bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somali Community Resilience and Response to Education in Emergencies Following the Collapse of the Central Government in 1991: A Case Study of FPENS's Community-Driven Initiatives
Authors: Abubakar Said
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the resilience and response of the Somali community to educational
emergencies following the 1991 government collapse, focusing on the community-driven
initiatives of the FPENS network. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines
qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research draws data from the Somali Ministry of
Education, Culture, and Higher Education and interviews with educational leaders managing
educational crises in Somalia. Key findings reveal the FPENS network's pivotal role in
significantly increasing school enrollment from 1999 to 2023, The study highlights the
community's financial commitment through school fees and the need for ongoing investment
and support to improve education in Somalia. Community engagement and international
collaboration are crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of the education sector as
it recovers from instability.
The Image of the Teachers from the Pre-Service Students’ Perspective
Authors:   Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Silin Merriam
Published: January 2025

This study endeavors at identifying the perspective of the preservice students on the image of the teachers, what does this show about the professional and personal qualities of the teachers in the Philippines, and how these affect their teaching success. Different images are perceived by the students, and these say something about the teachers’ profession. The images emerge from the students’ interaction with the teachers in the process of teaching and learning. The researcher facilitated a “draw a teacher activity” which sought to determine their view of a teacher physically and conducted an unstructured interview in a focus group discussion. It was revealed that the participants characterized the image of their teachers in terms of physical appearance and personal qualities such as wearing eyeglasses, being neat, presentable, understanding, passionate, and kind. Furthermore, differentiation was made on the teacher’s gender, wherein the participants see their teachers as women with motherly care. Considerably, a teacher is also seen with good moral character and someone who abides with the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers. The image of a teacher is based on the interaction and their engagements in the school community and other stakeholders. A person’s professional and personal qualities affect and determine the kind of teacher he or she will be and the effect that this will make onto their students’ life. As the profession demands above standard qualification and effectiveness, the reality of the teachers in the Philippines is evident in the image, perspective, and students’ success in school.
Assessment on the Academic Managerial Competencies and Faculty Performance towards a Proposed Executive Training Program for the Middle Managers of SUCs in Manila
Authors:   Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Mora Hemmady
Published: January 2025

This paper attempts to assess the academic managerial competencies and faculty performance of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Manila towards the proposal of an executive training program that could help deans and chairpersons in managing their units. The study has two sets of respondents, the middle managers, which is purposively selected, and the faculty through simple random sampling technique. The analysed data show that (1) the middle managers are found to be generally competent, and (2) the managers and faculty have similar assessment on the competency level of middle managers as to the selected variables. Based on the results, the proposed executive training program has five significant areas such as: setting directions, staff development program, budget planning, physical facilities and laboratory development, and leadership and governance.
The Use of Facebook as an Alternative Learning Platform: Perspectives from Transactional Distance Theory
Authors:   Davao City National High School, Lim Rex
Published: January 2025

Learning must take place anytime and anywhere, whether through online or offline mode. Hence, this paper explores the perception
of the students in the use of Facebook as a learning platform in a Practical Research class in the light of transactional distance theory. A qualitative research design following netnographic procedures and a self-administered questionnaire of open-ended questions was conducted. Insights on the narrative of the students revealed that the use of Facebook as a learning platform promotes learning, instruction, and students’ interaction which is evident in the exchanges of conversation in the comment section of Facebook posts. Facebook as a learning platform, provides an avenue for teachers for instruction and feedback purposes. Nevertheless, the findings also revealed that there were students who found the use of Facebook as being problematic. Hence, caution of its use must be exercised. Academic integrity must be upheld to its highest standards regardless of the learning modalities. The researcher suggests that turning and maximizing the use of social media to academic use in distance or remote education is a good learning practice making sure that pedagogic interventions are in place along the way.
Impact des antirétroviraux sur quelques paramètres de l’hémogramme des personnes vivant avec VIH habitant la ville de Kinshasa
Authors: BUSHABU KONGO Albert , DIANGANI NZUZI Albert , KUMBI MALU Jeannot , BASILUA KANZA Jean Pierre
Published: January 2025

Le but de la présente étude est de dégager l'impact des antirétroviraux sur quelques paramètres d'hémogramme des personnes vivant avec le VIH habitant Kinshasa. Pour y arriver, les questions suivantes ont permis l'élaboration des hypothèses, il s'agit de: - 1/ quelle serait la répercussion des ARV sur quelques paramètres l'hémogramme des personnes vivant avec VIH habitant Kinshasa ? - 2/ les anomalies hématologiques susceptibles d'être rencontrées dans les deux populations étudiées, seraient-elles les mêmes? Les méthodes prospective et descriptive à visée analytique ont été utilisées. L'automate KX-21N a servi pour obtenir les résultats, d'une part ceux des patients séropositifs au VIH au 6ème mois de leur traitement antirétroviral et d'autre part ceux des PVV n'étant pas soignés avec ARV. Sur un total de 7 paramètres d'hémogramme étudiés de part et d'autre, 4 n'ont présenté aucune différence significative sur le plan statistique, il s'agit des taux d'hémoglobine, de l'hématocrite, des globules rouges et du volume globulaire moyen. Par contre, pour les globules blancs et la concentration corpusculaire moyenne en hémoglobine, les comparaisons dans les deux groupes ont révélé des différences statistiquement significatives. Les PVV sous ARV ont présenté des taux relativement normaux par rapport à ceux de la population non traitée.
A Comprehensive Review of Nexus between Tourism and Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Makhdoom Tayyaba Rafique , Luhana Tahal Kumar , Bhatti Khalil-ur-Rehman
Published: January 2025

Aim of the Study: Tourism has a crucial role in development of economies and The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has emphasized on attainment of SDGs through tourism.
Methodology: This is an exploratory study sought to find out the relationship between tourism and SDGs. The article is based on the review of relevant literature, and the development of a model indicating the nexus between tourism and SDGs. The desk research methodology was used for data collection. A total of 95 research articles were reviewed to determine the connection between the SDGs and tourism.
Findings: Out of 17, 14 SDGs were found to be associated with tourism. In particular, SDG1, SDG2, SDG3, SDG5, SDG10, and SDG16 are contributed by tourism. Whereas, SDG3, SDG5, SDG8, SDG11, SDG12, SDG14, and SDG15 are adversely affected by tourism. However, tourism has a great potential to contribute to achievement of SDG1, SDG2, SDG4, SDG6, SDG8, SDG10, SDG11, SDG12, SDG13 and SDG16.
Conclusion: Hence, Tourism is likely to play a dynamic role in the SDG 2030 agenda. Public awareness is immensely required for shaping their behaviour responsible towards tourism since transition to sustainable and responsible tourism is the need of time.
DAMPAK PERCERAIAN DALAM RUMAH TANGGA BAGI PSIKIS ANAK DI DESA DAMAKAWAN KECAMATAN GANDAPURA KABUPATEN BIREUEN ACEH
Authors: M.Iqbal  , Fazila Rika
Published: January 2025

This research aims to reveal the psychological impact of divorce on children. This type of research is qualitative using library and field methods. Research findings indicate: First, the impact of divorce, which has many negative effects on children's psychological development, can affect all aspects of children's psychological development, starting from intellectual aspects, social aspects, language aspects, moral and religious aspects. Therefore, it can be minimized with various efforts from both parties who have divorced. Starting from strengthening children's spirituality, both before and after divorce. This can make children have strong personalities, understand Islamic law and be able to control themselves according to the provisions of the law. Second, communicate well with children, chat, discuss and help solve the problems the children are facing. Third, pay attention to the living environment in which the child lives after divorce, whether at the father's or mother's house, at his grandmother's house, at school and in his play environment. By giving them attention and opportunities to interact well, express their opinions and take part in various daily activities.
PROBLEMATIKA SURAT KEPUTUSAN MENTERI LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DAN KEHUTANAN TENTANG STATUS HUTAN DI ATAS TANAH BERSERTIFIKAT HAK MILIK
Authors: Ince Aldy Mierald Istiawan
Published: January 2025

The problem of the executorial power in the Judicial Review Decision Number 78PK/TUN/2019 is that the execution process was not carried out in the revocation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry's Decree in the Sekaroh Forest area on land owned by the applicant. The issue discussed is the executorial power of the Supreme Court's decision in forcing the parties to carry out the decision's order. This research is normative legal research with a case approach that examines Supreme Court Judicial Review decisions which have permanent legal force and a statutory approach.. As a result of the discussion and research carried out, it can be concluded that the PTUN decision in the Supreme Court decision case Number 78 PK/TUN/2019 has not yet been implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as the losing party in the decision, so that the applicant for judicial review feels disadvantaged.
PENGARUH KURIKULUM MERDEKA PADA MATA PELAJARAN PAI TERHADAP AKHALAK SISWA DI SMP PGRI KASIHA BANTUL
Authors: Siti Fatimah
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of the independent curriculum in the Islamic Education (PAI) subject on students' morals at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul. There are three main issues investigated in this research. First, how the independent curriculum is implemented in the PAI subject at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul. Second, how the students' morals are at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul. Third, to what extent the independent curriculum in the PAI subject influences the students' morals at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul. The population of this study comprises 158 students from grades VII and VIII at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul. Considering the population exceeds 100, the researcher used random sampling with the Slovin formula, resulting in a sample of 61 students. The data collection techniques used are interviews, observations, questionnaires, and documentation. Data collection took place from January 29 to 30, 2024. The data analysis techniques used are descriptive analysis, prerequisite tests, and hypothesis testing. The results of this study indicate that the independent curriculum in the PAI subject at SMP PGRI Kasihan Bantul falls into the moderate category, and the students' morals are also in the moderate category. The influence of the independent curriculum in the PAI subject on students' morals is 27.5%, while 72.5% of moral development is influenced by other factors not examined in this study
Pengaruh Metode Mind Mapping Terhadap Hasil belajar SiswaPada Mata Pelajaran Fiqih di MTS Attaqwa 19 Kel. Kebalen, Kec. Babelan, Kab. Bekasi
Authors: Intan Lestari  , Bahri Saiful
Published: January 2025

Pendidikan adalah suatu hal yang penting bagi kehidupan nyata. Pendidikan diharapkan dapat membentuk sosok manusia yang berpendidikan dan beradab dalam kehidupannya. Selain itu, pendidikan merupakan upaya sadar dan terencana dalam proses pembimbingan dan pembelajaran bagi individu agar tumbuh berkembang menjadi manusia yang mandiri, bertanggung jawab, kreatif, berilmu, sehat, dan berakhlak mulia.
              Mind mapping merupakan metode yang dapat digunakan untuk mengembangkan kreatifitas belajar siswa. Metode pembelajaran mind mapping dirancang untuk mengembangkan siswa dengan kreatif menyusun ide-ide pokok dari sebuah konsep peta pikiran yang mudah dipahami oleh siswa. Peta pikiran tersebut dapat meringkas informasi yang panjang menjadi diagram yang warna-warni, sangat teratur, dan mudah diingat yang bekerja selaras dengan cara kerja alami otak dalam melakukan berbagai hal. Otomatis kerjanya pun sesuai dengan kealamian cara berpikir manusia.     
Penelitian ini dilakukan di MTs Attaqwa 19 Kel. Kebalen Kec. Babelan Kab.  Bekasi yang dilaksanakan pada  bulan Januari sampai bulan April 2023. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, PTK, dan dokumentasi. Populasi sebesar 100 siswa, sampel yang diambil menggunakan rumus Slovin margin error (5%), maka di dapat sampel sebesar 80 siswa dibagi menjadi dua kelas, kelas eskperimen dan kelas kontrol, masing-masing berjumlah 40 siswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui teknik Pre-test dan Post-test pada kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol.Validitas dan reliabilitas dan dianalisis melalui uji korelasi Product Moment (rxy), melalui uji t (taraf signifikan) dan melalui gain score.   
Berdasarkan hasil uji t didapati thitung   sebesar 7,19 sedangkan ttabel    2.021 thitung   lebih besar dari ttabel   dengan DF (degree of freedom) 38. Dengan demikian Hipotesis Nol (Ho) ditolak dan Hipotesi Alternatif (Ha) diterima  maka terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara variabel X (Pengaruh Metode Mind Mapping) dengan variabel Y (Terhadap Hasil Belajar Fiqih). Berdasarkan uji KD  menyatakan bahwa metode Mind Mapping memberi pengaruh yang signifikan sebesar 57,76% dan 42,24% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain dan gain score sebesar 8,7. 
Berdasarkan penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang  signifikan antara variabel X (Metode Mind Mapping) terhadap variabel Y (Hasil Belajar Fiqih).
Kualitas Guru
Authors: NAM Nurul Amin
Published: January 2025

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kompetensi guru yang ideal untuk menghadapi generasi alpha di era society 5.0. Generasi alpha adalah generasi yang lahir mulai tahun 2011 hingga sekarang, yaitu mereka yang duduk di kelas 1 sampai dengan kelas 6 sekolah dasar atau madrasah ibtidaiyah. Mereka lahir, hidup, dan berdampingan dengan teknologi. Hal itu sezaman dengan era society 5.0 yang menjadikan teknologi sebagai sesuatu yang memudahkan aktivitas manusia. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode studi pustaka atau library research. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara mengumpulkan beberapa referensi, baik berupa buku, artikel, dokumen, dan lain-lain yang berkaitan dengan fokus penelitian. Hasil penelitian ini adalah bahwa guru ideal adalah guru yang kompeten di bidangnya. Untuk menjadi guru ideal, guru dapat mengikuti aturan yang dibuat oleh pemerintah. Pada Undang-Undang Nomor 14 Tahun 2005, tentang Guru dan Dosen, pada Pasal 10 Ayat 1 disebutkan bahwa kompetensi guru sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 8 meliputi kompetensi pedagogik, kompetensi kepribadian, kompetensi sosial, dan kompetensi profesional yang diperoleh melalui pendidikan profesi. Untuk menghadapi siswa generasi alpha yang hidup di era society 5.0, guru juga harus menguasai alat teknologi beserta perangkatnya dan dapat menggunakannya untuk kepentingan pendidikan dan pengajaran.
Learning Methods for Islamic Religious Education in the Merdeka Curriculum
Authors: Maulisa Maulisa , Sri Rahmawati Eka , Zainuri Habib
Published: January 2025

Islamic Religious Education plays an essential role in shaping the character and morals of students in Indonesia, especially in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. The primary purpose of Islamic Religious Education is to guide students to understand and practice Islamic teachings as a guide to life. With a more interactive and flexible learning approach, the Merdeka Curriculum allows educators to develop methods relevant to the diversity of student's potential and needs. This research examines various effective learning methods in Islamic Religious Education, such as discussion, project-based learning, contextual, storytelling, and demonstration. Hopefully, these methods can increase students' motivation and understanding of Islamic teachings and create an engaging and applicable learning atmosphere. In addition, professional training for teachers is needed to ensure effective curriculum implementation. Thus, this research aims to explore best practices in Islamic Religious Education and provide valuable recommendations to improve the quality of learning so that students become knowledgeable and have good character and morals as the nation's next generation.
Strengthening the Value of Moderation as a Solution to Resolving Religious Conflicts that Occur in Indonesia
Authors: Qoffal Sholahuddin , Firmansyah Ryan , Maimun Maimun
Published: January 2025

This article examines the facts of the conflict and the resolution found in resolving the conflict according to the Government of Indonesia, Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 58 of 2023 concerning Strengthening Religious Moderation. This article aims to be able to implement moderation by the concept of moderation in order to resolve the facts of conflict. This research uses a library study method, namely collecting data from trusted sources such as books, academic journals, articles and relevant documents. The results of the research show that religious conflicts that occur in Indonesia tend to be caused by inappropriate application of moderation, so a solution by strengthening the value of moderation will be very helpful in resolving these conflicts, as are the characteristics of moderation, namely tawassuth, tawazun, I'tidal, tasamuh, mosawa, syura, and ishlah. It is important to apply these seven principles correctly according to the concepts that have been explained.
The Growing Vulnerability of Workers, Reflections at the First Hungarian Platform Case
Authors: Solymosi-Szekeres Bernadett , Prugberger Tamás
Published: January 2025

In the frst part of the paper, the authors analyse a case involving an electronic platform intermediary in a food delivery - delivery service case, in which the Supreme Court ruled that the deliverer was a contractor/agent and not an employee, as the board qualifed it. However, the authors argue that the position of the Court of Appeal could also be accepted, which would allow for a classifcation as dependent self-employment arising from a formal self-employment. The second part of the paper analyses the contractual framework of traditional employment relationships, pointing out the increasing vulnerability of the related processes. The blurring of both platform work and traditional employment leads the authors to the conclusion that labour law instruments must be provided to protect the vulnerable worker.
Validity Decision Letter Against Dismissal of State Civil Apparatus In Indonesia
Authors: Herman Riyad Atmaja , Razak Abdul , Ilyas Anshori
Published: January 2025

This article examines the implications of the Joint Decree on Disrespectful Dismissal of the State Civil Apparatus, focusing on the dismissal of individuals who have completed their criminal sentences based on court decisions with permanent legal force (inkracht van gewijsde). Employing a Normative-Empirical research approach, the study was conducted in Palopo City, South Sulawesi Province, specifically at the Office of the Personnel and Human Resources Development Agency.The research identifies two key issues. Firstly, the Joint Decision Letter (Number 182/659/SJ, Number 15/2018, Number 153/Kep/2018) lacks specificity regarding sanctions against civil servants convicted of criminal offenses. This oversight poses a risk of maladministration actions, as it fails to address the potential consequences for non-compliance with the decree. Secondly, the article contends that the central government should not solely focus on dismissing civil servants convicted of corruption but also hold Personnel Supervisory Officials accountable for failing to enforce dismissals. This accountability serves as a crucial deterrent, discouraging selective application of sanctions and abuse of authority. The study underscores the importance of effective supervision and advocates for disciplinary training to instigate positive behavioral changes among employees, fostering a culture of adherence to legal mandates
The Application of Indonesian Environmental Administrative Law with Regard to Criminal Considerations
Authors: Tuti Handayani  , Rukmono Indra , Lie Epifani R. Gunadi  , Elmi Sasmitaningtyas  , Abd. Rohman
Published: January 2025

In addition to examining the evolution of democracy under the rule of law from the standpoint of environmental law enforcement in Indonesia, the purpose of this study is to identify the elements of environmental management law enforcement in Indonesia and the administrative penalties associated with environmental law enforcement. The research methodology in this study takes a legal perspective. Descriptive-analytic research methodology is employed. Since Indonesia is a state of law, including environmental law enforcement, descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach was employed as the data analysis method in this study. Administrative penalties are one way that environmental laws are enforced.
Legal penalties known as administrative sanctions are those that authorities of the government can apply without first bringing charges against people or organizations that break environmental administrative legislation. The primary purpose of administrative sanctions is to serve as a tool for controlling illegal activity. According to the organic state theory, the state has controlled the application of administrative sanctions in order to control every action and/or enterprise in the environmental sector, as seen from the standpoint of environmental management legislation enforcement in Indonesia. Prevent negative effects on the environment, such as pollution and/or environmental harm. Legal penalties known as administrative sanctions are those that authorities of the government can apply without first bringing charges against people or organizations that break environmental administrative legislation. The primary purpose of administrative sanctions is to serve as a tool for controlling illegal activity. According to the organic state theory, the state has controlled the application of administrative sanctions in order to control every action and/or enterprise in the environmental sector, as seen from the standpoint of environmental management legislation enforcement in Indonesia. Prevent negative effects on the environment, such as pollution and/or environmental harm.
Ocular Symptoms Experienced by People With Covid-19 Infection
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Hassan Najam ul , Noman Fazal
Published: January 2025

Aim: To study the ocular symptoms experienced by people with COVID-19 infection
Study design:  It was a cross sectional descriptive study.
Duration and setting of study: The study was conducted online at Peshawar over a period of 4 months from 1st September to 31st December 2020.
 Methods:  In order to investigate the different types and frequency of distinct ocular symptoms in individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, a standard online questionnaire was adapted from a published article. The questionnaire includes both the ocular and systemic symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The online questionnaire was shared with participants who were diagnosed with COVID-19 through various social media groups and sites.
Results: In this study, we evaluated 186 eyes of 93 patients who had a positive COVID-19 test during a period of 4 months. In our study the age range was 30 to 50 years. Male were 60 (64.5%) and female were 33 (35.5%). More than 90% of the patients had more than one systemic symptoms of COVID-19. The ocular symptoms were present in 52 eyes of 26 patients which was 27.95 % of total COVID-19 patients.
The most prevalent symptom was red eye which was 28.85%, followed by photophobia and itchy eyes which were 17.3% each. Foreign body sensation occurred in 13.5% eyes.
Conclusion: It was concluded that various ocular symptoms are associated with COVID -19 infections.
Effect of Dengue Fever on Visual Functions
Authors: Ullah Asad
Published: January 2025

Aims: To determine the frequency of defective visual functions in patients with dengue fever and to determine the association of age and duration of dengue fever with the visual functions.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Duration and Settings of Study: Six months (from September  2017 to February 2018) at department of medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
Methods: Using non-probability sampling technique, two hundred and eighteen eyes of 109 patients, admitted in hospital due to dengue fever, were included in this study. Visual functions of the patients with dengue fever were recorded. LogMAR chart for visual acuity, confrontation test for visual fields, Amsler Grid for central field, Pelli-Robson Chart for contrast sensitivity and Farnsworth D-15 Test for color vision were used. Descriptive statistics were calculated and association among the variables were analyzed through chi-square test.
Results: Out of total 109 patients, 69 (63.3%) were male. The mean age was 31.27 ± 12.18 years. Mean visual acuity of the study participants was 0.23 ± 0.25 LogMAR units. Visual field defects were found in 25 (11.47%) and Amsler Grid central field defects were detected in 36 (16.51%) eyes, while 101 (46.33%) had contrast sensitivity of 1.05-1.65 log units. Regarding color vision, 40 (18.34%) eyes had Tritan defects while 24 (11.01%) had no pattern. There was a significant association found between age and impaired visual acuity (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Majority had impaired contrast sensitivity and almost half of the subjects had impaired visual acuity, visual fields and color vision.
Awareness of Inclusive Eye Health among Eye Care Professionals
Authors: Fatima Seerat , Ikram Sara , Ahmad Imran , Rashid Amarah , Aslam Breera
Published: January 2025

Aims:

To determine how Eye Care Professionals (ECP) perceive the needs of people with various forms of disability or vulnerability.
To highlight the modifications required to remove the barriers and make eye health facilities attainable to all members of society including people with disability (PWD), and marginalized groups.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Duration and Settings of Study: Study duration was three months (September-December 2021) and was conducted at College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo hospital, Lahore.
Methods: This study was conducted using self-designed questionnaire to evaluate the awareness level of Inclusive Eye Health (IEH) among Eye Care Professionals (ECPS) in Lahore. Questionnaire was pre tested on 10 participants and then necessary changes were made. After descriptive analysis, distribution of responses among different categories of participants was assessed.
Results: Out of total 95 participants, 60 (63.16%) were females. Most of the subjects had adequate level of awareness and knowledge regarding disability etiquettes and their application. But still lack of understanding in few arenas, like sign language, attitudinal barriers, and accessibility exist. There were lack of workshops and training programs on Inclusion and Disability to remove the barriers and to ensure Universal Health Coverage.
Conclusions: Eye Care Professionals had fair level of awareness and knowledge regarding Inclusive Eye Health and Disability. There is still a need of organizing sessions/seminars for ECPs regarding awareness of inclusion, accessibility, and conducting accessibility audit to make hospitals/clinics accessible.
Presentation Patterns and Complications of Vernal-Keratoconjuntivitis
Authors: Orakzai Mandana Haroon , Khan Karimullah , Rasheed Mustafa , Khan Muhammad Daud
Published: January 2025

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the pattern and complications of vernal-keratoconjunctivitis.
Study design: This is a retrospective observational study.
Duration and setting of study: This study was done on patients presenting to a private ophthalmologist's clinic in Peshawar over a period of fifteen months from July 2017 to October 2018.
Methods: Patient consent was not required. During the research, the principles of Helsinki declaration were strictly adhered to.
Results: In this study we evaluated 1180 patients suffering from vernal- keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). The majority of patients with VKC were male (75%). Out of 1180 patients, 378 (32.04%) had severe VKC. The most common complication was keratoconus (n=311, 26.35%). 4% patients had corrected visual acuity of less than 6/60 in their one or both eyes and four patients (0.34%) were blind with absolutely no perception of light. Sixty six patients (5.59%) had developed steroid induced glaucoma and forty two patients (3.55%) had steroid induced cataract. Theocular findings patients with severe VKC that led to blindness or severe visual impairment were keratoconus, corneal ulcers, corneal plaques and scars, steroid-induced cataracts and steroid-induced glaucoma.
Conclusions: Vernal - keratoconjunctivitis can lead to vision loss and therefore need proper management. Use of steroids in VKC can lead to steroid induced glaucoma and catraract and should be used with caution.
Causes Of Unilateral Blindness
Authors: Tahir Nangiyal Ahmad , Ghufran Saima
Published: January 2025

Aim: To enlist the frequency of diseases that causes unilateral blindness (reversible & irreversible both).
Study Design: Cross Sectional study
Duration and setting of study: This study was done at OPD Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) Peshawar, from 1st March, to 30th June, 2019.
Methods: In this study all patients presenting with unilateral blindness to eye outpatient department, Hayatabad Medical Complex were included. Blindness was defined as presenting visual acuity of less than 3/60 in any one eye. After taking consent, the data was collected through Pre-designed questionnaire.
Results: A total 185 participants were included in this study. Male were 57.3% and 42.7% were female. Mean age of participants was 45 years. Cataract was most common cause and was found in 33.5% patients. However, 16.8% were diagnosed with retinal detachment (RD), 9.7% was having corneal opacity and glaucoma was diagnosed in8.1% patients. Trauma was found in 7.0% of unilateral blindness, followed by diabetic retinopathy (DR) 6.5%, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) 2.7%, phthisis 1.6%, optic neuropathy (1.6%) and age related macular degeneration (ARMD) 1.1%. Other pathologies were 11.4% cases.
Conclusion: The most common cause found in our study was cataract followed by retinal detachment, corneal opacity, glaucoma, trauma, diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, phthisis, optic neuropathy, ARMD in descending order.
Contrast Sensitivity in people with Dry Eye Disease at Tertiary Eye Care Hospital
Authors: Komal Yaseen  , Hikmat Ullah Afridi  , Sami Uddin
Published: January 2025

Aim: To determine the effect of dry eye disease on contrast sensitivity and correlate contrast sensitivity with severity of dry eye disease.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Duration and Setting of the Study: This study was conducted from August-2019 to January-2020 in the Department of Ophthalmology Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
Methods: Patients with visual complaints of dry eyes were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. All patients underwent evaluations for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Schirmer's test was used to assess the dry eyes. A dry eye measurement of less than 15 mm was considered to be indicative of Dry Eye Disease (DED). After the Schirmer's test contrast sensitivity were measured using a Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart. A Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was used to ask about dry eye symptoms. Subjects scoring>5 are considered to be symptomatic.
Results: Forty-three participants (86 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 35 (SD+14.22) years with 60% of them were male. The mean log contrast sensitivity was 1.67+ 0.16. Contrast sensitivity was found more reduced in eyes with mild DED as compared to the other grades. Mean contrast for mild DED was 1.66+0.17 P=0.95(>0.05). Mean log contrast sensitivity in asymptomatic subjects (n=09) was 1.70+ 0.18 and in symptomatic subjects (n=34) it was 1.67+ 0.16. (P. value=0.009).
Conclusion: Contrast sensitivity was reduced in people with dry eyes. However there was no statistically significant relation of contrast sensitivity with severity of dryness. A statistically significant relation was seen between reduced contrast sensitivity and symptomatic dry eyes.
Effects of Smart Phone Overuse on Eye and Behavior
Authors: Ghazala Shahnawaz  , Ansa Benazir  , Nazli Gul
Published: January 2025

Aim: To determine the frequency of ocular health issues, such as, digital eye strain, dry eyes, blurring of vision, and behavioral issues among individuals who report excessive smartphone use.
Study design: Cross-sectional study.
Duration and Settings of the study: Department of Ophthalmology of Medical Teaching Institution Khyber Teaching Hospital (MTI-KTH) from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023.
Methods: A total of  275 participants were enrolled using a convenience sampling technique. Participants underwent assessments related to eye health and behavioral impacts associated with smartphone overuse. Eye health effects included ocular symptoms such as eye strain assessed through self-report, dryness or watering of eyes blurring of vision, sudden blackouts, twitching of eyelids, headaches. Behavior issues included self-blame for overusing smartphone, irritability, strain, concentration issues and psychological dependency and screen time. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.
Results: Out of 275 patients 58.45% were children. The mean age of the participants was 12 ±1.5 years, Male children 32.7% appeared to be more affected by harmful eye complaints and behavioral issues than their female counterparts 25.4%. In adult patients there was evidence of mobile phone over use and addiction‑like behavior higher in female 23.63% than male 18.18 %. In this study there was no statistically significant association between smart phone overuse (SMO) and blurring (p = 0.674) or decrease in vision (p = 0.212) on contrast there was statistically significant (p < 0.005) association between SMO and anxiety and depression.
Conclusion: Smart phone overuse poses a significant challenge to eye health and behavior among Eye OPD patients. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding and intervention strategies to address this growing issue in Pakistani society.
Comparing the Practice Patterns of Pakistani Optometrists with Evidence-Based Guidelines for Correction of Refractive Errors in Children
Authors: Iman Fatima  , Beenish Latif  , Muhammad Shaheer  , Muhammad Moin  , Asima Rafique
Published: January 2025

Aim: To evaluate the trends  regarding the management of pediatric refractive errors by optometrists in Pakistan.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Duration and settings of the study: This study was conducted from September 2023 to December 2023 using an online survey among Pakistani optometrists.
Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted on 94 optometrists. Sample size of 94 was calculated using the values of percentage of clinical skills of optometrists (0.43) with a confidence interval of 95%. A questionnaire was taken from international research to collect data. Online google forms were distributed among optometrists in different regions of Pakistan. The data was then analyzed and Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare responses with province of practice, years of experience or percentage of pediatric patients dealt with. The study was approved for ethical consideration by the Ethical Review Board of College of Ophthalmology. Non probability convenient sampling technique was taken.
Results: Inconsistency was found between practice patterns of optometrists and evidence-based guidelines. The areas of the highest discordance were pseudo myopia, astigmatic correction and prescribing for school-age asymptomatic patients. There was no statistically significant association of frequency of correct responses to pediatric clientele percentage and province of practice (p>0.05). The number of correct responses increased with the years of experience (p<0.05)
Conclusion: The survey reveals there were variations in prescribing patterns, there were no significant differences based on practice province or pediatric clientele. However, there were areas where clinical expertise may be lacking, such as diagnosing and managing conditions like accommodative spasm and anisometropia.
Visual Outcome of Small Incision Cataract Surgery
Authors: Sudha Ranabhat  , Simanta Khadka  , Puspa Giri
Published: January 2025

Aim: To determine the visual outcome of the patients who underwent manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS).
Study design: Prospective, observational study.
Duration and Settings of the study:  From December 2021 to April 2022 at Kawasoti Eye Hospital, Nepal.
Methods: This study included 255 eyes of 255 patients with age-related cataracts who underwent MSICS with intraocular lens implantation (IOL). All the consecutive patients who were 40 years of age and above, and presented for cataract surgery from the outreach camp service, were included in the study.
The exclusion criteria consisted of age less than 40 years, those who underwent phacoemulsification, traumatic cataracts, and subluxated lenses, patients wanting cataract surgery for cosmetic reasons, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. While ocular comorbidities were not excluded from the study.  Informed written consent was obtained from all patients before their enrollment in this study.
Pre-operative evaluation included a comprehensive eye examination which was performed on all the patients referred from the outreach camp for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery was then performed on all the patients and visual outcome was assessed. The vision was recorded on Snellen’s chart as well as converted to a Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (Log MAR).  Data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 16.
Results: In this study, 255 eyes of 255 patients were evaluated with a mean age of 69.64 years. Male patients were 131(51.4%) and female patients were 124(48.6%). Visual acuity significantly improved in postoperative examinations performed on the first day, first week, and fifth week as compared to preoperative visual acuity (p=0.009).
Conclusion: Visual outcome monitoring after the cataract surgery especially in the outreach camp is required to be performed to increase the congruity of the community toward such welfare programs.
Role of Optometry and Optometrists in Promoting the Art, Science and Practice of Ophthalmology
Authors: Muhammad Daud Khan
Published: January 2025

In the year 2019 world report on Global Visions, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the following bitter truths.1

Out of the enormous number of 2.2 billion people with vision impairment globally, vision impairment in one billion could have been prevented.
The disease is unequally distributed. It is much more common in low- and middle-income countries and in rural and elderly populations.
We are going to witness increase in demand for global eye care because of the rapid increase in population, ageing and the rapidly changing lifestyle.

To meet this challenge, WHO recommended with “Integrated people centered eye care, embedded in health systems and based on strong primary health”.2
Assessment of Phoria Associated with Myopia in Students and Staff before and after Refractive Correction
Authors: Saima Ghufran  , Kashif Assa  , Noreen Mehboob  , Abdul Basit  , Altaf Hussain  , Kashmala Abbasi  , Arooba Manahil
Published: January 2025

Aim: To assess the phoria associated with myopia before and after refractive correction.
Study Design: It was a cross sectional study.
Duration and Setting of the Study: The study was conducted from March 2023 till August 2023 at ISRA University Islamabad campus.
Methods: University students and staff members with myopia ages 18 and above, were included using a non-probabilitysampling technique. Verbal consent from the study population was obtained, and ethical consideration was obtained from the ethical committee of the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS) at ISRA University Islamabad. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire (Performa) with the use of cover test Maddox Rod and Maddox Wing test. Study data was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 20.
Results: Total subjects were 100 in which 54 were female. Before correction, the mean value for total phoria came out to be 1.96 ± 0.84 Prism Diopter and after correction, (the mean value was 1.65 ±0.91 Prism Diopter). Significant differences P<0.01 were seen before and after correction. The study showed that without refractive correction, 52% of participants had exophoria, 30% had orthophoria, 14% had esophoria, 02% had hyperphoria, and 2% had hypophoria. While after myopia refractive correction 61% of subjects had orthophoria, 24% had exophoria, 11% had esophoria, 3% had hyperphoria, and 01% had hypophoria.
Conclusion:The study highlight the significance of refractive correction, especially in treating exophoria, as treatment resulted in a notable shift towards orthophoria. When doing evaluations, optometrists and other eye care specialists should take the prevalence of various ocular disorders into account and adjust refractive corrections accordingly.
Eye Care in Central Africa
Authors: Adrian Hopkins
Published: January 2025

Approximately 26.3 million people across the World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO AFRO) have some degree of visual impairment of whom 20.4 million have low vision and 5.9 million are considered blind.  80% of this blindness is preventable or treatable.  Major causes include cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, glaucoma and other emerging causes such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.  Added to this the neglected tropical diseases having an effect on vision, (onchocerciasis, trachoma and leprosy) are prevalent in many African countries.1
Media Pluralism and Competition in the Media Sector: The Italian Experience
Authors:   Bocconi University, Caforio Valeria
Published: January 2025

In economic sectors where constitutional principles come to the fore, legislators must reconcile individual rights and freedoms with market principles, such as the arm’s length principle, and economic freedoms, particularly the freedom to conduct business. This balance is particularly significant in the media sector, where the principle of media pluralism is paramount. Media pluralism, as acknowledged by the Italian Constitutional Court in 1988, encompasses two dimensions: internal pluralism, which secures citizens’ access to diverse, objective, and impartial information (individual freedoms); and external pluralism, which prevents the concentration of resources among a limited group of economic actors (economic freedoms). Against this backdrop, this paper explores the following research questions: What regulatory measures best ensure media pluralism? Should the focus be on internal pluralism, external pluralism, or a combination of both? To address these questions, the paper critiques Italy’s regulatory framework for fostering media pluralism, which has historically emphasized external pluralism. This approach, grounded in antitrust law, leads to considerable ambiguities and jurisdictional conflicts among national regulatory authorities. More broadly, the paper examines the effectiveness of an “anti-concentration” regulatory regime in promoting media pluralism, an issue that extends beyond simple economic considerations.
The DSA’s Crisis Response Mechanism and the Indispensability of Social Media Networks
Authors:   Utrecht University, Balasingham Baskaran , Minichová Sofia ,   Utrecht University
Published: January 2025

Social media networks have become predominant sources of free and open access information. However, they generally fall outside the scope of media regulation, leaving information on those platforms largely unregulated. While social media is a catalyst for disinformation and propaganda, it also allows for fast and widespread dissemination of reliable information. A crisis response mechanism (CRM) was added to the Digital Services Act which gives the European Commission the power to require providers of very large online platforms to assess the contribution of their services to a serious threat to public security or public health and apply effective countermeasures. Although the CRM interferes with a social media network’s right to conduct business it is necessary to safeguard individuals’ right to reliable information which is essential to democracy.
Speaking Power to the People: Serbian and Brazilian Media Systems in Populist Times
Authors:   University of Edinburgh, Ribeiro Ferreira Ricardo , Mesarovich Alexander ,   University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Published: January 2025

A decline in journalistic standards and increased media control, are well recognized hallmarks of increased autocratisation and democratic backsliding. This paper investigates the impact of populism on the media landscape in two different countries, Brazil and Serbia. It argues that despite the radical differences in structural factors (wealth, relationship with the EU, history of democracy, political system, etc.), these countries have witnessed a similar decline in media quality, as well as a decline in the quality of democracy. Using the Serbian case as a ‘standard’ case of populist control and drawing on interviews with Brazilian journalists as a ‘surprising’ case, this paper argues that populist aspiring autocrats will use both ‘hard’ mechanisms of legal control, as well as ‘softer’ methods of ‘anticipatory steering’ to control private media. Overall, this highlights the relevance of research into the structures of media systems themselves in understanding such outcomes.