bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Assessment of Some Trace Elements in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Ekun Oloruntoba A. , Salau Isiaq T. , Madu Nora C.
Published: May 2021

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease that has been recognized as an important global public health disorder. It is a leading risk factor for stroke, heart failure, kidney diseases, and sudden death; as such its effective management may go a long way in preventing some of these possible complications. In humans, trace elements play key roles in normal metabolic activities that are required for healthy living. It has been hypothesized that trace elements are key to normal heart functions. Thus, deficiency in one or more trace elements may result(s) in or accentuate heart disease(s). This study, therefore, assessed trace elements in hypertensive and control volunteers.
Methods: A total number of two hundred and fifty-six(256) participants comprising of one hundred and sixtynine (169) hypertensive and eighty-seven (87) normotensive control volunteers participated in this study. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected from all participants. The blood samples were collected into plain vacutainer and were allowed to clot. The samples were centrifuged and the serum from each sample was aspirated and analyzed for trace elements {Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe)} using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and calcium using Cobas C-111.
Results: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the mean age and weight of the participants. However, the mean body mass index (BMI), systolic, and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive volunteers were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the controls. The mean Cu and Fe were higher (p<0.05) in hypertensive volunteers whereas the mean Zn, Se, and calcium were not different (p>0.05) between the two groups that participated in this study. There were positive associations between body mass index, systolic blood pressure (p<0.05), and Cu whereas negative correlations existed between body mass index, Zn, and Se, among hypertensive volunteers.
Conclusion: From this study, it appears that high blood pressure among Nigerian population is associated with elevated serum copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) trace elements. These may play a part in accentuation of hypertension in some of the volunteers if not properly monitored. Also hypertensive individuals also presented an increased body mass index (BMI) which could also complicate effective management of hypertension .
Diagnosis of Buruli ulcer disease in Nigeria using IS2404-Based Nested PCR
Authors: Gyang Vincent P.
Published: May 2021

Background: Buruli ulcer is a chronic, indolent, necrotizing infectious disease of the skin and soft tissues characterized by the formation of large ulcers, often in the arms or legs. Nigeria is a Buruli ulcer disease (BUD)endemic country with its control programme still in infancy. As a result, samples are sent to laboratories outside the country. Some patients go to neighbouring countries with more established programmes for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a basis of diagnosis and treatment. Hence, this study was embarked upon to assist the national control programme in overcoming the PCR diagnosis test challenge.
Method: This was a cross-sectional and community-based type of study of Buruli ulcer patients from 15 states,mostly from southern Nigeria; Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Swab and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples were received from January 2016 to June 2018. DNA was extracted, and each sample was subjected to IS2404-based nested PCR.
Results: Out of 920 samples received, 427 (46.4% ) were IS2404-based nested PCR positive. Of which 204were males, and 223 were females. The patients’ mean age was 35.7 ± 19.94, with 172 (18.7%) being children ≤15 years, while 748 (81.3%) were ≥ 15 years. During the study period, the highest number of samples, 171(18.6%) and 170 (18.5%) were received from Cross Rivers and Delta states, respectively. In contrast, the least number of samples, 2 (0.2%) and 3 (0.3%), came from Ekiti and Lagos states, respectively.
Conclusion: This is the first in-country PCR confirmed diagnosis of a large cohort of BU patients. The results show a high prevalence in southern Nigeria, which is an indicator of high transmission. Our findings suggest the need for a prompt intervention by the government by providing the needed health facilities and education for the communities.
The Cerebellum under Stress: Dietary African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum)Abrogates Oxidative Stress-driven Neuropathology induced by Chronic Unpredictable Stress
Authors: Abayomi Taiwo A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Consumption of a healthy diet abundant in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, offers an effective and least expensive way to prevent neurodegeneration. Herein, the role of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African walnut) enriched diet in chronic stress-induced cerebellar neuropathology was investigated
Methodology: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were used for this investigation. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B, and C), each consisting of 7 rats (n = 7). Group A (Control group) were fed control diet; group B rats were subjected to different chronic unpredictable stressors (CUS) + control diet for 21 days, while group C rats were subjected to CUS + Walnut-enriched diet for 21 days. Serum corticosterone levels, the expression level of antioxidant and inflammatory markers, and cytoarchitectural changes in cerebellum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunohistochemistry methods.
Results: The walnut-enriched diet prevented astrogliosis, modulated serum corticosterone expression, and tumor necrotic factor-α in the cerebellum. The walnut-enriched diet also caused an improvement in the antioxidant profile, indicating that it suppressed chronic unpredictable stress-induced perturbations.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that African walnut exerts protective effects against oxidative stress-driven dysfunction by reducing serum corticosterone levels, modulating oxidative stress pathways, and preventing neuronal morphological damage in the cerebellum.
Immunostimulatory Effect of Phoenix Dactylifera Supplemented Diet on Aeromonas hydrophila Infected Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Oriade Tajudeen O. , Alao Omoniyi S. , Afolayan Funmilayo I. D.
Published: May 2021

Background: Phoenix dactylifera fruit has been widely reported for its effective anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the effect of P. dactylifera on immune responses was evaluated in Aeromonas hydrophila infected Clarias gariepinus.
Methods: P. dactylifera fruit powder was used as feed inclusion at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% concentrations to the pelleted fish diet of C. gariepinus juveniles. A total of 75 fish were divided into fourgroups (n=15) . The fish were fed with the formulated feed twice a day (08:00 h and 17:00 h), and terminated 24 h before the commencement of the microbial inoculation with inactivated Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria. The fish were later challenged with active Aeromonas hydrophila after seven weeks of experimental feeding. Blood samples were collected from fish while haemagglutination and phagocytic assays were used to determine the antibody titres and phagocytic action of the immune cells, respectively. Then, the micronucleus assay was used to determine the chromosomal damage effect of Aeromonas hydrophila pathogen on exposed C. gariepinus.
Results: After the challenge, the groups fed with 0.5 and 2.0% date showed significantly (p˂0.05)elevated level of immune responses with antibody titres of 231.49±77.06 and 257.18±51.37, and phagocytic activity values of 0.07±0.01 and 0.04±0.00, respectively. The clastogenic effect of A. hydrophilaon the peripheral blood of infected C. gariepinus was observed, this was significantly reduced in 2% P. dactylifera fed group. Also, increase white blood cell count was observed in the C. gariepinus group fed with 0.5% date supplement. A higher lymphoid organ index was also observed in fish fed with the supplemented diet, as compared to the control.
Conclusions: These results indicate that P. dactylifera fruit powder enriched diet showed an immune-boosting and reduction of the DNA damaging effect in bacteria-infected C. gariepinus
Small-Scale Spatial-Temporal Correlation Modeling for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
Authors: Sun Shu , Yan Hangsong
Published: May 2021

The reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is an emerging promising candidate technology for the sixth-generation wireless networks, where the element spacing is usually of sub-wavelength. Only limited knowledge, however, has been gained about the spatial-temporal correlation behavior among the elements in an RIS. In this paper, we investigate the spatial-temporal correlation models for an RIS in a wireless communication system. Joint small-scale spatial-temporal correlation functions are provided and analyzed for both ideal isotropic scattering and more practical non-isotropic scattering environments, where the latter is studied via employing an angular distribution derived from real-world millimeter-wave measurements. Furthermore, for the special case of spatial-only correlation under isotropic scattering, an analytical expression is proposed to characterize the spatial degrees of freedom (DoF) for RISs with finite element spacing and aperture sizes in practice. Analytical and numerical results demonstrate that the joint spatial-temporal correlation can be represented by a four-dimensional sinc function under isotropic scattering, while the correlation is generally stronger with more fluctuation and significantly fewer dominant eigenvalues hence smaller DoF for non-isotropic scattering.
Saúde de homens em vivência de violência intrafamiliar e conjugal processados criminalmente
Authors: Sousa Anderson Reis de , Silva Andrey Ferreira da , Estrela Fernanda Matheus , Bonfim Helder Pereira , Sousa Tamires Jesus , Conceição Leilane Nascimento da , Pereira Álvaro
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: descrever o comprometimento da saúde de homens em vivência de violência intrafamiliar e conjugal. Método: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, com participação de 44 homens que respondiam a processo criminal por violência conjugal nas 1ª e 2ª Vara de Justiça Pela Paz em Casa do município de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, por meio da criação de Grupos Reflexivos em 5 edições entre os anos de 2014 e 2018. Resultados: A vivência de violência intrafamiliar e conjugal comprometeu a saúde dos homens com sintomatologia física e psíquica, manifestada por dores no peito, falta de ar e perda de peso; irritabilidade, vigilância, alteração no padrão de sono, tristeza, sentimento de impotência e comportamento suicida; impactos em perda da função laboral ou dificuldade de empregabilidade; rompimento de vínculos afetivos familiares e da rede de apoio; constrangimento e isolamento social. Conclusão: Vivenciar a violência intrafamiliar e perpetrar a violência conjugal provoca nos homens processados criminalmente a autodestruição com repercussões de expressividade danosa à sua identidade, sua saúde e a vida.
Descritores: Masculinidade; Saúde do Homem; Conflito Familiar; Violência Baseada em Gênero.
Praxiologia do cuidado de saúde homens que convivem com a Diabetes e a Hipertensão Arterial
Authors: Sousa Anderson Reis de , Silva Andrey Ferreira da , Estrela Fernanda Matheus , Bonfim Helder Pereira , Sousa Tamires Jesus , Conceição Leilane Nascimento da , Pereira Álvaro
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Aprender as práticas de cuidado de saúde exercitadas por homens em situação de adoecimento crônico. Método: Estudo qualitativo realizado com 38 homens idosos que conviviam com a Diabetes e a Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica em um município da Bahia, Brasil. Realizamos entrevista individual submetida à análise pelo método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, suportado pela Teoria das Transições. Resultados: A praxiologia do cuidado de saúde dos homens esteve configurada pelo desenvolvimento de aprendizados e aquisições de habilidades específicas sobre a doença crônica; reeducação familiar; adesão às terapêuticas tradicionais face a utilização dos fitoterápicos, de saberes ancestrais e populares; a promoção de atividade física e repouso; o controle de modificações nos órgãos e no corpo e a promoção do bem-estar psicológico e a superação do sofrimento. Conclusão: As práticas de cuidado estão constituídas a partir das vivências masculinas na experiência do adoecimento crônico pela Diabetes Mellitus e a Hipertensão Arterial, que ao seu modo, implicam em mobilizações das masculinidades ao encontro de atos, atitudes, ações direcionadas à convivência com a doença, o seu enfrentamento e a significação a partir das oportunidades e dos acessos que estão disponíveis no território.
Descritores: Praxiologia; Cuidados de Enfermagem; Adoecimento crônico; Saúde do Idoso; Saúde do Homem.
Os impactos da hospitalização neonatal para mães de recém-nascidos
Authors: Santos Isabela Barros Cordeiro dos , Santos Pollyana Flausino Caixeta dos , Ribeiro Leila Batista , Silva Danielle Ferreira
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Analisar os impactos da hospitalização neonatal em UTI para as mães de recém-nascidos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se perguntas feitas de maneira virtual através de um questionário com 13 perguntas, aplicado por meio da plataforma digital Google Forms. As participantes foram mães de recém-nascidos que estiveram ou que estão hospitalizados em UTIN. Para análise de dados utilizou-se a compilação dos dados que posteriormente foram agrupados por afinidade e apresentados no relatório final em gráficos e dados discursivos. Resultados: A discussão foi construída com 10 categorias, sendo algumas delas: o tratamento humanizado dos profissionais na UTIN, a visão que as mães têm da UTIN antes e depois da hospitalização, os impactos que a hospitalização geram na vida das mães, os sentimentos das mães ao vivenciarem essa experiência, compartilhamento de informações da UTIN para as mães. Conclusão: O presente estudo deixa evidências de que a hospitalização é um período doloroso para as mães, onde há um grande número de transtornos psicológicos como consequência, há também uma necessidade de humanização de forma integral, além do estímulo, compartilhamento de informações e principalmente empatia dos profissionais que atuam nessa área.
Descritores: UTIN; Hospitalização; Recém-nascido.
Las prácticas de hablar, nombrar e interpretar
Authors: Satne Glenda
Published: May 2021

En este texto se argumenta que la noción de interpretación desarrollada por Alberto Moretti en “La unidad proposicional” (y otros textos) presenta algunos problemas filosóficos y metafilosóficos. Después de presentar las ideas centrales de la práctica interpretativa que defiende Moretti, se cuestionan en particular su incompatibilidad con un tratamiento naturalista de las capacidades de hablar e interpretar, que las entiende como capacidades naturales con historias filo y ontogenéticas, y el hecho de que se compromete con una posición inefabilista acerca de los fundamentos de dicha práctica. Se argumenta que el abandono de la idea de que las capacidades intencionales siempre presuponen la manipulación de contenidos conceptuales, como postula la estrategia interpretativa, abre las puertas para un naturalismo acerca de las capacidades de hablar, nombrar e interpretar. Este naturalismo es además, pluralista respecto de los rasgos necesarios y/o suficientes que hacen de una práctica una práctica lingüística, y no inefabilista acerca de su fundamento.
Las lógicas y los lógicos
Authors: Letzen Diego
Published: May 2021

Se revisan en este trabajo diversas concepciones sobre la lógica procurando mostrar los alcances, pero también las limitaciones, de la concepción dominante en al menos la primera mitad del siglo XX. Intento mostrar que la noción asociada a la relación de consecuencia que el formalismo lógico clásico captura, relacionado al programa de fundamentación de la matemática es limitada, tanto respecto de las nociones intuitivas de lógica como de las diferentes disciplinas vinculadas (en particular la computación, la psicología, las ciencias cognitivas y teoría de la argumentación). Sostenemos que la caracterización de la lógica ofrecida por A. Moretti ofrece una perspectiva más amplia y superadora de la lógica.
The North Caucasian muslim factor in the Astrakhan region in the late XX - early XXI centuries
Authors:   Астраханский государственный архитектурно-строительный университет, Вячеславович Сызранов Андрей
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the role of the North Caucasian muslim factor in the Astrakhan region in the late XX - early XXI centuries. It is concluded that the reduction in the number of traditional population groups against the background of a strong migration flow over the past two or three decades (especially from the North Caucasus) changes the ethnic situation in the region and the interethnic balance in the direction of migrants. In many ways, it was in connection with the influx of migrants from the North Caucasus to the Lower Volga region at the end of the XX century that the ideas of radical islam began to penetrate the region. Key words: Astrakhan, islam, muslims, migrants, salafism, North Caucasus, sufism
ОБЗОР КЛЮЧЕВЫХ МОМЕНТОВ РАЗВИТИЯ НАУКИ В АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНЕ В XIII-XV ВВ.
Authors:   Бакинский славянский университет, Фарман гызы Гумбатова Дурдана
Published: May 2021

В средние века Азербайджан одновременно оказался и центром науки, куда съезжались видные ученые всего Востока, с другой стороны Азербайджан стал родиной крупнейших ученых, которые по разным причинам эмигрировали и продолжали свою деятельность за ее пределами. Они внесли огромный вклад в развитие мировой науки. Ярким примером центра научных исследований в средневековом Азербайджане была Марагинская обсерватория. С ней тесно связана деятельность выдающегося азербаджанского ученого Ибн Сины. А важным примером вклада азербайджанских ученых в развитие мировой науки является жизнь и деятельность Хатиба Табризи, которрый долгие годы учился основам филологии у арабских ученых. Он стал руководителем и первым заведующим кафедрой в центре науки и образвования «Низамийя» в Багдаде.
Reflection of crafts in Azerbaijani proverbs
Authors:   Bakı Dövlət Universiteti, Teymur qızı Bünyadova Şirin
Published: May 2021

The presented article is devoted to the ethnographic study of the crafts reflected in Azerbaijani proverbs. One of the steps taken in the direction of comprehensive research of ethnographic science is the involvement of examples of oral folk art in scientific research. The proverbs that are part of them are important as an auxiliary source. Thus, from the proverbs it is possible to get some information about the historically formed fields of art as an ethnographically necessary issue. According to the proverbs of the Azerbaijani people, it is possible to determine what arts the population is traditionally engaged in on the basis of supporting materials and comparative analysis. According to Azerbaijani proverbs, master apprentice relations, blacksmithing, armaments, jewelry, blacksmithing, tailoring, hat-making, dyeing, tanning, embroidery, weaving, carpet weaving, weaving, carpentry were confirmed in our country and their important place in the life of the population. Key words: Azerbaijan, proverbs, craft, sector
Role of Azerbaijan in European energy security
Authors:   Bakı Dövlət Universiteti, Əli oğlu Şahverdiyev Ələmdar
Published: May 2021

The energy security of Europe is an important part of every European countries politics. The strategic goal of that politics contains illumination of energy dependence and provides energy security for each European country. In the article endeavour to analyze main components of the energy security of Europe, main strategic objectives in branch, expected medium and long term problems, direction of activity also, ability of Azerbaijan to provide Europe energy security in current realities. Key words: Energy security, energy profitability, diversification, pipeline
Shusha and shushalı people. Historical truths based on reality
Authors:   ADPU Ağcabədi filialı filologiya üzrə fəlsəfə doktoru, baş müəllim, Umud oğlu Əliyev Əli
Published: May 2021

Historically, the capital of Karabakh was the ancient city of Shusha. The territories of Shusha are part of the historical lands of Azerbaijan - the Median state, Caucasian Albania. The first primitive human settlements in Azerbaijan were in the Karabakh region. The Azykh, Taglar and Zar caves prove this as historical evidence. So, Shusha is also the oldest settlement. There are various opinions about the origin of this name. It can be concluded that the choice of the location of the city of Shusha, which was established in Karabakh, was also associated with the traditional "height". That is why the city of Shusha was named Shusha because it was chosen by the Shusha ethnos and built on a high place. Keywords: Shusha, Pearl of Azerbaijan, Cultural Center, Shusha ethnos, Suz, Suziana, Shushanik, Er Shusha, Shusha inscriptions, Shavshad, Shushala, Elam culture, Shusha generation of Elam, language of Shusha ethnos
The Role and Place of Word Combination in Modern Linquistics
Authors:   Azərbaycan Dillər Universiteti baş müəllim, Zeynal qızı Hacızadə Mehriban
Published: May 2021

The role and place of word combinations in modern English has been the subject of research from time to time. Research on word combinations shows that in most cases there is no difference between free word combinations and phraseological combinations. As for the difference between word combinations, one is ready in the language, and the other is formed in the process of speech. The main reason for the combination of words in the speech process is the interconnectedness of the concepts they express. Thus, the basis of word combinations is the mutual compatibility of the concepts they express. A popular approach to word combinations is to compare the meanings of words in foreign and native languages. Key words: word combination, speech process, concept, category, typology
Development and perspectives of rail transport in connection with the development of tourism in the Republic of Azerbaijan
Authors:   Azərbaycan Turizm və Menecment Universiteti magistrant, Əliyar oğlu Əzizov Kənan
Published: May 2021

The interest in railway transport in the world is growing day by day. Our country is constantly developing. In recent years, tourism has become an integral part of people's choice. Millions of people travel to different countries every year. The transport sector has a large share in meeting the growing needs of tourists. Rail transport, which is one of these modes of transport, also differs in this area. This article discusses the relationship between tourism and rail transport in the Republic of Azerbaijan and interprets them as an integral part. Key words: train, railway lines, service, service technology, tourist route, tourist
Tematy muzyczne w korespondencji Fryderyka II i jego siostry Wilhelminy, margrabiny von Bayreuth
Authors: Korpanty Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

Fryderyk II Wielki (1712–86) zapisał się w historii jako wybitny strateg polityczny i wojskowy, pod którego rządami Prusy stały się jednym z najpotężniejszych mocarstw w Europie. Był także wielbicielem nauki i sztuki, w tym muzyki. Zamiłowanie muzyczne dzielił ze swoją starszą o trzy lata siostrą Wilhelminą (1709–58). Oboje pobierali naukę gry na klawesynie i lutni, ponadto Fryderyk grał na flecie. Zajmowali się także komponowaniem oraz pisali libretta operowe. W roku 1732 Wilhelmina wyjechała po ślubie do Bayreuth, gdzie zajęła się organizacją życia kulturalnego.

Wszechstronne zainteresowania artystyczne i naukowe wyróżniają Fryderyka II i Wilhelminę z grona innych władców ówczesnej Europy. Oboje byli mecenasami sztuki i włożyli doniosły wkład w rozwój kultury muzycznej w swoich krajach – zakładali zespoły muzyczne, budowali gmachy operowe i zatrudniali wybitnych muzyków. W Berlinie zatrudnienie znaleźli m.in. Johann Joachim Quantz, Carl Heinrich Graun, Franz Benda, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Felice Salimbeni i Giovanna Astrua, a w Bayreuth – Adam Falckenhagen, Johann Pfeiffer, Giuseppe Antonio Paganelli i Giacomo Zaghini.

       Fryderyk II i Wilhelmina prowadzili obfitą korespondencję, stanowiącą dowód ich wspólnego zamiłowania do filozofii, literatury, teatru i muzyki. W listach dyskutowali na tematy muzyczne, wymieniali opinie o kompozycjach muzycznych i artystach oraz przesyłali sobie nawzajem partytury muzyczne (własne oraz innych kompozytorów, m.in. J.J. Quantza, C.H. Grauna, Johanna Adolfa Hassego, Christopha Schaffratha i F. Bendy). Zainteresowania muzyczne Fryderyka II i Wilhelminy koncentrowały się wokół muzyki kameralnej oraz opery.
Infectious Diseases Emerging as a Non-Traditional Security Threat for Pakistan’s National Security After 9/11
Authors: Bilal Bin Liaqat  , Dr. Ghulam Mustafa  , Adnan Nawaz
Published: May 2021

In International politics, human security is a new phenomenon, which deals with the issues of governance and human rights. In political terms, the recent transformation of attention from traditional security to Non-traditional security is a matter of distress for the international community. The linkage between national security and infectious diseases as a non-traditional security imperative is comparatively a new phenomenon in Pakistan. Infectious diseases have become a fact of life in Pakistan, which poses a serious threat to national security. In the preceding years, Pakistan has suffered from different contagious diseases like Dengue, Congo fever, Polio, and recently Coronavirus. To overcome this non-traditional security threat requires an integrated and coordinated approach from the governmental and non-governmental institutions to address the health security issues holistically. The paper examines the effects of the outbreaks of these infectious diseases in Pakistan as a non-traditional security issue that poses a serious threat to its national security.
Communicative and Literary approaches to English Language in the current Textbook of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Curriculum
Authors: Muhammad Bilal  , Syed Qasim Shah  , Nasim Ullah Khan
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the suitability of literary and communicative approaches in Pakistani course design, and revealed the practical problems faced by both teachers and students regarding the use of approaches. English serves as a Langue Franca in most countries and is a key to modern science and technology. English Language is used in the country for academic purposes. Official, academic work and documentation are recorded in English in courts, senates, parliament, and universities and is used as a source for Pakistani high-level exams. If a language turns out to be so much indispensible for advancing in both educational and official professions, greater importance must be given to syllabus and course design. The purpose of the study is to provide a textbook that may have both communicative and literary approaches based on the demands and requirements of English in Pakistani territory. Therefore this editorial is an effort to examine the nature of the literary approach in the classrooms of today through the role of communicative approach.
The Post 9/11 Enlightenment of Pakistan: An Analysis of Musharraf’s Policy Perspective
Authors: Sara Ahmad
Published: May 2021

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan and Allama Iqbal were supporters of enlightened and moderate thoughts and were in favor of the modern interpretation of Islam. They provided the right path to Muslims of the sub-continent at the time when they were suppressed and experiencing a critical phase of history. Both these intellectuals set practical examples for the emancipation of the Muslims of the sub-continent, accepting the challenges at the time and successfully achieving their objectives. Since 9/11, Muslims across the world, as well as in Pakistan, has been receiving a great deal of criticism, as terrorism has been associated with Muslims and their religion. President Pervez Musharraf then presented his policy of ‘Enlightened Moderation’ (EM) for the emancipation of the Muslim world and he also addressed the West stating that Islam was an enlightened religion and beseeched the West justly to resolve the political disputes of Muslim countries. This research analyses the perspectives of Musharraf’s policy of EM, based on socially constructed views of political analysts and academic scholars. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the version of reality on EM and its current relevance.
Investigating the Teachers’ Practices Regarding Classroom Conflict Management at Federal Government Educational Institutions
Authors: Dr. Muhammad Shabbir  , Dr. Muhammad Iqbal  , Dr. Shumaila Mahmood
Published: May 2021

This study is aimed to investigate the teachers’ practices regarding classroom conflict management at Federal Government Educational Institutions (Cants/Garrisons) – FGEI’s (C/G). This was quantitative research that has been conducted under the Positivist paradigm. All the Elementary School teachers at FGEI’s (C/G) were the population for this study. However, 150 male and 150 female teachers have been selected conveniently. The data were collected by using the survey method. The instrument was developed by the researchers for this study. The survey questionnaire was a 5 point Likert rating scale ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. There were 30 items on this scale. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) have been used to analyze the data regarding the demographic detail whereas the Mann Whitney U test has been applied to the data so to find out the difference among the teachers’ practices regarding classroom conflicts based on their gender. It is concluded that the teachers deal with “Interpersonal Conflicts” and “Organizational Conflict” appropriately. As far as it is concerned with the teachers’ practices regarding “Conflict Management”, they deal with the conflicts properly for resolving and managing them. However, it is revealed that the teachers remain failed to observe the others’ self-respect while posing their stance. They also drag the debates instead of resolving the conflicts and also become autocratic while stating their stance regarding the conflict. On the other hand, there is a significant difference found between male and female teachers’ practices regarding classroom conflict management.
Speech Acts across Cultures: A Comparative Study of Chinese and Pakistani Students’ Request and Politeness Strategies
Authors: Amina Shahzadi  , Abdul Ghaffar Bhatti  , Munir Khan
Published: May 2021

The examines are the different request strategies in English used by Pakistani and Chinese students according to social distance and power of interlocutors. Data comprises students from Pakistan and China enrolled in an undergraduate program at International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan. Blum-Kulka, House, and Kasper's (1989) taxonomy of request strategies is taken as a theoretical framework to compare the request speech act patterns of Pakistani and Chinese students. This study analyzed the request speech act in terms of head act strategies used by participants. Blum-Kulka et al. (1989) categorized the request speech act into three request strategies i.e. direct, conventionally indirect, and non-conventional indirect strategies. The study identifies similarities between Pakistani ESL learners and Chinese EFL learners in making use of mood derivable as the preferred strategies for making requests in situations of different social distance, power, and familiarity between the interlocutors.
Optimist about Education, Pessimist about Schools: People’s Perception Regarding the Schooling System
Authors: Syed Murad Ali  , Saadia Abid
Published: May 2021

The article elaborates on people’s perception regarding the importance of education. In doing so, it explores the role of schools and teachers, opinions about schooling system and the comparison between private and public schools. A total of 28 indepth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders students, parents and teachers. While in general parents and students value education but they showed little hope in the system. A comparison between private and public schools seemed inevitable and formed a major part of all the discussions. Blame attribution emerged as a prominent dimension; the children and parents blame schools and teachers over low quality of education while teachers view parents’ lack of interest as a hindrance to effective education. To conclude, education is realized as a collective benefit for which collective effort is required.
English as Medium of Instruction at Primary Level: Problems Faced by Teachers and Students
Authors: Mushtaq Ahmad Tanoli  , Muhammad Ilyas Khan  , Muhammad Iqbal Majoka
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to investigate problems faced by teachers and students in the teaching-learning process using English as the medium of instruction at the primary level. The study explored the teachers’ competencies and students' abilities needed regarding the use of English as a medium of instruction. A survey research design was used to conduct the study. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 380 randomly selected teachers of 350 primary schools of HazaraChi-Square Chi Square Goodness of Fit Test was used for the data analysis. Findings revealed that most primary school teachers found it difficult to teach different subjects using English as medium of instruction. Teachers did not seem to be able to provide a suitable learning environment for students in the EMI context. In comparison to students who did not seem to face substantial issues in understanding their lessons through EMI, teachers faced more difficulties in the effective use of EMI for their teaching. This could be linked to their lack of teachers’ training for an EMI teaching environment. The study has important implications as the medium of instruction conundrum does not seem to go away in the Pakistani school education context in general and at the primary level of education in particular.
Effects of Strength Training on Physical Fitness and Obesity of College Girls of Yazman, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Authors: Adeela Rauf  , Sumbal Kaynat  , Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of strength training on physical fitness and obesity of college girls. The selected (n = 70) participants were girls' students of Yazman, Bahawalpur. The selected variables were 600m race for endurance, 30m dash for speed, standing broad jump for leg power, zigzag run for agility, sit and reach for flexibility, and handgrip strength. The body composition was estimated through five skin folds, seven girths, three breadths, and the lengths of upper and lower limbs. Eight weeks training schedule was adopted, (five days in a week) which comprises of different physical activities such as a 400m race, sit-ups, skipping, matches of badminton and volleyball. A paired t-test was applied to examine the effect of training on body composition and physical fitness of college girls. The result showed that strength training significantly affects bicep skin fold, hip girth, chest girth, 30m race, and flexibility. It is concluded that strength training increases physical fitness and reduces the body fat of college girls. The comparative analysis results revealed that after eight-week strength training, the college girls' students become physically active, reduced body fats, and assist in weight management.
Experiencing Higher Education by Afghan Refugees: A Case study from Pakistan
Authors: Dr. Sadia Dilshad  , Dr. Rukhsana Durrani  , Sehrish Javed
Published: May 2021

The future of refugees in different countries is uncertain. They need support to provide hope for a successful future. Young refugees have their perspectives on the reflection of their personal experiences, needs, accessibility to services, and relevant opportunities. It is a common observation that most of the refugees remain silent regarding their experiences, feelings, and wishes during the journey of arrival in a new country. Nowadays, the voices of young refugees have been penned downed in literature; heard by practitioners, and by those who are involved in policymaking. For the current study, the objectives were to explore the experiences faced by Afghan refugees during their journey for higher education in Pakistan. This was a qualitative study and interview protocol was adopted as a tool for the collection of data. Data was collected through interviews with refugees’ students by the researcher. 20 students were selected through purposive sampling technique from four higher education institutions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in which 17 students were interviewed. Thematic analysis was done, and themes were generated from interviews. Through this study, it was recommended that the implementation of educational policies for refugees may be checked by the higher authorities so that young refugees may be facilitated in the journey of higher education.
An Analytical Study of Laws, Determining the Gender of a Transgender Person in Pakistan
Authors: Dr. Fozia Naseem  , Dr. Rooh ul Amin  , Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Awan
Published: May 2021

Living organisms are divided into two genders, generally, whether they are plants, animals, birds, insects, or human beings. These two genders are males and females and are often called binary genders. Among the human species, sometimes, babies are born with some disabilities in their reproductive organs and such babies have been there in human societies for a time, unknown. In ancient Arab, these people were called 'khunsas'. They were used as slaves by the royal elite of the Arabic peninsula. Deen-e-Islam has given a large number of rights to khunsas and provides them many opportunities to live with honor and grace. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, was the first statute passed by the Parliament of Pakistan that protects and promotes the rights of khunsa people in Pakistan, specifically. In this paper, an effort is made to analyze the principles of Islam and the Laws provided in the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, to determine the gender disability of khunsa persons. A comparative study is also a part of this paper on the approach related to gender determination of a khunsa person, between Hanafi School, Itsna Ashari School, and the laws of Pakistan.
Role of Building Sector in Consumption of Energy in Pakistan
Authors: Yasmeen Abid Maan  , Dr. Munazzah Akhtar  , Maryam Jamil
Published: May 2021

Energy Efficiency has become an integral necessity at a global scale and with the rapidly escalating population around the world, the energy demand has also amplified to extreme levels, making the provision of energy a real challenge. Henceforth, implementation of more efficient conservative measures must be targeted as the supply of fossil fuels is not infinite and the extensive energy consumption is causing harm to the environment. With the continuously growing demand for energy, and as per the forecast of the International Energy Agency, it is expected that the rise will be up to fifty percent by 2030. Recently, more than eighty percent of primary energy demand is being fulfilled by fossil fuels; and the reservoirs of fossil fuels are fast depleting. The result is climate change at the global level, leading to unprecedented and varied effects on weather events, droughts, and hurricanes in many countries and also flooding in major sectors of the world. It has been realized that fifty percent of the energy produced in the world is utilized by residential buildings. To control the emission of greenhouse gases, it is important to use architectural design techniques to make residential buildings more energy efficient for maintaining the thermal comfort level of occupants.
Enhancing Usability of E-Learning Platform: A Case Study of Khan Academy
Authors: Maham Sheikh  , Abdul Hafeez Muhammad  , Quadri Noorul hasan Naveed
Published: May 2021

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a subject that measures usability and evaluates the interface of a system, software, or product to see its efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. On the other hand, at the time, the pandemic spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) having an immense impact on schools, universities, and other educational sectors. In this current unpredictable situation, the importance of online education is visible, therefore, the usability of e-learning platforms truly plays an essential role in our lives. This study is about to evaluate the usability of a very common e-learning portal i.e., Khan Academy by user testing and heuristic evaluation techniques. Effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of Khan Academy were measured quantitatively, while usability issues were identified qualitatively through heuristic evaluation. The study result shows that Khan Academy suffers from certain usability problems which need to be addressed. The study also presents relevant recommendations which are scrutinized and approved by IT specialists and UI/UX designers. The study concluded that suggested amendments are important to consider enhancing the usability of different e-Learning portals generally and Khan Academy particularly.
Financial and Political Causes behind Child Labor: The Case of Pakistan
Authors: Zareen Qadeer  , Dr. Urooj Talpur  , Najia Shaikh
Published: May 2021

Working with teenagers is the world's driving judgment, particularly in agrarian countries, and Pakistan is in like way an overcomer of this making generally wonder for various reasons that are the legitimization the purposeful or amazing improvement of kid work. Youngster's work has prompted various results that have confused the social arrangement it has with the framework, and the progress of its decisions makes the Pakistani Government aware of take-away the finest and most sensible actions to combat this affront. The sign of this statement is to see the monetary and diplomatic purposes behind teenagers' work out and to research the matter via a mix of inspection procedures utilizing Confederation upgrades towards getting the veritable pith offered appraisal at multilateral spaces of income. The appraisal additionally reviews the ideas and evaluations made by philosophy creators for their execution.
Reading the Subaltern Other: A Postcolonial Critique of Kureishi’s The Black Album
Authors: Dr. Fariha Chaudhary  , Muhammad Islam  , Dr. Mamona Yasmin Khan
Published: May 2021

This paper aims at a postcolonial study of Kureishi's novel, The Black Album (1995).  In particular, the study explores how significantly the postcolonial concepts of racism, identity crisis, double consciousness, and unhomeliness inform and influence the narrative and the characterization of the novel. The study is oriented around the research question of how the characters belonging to the Pakistani diaspora in England are turned into subalterns others of the native white inhabitants, and how this, in turn, makes them vulnerable targets of racist violence. Besides, the psychological repercussions of this racist violence on the lives and minds of the characters are investigated. Moreover, the representation of different communities and their concerns are looked into to view how their mutual tensions lead to the conflict that can be broadly categorized as a clash between two conflicting ideologies, that is, Muslim fundamentalism and British liberalism. The qualitative, descriptive methodology has been employed in this paper which relies mainly on close-textual analysis and interpretation. The research is significant as the study of racism and the othering of Muslims is highly relevant in the context of the ongoing debate on Islamophobia in the West and how adversely it affects the Muslim lives there. It is also relatable to the racist violence the black community is facing in contemporary American society.
River Terraces at the Middle and Lower Course of the Bílina River As an Unifying Element of Ohře and Elbe Terrace Flights
Authors: Balatka Břetislav
Published: May 2021

The results of geomorphological analysis of terrace flights at the middle and lower course of the Bílina River are summarized in this article (Bílina merges with the Elbe in Ústí nad Labem). The older terraces (up to the V1 level from Mindel 2) belong to the Ohře River which flowed there until the Middle Pleistocene period. Only the most recent terraces of the groups VI. and VII. were accumulated by Bílina, whose upper course now follows the abandoned Ohře valley. The Ohře terrace flight is compared with the Elbe terrace system.
ENTOMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN DENGUE VECTOR AEDES AEGYPTI LARVAE FROM BENGKULU CITY, INDONESIA
Authors: Triana Dessy , Siregar Fitaloca N , Tri Utami Eka Purnama Wulan , Suteky Tatik , Wicaksono Swandito
Published: May 2021

In Bengkulu, as in other areas of Indonesia, dengue is one of the most important vector-borne diseases. The primary strategy to control dengue is by reducing the vector population using insecticides. However, applications of insecticides becomes a contributing factor in the development of vector resistance. As there is no effective dengue drug or safe vaccine available, vector control remains the most effective intervention to reduce incidence and prevent transmission and outbreak. This study aimed to determine the entomological parameters and resistance status to temephos of Aedes aegypti larvae from Lingkar Barat village and Jalan Gedang village (dengue endemic areas). This study used cross-sectional and experimental with post-control only design. The sampling refers to the guidelines for dengue entomology surveys according to WHO 1999 criteria. Aedes aegypti eggs were collected by ovitraps and reared to larvae stage. Susceptibility test of larvae to the temephos was estimated using standard WHO. Mortality of larvae Ae. aegypti after 24 hours with multiple concentration of temephos indicative of highly resistant.  Entomological parameters for house index (HI), container index (CI) and container pupa index (CPI) in Jalan Gedang village and Lingkar Barat village were estimated: 7%, 12% for HI and 1.97%, 3.43% for CI, and 5%, 2% for CPI, respectively. The proportion of controllable sites is higher than disposable sites, it has a high risk as breeding places for mosquitoes indicates a high potential risk as breeding place and transmission of dengue. Awareness sanitation in the home and surrounding environment must be possessed by each individual community in order to prevent and overcome the incidence of dengue. These data should be of value in formulating dengue control programs.