Framing communication strategies towards countering violent extremism among political and military leaders in Pakistan

Violent extremism has become a global concern especially after 9/11, and several countries are now developing comprehensive strategies to find out the causes of violent extremism. Violent extremism in Pakistan has remained a challenge while the causes identified, and the countering violent extremism measures being used have not really helped in the containment. Therefore, this study aims to define the plausible communication strategies that can be used to counter violent extremism in Pakistan. In addition, this study also investigates how political leaders and military leaders perceive countering violent extremism in Pakistan and to understand the extent that Pakistani military and government have been successful in tackling the issue of terrorism and extremism in Pakistan. Thus, the objectives have been set to deal research problems and answer the research questions. First the objectives have been set to define the plausible communication strategies that can be used to counter violent extremism in Pakistan. Moreover, to investigate how political leaders and security experts perceive countering violent extremism in Pakistan; and to understand the extent that Pakistani army and government have been successful in tackling the issue of terrorism and extremism in Pakistan. An in-depth interview with political leaders and military leaders were conducted. The data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed two plausible communication strategies, namely perceptions of violent extremism, perceptions of political leaders and extremism experts, media and communication approach, counter narrative message strategies for Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) in Pakistan, collaborative actions for CVE, army and government adaptation of operational tactics for CVE, and tackling image of Pakistan. The findings of this study inclusively found the perspectives of strategic communication in countering violent extremism through the establishment of methods such as ideologies, mass media messages, and different narratives are used to activate, mobilize, teach, and inform on the issue. Furthermore, the findings of this study demonstrated that countering violent extremism policies can addressed the development of violent extremism, by applying the dimensions of strategic communication for maximum success. Moreover, based on this study’s findings, it can also be concluded that integrating cultural-entertainment communication will go a long way to counter violent extremism in Pakistan. The study has also contributed considerably to the existing knowledge on countering violent extremism and strategic communication through the application of the Structural Theory of Violence and Message Influence theory. Future research should consider engaging other approaches particularly, content analysis and surveys, in order to offer more comprehensive accounts of how countering violent extremism will be successful and long-lasting

Pharygeal Cervicobrachial Variant Of Guillian -barre Syndrome

Guilain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a common cause of Neuro-muscular paralysis with a spectrum of clinical and electrophysiology variants. We present a case of thePharyneo-cervico-brachial type. A 25 yr old male came to the Medical OPD with the complains of one day history of upper limb weakness and decreased flexion of the neck , which was progressively worsening, along-with associated shortness of breath. His systemic inquiry and past medical/surgical histories were insignificant. Physical exam correlated withthe diagnostic criteria of PCB variant of GBS. Diagnosis was confirmed on EMG/NCS,which showed axonal neuropathy involving axillay and musculocutaneousnerve, along with absent F –waves latencies inleft median nerve. He showed significant improvement in his weakness over a course of 12 days. Such a case has not been reported to the best of our knowledgefrom our part of world, as of yet

SSIVD-Net: A Novel Salient Super Image Classification & Detection Technique for Weaponized Violence

Detection of violence and weaponized violence in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage requires a comprehensive approach. In this work, we introduce the \emph{Smart-City CCTV Violence Detection (SCVD)} dataset, specifically designed to facilitate the learning of weapon distribution in surveillance videos. To tackle the complexities of analyzing 3D surveillance video for violence recognition tasks, we propose a novel technique called, \emph{SSIVD-Net} (\textbf{S}alient-\textbf{S}uper-\textbf{I}mage for \textbf{V}iolence \textbf{D}etection). Our method reduces 3D video data complexity, dimensionality, and information loss while improving inference, performance, and explainability through the use of Salient-Super-Image representations. Considering the scalability and sustainability requirements of futuristic smart cities, the authors introduce the \emph{Salient-Classifier}, a novel architecture combining a kernelized approach with a residual learning strategy. We evaluate variations of SSIVD-Net and Salient Classifier on our SCVD dataset and benchmark against state-of-the-art (SOTA) models commonly employed in violence detection. Our approach exhibits significant improvements in detecting both weaponized and non-weaponized violence instances. By advancing the SOTA in violence detection, our work offers a practical and scalable solution suitable for real-world applications. The proposed methodology not only addresses the challenges of violence detection in CCTV footage but also contributes to the understanding of weapon distribution in smart surveillance. Ultimately, our research findings should enable smarter and more secure cities, as well as enhance public safety measures.Comment: 5 tables, 3 figure

Tris-diamine-derived transition metal complexes of flurbiprofen as cholinesterase inhibitors

Purpose: To synthesize novel tris-diamine-derived transition metal  complexes of flurbiprofen M(C2H8N2)3 (fp)2 and M(C3H10N2)3 (fp)2, and to evaluate their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities.Method: Tris-diamine-derived transition metal complexes of Co(II),  Ni(II), and Mn(II) were synthesized and characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity  measurement and single crystal x-ray analysis. The synthesized  complexes were also evaluated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities.Results: Based on magnetic susceptibility and electronic studies, the synthesized complexes possessed distorted octahedral geometry.  Conductance measurements indicated that diamine-derived metal complexes of flurbiprofen were electrolytes, whereas, simple metal complexes of flurbiprofen were non-electrolytes. The structure of Ni (C2H8N2)3 (fp)2 was also confirmed by single crystal x-ray analysis. The synthesized metal complexes exhibited moderate-to-very good inhibition of AChE and BChE. In vitro assays revealed that Ni complexes were most active, with the least half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values against AChE and BChE, compared to Co and Mn  complexes. Furthermore, 1, 2-diaminoethane-derived complexes were more potent, with lower IC50 values against both AChE and BChE, compared to 1,3-diaminopropane-derived complexes. Among the complexes, 4a and 5a revealed significant cholinesterase inhibitory activities relative to the standard drug, galantamine.Conclusion: All the synthesized metal complexes are active against  AChE and BChE, but only 4a and 5a are more active than the standard drug, galantamine, indicating their potential for drug development.Keywords: Flurbiprofen, Cholinesterase, Diamines, Galantamine, Metal complexes, Cholinesterase inhibitio

Reasons & Reactions of Army Public School Attack and solution via Communication Strategies

Terrorism and religious extremism has become global concern especially after 9/11. In war against terrorism Pakistan has lost on socio, economic, cultural and educational grounds as well. This research study will examine the consequences of Terrorism and religious extremism with special reference to the case study of brutal Army Public School (APS) attack held in December 2014 in Peshawar Pakistan. The purpose of this study is to analyze the School attack by examining reasons and reactions both at national & international level. This research study will try to examine the consequences of Extremism and argues that communication strategies can be assimilated into policies as preventive measure to radicalize extremism. To investigate this, qualitative methodology has been used, based on in-depth interviews those will be conducted to provide comprehensive perspectives from field experts and practitioners, with defense analyst, religious scholars, political scientist, psychologists, and journalists affiliated with the same area

i-Tasmik mobile platform – enabling tahfiz student to memorize Al-Quran independently

This paper proposes a conceptual solution to assist Tahfiz student on practicing memorizing Al-Quran easily and independently. This also will help Madrasah Tahfiz to monitor their students when they went back home and for long distance student. i-Tasmik is a mobile application adopting a freemium business model which aim to provide a platform for Madrasah Tahfiz student, Ustaz and Ustazah to help enhance their Al-Quran memorization. It also has a function for Madrasah and ustaz/ustazah to monitor their students’ performance. This platform uses a voice recognition system. Nine blocks of Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework, value proposition design (VPD) and environmental map have been used as the methodologies for this paper

Insurance ratemaking using the Exponential-Lognormal regression model

This paper is concerned with presenting the Exponential-Lognormal (ELN) regression model as a competitive alternative to the Pareto, or Exponential-Inverse Gamma, regression model that has been used in a wide range of areas, including insurance ratemaking. This is the first time that the ELN regression model is used in a statistical or actuarial context. The main contribution of the study is that we illustrate how maximum likelihood estimation of the ELN regression model, which does not have a density in closed form, can be accomplished relatively easily via an Expectation-Maximisation type algorithm. A real data application based on motor insurance data is examined in order to emphasise the versatility of the proposed algorithm. Finally, assuming that the number of claims is distributed according to the classic Negative Binomial and Poisson-Inverse Gaussian regression models, both the a priori and a posteriori, or Bonus–Malus, premium rates resulting from the ELN regression model are calculated via the net premium principle and compared to those determined by the Pareto regression model that has been traditionally used for modelling claim sizes

Therapeutic potential and bioactive phenolics of locally grown Pakistani and Chinese varieties of ginger in relation to extraction solvents

Current study compares the Therapeutic/nutra-pharmaceuticals potential and phenolics profile of Pakistani grown Pakistani and Chinese varieties of ginger. Crude yield of bioactive components from the varieties tested, using different extraction solvents including chloroform, ethyl acetate, ether, methanol, ethanol and distilled water. The crude bioactives varied from 14.1-82.5%. The highest extraction yield was noted for Pakistani species. The HPLC analysis revalued significant amounts of phenolics including vanillin, protocatechuic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapinic and cinnamic acids. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was shown by ethanolic extract of Pakistani variety (IC50: 26.5±1.8) whereas Chinese variety exhibited potent anticancer potential against MCF-7 cell line (Inhibition: 91.38 %). The Chinese variety in general showed higher phenolics and anticancer, while the Pakistani exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity. Pakistani grown ginger and ethanolic extract of Chinese ginger showed highest antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.0±0.02 & 15.00±0.02 mm respectively. Minimum results obtained with water for both varieties of ginger with range of 7.2±0.22 and 6±0.07 respectively. Moreover, the phenolics composition, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities of both tested varieties of ginger were notably affected as a function of extraction solvents. Our findings advocate selection of appropriate solvent for recovery of effective phenolic bioactive compounds from ginger verities to support the Nutra-pharmaceutical formulation

BPPO-Based Anion Exchange Membranes for Acid Recovery via Diffusion Dialysis

To reduce the environmental impact of acids present in various industrial wastes, improved and robust anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are highly desired. Moreover, they should exhibit high retention of salts, fast acid permeation and they should be able to operate with low energy input. In this work, AEMs are prepared using a facile solution-casting from brominated poly-(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) and increasing amounts of 2-phenylimidazole (PI). Neither quaternary ammonium salts, nor ionic liquids and silica-containing compounds are involved in the synthesis. The prepared membranes showed an ion exchange capacity of 1.1–1.8 mmol/g, a water uptake of 22%–47%, a linear expansion ratio of 1%–6% and a tensile strength of 0.83–10.20 MPa. These membranes have potential for recovering waste acid via diffusion dialysis, as the acid dialysis coefficient (UH) at room temperature for HCl is in the range of 0.006–0.018 m/h while the separation factor (S) is in the range of 16–28, which are higher than commercial DF-120B membranes (UH = 0.004 m/h, S = 24)

Effectiveness of Natural Antioxidants against SARS-CoV-2? Insights from the In-Silico World

The SARS CoV-2 pandemic has affected millions of people around the globe. Despite many efforts to find some effective medicines against SARS CoV-2, no established therapeutics are available yet. The use of phytochemicals as antiviral agents provides hope against the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2. Several natural compounds were analyzed by virtual screening against six SARS CoV-2 protein targets using molecular docking simulations in the present study. More than a hundred plant-derived secondary metabolites have been docked, including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and steroids. SARS CoV-2 protein targets include Main protease (M(Pro)), Papain-like protease (PL(pro)), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Spike glycoprotein (S), Helicase (Nsp13), and E-Channel protein. Phytochemicals were evaluated by molecular docking, and MD simulations were performed using the YASARA structure using a modified genetic algorithm and AMBER03 force field. Binding energies and dissociation constants allowed the identification of potentially active compounds. Ligand-protein interactions provide an insight into the mechanism and potential of identified compounds. Glycyrrhizin and its metabolite 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid have shown a strong binding affinity for M(Pro), helicase, RdRp, spike, and E-channel proteins, while a flavonoid Baicalin also strongly binds against PL(pro) and RdRp. The use of identified phytochemicals may help to speed up the drug development and provide natural protection against SARS-CoV-2