bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warm mid-Pliocene conditions without high climate sensitivity: the CCSM4-Utrecht (CESM 1.0.5) contribution to the PlioMIP2
Authors: Baatsen Michiel L. J. , von der Heydt Anna S. , Kliphuis Michael A. , Oldeman Arthur M. , Weiffenbach Julia E.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. We present the Utrecht contribution to the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project Phase 2 (PlioMIP2), using the Community Earth System Model version 1.0.5 (CCSM4-Utr). Using a standard pre-industrial configuration and the enhanced PlioMIP2 set of boundary conditions, we perform a set of simulations at various levels of atmospheric pCO2 (280, 400, and 560 ppm). This allows us to make an assessment of the mid-Pliocene reference (Eoi400) climate versus available proxy records and a pre-industrial control (E280), as well as determine the sensitivity to different external forcing mechanisms. We find that our simulated Pliocene climate is considerably warmer than the pre-industrial reference, even under the same levels of atmospheric pCO2. Compared to the E280 case, our simulated Eoi400 climate is on average almost 5 ∘C warmer at the surface. Our Eoi400 case is among the warmest within the PlioMIP2 ensemble and only comparable to the results of models with a much higher climate sensitivity (i.e. CESM2, EC-Earth3.3, and HadGEM3). This is accompanied by a considerable polar amplification factor, increased globally averaged precipitation, and greatly reduced sea ice cover with respect to the pre-industrial reference. In addition to radiative feedbacks (mainly surface albedo, CO2, and water vapour), a major contribution to the enhanced Pliocene warmth in these simulations is the warm model initialisation followed by a long spin-up, as opposed to starting from pre-industrial or present-day conditions. Added warmth in the deep ocean is partly the result of using an altered vertical mixing parameterisation in the Pliocene simulations, but this has a negligible effect at the surface. We find a stronger and deeper Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) in the Eoi400 case, but the associated meridional heat transport is mostly unaffected. In addition to the mean state, we find significant shifts in the behaviour of the dominant modes of variability at annual to decadal timescales. The Eoi400 El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude is greatly reduced (−68 %) versus the E280 one, while the AMOC becomes more variable. There is also a strong coupling between AMOC strength and North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Eoi400, while North Pacific SST anomalies seem to have a reduced global influence with respect to the E280 through the weakened ENSO.
Implementation of an ensemble Kalman filter in the Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ model v5.1) for data assimilation of ground-level PM2.5
Authors: Park Soon-Young , Dash Uzzal Kumar , Yu Jinhyeok , Yumimoto Keiya , Uno Itsushi , Song Chul Han
Published: April 2022

Abstract. In this study, we developed a data assimilation (DA)
system for chemical transport model (CTM) simulations using an ensemble
Kalman filter (EnKF) technique. This DA technique is easy to implement in an
existing system without seriously modifying the original CTM and can
provide flow-dependent corrections based on error covariance by short-term
ensemble propagations. First, the PM2.5 observations at ground stations
were assimilated in this DA system every 6 h over South Korea for the
period of the KORUS–AQ campaign from 1 May to 12 June 2016. The DA
performances with the EnKF were then compared to a control run (CTR) without
DA and a run with three-dimensional variational (3D-Var) DA.
Consistent improvements owing to the initial conditions (ICs) assimilated
with the EnKF were found in the DA experiments at a 6 h interval compared to
the CTR run and to the run with 3D-Var. In addition, we attempted to
assimilate the ground observations from China to examine the impacts of
improved boundary conditions (BCs) on the PM2.5 predictability over
South Korea. The contributions of the ICs and BCs to improvements in the
PM2.5 predictability were also quantified. For example, the relative
reductions in terms of the normalized mean bias (NMB) were found to be
approximately 27.2 % for the 6 h reanalysis run. A series of 24 h
PM2.5 predictions were additionally conducted each day at 00:00 UTC with
the optimized ICs. The relative reduction of the NMB was 17.3 % for the
24 h prediction run when the updated ICs were applied at 00:00 UTC. This means
that after the application of the updated BCs, an additional 9.0 %
reduction in the NMB was achieved for 24 h PM2.5 predictions in South
Korea.
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Tools v1.0.0b – Project Manager Suite: a new modular toolkit for landslide susceptibility assessment
Authors: Torizin Jewgenij , Schüßler Nick , Fuchs Michael
Published: April 2022

Abstract. This paper introduces the Landslide Susceptibility Assessment
Tools – Project Manager Suite (LSAT PM), an open-source, easy-to-use
software written in Python. Primarily developed to conduct landslide
susceptibility analysis (LSA), it is not limited to this issue and applies
to any other research dealing with supervised spatial binary classification.
LSAT PM provides efficient interactive data management supported by handy
tools in a standardized project framework. The application utilizes open
standard data formats, ensuring data transferability to all geographic
information systems. LSAT PM has a modular structure that allows extending
the existing toolkit by additional tools. The LSAT PM v1.0.0b implements
heuristic and data-driven methods: analytical hierarchy process, weights of
evidence, logistic regression, and artificial neural networks. The software
was developed and tested over the years in different projects dealing with
landslide susceptibility assessment. The emphasis on model uncertainties and
statistical model evaluation makes the software a practical modeling tool to
explore and evaluate different native and foreign LSA models. The software
distribution package includes comprehensive documentation. A dataset for
testing purposes of the software is available. LSAT PM is subject to
continuous further development.
Water partitioning in a Neotropical Savanna forest (Cerrado s.s.): interception responses at different time-scales using adapted versions of the Rutter and the Gash models
Authors: Rosalem Lívia M. P. , Coenders-Gerritis Miriam , Anache Jamil A. A. , Sadeghi Seyed M. M. , Wendland Edson
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Cerrado is the broadest Savanna ecosystem of South America and has an important role in our global climate. How rainfall finds it way through the vegetation layers of the undisturbed Cerrado forest is of utmost importance to understand the evaporation process and the water availability in this unique ecosytem. Nonetheless, only few studies consider the partitioning of rainfall in the Cerrado. And if they do, these studies are limited by only considering interception by the canopy, while the forest floor can intercept a significant amount as well. Additionally, the studies often apply canopy interception models that were calibrated on short term monitoring. Hence evaluating how interception models perform at different time-scales and how the interception process responds to seasonal changes is poorly understood for the Cerrado forest. In this study we aimed to evaluate the canopy and forest floor interception estimates at different time-scales and its seasonal response for an undisturbed Cerrado s.s. forest in Brazil. Two commonly used interception models (Rutter and Gash) were adapted to include forest floor interception using observations of both canopy and forest floor interception during a 32 months study period. Our results show that the models are suitable to estimate throughfall and infiltration at daily basis, but not the evaporative processes. We confirmed that both models had limitations to simulate very high interception rates on an event scale. Nonetheless, both models are able to reproduce the total interception well at monthly scale (R2 = 0.7–0.97, NSE = 0.63–0.85), and they can represent seasonal trends in the interception process in Cerrado s.s. forests. Nevertheless, the Rutter model seems to perform better when seasonal parameters are used than the Gash model, but both models are equally valuable to inter-annual analysis when non-seasonal parameters are used.
Optimal sensor placement and model updating applied to the operational modal analysis of a nonuniform wind turbine tower
Authors: Tamizifar Mohammad , Mosayebi Masoud , Ziaei-Rad Saeid
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Test planning is a crucial step in the operational modal analysis (OMA) of wind turbines (WT), and it is an essential part of choosing the best positions for installing the sensors of the structures. On the other hand, updating the finite element model (FEM) with the OMA results implies a better prediction of the real structure's dynamic and vibrational behavior. This paper aims to show how the OMA of a nonuniform and two-section wind turbine tower can be performed more effectively, using the required test planning and optimal sensor placement. Then, accordingly, the OMA is used in operating and parked conditions to find the objective bending mode characteristics. Moreover, the updating of the applicable FEM of the multi-sectional wind turbine tower will be described. The tailor-made genetic algorithm (GA) is used to find the MEMS (micro electro-mechanical system) sensors' optimal positions of the WT under study. The OMA was performed and the acquired data analyzed using the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method. Based on the OMA results, the FEM is updated by applying the sensitivity method. The results show that a tailor-made GA is a practical and quick approach to finding the optimal position of the sensors to obtain the best results for the objective modes of the WT. The OMA results, under operating and parked conditions, prove some modal characteristics of WTs. Based on the sensitivity analysis and engineering judgment, the modulus of elasticity was selected as a parameter for updating. Finally, we found that the updated FEM had less than 1 % error compared to the obtained frequencies from the test.
DOĞU ANADOLU’DAN BÜYÜK ŞEHİRLERE KAYNAK AKTARIMI: ERZİNCAN ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: AKIN Mustafa Şeref
Published: April 2022

Bu makalede Erzincan’da iş sahiplerinin yatırım tercihleri araştırıldı. Ticari gelir kazananlar Erzincan’a sadece işle ilgili yatırım yapmaktalar ve bunun dışındaki varlıklarını Batı’da özellikle de İstanbul’da değerIendirmekteler. Bu durumda Doğu’dan Batı’ya ciddi bir sermaye akımı gerçekleşmektedir. Sermaye kaçışı üretimi ve tüketimi küçülterek Doğu’daki geri kalmışlığın önemli sebeplerinden biridir. Bu yatırım tercihinde temel faktör nüfus dinamikleridir. Doğu-Batı bölgeleri arasındaki gelir farkını bir nüfus farkı olaraktan görülebilir. Ayrıca çoğu nüfus azalmasıyla bağlantılı olan iş hacmi darlığı, sadece bazı sektörlerin gelişmeye elverişli olması, düşük gelir, nitelikli insan sayısı azlığı, deprem bölgesi olması, devlet desteğinin yetersizliği, nakliye ücreti sebeplerden dolayı da yatırımdan kaçınmaktalar. Doğu’ya yönelik yatırım politikaların da ana hedef nüfusu çekme üzerine olmalıdır.
Emotional Effects and Correlates of Harassment in Female Health Professionals
Authors: Nazim Dr Abia , Nazim Dr Tauqeer
Published: April 2022

Harassment is one of the workplace challenges which leads to multitude of issues for both the victim and work organization. A cross sectional study was conducted on 187 female healthcare professionals working in various private and public hospitals chosen through purposive sampling technique from private and public health facilities of Lahore. Data were gathered using harassment experience survey and detailed demographic questionnaire. The study took into consideration both direct and indirect harassment experiences. Findings showed that female healthcare professionals reported significant rate of both indirect harassment experience (82 %) and direct harassment experience (69%). The rate of sexual harassment was reported to be higher in both indirect (75%) and direct (63%) experience groups. Rate of verbal harassment was reported to be 25% in participants of indirect and 37% for direct experience groups. Most of the participants reported to have experienced various psychological problems after facing harassment. Depression and anger were observed to be most reported psychological reactions to sexual harassment, whereas depression and phobia were significantly related to verbal harassment. Experience of harassment faced at workplace makes victims vulnerable towards many psychological problems.
Undergraduate Students’ Perspective on Factors Affecting their Academic Performance: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Hassan Waqas , Masood Dr Afsheen
Published: April 2022

This research aimed at discovering the factors which affect the academic performance of undergraduate college/university students. Qualitative research design was implied and semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Sample included 15 (N=15, females=10, males=5) students studying in undergraduate programs at different public sector colleges/universities. Thematic analysis was used to find out the factors which affect academic performance of undergraduate college/university students. Three major themes clusters emerged naming positive factors, negative factors and suggestive factors. Both positive and negative factors contained sub themes like psychological factors (e.g. determination, casual behavior) social/external factors (e.g., social support, excessive use of social media) and academic factors (conceptual study, language difficulties) while suggestive themes contained sub themes like steps by students and steps by teachers/institutes. Results have implications for students, teachers and policy makers. Findings may guide both students and institutes in working to improve the academic performance of undergraduate college/university students.
Tendencias investigativas en los estudios sobre Alfabetización Mediática Informacional y Digital (AMID) en el campo educativo
Authors: Arcila Rodríguez William Orlando , Loaiza Zuluaga Yasaldez Eder , Castaño Duque German Albeiro
Published: April 2022

La Alfabetización Mediática Informacional y Digital (AMID), es un campo protagónico para superar las barreras que diferentes poblaciones del mundo presentan ante el uso y acceso a la información a través de los medios de comunicación; la UNESCO (2011; 2014) como organización mundial, resalta la necesidad de promover el desarrollo de competencias informacionales en los diferentes escenarios y contextos de cada nación, al igual que (Férres et al. 2018; Pérez, Marín et al. 2019). Este documento expone las tendencias investigativas que se han desarrollado frente al tema en los últimos años en, desde y sobre el contexto educativo. Se realiza una revisión documental en diferentes bases de datos especializadas, aplicando una codificación abierta, axial y selectiva (Strauss y Corbin, 2002), además se apoya en el método de relevancia y opacidades (Pintos, 2003). El procesamiento de la información se realizó por medio del software Atlas ti Versión 8; y a partir del análisis se puede concluir que se resaltan estudios de orden analítico, descriptivos, con intereses técnicos y prácticos desde sus trayectos metodológicos. Para dar respuesta a los avances tecnológicos y su incorporación en la educación actual, es indispensable direccionar investigaciones de orden propósito con intereses críticos sociales.
The influence of emotional intelligence on internships in higher Education
Authors: Ramírez-Hurtado José M. , González-Zamora María del Mar , Vazquez-Cano Esteban
Published: April 2022

Las prácticas consisten en trabajos temporales que brindan experiencia en tiempo real a los estudiantes. Estas prácticas son especialmente valoradas no solo por los estudiantes, sino también por el profesorado y las empresas. A pesar de la importancia y el crecimiento de los programas de prácticas profesionales en la educación superior, no se ha estudiado suficientemente la influencia de la Inteligencia Emocional (IE) en estos programas. Este estudio pretende abordar esta carencia por medio del análisis de la relación del efecto de la IE con en el periodo de prácticas, la empleabilidad y la satisfacción de los estudiantes. Para este propósito se diseñó un cuestionario que fue enviado de modo online a estudiantes de dos universidades españolas. Para ello, se aplicó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales a una muestra de 240 estudiantes. Los resultados indican que la IE influye directamente en las prácticas de los estudiantes universitarios. Los resultados también nos permiten afirmar que la IE tiene una influencia indirecta en la mejora de la empleabilidad y en el nivel de satisfacción de los estudiantes con las prácticas. Estos hallazgos pueden ayudar a universidades, profesorado, facultades y a las empresas anfitrionas a mejorar el diseño de los programas de prácticas en la educación superior.
Üniversite Sınavına Girecek Olan Eşit Ağırlık ve Sayısal Grubu Öğrencilerinin Stresli Durumlarda Bilişsel Kontrol ve Bilişsel Esneklik Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Payaz Erhan Burak
Published: April 2022

In this study, it was aimed to determine the cognitive flexibility and cognitive control levels of equal weight and numerical group students who will take the university exam in stressful situations and to determine whether there is a significant difference between the two groups in terms of cognitive control and cognitive flexibility levels Dec In the study, descriptive survey model was used as one of the quantitative research patterns. The universe of the study was studied in Izmit, Kocaeli Province, 12. the class consists of students. A total of 126 students, 79 of whom were female and 47 of whom were male, participated in the study. The participants of the study were reached by means of easily accessible case sampling method. In the study, SPSS 20 program was used for data analysis. After the descriptive analysis of the participants was performed as statistical methods, t-test was applied to test the hypotheses. As a data collection tool, The Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (The Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire) developed by Demirtas (2019) was used in Stressful Situations. According to the results of the research; there was no significant difference between the levels of cognitive dec and cognitive flexibility in stressful situations of students of the equal weight and numerical group who were going to take the university exam. The results of the research were compared with the literature and various recommendations were made. Keywords: Cognitive Control, Cognitive Flexibility, University Exam, Stress Situations
Meniscal Preservation is More Likely When Performed with Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Rather Than with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors:   University of Strathclyde Glasgow, United Kingdom, Wilson William , Hopper Graeme ,   NHS Lanarkshire University Hospitals Glasgow, United Kingdom, Hamilton Chris ,   NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Glasgow, United Kingdom, O’Donnell Lucas ,   NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Glasgow, United Kingdom, Blyth Mark ,   Glasgow Royal Infirmary Glasgow, United Kingdom, Mackay Gordon ,   Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport University of Stirling Stirling, Scotland
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) often occurs in conjunction with meniscal tears. In this study, we investigate the rates and outcomes of meniscal repair surgery performed with ACL reconstruction compared with acute ACL repair surgery. Materials and Methods: Data was collected for all patients undergoing surgery for ACL ruptures between 2012 and 2018, including ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft and primary ACL repair augmented with suture tape. Patients undergoing multi-ligament surgery were excluded. Meniscal injury was evaluated intraoperatively and the treatment was determined by type of tear, reducibility, and quality of meniscal tissue. If possible, tears were repaired using all-inside anchors and all others were resected. Results: There were 272 ACL reconstructions and 134 ACL repairs, and mean age was 28 (±9) and 35 (±14) years, respectively (p<0.01). The mean Tegner activity score was 6.6 in both groups. The mean interval from injury to surgery was longer in the reconstruction group (26.2 vs. 1.3 months, p<0.01). Fifty-five percent of reconstructions and 43% of ACL repairs required meniscal surgery at the time of their ACL procedure. In the reconstruction group, 123 (70%) were meniscectomies and 53 (30%) were meniscal repairs, compared to 31 (50%) of each in the ACL repair group. Meniscal repair was more likely to be possible when carried out as part of acute ACL repair surgery, c2(1, n=238)=7.94, p<0.01. The success rate of meniscal repair was 97% in both groups. Conclusions: The rate of meniscal repair is 67% higher when performed early with ACL repair. When ACL reconstruction is performed, meniscal resection was more likely. Rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis are high after ACL reconstruction when performed with meniscal resection. Furthermore, the success rate of meniscal repair in conjunction with ACL surgery is high (97%). Therefore, meniscal repair should be encouraged whenever possible to improve long-term outcomes.
Accounting, Accountability and Devolution: A Study of the Use of Accounting Information by Politicians in the Northern Ireland Assembly’s First Term
Authors: Ezzamel Mahmoud , Hyndman Noel , Johnsen Åge , Pallot June
Published: April 2022

The impact of new public management (NPM) and the implementation of resource accounting and budgeting (RAB) have given particular prominence to accounting information in the UK public sector. This paper explores the extent to which such information has informed and shaped the actions of politicians in the first term of the Northern Ireland (NI) devolved Assembly (1999-2003). It is argued that if accounting systems are to help in delivering more appropriate, more accountable and better management within the public sector as well as strengthening democratic processes, then it is imperative that key stakeholders (including politicians) be familiar with such

information and make it the basis of debate. The research provides evidence that many NI politicians have great difficulty understanding and using this new language, and it is argued that this restricts their ability to engage in key deliberations and potentially undermines democratic control and accountability. In addition, it is suggested that the uncertainty surrounding

the Assembly, as evidenced by numerous suspensions, has dampened enthusiasm for learning this new language.
Volume and GARCH Effects for Dual-Listed Equities: Evidence From Irish Equities
Authors: Gallagher Liam , Kiely Daniel
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the volume-volatility relationship for Irish shares, using daily trading volume for 14 of the largest traded Irish stocks, for the period 2 June 2000 through to 28 March 2003. Our results show that a strong contemporaneous volume-volatility correlation exists for Irish stocks. However, ARCH and GARCH effects remain statistically significant for nearly half of Irish stocks, although they are significantly reduced. We also find an asymmetric effect of volume trading on volatility. Trading on the UK stock market has a disproportional effect on volatility of Irish stocks compared to trading on the Irish market. This suggests a potential dual-listed volume-volatility puzzle.
Common Sports Injury in Football Players: A Review
Authors: Lakshakar Prachi , Sathe Prachi , Sathe Abhinav
Published: April 2022

Football is the most popular sport worldwide, played by athletes of all ages, it is associated with a high injury rate. The injuries occur during football games and practice due to a combination of high speed and full contact. The authors of different studies showed in their results that the incidence of football injuries a range from 0.5 to 45 injuries per 1000 hours of practice and games. Football injuries most commonly affect the knee and ankle joints, muscles, and ligaments of the thigh and calf. Most commonly affected region is lower extremity with an incidence of 61% to 90%. There are two types of risk factors intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors which are responsible for football injury. We found through this review of literature that ankle injuries are the most common injuries in football players. Other injuries which is also common in football players are such as, ligament of knee, hamstring strain, football concussion, wrist injury.

Keywords: Footballers, Sports injury, High speed, Injury incidence.
27 Aralık 1886 Tarihli İnhisar-ı Duhan Nizamnamesinin Tatbikine Dair Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: DAĞ Mustafa
Published: April 2022

Tütün, bilhassa 17. Yüzyılın ikinci yarısından itibaren Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nun idari, ekonomik ve sosyal hayatında önemli bir yere sahip olmuştur. 1871 yılına kadar tütün inhisarı genel olarak devlet eliyle hazırlanan nizamnamelerle idare edilmiştir. 1871 yılından itibaren tütün alanında yeni bir kanunlaşma ve yenileşme süreci başlamıştır. Bu bağlamda 27 Aralık 1886 tarihli nizamname bu anlamda dönüm noktası olmuştur. “İnhisar-ı Duhan Nizamnamesi” adıyla yürürlüğe giren nizamnameyle birlikte tütünün üretimi, tüketimi, ticareti ve gelirleri tam anlamıyla Reji Şirketi’nin inhisarına yani yabancı bir şirketin tekeline girmiştir. İmparatorluk genelinde Reji Şirketi’nin tekeline giren tütün üreticilerinin, tüketicilerinin ve tüccarlarının Reji Şirketi’ne, Reji Şirketi’nin ise onlara karşı olan hukuk ve vazifelerinin neler olduğuna dair hükümlere yer verilmiştir. Bu çalışmada, bilhassa nizamnamede yer alan hükümlerin imparatorluk genelinde uygulamadaki karşılığının neler olduğu üzerinde durmaktır. Bu çerçevede imparatorluğun farklı bölgelerinden tespit edilen örnekler arşiv belgelerinden istifade edilerek incelenmiştir.
Zoom-Fatigue – Ein Phänomen im Distance-Learning
Authors: Hopf Norbert , Berger Elfriede
Published: April 2022

Distance - Learning erleichtert die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Studium, fördert die Vereinbarkeit von der Familie und Studium und erleichtert nationale und internationale Kooperationen in der Aus- und Fortbildung. Aufgrund des Alleinstellungsmerkmals der Hochschule für Agrar- und Umweltpädagogik ist das Einzugsgebiet der Studierenden der Österreichische Bundesgebiet und darüber hinaus.

Die beiden Studien „Distance Learning an der Hochschule für Agrar- und Umweltpädagogik“ sowohl für Lehrende als auch für Studierende wurde im Zeitraum von Juni bis Juli 2021 durchgeführt.

Als Methodischer Ansatz kamen die Verortung im Wertekreis, die Methode des Freelisting sowie die Korrelation Ausgewählter Aspekte mit dem Wertekreis zur Anwendung.

Ausgewählte Ergebnisse zum Wohlbefinden der Studienteilnehmenden, zum Thema Zoom - Fatigue und Grundlagen für mögliche Handlungsempfehlungen vorgestellt.

Ausgewählte Ansätze zur Verbesserung der Zoom - Fatigue - Symptome werden sowohl aus den eigenen Studien vorgestellt und um weitere internationale Studien und durch eigene Empfehlungen von Umsetzungsmaßnahmen ergänzt.
Treatment of Hepatitis C Disease with Standard Therapy and its Correlation with Specific Genotype of Interleukin
Authors: Aleem Umar , Naz Falak , Shah Rahman , Khalil Saifullah Khan , Ullah Najeeb , Ullah Naimat
Published: April 2022

Aim: To determine the association of interleukin-28b- RS12980275 with response to treatment with interferon α-2b & ribavirin in chronic hepatitis c patients Methodology: A case control study was designed that includes219 HCV patients treated with INF and Ribavirin. Out of 219, 95 were males while 124 were females. They are classified into two groups. Those achieved sustained virological response (SVR) and those who did not sustained virological response (Non-SVR). All the demographics and biochemical data were recorded on a Performa that includes age, ALT and viral load. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Patients having IL28B-rs12980275 AG genotypes respond better to interferon and ribavirin treatment (p-value=0.01, OR=2.91). Furthermore, HWE was also calculated for both groups in which the responders do not corresponds to HWE (p-value= <0.001) while the non-responders were found to be consistent with HWE (p-value= 0.31). Conclusion: Polymorphism in IL28B (rs12980275) was found to be significantly associated (p-value = 0.009) with the treatment outcome in patient with hepatitis C receiving standard therapy regimen (Interferon + Ribavirin). Key words: Hepatitis C, polymorphism, Interferon
Efficacy of Single Dose of 800µg Vaginal Misoprostol in the Induction of First Trimester Abortion
Authors: Mahmood Arjamand , Saleem Amina , Khalid Salma , Anjum Safoora , Ammara Ummay , Noor Shazia
Published: April 2022

Background: Dissolution of pregnancy in the first trimester for several maternal as well as foetal concerns (therapeutic abortion) is a common obstetrical issue. However, induction of abortion demands thorough and effective care, just as women in labour with childbirth. World Health Organization estimates that 13% of all the maternal deaths in South-Asia are associated with abortion procedures. The current recommended approach is 800 µg misoprostol administered vaginally repeated at 3 hours intervals for a maximum of 3 doses with a reported frequency of 85% for complete expulsion of products of conception within 24 hours after administration. There are studies which claim a single vaginal dose of 800µg misoprostol to be equally effective, but more convenient and safe. However, there was controversy surrounding the efficacy of this single dose regimen. Aim: To determine the efficacy of single dose of 800 µg vaginal misoprostol in the induction of first trimester abortion. Methods: This was a descriptive case series conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A written informed consent was taken from all the patients. Results: The total number of patients admitted in the unit over period of 1 year were 369 women in their first trimester requiring therapeutic abortion. The mean age of the patients was 29.04±4.98 years and the mean gestational age was 7.96±2.24 weeks. Majority of the patients were para 2 48(40.1%) followed by para 3(35.8%) and para 1(24.1%). Complete expulsion of POCs within 24 hours was achieved in 342(92.7%) cases while it failed in 7.3% cases. When cross tabulated, the frequency of successful expulsion was unaffected by age (p=.114), gestational age (p=.250) and parity (p=.238). Conclusion: The frequency of complete expulsion of products of conception with single dose of 800µg vaginal misoprostol in first trimester induced abortion was observed to be 92.7%. Keywords: First-Trimester Abortion, Vaginal Misoprostol, 800µg Single Dose
Prevalence of Diabetic Complications in Urban and Rural Population of Punjab
Authors: Naseer Shafia , Malkera Arooj , Khan Nadiya , Siddiqui Amer Hassan , Khan Shazia Akbar , Ali Saqib , Israr Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Background: The incidence of diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide and it involves both rural and urban population. Majority of diabetes consequences occur due to its complication that brought a significant burden to pts as well as health care system. Aim: To assess the prevalence of diabetic complications in urban and rural population. Study design: Cross-section descriptive study. Methodology: Present study enrolled 1000 diabetic patients visiting urban and rural health facilities. The type-2 diabetic patients aged 18-70 years were included. Data was collected through questionnaire; data was entered and analyzed in SPSS Vr 24.0 Results: Among 600 patients of urban area, 62.6% were males while among 600 patients of rural area, 82.2% were male. From urban area, 51.2% patients and from rural area, 57.8% patients were above 50 years old. In urban area, 52% patients had infected wounds, 43.8% had cataract, 38.8% had heart problems and 36.1% had stroke. Among rural patients, 48.5% had infected wounds, 38% had diabetic foot, 47.5% had cataract, 33.5% had renal failure and 52.3% had heart problems. In urban population, non-compliance of medication (69%) while in rural population, lack of routine investigations (90.1%) were main factors associated with diabetic complications. Conclusion: Study concluded that diabetic complications were prevalent in both urban and rural areas but rural population was more effected than urban population. Keywords: Prevalence, Diabetes, Complications, Urban and Rural Population.
Histopathological Impact of Carica Papaya Seed Extract in Rat Model of Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Ahmed Sameer , Tayyab Mehwish , Khan Sher Afghan , Shaikh M.Aslam , Munir Attiya , Hafeez Amtul , Laique Talha
Published: April 2022

Background: Kidneys are susceptible to many commonly used drugs, owing to their property of filtering, reabsorbing, and excreting multiple drugs. Aim: To study the renoprotective effect of ethanolic seed extract of Carica papaya on renal histomorphology in nephrotoxicity caused by Gentamicin. Study design: Experimental study. Methodology: Rats (n=30) were subdivided into 3 equal groups. Group I (control group) and Group II & III were administered Gentamicin (80 mg/kg) was given daily for 05 days continuously, intra-peritoneally to cause nephro-toxicity. Histomorphological examination of kidney tissue was done on day-6. In group-III, ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds (1000 mg/kg) was given daily for 5 days orally for its induction of nephro-protective effects. Data was entered and analyzed in computer using SPSS. Results: Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) and presence of Hyaline casts in the lumen of proximal tubules were the distinctive morphological characteristics. Histopathological specimens of the kidney in Ethanolic treated group showed moderate characteristics of renal damage as compared to that of the disease control group. Conclusion: Study concluded that that Carica papaya seed extract can significantly ameliorate the nephrotoxic effects of Gentamicin thus nephro-protective. Keywords: Gentamicin, Carica papaya, Nephrotoxicity and Histomorphology.
Atrophic Changes in Hepatocytes by Excess of Garlic Consumption
Authors: Siddique Asma , Din Hafiz Moeen-Ud- , Ahmed Hafiza Sadia , Munawar Samina , Iqbal Javed
Published: April 2022

Background: Garlic (allium sativum) is proved as herbal medicine and is used as self-medication for the control of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and heart diseases. Prolonged usage and high dosage have harmful effects on liver. Aim: To evaluate the injurious effects of garlic (allium sativum) on the liver of adult albino rats. Study design: Experimental study Place and duration of study: Department of Anatomy, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore from 1st October 2013 to 31st March 2014. Methodology: Forty five wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing between 250-350 grams were selected randomly. Two different doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of fresh garlic extract were given to the animals by orogastric tube for thirty days. After this period the analysis of quantitative parameters including diameter of hepatic lobule, diameter of the hepatic lobules, diameters of the hepatocytes and their nucleus was then performed on the livers of the sacrificed rats. Results: In the present study, atrophic changes on the size of hepatic lobule, hepatocytes and their nucleus is noted in both experimental group B and C as compared to control group A (P<0.001). Conclusion: It is worth to note that there is a need to evaluate safe dose and to determine the optimal duration of usage of garlic in general public due to its harmful effects on liver. Keywords: Garlic (allium sativum), liver, atrophy, albino rats
Tracheostomy Practice Questionnaire: Development of a Valid and Reliable Tool for Assessing Tracheostomy Practice
Authors: AlMarshad Saja , AlEnazi Abdulaziz , Owaidah Amani
Published: April 2022

Background: Tracheostomy is among the oldest and most common surgical procedures for critically ill patients. Over the past decade, tracheostomy practice has changed regarding its indication, timing, technique, decannulation, and follow-up procedures. A systematic assessment tool for tracheostomy could maximize the quality of care and improve patient outcomes. This study develops a tool for systematically evaluating tracheostomy-related practices, assesses its validity and reliability, and conducts pilot testing of the tool.

Methods: The questionnaire development process involved three rounds using the Delphi technique with eight experts in airway management. The experts were selected from multiple healthcare specialties and workplace backgrounds. There was a two-week interval between each discussion round. In February 2019, the questionnaire themes and statements were identified through qualitative content analysis. Subsequently, in March 2019, the developed tool was emailed to 31 heads of tracheostomy care teams at multiple national hospitals for further validity and reliability assessment.

Results: The developed tool demonstrated reliability of 0.975. Tracheostomy-related practices showed acceptable levels in all 31 assessed hospitals with areas for improvement in the long-term follow-up domain.

Conclusion: This study designed a tool for the comprehensive assessment of tracheostomy-related practices. It can be used to monitor institutional outcomes, which can reduce costs. Moreover, this tool can be employed to track the improvement or deterioration of tracheostomy-related procedures and long-term follow-up to facilitate institutional progress. In addition, this tool could be used for formative and summative assessments of tracheotomy practices at national and international levels.
Bitlis Kent Merkezinde Kültür Varlıklarına Yönelik Tehlikelerin Değerlendirilmesi ve Koruma Önerileri
Authors: KELEŞ ERİÇOK Ayşegül
Published: April 2022

Kültür varlıkları üzerinde küresel iklim değişikliğine bağlı olarak artan doğa kaynaklı; insan kaynaklı ve kentsel gelişme baskıları kaynaklı tehlikelerin sayısı her geçen gün artmaktadır. Söz konusu tehlikeler kültür varlıklarının zarar görmesine neden olmaktadır. Kültür varlıklarının periyodik olarak bakım ve onarımlarının yapılmaması ya da yapıya uygun olmayan işlev verilmesi nedenleriyle yıpranmış kültür varlıklarının afet tehlikelerinden yıkıcı hasar görme olasılığı daha fazladır. Kültür varlıkları yeniden üretilmesi mümkün olmayan eserlerdir ve onların korunarak gelecek nesillere aktarılabilmesi için tehlike altındaki kültür varlıkları tespit edilmelidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Bitlis kent merkezinde tehlike altında olan kültür varlıklarının tespit edilmesi ve koruma önerilerinin geliştirilmesidir. Kent merkezinde yer alan dört adet kültür varlığı taşkın riski altındadır. Geleneksel konut dokusu başta olmak üzere tüm kültür varlıklarının bozulmasına neden olan insan kaynaklı tehlikeler; bakımsızlık, terk edilme ve hatalı müdahalelerdir. Bitlis kent merkezindeki kültür varlıklarının deprem, su baskını, ağır kış koşulları ve benzeri risklere karşı düzenli olarak bakımının yapılması, sürekli izlenerek gerektiğinde sağlamlaştırmanın yapılması, hasarlar büyümeden giderilmesi gerekmektedir.
PENERAPAN METODE DEPRESIASI AKTIVA TETAP PADA PT RAMARINDA PADANG ULAK TANDING
Authors: Afriansyah Berlian
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to find out the application of the fixed asset depreciation method at PT.Ramarinda Padang Ulak Tanding. The depreciation method used in this study is the Straight Line and Decreasing Balance Method.
The fixed assets calculated for depreciation are machines that are included in group assets with a depreciation rate of 5% for the Straight Line Method and 10% for the declining balance method with a 20-year economic life, namely the Exsa and  Loader type machine.
The results of this study can be concluded that the Straight Line depreciation method produces a yearly depreciation expense with a fixed amount  which is Rp. 40.000.000 to a Loader machine and Rp. 37.500.000 to Exsa Machine  while the Decreasing Balance method produces a smaller depreciation load each year which is Rp 11.887.947,524 to Loader machine and Rp 10.167.435,460 to Exsa Machine.
PENYUSUNAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN MASJID NURUL IMAN AL-HIDAYAH DESA BARUMANIS BERDASARKAN ISAK 35
Authors: Dwikasmanto Yunus
Published: April 2022

Tujuan penenlitian ini adalah untuk mengetahaui analisis lapran keuangan Masjid Nurul Iman Al-Hidayah Desa Barumanis sesuai dengan standar laporan keuangan organisasi nirlaba yang sudah diatur dalam ISAK 35 tentang penyajian laporan keuangan entitas berorientasi nonlaba.Analisis dalam membuat laporan keuangan ini menggunakan metode deskriptif, hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa penyusunan laporan keuangan Masjid Nurul Iman Al-Hidayah Desa Barumanis belum membuat laporan keuangan berdasarkan ISAK 35 tentang penyajian laporan keuangan entitas berorientasi nonlaba.
Berdasarkan Laporan Posisi Keuangan Masjid Nurul Iman Al-Hidayah juli-desember tahun 2019  Total Aset Masjid Nurul Iman Al-Hidayah sebesar Rp. 67.316.500 didapat dari  surplus tahun berjalan  Rp.  34.555.000 ditambah totral kas awal periode sebesar Rp.32.761.500  dan Total Liabilitas sebesar Rp 0 dan Total Liabilitas Jangka Pendek sebesar Rp 0 ditambah Total Liabilitas Jangka Panjang sebesar Rp 0.
Pakistan-GCC Relationship: Reframing Policy Trajectories
Authors: Arhama Siddiqa
Published: April 2022

For some time, Pakistan’s Gulf policy has largely focused on upholding cultural and religious ties, rather than building sustainable economic linkages. Though energy resources have been prioritised, overall efforts towards improving economic ties with the Gulf have been lacklustre. Given the present global economic crunch, if Pakistan’s underutilised economic card is used wisely, it could give the Pakistani economy much-needed reprieve. This article briefly outlines the nature of Pakistan’s relations with the GCC. Then it will continue on to argue that Pakistan should shift from a more strategic/political relation to a more economic-based one with all of the GCC since economic interdependence is more sustainable. By revitalising trade with all the GCC countries, improving the system of remittances and maintaining neutrality on all fronts, the state of Pakistan can help to steer its economy and could gain immense economic benefits out of the present turbulent economic situation country is facing.
US Indo-Pacific Strategy: Implications for South Asia
Authors: Mahrukh Khan
Published: April 2022

The term ‘Indo-Pacific’ was first coined by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in his speech delivered to the Indian parliament in 2007 which was later adopted by the US as a strategic vision in the last phase of Obama’s tenure. In the past few years, Indo-Pacific has become part of the US strategic policy and it is characterised as a ‘priority theatre.’ The Trump administration repeatedly described it as a single, geostrategic region in which the rising powers will play and compete to gain supremacy in the geostrategic and the geo-maritime arena. The rise of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) has come in time of an increasingly complex geo-economics and geostrategic security environment. More so, it showcases the US’ reliance on regional and extra-regional countries in the form of allies, the Quad countries, as well as regional countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal to tackle shared challenges in the area. The following paper will explicate the aims and objectives of the US’ IPS and its central policy overtures towards South Asia. It will also study the implications (strategic and political) of this policy and its stern posturing in the region, especially towards Pakistan.
Case of US Unilateralism at the UN
Authors: Sarah Akram
Published: April 2022

The new world order has been instrumental in shaping and promoting multilateralism over the last seven decades. The end of the World War II led to the evolution of a world order where multilateral organisations and multilateral treaties have paved the path for a stable and better world. However, the current rise in unilateral tendencies undermines the edifice of the contemporary world order. The United Nations (UN) being one of the global bodies has been instrumental in promoting multilateralism and norm-setting in the international arena. However, the recent rise in unilateral tendencies has undermined the UN’s role quite significantly. All the reasons that underpinned the flourishing of multilateral institutions after the World War II remain valid today. However, big powers continue to undermine multilateralism at all global forums. This paper will attempt to explore the present rise of the United States (US) in moving towards unilateralism and how it has shunned it at the UN as well.
Revisiting the Role of Nuclear Weapons in India-Pakistan Conflict: A Case Study of the Kargil Conflict
Authors: Rizwan Zeb
Published: April 2022

The Kargil conflict is categorised as a “staircase nuclear conflict.” According to the literature, in such conflicts, the incentives for the first use of nuclear weapons are present. The Kargil conflict, along with the Cuban Missile Crisis between the US and the USSR and the 1969 Sino-Soviet border clash, are taken as the only incidents when two nuclear states fought each other since the advent of nuclear weapons. Contrary to the generally held belief, this paper argues that Kargil was not a nuclear conflict. This paper will raise some questions about the categorisation of Kargil as a nuclear conflict. Prime amongst them: what was the level of readiness and operationalisation of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons at the time of the Kargil operation? The paper argues that Kargil occurred too soon after the nuclearisation of India and Pakistan and that because it occurred one-year post-Indo-Pakistan nuclear tests should not elevate it to be a nuclear conflict. The paper further argues that there is a need for more rigorous analysis to work out criteria for how, when and why a conflict should be categorised and analysed as a nuclear conflict.
China: ‘Rising Threat’ or ‘Rising Peace’
Authors: Muhammad Ijaz Latif and Sehar Sabir
Published: April 2022

‘China threat’ as a western foreign policy orientation and ‘Peaceful rise’ which later became ‘Peaceful development’ concept of Hu Jintao administration is debated since last two decades. Visualising rising China, her policies and its implications on the liberal world order have become debatable on the agenda of global intellectual community. The paper addresses the same theme and questions; whether China’s rise would be peaceful or not? Further, this research looks at the possible scenarios of comprehending rising China’s impact on international politics. The paper tries to explain the possible scenarios from different theoretical perspectives and the implications of each scenario. The paper concludes that the rising China’s impacts are long-lasting whether peaceful or threatening power depends on the members of the international community, especially the existing great power; the US, how latter accommodates the interests of a rising state and manages misperception, and maintain the balance of status in the global politics. Though minor conflicts can occur in several regions of overlapping interests, any major conflict would be avoided at the behest of both the major stakeholders.
Strategic Significance of Pakistan: Challenges and Way Forward
Authors: Author Ayesha Rana
Published: April 2022

Since its very inception Pakistan has been facing multiple strategic, diplomatic and economic challenges. With a significant strategic position Pakistan is situated at the doorway to the oil-rich countries of the Middle East and Central Asia and, therefore, it has great potential of becoming a transit economy. One cannot overlook the two-dimensional impact of geographical location; it has advantages as well as challenges. In order to transform these challenges into opportunities and protect one’s own national interests there is always a dire need to devise strategies to maximise the advantages. This article seeks to examine the benefits of Pakistan’s strategic location as well as its internal and external challenges on the same basis.