bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAFETY CULTURE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE
Authors:   University of Nis, Faculty of Occupational Safety, Carnojevica 10 a, Nis, Republic of Serbia, Nikolic Vesna ,   Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovenia, Police, Slovenia, Vedenik Leon
Published: December 2024

Agriculture is the oldest human activity with a high incidence of injuries and
hazardous consequences in the work and living environment. However, given the lack
of reliable indicators and detailed data, it is difficult to speak with certainty about the
nature and extent of all risks and hazards in agricultural activities. Most agricultural
holdings and farms do not have a documented occupational safety and health policy or
a strategy for effective safety management. Due to the lack of organizational structure,
it is difficult to monitor compliance with occupational safety and health standards.
Despite being aware of the potential risks and hazards in their work, agricultural
workers still do not have an adequate approach to these issues. This paper promotes
the need for a more extensive approach to developing a safety culture in agricultural
activities. It is a part of the research funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological
Development and Inovation of the Republic of Serbia pursuant to the agreement No.
451-03-66/2024-03/ 200148.
COUNTERMOBILITY IN POPULATED AREA’S DEFENCE
Authors:   University of Defence in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica-Kurjaka 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Kostic Srdjan ,   University of Defence in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica-Kurjaka Street No. 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Jovanovic Мiroslav ,   2. River Squad, Usce nn, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Sebez Zoran
Published: December 2024

For many years, little by little, the importance of a properly organized
defense of a populated area in defensive operations was neglected. Large-scale
military conflicts disappeared in the decades after World War II and gave way to
localized conflicts of a small number of individuals, where the priority was given to
technology and air superiority. In such an environment, the opinion was reached that,
if defended, the populated areas would be bypassed and blocked, and the attack would
continue. However, the events from the beginning of 2022 in Ukraine bring us back to
reality, in which it is necessary to reconsider the ways and possibilities of defending
populated areas, to recall the experiences from previous wars, but also to analyze them
through the prism of the use of modern military equipment. In such conditions,
prevention also has a significant impact.
APPLICATION OF THE AHP METHOD IN THE SELECTION OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS MANAGERS
Authors:   Security Research Center, Street Sinise Mijatovica 9, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maksimovic Goran
Published: December 2024

The selection of the most qualified staff for the performance of responsible
duties in the field of emergency management is an extremely sensitive task. By
excluding external factors and focusing exclusively on the professional domain, the
application of certain mathematical tools significantly facilitates the work of decision
makers. One of the most commonly used tools for solving multi-criteria decision-
making problems in the analytical decision-making approach is AHP. Through the
paper, the theoretical basis of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is explained in
more detail through the basic steps and the mathematical basis is described for easier
understanding emphasizing advantages and disadvantages of the method. The
application of the method is practically presented on the example of the selection of the
best candidate for a management position in the emergency management sector.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AS A SECURITY FACTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM
Authors:   Educons University, Faculty of Security Studies, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Sipovac Jovan
Published: December 2024

Our country is both a producer and a consumer of energy, with its own
resources ensuring energy stability (coal, thermal power plants, hydropower potential,
and other renewable energy sources) on one hand, and on the other hand, a country
that cannot survive without importing energy resources we lack (oil and gas), making
us energy-dependent, interconnected with the international energy system, and
potentially vulnerable. By adhering to the new EU energy regulations (of which we are
an associated member and towards full integration), accepted deadlines and conditions
for transitioning to renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal energy,
biomass) while maintaining the country's energy balance by keeping classic
ecologically unpopular and unacceptable energy sources (fuel oil, coal, etc.) and
diversifying supply sources (South or Turkish Stream), our country is trying to maintain
energy security and thus national security, as it lies on the path of conflicts and interests
of major powers. Energy efficiency as part of energy security, and therefore the national
security system, has a significant impact and is an important factor within our energy
and national security. However, it is an area that has not been given enough importance
due to its great influence on energy security and the economy of the state, and
consequently on national security as a whole.
ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON SENTENCES
Authors:   Educons University, Faculty of Security Studies, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Turkovic Emil ,   University of Educons, Faculty of security studies, Vojvode Putnika 67, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Dinic Slavica
Published: December 2024

The increase in criminal activities in society inevitably leads to an increase
in the number of convicted persons, and thus to an increase in the prison population,
and prison sentences, as the only criminal sanction that has withstood the test of time,
the condemnation of history, all changes and criticism. The retributive character of
imprisonment is unquestionable. However, looking at the statistical segment of
convictions under criminal sanctions in Serbia in the last two decades, we see that the
prison sentence was used too much for crimes of a lighter type, or those minor ones,
i.e. trivial criminality, essentially for acts of little importance. What we want to
investigate in this paper is a penological approach to reducing the prison population
rate, through the application of the principle of opportunity and the imposition of
alternative measures, primarily for crimes of minor importance, because the imposition
of short-term prison sentences for minor crimes, which was the case in our country
until recently , first of all, it harms the perpetrator of the criminal act, then it "costs"
the state coffers, and the application of treatment to the convicted person in a short
period of time is almost impossible.
PERCEPTION OF CIVIL DEFENSE’S STATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors:   S4 Glosec Global security, 15. Maja 13 v, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Mladenovic Milica
Published: December 2024

In years of wars, political tensions, pandemics, energy crises and nuclear
threats, the key aspects of civil defense are being re-examined. From the practice of
most global community countries, it can be seen that we are entering an era of re-
establishment of civil defense, which until now, except in Sweden and Switzerland,
whose civil defense systems are at an enviable level, almost did not exist. This paper
research the key aspects of the civil defense perception in the Republic of Serbia in the
context of contemporary security threats. The perception of civil defense by the relevant
subjects represents a complex process of analyzing, interpreting and reviewing the
possibilities of prevention and response to all types of crisis situations and enables the
research of factors that influence the change in that perception, as well as the ways in
which civil defense subjects can communicate with the public in order to improve
understanding, trust and cooperation in this areas.
APPLICATION OF GAME THEORY IN RESOLVING CONFLICT SITUATIONS
Authors:   Educons University, Faculty of Security Studies, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Ivetic Zorana ,   Educons University, Faculty of Security Studies, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Tosic Jovanka
Published: December 2024

The modern world is characterized by a multitude of problems that contain
conflicts of different interests. The importance and frequency of the problem caused the
need to develop techniques for managing conflict situations. Accordingly, game theory
has developed as a special direction and methodology used in the study, analysis and
resolution of conflict situations. This theoretical direction deals with the phenomenon
of making rational decisions in conflict situations and is considered a specific type of
mathematical analysis of conflicts. It is a mathematical discipline that deals with the
formalization of the decision-making process in situations where multiple decision-
making subjects participate, who have conflicting interests. Each of the opposing sides
has several strategies at their disposal. The goal is to determine the strategy that is best
for each side in a conflict situation.
GEOPOLITICS AND TERRORISM IN MODERN SOCIETY
Authors:   Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Erkic Drazan ,   Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Hercegovina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Baljak Miroslav
Published: December 2024

Today, geopolitics and terrorism are the subject of interest not only in
scientific circles, but these two terms are increasingly interesting to the common man
and the public in general. Geopolitics is related to space - territory and power in
general, which is additionally very interesting in terms of the future geopolitical order
and external political positioning of national states on a global level. The external
positioning of national states is directly related to the geopolitical value of states, which
is primarily reflected in political, economic and military power. Geopolitics is closely
related to globalization, which brings with it not only the accelerated development of
science, technology and the connection of people, but also certain security challenges
and threats, above all terrorist threats that represent a security issue of global
proportions. This Paper aims not only to conceptually define and determine geopolitics,
terrorism, power and globalization, but also to indicate contemporary security threats
in the geopolitical space, above all to indicate terrorism as a contemporary security
threat and its impact on security in modern society.
OPERATIONAL DESIGN ON THE EXAMPLE OF NAVAL OPERATION EU ATALANTA – SOMALIA
Authors:   University of Defence in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica-Kurjaka 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Bajrami Serif ,   University of Defence in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica-Kurjaka Street No. 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Radic Goran ,   2. River Squad, Usce nn, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Sebez Zoran ,   University of Defence in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica-Kurjaka Street No. 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Petronijevic Milorad
Published: December 2024

The constant search for the most rational solution to achieve the goal of
armed conflict with minimal losses of forces and assets, and the defeat of the enemy's
forces in the shortest possible time, necessarily throughout the history of warfare
imposed the need to create the most expedient design that would identify all influential
actors and use the most suitable tools for shaping operations. This work explains the
operational design of the EU ATALANTA-Somalia naval operation based on the
personal experiences of the author, but with the previous connection of the operational
design with the operational skill (operatics, in domestic military theory) which, by
considering it within military theory and introducing it into military practice, has
changed doctrinal approach to operations, connecting concrete tactical and abstract
strategic levels of war, all through a comparison of approach to the problem in
domestic and foreign military literature.
Although the operational design is related to the operational and strategic level of
operations planning, it is very important to see its order to have a clearer idea on the
basis of which and how the operations design is developed, as well as the processes
that initiate the planning and execution of operations at the tactical level.
TWO FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES FOR THE TERRITORY OF NOVI SAD
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 6, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, Lazic Cveta ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 6, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, Kolakovic Srdjan ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 6, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, Kolakovic Slobodan
Published: December 2024

Preliminary flood risk assessment for the settlement of Novi Sad and disaster
risk assessment for floods were created by applaying the regulations of the Republic of
Serbia. Analysing the past floods, the probability of future floods, the terrain and the
hydrological characteristics, the preliminary risk assessment determined that more
than 80% of the territory of the Novi Sad is exposed to floods. By disaster risk
assessment is founded that the risk of a flood with a return period of 1000 years is
moderate (aceptable). A review of the methodologies for both risk assessments revealed
that there is a lack of methodology for assessing the harmful effects of floods in
dinars/euros, so that the assessments would be realistic.
THE IMPACT OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ON AN INDIVIDUAL
Authors:   School of Engineering Management, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Bubanja Bosko
Published: December 2024

The aim of this paper is to provide a better insight into the presence of
surveillance cameras can cause a feeling of distrust towards the institutions that install
them. Some people may feel as if they are constantly being watched or not trusted.
Knowing that cameras are monitoring them, people can become more aware of their
behavior and more careful in public spaces. This can lead to changes in behavior, such
as refraining from inappropriate or illegal behavior. People who know they are being
recorded by surveillance cameras may become more aware of their appearance and
behavior in public, which can lead to greater self-awareness and behavioral changes.
However, the presence of surveillance cameras can cause an individual to feel
uncomfortable especially if he feels that his privacy is threatened or if he feels
constantly being watched. So, is it the impact of surveillance cameras on an individual's
consciousness can be complex and diverse, including both positive and negative
aspects, and it differs from person to person and from situation to situation. In the paper
were used available sources of professional literature and secondary research.
THE IMPACT OF THE SENDAI LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON THE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors:   University of Defense in Belgrade, Military Academy, Veljka Lukica Kurjaka 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Vuckovic Vukasin ,   University of Defense in Belgrade , Military Academy, Veljka Lukica Kurjaka 33, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Slavkovic Nikola
Published: December 2024

The Sendai Legal Framework was adopted in 2015, at the Third World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, for the period from 2015 to 2030. In the Sendai
legal framework, special emphasis is placed on disaster risk management, disaster risk
reduction as an expected outcome, and more. In addition to the above, the Sendai
framework defines legal norms, by which countries are bound in processes for disaster
risk reduction.
Guided by these principles of the Sedai framework, the Republic of Serbia adopted the
Law on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management in 2018. This law
regulates prevention, strengthening resilience, management of emergency situations
and other issues of importance in this area. In this paper, apart from the analysis of the
mentioned terms, the focus is also on determining the impact of the Sendai legal
framework on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management System in the
Republic of Serbia.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION – FRAMEWORKS, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES
Authors:   Energoprojekt Entel plc, Belgrade, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 12, Belgrade, Republic of  Serbia, Rakovic Radoslav
Published: December 2024

Fundamental information security management standard ISO 27001
declares need for protecting basic features of information – confidentiality, integrity
and availability - and defines certain number of controls oriented to technical,
organizational and combined actions that should enable it. Particular issue represents
personal data protection that is subject of particular General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) has been appplied in EU from 25.05.2018. and paricular Law on
personal data protection of Republic of Serbia has been applied from 22.08.2019. After
brief review of the GDPR and the subject law, practical experiences and challenges in
application of personal data protection in Serbia are considered.
MASS SURVEILLANCE AND PRIVATE COMPANIES
Authors:   Educons University, Faculty of Security Studies, Vojvode Putnika 87, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Domazet Sinisa
Published: December 2024

The rapid development of information and communication technologies, in
addition to a large number of positive effects, also brings with it certain dilemmas, one
of which is the biggest misuse of modern technologies for the purpose of mass
surveillance. Practice has confirmed the existence of a large number of examples of
mass surveillance around the world. In the paper, attention is paid to mass surveillance
by private companies. It was established that private companies participate to a large
extent in mass surveillance, either on their own or if they are left to do so by a special
decision of public authorities. Some examples of such activities are analyzed in the
paper. The normative method was used in the paper, as well as the legal-logical
methods of induction and deduction.
EXAMINING DECISION MAKING IN EXTREME CONTEXTS: SPECIFICS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors:   National security psychology expert, Skopje, North Macedonia, Dimitrovska Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

Decision making (DM) is a complex psychological process and one of the
crucial aspects in case of high-reliability operational positions’ performance,
especially in their leadership. This concept highly differs from the “ordinary” DM,
depending on other contextual factors as hierarchical level of DM, work context nature
or operation’ phase, type of DM task, level of uncertainty or time criticality and str.
Even contributed by a number of disciplines through the years, the new DM theories
are eclectic, demanding a multidisciplinary approach to be understood. The
psychological relations are the core of the oldest and newest leadership behavior
models.
Explaining the DM process, terms and theories, and its specifics in extreme contexts,
especially the significant correlations with psychological variables (predictors, inter-
variables or outcomes) will increase operational personnel’ training or in-situ
performance quality, also giving the answers for valid psychological screening
procedures and simulations construction process.
SECURITY ASPECTS OF FLAWED SETTLEMENTS OF THE ROMA POPULATION IN THE AREA OF THE AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF VOJVODINA
Authors:   University of Educons, Faculty of Bussiness Economy, Vojvode Putnika 67, Sremska Kamenica, Republic of Serbia, Jovanovic Jelena
Published: December 2024

The Roma community, a multiple vulnerable and stigmatized community in
Serbia, as well as in the member states of the European Union and globally, is rarely
the focus of research on their relationship to their security. The attitudes of the majority
population, which often recognizes the Roma community as potential perpetrators of
criminal acts and other forms of misdemeanour rules and norms, whether they are legal
or social, are more visible to the general public.
The question is whether it is possible to change the inherited attitudes that Roma are
"born thieves, lazy, neglected, prone to crime and other illegal activities"? Can the
repulsion towards the Roma community be changed in the spirit of tolerance,
understanding and acceptance of centuries-old diversity?
The paper aims to indicate the living conditions of the Roma community in the
settlements in Vojvodina, their demographic structure and characteristics, layout and
properties, environmental conditions in those settlements, security aspects of illegal
settlements and proposed measures for improvement of living conditions.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGIES
Authors:   Faculty of Business Studies and Law, University of UNION Nikola Tesla, Jurija Gagarina 141a Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Forca Bozidar
Published: December 2024

This paper is an analysis of the (national) security strategy of five countries:
Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Georgia. The first four listed
countries are NATO members, and Georgia aims to become one. The mentioned
countries were chosen on purpose, because in the literature in our country the
strategies of great powers and surrounding countries are most often analyzed. The
basic research methods were historical-comparative and content analysis. The general
conclusion can be as follows: The (national) security strategies of the analyzed
countries are similar in approach to general security issues, but less or significantly
different in terms of structure and scope of the document.
Causes of Dropout among Students with Disabilities at Primary Level in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Parveen Zahida , Kamal Mehwish , Mushtaq Tehseen
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This research aimed to identify the actual causes which hinder the access of children with special needs and cause dropout of children at the primary level in schools.
Methodology: This study followed a survey research design and two questionnaires were developed; one for parents and one for dropout students. For the purpose of validation of the instruments, expert opinions were sought from the field and pilot tested and their reliabilities were found as 0.80 and 0.81 respectively. Further, these questionnaires were field tested on 169 students and their parents. These students were selected through purposive sampling, 100 hearing-impaired students and 69 visually-impaired students, a total number of 169 (N=169) who had dropped out from school, and their respective parents were approached to collect data.
Findings: The study reported that the distance of the school from home, lack of accessibilities, school distance, poor pick and drop service, poor infrastructure of the school, no extracurricular activities, and less understanding of content are the major causes of dropout according to the dropout respondents. On the other hand, poor learning abilities, lack of interest in their child, poor understanding of curriculum/content, poor infrastructure, inappropriate sitting arrangements, and lack of resources/ affordability issues are the major causes according to the parents of dropout respondents.
Conclusion: On the basis of the finding it can be concluded that Accessibility is a major hindrance in the achievement of quality education.
Deteriorating Health Conditions by Effects of Water Quality in Pakistan
Authors: Majeed Zunaira , Manzoor Saima , Shabbir Rana Muhammad Kamran
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: Drinking water quality is deteriorating due to major urbanization patterns and the rapid explosion of the population taking place in Pakistan. This article addressed the various problems of quality water associated with provinces and cities. The article seek some logical grounds of quantity trigger the issue of quality water production in Pakistan it is estimated Only 20% of Pakistan's population can access to fresh water for drinking. while the other 80% are prone to use unhealthy contaminated water due to scarcity of water (Daud, 2017).
Methodology: Current research study analysed the reports of water quality of four major cities of Pakistan i.e., Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad.
Findings: The most water-stressed areas are one of those where negligence prevails among the people to wastewater. This situation hurts millions of people who depend largely on the agricultural sector for their basic needs and food security. It has an adverse effect on for energy production sector which uses hydrological ways to produce supplies for domestic and industrial use typically the water quality is determined by physical and chemical changes in the water due to many factors, mainly primary determinants are sedimentation, runoff, pH, weathered bedrock, temperature, pesticides, and detergents.
Conclusion and Policy Implications: Globally, the most persistent problem of water quality is eutrophication entitled to a high amount of lead and phosphorous content in water making it impaired to use. If available, water quality is countered with scarcity, shortage of clean pathways, drainage effluent mixing, cross-contamination by industrial and domestic usage, and inadequate technical capacity of service providers. The study showed that poor sanitation, monitoring, and treatment systems lead to a decline in drinking water quality. The presence of hazardous materials and bacteria in drinking water is detrimental to human health. Waterborne diseases have been reported in many instances. Dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are often reported watery infections in rural Pakistani cities.
The Concept of Nation in Political Philosophy (With Special Reference to Two Nation Theory)
Authors: Jawwad Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Study Background: The words Nation and Nationality are much used by common people and are much exploited by politicians. Surprisingly when anyone bothers to look into the matter a puzzling and confounding situation emerges. In human history these words have been used in quite a different meanings and contexts. The concept of nation is among the fundamental concepts of Political Philosophy, History and Pakistan Studies etc.
Aim of the Study: In this article it has been attempted to highlight the original concept of nation by Iqbal in the formation of Two Nation Theory and to understand the different meanings of nation in the course of Social and Political history of the world.
Methodology: The research is theoretical and qualitative in nature. Being a fundamentally theoretical subject the research in philosophical writing is, usually, conceptual and argumentative.
Findings: It is interesting to notice what K. K. Aziz says in this regard and what has been the interpretation of Dr. Javed Iqbal (son of Allama Iqbal).
Conclusion: The popular meanings of nation are to identify a group of people with a common territory, common history or a common culture and civilization. There have been other meanings of this concept which are quite interesting to comprehend and pounder upon. The Two Nation Theory given by Muslim leadership at the time of the partition of India also highlights a different concept of nation. In this concept Religion is the decisive factor to distinguish one nation from the other.
Unleashing the Power of Shared Leadership: Examining the Effects of Climate for Initiative and Climate for Psychological Safety on Taking Charge
Authors: Amer Malik Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: The research examined the relationship between shared leadership and the taking-charge behavior of employees. This research study has also incorporated climate for initiative as a mediator and climate for psychological safety as a moderator.
Methodology: The research study is based on the positivist paradigm. The research design for this study is cross-sectional. Employees working at senior management, middle management, and lower management levels in the pharmaceutical business (registered with chambers of commerce) in major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Karachi are the target population of the study. A multistage random sampling method is used for sample selection. Primary data from (N=430) employees is collected.
Key Findings: Results showed that shared leadership is positively related to the taking charge behavior of employees and the climate for taking the initiative. The climate for taking the initiative is positively related to the taking charge behavior of employees.
Conclusion: The climate for initiative mediates the relationship between shared leadership and taking charge behavior. The moderation hypothesis is not supported (H5) in this research work. The present study has numerous important academic and real-world implications discussed in it.
Can a Poor Citizen Enjoy the Fruits of Prosperity? A Case of Pakistan
Authors: Ijaz Aniqa
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: Inclusiveness of growth is of vital concern for the policymakers and policy debates. It has become need of the hour to measure the strength of decision making of poor people. This study measures the inclusive growth in Pakistan for the different regimes so that situation of equitable distribution can be analyzed in each decade, each political regime, dictatorship and democratic regimes.
Research Methodology: The methodology adopted to measure the inclusive growth index is Asian Development Bank’s methodology.
Findings: Results revealed unsatisfactory performance of Pakistan depicting unequal distribution of fruits of growth among the rich and poor masses of the society in all the political regimes, and all the decades under consideration of the study.
Conclusion: By keeping in view the displeasing picture of the Pakistan in accordance with the inclusive growth, appropriate policy steps are need of the hour to eliminate the poverty and to achieve equitable distribution of resources in order to carve the better picture of the economy.
A Legal Assessment of the Current Situation with Artificial Intelligence and Economic Crime Policing
Authors: Ali Naheeda
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this article is to give a complete review of the uses of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in law enforcement, with a particular focus on crimes committed in economic markets, such as market manipulation and insider trading. When the market is manipulated, it may cause significant economic losses for investors and a decline in the degree of trust those investors have in the market. This impairs the efficiency of the markets, which corporations use to raise money and by producing profits through superannuation, pension, and self-governing wealth funds. Security measures have also taken, employing new technology to identify and react to illegal activity to safeguard stakeholders, the broader public, and the worldwide economic system. Criminals are more proficient in manipulating economic markets. This study analysis critically the potential of adopting A.I and possibilities include the merits and downsides of an A.I. strategy, limitations and possible benefits of increasing the use of A.I. to combat economic crime.
Effect of Formative Assessment on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students of Taluka Mithi, District Tharparkar
Authors: Das Assan , Ullah Najeeb , Ghunio Abdullah
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to find out effect of formative assessment on the academic performance of secondary school students of Taluka Mithi, District Tharparkar.
Methodology: It was carried out through Quasi-experimental design, in which data was collected from sixteen public secondary schools of District Tharparkar. For collection of data, two research instruments, Formative Assessment Observation checklist and Learning Test of students were applied. Through formative assessment observation checklist, one classroom from each school was observed through simple random sampling. In addition, (N=486) correspondents were selected as samples for this study. There were two groups of classes, Group 1 and Group 2. These groups were decided based on the mean value of observation checklist. The collected data were tested and analyzed through Independent Sample T test.
Findings: The study’s findings indicated that there is a statistically significant effect of formative assessment on the academic achievement of students.
Conclusion: Keeping in view the findings of the study, usage of formative assessment activities emphasized owing to its statistically significant impact on students’ achievement.
The Role of Social Commerce towards Purchase Intention of Fast Food amongst Karachiites in Post-COVID-19: A Moderating Effect of SERVQUAL
Authors: Ahmed Adnan , Ansari Junaid
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This study examined how one's attitude impacts fast food purchase intention. Also, the study explored whether attitude toward fast-food shopping (click-and-mortars) mediates the relationship between purchase intention and social commerce acceptance. Predictors are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, while attitude is the mediator and purchase intention is the outcome variable. The research has also taken SERVQUAL as a moderating variable between attitude towards fast-food and purchase meaning of fast food in Karachi.
Methodology: A sample of 419 responses has participated in this research based on the non-probability purposive sampling method. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was created as a data collection instrument, and the responses were gathered using a survey approach. For data analysis, the researchers employed PLS-SEM using Smart PLS.
Findings & Conclusion: Attitude positively mediates the relationship between performance expectancy and purchase intention. Attitude significantly positively moderates the relationship between effort expectancy and purchase intention. Attitude also substantially mediates the relationship between social influence and purchase intention. Attitude significantly wholly mediates the relationship between facilitating conditions and purchase intention. Lastly, SERVQUAL positively moderates the relationship between attitude and purchase intention. It is suggested that policymakers shape the customers' positive attitudes, and the government should establish policies that boost consumers' positive choices. As a result, it is recommended to managers that they should be involved in delivering clear information because it is crucial to consumer behavior.
A Study of the Practices of Trainees Regarding the Use of Technology in Teacher Education Program at University Level
Authors: Naz Vagiha , Khurshid Khalid
Published: December 2024

The use of technology has changed the style of teaching and learning. The use of technology in teacher-education program provides an effective teaching-learning environment which is encouraging for both the teachers and trainees in which they interact actively to achieve their goals. For this study Constructivist theory was used as a framework. Finding out how trainees use technology during the teaching-learning process in the classroom was the main goal of this study. This research study was both quantitative and qualitative in approach. Twelve (12) public universities of Punjab were selected to complete this study. For quantitative data, a sample of three hundred and sixty two (362) trainees was selected by using stratified random sampling technique. For collection of data a 5-point Likert type Rating Scale was prepared and administered to trainees. Frequencies, percentages, mean scores, t-tests, and correlation were used to assess numerical data, while thematic analysis techniques were used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study showed that majority of the trainees were agreed that they have perception of technology and they do practices of technology and have some problems in practice like infrastructure, training, availability of resources etc in the use of technology during teaching-learning process. Although the value of connection between perception and practice was found to be low, it demonstrated that there was a favourable association between trainees' perceptions and actual use of technology during the teaching-learning process in the classroom. At the end, in the light of the findings and conclusion the researcher also gave few practical recommendations which are useful for higher Education Institution, teachers and trainees of pre-service teacher education program to facilitate technology supported instruction in their respective departments at university level to increase the standard of education.
Impact of US Oil and Gold Prices on the Stock Market: An Asymmetric Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Sareer , Mohsin ul Mulk  , Khan Alam , Ali Amanat
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: The research attempts to reconnoiter the asymmetric effects of oil & gold prices on the US stock market and investigates volatility also in the stock markets of incipient economies employing monthly data (January 2010 to June 2021).
Methodology: The researchers applied a non-Linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to figure out the short and long-term effects as well. The empirics show that the cost of gold has a positive effect on the cost of the stock market of large emergent BRICS economies, while the Indonesian stock market, Thailand, Mexico, and Chile have an adverse effect. In addition, oil prices hurt all rising stock markets.
Findings: The oil and gold volatility has a counter effect in both the short & long term in all emergent economies’ stock markets.
Conclusion: The outcome shows that the emerging economies stock markets are more compromised by awful news reports and occasions that bring about questionable monetary conditions.
Effect of Employee Training and Development on Organizational Performance: A Study of Selected Oil Services Companies in Port Harcourt
Authors: Ekundayo Job Ayodele
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This study investigated the effect of employees training and development on performance of oil services companies in Port Harcourt. The study was motivated by increasing low level of participation of indigenous oil services firms in the oil and gas industry of Nigeria inspite of the enactment of the Nigerian local content policy aimed at favoring indigenous oil services firms’ participation in the oil and gas industry. The objectives of the study included; to analyze the effect of on-the-job training, in-service training, participation in seminars/ workshops/ conferences, exhibitions as well as involvement in research and development by staff of oil services firms on the performance of their organizations.
Methodology: Four research questions and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A total of 15 firms were surveyed. The questionnaire was the primary instrument of data collection. A reliability coefficient of 0.765 was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha. A study population was made up of 152 technical staff of the surveyed firms. A study sample of 110 people were administered copies of the questionnaire. A total of 96 returns were made, out of which 14 were found invalid. The analysis was based on the opinion expressed by 82 of the respondents. One sample test, multiple stepwise regression models, t-test, F-test were used to test the various component of the research. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance.
Findings: The study found that only x2) and x4 had significant effects on performance (y). While the effect of x2 was positive that of x4 is negative.
Conclusion: The study concludes that oil services companies in Port Harcourt seem not to have invested adequately in x1 and x3 given the absence of the variable in the model equation. The study recommended that oil services companies in Port Harcourt need to review the human resources development policies and practices with specific attention on improving the level of x1 and x3 while sustaining x2 and x4.
An Assessment of Pak-Saudi Bilateral Trade Relations (1990-2019)
Authors: Ahmed Mallah Masood , Kumar Jai , Ali Javed
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are Muslim brother countries with deep religious, political, geopolitical, cultural, and economic ties. Trade is vital in sovereign-state associations; thus, all states should place more weight on establishing good and mutually beneficial commercial relations. Since 1990, Pakistan's liberalized economic policies and closer political connections with Saudi Arabia have greatly enhanced trade between the two countries. This study evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of the Pak-Saudi bilateral trade relations from 1990 to 2019.
Methodology: This study utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. This study has explored and analyzed Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's trade relations in detail and suggested new opportunities, protentional fields of cooperation and how to strengthen the current level of trade.
Findings & Conclusion: At present, they are bilateral trade per year above 4 billion dollars. Pakistan is exporting Saudi Arabia different kinds of goods, including rice, yarn anecdote, cotton, readymade clothes, sweaters, towels, fibre goods, couch linen, mangos, shelters, art portraits, silks, artificial stuff, furniture, leather outfits, floorboards, footwear, rugs, medical equipment, sports goods, fish, different kinds of fruits, different types of vegetables, flavours and other kinds of juice etc. Pakistan's imports from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are mainly petroleum, plastics, organic chemicals, leather, aluminium, Iron and steel.
Urdu Version of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children (KSADS-PL): Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation
Authors: Ejaz Amnah , Fazal Jannat , Malik Tamkeen Ashraf
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children (6 to 18 years) K-SADS PL Working Draft Screen Interview and Diagnostic Supplements into Urdu language. To ensure cross-cultural equivalency, dimensions of equivalence were addressed.
Methodology: The study was carried out by two researchers in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan. Translation and adaptation guidelines provided by World Health Organization were followed and steps from the Brislin model for translation of tools were incorporated to make the methodology rigorous. The steps included forward translation, committee approach, back-translation, pretesting, cognitive interviewing and systematic debriefing. Expert panel consisted of bilingual individuals, who had experience in working with children. After reviewing the initial forward translations, several probes were reworded and rephrased to make them culturally relevant. The Urdu version obtained from this process was then pretested on a sample of children and parents. Participants were then systematically debriefed and cognitive interviewing was carried out. Input from these interviews was incorporated.
Findings: The process followed for the translation and adaptation purpose lead to the Urdu version of K-SADS-PL Screen Interview and Diagnostic Supplements, which allowed for acceptable cross-cultural equivalence.
Conclusion: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the KSADS-PL into Urdu, which was achieved by following the above mentioned steps. The tool thus obtained can be used by clinicians and researchers alike for diagnostic purposes. Future studies should focus on validating the tool for indigenous Pakistani population, as well as establishing quantifiable psychometric estimates.
An Analysis of Factors of Insurgency and Current Episodes of Ethnic Conflict in Pakistan’s Balochistan
Authors: Hussain Mirza , Kumar Jai
Published: December 2024

Study Background: The Baloch ethno-nationalist rebels represent a chaotic situation in the province of Balochistan and elsewhere in the country. They pose significant security challenges to Pakistan's security forces, including joint development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These events highlight a long-running conflict between the state of Pakistan and the Baloch ethnic minority. Previous research has primarily focussed on multiple causal factors of insurgency. Most of them are socio-economic deprivation, oppression, exploitation, alienation and poor governance. However, the role of an educated middle-class youth is a significant factor in the recent resurgence ethnic insurgency.
Aim of the Study: The purpose of this article is to answer the question of what explains the recent resurgence of ethnic Baluch insurgent mobilization.
Methodology: Using qualitative content analysis technique (CAT), the study investigated factors of insurgency and current episodes of ethnic conflict in Pakistan’s Balochistan.
Findings & Conclusion: The study found that state’s monopoly on resource exploitation, indiscriminate use of force prompted an organization of urban middle class youth that changed scope and intensity of insurgent mobilization. An Active strategy that engages Baloch youth on various platform like social media and political representation can be helpful to making path for issue mitigation.
Investigating Correlation between Principals’ Leadership Practices and Teacher Morale
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Ahmad Iqbal , Sharar Tajuddin
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This research study aimed to examine correlation between principals’ leadership practices and teacher morale.
Methodology: A quantitative correlational research approach was adopted to conduct the study. Data were collected from 383 teachers based on a survey questionnaire from secondary schools in district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two scales: Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and the Perdue Teacher Opinionnaire (PTO) were used as survey instruments in this research The collected data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.
Findings: Findings of the study showed a significant positive relationship between all five dimensions of principal’s leadership practices such as (model the way, inspire, challenge, enable and encourage with teacher) with teacher morale.
Conclusion: It is concluded that teacher’s morale can be enhanced through demonstrating these leadership practices at school level. Since, the study used a limited sample and was conducted in a geographically and economically backward areas and the results cannot be generalized to other contexts. Therefore, future research is recommended to be conducted in other geographical zones to get more robust and useful results.
Exploration of Social Skill Deficit Level among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Punjab and ICT
Authors: Nazir Imran , Noor Hina , Waqar Misbah
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: To explore social skill deficit level of children with ASD in Punjab and ICT.
Methodology: The study was descriptive research with survey research design. All the confirmed and diagnosed children with ASD in ICT and Punjab special education institutes were the population and sample of the study.  Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) developed by John Constantino (2005) was used to measures social skill deficit level of children with ASD in following five subscales i.e., social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation and restricted interest & repetitive behavior.  Data was collected through the tool containing statements in Urdu and English language in both soft (google form) and hard version.
Findings: More than 82% of children were having moderate to severe deficit level of social skills. Parental qualification and financial status were found as major factors which make the significance difference in social skill scores of the children with ASD.
Conclusion: No significant difference was found in the scores of children with ASD having enrolment of one year or many years in schools which raise the question about efficacy of existing services provided to the children with ASD.