Comparative Review on Information and Communication Technology Issues in Education Sector of Developed and Developing Countries: A Case Study About Pakistan

The use of information and communication technology is very beneficial in the education sector because it can enhance the quality of education. However, the implementation of ICT in the education sector of developed and developing countries is a challenging task. This paper explains the comparative study of ICT issues in the education sector of developed and developing countries. In particular, we compare issues between Pakistan and high-tech countries. Our study reveals the fact that the education sector is facing numerous ICT problems that are based on culture, finance, management, infrastructure, lack of training, lack of equipment, teacher’s refusal, and ethical issues. At the end of this paper, various issues faced by the implementation of ICT in the education sector of Pakistan have been categorized into various types, namely, infrastructure, lack of IT professionals, lack of high-speed internet and equipment. Our research is based on five key research questions related to ICT issues. We used a mixed approach where the results of this study can be used as a set of guidelines to help make the learning environment technology-oriented, fast, planned, and productive. Future directions are also given at the end of this paper

Identification of Macrolepiota procera extract as a novel G6PD inhibitor for the treatment of lung cancer

Tumor metabolism, an emerging hallmark of cancer, is characterized by aberrant expression of enzymes from various metabolic pathways including glycolysis and PPP (pentose phosphate pathway). Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), oxidative carboxylases of PPP, have been reported to accomplish different biosynthetic and energy requirements of cancer cells. G6PD and 6PGD have been proposed as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy during recent years due to their overexpression in various cancers. Here, we have employed enzymatic assay based screening using in-house G6PD and 6PGD assay protocols for the identification of mushroom extracts which could inhibit G6PD or 6PGD enzymatic activity for implications in cancer therapy. For the fulfillment of the objectives of present study, nine edible mushrooms were subjected to green extraction for preparation of ethanolic extracts. 6xhis-G6PD and pET-28a-h6PGD plasmids were expressed in BL21-DE3 E. coli cells for the expression and purification of protein of interests. Using purified proteins, in house enzymatic assay protocols were established. The preliminary screening identified two extracts (Macrolepiota procera and Terfezia boudieri) as potent and selective G6PD inhibitors, while no extract was found highly active against 6PGD. Further, evaluation of anticancer potential of mushroom extracts against lung cancer cells revealed Macrolepiota procera as potential inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation with IC50 value of 6.18 lg/ml. Finally, screening of M. procera-derived compounds against G6PD via molecular docking has identified paraben, quercetin and syringic acid as virtual hit compounds possessing good binding affinity with G6PD. The result of present study provides novel findings for possible mechanism of action of M. procera extract against A549 via G6PD inhibition suggesting that M. procera might be of therapeutic interest for lung cancer treatment.(c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).NRPU Research Grant [8381/Punjab/NRPU/RD/HEC/2017, 8382/Punjab/NRPU/R D/HEC/2017]; ISESCO awarded Research Grant 2018This study was supported by the grants from the NRPU Research Grant (8381/Punjab/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2017), (8382/Punjab/NRPU/R &D/HEC/2017) and ISESCO awarded Research Grant 2018

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a widespread parasitic infection caused by the Leishmania, which is carried by female sandflies. The symptoms include basic ulcer to lethal systemic disease i.e., formation of widely dispersed skin lesions of diverse types. Almost 350 million individuals are at danger and the disease is endemic in more than 98 countries. There are globally 12 million cases, with 2–2.5 million new cases annually. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is considered as critically neglected disease by WHO. Earlier it was difficult to identify the infecting parasite, but modern DNA techniques make it quite simple to identify the Leishmania species, allowing quick treatment decisions. The quick identification of Leishmania is made possible using the PCR method. There is currently no vaccination to prevent leishmaniasis, and pharmacological treatment is frequently ineffectual. There is a need for broad and well-conducted investigations to help its control. Amphotericin B, pentamidine isethionate, paromomycin, and antifungals are some of the drugs recommended for treatment. By organising direct, in-person training, which is a crucial step in improving attitudes and preventative actions toward CL and its control in endemic areas, it is necessary to underline the significance and necessity of teaching this at-risk population

Faculty perceptions regarding an individually tailored, flexible length, outcomes-based curriculum for undergraduate medical students

Purpose The perception of faculty members about an individually tailored, flexible-length, outcomes-based curriculum for undergraduate medical students was studied. Their opinion about the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges was also noted. This study was done to help educational institutions identify academic and social support and resources required to ensure that graduate competencies are not compromised by a flexible education pathway. Methods The study was done at the International Medical University, Malaysia, and the University of Lahore, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from 1st August 2021 to 17th March 2022. Demographic information was noted. Themes were identified, and a summary of the information under each theme was created. Results A total of 24 (14 from Malaysia and 10 from Pakistan) faculty participated. Most agreed that undergraduate medical students can progress (at a differential rate) if they attain the required competencies. Among the major advantages mentioned were that students may graduate faster, learn at a pace comfortable to them, and develop an individualized learning pathway. Several logistical challenges must be overcome. Providing assessments on demand will be difficult. Significant regulatory hurdles were anticipated. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play an important role in creating an individualized learning pathway and supporting time-independent progression. The course may be (slightly) cheaper than a traditional one. Conclusion This study provides a foundation to further develop and strengthen flexible-length competency-based medical education modules. Further studies are required among educators at other medical schools and in other countries. Online learning and AI will play an important role

Synthesis of Electrical Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Applications

Electrical conductivity is very important property of nanomaterials for using wide range of applications especially energy applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are notorious for their low electrical conductivity and less considered for usage in pristine forms. However, the advantages of high surface area, porosity and confined catalytic active sites motivated researchers to improve the conductivity of MOFs. Therefore, 2D electrical conductive MOFs (ECMOF) have been widely synthesized by developing the effective synthetic strategies. In this article, we have summarized the recent trends in developing the 2D ECMOFs, following the summary of potential applications in the various fields with future perspectives

Exploring Career Barriers Faced by Female Doctors Due to Gender Bias: A Qualitative Analysis

Objectives: To explore the experiences of female doctors in facing and overcoming gender-related career barriers and the roles of male colleagues. Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological study, conducted at a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan, from August 2023 to July 2024, involved 13 faculty members (8 females, 5 males) selected through purposive and snowball sampling across various specialties. Female doctors who had experienced delayed promotions or held leadership positions, and male doctors with experience supervising or working alongside female colleagues, participated in semi-structured interviews. An interview guide, informed by key themes from existing literature on gender studies in the medical field, directed discussions on career advancement barriers, strategies to overcome them, and the roles of male doctors in supporting female colleagues. Inductive thematic analysis of the transcripts identified patterns and themes within the data. Results: The analysis resulted in three overarching themes and eleven subthemes. Theme one ‘Systemic barriers’ highlighted the challenges faced by female doctors in career advancement in the form of discriminatory practices, societal expectations, and the lack of mentorship. Theme two focused on the ‘professional empowerment strategies’ for female doctors, emphasizing on developing interpersonal skills, building expertise, and engaging in leadership trainings. Third theme elaborated the supportive role of male doctors in promoting gender equity at workplace through mentorship, acknowledgment of achievements, and creating a safe working environment for females. Conclusion: This study identified the barriers hindering professional growth of female doctors. It highlights the need of mentorship, empowerment strategies, and the supportive roles of male doctors in advancing gender equity. Implementing these strategies can lead to a more equitable healthcare system. Keywords: gender equity, gender bias, gender discrimination, mentorship, phenomenological study. All three authors served as faculty members at FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore, during the time this study was conducted

Qualities of PBL Leader: The Students’ Perspective

Introduction: Problem based learning is an educational strategy in which students work together in a collaborative way to solve a given problem/scenario that they are expected to experience in their real life setting. Students' work in a group of 12-13. The group members' work under the leadership of the group leader. Aims & Objectives: This study aims to investigate the perceptions of students' regarding the qualities of PBL group leaders. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in the University College of Medicine and Dentistry. Total 30 2nd Year MBBS students were included in the study. Material & Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive exploratory study. Three focus group discussion sessions were conducted. The sessions were tape- recorded and were then converted into written document. The data was analyzed by using Atlas ti; a qualitative data analysis tool and themes were generated. Results: Initially the entire document was read and line to line coding was done which resulted in 300 codes, a second cycle of coding resulted in 95 codes, which were reduced to 78 codes after the third cycle. Finally, 17 codes were formed which were pertinent to the research objective and 5 themes with various sub-themes. Conclusion: PBL promotes collaborative learning under the group leader. This current study provides a guideline to students and medical colleges regarding the qualities of PBL group leaders and will also help in inculcating these qualities

Impact of Gamification on Education Prime Time

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Gamification approach for teaching anatomy to first year medical students by comparing the students’ performance in traditional teaching with gamification approach. Method: A Comparative Analytical study was conducted in undergraduate students having Taught anatomy in a private medical college of Lahore (mention Name), from 16th July -31st August 2019. A total 155 students of 1st year MBBS were enrolled and divided randomly into two groups Group 1(Traditional n=77) and Group 2 (Gamification n=78). Shapiro-wilk and Kolmogorov-smirnov test were applied to check the normal distribution of pre-test and post-test scores. Comparison of pre and post test scores by paired sample t-test resulted in significant decrease in the control group while a significant positive change in learning of experimental group. Results: Findings of the study showed that students studied in Group 2(i.e. Gamification) achieved the highest scores in post-test, compared with the other group. Mean difference of Group 2 is (MD=-6.100) compared to Group 1(Traditional) which is MD=-1.040 and paired sample t-test shows p-value=.000 of both groups, thus evident from the statistics that students of group 2(Gamification) achieved high scores as compared to traditional group. Conclusion: This study concluded that planned gamification frameworks can be generally welcomed by students. It is recommended that this approach in small group discussion is worth pursuing in future, this teaching approach can be implemented for teaching medical students where the role of teacher is more of facilitator. Keywords: Gamification, Effectiveness, Education</jats:p

Strategic Planning of an Organization (Concept Map)

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Advancing computational models for wave dynamics applications with quartic trigonometric tension b-spline techniques

This paper presents a computational model using Quartic Trigonometric Tension B-spline (QT-TB) function with collocation approach for nonlinear dispersive wave equation. Shallow water wave modeling plays a crucial role in various fields, including coastal engineering, oceanography, and natural hazard assessment. The QT-TB function is employed for spatial derivatives, integrating the nonlinear term through the linearization technique. While maintaining most characteristics of traditional polynomial B-splines, this method improves numerical solutions, enhancing accuracy in modeling. The performance of the method is rigorously assessed across three benchmark problems, with results compared to those of prior studies employing identical parameters. Detailed numerical illustrations are presented. Graphical representations are utilized to illustrate the single solitary wave motion, dynamics of coupled solitary waves and dynamics of triplet solitary waves in this study. Numerical experiments validate the method's accuracy and efficiency in capturing RLW-driven wave dynamics, establishing it as a reliable tool for various applications. The presented work includes an analysis of the stability of the proposed scheme, employing the Fourier method and shows that its unconditional stable