Learners’ Perception Regarding the Role of Native-like English Language Proficiency in a Pakistani Academic Setting

Students learning any foreign language must develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and become proficient in the use of that language. In Pakistan, English is a language that is highly used in educational institutions as well as professionally. This research has been carried out by quantitative method approach. This research carries two objectives. Firstly, to explore the Pakistani student’s perception regarding the role of native English proficiency in their Academic setting. Secondly, to statistically analyze the variation in perception regarding the role of native-like English language proficiency in an Academic setting. The data has been collected from a university from university students. The exact number of participants from which the questionnaire has been taken is 30 students from 3 different departments of the university. This research comes with the result that participants generally agreed that good handwriting, fast writing speed, and use of technical words in papers all have a positive impact on their marks in exams. However, they did not agree as strongly that the use of difficult vocabulary increases their marks in exams. This research is beneficial for the students that how they can get native-like English language proficiency. This research is also good for the teachers because this gives them an understanding of designing syllabi for the students. &nbsp

A Comprehensive Electroencephalogram Audit in A Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan: Demographic Distribution, Referral Indications and Findings

Background and Objective: Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widely employed non-invasive technique for recording brain electrical activity, pivotal for diagnosing various neurological conditions. The study aims to provide insight into demographic distribution, referral indications, and EEG findings in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 2,924 patients who underwent routine EEG evaluations over a three-year period. Data was collected from the EEG records after approval from the ethical review committee. Demographic variables, referral reasons, and EEG findings were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study revealed a gender distribution of 41.35 % females and 58.65 % males, aligning with broader epidemiological trends. Participants were categorized into different age groups and most of the patients in our study belonged to the five to 18 years of age group. Most common indication was a suspected seizure disorder (78.32 %), followed by subclinical seizures (7.38 %) and medication adjustment (6.81 %). Notably, encephalopathy was the most common abnormal EEG finding (31 %), with temporal epilepsies being predominant within the focal seizure category. Conclusion: The descriptive nature of the study contributes novel insights. The study’s contribution provides valuable guidance for healthcare professionals, enhancing their comprehension of neurological conditions and refining diagnostic and treatment strategies

Efficient control charting methodology based on Distance Weighted Mean for normal distribution

This research suggests a Distance Weighted Mean (DWM) based control chart under normal distribution implementing Simple Random Sampling (SRS). The control limits are calculated using the quantile point method. The control chart\u27s performance is assessed using the Average Run Length (ARL) statistic. The numerical findings are illustrated using samples of sizes 3 and 5. The ARL1 values are determined using Monte Carlo Simulation for increasing and decreasing shifts in the location parameter ranging from 5% to 30%. Using the ARL1 measurement, the proposed DWM control charts are compared to the existing Shewhart control charts. According to the comparison analysis, the suggested DWM control chart surpasses the competing Shewhart control chart. The real-life application of the proposed DWM control chart is also shown by using the lifetime of the light bulb (in hours). The results suggest that the proposed DWM control chart can be a useful tool for monitoring process mean shifts, especially when the sample size is large, and the magnitude of the shift is significant

Subtractive Proteomics Supported with Rational Drug Design Approach Revealed ZINC23121280 as a Potent Lead Inhibitory Molecule for Multi-drug Resistant Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium and is the etiological agent of taluremia. The prolonged use of antibiotics is the reason for pathogen resistance to antibiotics such as beta-lactams and macrolides. This leads to the search to explore novel drug targets for F. tularensis to inhibit its growth. Subtractive proteomics revealed Glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (G1PTT) as the most promising protein as a drug target. A pharmacophore model was generated for virtual screening of a druglike library comprised of 1,000,000 drug molecules. Based on a pharmacophore-based search, a set of 152 compounds was predicted as the most potent inhibitors against this enzyme. The screened hits were docked with the target enzyme; which unveiled ZINC23121280 as the best-docked inhibitor having Autdock Vina binding energy of -7.2 kcal/mol and the GOLD score of 64.06. Moreover, the timedependent dynamic behavior of the complex was analyzed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation studies that revealed a stable system with a Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) average value of 2.25 Å and Root Mean SquareFluctuations (RMSF) of 1.16 Å. Radial Distribution Function (RDF) predicted strong hydrogen interactions between the ligand and Trp221 from the enzyme active pocket. The higher affinity of the antagonist for the enzyme was further supported by Molecular Mechanics Energies combined with the Poisson–Boltzmann and Surface Area (MMPBSA) and or Generalized Born and Surface Area (MMGBSA) with the estimated binding free energy of −1.07 kcal/mol and −29.59 kcal/mol, respectively. Findings from this present computational framework may provide the foundation for future drug discovery against F. tularensis.</jats:p

How Emotional Intelligence Influences Cognitive Outcomes Among University Students: The Mediating Role of Relational Engagement During the Covid-19 Pandemic

This study investigated the relationships among emotional intelligence (EI), relational engagement (RE), and cognitive outcomes (COs). A survey questionnaire containing 34 statements was completed by 338 undergraduate students from the four universities of China, with responses recorded on a 7-point Likert-type scale. The relationships were examined using the partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings showed that EI influenced the COs directly and indirectly during the pandemic. In the forms of self-regulation (SR) and social skills (SS), the high levels of EI improved the COs of the students. Further, the aspects of EI, such as SR, self-awareness (SA), empathy (E), motivation (M), and SS were found to improve the RE of the students. The RE was positively correlated with the COs, indicating its potential for improving critical thinking among university students. Finally, the RE was a key mediator of the relationship between the EI and COs. It is concluded that the students with higher levels of EI and RE may achieve better COs. The implications of the research and suggestions for future studies are also discussed.</jats:p

Comparison of Outcome of K-Wires Versus Plates & Screw Fixation for Management of Hand Fractures

Objective: To compare the outcomes of K-wires versus plate and screw fixation in managing hand fractures. Methodology: This study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, PIMS, Islamabad, from April 2021 to April 2022. A total of 160 patients (aged 16–65 years) with hand fractures meeting inclusion criteria were included. Patients were followed up for three months, and success was defined as achieving &gt;70% of the normal range of motion. Data analysis was done using SPSS, applying the Chi-square test to compare success rates, with p &lt; 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.1±5.8 years for the K-wires group and 28.2±5.6 years for the plate and screw group. Males comprised 60% of the K-wire group and 65% of the plate and screw group. Success rates were 76.2% in the K-wire group and 90% in the plate and screw group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Plate and screw fixation showed significantly better outcomes than K-wires for hand fracture management. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to validate these findings