable Growers in Sri Lanka: A Comparison of Parametric and Non-Parametric Approach
Authors: Shantha A. Aruna
Published: May 2020

Many researchers have depicted that most of the up-country vegetable growers have failed to capture technical efficiency due to poor managerial ability of economic resources. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of up-country vegetable farmers are characterized by poor socio-economic status. This paper investigates the resource use characteristics, profitability and technical efficiency of vegetable farming in a sample of vegetable farmers selected from 12 Grama Niladhary divisions in Nuwaraeliya District. The experiment sites were randomly selected based on a list of the Grama Niladhary divisions in Nuwaraeliya secretariat division and the empirical study was carried out based on a sample of 243 small scale vegetable farmers. This paper uses both parametric and non-parametric approaches to estimate technical efficiencies of vegetable farming at production and marketing stages under rain-fed condition in the up-country of Sri Lanka. The parametric approach was adopted under stochastic frontier production function with Cobb-Douglas form. The non-parametric approach in this paper was based on the data envelopment analysis technique in order to estimate technical efficiency of vegetable farming. Both parametric and non-parametric approaches have shown that the average technical efficiency estimates were not at potential level, and there is ample room for increased productivity through improving technical efficiency of vegetable farming. Under parametric approach, the average technical efficiency estimates at production stage and marketing stage were, 74.62% and 67.04%. Under non-parametric approach, the average technical efficiency was 70.86% and 62.84% at production and marketing stages, respectively. To examine consistency of the estimates from two approaches under different specifications, researcher applied independent sample t test, and the results show that the parametric and non-parametric approaches provide different estimates due to measurement and specification errors.
Effectiveness and Repercussions of Global Economic Sanctions
Authors: Wijethunga A.W.G.C.N.
Published: May 2020

The economic sanctions are not new ways of imposing international pressure on target economies, it has a long history. However, the powerful counties use the economic sanction to cripple the target economies and then pressuring the target counties to compliance with the measures suggested by the powerful nations. It is very obvious fact that the target counties have not obeyed with the world powerful nations to adopt the recommendations enforced by the powerful nations. Rather the target counties develop alliances with the close allies of those counties to combat the effect of the sanctions on their economies. After enforcing sanctions, the countries face severer humanitarian issues due to limited supply of essential goods particularly medicine. The political impact of sanctions seems very moderate or sometimes after the sanctions are imposed further, the affected countries accelerate the horrible behavior after the sanctions. Hence, the economic sanctions are failed to achieve the intended targets of powerful nations. The humanitarian crises are more pervasive side effects than political motives.
Extrapolation of mortality in COVID-19: Exploring the role of age, sex, co-morbidities and health-care related occupation
Authors: Asfahan Shahir , Deokar Kunal , Dutt Naveen , Niwas Ram , Jain Priyank , Agarwal Mehul
Published: May 2020

We used a publicly available data of 44,672 patients reported by China’s centre for disease control to study the role of age, sex, co-morbidities and health-care related occupation on COVID-19 mortality. The data is in the form of absolute numbers and proportions. Using the percentages, retrospective synthetic data of 100 survivors and 100 deaths were generated using random number libraries so that proportions of ages, genders, co-morbidities, and occupations were constant as in the original data. Logistic regression of the four predictor factors of age, sex, co-morbidities and occupation revealed that only age and comorbidities significantly affected mortality. Sex and occupation when adjusted for other factors in the equation were not significant predictors of mortality. Age and presence of co-morbidities correlated negatively with survival with co-efficient of -1.23 and -2.33 respectively. Odds ratio (OR) for dying from COVID-19 for every 10-year increase in age was 3.4 compared to the previous band of 10 years. OR for dying of COVID-19 was 10.3 for the presence of any of the co-morbidities. Our findings could help in triaging the patients in the emergency room and emphasize the need to protect the elderly and those with comorbidities from getting exposed.
Hazard assessment and categorization of microbiological risk in a water treatment and distribution system located in a municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Motta Marcelo Barbosa , Neumann Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Consumption of non-potable water is a relevant public health problem due to the possibility of transporting numerous chemical and microbiological contaminants. In 2005, the Brazilian Ministry of Health created the National Program of Surveillance in Environmental Health related to the Quality of Water for Human Consumption (VIGIAGUA), with the primary purpose of managing risks related to water supply to human populations in Brazilian territory. However, VIGIAGUA does not have a methodology capable of characterizing or managing risks. The objective of this research is to create a working model to transform raw data into conceptual data related to low-, medium- and high-risk levels. The data used in the application of the model were obtained through the analyses of water-quality surveillance conducted by the Regional Health Management of Itabira, a municipality with less than 10 thousand inhabitants, whose history of water contamination is alarming. Twelve samples/month were collected between May 2017 and April 2018. The results of the treated water analyses were classified according to the presence of hazards and categorized into risk levels. The results showed 83.3% contamination by total coliforms at the treatment plant and 91.6% in the distribution system. The Escherichia coli contamination was 16.7% in the treatment plant samples and 45.2% in the distribution system. The system was categorized as "High Risk". The analysis of untreated water samples was carried out for the purpose of knowing the contamination pattern of the raw water of the region, finding 100% contamination by total coliforms and 97.2% contamination by E. coli.
Weighted composition operators in functional Banach spaces: an axiomatic approach
Authors: Arévalo Irina , Vukotić Dragan
Published: May 2020

We work with very general Banach spaces of analytic functions in the disk or other domains which satisfy a minimum number of natural axioms. Among the preliminary results, we discuss some implications of the basic axioms and identify all functional Banach spaces in which every bounded analytic function is a pointwise multiplier. Next, we characterize (in various ways) the weighted composition operators among the bounded operators on such spaces, thus generalizing some well-known results on multiplication or composition operators. We also characterize the invertible weighted composition operators on the disk and on general Banach spaces of analytic functions on bounded domains under different sets of axioms whose connections we discuss by providing appropriate examples This generalizes and complements various recent results by Gunatillake, Bourdon, and Hyvärinen–Lindström–Nieminen–Saukko.
Об одном классе эллиптических краевых задач с параметром и разрывной нелинейностью
Authors: Pavlenko Vyacheslav Nikolaevich , Potapov Dmitriy Konstantinovich
Published: May 2020

В ограниченной области изучается эллиптическая краевая задача с неоднородным граничным условием Дирихле, разрывной нелинейностью и положительным параметром, входящим в нелинейность мультипликативно. Нелинейность находится в правой части уравнения, равна нулю при неотрицательных значениях фазовой переменной и неположительна при отрицательных. Пусть $\widetilde{u}(x)$ - решение краевой задачи с нулевой правой частью уравнения (граничная функция предполагается положительной). Заменой $v(x)=u(x)-\widetilde{u}(x)$ исходная задача преобразуется к задаче с однородным краевым условием. Для нее $v(x)=0$ является решением при любом значении параметра. Значения параметра, при которых преобразованная задача имеет ненулевое решение, образуют спектр этой задачи. При некоторых дополнительных ограничениях строится итерационный процесс, который при определенном выборе начального приближения, сходится к минимальному полуправильному решению преобразованной задачи. Доказывается, что непустой спектр краевой задачи совпадает с лучом $[\lambda^*,+\infty)$, где $\lambda^*>0$. В качестве приложения рассматривается математическая модель Гольдштика об отрывных течениях несжимаемой жидкости. Для нее проверяется выполнение условий доказанной теоремы и устанавливается непустота спектра.
Библиография: 37 наименований.
Key Drivers for Same-day Return Airline Choice of Business Travellers: A South African Community Airport Perspective
Authors: Potgieter Adéle
Published: May 2020

Time is money; therefore, it is important to understand which factors are most import for business travellers when choosing same day flights. The data was obtained from 101 business travellers that travel between a community airport to larger, but also other community airports in South Africa. This article presents the results of the key drivers for same-day return airline choice for business travellers. Safety record, on-time departure and convenience were ranked first to third, staff and on-line seat selection were ranked the lowest of the drivers. Insights into the nuances of each of these drivers are provided. The research indicated that there are differences in drivers for decision making between gender business travellers. Recommendations are made to current and prospective airlines that wish to increase their amount of business travelers on these specific routes. This study is unique as it provides insights on same day return flights for business travellers which is a under research area in travel and travel related issues.
E-Government Development & Digital Economy: Relationship
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Gias , Uddin Mohin
Published: May 2020

The main objective of this examine is to explore the elements that influencing the digital economic system and E-government courting. Commonly, the examiner is to analyze the impact of demographic variables are gender and schooling stage; as well as digital infrastructure, virtual readiness, virtual content material, and offerings on the digital economy in Malaysia. A minimum overall of 384 questionnaires could be disbursed to the goal respondents to collect the sample information. Four hypotheses helping to the developed to survey the particular targets of the examiner. Demographic variables expected to have a high-quality enormous relationship with the virtual financial system. Last however now not least, the findings of the look at shall offer statistics to E-government to understand what factors will affect the virtual economic system. Except, it shall additionally provide useful information for E-government to higher fit their people’s needs. The elements decided to boom high-quality dating among E-government and virtual financial system in Malaysia.
Hizmet Kalitesinin Müşteri Memnuniyeti Üzerine Etkisi: Bankacılık Sektörü Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Hassan Sabeeha Azeez
Published: May 2020

Hizmet sektöründe faaliyet gösteren kurumlar için müşterilerin algıladıkları hizmet kalitesi çok önemlidir. Günümüzde, müşterilerin hizmet gereksinimlerini karşılamak için birçok alternatife sahip olması nedeniyle, işletmelerin hizmet kalitesine ve müşteri memnuniyetine daha fazla önem vermesi gerekmektedir. Bankacılık sektörü, bu durumun en güçlü hissedildiği alanlar arasında yer almaktadır. Bankaların, mevcut müşterilerine daha iyi hizmet vermesi ve yeni müşteriler elde etmeleri için sürekli hizmet kalitelerini ve müşteri memnuniyetini ölçmesi ve buna göre önlem alması gerekmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Konya ilindeki farklı demografik özelliklere sahip 190 kişinin İş Bankasından aldıkları hizmet ile müşteri memnuniyetleri arasındaki ilişki ölçülmüş ve bu iki değişken arasında pozitif bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Los derechos humanos como fuente del derecho costarricense
Authors: Fernández Anlgada Gloriana
Published: May 2020

Los derechos humanos son fuente del derecho nacional de manera incuestionable, desde que Costa Rica es parte de dos sistemas: Naciones Unidas y la Organización de Estados Americanos. En efecto, entre más se han fortalecido los sistemas, más han impactado en el derecho interno con la aplicación de las fuentes de derechos humanos: tratados, costumbre, principios generales del derecho, ius cogens, actos unilaterales, decisiones y opiniones. Esta aplicación de normas de origen internacional, que buscan la protección del ser humano, ha sido acogida progresivamente por las decisiones de la Sala Constitucional. Sus sentencias, de carácter erga omnes, han mantenido el criterio amplio de aplicación de los instrumentos de derechos humanos, sin restringirlo solamente a los tratados, y han defendido, siguiendo nuestra tradición constitucionalista y democrática, la aplicación de los principios pro homine, pro libertatis y los democráticos y de Estado de derecho. En este contexto, entre mayor aplicación de normas de derechos humanos (de origen nacional o internacional), mayor es la posibilidad de que se presenten conflictos reales, y mayor es el reto, para que los/as abogados/as conozcan y apliquen tanto las normas desde una perspectiva integral como los criterios de interpretación.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Rizvi Hasan Askari
Published: May 2020

The paper provides an overview of the evolution of Social Sciences with a focus on the Post-1945 period, known for major strides towards scientific, analytical, nonpartisan, multi-disciplinary and comprehensive study and research in different fields of Social Sciences. The paper discusses the gradual growth of Social Sciences in Pakistan in terms of increase in number of persons engaged in teaching, research and practice in various domains of Social Sciences, institutional facilities and availability of funds. There is a discussion of the major features of the research work done in Social Sciences in Pakistan and its weaknesses and deficiencies. The paper argues that Social Sciences have become important for societies like Pakistan that face different types of social and political conflicts. The rise of religious extremism, violence and terrorism also requires that we benefit from the work done in different fields of Social Sciences for understanding the dynamics of societal trends, issues and conflict and how to address them. The paper also reviews teaching and research being done in Pakistani universities, especially since 2005, when more funds became available for study and research in Social Sciences. The universities have vastly expanded their Doctoral and M.Phil. porgrammes but the imperative of quality is often neglected.
LITERATURE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE POST-SECULAR AGE
Authors: Faisal Nazir
Published: May 2020

This paper attempts to reconsider the nature and function of the ‘spiritual’ dimension in literary texts and in literary study in the context of the present state of the discipline of literary studies. The present era is often defined as a ‘post-secular’ era, one in which themes of spirituality and mysticism are increasingly noticeable in literary works. The paper argues that to maintain its relevance to contemporary writers and readers, literary criticism has to (re-)address these themes in a concrete and effective way. The paper recommends a comparative approach to the discussion of spirituality and mysticism in contemporary literature and literary criticism. In order to carry effective analytical potential, this approach, the paper emphasizes, has to be developed from specific spiritual traditions. The paper first discusses the disciplinary crisis literary studies have always been exposed to since their inception as a discipline of study in academic institutes. It then reviews the current state of the discipline and describes how the discipline came to be dominated by scientific and social approaches. Finally, it  suggests the reinstitutionof the ‘spiritual’ element in literary study as a way out from the state of crisis in the discipline of literary studies. The paper thus attempts to strengthen the disciplinary identify of literary studies while exploring interdisciplinary aspects of the study literature.
HEIDEGGER’S READINGS OF KANT: APPROPRIATION OF TIME AND SPACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORICITY OF DA-SEIN AS BEING-IN-THE-WORLD
Authors: Shah Syed Alam
Published: May 2020

Heidegger’s reading of Kant is deciphered to have illuminated his own project concerning the basic question of Ontology, Time, Space and History [Temporality, Spatiality and Historicity] embodying the novel description of Human reality in terms of Mit-Dasein and Mit-welt [Subjectivity with the public face]. Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason led Heidegger develop his own project of Existential Phenomenology contrary to Husserilian Phenomenology. We will discuss the Kantian Heidegger following the two main issues: one, Heidegger appreciates Kant on his identifying and exploring the difference of ontic/ontological. Two, Kant prioritizes time over space. Heidegger would explore the subject of ontic/ontological difference in the sense that ontic knowledge is the knowledge of particular beings, whereas ontological knowledge is described as the a priori condition inferring the ontic knowledge. In this sense ontological knowledge pertains to question of being rather than beings. This is how Heidegger’s Kant interpretation would differ from the Neo-Kantianism of Marburg School which argued that Critique of Pure Reason is a work of epistemology. In contrast to this position, Heidegger held that Critique is a unique work of transcendental philosophy; it is theory of ontological knowledge but not ontic knowledge. Ontic knowledge of beings must conform to Being of beings [ontological foundation]. Heidegger holds that this should be Kant’s “Copernican Revolution”. However, Heidegger would appropriate the Kantian notion of time in the form of temporality of Dasein. Being manifests itself on beings through Being-there [Human reality] who purely understands Being. For Heidegger, temporality of Dasein is the foundation of ontological knowledge indeed.
IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Qadar Amber , Makki Muhammad Abdul Majid , Hussain Muhammad Athar
Published: May 2020

The basic purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of intellectual capital on corporate financial performance. This study is conducted on pharmaceutical sector listed in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Data for this study was collected from audited annual financial statements of selected business organizations over period of ten year i.e. from 2005-2014. Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) methodology is employed, in order to measure IC (Intellectual Capital) and its different components. The firm’s financial performance is measured by using profitability measures including ROE (Return on Equity) and ROA (Return on Assets), market to book value and asset turnover. In order to analyze the collected data, the Partial Least Square (PLS), a SEM (structural equation modeling) technique. These approaches are used to assess the measurement and structural models. The results of analysis have supported the proposed hypothesis i.e. there is significant positive impact of intellectual capital on firm’s financial performance among pharmaceutical industries of Pakistan.
REINTERPRETING FREIRE’S ESSAY ON THE BANKING MODEL OF EDUCATION BY USING TYLER’S MODEL OF CURRICULUM
Authors: Sultan Sameera
Published: May 2020

The banking model manufactures human consciousness that is easy to control. It programs individuals to accept and believe in a false concept of reality so that they fail to perceive the connection between human action and their immediate and higher social reality. In this way, it creates submissive subjects for the order of oppression. The oppressed are conditioned and incapable of perceiving the truth. Their critical and creative thinking potential is systematically annulled. This paper aims to reinterpret Freire’s essay on “the Banking Model of Education” using Tyler’s model of curriculum to uncover the practices of the educators at every level of the oppressor-controlled educational system. As Tyler’s model is often termed as a “Product model”, its framework can be useful in analyzing the banking model, which is purely productoriented, to achieve deeper understanding of the process which the banking model adopts to produce a certain type of psyche that can ensure the survival of oppression.
CORRELATION OF SHYNESS WITH SCHOOLING, RESIDENTIAL LOCALITY AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC STATUS AT GRADUATION LEVEL IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Anwar Saeed , Ali Mumtaz , Muhammad Aazadi Fateh
Published: May 2020

Shyness affects and influences the performance of the learners at school and college level. There are different correlates and reasons of shyness. Zimbardo states that Shyness is a vague concept which has many interpretations and definitions. One definition which is very renowned is that “The person, male or female, who is nervous, worried, and uncomfortable in the gathering or presence of others, is called shy”. The objectives of this research study were as: (1) to investigate the relationship of schooling system with shyness (2) to investigate the relationship of residential locality with shyness (3) to check relationship of Socio- Economic status with shyness (4) To rank the correlates of shyness. Overall 252 students from graduation of Indus group of Colleges from Rawalpindi and Islamabad were the population of the study and 42 students were selected through simple random sampling technique as a sample for the study. The researcher got the data with the help of personal visits to the colleges. Questionnaire for measuring shyness was used by the researcher for this research study1. Another self developed questionnaire or instrument was used to know the correlates of shyness. Chisquare test of independence was used for data analysis. The results of the study showed that shyness depended upon these correlates of shyness as (1) residential locality (2) Schooling system (3) socio-economic status of the learners. Shyness depends upon above mentioned correlates. In order to remove this problem of shyness, some steps should be taken as learners or students may not be blamed or punished without any reason. Learners should be encouraged and motivated.
SOCIALISM A GREAT TURNING POINT IN HUMAN HISTORY
Authors: Khatoon Yumna
Published: May 2020

The 20th century is the aeon for the social and national liberation of the individual. Freedom is a boon and basic right of every individual’s existence. Human freedom is infringed by certain social and economic order. This research paper undertakes the task to reveal the reasons behind the pandemonium of humankind living in capitalism; the basic fact for the rise and development of socialism around the globe. This paper is divided into six parts. Part I is introduction. Part II deals with historical need to replace capitalism by socialism. Part III explores the economic decisive factors in capitalism. Part IV explores the economic decisive factors in socialism. Part V leads to threats of neo-colonialism. Part VI is conclusion. This research finally leads to the conclusion that socialism is the system for the abolition of regime of exploitation created by capitalism. It aims at transforming a just society based upon principles of equality, fraternity, democracy and fair play.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL REFORMS OF SHAYKH AHMAD SIRHINDI (1564-1624) ON MUSLIM SOCIETY IN THE SUB CONTINENT
Authors: Malik Adnan , Zubair Muhammad , Parveen Uzman
Published: May 2020

History in this age needs to record and analyze the events in the light of modern concept of contemporary world. When the historians narrate the brutal condition of Indo-Pak history, they never forget the work and services of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi to transform the society according to the current values. For his services, he is hailed as Mujaddid Alf-I-Thani (reformer of the second millennium). The Muslim society had degenerated when Mujaddid Alf-I-Thani appeared on the horizon. A number of Hindu customs and practices had become the part of their creed. The commandments of Shariat and Sunnah were being floated. Moreover, the Mughal emperor Akbar had adopted controversial policies detrimental to the very existence of Muslim society. Mujaddid Alf -Thani made strenuous and constant efforts to turn the tide. When Mujadded-Alf-Thani started his social reform movement, he found that the Muslim society was embracing un-Islamic practices such as widespread belief in Karamat (miracles of saint) had developed under the influence of Hindu thinking. Moreover, the Islamic teachings had been vitiated by adopting customs and practices of other religions such as inter marriages between Hindus and Muslims and ban on cow slaughter etc. Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi never entered into any political conflict directly. He endeavored to restore pure doctrine to Islamic thought and to compel the Muslims to follow Shariat and Sunnah in letter and spirit. He was a social reformer, great Alim, Sufi and Mujaddid. He initiated a process of social change, inspired by Islamic Ideal, in an age, which was becoming secular. This research paper is an attempt to mention the role of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi for saving the society from un-Islamic values and customs in the sub-continent and its impact on society. By utilizing the historical method, this paper aims at analyzing the effect of social reforms of Shaykh Ahmed Sirhindi (1564-1624) on Muslim society.
OUTCOMES OF DISCRIMINATION VIOLATION ON WOMEN’S LIFE
Authors: Sultana Summer , Bano Rakhshanda
Published: May 2020

It is said that the major significant role is played by women in the development of society. However they suffer from numerous problems in our society. To solve these problems, there is no systematic strategy, by which the woman's problems can be solved. Some acts of violence against women or laws have been passed but unfortunately are not emphasized on implementing these rules while numerous welfare organizations are playing an important role in our society but despite this, the act of violence is increasing day by day because of which deterioration is created in society. Violence in any type causes serious and negative input on women's lives. Women's life does not only socially disturb and dissatisfy but also mental stress become a cause of various mental illnesses. Furthermore many women are facing persecution in a society. They tolerate worse circumstances due to future of their offspring as they are economically dependent on husband, therefore, they have to compromise their difficulties and troubles. Many women isolate the conjugal life due to violence by the husband or by the in-laws. Even then, these women are the victims of violence but they tolerate different complications and troubles in social life and they also bear the financial problems. Children are equally disturbed and in order to bring a change in their life mother has to financially struggle for the progeny. A mother must also be educated in these circumstances, as things can get worse if she’s not educated and the result is that she is dependent on others.
IMPACT OF TRADE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF PAKISTAN: AN ARDL TO CO-INTEGRATION APPROACH
Authors: Mujahid Nooreen , Begum Azeema , Noman Muhammad
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the relationship between export growth and economic growth in the case of Pakistan by employing time series data for the period 1971- 2013. This study has incorporated variables like GDP (Gross Domestic Product) exports, imports and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). We have applied ARDL to co-integration and Error Correction Model (ECM). The study provides the evidence of stationary time series variables, the existence of the long - run relationship between them, and the result of ECM revealed short rum equilibrium adjustment. Pakistan has many options for enhancing the export of the country. There is a dire need to minimize trade barriers and restrictions such as import and export quotas. Government of Pakistan had introduced Structural Reforms for liberalization, privatization and de-regulation which will actually shifted the trend of trade at a significant level in the end of 1980s. Low levels of interest rate can help exportable industries in which investments are needed to promote and enhance the exports. Stable exchange rate is the first and the best policy option for increasing the export and managing the imports. There is a cause and effect relationship between exchange rate and FDI. Pakistan has to immediately find the policies and processes that support logistics and facilitates trade.
THE MYTH OF ALLAHABAD
Authors: Khan Muhammad Moiz , Warduk Erum Ali
Published: May 2020

Since the creation of Pakistan the foundation of the Idea of Pakistan has been a matter of academic and political debate. There is a difference between the two spheres. The academic debate allows a room to discuss popular and unpopular ideas and respect the contrary views. The ideology of Pakistan, political system of Pakistan and the constitution of Pakistan have always been discussed and debated amongst scholars. The purpose of this research is to explore the famous presidential address of Allama Iqbal at the annual session of Muslim League in 1930. There are many perceptions about the address delivered by Iqbal, such as he demanded a separate homeland for Muslims of India or not. This research will explore the facts of Iqbal’s speech of Allahabad and will attempt to do justice to his words which have been misinterpreted by some spheres.
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND PROBLEMS IN THEIR USE: AT THE NEW B.ED. (HONS.)/ADE PROGRAM IN BALOCHISTAN
Authors: Ayub Alia , Rauf Maroof Bin , Khurshid Khalid
Published: May 2020

This research aimed at investigating the assessment procedures for evaluating the prospective teachers' abilities, developed through the new B.Ed. (Hons.)/ADE curriculum in teacher education institutions of Baluchistan, this research study will also highlights the emerging problems in the use of new modern assessment procedures. The research was conducted in seven Teacher Training institutions of Baluchistan. The data was collected through the survey questionnaire, based on a pilot project, from the seven Heads of the institutions and the nine Teacher Educators/school (N#70), involved in teaching different courses of B.Ed. (Hones.)/ADE at different semesters. Focus group discussion with head and nine teacher educators/institution was also conducted. The quantitative and qualitative data from two instruments helped in-depth understanding of the assessment procedure and the emerging problems. The results showed that teacher educators are trying to implement the new competency-based curriculum and are engaged in using interactive and innovative teaching pedagogies suggested in the new curriculum of B.Ed.(Hons.) / ADE program. But they feel difficulty to assess the content knowledge and skills developed among the prospective teachers through this new curriculum. Teacher educators feel difficulty in the use of modern assessment procedures. They are still focusing the paper-pencil test. Teachers lack competencies to assess students’ actual strengths and learning needs, they don’t, know how to measure cognitive, affective and psychomotor objectives. Teacher educators also face problems to make judgments on students’ learning through formative assessment.