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In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the dark personality traits. The term dark tetrad refers to a group of four interconnected traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism. The primary objective of the current investigation was to adapt and translate the recently introduced Short Dark Tetrad (SD4; Paulhus et al., 2021) into Urdu, as Urdu translation of this measure is not yet available. This study was divided into two distinct phases. Phase I focused on translation and adaptation of the scale. Phase II was dedicated to determining the scale's psychometric properties. The sample comprised 280 individuals, including 140 males and 140 females, who were selected using the purposive sampling technique and fell within the age range of 17-30 years (M = 24.43, SD = 2.79). The reliability coefficient of the translated scale is .73. The inter-scale correlation revealed a moderate to high levels of significant correlation between the four subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to confirm the factors associated with SD4. The results indicated that the translated SD4 is a reliable and valid scale. Given the rising number of individuals, particularly youth, displaying unfavorable personality characteristics, this measure can be used in a variety of settings especially in research and clinical settings. Additionally, it will aid future Pakistani researchers in improving Urdu translation, if needed, or translating it into any other regional language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of delivery systems for active compounds, orally disintegrating films are a great option. The initial stage in creating an oral disintegrating film is selecting a film-forming polymer. The basic polymers combination Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), which is co-processed with Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were used to create an oral disintegrating film that contains cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The goal of the current inquiry was to develop orally disintegrating films of vitamin D3 to improve patient comfort and compliance for pediatric or elderly patients due to its simplicity of administration. Films containing drugs and made of the appropriate plasticizer and chosen polymers demonstrated outstanding film forming and folding endurance. The dissolution test showed that Vitamin D3 has a rapid disintegration property, with the majority of it dissolving in the medium (pH 6.8) in less than two minutes after being inserted. To verify that the films were successfully formed, a variety of procedures including HPLC, FT-IR and microscopic studies were employed. When kept at 40oC with humidity of 75%, the film showed good stability for at least three months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anagallis arvensis L. has several health benefits, such as it is an effective remedy for epileptic disorders, leprosy, rheumatism, and hepatic and renal dysfunctions. However, scientific evidence of the plant against liver disease is not reported so far. Thus, the aim of the present study was to highlight the hepatoprotective and hepatocurative effect of extract on hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract was investigated for its effect on hematological parameters, liver enzymes regulation, and anti-oxidant markers (SOD & CAT). In addition, histopathological investigations were performed. This extract displayed significant reversion of WBCs, RBCs, platelets count, hemoglobin, ALT, AST, ALP and albumin levels towards the normal level as compared with control. Therefore, there was significant rise in level of SOD and CAT in both groups (hepatocurative and protective). Furthermore, histological investigation demonstrated the preventive effect. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, phenolic compounds, tannins and saponins in the extract was confirmed by the preliminary phytochemical studies. Thus, based on all these facts, it can be concluded that Anagallis arvensis extract has restorative capability against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and could be used as the hepatocurative and hepatoprotective agent, which could be attributed to the reported secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of cognitive deficits in the survivors of traumatic frontal lobe injury of mild to moderate severity. Study Design: Mix method study. Place and Duration of Study: Nishter Hospital Multan, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur and Sheikh Zaid Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, from Sep 2010 to Jun 2011. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 55 participants. Fifteen of these were taken from healthy population with the age range of 20-30 years (Mean = 25.7 ± SD = 4.6) and 40 participants were medically documented patients of frontal lobe injury of mild (20) to moderate (20) severity. The age range of mild traumatic frontal lobe injury patients was 20-32 years (Mean= 26.5 ± SD = 4.9). The age range of moderate severity patients was also 20-32 years (Mean= 26.4 ± SD = 5.0). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale revised and case history interview were administered to determine cognitive deficits following traumatic frontal lobe injury. Results: Statistical test, one way analysis was used to compare the performance of all these three (control, mild and moderate) groups. Results of present study reflected that cognitive deficits like memory deficits, language problems, trouble in concentrating and difficulty in planning are the major consequences of traumatic frontal lobe injury. Conclusion: To conclude, frontal lobe injury patients not only showed poor performance in clinically-driven structured and comprehensive memory tests when they were compared with healthy people but their performance also varied according to the severity of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China’s university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from 10 universities and research libraries in Beijing, China. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from the library professionals. The results show that university libraries are in far better positions than research libraries but that there is still a need for improvements. The findings indicate that IL training through library orientations and tours and introductory information skills are frequently and successfully being used in both types of libraries. For orientation, face-to-face delivery was used in 80 percent of university libraries and 60 percent of research libraries. IL programs were integrated into some subject units and available in 100 percent of the university libraries and 60 percent of the research libraries. University libraries performed better in implementing IL programs compared with the research institutes’ libraries. A number of gaps exist between university and research libraries in terms of information literacy practices. These gaps can be filled by overcoming barriers such as the absence of inactivity of professional library associations, the lack of government interest, the lack of faculty collaboration, and the failure to promote IL programs among the user community. In the light of this research, it is suggested that the Chinese government pay keen attention to formulating a national IL policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines attachment styles as determinants of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among children, and their academic achievement. The convenient sampling technique was used to collect the sample data comprising of (N=201) school children studying in the 9th and 10th grades; further divided on the basis of gender i.e. boys (n=100) and girls (n=101) with age ranges between 15 to 17 years. Their attachment styles and behavioral problems were measured through the Child Problem Checklist and Attachment Style Scale respectively. Academic achievement was taken from their respective schools. Pearson correlation, multiple regression and independent t-test analyses were computed to verify the hypotheses. Co relational analysis showed that avoidant and anxious attachment styles were negatively correlated and the secure attachment style was positively Co related with academic achievement. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated the secure and anxious attachment styles as significant negative predictors of internalizing behavioral problems whereas the avoidant style was found to be significant positive predictor of internalizing behavior problems. A significant inverse relationship exists between internalizing behavior problems, with externalizing behavior problems and with secure attachment style. Avoidant attachment style predicted externalizing behavioral problems significantly and negatively and non-significantly to internalizing behavior problems. Significant gender differences were demonstrated on the aforementioned constructs except secure attachment style and academic achievement. Further significant school differences were found on all variables except internalizing behavioral problems and the avoidant attachment style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reviews the definitions and classification of terrorism; with special reference to historical, ideological, sociological and psychological aspects as well as contexts. The meta-analysis and grounded theory are the analytical approaches of descriptive research which have been applied for reviewing and analyzing the variety of definitions and types of terrorism, used by different scholars, politicians, journalists, foreign policy makers, analysts, religious-scholars, historians, sociologists, psychologists. Different definitions and types of terrorism, having different perspectives and ideologies, have been analyzed and summarized in the light of grounded theory to establish a precise and comprehensive definition for the classificatory distribution of various types and perspectives of terrorism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to measure level of impulsivity that affects the educational performance (CGPA) of the undergraduate students of a higher learning institute of Pakistan, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB). This research determines the impact of impulsivity with the maintenance of cigarette smoking and educational underachievement. For this purpose, (N = 300) undergraduate students were recruited from a higher learning institute (IUB). The total participants were equally divided in to two groups, 150 smokers and 150 non-smokers. Cross-sectional survey research design with convenient sampling was used to conduct this research. After taking informed consent form each student, self-report measure of revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS- 11) was administered. The BIS-11 was developed by © Dr. Ernest Barratt 1959. Reliability and validity of construct were found to be 78% and 100% respectively. Statistical techniques of descriptive statistics Regression, Guttmann Split-half Reliability, t-test were calculated to process the results. Based upon the study findings an overall level of impulsivity, significantly affect the educational performance of the students. The average score of impulsivity remained high among smokers and CGPA is low as compared to non-smokers who have low level of impulsivity and elevated CGPA. Conclusively, it was found that educational performance of the students is significantly influenced by the level of impulsivity. High level of impulsivity is the indication of low educational performance. Human impulsivity has a reverse correlation with the educational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the relationship between parenting styles and social anxiety among adolescents. It was hypothesized that there will be a significant relationship between parenting styles and social anxiety; and there will be gender differences in the parenting styles and also in the level of social anxiety among adolescents. Sample consisted of 200 students (100 boys, 100 girls) with an age ranged 18-20 years, taken from two universities of Lahore through stratified random sampling. Two assessment tools were employed to collect data; Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, and Parental Attitude Inventory. Correlation, T-test, and two way ANOVA were used. Results revealed that there was significant relationship between parenting styles and social anxiety; the authoritarian and uninvolved parenting styles of mother and father were the significant predictors for social anxiety; and girls have higher level of social anxiety than boys. These results are compared with the earlier researches in this area and the importance of this study rests in its theoretical and practical implication in the field of developmental and social psychology and in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Raphanus sativus is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent., Objectives: The current study was designed to explore the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties of Raphanus sativus seeds oil., Methods: Cold press method was used for the extraction of oil (RsSO) and was characterised by using GC-MS techniques. Three in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) were performed to explore the antioxidant potential of RsSO. Disc diffusion methods were used to study in vitro antimicrobial properties. In vivo anti-inflammatory properties were studied in both acute and chronic inflammation models. In vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to study antiangiogenic effects. Molecular mechanisms were identified using TNF-α ELISA kit and docking tools., Results: GC-MS analysis of RsSO revealed the presence of hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acid. Findings of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP models indicated relatively moderate radical scavenging properties of RsSO. Oil showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacterial and fungal strains tested. Data of inflammation models showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effects of RsSO in both acute and chronic models. 500 mg/kg RsSO halted inflammation development significantly better (p < 0.05) as compared with lower doses. Histopathological evaluations of paws showed minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells in RsSO-treated animals. Findings of TNF-α ELSIA and docking studies showed that RsSO has the potential to down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, iNOS, ROS, and NF-κB respectively. Moreover, RsSO showed in vivo antiangiogenic effects., Conclusion: Data of the current study highlight that Raphanus sativus seeds oil has anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties and can be used as an adjunct to standard NSAIDs therapy which may reduce the dose and related side effects., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)