bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Ideas of Biology Textbooks from 5th, 7th and 10th Grade (Us Experience, State of California)
Authors:   University of Sofia, Gacheva Maya
Published: May 2023

The problem of using the most appropriate teaching materials and resources in high school education is relevant in the United States, especially in today's world of digitalization and technology of education. The development of American textbooks from the founding of the United States to the present day has undergone many and significant changes to reach its present form. The article examines and illustrates with examples some of the high school biology textbooks used in the United States that are taught today. The examples show the various methods and tools used for the effective teaching, learning and assessment of biology in American high school, meeting the new standards of academic knowledge presented in them. The textbooks described by American publishers include the teaching of biology in two junior high classes – 5th and 7th and one high school class – 10th.
Ultrasonic waves for the control of Limnoperna fortunei – the golden mussel
Authors: Assis Paulo Santos , Pelli Afonso , Gois Gabriela Araújo , Carvalho Ana Cristina de , Araújo Gislaine Soares
Published: May 2023

In order to verify the effect of ultrasonic waves to control the invasion of the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, three experiments were made with different numbers of individuals and for each experiment the sonicator device was using at 40kHz frequency. In addition, the tests varied in time and days of exposure of the mussels to ultrasonic waves. As a result, several numbers for mortality and decoupling of the analyzed samples were noted, with significant differences regarding the exposure time per experiment and days in which the samples were submitted. Thus, the use of ultrasound to descale and kill the golden mussels was efficient and may be an alternative to control the invasion of L. fortunei.
Artificial Intelligence and Authorship Editor Policy: ChatGPT, Bard Bing AI, and beyond
Authors: Crawford Joseph , Cowling Michael , Ashton-Hay Sally , Kelder Jo-Anne , Middleton Rebekkah , Wilson Gail
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence and large-language model chatbots have generated significant attention in higher education, and in research practice. Whether ChatGPT, Bard, Jasper Chat, Socratic, Bing AI, DialoGPT, or something else, these are all shaping how education and research occur. In this Editorial, we offer five editorial principles to guide decision-making for editors, which will also become policy for the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice. First, we articulate that non-human authorship does not constitute authorship. Second, artificial intelligence should be leveraged to support authors. Third, artificial intelligence can offer useful feedback and pre-review. Fourth, transparency of artificial intelligence usage is an expectation. And fifth, the use of AI in research design, conduct, and dissemination must comply with established ethical principles. In these five principles, we articulate a position of optimism for the new forms of knowledge and research we might garner. We see AI as a mechanism that may augment our current practices but will not likely replace all of them. However, we do issue caution to the limitations of large language models including possible proliferation of poor-quality research, Stochastic Parroting, and data hallucinations. As with all research, authors should be comfortably familiar with the underlying methods being used to generate data and should ensure a clear understanding of the AI tools being used prior to deployment for research.
Prompting Higher Education Towards AI-Augmented Teaching and Learning Practice
Authors: Eager Bronwyn , Brunton Ryan
Published: May 2023

Large Language Models (LLMs) and conversational-style generative artificial intelligence (AI) are causing major disruption to higher education pedagogy. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT has raised concerns about plagiarism detection but also presents opportunities for educators to leverage AI to build supportive learning environments. In this commentary, we explore the potential of AI-augmented teaching and learning practice in higher education, discussing both the productive affordances and challenges associated with these technologies. We offer instructional advice for writing instructional text to guide the generation of quality outputs from AI models, as well as a case study to illustrate using AI for assessment design. Ultimately, we suggest that AI should be seen as one tool among many that can be used to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in higher education.
Student Engagement and Satisfaction with Online Learning: Comparative Eastern and Western Perspectives
Authors: Fang Marcela , Choi Kijung , Kim Soojung , Chan Bing
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the antecedents of student engagement in online learning and the consequent impact on higher education students’ satisfaction with online learning. More specifically, a structural model was proposed to examine students’ perceptions of adaptability, interactivity, computer/ Internet self-efficacy and psychological safety as key factors impacting their engagement with online learning tools and satisfaction with the online learning experience. A self-administered online survey was conducted with 539 undergraduate students in China, Australia, and South Korea. Structural equation modelling and multigroup analysis were used to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings indicated that the proposed four antecedents significantly impacted their engagement with online learning tools, influencing their overall satisfaction with the online learning experience. In addition, this study found significant differences between the relationships of the four antecedents of engagement with online learning tools among students in China, Australia, and South Korea, influencing their satisfaction with the online learning experience. The study concludes with theoretical and practical implications informing future institutional practices.
Flipped Classroom: Students’ Cognitive Needs of Relatedness, Competence, and Autonomy in a Fully-Flipped Program
Authors: Khosa Amrinder , Burch Steven
Published: May 2023

This study examines how the flipped classroom approach to teaching and learning supports or inhibits the cognitive needs of relatedness, competence, and autonomy, leading to either increased or decreased levels of motivation. We use semi-structured interviews involving twenty-two students and five facilitators in an Australian university to qualitatively investigate perceptions of motivation through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). Using thematic analysis, our findings reveal that the flipped classroom approach supports students’ cognitive need for relatedness by providing more opportunities for interaction in the classroom. Further, relatedness has been shown to facilitate internalisation and support competence as a result of students supporting each other. However, our findings demonstrate that despite overall satisfaction with the flipped learning environment, the students raised concerns about how the learning is executed. Among recommendations for pedagogical practices, academics and education providers are urged to create an environment that supports a sense of belongingness and self-endorsement of learning activities among students to promote more autonomous forms of motivation.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Employability Curricula and Transferable Skill Development: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Gouda-Vossos Amany , Sarkar Mahbub , Thompson Christopher , Overton Tina , Ziebell Angela
Published: May 2023

Within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), there is cross cultural evidence of gaps in transferrable skills between new graduates’ capabilities and employers’ expectations. These gaps hinder graduates’ ability to obtain employment. Herein we report the impact of an evidence-based approach to closing skills gaps in senior STEM students based on their self-perceived employability. A capstone-style, for-credit elective module was developed for STEM students based on the skills gaps found in prior research. The impact of this intervention was measured utilising a mixed-method design. Students’ self-perceived employability pre- and post- module completion were measured, along with post-module reflections collected via a series of open-ended questions. Overall, the module had a positive impact on student self-perceived employability, with the greatest impact in the areas of ‘awareness of opportunity’, ‘perceptions of future success’, and ‘confidence in skills’. A post hoc analysis indicated significant increases in post-module completion ‘confidence in skills’ for women, an important insight given the gender-based issues in career progress and retention in STEM. The qualitative analysis suggested that students highly valued the opportunity to develop job application and transferable skills. The results are discussed in the light of the importance of evidence-based, curriculum-embedded interventions in guiding students to employment.
Is Artificial Intelligence Really the Next Big Thing in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education? A Conceptual Paper
Authors: O'Dea Xianghan (Christine) , O'Dea Mike
Published: May 2023

Artificial Intelligence in higher education (AIED) is becoming a more important research area with increasing developments and application of AI within the wider society. However, as yet AI based tools have not been widely adopted in higher education. As a result there is a lack of sound evidence available on the pedagogical impact of AI for learning and teaching. This conceptual paper thus seeks to bridge the gap and addresses the following question: is artificial intelligence really the new big thing that will revolutionise learning and teaching in higher education? Adopting the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical foundations, we argue that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, at least in their current state of development, do not afford any real new advances for pedagogy in higher education. This is mainly because there does not seem to be valid evidence as to how the use of AI technologies and applications has helped students improve learning, and/or helped tutors make effective pedagogical changes. In addition, the pedagogical affordances of AI have not yet been clearly defined. The challenges that the higher education sector is currently experiencing relating to AI adoption are discussed at three hierarchical levels, namely national, institutional and personal levels. The paper ends with recommendations with regard to accelerating AI use in universities. This includes developing dedicated AI adoption strategies at the institutional level, updating the existing technology infrastructure and up-skilling academic tutors for AI.
The Quantitative and Qualitative Study of the Effectiveness of the Problem-based Learning Approach in Teaching Research Methods
Authors: Kaeedi Azam , Nasr Esfahani Ahmad Reza , Sharifian Fereydoon , Moosavipour Saeed
Published: May 2023

Research methods is an essential ingredient of postgraduate programs across a wide range of social science disciplines. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and lecture-based learning (LBL) approaches to teaching research methods through a mixed-methods approach in an explanatory sequential design. The quantitative data were collected following a quasi-experimental design whereby two classes of research methods in a postgraduate program randomly received either an LBL or a PBL treatment. To assess students’ academic achievement, a final exam on the course was used. The results indicated a higher academic achievement of students in the PBL class compared to LBL class. The qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview to gain deeper insight into the quantitative results. The thematic analysis of the interviews showed that PBL led to deeper and more meaningful learning, increased students’ knowledge in their field of specialty, provided more enjoyable and active learning, increased the students' skills in doing their thesis projects, enhanced their autonomy and independence, and also promoted their dignity and status.
Student behavioural intentions to use eLearning system in Indonesian higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A structural equation model
Authors: Sondakh Jullie , Asaloei Sandra , Werang Basilius
Published: May 2023

The rapid transformation in information and communication technology (ICT) has influenced change in other areas of human lives, including in the teaching and learning process in higher education institutions. This study explores: a) how student perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward use, and behavioural intention to use an eLearning system (using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)); and b) validity testing of the underlying causal relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards use, and behavioural intention to use in the eLearning system context. To do so, a quantitative survey was used with 255 student participants, drawn conveniently from a local population of 745 accounting students studying at Sam Ratulangi University, Indonesia. The result of descriptive statistical analysis using the SPSS showed that all the items of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards use, and behavioural intention to use were highly perceived by the accounting students of Sam Ratulangi University. The result of confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling in IBM’s AMOS software showed that all the constructs developed in this study are feasible to examine the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards use, and behavioural intention to use in the eLearning system context. The findings have important implications for the successful implementation of online teaching and learning in higher education institutions. The findings could be critical for college and university leaders to investigate the merit of eLearning systems in terms of their utility in increasing students’ intention to use eLearning systems in their learning journeys.
Assessment Strategies in Online Learning Environments During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Oman
Authors: Al-Maqbali Asma , Al-Shamsi Abdullah
Published: May 2023

The shift to successful online learning requires online assessment strategies that could facilitate the learning and teaching process and determine the achievement of learning outcomes. This study examined how students’ achievement was assessed in an online learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the College of Education (COE) responded to the shift to online assessment strategies. A mixed-method design using questionnaires and interviews was conducted to collect data from academic staff at COE at Sultan Qaboos University. The study sample consisted of (n=60) academic staff who agreed to answer the research questionnaire. Moreover, the researchers interviewed four academic staff who were experts in online assessment and teachers of practical courses. The interview data were analysed and corroborated with evidence from documents issued by the COE and SQU. The study’s findings showed that the academic staff applied various online assessment strategies to measure the learners’ achievement. The most applied online assessment strategies were individual projects, presentations, online discussions, and written assignments. The study also found that the COE took measures to enhance its online assessment procedures, including developing an online assessment policy, providing professional development programs, workshops and webinars, and encouraging its staff to conduct further studies to improve online learning practices. Based on the findings, the study suggested some educational implications and recommendations.
A Pilot Study of Transdisciplinary Graduate Capabilities, Interpersonal Communication, and Technical Competence: Bachelor of Applied Information Technology and Master of Social Work Student Partnership
Authors: Gallagher Hilary , Liang Jianqiang , Torrisi-Steele Geraldine , Ramsay Sylvia
Published: May 2023

Academics at Griffith university envisioned a complementary learning and supportive relationship could be developed between Bachelor of Information Technology (BAIT) students and Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Discussions between discipline specific staff highlighted that each discipline had strengths and expertise that could assist students to overcome challenges brought about by systemic changes in tertiary education, gaps in skillsets and curriculum, and workforce expectations. Pressures included students attending university from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the increasing importance of information technology (IT) in the classroom and workplace, as well as the requirement to communicate effectively across a range of disciplines. Working, interacting, and communicating effectively in cross-discipline and culturally diverse environments is a requisite for all graduates, however academics found there were few opportunities for students to partner across disciplinary silos. Staff from both disciplines collaborated to develop a conversational pedagogical framework to underpin a pilot program to support peer learning, using active problem-based learning with IT and social work students. The pilot program evidenced a complementary transdisciplinary, learning partnership and enabled students from IT to help students from social work develop IT skills, while social work students assisted IT students to become more confident in their interpersonal communication skills.
Improving Patient Safety: Engaging Students in Interprofessional Team-Based Learning (TBL)
Authors: Clarke Antonia , Burgess Annette , Van Diggele Christie , Bloomfield Jacqueline , Schneider Carl , Kalman Eszter , Walton Merrilyn
Published: May 2023

Complex healthcare systems and ambiguous clinical decisions can result in medical errors which threaten patient safety. There is a need for improved awareness of medical errors across healthcare disciplines. We utilised team-based learning (TBL) to pilot an interprofessional patient safety module for senior health professional students. We evaluated the use of TBL within the interprofessional context to achieve student learning outcomes. Twenty-seven students from pharmacy (n=11), nursing (n=8) and medicine (n=8) faculties participated. Data were collected via questionnaires, focus groups, class observation and student test scores. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Framework analysis was used to code qualitative data using social capital as a conceptual framework. In total, 26/27 (96%) of participants completed the questionnaire and 20/27 (70%) attended focus groups. There was no significant difference in prior knowledge between the disciplines. The TBL module enriched the learning environment and enabled students to prepare, problem-solve and interact with facilitators. The TBL pedagogy and interprofessional framework enabled the development of social capital among students. The module demonstrated the potential of interprofessional education to shift knowledge and attitudes towards a greater appreciation of patient safety issues and better prepare health professional students for the workforce. The TBL pedagogy strengthened knowledge sharing and fostered collaboration across disciplines.
The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Promoting Innovativeness and Passion towards Entrepreneurship among Students – A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Porkodi S , AlBalushi Yousuf , Saranya R , Pandurengan Vaidehi
Published: May 2023

With the growing importance of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurship programs established within higher education institutions are thriving hard to achieve entrepreneurship educational outcomes in recent years. Several studies reported the role of higher education institutions in promoting entrepreneurship education and enhancing students' skill sets in various ways. To extend this knowledge, this paper aims to analyse the role of higher education institutions in promoting innovativeness and passion among students pursuing entrepreneurship education. A meta-analytic review is conducted by combining the results from empirical analysis of 24 related studies. The influence of higher education institutions on entrepreneurship educational outcomes and individual transformations is examined and their relationships are exposed. The results of the review show that various components of higher education institutions are positively related to individual transformations (rc=0.579) and entrepreneurship educational outcomes (rc=0.331). It is also found that the passion (rc = 0.31) and innovativeness (rc = 0.2771) are positively correlated with entrepreneurship educational outcome. Moreover, institutional environment has a greater impact on passion (rc = 0.531). Thus, the results indicate that higher education institutions play an important role in promoting passion and innovativeness among students.
Retaining Students to Completion: A Qualitative Study of Institutional Factors
Authors: Ruegg Rachael
Published: May 2023

Retaining students until they complete their qualifications is one of the main aims of many higher education institutions. Retention of students is also looked at from different perspectives in the literature. This small, exploratory, narrative enquiry research looks into the experiences of twenty-one domestic students during their first year and a half of a three-year bachelor’s degree at a New Zealand university. The same researcher conducted all the interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and imported to Nvivo for thematic analysis. The researcher attempted to draw comparisons between the students who withdrew from the university within the first year and a half and those who did not in order to gain a deeper understanding of the institutional factors which may be involved in retention of students. Four main themes were found in the interview data, relating to expectations for student effort, guidance provided by instructors, feedback provided on assignments and consistency, which seemed to be significant to the university experience for many students.
Pandemic-induced course and assessment changes for undergraduate engineering education: The Development of Graduate Attributes
Authors: Pang Toh Yen , Kootsookos Alex , Pirogova Elena
Published: May 2023

Educators constantly need to make adjustments to their pedagogy and learning activities to reflect the fast changes in society, the economy and industry. This has been clearly demonstrated throughout the world in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic required fully remote delivery of tertiary education. The aim of this study was comparing the experiences and perceptions of tertiary students in a fully online and a blended delivery mode, particularly in response to their laboratory skills and development of graduate attributes. Pedagogical aspects were kept consistent across delivery modes to minimise the differences in learning activities across cohorts. A comparison was made between the 2020 fully online cohort and the 2021 blended delivery cohort. The students were asked about their perceptions of how well they thought the course developed their graduate attributes; how authentic they thought the course was; and how easy the content was to navigate and understand. A mixed methods approach was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The blended delivery mode students appeared to benefit from having a specific reflective task, which allowed them to see their learning in a broader context. The paper discusses the blending and online learning from the students’ perspectives of developing graduate attributes and experiential learning. Specifically, where hands on skills are required, students need further guidance in “learning how to learn” or metacognition. A key challenge for future blended learning is getting the balance right between achieving efficiency in online learning and lack of social and dynamic interactions aspect of the online community.
Developing Researcher Identity Through the PhD Confirmation
Authors: Heron Marion , Yakovchuk Nadya , Donaghue Helen
Published: May 2023

The PhD confirmation, or upgrade stage, is a key requirement and rite of passage for most doctoral students. Yet despite its significance and high-stakes nature, little attention has been paid to students’ experiences of this stage of the PhD journey and how it influences the development of their researcher identity. Through semi-structured interviews with PhD students from a range of disciplines who had recently successfully completed the confirmation stage, we found that for many the confirmation stage was a catalyst for ‘feeling’ like a researcher through external validation, recognition and legitimacy. Students also developed their researcher identity through talking about their research with significant others. We argue for recognising the pivotal role the confirmation stage plays in developing doctoral students’ researcher identity and offer suggestions on how supervisors and researcher developers can support students through this transition.
Conceptualising, evaluating and supporting the development of cosmopolitan values in internationalised higher education: A capabilities approach
Authors:   University of Nottingham, Bridges Stephanie
Published: May 2023

Internationalised higher education literature draws attention to the tension between the economic returns of recruiting overseas students and the personal, social and cultural possibilities offered. This paper advances the idea that fostering cosmopolitan values might be an educational focus for internationalisation. However, it appears that the creation of higher education learning environments which promote such values, offering opportunities for students to become more interculturally aware is yet to be achieved. Drawing on the ‘capability approach’ of Amartya Senand Martha Nussbaum, an ‘intercultural capability set’ was constructed as a means of operationalising cosmopolitan values within higher education. Analysis of data from 44 interviews with undergraduate home and international pharmacy students through the lens of capability enabled the identification of factors within the academic environment which act to promote or inhibit the development of intercultural relationships, learning and more cosmopolitan selves. Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment should be therefore examined for their potential to enhance opportunities for intercultural engagement and capability expansion, with participatory dialogue, including staff, students, university departments and stakeholders, about valued outcomes for a university education. It is argued that the capability approach provides a sound basis for operationalising and evaluating efforts to develop students with cosmopolitan values for the present and contributing as future members of society.
SCREENING OF AGGLUTINATION ACTIVITIES OF COMMON VEGETABLES IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Mitra Rupom , Rouf Razina , Dutta Ashit Kumar , Shilpi Jamil Ahmad , Uddin Shaikh Jamal
Published: May 2023

Lectins are capable of cell agglutination by interacting with the cell surface exposed glycans. Lectins that agglutinate erythrocytes are called hemagglutinin. These compounds occur in various organisms including plants. In this study, twenty edible vegetables were subjected to screen for haemagglutination and lectin activity. Lectin activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition ability of haemagglutination by different sugars. PBS (Phosphate Buffer Saline) treated homogenate was tested for haemagglutination against erythrocytes suspension, and inhibition of agglutination was determined by serially diluted sugar solution. The results of this study demonstrated that one homogenate among the homogenates of 20 vegetables was found to be capable of human erythrocyte agglutination. The Ipomoea aquatica homogenate shown positive haemagglutination reaction against red blood cells (RBCs) with HA titer value of 4 HA-U/25uL, and four out of seven sugars were able to inhibit RBCs agglutination. Among the four sugars, two are potent inhibitors of agglutination. The neutralization of haemagglutination by four monosaccharides provides a suggestion that the lectin present in I. aquatica may be multivalent carbohydrate binding hemagglutinin. This is the first report to identify that Ipomoea aquatica contains lectin protein which is a polyvalent sugar binding lectin and specific for glucose, galactose, mannose and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: KARACHI AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: Hassan Danish , Raza Usama , Malick Zaubaria , Bakar Abu , Khan Hamza , Khan Muhammad Danish , Javed Kashif
Published: May 2023

The entire world has started to vaccinate their respective countries' citizens to get rid of COVID-19 from their country. Likewise other countries, Pakistan has also started the vaccination process for its citizens and unlike the rest of the world, there have been different types of vaccines in Pakistan with different manufacturers and with different immunity booster levels. Through statistical analysis of vaccination in this research paper, we have tried to understand the diverse level of vaccines in Karachi and tried to get an understanding of the vaccination process happening in Karachi. For this kind of research, we have maintained the questionnaire and spread it through emails, WhatsApp, and Facebook.  The questionnaire was sent to about 500 people from July to August 2021. The results obtained depict the satisfaction of the vaccination process with normal side effects. Unlike other countries, Pakistan is among the countries where the mass vaccination process has always been very difficult to conduct. Further using the data of seven stations for prediction purposes Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were constructed. A better future trend analysis of COVID-19 can be observed using these constructed models. The data for the time series modeling from, 1st January 2021 to 25 August 2021, was taken from National Command and Control (NCOC) Pakistan.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF DURABILITY AND STRENGTH OF SANDSTONE AND SHALE OF UNITED MINERAL COAL COMPANY SOR-RANGE, BALOCHISTAN
Authors: Ahmed Tufail , Rehman Syed Hafeez Ur , Ibupoto Fahim Ahmed , Abbas Asif , Ullah Sami , Hussain Abbas , Usman Shehzad
Published: May 2023

Mining operations deal mainly with hard and soft rocks with different mechanical properties and varying strengths. The aim of the slake durability test is to present an index related to degradation resistance of rock when exposed to standard cycles of wetting and drying. Research in geology and rock mechanics is done to explain the influence of the rock index properties in determining the strength, durability and pulse velocity of the rock. This paper enlightens the prediction of the rock’s behavior and nature of the degradation of rocks The index values obtained for sandstone are varying from 97.36 to 99.04% and for shale it ranges from 10.21 to 14.06%. The slake durability index test for sandstone sample indicates that it is high durable and the shale indicates very low durability. The average value of uniaxial compressive strength was calculated to be 83.144 MPa.
INVESTIGATION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY POTENTIAL USING ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY AND CHEMICAL GEOTHERMOMETERS: A STUDY OF THE MANGHOPIR HOT SPRING KARACHI, SINDH PAKISTAN
Authors: Jamali Muhammad Afzal , Agheem Mhammad Hassan , Lashari Rafique Ahmed , Markhand Akhtar Hussain , Arain Asfand Yar Wali , Ahmed Hasib , Zain Wahid Bux Alias
Published: May 2023

Electrical resistivity survey and chemical geothermometers methods were used to find the geothermal gradient energy potential of the Manghopir hot spring which is located in Karachi, Sindh. Schlumberger electrode configurations were used to demarcate the two shallow potential subsurface aquifers. At various depths, three lithological units were encountered: alluvium, sandstone, and shale. The first thermal water aquifer lies below at the average depth of 10m and average thickness of 9 m lies in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation of Oligocene age. The second thermal water aquifer encountered at the average depth of 68 m and the average thickness of aquifer was 40.5m in sandstone lithology of Nari Formation. The surface water temperature was calculated with digital thermometer which shows the range in between 48 °C to 50 °C and subsurface temperature was calculated with the help of chemical geothermometers. The Na–K geothermometers indicate the subsurface equilibrium reservoir temperature in the range of 135.52 °C,125.54 °C, 172.964 °C and 184.08°C and the Na-K-Ca chemical geothermometers indicate the subsurface reservoir temperature 148.493°C. The Na-K-Ca geothermometers show a high temperature, but the reservoir temperature appears to be lower due to the mixing of sea water with the chemical composition of hot spring water within the subsurface aquifers.
A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF GEMSTONES, MINES,MINERS AND PROBLEMS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN
Authors: Alam Muhammad , Bano Yasmeen , Rashid Abdur , Ali Sajid , Lateef Abdul
Published: May 2023

Gilgit-Baltistan possesses a complex history of crustal evolution and rich diversity of geological environments, and is favorable for various types of mineralization and production of gemstone all over GB. Two batholiths; Kohistan Batholith and Karakorum Batholith which are hosting gemstones mineralization. This investigation reveals that thirty-two precious and semi-precious stones are mined, 95% of the total gemstones produced in Pakistan come from GB. These varieties of gemstones come from 2150 mines which are in working conditions scattered all over GB and number of miners involved is 25000. Miners face problems like lighting, ventilation and drilling. They lack the basic safety equipment like helmets, mining shoes, gloves, googles and masks. Due to the fumes of explosives, miners are suffering from different diseases like Silicosis. The main gemstone-producing areas are Hunza valley, Sumayar (Nager Valley), Shengus and Haramosh (District Gilgit), Bulachi and Mir Malik (District Astore), Istak Nalah and Shiger Valley. The common gemstones mined are ruby, pargasite, spinel, corundum, sapphire, calcite, aquamarine, tourmaline, beryl, quartz, topaz, albite, microcline, apatite, fluorite, emerald, marganite, diopside, tanzanite, axinite, felsite, kunzite, emerald and garnet.
GIS-BASED HIGH-RESOLUTION GEOLOGICAL MAP (SCALE 1:50,000): A NEW WINDOW INTO STRUCTURAL DOMAINS OF THE QUETTA AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Authors: Ahmed Nisar , Kassi Akhter Muhammad , Kasi Aimal Khan , Sohail Khawar , Asif Muhammad , Naeem Abdul , Panezai Muhammad
Published: May 2023

The Quetta and surrounding areas are part of the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates, named as Kirthar and Sulaiman Fold-Thrust belts. The collision is accommodated by folding, thrusting and the Nushki-Chaman Transform Fault System. Detailed high-resolution (scale 1:50,000) mapping and structural analyses were carried out using modern remote-sensing techniques of the ArcGIS to understand mutual relationships of the structural patterns and geometries, and the regional and local stress patterns in the study area. Fieldwork was carried out to acquire the stratigraphic, structural and geomorphological data, using topographic maps and satellite images as base maps in order to plot additional information and further incorporate them in the GIS-based map. Balanced structural cross-sections were also prepared along the selected lines using ArcGIS techniques. Based on new mapping, the understudy area has been subdivided into five distinct structural domains. These domains are classified as; Domain I: broad syncline intervened by a narrow anticline; Domain II: upright folds and thrusts; Domain III: tight, over-turned thrust zone; Domain IV: flysch and molasse successions of Paleocene-Holocene age; and Domain V: suture belt (ophiolites) and associated mélanges and sediments.
CORRELATION OF UNIAXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH WITH BRAZILIAN TENSILE STRENGTH AND INDEX PROPERTIES FOR SOFT SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Authors: Pathan Shafi Muhammad , Memon Muhammad Burhan , Shaikh Zuhaib Ahmed , Chalgri Saleem Raza
Published: May 2023

Sedimentary Rocks composing the Thar Lignite basin Pakistan are of clastic origin. These rocks have comparatively low uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values, and hence recognized as ‘soft sedimentary rocks’ in this study. UCS is a fundamental property of rocks, used by mine design engineers in designing the surface and underground excavations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between UCS with Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), and index properties of soft sedimentary rock formations at Thar Lignite basin. Various correlations between mechanical and physical properties of rocks have been developed previously. However, no significant correlation has been developed on UCS with BTS and index properties for soft sedimentary rocks. Numerous Rock samples from Two complete geotechnical drillholes at Block-IX Thar Coalfield were selected. Standard test procedures were implemented to determine the UCS, indirect Tensile and index properties such as point load strength, and shore Scleroscope hardness. The correlations between rock properties were established using simple and multiple regression techniques, and empirical equations were obtained. These equations can be used to predict the UCS and tensile strength of soft sedimentary rocks by performing simple index tests; which are quick, economical, and easier to be performed on the site.
UBI-XGB: IDENTIFICATION OF UBIQUITIN PROTEINS USING MACHINE LEARNING MODEL
Authors: Rahu Sikandar , Ghulam Ali , Farman Ali , Talpur Dhani Bux , Talpur Mir Sajjad Hussain , Saba Erum , Maher Zulfikar Ahmed , Tunio Saima
Published: May 2023

A recent line of research has focused on Ubiquitination, a pervasive and proteasome-mediated protein degradation that controls apoptosis and is crucial in the breakdown of proteins and the development of cell disorders, is a major factor.  The turnover of proteins and ubiquitination are two related processes. We predict ubiquitination sites; these attributes are lastly fed into the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classifier. We develop reliable predictors computational tool using experimental identification of protein ubiquitination sites is typically labor- and time-intensive. First, we encoded protein sequence features into matrix data using Dipeptide Deviation from Expected Mean (DDE) features encoding techniques. We also proposed 2nd features extraction model named dipeptide composition (DPC) model. It is vital to develop reliable predictors since experimental identification of protein ubiquitination sites is typically labor- and time-intensive. In this paper, we proposed computational method as named Ubipro-XGBoost, a multi-view feature-based technique for predicting ubiquitination sites. Recent developments in proteomic technology have sparked renewed interest in the identification of ubiquitination sites in a number of human disorders, which have been studied experimentally and clinically.  When more experimentally verified ubiquitination sites appear, we developed a predictive algorithm that can locate lysine ubiquitination sites in large-scale proteome data. This paper introduces Ubipro-XGBoost, a machine learning method. Ubipro-XGBoost had an AUC (area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve) of 0.914% accuracy, 0.836% Sensitivity, 0.992% Specificity, and 0.839% MCC on a 5-fold cross validation based on DPC model, and 2nd 0.909% accuracy, 0.839% Sensitivity, 0.979% Specificity, and 0. 0.829% MCC on a 5-fold cross validation based on DDE model. The findings demonstrate that the suggested technique, Ubipro-XGBoost, outperforms conventional ubiquitination prediction methods and offers fresh advice for ubiquitination site identification.
MHD STAGNATION POINT FLOW WITH THERMAL RADIATION AND SLIP EFFECT OVER A LINEAR STRETCHING SHEET
Authors: Yashkun Ubaidullah , Zaimi Khairy , Ali Lund Liaquat
Published: May 2023

This research investigates the flow of stagnation point magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and heat transfer along the stretched sheet in the existence of radiation and slip effects. With the help of similarity variables, the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The BVP4C technique in Matlab function has been used to simplify the governing ODEs. The numerical outcomes for temperature and velocity profiles, coefficient of skin friction and Nusselt Number have been achieved and matched with the findings in literature. The findings are compared to previously reported results. In addition, the impacts of numerous related parameters on the profiles of velocity and temperature are shown, and the results of every related parameter are presented using graphs. The velocity profile decreases as the magnetic force, suction, and permeability parameters rise.
EXPLORING THE ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF NEPETA ADENOPHYTA HEDGE IN HEPG2 CELLS AND ITS PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES
Authors: Ilyas R. , Ali M. , Ali I. , Siyo B. , Xu W. , Hussain A. , Wei W. , Chen L. , T. Zamarrud , Wang X.
Published: May 2023

The current study is based on the phytochemical isolation and biological activity evaluation of Nepeta adenophyta Hedge. This plant species is traditionally used for abdominal pain, kidney pain, stomach problems, urine problems, and diarrhea and is examined to control bleeding. Five compounds were isolated using column chromatography over normal silica gel from the ethanolic crude extract of Nepeta adenophyta and their structures were characterized with the help of spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the crude extract was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential in a human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells and the crude extract showed good activities. The phytochemical isolation studies and the biological activities are conducted for the first time on the study sample.
Mobile Payment Adoption in Pakistan: Extending UTAUT with Islamic Religiosity
Authors: Hassaan Muhammad , Li Gang , Akhtar Raheel
Published: May 2023

In recent years, mobile payments have increased around the world. However, limited studies have examined m-payment users' intentions and behaviors. Using the UTAUT framework, this study addresses this research gap by exploring the primary factors that influence users' behavior and intention toward mobile payments. An empirical cross-sectional survey was conducted in order to achieve the study's objectives. Three hundred and twenty-four samples from Pakistan were used to test the proposed conceptual model. The results indicate that performance expectation, social influence, effort expectation, and facilitating conditions are critical to predicting m-payment usage and behavior. There is also an association between Islamic religiosity and behavioral intentions.
All on Board, Take Off! An Example of Practitioner’s Research on Teachers’ Professional Well-being in Higher Education in Their Early Career Stages
Authors: De Jong Folkert
Published: May 2023

Organisations compete on the labour market for highly educated staff and put a lot of effort in attracting new employees. However, high percentages of newly recruited employees leave the organisation within one year. Good onboarding practices and good practices in the stage after onboarding, the take-off stage, could increase retention rates in the early career stages of professionals.In this study an example of practitioner’s research is presented on newly hired teachers’ professional well-being in higher education in their early career stages. Two batches of newly hired teachers at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands were studied in the context of improving HR practices.Research on newly hired teachers revealed the importance of good onboarding practices and the crucial role of team leaders in retaining and motivating newly hired teaching staff.
Sabar Dan Syukur Menurut Ulya Ali Ubaid Dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Maesaroh Siti , Muslih Imam
Published: May 2023

This study aims to describe Patience and Gratitude According to Ulya Ali Ubaid the Perspective of Islamic Education. The approach used in this study is an analytic descriptive approach where after the data is collected, the data is sorted and classified and then categorized according to the theme raised. The reason for using this approach is to get a comprehensive picture of the object under study and to know Patience and Gratitude According to Ulya ali Ubaid the Perspective of Islamic Education contained in the book Patience and Gratitude The Gate of Happiness in the World and the Hereafter. data collection, researchers examine various kinds of books (Primary and Secondary), or other written data, which are relevant to the title. The method used in analyzing the data in this study is to use a descriptive method that describes Patience and Gratitude According to Ulya Ali Ubaid Perspective of Islamic Education. The results of his research are Patience and Gratitude According to Ulya Ali Ubaid Perspective of Islamic Education.Patience is pushing the soul and moving the body to achieve the desired goals to reach the gates of happiness for a servant. Patience is not giving up on circumstances without any effort to get up, and without knowing that we are indeed given the opportunity to do good deeds and work better than the previous days. while gratitude is showing or describing a favor and showing it. The way to be grateful for the blessings of faith and Islam is by: being grateful with the heart, being grateful with speech, being grateful with deeds, being grateful with wealth, the foundation of good deeds, namely: sincere, bala' or the test of Allah, Keeping Oral, Honest, Piety and Trust
Performance Measurement of Sharia Commercial Banks through Islamicity Performance Index and Sharia Maqashid Index
Authors: Marwal M. Rafid
Published: May 2023

Calculation of financial ratios is carried out to show the quality of the banksâ€™ financial performance. The objective of this research was to analyze the performance of Islamic commercial banks based on the Islamicity performance index and Maqashid sharia. The research method used was a mixed-method, which combined quantitative and qualitative methods with the research object of Islamic commercial banks registered at the financial services authority. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, with a total of six samples. The results showed that based on the Islamic performance index, BNI Syariah and BRI Syariah had good performance, while Bank Mandiri Syariah, Bank Panin Dubai Syariah, Bank Muamalat Indonesia and BCA Syariah had very good performance; maqashid sharia index, Bank BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, Bank Mandiri Syariah and Bank Panin Dubai Syariah had good performance, while Bank Muamalat Indonesia and BCA Syariah had very good performance; islamicity performance index and maqashid sharia index, Bank BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, Bank Mandiri Syariah and Bank Panin Dubai Syariah had good performance while Bank Muamalat Indonesia and BCA Syariah had very good performance.