Role of non-governmental organizations in the daily lives of the Afghan and Pathan children and youth working on the streets

This article aims to investigate the role and effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the daily lives of the Afghan and Pathan children and youth working on the streets. In this ethnographic research, 30 girls and boys, aged 12 to 16, were involved in the data generation. Three NGOs were selected in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In this research, children and youth discussed that one of the NGOs is meeting the needs of education and other two NGOs are putting their efforts but to a limited extent. This investigation also revealed that none of the studied NGOs have focused on the work based learning and skills development, however contributing to a very limited scope. The studied group has valued the NGOs' consideration of respect and dignity aspects in their operations. It is concluded that NGOs need to plan comprehensively to play an effective role to improve the daily lives of their target groups such as children and youth working on the streets

Teachers’ Perspectives on Task-Based Language Teaching: A Case Study at International Islamic University Malaysia

Abstract: The term task-based language teaching (TBLT) is widely used in the context of second language acquisition in terms of a curriculum which promotes actual language use. However, little research has been conducted in Malaysia regarding TBLT and its implicit method. This study, therefore, aims to explore and research the perceptions of CELPAD teachers towards TBLT, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The research aims to determine the level of awareness, understanding, and the perception that teachers have towards this method, as well as whether they employ it in their classrooms or not. The study employs a qualitative methodology, namely ‘case study’. The data collection instruments consist of interviewsof three randomlyselected instructors at CELPAD, one for each level ranging from level 4-6. The overall findings show that the CELPAD teachers possess a clear understanding of TBLT, agreeing that TBLT is beneficial. However, they are still unsure of the advantages of using it in the classroom. Furthermore, there is some measure of fear in adopting task-based language teaching fully primarily as a result of the problems they face pertaining to the end of semester assessment; the English Placement Test. As a result, it is found that some teachers use a mixed approach of both TBLT and traditional teacher-centered approach

COVID-19 and Domestic Violence in Pakistan: An Analysis of the Media Perspective

There has been an alarming increase in domestic violence (DV) cases in different parts of the world amidst COVID-19 related lockdowns in 2020-2021. This paper aims to understand the prevalence of DV in Pakistan through the analysis of online media sources published during the lockdown period. The objectives of this research include the questions (1) how was the issue of DV presented in the Pakistani media during the lockdown period? and (2) what messages were conveyed by the media discourses? A summative qualitative content analysis was used as a method for data collection and analysis. Three national newspapers were selected as data sources due to their relevance in reporting women\u27s issues and their reputations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 20 articles published in these newspapers, which focused on DV amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The data shows that DV is seen as a serious social issue and is condemned in these newspapers. The power and control of perpetrators over women has increased during the lockdown and the home has converted into a dangerous space where women feel insecure and unsafe. DV is directly related to financial constraints, inadequate support groups, and poor social services including security and housing. The government attempts to address DV during the lockdown are considered inadequate and symbolic. Along with the attention of the state, the contribution of civil society is needed to redress the issue of DV in Pakistan. Engagement of community volunteers, neighbors, educators, and health workers may help to gain the trust of the women victims who are unable to access state-run initiatives such as helplines

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy vs acute myocardial infarction: diagnostic utility of subtle ECG differences

The clinical findings of Takatsubo Cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction can be very similar. While Takatsubo cardiomyopathy rarely leads to severe complications, acute myocardial infarction can be life threatening. Treatment of both these conditions is different and so it is imperative for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for either. Several EKG differences between the two entities have been proposed. This article summarizes the EKG changes most likely seen in Takatsubo cardiomyopathy and compares them to those seen in Acute Myocardial infarction

Exact solutions of unsteady free convection flow of Casson, nano, and micropolar fluids over an oscillating vertical plate

Fluid-mechanics is an ancient science that is incredibly alive today. Therefore, the modern technologies require a deeper understanding of the behaviour of real fluids. Based on the relationship between shear stress and the rate of strain, fluids can be categorized as Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids. Various non- Newtonian fluid models have been used to investigate the behaviour of fluid motion, because of their universal nature. Solution corresponding to Newtonian and non- Newtonian fluids problem have received considerable attention due to their numerous applications in industries. This thesis is devoted to study the unsteady free convection flow of Newtonian fluid (nanofluids) and non-Newtonian fluids (Casson and micropolar fluids) over an oscillating vertical plate. Specifically, free convection flows of Casson fluids and micropolar fluids were studied with and without magnetohydrodynamic and porosity effects. Whereas studied in nanofluids also considered ramped wall temperature. Laplace transform was used to solve the partial differential equations governing the motion. The expressions of the obtained solutions for velocity, temperature and concentration were presented in simple forms. Skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number were also calculated. The analytical results were plotted and discussed for magnetic, porosity, radiation, nanoparticle volume friction, Casson and microrotation parameters as well as Prandtl, Grashof and modified Grashof numbers. For Casson fluid, it was observed that velocity decreases with increasing values of Casson parameter as Casson fluid exhibits yield stress. In case of nanofluids, it was found that fluid velocity was greater for isothermal temperature as compared to ramped wall temperature of the plate. However, for micropolar fluid, microrotations increases near the plate and decreases far away from the plate due to an increase in viscosity parameter. The results showed that for long time interval, the oscillations have similar amplitudes and phase shift that persists for all times. For verification, the obtained solutions were recovered as special cases. The existing solutions in the literature were also reduced to their limiting cases of the present results. The exact solutions obtained in this thesis serve as a benchmark to verify approximate methods, whether asymptotic, experimental or numerical

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among Sudanese adult patients

Objectives: Uncontrolled asthma is a major health problem resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization, and costs. The aim of this study was to determine the level of asthma control and its associated factors in Sudan.Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 362 adult asthmatics consecutively recruited from the three main tertiary hospitals in Khartoum State-Sudan, between March and June 2018. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and the asthma control test (ACT) was used to determine the level of control. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with uncontrolled asthma.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40.1 years (SD 15.7) and the sex distribution was almost equal, with 195 (53.9%) females. Among all asthmatics, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 84.5%, according to ACT score. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma included; health facility (odd ratios [OR] = 2.96 [1.27–6.86]), time to reach facility (OR = 4.51 [1.68–12.06]), non-adherence to follow-up visits (OR = 5.11 [1.12–23.36]), steroids tablets use without prescription (OR = 9.01 [1.01–79.88]), family history of asthma (OR = 0.45 [0.21–0.95]), and inhaler technique training (OR = 0.37 [0.17–0.78]).Conclusion: This study showed a high rate of uncontrolled asthma in three tertiary hospitals in Khartoum. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma may be considered as targets for future intervention strategies

Revealing the Relationship between Smartphone Addiction and Academic Performance of Students: Evidences from Higher Educational Institutes of Pakistan

In this world of technology, smart phone has become a vital part in everyone’s life. This study aims to focus on the relationship between smartphone addiction and academic performance of students in higher education. Variables such as use of social networking sites, overuse of smart phone and Academic Performance (Grade Point Average and Time Management skills) were part of this research. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 360 students of two private universities in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The target age group was 19-24 studying in Bachelors degree program. Data was analyzed through SPSS. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression tests were applied. Results reveal that there is a negative relationship between smartphone addiction and academic performance. Moreover, it has been proved that students with good time management skills achieve high grades/GPAs than those who have poor time management skills due to involvement in different social networks (media) such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc. It is suggested that students should spend their time wisely and use their smartphones for educational purposes. However, students need training, counseling and close monitoring to get benefits through smartphones’ use

Moderating role of self-congruence: Impact of brand personality on Brand attachment through the Mediating role of Trust

Increasingly companies are focused on searching for ways to create strong brand connections with consumers. It is illustrated that such connections lead to higher levels of consumer loyalty, which increases companies’ financial performance. The main purpose of this study is to explore the impact of brand personality on brand attachment through the mediating role of trust. Also investigate the moderating role of self-congruence on the relationship between brand personality and brand trust.  SPSS 23 is used to analyze the data. Data was collected through survey questionnaire technique and snow-ball sampling technique was used for data collection. Analysis reveal Brand personality have significant and positive relationship with brand trust. On the other side trust significantly enhance the brand attachment. While the results prove that self-congruence have significant moderating effect on the relationship between brand personality and brand trust.&nbsp

A Time-Series Analysis of Economic Growth in the Context of Indian Economy

India has a sizable and successful consumer class, which is critical given that household consumption accounts for 60% of GDP. Total market value is calculated by adding the monetary or market values of all final goods and services produced inside a nation's borders. Additionally, the gross domestic product at market value (GDP at market value) may be employed to reflect this total market value. Total domestic production is defined in terms of GDP to assess the economy's health. GDP is computed on a quarterly or yearly basis, depending on the state of the economy at the moment. Human capital is a country's most important natural resource, and it must be used appropriately and acknowledged to accomplish long-term economic goals sustainably. India is the world's second-most populated nation, with 1.3 billion people behind China. According to the World Bank, India's global influence has grown in lockstep with its consistent economic success. Compared to wealthier nations, emerging countries have several obstacles, including a lack of infrastructure and a low per capita income. Another issue that has to be addressed is the growth of rural economic systems. According to some experts, India's current economic instability will culminate in an unprecedented economic boom, which they believe has already begun