Self-Esteem & Academic Performance among University Students

The current study was conducted to assess the self-esteem and academic performance among university students after arising of several behavioral and educational problems. A total number of 80 students, 40 male students and 40 female students were selected through purposive sampling from G.C University Faisalabad. The participants were administered Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Academic Performance Rating Scale to measure their self-esteem and academic performance. The score of male and female students was compared. Pearson’s Product Moment and the t-test were used for statistical significance of data. It was found that there was a significant relationship (r=0.879, p<.01) between self-esteem and academic performance. Moreover a significant difference was found between male and female students on self-esteem and academic performance scores, which indicate that female students have high scores on academic performance as compared to male students and male students have high scores on self-esteem as compared to female students Key word:  Self-esteem, Academic Performance, Behavioral & Educational Problems.

Study the Effect of Substitution Filler on performance of Asphalt Mixture

The major distresses in asphalt pavements are rutting, fatigue, and adhesion loss (moisture susceptibility). In this research study, two substitution fillers (Cement and Lime) were used with two different aggregate quarries (based on minerals composition) to evaluate the relatively most beneficial combination of both fillers as well as an aggregate quarry to enhance the performance life of asphalt pavements, especially in under-developed countries. Four basic tests, (Asphalt Pavement Analyzer, Four Points Bending Beam, Dynamic Modulus, and Rolling Bottle Test) that used for the most desired properties of any asphalt pavement, were utilized to access the performance properties of modified asphalt mixture. Based on all laboratory test results this research study concludes that replacement of aggregate filler with hydrated lime and cement has a beneficial effect on asphalt mix performance and to save investment by using raw material. Substitution filler improves the high-temperature rut performance and intermediate temperature fatigue performance of asphaltic concrete mixture up to 25% to that of the conventional mixture. At the same time, substitution filler has more beneficial to improve 70% adhesion properties to that of the conventional mixture

POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND STRESS AMONG ADULTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASES IN FAISALABAD

OBJECTIVES: Primary objective was to identify the relationship between stress and positive attitude among adults with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Secondary objective was to predict Stress from Positive attitude in illness by controlling demographic characteristics (age, gender, and marital status) among adults with CHD. METHODS: This was a Cross-sectional survey research conducted during March-May 2017 in Public Hospitals of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Study sample was selected through purposive sampling technique. The sample size consisted of 278 (155 men, 123 women) CHD inpatients and out patients with age range from 18-80 years. Perceived Stress scale Urdu 10 items (PSS-10) and Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ) Urdu version 38 were used to measure stress and positive attitude in illness respectively. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship exists between age and stress while a significant negative relationship exists between positivity and stress among adults with CHD. After controlling the demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and marital status, positive attitude in illness is significant predictor of stress among adults with CHD. CONCLUSION: Adults with CHD have a high level of stress and low level of positive attitude. Stress and positive attitude are interlinked and statistically significant negative relationship among adults with CHD, further age; gender and marital status are significant predictors of stress among CHD adult patients

Locus of Control in Graduation Students

The current research focused on exploring the direction of Locus of control as well as gender difference on locus of control among graduation students in Pakistan. A 29 item Locus of Control questionnaire (Rotter, 1966) was used to measure locus of control. Sample of (N=200) individuals (n=100) men and (n=100) women selected from different academic institutes of Faisalabad division Punjab Pakistan. Independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. This study has consistent results with the earlier studies. Results of this research indicate that men has internal locus of control and women scored high on external locus of control. So the gender difference is significant on Locus of Control. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future researches are discussed.La presente investigación se enfoca en explorar tanto la dirección como la diferencia de género del Locus de Control entre estudiantes de graduación en Pakistán. Un cuestionario de Locus de Control de 29 ítems (Rotter, 1966) fue usado para medir el Locus de Control de la muestra (N=200,) conformada por hombres(n=100) y mujeres (n=100) seleccionados de diferentes instituciones académicas de Faisalabab en la provincia de Punjab Pakistán. Se usó la prueba t para muestras independientes para el análisis estadístico. Este estudio tiene resultados congruentes con investigaciones previas, los cuales indican que los hombres tienen Locus de Control interno mientras que las mujeres externo. Así pues, la diferencia de género es significativa en el Locus de Control. Las conclusiones de estos hallazgos y las recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones son discutidas

Locus de Control en Estudiantes de Graduación

The current research focused on exploring the direction of Locus of control as well as gender difference on locus of control among graduation students in Pakistan. A 29 item Locus of Control questionnaire (Rotter, 1966) was used to measure locus of control. Sample of (N=200) individuals (n=100) men and (n=100) women selected from different academic institutes of Faisalabad division Punjab Pakistan. Independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. This study has consistent results with the earlier studies. Results of this research indicate that men has internal locus of control and women scored high on external locus of control. So the gender difference is significant on Locus of Control. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future researches are discussed.La presente investigación se enfoca en explorar tanto la dirección como la diferencia de género del Locus de Control entre estudiantes de graduación en Pakistán. Un cuestionario de Locus de Control de 29 ítems (Rotter, 1966) fue usado para medir el Locus de Control de la muestra (N=200,) conformada por hombres(n=100) y mujeres (n=100) seleccionados de diferentes instituciones académicas de Faisalabab en la provincia de Punjab Pakistán. Se usó la prueba t para muestras independientes para el análisis estadístico. Este estudio tiene resultados congruentes con investigaciones previas, los cuales indican que los hombres tienen Locus de Control interno mientras que las mujeres externo. Así pues, la diferencia de género es significativa en el Locus de Control. Las conclusiones de estos hallazgos y las recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones son discutidas

Prediction and analysis of metagenomic operons via MetaRon: a pipeline for prediction of Metagenome and whole-genome opeRons

Background: Efficient regulation of bacterial genes in response to the environmental stimulus results in unique gene clusters known as operons. Lack of complete operonic reference and functional information makes the prediction of metagenomic operons a challenging task; thus, opening new perspectives on the interpretation of the host-microbe interactions. Results: In this work, we identified whole-genome and metagenomic operons via MetaRon (Metagenome and whole-genome opeRon prediction pipeline). MetaRon identifies operons without any experimental or functional information. MetaRon was implemented on datasets with different levels of complexity and information. Starting from its application on whole-genome to simulated mixture of three whole-genomes (E. coli MG1655, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and Bacillus subtilis str. 16), E. coli c20 draft genome extracted from chicken gut and finally on 145 whole-metagenome data samples from human gut. MetaRon consistently achieved high operon prediction sensitivity, specificity and accuracy across E. coli whole-genome (97.8, 94.1 and 92.4%), simulated genome (93.7, 75.5 and 88.1%) and E. coli c20 (87, 91 and 88%,), respectively. Finally, we identified 1,232,407 unique operons from 145 paired-end human gut metagenome samples. We also report strong association of type 2 diabetes with Maltose phosphorylase (K00691), 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nononate 9-phosphate synthase (K21279) and an uncharacterized protein (K07101). Conclusion: With MetaRon, we were able to remove two notable limitations of existing whole-genome operon prediction methods: (1) generalizability (ability to predict operons in unrelated bacterial genomes), and (2) whole-genome and metagenomic data management. We also demonstrate the use of operons as a subset to represent the trends of secondary metabolites in whole-metagenome data and the role of secondary metabolites in the occurrence of disease condition. Using operonic data from metagenome to study secondary metabolic trends will significantly reduce the data volume to more precise data. Furthermore, the identification of metabolic pathways associated with the occurrence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) also presents another dimension of analyzing the human gut metagenome. Presumably, this study is the first organized effort to predict metagenomic operons and perform a detailed analysis in association with a disease, in this case type 2 diabetes. The application of MetaRon to metagenomic data at diverse scale will be beneficial to understand the gene regulation and therapeutic metagenomics. © 2021, The Author(s).Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Pregnant women\u27s experiences with midwifery-led antenatal care services in peri-urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan

Purpose: To understand pregnant women\u27s experience with midwifery-led antenatal care services using the Respectful Maternity Care charter in primary health centers in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was at Rehri Goth and Ibrahim Hyderi, two peri-urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan, where women receive antenatal care services. All pregnant women in their third trimester who consented during the study period were included. The participants were asked about access to care, antenatal care experience, person-centered approach, and general satisfaction with the facility using a pre-designed questionnaire. These themes were mapped onto the universal Respectful Maternity Care charter. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings in each of these themes. Multivariable logistic regression techniques to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: There were 904 women who agreed to participate in this study during January to December 2021. Majority of the women (94%, n=854) were satisfied with the operating hours and cleanliness. More than 90% of the women reported positive experiences regarding privacy, respectful treatment by midwives, and non-discriminatory care. However, 40% (n=362) of the women reported not receiving adequate information and informed consent before a medical procedure, while 65% (n=587) reported poor counseling for birth preparedness. Maternal age, women\u27s occupation, women\u27s education, and parity were found to be significantly associated with respect provided, satisfaction with counseling and the consent process. Conclusion: This study reported satisfaction of pregnant women with the facility\u27s ambiance, respect, and care; however, poor communication skills regarding consent and antenatal counseling were reported. The findings suggest the need for more efficient strategies, such as regular respectful maternity care and technical training to strengthen midwife-patient interactions and enhance overall satisfaction, thus improving maternal and newborn outcome

Phosphorus and Serendipita indica synergism augments arsenic stress tolerance in rice by regulating secondary metabolism related enzymatic activity and root metabolic patterns

The multifarious problems created by arsenic (As), for collective environment and human health, serve a cogent case for searching integrative agricultural approaches to attain food security. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) acts as a sponge for heavy metal(loid)s accretion, specifically As, due to anaerobic flooded growth conditions facilitating its uptake. Acclaimed for their positive impact on plant growth, development and phosphorus (P) nutrition, ‘mycorrhizas’ are able to promote stress tolerance. Albeit, the metabolic alterations underlying Serendipita indica (S. indica; S.i) symbiosis-mediated amelioration of As stress along with nutritional management of P are still understudied. By using biochemical, RT-qPCR and LC-MS/MS based untargeted metabolomics approach, rice roots of ZZY-1 and GD-6 colonized by S. indica, which were later treated with As (10 µM) and P (50 µM), were compared with non-colonized roots under the same treatments with a set of control plants. The responses of secondary metabolism related enzymes, especially polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities in the foliage of ZZY-1 and GD-6 were enhanced 8.5 and 12-fold, respectively, compared to their respective control counterparts. The current study identified 360 cationic and 287 anionic metabolites in rice roots, and the commonly enriched pathway annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, which validated the results of biochemical and gene expression analyses associated with secondary metabolic enzymes. Particularly under As+S.i+P comparison, both genotypes exhibited an upregulation of key detoxification and defense related metabolites, including fumaric acid, L-malic acid, choline, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, to name a few. The results of this study provided the novel insights into the promising role of exogenous P and S. indica in alleviating As stress