bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silvio Ceccato and the Scuola Operativa Italiana: is it an innovative and radical constructivism?
Authors: Pavanello Sara , Tortorelli Giulia
Published: January 2025

The following article describes the principal topics that were debated during a workshop in Padua, that was held by Gianclaudio Lopez and Gastone Zotto on 29 may 2014. The relators presented Silvio Ceccato’s perspective and discussed the relations between his innovative ideas and Constructivism.
RELIGION AS A DIPLOMATIC TOOL IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: A MULTIFACETED INFLUENCE
Authors:   UG Student 1st Year, BA(Hons.) Political Science, Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), Delhi University, India, Nagarjun Kumar
Published: January 2025

Religion, as conventionally attached to the private sphere, lately plays an instrumental role in international relations. This means that, while the world becomes more global, religion serves as an instrument for a country to extend its influence, build alliances, and contribute towards the cause of peace. This paper will look at how, within the cultural, spiritual, and moral restraints of statecraft, religion functions as a tool of diplomacy to strengthen international relations. It examines the dual roles that religion plays in diplomacy as a force of coherence and division. Thus, it can mediate solutions to conflict through encouraging interfaith dialogue that then aids peace-building processes. A notable example is the G20 Interfaith Forum, where leaders from G20 nations tackle global challenges like human rights and environmental protection. At times, strategic religious narratives might also trigger ideological divisions or conflicts. This paper captures some of these instances with clear case studies, more so by India, one of the proponents of religious diplomacy. The rise of the Hindu Right has seen religion being weaved into India's foreign policy as well, appending the objective of projection of a coherent national identity and upsurge in the soft power of the country on the global front. The potential for religion to serve as a diplomatic tool is huge, but when applied it should be handled with much caution in order not to exacerbate global tensions. To conclude, the strategic use of religion presents both opportunities and challenges to diplomacy, therefore shaping international relations crucially.
Perceptions of Oral Corrective Feedback. A Comparative Study of Beginner vs. Intermediate EFL Undergraduate Students
Authors: Ferreiro-Santamaría Graciela
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the preferences of college English as a Foreign Language learners regarding oral corrective feedback (OCF), an important component of language acquisition. The research followed a cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach. The study aimed to determine the overall perception of   B1 level students about OCF, the types of errors they considered worthy of correction, and their preferences for types of oral correction.  Findings were compared to the results of a previous study conducted by the researcher in 2023 with A1 learners. Data revealed that intermediate-level students, similar to beginners, have a very positive perception of the importance of OCF in language development. Further, the learners appreciated correcting all types of errors, with a higher emphasis on pronunciation-related ones.  In both cohorts, the preferred type was explicit correction, while the least liked were indirect methods. These findings provide valuable insights for instructors and researchers in the field.
Analisis Strategi Penerapan Social Media Marketing pada UMKM Tahu Tek 76 Lamongan di Kota Batam
Authors: Ng Selina , Hasan Golan
Published: January 2025

Dalam kegiatan proyek kerja praktek ini, fokus utamanya adalah untuk membantu mengembangkan, merancang, dan menerapkan strategi pemasaran berbasis media sosial guna meningkatkan visibilitas usaha dan daya tarik konsumen. UMKM Tahu Tek 76 Lamongan, yang merupakan usaha mikro berskala kecil di bidang kuliner yang berlokasi di Kota Batam, telah menunjukkan tingkat keramaian yang stabil. Namun, pengelolaan media sosial yang lebih terstruktur dapat memberikan dampak positif terhadap interaksi pelanggan dan efisiensi operasional. Pengabdian yang dilakukan melibatkan pembuatan logo usaha yang representatif, produksi konten promosi yang menarik, penggunaan iklan berbayar, serta pengelolaan akun media sosial di berbagai platform seperti Instagram, Facebook, dan TikTok. Selain itu, dilakukan pelatihan kepada pemilik usaha mengenai pengelolaan media sosial secara mandiri untuk keberlanjutan strategi ini. Hasil implementasi menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam jangkauan audiens, keterlibatan pengguna, dan pengenalan merek. Berdasarkan hasil ini, strategi pemasaran digital tidak hanya efektif dalam meningkatkan visibilitas UMKM Tahu Tek 76 Lamongan tetapi juga memberikan landasan untuk pengelolaan usaha yang lebih modern dan terintegrasi di era digital.
Pembiasaan Sholat Dhuha untuk Pembentukan Karakter dan Disiplin Siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Khoirul Huda Depok dengan Metode Participatory Action Research (PAR)
Authors: Intyaswati Drina , Tia Saputra Windhi , Maryam Siti , Setiadarma Aan
Published: January 2025

Sekolah merupakan tempat penting untuk membentuk karakter dan disiplin siswa, selain pengembangan aspek kognitif; sementara itu ditemukan kurangnya disiplin dan karakter yang perlu diperkuat di kalangan siswa MI. Pembiasaan sholat dhuha dinyatakan dapat membentuk karakter disiplin siswa, selain menumbuhkan aspek spiritual. Bimbingan pembiasaan sholat Dhuha bagi siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) Khoirul Huda Depok, khususnya kelas tiga, dilakukan pada Oktober 2024. Penggunaan metode Participatory Action Research (PAR)   digunakan dalam kegiatan pelaksanakan salat dhuha bersama, sholat dhuha dilakukan pada saat siswa istirahat pertama, dan dibentuk kelompok kecil pada masing-masing kelas untuk pelaksanaan yang lebih efektif. Dengan kegiatan yang bertujuan meningkatkan disiplin dan pemebentukan karakter melalui kebiasaan sholat Dhuha di kalangan siswa MI, hasil menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar siswa menunjukkan performan yang positif. Sebanyak 87% siswa yang terlibat dalam program ini melaporkan bahwa mereka merasa lebih disiplin dalam menjalani aktivitas sehari-hari, baik di sekolah maupun di rumah. Selain itu, 74% siswa juga merasakan peningkatan dalam konsentrasi belajar setelah melaksanakan sholat Dhuha secara rutin. Kebiasaan sholat Dhuha pada siswa MI perlu dipelihara dan ditingkatkan untuk mempersiapkan generasi muda yang berkarakter dan memiliki nilai-nilai spiritual. Diharapkan para siswa dapat memberikan manfaat bagi sekolah ataupun keluarga.
Internalisasi Pancasila melalui Penayangan Video Edukasi, Workshop Interaktif dan Games sebagai Upaya Moderasi Beragama
Authors: Hasibuan Serepina , Larosa Setiaman , Erlikasna Tarigan Priskila , Noven Susanto Yusak , Martatina Mendrofa Yarni
Published: January 2025

Pendidikan Pancasila wajib direalisasikan di seluruh lingkungan pendidikan khususnya pendidikan dasar. Internalisasi nilai-nilai Pancasila menjadi krusial mengingat masih masifnya intoleransi dan kurangnya pemahaman peserta didik akan ideologi bangsa Indonesia yang semakin terasa asing di sekolah. Karena itu, Tim PkM merancang kegiatan untuk peserta didik SD GMIM Tandurusa sebagai tempat pelaksanaan kegiatan. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberikan penyegaran kembali tentang nilai-nilai Pancasila, profil pelajar Pancasila dan implementasinya dalam kehidupan nyata peserta didik. Metode yang dilakukan adalah melalui penayangan video edukasi, workshop interaktif dan permainan sebagai upaya meningkatkan moderasi beragama. Kegiatan ini menunjukkan bahwa penayangan video edukasi, workshop interaktif dan games merupakan strategi yang efektif untuk internalisasi nilai-nilai Pancasila sebagai upaya meningkatkan moderasi beragama pada peserta didik di tingkat SD. Hasil evaluasi kegiatan ini dibuktikan dengan penyebaran kuisioner dan feedback dari guru-guru. Kegiatan sejenis diharapkan untuk diselenggarakan secara berkelanjutan demi terbentuknya profil pelajar Pancasila yang berdampak positif untuk kemajuan bangsa Indonesia.
Menguasai Keterampilan Abad 21: Pengenalan Problem Solving dan Coding pada Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Anjani Dewi , Retno Ali Puti , Novianti Desi
Published: January 2025

SD 19 pagi Pal Merah masih menerapkan pembelajaran berdasarkan instruksi dari guru, sehingga siswa belum optimal untuk berpikir lebih kritis dalam pemecahan masalah terutama pemecahan masalah dengan menggunakan alat bantu seperti Coding. Faktor utama yang mempengaruhi hal ini adalah kurangya literasi digital baik guru maupun siswa, dan kurangnya pembelajaran tentang pemecahan masalah yang relevan dengan dunia nyata seperti pada bidang industri. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini telah berhasil meningkatkan literasi digital siswa dan mengenalkan kepada siswa cara menggunakan kode untuk mengatasi masalah terkait industri dengan cara yang menarik dan menyenangkan. Penjelasan dan diskusi tentang proses produksi cokelat sebagai contoh masalah industri mengawali sesi ini, yang juga memberikan peserta praktik langsung menggunakan Scratch untuk mengatasi tantangan tersebut. Dengan demikian, dengan menggunakan Scratch, siswa sebagai peserta mampu memahami bagaimana cokelat dibuat dari bahan dasar menjadi produk jadi. Evaluasi yang dilakukan sebelum dan sesudah latihan memberikan bukti akan hal ini. Sebelumnya, hanya 22% siswa yang memahami masalah dalam proses produksi suatu produk; kini, 91% siswa memahaminya. Sementara itu, persentase siswa yang menggunakan teknologi untuk mengatasi masalah meningkat dari 13% di awal menjadi 83%, yang mampu memahami dan menggunakan perangkat teknis seperti Scratch untuk mengatasi kendala dalam proses produksi ini.
Governansi Digital Usaha Penginapan Desa Temajuk Melalui Penggunaan Aplikasi Berbasis Mobile
Authors: Suprihartini Lia , Wahyuarini Tri , Listiyawati Lilis , Elida Sri Syabanita , Wahyuni Riska , Zulkifli Zulkifli , Tandra Rudy
Published: January 2025

Desa Temajuk merupakan sebuah desa yang terletak di Kecamatan Paloh, Kabupaten Sambas. Desa Temajuk belum memiliki sumber daya digital yang memudahkan wisatawan untuk mengakses penginapan yang tersedia. Bahkan transaksi penginapan masih dicatat secara konvensional oleh pelaku usaha penginapan di Desa Temajuk. Ketidaktersediaan sumber daya digital tersebut disinyalir berasal dari keterbatasan atau kurangnya literasi atas pentingnya sebuah governansi digital pada usaha penginapan. Beranjak dari permasalahan tersebut, tim pelaksana Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) Jurusan Administrasi Bisnis (AB) Politeknik Negeri Pontianak (Polnep) mengadakan kegiatan governansi digital usaha penginapan melalui pembagian aplikasi pencatatan transaksi penginapan berbasis mobile dan pelatihan penggunaan aplikasi tersebut. Aplikasi yang diberi nama HostNote memiliki fitur-fitur, yang diantaranya pencatatan data transaksi dan menyimpannya dalam Read Only Memory (ROM) smartphone, mengorganisir kamar dan ketersediaannya agar tidak tumpang tindih, dan merekap data transaksi yang dapat dievaluasi secara bulanan. Berdasarkan hasil kegiatan PKM yang ditinjau berdasarkan luaran, pelaku usaha penginapan menunjukkan kemampuan adaptasi terhadap teknologi berupa kemahiran penggunaan aplikasi dan kesadaran akan manfaat governansi digital. Hal ini turut mengindikasikan pencapaian tujuan inti kegiatan PKM, yaitu peningkatan keterampilan dan pengetahuan pelaku usaha penginapan di Desa Temajuk selaku mitra kegiatan
The FREQEUNCY OF COMMONLY ISOLATED BACTERIAL PATHOGENS AND THEIR ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY IN PATIENTS ADMITTED AT GYNAE C WARD
Authors: Samreen  , Rauf Bushra , Kishwar Nasreen , Mudassir Saman , Afridi Rijah
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of commonly isolated pathogens and their antibiotics sensitivity in patients admitted at Gynae C ward MTI HMC Peshawar.
BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of commonly isolated pathogens, their antibiotics sensitivity and resistance pattern in patients.
Setting: Department of OBS and Gynaecology MTI, HMC, Peshawar
Duration of study: 6 months from April 2022 to September 2022
Study design: Descriptive cross sectional
Materials and Method: In this study a total of 136 samples from wound swabs and blood were collected by non probability consecutive sampling technique using sterile cotton swabs and blood samples were processed for bacterial isolation and susceptibility testing to systemic antimicrobial agents.
RESULTS: In this study total 5 types of bacterial isolates and 2 Candida species were isolated from 136 specimens. The predominant bacteria isolated from specimens were Gram negative Pseudomonas auriginousa (36.76%) followed by S. Aureus (35.29%), E.Coli (13.23%) Coliform species (1.47%), only 4 samples have 2 species isolated from their wounds i.e. Klebsiella species and Candida. Majority of isolates showed sensitivity for Imipenen and Amikacin and resistance to Co–amoxiclave and Ceftriaxone. Most of the isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
CONCLUSION: Most of the isolated pathogens showed high rate of resistance to multiple commonly used antibiotics. Therefore rational use of antibiotics should be practice.
ANAL FISSURES; REGIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, SYMPTOMATIC PRESENTATION, INTERVAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Ali Amjad , Muhammad Idrees , Zafar Iqra Bakhtawar , Qayum Hina , Imdad Ullah  , Nawaz Hamid
Published: January 2025

Objective: Anal fissures epidemiology, proportion of anterior and posterior location, gender based difference in location, risk factors and its association with anal fissure location. Moreover, to quantify quality of life and report average symptomatic presentation interval.
Material and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted in Department of Surgery and Department of OBS&GYN of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KPK. Nonprobability Consecutive sampling of total of 100 patients were sampled. 100 normal individuals from general population were separately sampled with SF-12 for the purpose of comparison of quality of life. IBM SPSS 23 was used as a tool to process data and run different tests.
Results: 55% were male and 45% were female. Age range of was 18-65 with mean age of 32.60 years (SD±11.69). Of total anal fissures patients, 84% had posterior anal fissures and 16% had anterior anal fissures. 38% reported history of constipation, 26% had diarrhea, 18% had history of anal or perianal surgery, and 15% attributed their disease to the vaginal deliveries. The mean symptomatic presentation interval was 19.64 days (SD±16.65). The mean score of SF-12 in patients was 26.16 (SD of 5.22) compared to 39.03 in general population.
Conclusion: Anal fissures commonly occur in posterior midline location equally in both genders and risk factors does not significantly affect the location of the anal fissure. Anal fissures badly affect quality of life and SF-12 may be used as an assessment tool to quantify quality of life in these patients.
INTRAORBITAL FOREIGN BODY
Authors: Jehangir Naz , Sohail Saphra , Khan Zakirullah , Iqbal Sofia
Published: January 2025

An intraorbital foreign body can be easily missed especially if the patients history does not suggest any trauma in the past.The suspicion for an intraorbital foreign body should be high incases of any fall or injury. A thorough exam and a detailed history alongwith a CTs can for foreign body should be considered.
Мониторинг правоприменения в деятельности Конституционного Суда Российской Федерации
Authors: Хабибуллин А.Р.
Published: January 2025

В статье рассматриваются вопросы, аргументирующие необходимость исследования места и роли мониторинга правоприменения в судебной системе, который применительно к итоговым решениям высшего судебного органа конституционного контроля осуществляется федеральным органом исполни- тельной власти, несущего основную функцию по выработке и реализации государственной политики и нормативно-правовому регулированию в сфере юстиции. Автор аргументирует, что Конституционный Суд Российской Федерации, принимая решение по делу, оценивая как буквальный смысл рассматриваемого акта, так и смысл, придаваемый ему официальным и иным толкованием, в том числе в решениях по кон- кретному делу или сложившейся правоприменительной практике, а также исходя из его места в системе правовых актов, также выступает специфическим участником данного вида деятельности

The article discusses issues that justify the need to study the place and role of law enforcement monitoring in the judicial system, which, in relation to the final decisions of the supreme judicial body of constitutional control, is carried out by the federal executive authority, which has the main function of developing and implementing state policy and regulatory regulation in the field of justice. The author proves that the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, making a decision on the case, assessing both the literal meaning of the act in question and the meaning given to it by official and other interpretations, including in decisions on a specific case, or established law enforcement practice, as well as based on its place in the system of legal acts, also acts a specific participant in this type of activity
К вопросу о формах административно-правовой защиты государственных служащих от неправомерного вмешательства в их профессиональную служебную деятельность
Authors: Маршанкулова Р.Е.
Published: January 2025

Административно-правовая защита государственных служащих от неправомерного вмеша- тельства, выступая разновидностью управленческой деятельности, осуществляется в различных формах. Определение форм такой защиты имеет важное значение для определения ее сущности и перспектив совершенствования законодательства в соответствующей сфере. Цель статьи состоит в выявлении перечня форм административно-правовой защиты государственных служащих от неправомерного вмешательства в их профессиональную служебную деятельность, а также в формулировании предложений по внесению изменений в нормативные правовые акты, посвященные ее регламентации. Автор обосновывает необходи- мость законодательного закрепления требований к решению, которое должно быть вынесено по результатам служебного спора, установления перечня таких решений, а также конкретизации положений о процедуре медиации как альтернативной формы рассмотрения служебных споров.

Administrative and legal protection of civil servants from unlawful interference, being a type of management activity, is carried out in various forms. Determining the forms of such protection is important for determining its essence and prospects for improving legislation in the relevant area. The purpose of the article is to identify a list of forms of administrative and legal protection of civil servants from unlawful interference in their professional official activity, as well as to formulate proposals for amending the regulatory legal acts devoted to its regulation. The author substantiates the need for legislative consolidation of requirements for a decision that must be made based on the results of an official dispute, establishing a list of such decisions, as well as specifying the provisions on the mediation procedure as an alternative form of consideration of official disputes.
К вопросу об использовании искусственного интеллекта в борьбе с нелегальным оборотом алкогольной продукции
Authors: Бадретдинов А.И.
Published: January 2025

В настоящем исследовании анализируется текущая ситуация и масштабы нарушений законодательства в сфере незаконной продажи алкоголя лицам, не достигшим совершеннолетия. Выявлены направления совершенствования системы профилактики такого рода противоправного поведения. Рассматриваются возможности применения биометрических технологий в этой области, а также представлен международный опыт использования искусственного интеллекта в розничной торговле алкогольными напитками, включая дистанционные продажи.

This study analyzes the current situation and the extent of violations of the law in the field of illegal sale of alcohol to persons under the age of majority. The directions of improvement of the system of prevention of this kind of illegal behavior are revealed. The possibilities of using biometric technologies in this area are considered, as well as international experience in using artificial intelligence in the retail trade of alcoholic beverages, including remote sales.
Faktor Penyebab dan Faktor Resiko Plasenta Previa
Authors: Pratiwi Nandini Dwi , Putri Nahdiya Surevi , Anggini Sabrina Mareta , Wulandari Selvi
Published: January 2025

Plasenta previa merupakan salah satu komplikasi kehamilan yang terjadi saat plasenta menempel di bagian bawah rahim dan menutupi jalan lahir. Prevalensinya diperkirakan sekitar 0.5% dari seluruh persalinan di Indonesia dan berhubungan dengan risiko kelahiran prematur dan morbiditas serta mortalitas ibu dan janin. Faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi kejadian plasenta previa beragam, antara lain usia ibu, paritas, riwayat operasi caesar, serta faktor lingkungan seperti merokok. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode tinjauan pustaka dengan kata kunci "causal factors", "risk factors", "placenta previa".
State of the Sisters
Authors: Faludi Susan
Published: January 2025

The Revolution in support of women’s rights began in America in the 1960s. But, asks a leading expert and theorist, have those considered being role models in the US lost their way- and are the true fighters for feminine dignity and equality now to be found in the developing world?
Kamalayan ng Babae Bilang Manunulat Tungo sa Mapagpalayang Praktika: Babae sa Kilusan,Panitikan ng Uring Anakpawis at Pagbabagong Panlipunan
Authors:   Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Peña Romeo
Published: January 2025

In this critical essay, I will explore the prospect of “new mass literature” reflected mainly in the creative non-fiction of Lualhati Milan Abreu. On new mass literature, I refer to the thoughts of Gelacio Guillermo that it asserts the right of the people for national sovereignty, unite them on the basis of this right, and cultivate everything that can enhance this unity and national dignity. I will start by outlining the main thoughts about the function of each citizen in the social whole. Then, I will give a short note on who Lualhati Milan Abreu is. After which, I will outline her main thoughts reflected mainly in her Agaw-dilim, Agaw-liwanag. Lastly, I will scrutinize how these thoughts mirror the so called women empowerment, mass literature and societal change through literature.
Image and Text in Ravi Shankar and Vikram Seth's Beastly Tales from Here and There
Authors: Singhal Samarth
Published: January 2025

The paper discusses narrative choices, both visual and textual, made in Seth and Shankar’s Beastly Tales from Here and There (1991). The illustration of the book occupies a unique place in art history and print culture as a juxtaposition of text and image. Shankar’s caricatures which are placed beside Seth’s text are analyzed to make way for an argument that negotiates the impact of the image. The essay argues that the visual may exhort a potent reading of the textual, as opposed to the idea the text is simply accompanied by the visual. At the same time, the pressures and possibilities of dissent and agency in late twentieth century are read into the collaborative work to understand how the nation state post 1947 writes or envisions itself in fiction putatively meant for children which ultimately determines image versus text.
Building Ideological and Political Educational Practices and Civic Engagement of Students in Chongqing, China
Authors: Lei Zujun
Published: January 2025

This study explored the relationship between ideological practices and civic engagement among university students. It assessed profiles, perceptions of ideological practices, and civic engagement levels across dimensions like knowledge, identity, and participation. While practices were generally rated as "Practiced," areas like real-world applications require improvement. Civic engagement was moderate, with strengths in identity and responsibility but gaps in knowledge. Senior students showed lower engagement levels. A modest correlation was found, with innovative teaching and subject integration enhancing skills and identity. The study highlights the need for experiential, interdisciplinary, and senior-focused programs to foster socially responsible, civically engaged graduates.
La sentencia del procés: una aproximación académica
Authors: Queralt Jiménez Joan Josep
Published: January 2025

Se recogen las ponencias que se presentaron en un seminario académico en enero pasado, en la Facultat de Dret de la Universitat de Barcelona. Se ofrece así al mundo universitario y al público interesado y más inquieto unas reflexiones que pueden ser muy útiles para entender, desde el Derecho, qué consecuencias penales y más allá de lo penal presenta el actual momento que se vive en Cataluña -y también en España-, que arranca desde la sentencia de junio de 2010 del Tribunal Constitucional sobre el Estatut de Autonomía de 2006. Con las páginas que siguen se espera poder contribuir a un debate sereno y profundo sobre las implicaciones jurídicas y políticas de una confrontación que no tiene visos de poder ser apagada por los medios que hasta ahora se han venido utilizando. Como ciudadanos que también somos los académicos, nada nos congratularía más, que, al igual que nosotros somos capaces de dialogar sin vergüenza ni reservas, los contendientes políticos fueran igualmente capaces de hacerlo
RADIATION DOSE FROM NATURAL AND MANMADE RADIONUCLIDES IN THE SOIL OF NIAB, FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN
Authors: Akhtar N. , Tufail M. , Choudhry M. A. , Orfi S. D. , Waqas M.
Published: January 2025

Natural Radioactivity originates from extraterrestrial sources as well as from radioactive elements in the earthâ€™s crust. The amount of radioactivity in soil varies widely and is a source of continuous exposure to human beings. Amount of radioactivity in soil depends upon the type of soil and its uses. For the investigation of amount of radioactivity in the fertile soil, an area of about 100 hectares of land was selected in NIAB (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology) at Faisalabad, Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from the cultivated and fertilized land. Activity concentration was measured using a HPGe (high purity germanium) ï§ ray detector and a PC based MCA. Specific activity levels due to 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th were determined in 125 fertilized soil samples collected at a spacing of about 4 hectares at the depth level of 0â€“25 cm with a step of 5 cm depth. Activity concentration of the concerned radionuclides for the NIAB soil is: 40K, 614.4ï€­670.7 Bqkg-1; 137Cs, 2.1ï€­3.1 Bqkg-1; 226Ra, 28.6ï€­32.6 Bqkg-1; and 232Th, 51.6ï€­60.3 Bqkg-1. Chemical analysis for concentration of Na, Ca and Mg was also carried out along with the measurement of electrical conductivity and pH of the soil samples. The absorbed dose in air at NIAB Farm is 75 nGyh-1 which is higher than the world average of 57 nGyh-1 but lies within the range (18-93) nGyh-1.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF PROFESSOR ABDUS SALAM AS MEMBER OF PAEC
Authors: Uddin Riaz
Published: January 2025

The contributions of Prof. Abdus Salam in Physics and for development of Science in Pakistan and developing countries are highlighted. In particular those which he made as a member of PAEC are discussed in some detail.
AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTRES OF THE PAEC: A RESUME
Authors: Naqvi Mujtaba
Published: January 2025

Pakistan recognized the role of nuclear techniques in agricultural and other biological research and started establishing goal-oriented, multi- disciplinary institutions to help agricultural research in the country. A core manpower was trained and centres established in the cities where most of the agricultural research was located; the objective was to supplement the research activity in areas where nuclear techniques would have a clear advantage. The first centre was established at Tandojam, Sindh and others at Faisalabad, Mymensingh, Peshawar and again at Faisalabad. Apart from agricultural research, these centres utilized their facilities and ventured into other areas such as biotechnology and can now take some pride in contributing in the country's economy and in development of human resource and helping develop a science culture in the country. With better management systems, the inputs seem to have been better utilized. That the end users and the government have recognized the contributions of these centres is evident from the number of farmers visiting these institutions for advice and the number of medals awarded to their scientists by the government. These institutes could, perhaps, have done even better yet it seems their positive contributions outweigh their deficiencies. In this piece of writing a brief history of these institutions is given and some information provided about the raison for their programmes and the environment under which the programmes were executed. A few of their salient achievements have also been mentioned.
DETERMINATION OF COBALT(II) WITH 1-NITROSO-2-NAPHTHOL IN MICELLAR MEDIUM BY FIRST DERIVATIVE SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
Authors: Shar G. A. , Soomro G. A.
Published: January 2025

A first derivative spectrophotometeric determination of cobalt(II) is carried out with 1-nitroso-2-naphthol as complexing reagent in aqueous phase using non-ionic surfactant Tween 40. The cobalt is determined in the range 1.7-120 ng mL-1 with detection limit (2Ïƒ) ï€ of 1.7 ng mL-1. The molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity are 1.86 ï‚´ 104 mol-1cm-1 and 3.6 ng cm-2 at 444.5 nm. The optimum pH of the complexation is 5. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of Tween 40 is 5 %. Absorption studies in the first derivative mode is carried out to determine the absorption maximum of the complex for higher sensitivity and to overcome interferences. The present method is compared with that of AAS and no significant difference is noted between the two methods at 95 % confidence level. The method has been applied for the determination of Co(II) in pharmaceutical samples.
TRACE METALS DETERMINATION IN CHICKEN EGGS
Authors: Khalid N. , Rahman S. , Ahmad S. , Ali S.
Published: January 2025

To evaluate the adequacy for essential metals and to get an estimate of toxic metals variation in poultry farm and domestic chicken eggs, concentrations of those trace metals which are problematic with neutron activation analysis i. g., Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb and Cd were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were digested with HNO3 ï€­ HClO4 mixture. Median concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the yolk of poultry farm eggs were found to be 3.6, 101.2, 1.7 and 42.3 ï­g g-1 respectively. As expected the concentrations of these elements were much lower in egg albumen. On the other hand the median concentrations of Pb (0.130 ï­g g-1) and Cd (0.049 ï­g g-1) were higher in egg albumen as compared to egg yolk. Almost similar pattern was observed from the analytical data of domestic chicken eggs. The results obtained were compared with the reported results from the literature. Using the average concentrations, daily intake values of these elements were calculated for poultry farm eggs and were found to be well below the WHO recommended/permissible values for essential and toxic metals.
NETWORK SECURITY: A SURVEY OF MODERN APPROACHES
Authors: Zafar M. F. , Naheed F. , Ahmad Z. , Anwar M. M.
Published: January 2025

Security is an essential element of information technology (IT) infrastructure and applications. Concerns about securityof networks and information systems have been growing alongwith the rapid increase in the number of network usersand the value of their transactions. The hasty security threats have driven the development of security products knownas Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to detect and protect the network, serverand desktop infrastructure ahead of the threat. Authentication and signing techniques are used to prevent integritythreats. Users, devices, and applications should always be authenticated and authorized before they are allowed toaccess networking resources. Though a lot of information is available on the internet about IDS and IPS but it all isspread on so many sites and one has to spend a considerable part of his precious time to search it. In this regard athorough survey has been conducted to facilitate and assist the researchers. The issues and defend challenges infighting with cyber attacks have been discussed. A comparison of the categories of network security technologies hasbeen presented. In this paper an effort has been made to gather the scattered information and present it at one place.This survey will provide best available uptodate advancement in the area. A brief description of open source IPS hasalso been presented.
POWDER PROCESSING AND BINDER REMOVAL STUDIES FOR THE FABRICATION OF DEFECT FREE BORON CARBIDE PELLETS
Authors: Qureshi A. H. , Shahzad K. , Hussain N. , Nawaz M. R. , Musaddiq M. , Ahmed N. , Qazi N. K.
Published: January 2025

Compaction behaviour of boron carbide (B4C) has been studied by pressing the powder at different load with and without the lubrication of powder and die walls. The study was mainly focused on the optimization of powder processing, compaction, binder removal and sintering conditions. The results clearly suggest that the binder removal rate during the sintering caused the formation of cracks and pores. However, these defects have been eliminated by removing the binder before sintering. The endcapping problem of pellets was controlled by lubricating the powder and die walls. B4C pellets with required dimensions were produced using uniaxial die-compaction and pressureless sintering technique.
MEASUREMENT OF RADON (222Rn) CONCENTRATION AT HIGH ALTITUDES IN THE NORTHERN AREAS OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Shahzad M. I. , Sher G. , Manzoor S. , Khan H. A. , Khan E. U. , Rafique M. , Jabeen S.
Published: January 2025

Radon (222Rn) concentration has been measured using CN-85 solid-state nuclear track detectors in the dwellings of Northern Areas of Pakistan at different altitudes. The CN-85 detectors, installed in box type radon dosimeters, were exposed for a period of one year. The average radon concentration level has been found at altitudes 3020 m, 3540 m, 3665 m and 4265 m above sea level and the 222Rn concentrations were found to be (16.4Â±2.5) Bq m-3, (21.7Â±4.8) Bq m-3, (13.8Â±3.2) Bq m-3 and (19.3Â±3.4) Bq m-3, respectively. It has been observed that there are no significant differences in the radon concentrations with different altitudes. However, differences in concentrations were observed with types of rooms attributed to better ventilation, atmospheric parameters and source of radon present in the soil. These results have been compared with radon concentration measurement found in literature. The 222Rn concentration measured in the area under study is found below the permissible level recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for public exposure.
ELECTRODEPOSITION OF COPPER NANOWIRES IN POROUS POLYCARBONATE MEMBRANES
Authors: Karim S. , Ali G. , Ahmad M. , Akhtar J. I. , Maaz K. , Durrani S. K. , Hussain M. A. , Saeed K.
Published: January 2025

Copper nanowires of diameter 50 nm have been synthesized by electrochemical deposition in a nanoporous polycarbonate template. These membranes were created by ion irradiation of 30 Î¼m thick polycarbonate foils at UNILAC accelerator of GSI, Germany. Subsequent chemical etching of these foils were carried out in PINSTECH using 6M NaOH solution at 50 oC. A thin Cu layer on one side of these membranes, deposited by thermal evaporation, acted as cathode. A Cu rod was used as anode and the deposition was carried out potentiostatically at room temperature in a two electrode electrochemical cell. Subsequent to fabrication, the wires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopy.
ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION OF SOME NOVEL NOX REDUCING REAGENTS FOR SNCR PROCESS
Authors: Mahmood A. , Javed M. T. , Irfan N. , Hamid A. , Waheed K.
Published: January 2025

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are one of the most hazardous air pollutants arising from the combustion processes. Because of the implementation of strict emission limits many NOx removal technologies have been developed. In the present work post combustion NOx removal technique that is Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) has been investigated in a pilot scale 150 kW combustion rig facility. Investigation has been performed using some novel NOx reducing reagents like urea, ammonium carbonate and mixture of their 50%-50% aqueous solution within the temperature range of 700 to 1200 o C, at 1.1% excess oxygen and background NOx level of 500 ppm. The effects of these reagents were determined in term of their temperature characteristics and molar ratio. Among the reducing reagents used urea solution gave the highest NOx removal efficiency (81%) and was attractive due to its superior high temperature (1000 to 1150 o C) performance, ammonium carbonate was more effective at lower temperature range (850 to 950 o C) though its efficiency (32%) was lower than urea, while 50-50% solution of urea and ammonium carbonate gave higher efficiency than ammonium carbonate but slightly lesser than urea within a wide temperature range (875 to 1125 o C). It was also observed that the NOx removal efficiency was increased with increasing the molar ratio.
FABRICATION OF CARBONâ€“POLYMER COMPOSITE BIPOLAR PLATES FOR POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS BY COMPRESSION MOULDING
Authors: Raza M. A. , Ahmed R. , Saleem A. , Din R. U.
Published: January 2025

Fuel cells are considered as one of the most important technologies to address the future energy and environmental pollution problems. These are the most promising power sources for road transportation and portable devices. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. A fuel cell stack consists of bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). The bipolar plate is by weight, volume and cost one of the most significant components of a fuel cell stack. Major functions of bipolar plates are to separate oxidant and fuel gas, provide flow channels, conduct electricity and provide heat transfer. Bipolar plates can be made from various materials including graphite, metals, carbon / carbon and carbon/polymer composites. Materials for carbonâ€“polymer composites are relatively inexpensive, less corrosive, strong and channels can be formed by means of a moulding process. Carbonâ€“ polymer composites are of two type i. e; thermosetting and thermoplastic. For thermosetting composite a bulk molding compound (BMC) was prepared by adding graphite, vinyl ester resin, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and cobalt naphthalate. The BMC was thoroughly mixed, poured into a die mould of a bipolar plate with channels and hot pressed at a specific temperature and pressure. A bipolar plate was formed according to the die mould. Design of the mould is also discussed. Conducting polymers were also added to BMC to increase the conductivity of bipolar plates. Particle size of the graphite has also a significant effect on the conductivity of the bipolar plates. Thermoplastic composites were also prepared using polypropylene and graphite.
An Experimental Analysis of Waste Heat Recovery Potential from A Rotary Kiln of Cement Industry
Authors: Hussain A. , Ali M. , Sabir M. S. , Ali H. M. , Mehboob M.
Published: January 2025

Cement production has been one of the most energy intensive processes in the world. Kilns serve as anintegral part to produce clinker which is a tool to measure capacity of system. The temperature insidethe kiln rises to 1400-1600 ÂºC while its surface temperature is between 200-400 ÂºC. The thermal efficiencyof a kiln is about 55-60% and the remaining heat is lost in the form of flue gases and radiated from thesurface. The current study has been carried out at a cement plant in Pakistan for the assessment of wasteenergy recovery from the surface of a rotary kiln. An experimental setup of small scale waste heatrecovery with water heat exchanger has been fabricated at the plant site equipped with necessaryinstrumentation. Measurements of heat recovery are carried out at different water mass flow rates,surface temperatures, and transverse and radial distances of kiln. Results revealed that maximum watertemperature achieved was 25 ÂºC at 1.8 kg/min mass flow rate of water at kiln surface temperature of320 ÂºC. The distance of kiln and heat recovery unit is 380 mm where maximum potential from kiln surfaceis estimated to be 3.13 kW/m2. Thus, the current study proved significant waste heat recovery potentialfrom kiln shell of a cement industry which can be further utilized for any on-site application.
Efficient Regular Graph Generalized Neighbor Designs
Authors: Mehmood Q. , Abbas Z. , Shehzad F. , Ahmed R.
Published: January 2025

In this study we have constructed a class of economical block designs called regular graph generalizedneighbor designs for circular blocks of size 4 and v â‰¤ 50. This class of design can provide an efficientalternative of universally optimal neighbor designs. These designs will increase the applications ofregular graph designs particularly in the fields of serology, agro forestry and agriculture, etc. In termsof efficiency factor, proposed designs are more efficient as compared with other generalized neighbordesigns. The two best designs, for v =26 and v =50, have percentage of upper bound 99.91% and 99.93%respectively.Â
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in Semi-Arid Region of District Mianwali, Pakistan: A Multivariate Statistics Approach
Authors: Asim M. , Iqbal N. , Rafiq M. , Ghaffar A.
Published: January 2025

Hydrogeochemical characterization and groundwater quality assessment in terms of suitability fordomestic and irrigation purposes of Piplan area, district Mianwali has been investigated. Three majorhydrogeochemical facies (Ca-Mg-HCO3 > Na-HCO3 > Ca-Mg-Cl) are identified by Piperâ€™s diagram.The dominant hydrogeochemical facies, Ca-Mg-HCO3 suggested fresh recharge to groundwater. Torecognize the defining processes of hydrogeochemistry, Gibbs diagram plays a vital role by ascertainingthe water-rock interaction; whereas, silicate weathering is recognized as a primary source of mineraldissolution with dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) as the major geochemical phase. The Physico-chemical andchemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, Cl, SO4 and NO3 were employed tosubstantiate groundwater quality. Overall water quality of the study area is found admissible incomparison to World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority(PSQCA) standards for drinking as well as domestic consumption. On the other hand, quality ofirrigation water is generally well below the permissible limits of irrigation suitability indices such assodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI and Kellyâ€™s ratio (KR),except the residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and magnesium hazard (MH). Principal component analysis(PCA) revealed mineral dissolution and rock weathering as the distinctive phenomena controllinggroundwater chemistry and groundwater pollution by anthropogenic sources.
MHD Boundary Layer Flow of Micropolar Fluids due to Porous Shrinking Surface with Viscous dissipation and Radiation
Authors: Waqas H. , Hussain S. , Khalid S.
Published: January 2025

The mathematical analysis and numerical solution for the flow of micropolar fluids owing to shrinking boundary is considered in the presence of magnetic field and thermal radiation. The parametric study of the problem demonstrates the effects of magnetic field, suction, micropolar material parameter and thermal radiation on velocity, microrotation and temperature. The mathematical model of the problem is transformed to non-dimensional form to obtain numerical solution. The results have been obtained for several representative values of the material parameters d1, d2 and d3, heat source parameter l and magnetic parameter M, suction/injection parameter S, Eckert number Ec, Radiation parameter Rn and Prandtl number Pr . The flow speed and microrotation are slowed with incremented inputs of micropolar parameter d1. The fluid temperature increases with radiation parameter but it diminishes against suction.
Determination of Sulphide in Arabian Seawater using UV- Visible Spectrophotometer
Authors: Butt N. Z. , Mohsin F.
Published: January 2025

High concentration of sulphide in cooling water being utilized for condenser tubes cause stress cracking corrosion, microbially induced corrosion and pitting corrosion phenomenon. Fouling of condenser tube by sulphide is highly undesirable because it reduces the heat transfer capabilities, increases backpressure in the condenser thus affecting the turbine performance. In this work, a method was established for determination of sulphide ion in Arabian sea water using Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy technique. The experiments conducted show precise values for sample (seawater) as well as for absorbencies of standard solutions. Maximum absorbance of methylene blue complex has determined after scanning the equipment from 400 to 700 nm and was found around at 600 nm. Two different sampling points (Machli Chowk & a Conventional Power Plant) were selected to get the average concentration of sulphide in Arabian Sea. The average sulphide concentration in Machli Chowk sample was found out to be 0.287Â±0.031 ppm and average sulphide concentration near a conventional power plant was found out to be 0.31Â±0.029 ppm. Average sulphide concentration was also compared with the Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) to validate the results which recommends less than 1 ppm for sulphide concentration in seawater.
Computational Tool for Analysis of Dosimetric Quantities
Authors: Adegbile A. A. , Alausa S. K. , Oluwafisoye P. A. , Taiwo T. K. , Ilori A. O. , Bayode O. P. , Adegbile A. A. G , Akinosho G. A.
Published: January 2025

Exposure of human to radiation is detrimental to health. It has been reported that when human body is wholly exposed to radiation, each organ of the body receives different amounts of radiation. The damage to each exposed organ depends on the amount of dose received, it is therefore necessary to analyze the amount of radiation dose that an organ of the body received when the whole body is exposed. A computational analysis tool was designed to facilitate the determination of the dosimetric quantities likeÂ  equivalent and effective doses and provide an instant threat image analysis and hence provide a database where all the information inputted and generated are stored. The tool is able to determine the dose equivalent and effective dose to each organ when an amount of radioactive exposure value was input into the tool. The tool will assist the radiation safety officer in performing the task of radiation monitoring, quantification and thus assisting in protecting the workers in any organization where it is being used.