Search

We assessed the Association of Mental Health and different education systems among high school students. A total of 174 students (107 females and 67 males) from age 16-19 years studying in 11th and 12th grades or equivalent to A levels in Karachi, Pakistan were surveyed in this cross-sectional study. Data collection involved using a specially designed structured questionnaire through literature review as well as the patient Health Questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing depression. Our study found that majority of students suffered from mild depression (29.3%). This was followed by 27.5% of students with severe depression, 23.0% with moderate depression and 20.1 with no depression. It was also found that more females suffered from depression as compared to males. However, no significant correlation was found between the association of different education system on the mental health of adolescents.

Leadership competencies contribute to the ability of teachers to perform successfully and efficiently in the modern technology era. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between digital leadership competencies and teachers' performance. The study was correctional following the cross-sectional survey method. The sample of the study consisted of 273 social sciences teaching faculty members of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad and Virtual University of Pakistan selected through a simple random sampling technique. The reliability of the instruments; digital leadership competencies and teachers' performance were confirmed by calculating Cronbach's Alpha score; 0.969 and 0.936 respectively. After ensuring ethical considerations from participants, the data were collected by administering the Six E-Competencies model of Roman et al., (2019) consisting of 18-items and Goodman and Svyantek (1999) Teachers' Performance (TP) scale comprised of 15-items mode of 7-points Likert responses. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling [PLS-SEM] was computed to analyze the proposed hypotheses in this study while the measurement model and structural model were assessed. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between digital leadership competencies and teachers' performance. The study helps to enhance the performance of university teachers through the support of digital leadership by using modern technology tools.

The modern era is the miracle of science and technology using information and communication in every walk of life. ICT has become the basic need of humanity. The current study explored the students' perceptions of online evaluation and assessment. In addition, it was intended to investigate the relationship of different indicators of students' perceptions and motivation about online assessment. One hundred and thirty students were randomly selected from the campus of Education University. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. The self-developed questionnaire, Students' Perceptions of Online Assessment and Motivation Survey [SPOAMS] were used. The results revealed that there was a moderate and weak positive correlation among all indicators of students' perceptions when they experience it during an online assessment. There was a moderate and strong positive correlation among all indicators of students' motivation when they experience it during an online assessment. A positive and strong relationship between students' overall motivation and online assessment perceptions. It was suggested that the online assessment system may be used as a parallel examination system for students.

Despite several theoretical, structural, and statistical issues reported against Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), most studies in the educational sector of Pakistan use it without analyzing its factor structure. Since culture might change the structure, this first systematic study filled the gap and explored the factor structure of the least researched FFMQ (15 items) among nonmeditator university students in collectivist society Pakistan while employing optimal statistical techniques. We interpreted our results culturally and also conducted a cross-cultural examination with the Spanish sample. We employed polychoric data to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA extracted a four-factor (10 items) solution without the Describe facet and showed good inter-item correlation. The CFA exhibited a theory-based two-factor hierarchical model (self-regulation, orient to experience) with good fit indices, acceptable factor loadings, correct directions, and strong reliabilities (coefficient H > 0.8). The multivariate analysis showed no difference in mindfulness between males and females, except for Nonreact. The first multigroup CFA (MGCFA) showed metric invariance while examining the polarity of items across gender. In cross-cultural multivariate analysis, we found no difference in mindfulness between Pakistan and Spanish samples, except for Nonjudge, but the second MGCFA showed metric invariance in the correlated model only. Our data suggest that the two-factor hierarchical structure, without Describe facet, provides a more parsimonious and culturally accepted structure among nonmeditators in Pakistan. However, due to the independent nature of the two factors, the total score cannot be computed. The FFMQ (15 items) appears individualistic, and including culturally acceptable items will improve its universality.

In 2004, the government of Punjab, Pakistan introduced a conditional cash assistance program for girls attending secondary schools. We exploit variations in exposure to the program across cohorts and regions to estimate the long run effects of the program on women's marriage and fertility decisions, maternal healthcare utilization and the health outcomes of their children. We find that each potential year of exposure to the program increases the probability of completing secondary school by 1.9 percent and decreases the probability of an early marriage by 3.5 percent. Exposure to the program also delays early childbirth and increases the likelihood of seeking prenatal care later in life. We also find evidence of inter-generational effects -- children of women exposed to the program are less likely to be underweight (-1.7 percent) or stunted (-1.9 percent) than the comparison sample. Evidence suggests assortative matching in the marriage market, increased health awareness and empowerment of educated women may be among the potential drivers of these results. These findings imply that programs aimed at promoting girls' education can lead to beneficial long run gains in multiple dimensions that should be factored in evaluating such policies.

Digital Storytelling is a very popular teaching and learning technique used worldwide today. This teaching methodology has equally been used at universities and schools throughout different regions and cultures for the common aim to enhance the learning experience of students. Hence various studies have been conducted to estimate the extent of usage and effectiveness of this technique by both faculty members and students. The previously conducted studies are characterized over varying response variables, sample size, sample characteristics, etc., but all these studies converged the common results of enhanced learning experience among the students. Additionally the studies also exhibited the educational and instructive knowledge and the openness towards the adoption of new teaching methods by the faculty members. Our study conducted at National University of Science and Technology, based over a sample size of 100 respondents divided equally among students and faculty, investigates the use of DST tools by the faculty and its effectiveness on student learning shows a positive relationship between the departments of faculty and students' learning.

Pakistan is one of the progressing countries in the world. Its education system is yet in the stage of development. Students from towns and far flung areas come to advanced cities for higher education. This has made the university classrooms a mix of students having a diversity of age, gender, exposure, language, and family backgrounds. To facilitate all these students with personal differences under the same roof, a teacher has to adapt curriculum and lesson plans while bringing innovations in his teaching methods. This study aims to find out the use of innovative strategies by the teachers to respond to students' diversity at higher education level in public and private sector of Pakistan. The research is based on the assumption that innovative teaching has a positive impact on the performance of students' diversity. A survey of higher education teachers was conducted for the research. Statistics were applied for the analysis. The results are found to be significant in favor of innovative teaching. The analysis shows that the use of innovative teaching is more in private sector and also has different impact on different disciplines.

Validity, reliability and item analysis are critical to the process of evaluating the quality of an educational measurement. The present study evaluates the quality of an assessment constructed to measure elementary school student's achievement in English. In this study, the survey model of descriptive research was used as a research method. Students of both genders (male/female) constitute the population of the study. To measure the achievement level of students, a test of English language as a subject was administered to the sample of 150 students (75 males and 75 females) of 8th grade. They were selected by convenient sampling method from 10 (5 private sectors and 5 public sectors) schools in Pakistan. English Achievement Test for elementary students comprises of 50 multiple-choice items (developed by the author), was used. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Z-test and item analysis. The results of the study indicate that male student's achievement level in English is better than the female students at elementary level in selected schools. (Contains 5 tables and 4 figures.)

This paper was aimed to investigate the levels of satisfaction among faculty members in higher education in Pakistan. Five hundred faculty members were surveyed from leading public and private universities through an instrument developed by the authors and 450 were completed and returned. Percentage method was used to analyze and interpret data. The results highlighted the value of the survey as a strategy for management and human resource planning in universities.

Reports a 2001-2002 study conducted among middle school students in Karachi, Pakistan, in the wake of 9/11. In the context of their involvement in a global community-building project, in which students sought to develop the literacy and English skills of a group of Afghan refugees, students were asked to reflect on their perceptions of literacy and the English language. (Author/VWL)

Proposes a framework for understanding the ethnic identity development of South Asian Americans, primarily Indian and Pakistan Americans. Cultural identity is placed in the context of the social, psychological, political, and historical background of the Indian subcontinent and the United States. Culture, gender, and worldview are examined. (RJM)

The creation The goal of the current study is to examine the significance of Pakistan's Gwadar port's development. At the beginning of this century, the government of Pakistan started working on building the nation's third deep sea port. The port is intended to spur growth not only in the city but also throughout the entire Baluchistan province and Pakistan as a whole. To ensure that there were no future conflicts in land use and waste of limited resources, a comprehensive strategy is needed to coordinate all of these future activities. In order to increase imports and exports, the report looked at major development sectors such land usage, infrastructure construction, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, institutional development, and administrative setup. At the moment, Pakistan is struggling greatly with both the energy issue and economic development. This particular research started with exploration of the developmental stages and further in sighted into the gaps of execution. The gaps comparison with the other ports has suggested innovative solutions for its success. A detailed strategic management plan is absolutely necessary to carry out a megaproject with such geo-strategic significance for future economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our world view is guided by the physical world, our knowledge, experiences and our perceptions and beliefs. Media is one of the powerful elements while shaping our world view in the age of globalization, through its presentations. Body image is an important part of one’s life, as having a positive body image can lead to a happier and satisfied life while a negative body image can lead to a damaging behavior. Media’s effects on people particularly women have caused many problems such as on health, which has been a recent topic for many scholars. The discussion which is dominating is either it has positive effect such as obesity or its cause or its negative effect such as thin ideal bodies preferable for women. This further has created many social, emotional, psychological and health issues. The problem of health either physical or mental has increased with the rapid globalization change. New images for body increases pressure for girls and women which causes health issues. These issues not only affect the health of girls and women but also their families’ lives. This study is important in many ways especially in terms of disclosing those factors that influences women to adopt ideal body described in media. There are researches conducted in the topic however, there are very limited amount of researches conducted in Pakistan especially in Balochistan. This study is unique in its nature, because it reveals the health issues associated with negative body images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constant exposure of noise to the auditory system of the agricultural tractor operator can cause physical and psychological problems. A field study was conducted in the Faisalabad and Narowal districts of Pakistan to examine the spread of tractor noise and its psychological effects on the safety of tractor operators driving tractors without cabins and other noise reductionmeasures. Four of themost common implements used in Pakistan, including land scraper, cultivator, disk harrow and seed drill, were used to detect the changes in tractor noise at two speeds of 5.3 km/h and 10.6 km/h in all four directions. Lowest noisewas produced during thefield operation of the seed drill at amean noise value of 81.9 dB(A) among all four implements. Disk harrow and cultivator were found to be the most noisy implement, and during operation, the tractor operatorwas directly exposed to high noise levels of 86.9 dB(A) and 84.9 dB(A), respectively. This noise pollution caused psychological problems in agricultural tractor operators, as demonstrated by the highly positive correlations of depression, aggression, anxiety and stress. This trend had a negative effect on their social interactions relative to the comparable population of office employees. In order to mitigate the adverse health effects, tractor operators must be equipped with sound proof cabins or at least ear plugs because of direct exposure to high noise levels. Furthermore, a safe distance of 48 m or at least a warning distance of 26 m from the tractor must be maintained by farm workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the role of international tourist arrivals, structural change, consumption of energy, international trade, and economic growth on CO2 emissions in Pakistan over a period of 1980–2017. The study employed ARDL model, which revealed that there is a strong positive long-run association between CO2 emission and its determinants except for structural changes and trade that have no significant impact on CO2 emissions. Results reveal that tourism activities in Pakistan are environment friendly and it can add to preserve the scenic areas and major visitors' spots in the country to attract more visitors to increase the revenue of the country. The study further applied Granger causality test and ratifies unidirectional causality from structural change, international tourist arrivals, and consumption of energy towards CO2 except from international trade. Moreover, this study employed DOLS technique to get long-run robust estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan has been continuously showing the imperative role of parents in spouse selection. The practice of consanguineous marriages recognized in Pakistani society because of its social, cultural, and economic significance. However, the changing social trends have also been witnessed in Pakistani society. The present study anticipates how social change affects the choice of a life partner, something which ultimately reflects the transition in marriage. This research was carried out with a sample size of 300 that encompassed educated youth (both males and females) and their parents. The research aimed to find out the criteria gap based on higher education and the demand for privacy in social life. The findings demonstrated that educated youth is more concerned for the higher education of potential mates and the need for privacy in their social life after marriage as compared to their parents. The results exhibited the change in the criteria of spouse selection, linked with the prevalence of modern aspects in society. The educated youth according to the findings of the research demanded a life partner with higher educational status as the education enables a spouse to better understand the changing social happenings and give space to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowd-based outsourcing is an emerging trend in testing, which integrates advantages of crowd-based outsourcing in software testing. Open call format is used to accomplish various network tasks involving different types of testing levels and techniques at various places by software testers. Crowd-sourced software testing can lead to an improper testing process as if it does not allocate the right task to the right crowd with required skills and not choose the right crowd; it can lead to huge results, which become time-consuming and challenging crowdsource manager for the identification of improper one. The primary purpose of this research is to make crowd-based outsourced software testing more effective and reliable by relating association between the software tester, personality characteristic, and different levels of software testing, i.e., unit, integration, and system, in order to find appropriate personality characteristic for required testing level. This research has shown an observed experiment to determine which software testing level suits which personality characteristic tester in a crowdbased software testing environment. A total of 1000 software testers from different software houses and firms in Pakistan were registered to perform tasks at different software testing levels. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test is used to identify each tester's personality characteristic involved in this research study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of current study was to exploreemotion regulation strategies among Pakistani married sample using Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003).Research design ofstudy was aimed to establish internal consistency, validity and factor structure of ERQ on Pakistani husbands and wives.Data was collected from 1002 married individuals using ERQ, Psychological Flourishing Scale and Emotion Expressivity Questionnaire.Correlations, Cronbach Alpha and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were computed. Results of statistical analysis manifested internal consistencies of the two subscales (reappraisal .72; suppression .78) on married sample. Two factor model of ERQ across genders presented excellent fit suggesting effectiveness of scale for both genders. Reappraisal was positively related with positive expressivity and impulse strength while, suppression was negatively associated with positive expressivity. Study rendered unexpected findings in terms of reappraisal strategy as reappraisal was negatively associated with flourishing of married individuals. Findings drew distinctive conclusions regarding indigenous use of ERQ by married individuals of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual harassment infringes the fundamental human rights of women. It restricts the most important segment of society from demonstrating their full potential and their right to work and attain equal opportunity. The quantum of this behaviour in a society can only be evaluated when women in general are fully aware of the nature of this behaviour and the legal protection available. Sexual harassment is an ambiguous term for many; when hearing of an incident of sexual harassment, many might not understand exactly what crime has been committed. Under which category does it fall? What if the complainant is lying? Pakistan has enacted special and general laws to fight the epidemic of sexual harassment. This article presents the appraisal and implementation of all the prevailing laws related to sexual harassment of women in Pakistan. It examines the hurdles, restraints, and resistance women have faced during the course of adjudication and determination of such matters due to various factors including social barricades that persist in this society. This qualitative and quantitative study examined whether the prevailing laws sufficiently cover the full nature, scope, and underlying themes of sexual harassment through implementation, by analyzing the procedures adopted at the time of implementations. I also explored whether sexual harassment is really a form of discrimination and what prevailing laws should entail to combat the practice and whether the law is generally accepted by the social community because of certain intrinsic differences. The study also recommended changes and additions to the existing methods and procedures in the laws, policies, and guidelines and implementations and examined how rampant sexual harassment is in the workplace, and whether employers address harassment through policies, training, and acting on complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is associated with cognitive decline due to various pathological mechanisms. There are several acetylcholinesterase inhibitor compounds which can improve cognition, but Huperzine-A is a natural sesquiterpene alkaloid extracted from Chinese herb (Huperzia Serrata) which has rapid action. Methods: Double blind study was conducted. Participants included 50 patients with AD and 50 healthy individuals. Patients were recruited from Civil and BV hospital Bahawalpur and Nishter hospital Multan, Pakistan during May 2017 until February 2018 who were stable on Huperzine-A medication. Patients were tested twice. First, at the time of diagnosis to determine baseline scores. Second, post eight weeks of Huperzine-A treatment. Healthy individuals had single testing session. Participants completed Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination and Trail Making Test. Results: Patients with AD showed cognitive and task switching deficits in contrast with healthy individuals. There was significant improvement in cognition and task switching abilities post Huperzine-A treatment compared with baseline performance. Conclusion: Huperzine-A is effective in reducing cognitive and task switching deficits in patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper is based on a Doctoral study. The aim of the present study was to find out the relationship of self-concept and achievement of students at higher education level. Here, higher education level means university level (Masters Level students only). The total sample of students consisted of 389 students (both male and female) from seven universities (six from the Province of Punjab, Pakistan and one from Federal level, Pakistan). Two research instruments were used namely, Achievement Test in the subject of Education, based on five core courses taught generally at most of the universities of Pakistan with minor variations of titles and content of the courses of M.A Education and a Self-Concept Scale which was an adapted version of SDQ-III constructed by Marsh (1992). For the analysis of data, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test and z-test were used. Results of the study showed positive, weak but significant relationship between self-concept and achievement of students. Correlation of factors (Academic, Social, Physical, Moral, Emotional, Problem Solving and Self-Esteem) of self-concept and achievement was also found to be negligibly correlated with each other. It was concluded that both self-concept and academic achievement complement each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs. Furthermore, viral infection depletes several trace elements and promotes complex biochemical reactions in the body. Smoking has been linked to the incidence of COVID-19 and associated mortality, and it may impact clinical effects, viral and bacterial conversion, and treatment outcomes. To study the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 and the elemental concentrations of selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) in biological samples from smokers and nonsmokers infected with the virus and in healthy individuals. We evaluated changes in the concentrations of essential (Se) and toxic (Hg) elements in biological samples (blood, nasal fluid, saliva, sputum, serum, and scalp hair) collected from male smokers and nonsmokers (aged 29–59 years) infected with COVID-19 and from healthy men in the same age group. The patients lived in different cities in Sindh Province, Pakistan. The Se and Hg concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Se concentrations in all types of biological samples from smokers and nonsmokers with COVID-19 were lower than those of healthy smokers and nonsmokers. Hg concentrations were elevated in both smokers and nonsmokers with COVID-19. In the current study, persons infected with COVID-19 had higher concentrations of toxic Hg, which could cause physiological disorders, and low concentrations of essential Se, which can also cause weakness. COVID-19 infection showed positive correlations with levels of mercury and selenium. Thus, additional clinical and experimental investigations are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to measure the people's attitude toward life insurance. This study also explores why the people of Pakistan are reluctant to purchase the policy as a tool to accommodate their financial necessities in their rainy days, and also exposed the important factors behind the smaller ratio of life insurance policies despite of its significance and fringe benefits. The ratio of policy holders in Pakistan was found so small when researcher compared it to the other developed countries. The statistics regarding life insurance portrayed a very little ratio of policy holders even among developing countries. There are some traditional, cultural, and religious causes involved behind the low rate of policy owners in Pakistan. The present research examines the behavior of staff of the insurance company which is considered as a barrier by the community to purchase the policy. Such considerable factors encompassing the whole study analyzed through the quantitative data collected from the insurance company staff, and policy holders in Faisalabad city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is 1 of 5 countries with the highest projected increase in prevalence of dementia in the Asia Pacific region (Access Economic, 2006), where there is a lack of structured support network for caregivers in general and for dementia caregivers in specific. The caregivers and other related individuals predominantly rely on traditional familial support for caregiving. This approach places immense burdens on the familial caregivers (Shaji, 2009). In Pakistan, there is paucity of research evidence on care of patients with dementia and the needs of care- givers dealing with such patients. This study explores awareness among caregivers, their attitudes toward family members suffering from dementia, and their experience of burden. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 caregivers of patients diagnosed with dementia in Rizwalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan. There was a considerable lack of awareness about dementia as an illness among the caregivers. They reported a conflict between emotional and religions commitments to nurture older adult relatives and their experience of psychological, physical, and economic burden, resulting in occasional episodes of carelessness and violence toward them. The study indicated that women, particularly those who were employed outside of the home, reported higher levels of stress. It is suggested that support from extended family in all forms was perceived as a concrete form of stress relief by the primary caregiver. The findings of this study indicate that the social and financial burden of dementia on families of caregivers in Pakistan may be exacerbated if they do not have support. This indicates a need for multipronged intervention from both government and nongovernment organizations, as well as the community, to develop programs for caregivers that are nested with in the cultural context of filial piety in Pakistan. These strategies should also be gender sensitive, giving priority to more at-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a study aimed at developing a model for streamlining early childhood education (ECE) in Pakistan. The objectives of the study were to analyze the existing status, the existing facilities and practices at ECE level in public and private sector schools. The study was delimited to schools of Lahore Division of Punjab province. The population of the study included public sector schools with the facilities of early childhood education and from private sector schools, City School System and Educator School System with similar facilities. For sampling the schools of both sectors 16 from public and 16 from private sector (08 of both systems) were selected through stratified sampling technique. Sample of administrators was thirty two consisted of the Principals/ Headmasters, Headmistresses, including sixteen from public and sixteen from private sector schools. The sample size for teachers was ninety six including forty eight from private schools and forty-eight from public schools by selecting three teachers from each selected schools. Two different questionnaires were developed; one for administrators having thirty items and second for teacher with twenty-eight items. For statistical analysis of data, arithmetic mean, percentage was used. It was found that the majority of administrators and teachers have opinion that there is significant difference in the existing status of ECE as well in practices and facilities in public and private sector schools. Trained teachers are not available for ECE in both, public and private sector institutions. Government does not support ECE in both, public and private sector schools and no funds are allocated separately for ECE. Specific curriculum exists for early childhood education in both public and private sector schools. In their point of view, streamlining of existing status, practices and facilities at ECE level is very necessary because it will be very useful for children for future success and also in enhancing literacy rate. On the basis of all this: a model for streamlining early childhood education was proposed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the degree of integration between provinces in Pakistan through the internal migration patterns in the country. It establishes empirically the rationality of both urban-urban and rural-urban migrants in the country who are found to respond to economic incentives when choosing the destination district. Internal migration in the last ten years stands at a mere 2.3 percent, with less than a quarter of these people moving across provinces. This trend shows little or no improvement over time, hinting at the continued rigidity of provincial boundaries. An in-depth look at the migration patterns reveals that the concentration of flows is towards the provincial and federal capitals (56 percent). In light of fiscal decentralisation, this unipolar migration trend highlights the importance of fair and equitable resource distribution amongst provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]