Impact of In-Service Training on Performance of Teachers A Case of STEVTA Karachi Region

Learning which takes place in a classroom is significantly associated with teachers and their actions taken in the classroom. Therefore, quality of education can be improved by putting more focus on teaching methodologies and the way teachers spend time in classrooms. This study aimed at examining the impact of in-service training on the performance of the teachers. It is generally believed that with the implementation of certain in-service training programmes the performance of teachers regarding their professional skills, knowledge and experience can be signif icantly improved. The target population of the present study included the in-service teachers offering their services at Sindh Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA), Government of Sindh, Karaschi Region. Using close-ended questions, perception and experience of teachers (n=150, m=100, f=50), who availed the opportunity to get in-service training, were gained. Findings of the study revealed the positive impact of in-service training programmes on the performance of teachers. The study also revealed the positive perception of teachers regarding their professional growth. It recommended the in-service training programmes to be introduced in line with the subject rather than general

An Adaptive Software Fault Tolerant Framework for Ubiquitous Vehicular Technologies

Probability for the occurrence of faults increases manifolds when program Lines of Code (LoC) exceeds a few thousand in ubiquitous applications. Faults mitigation in ubiquitous applications, such as those of autonomous Vehicular Technologies (VTs), has not been effective even with the use of formal methods. Faults in such applications require exhaustive testing for a timely fix, that seems infeasible computationally. This emphasizes the imperative role of Software Fault Tolerance (SFT) for autonomous applications. Several SFT techniques have been proposed but failures revealed in VT applications imply that existing SFT techniques need to be fine-tuned. In this paper, current replication-based SFT techniques have been analyzed and classified with respect to their diversity, adjudication, and adaptivity. Essential parameters (such as Reliability, Time, Variance, etc) for adjudication, diversity, and adaptiveness were recorded. The identified parameters were mapped to different techniques (such as AFTRC, SCOP, VFT, etc) for observing their shortcomings. Consequently, a generic framework named ”Diverse Parallel Adjudication for Software Fault Tolerance (DPA-SFT)” has been proposed. DPA-SFT addresses the shortcomings of existing SFT techniques for VTs with the added value of parallel and diverse adjudication. A prototype implementation of the proposed framework has been developed for assessing the viability of DPA-SFT over modules of VT. An empirical comparison of the proposed framework was performed with prevalent techniques (AFTRC, SCOP, VFT, etc). A thorough evaluation suggests that DPA-SFT performs better than contemporary SFT techniques in VTs due to its parallel and diverse adjudication

An Exploratory Framework for Intelligent Labelling of Fault Datasets

Software fault prediction (SFP) has become a pivotal aspect in realm of software quality. Nevertheless, discipline of software quality suffers the starvation of fault datasets. Most of the research endeavors are focused on type of dataset, its granularity, metrics used and metrics extractors. However, sporadic attention has been exerted on development of fault datasets and their associated challenges. There are very few publicly available datasets limiting the possibilities of comprehensive experiments on way to improvising the quality of software. Current research targets to address the challenges pertinent to fault dataset collection and development if one is not available publicly. It also considers dynamic identification of available resources such as public dataset, open-source software archieves, metrics parsers and intelligent labeling techniques. A framework for dataset collection and development process has been furnished along with evaluation procedure for the identified resources

Forecasting tax revenues using time series techniques – a case of Pakistan

The objective of this research was to forecast the tax revenue of Pakistan for the fiscal year 2016–17 using three different time series techniques and also to analyse the impact of indirect taxes on the working class. The study further analysed the efficiency of three different time series models such as the Autoregressive model (A.R. with seasonal dummies), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (A.R.I.M.A.), and the Vector Autoregression (V.A.R.) model. In any economy, tax analysis and forecasting of revenues is of paramount importance to ensure the economic and fiscal policies. This study is important to identify significant variables affecting tax revenue specifically in Pakistan. The data used for this paper was from July 1985 to December 2016 (monthly) and focused on forecasting for 2017. For the forecasting of total tax revenue, we used components of tax revenues such as direct tax, sales tax, federal excise duty and customs duties. The results of this study revealed that among these models the A.R.I.M.A. model gives better-forecasted values for the total tax revenues of Pakistan. The results further demonstrated that major tax revenue is generated by indirect taxes, which cause more inflation that directly hits the working class of Pakistan

Impact of In-Service Training on Performance of Teachers A Case of STEVTA Karachi Region

Learning which takes place in a classroom is significantly associated with teachers and their actions taken in the classroom. Therefore, quality of education can be improved by putting more focus on teaching methodologies and the way teachers spend time in classrooms. This study aimed at examining the impact of in-service training on the performance of the teachers. It is generally believed that with the implementation of certain in-service training programmes the performance of teachers regarding their professional skills, knowledge and experience can be signif icantly improved. The target population of the present study included the in-service teachers offering their services at Sindh Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA), Government of Sindh, Karaschi Region. Using close-ended questions, perception and experience of teachers (n=150, m=100, f=50), who availed the opportunity to get in-service training, were gained. Findings of the study revealed the positive impact of in-service training programmes on the performance of teachers. The study also revealed the positive perception of teachers regarding their professional growth. It recommended the in-service training programmes to be introduced in line with the subject rather than general

Effect of bath ionic strength on adhesion and tribological properties of pure nickel and nickel composite coatings

The effect of electrolytic chemical concentration on wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, adhesion and wettability properties of pure nickel and nickel-alumina composite coatings has been investigated in this paper. Coatings were electroplated over steel substrates under constant pulse conditions using pulse electrodeposition technique. Corrosion-resistant results show that the anti-corrosion properties are increasing with medium concentration both for pure nickel and nickel-alumina composite coating. For anti-wear properties the medium concentration showed increasing trend in case of pure nickel coatings but decreased in nickel-alumina composite coatings. In composite coating the higher and low concentrations of electrolyte showed the higher wear resistance properties. Furthermore, the influence of electrolyte concentration on changing surface morphologies, mechanical, wettability and adhesion properties have been investigated and reported here. Surface morphologies of the coatings were examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Surface mapping and wear analyses were conducted through 3D white light interferometry

Ectomycorrhizal Fungi as Biofertilizers in Forestry

Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is an association of fungi with the roots of higher plants in which both the species are equally benefited and appears to be important for the survival of both parties, and no doubt this association offered extensive benefits in the restoration of forest and ecosystem soil aggregation and stabilization. The most important and vital role of ECM fungi, which is analyzed globally, is that they are best and environment friendly biofertilizers. ECM fungi considered as a biotechnological tool in forest management because their role in reforestation, bioremediation, control of soil pathogen, and restoration of ecosystem is reviewed extensively. ECM fungi not only increase the biomass of edible fruiting bodies but also improve soil structure, nutrient cycle, and also produce phytohormones, which increase the growth and survival of seedlings and enhance the photosynthetic rate of plants and also maintain their tolerance level against environmental stresses in forest nursery. Ectomycorrhizas also reduce fertilization expenses in an environment friendly manner. The importance of ECM fungi and mycorrhizal helper bacteria for the growth enhancement of the economically important trees and significantly important role in restoration of sites degraded by forestry operation

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is available across various countries worldwide, with public-private partnerships ensuring all individuals are vaccinated through a phased approach. Irrespective of the geographical spread, several myths pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine have stemmed, ultimately limiting the national administration of vaccines and rollouts. This study assessed the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general public in Pakistan.Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire was administered from January 2021 to February 2021 to assess the public attitude and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression analyses were run to identify factors associated with the acceptance among the population.Results: A total of 936 responses were elicited, where 15% perceived their risk of being infected at 20-30% with an overall 70% agreeing to be vaccinated if recommended. Multivariate analysis identified higher acceptance in the male gender, healthcare workers, and students. Of all, 66% respondents chose healthcare workers and public officials, whereas 15.6% chose scientific literature, and 12.9% chose social media as the most reliable source of COVID-19 information.Conclusion: Given the relatively greater trust in healthcare providers for information regarding COVID-19, healthcare workers ought to be on the frontline for vaccine campaigns and public outreach efforts, with governmental efforts in addition to the promotion of scientific materials for population-level understanding

Application of potassium, zinc and boron as potential plant growth modulators in Gossypium hirsutum L. under heat stress

High temperature stress at reproductive stages of cotton crop severely affects the yield and quality of cotton crop under changing climatic conditions. To alleviate the adverse effects of high temperature stress on cotton crop, the regulatory effects of potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) were assessed by applying different temperature regimes at three reproductive stages of cotton crop under field and glass house conditions. Cotton plants were subjected to low (32/20 °C ± 2), medium (38/24 °C ± 2), and high (45/30 °C ± 2) temperatures under glasshouse, but sown at specific dates in field to provide different temperatures at three reproductive stages. High-temperature stress at squaring, flowering and boll formation stages in both field studies increased relative cell injury (RCI), total soluble proteins (TSP), reactive oxygen species and reduced fiber yield attributes i.e. total number of bolls per plant (TNBPP), number of sympodial branches per plant (NSBPP) and quality traits. For example, RCI, TNBPP and fiber fineness were reduced by 73%, 42% and 29%, respectively under supra thermal regime (SupTR) of glass house study over the optimal thermal regime (OpTR). Foliar application of K and Zn followed by B increased TSP, RWC, TNBPP, NSBPP, fiber fineness, fiber length and fiber strength. Further, foliar spray of K and Zn followed by B also reduced H2 O2 under SupTR and SubTR over the OpTR. The findings of the present study clearly demonstrate that foliar spray of Zn, K and B alleviated adverse effects of high temperature stress at squaring, flowering and boll formation stages and increased seed cotton yield and quality of cotton crop. © TÜBİTAK

Diagnostic Efficacy of MRCP and Ultrasound on Obstructive Jaundice-A Prospective Study

Background: Obstructive jaundice is a common pathological problem that occurs when there is an obstruction to the passage of conjugated bilirubin from liver cells to intestine. Bile, a digestive fluid secreted and produce by the liver. Most common cause of obstructive jaundice is due to gallstones. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic Efficacy of MRCP and Ultrasound on obstructive jaundice. Study design: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed. Material & Method: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed in 50 patients who came with the provisional diagnosis of obstructive jaundice were referred to ultrasound for primitive diagnosis and were then shifted to MRCP for a detailed diagnosis. The data was collected from the outpatient department facility of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute   Hospital, Lahore. After informed consent, data was collected from MRI GE 1.5 Tesla, Ultrasound Canon Xanio. Results: The results revealed that there are 50 patients of obstructive jaundice. 20 were females’ patients and 30 were males’ patients, with age raging from 20-40 years. There were 17 patients out of  50 in our study which ultrasound showed negative results that were positive on MRCP there were 28 patients that were positive on both ultrasound and MRCP. There were 3 patients that were positive on ultrasound but negative on MRCP and 2 patients that were negative on both modalities Conclusion: Our study concluded that higher ratio of males then females in our sample size, RHC was positive in all the patients with dominant cause of jaundice was stone with in biliary channel. We found that MRCP has better efficiency comparative to ultrasound to detect jaundice and its etiology i.e., 90% true positive. Keywords: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, Ultrasonography, Obstructive jaundice DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/91-03 Publication date:July 31st 202