EFFECT OF JOB STRESS ON JOB SATISFACTION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT COLLEGES

The current research is an attempt to examine the effect of job stress on job satisfaction of physical education teachers working in government colleges, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. A cross-sectional research method was used to collect required data from a finite population N=170 (males=97; females=73). Self-made questionnaires namely, Job Stress Questionnaire (JSQ) and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (JSQ) were developed and used for the collection of required data. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version; 26 was used to analyze the collected data, revealing negligible and inverse correlation (-.887, -.633 & -.721). The study revealed a significant impact of job stressors on job satisfaction (p < .05). Additionally, male physical education teachers reported a higher mean score on various variables included in the study (p < .05). These findings help policymakers to devise a uniform human policy that could protect the interests of the physical education teachers to share responsibilities of carving out the future of the country.  Â

Crisis management process for project-based organizations

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the crisis management process for project-based organizations (PBOs) by developing a comprehensive model and propositions. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on a conceptual study. A literature review is considered a primary source for studying contemporary research, including 171 publications in total, which embody qualitative, quantitative, conceptual and theoretical studies. For data analysis, content analysis is used, which is comprised of descriptive and thematic analysis. Findings: This study identifies five imperative elements of crisis management for PBOs which include (1) sense-making (information gathering and crisis interpretation), (2) decision-making (accurate and timely decision), (3) response (reactive response), (4) outcome (success/failure) and (5) learning. Based on these findings, this study proposes an integrative model of the interplay between sense-making, decision-making, response, outcome and learning. Furthermore, the findings lead to propositions for each of the elements. The paper contributes to the literature on dynamic capability theory. Originality/value: This paper explores the crisis management process for PBOs. The proposed model deepens the understanding of the practices and processes of project-based crisis management.Peer reviewe

INDIGENOUS VESICULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI EFFECT ON MAIZE UNDER DIFFERENT TEXTURES

Plant health and biomass relies on nutrient availability and the efficiency with which nutrients are taking in by plants. Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) is a symbiotic association between plant roots and fungus. VAM improve plant growth by modifying its rhizosphere soil and helps in nutrient uptake by plants. Our aim was to evaluate the growth of maize (Zea mays) and quantify mycorrhizae under different textures and in phosphorous deficient soils. Treatments include different types of soil texture (pure soil, pure sand and 1:1 soil+sand) along with recommended rate of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer while no phosphorous fertilizer was used. Root colonization, growth rate of plant, biomass of plant root and shoot and effect of VAM and roots on rhizosphere soil pH were observed. Results showed that shoot biomass was significantly improved in plain soil treatment as compared to sandy texture soils. Root:shoot ratio was significantly decreased in plain soil as compared to plants in sand. pH was reduced in all treatments significantly. Root colonization ranges from 40-49% and colonization rates higher in sandy soils than others. Results suggested that VAM infection show well growth in its natural environment and improve plant growth and yield

Enhanced production of β- glucosidase by locally isolated fungal strain employing submerged fermentation

β-glucosidase has wide spectrum of biotechnological applications in different industries including food, textile, laundry detergents, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical and biofuel industry. The present investigation related to isolation, screening, and process optimization of fungal strain for enhanced production of β-glucosidase (BGL). For this purpose, different fungal stains were isolated from different sources including soil, fruits, bark of tree as well as from the compost. The screening of fungal strain for BGL production was carried out via submerged fermentation. All the tested strains were identified on the basis of micro and macroscopic features. The fungal strain having greater ability for BGL synthesis among tested ones was identified as Aspergillus niger and given the code SBT-15. The process parameter including fermentation media, temperature, pH, rate of fermentation, carbon and nitrogen sources, volume of media were optimized. Five different fermentation media were evaluated M3 medium gave maximum production. The optimal conditions for BGL production was 72 hours of incubation at 40°C, pH 6 and 50 ml fermentation medium. Glucose (1%) and ammonium sulphate (3%) were optimized as best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively

Process optimization for enhanced production of cellulases form locally isolated fungal strain by submerged fermentation

Cellulase has myriad applications in various sectors like pharmaceuticals, textile, detergents, animal feed and bioethanol production, etc. The current study focuses on the isolation, screening and optimization of fungal strain through one factor at a time technique for enhanced cellulase production.  In current study sixteen different fungal cultures were isolated and the culture which quantitatively exhibits higher titers of cellulase activity was identified both morphologically and molecularly by 18S rDNA and designated as Aspergillus niger ABT11. Different parameters like fermentation medium, volume, temperature, pH and nutritional components were optimized. The highest CMCase and FPase activities  was achieved in 100ml of M5 medium in the presence of 1% lactose and sodium nitrate at 30 oC, pH5 after 72 hours. The result revealed A. niger can be a potential candidate for scale up studies

Grim consequences of workplace traditional bullying and cyberbullying by way of mediation: A case of service sector of Pakistan

Various studies have been conducted to measure bullying incidence and prevalence in multiple organizational settings based on a variety of methods and research design. Nonetheless, these studies indicate that bullying is a devastating and crippling problem that should be addressed in relation to its adverse effects and implications. This study identified several gaps in the literature when expanded specifically to the service sector of Pakistan, where the problem of bullying is prevalent. This research endeavored to fill in the aforementioned gaps by precisely focusing on organizational climate as a cause of bullying (based on frustration–aggression theory and social interaction approach), technology in relation to cyberbullying, and effects on employee health. Hence, this study contributes to the emergent discussion in identifying the debilitating outcomes of bullying. Results indicated the significant negative relationship of organizational climate and workplace bullying and the grim consequences on employees' health in the form of psychological, physiological, and emotional health distractions. © 2019, Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication. All rights reserved

Modifications at the 6-<i>O</i>-position of 1-deoxynojirimycin: facile and efficient synthesis of 6-<i>O</i>-alkylated-<i>N</i>-octyl-1-deoxynojirimycin derivatives

<p>A straightforward synthesis of <i>N</i>-alkylated 1-deoxynojirimycin derivatives modified at the 6-<i>O</i>-position has been described. The key intermediate in the synthesis of target compounds was 2,3,4-tri-<i>O</i>-benzyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol, which was prepared from 2,3,4,6-tetra-<i>O</i>-benzyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol. Optimal conditions have been established for the synthesis of the key intermediate by varying reaction parameters. Reductive amination and subsequent alkylation of the 6-<i>O</i>-position followed by hydrogenolysis were the main reaction steps, which gave target compounds 6-<i>O</i>-ethyl-<i>N</i>-octyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol and 6-<i>O</i>-butyl-<i>N</i>-octyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol. This synthetic route is flexible and can be useful for the synthesis of other lipophilic iminosugar derivatives.</p

Determinants of Covid vaccine uptake and perinatal outcome in pregnant women at a tertiary care center

Objective: To determine the factors for hesitancy and uptake of coronavirus disease-2019 vaccine, and to compare perinatal outcomes in vaccinated and nonvaccinated pregnant women. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to February 2022 at the Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi,  and the Holy Family Hospital, Karachi, and comprised pregnant women admitted in delivery suite for operative or vaginal delivery. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire which also explored knowledge about vaccine, contextual factors and reasons for and against vaccination. Perinatal outcomes included stillbirth, preterm delivery, low birth weight and Appearance-Pulse-Grimace-Activity-Respiration score. Also, 3cc blood was collected from the umbilical cord at the time of delivery, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used for antibodies titre. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Results: Of the 186 women, 114(61.3%) with mean age 27.9±4.1 years were vaccinated, and 72(38.7%) with mean age 27.5±5.2 years were not vaccinated. Physician’s advise 104 (91.2%), vaccine safety and its effect on foetus 52(72.2%) were main determinants for vaccine uptake and refusal, repectively. Family and peer pressure was also responsible in 19(26.4%) cases for vaccine refusal. Body mass index, parity, level of education, socioeconomic status, history of coronavirus disease-2019 infection, booking status and presence of gestational diabetes mellitus were significantly different between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups (p<0.05). Antibody titers and Appearance-Pulse-Grimace-Activity-Respiration score at 1 minute were significantly higher in the group of vaccinated women (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vaccine uptake was found to be low. Safety concern against vaccine, and doctor’s advice were the main determinants for hesitancy and uptake. Antibody titers in newborns were higher in the group of vaccinated women. Key Words: COVID-19 infection, Pregnancy, Vaccine, Antibody titers