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The thematic implications of gender absence in Samuel Beckett\u27s Waiting for Godot: examining the lack of female despondency
Full text linkThis study examines the notable absence of female characters in Samuel Beckett\u27s play "Waiting for Godot" and its implications for contemporary literary discourse. The research explores the following questions: What are the primary reasons for the exclusion of women from the narrative? How does this absence reflect or challenge prevailing gender ideologies within the context of Beckett\u27s existential themes? Through a qualitative analysis of various scholarly interpretations, this paper contrasts feminist theory and psychoanalytic criticism to clarify the potential discriminatory implications of this absence alongside the complex philosophical questions raised by the play. By investigating Beckett\u27s reservations regarding female representation and the historical context of the play\u27s reception, the findings suggest that the omission of female characters serves to reinforce patriarchal structures while also questioning themes of existential despair and waiting. Consequently, the conclusion argues that the absence of women in "Waiting for Godot" is not merely a narrative oversight but a profound commentary on the human condition, prompting viewers to reconsider ideas of gender, power, and existence within this iconic modernist work
Negotiating and contextualising the meanings of the cultural norms: Ghairat and Pardah among female students at the University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Full text linkDespite women’s potential role in Pashtun society, their perspectives, epistemes, and interpretations of Pashtunwali remain underrepresented in scholarly literature. This study addresses such a gap by exploring the understanding and interpretation of Pashtunwali through the lived experiences of young Pashtun women at the University of Peshawar. The research specifically focuses on two core values of Pashtunwali: ghairat (honour) and pardah (veil). Ghairat dictates actions to uphold personal and family honour, while pardah refers to gender segregation and modesty. Since the study aims to explore the lived experiences of young, educated Pashtun women, a qualitative approach is adopted, which involves semi-structured interviews with selected educated Pashtun women. The findings reveal that educated women express their agency by identifying with and upholding the principles of Pashtunwali through the negotiation of its meaning. They acknowledge that ghairat and purdah are subject to reinterpretation and adaptation by women within a particular context, thus reflecting the flexible and evolving nature of Pashtunwali. The study indicates that educated Pakhtun women negotiate the meaning of cultural norms previously defined by men. The findings have implications for understanding gender dynamics and cultural identity among Pashtuns, particularly in the context of higher education
Acaricidal efficacy of Melia azedarach, Olea ferruginea, and Zanthoxylum armatum against Rhipicephalus microplus from District Buner, Mardan, and Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
No full textInfestations of Rhipicephalus microplus are common in animals. Due to its evolving resistance to acaricides used to treat this contagious disease, the tick R. microplus causes large losses in livestock animals. Many medicinal plants are alternatives to conventional medications for treating various conditions, including parasitic diseases. To retain the cow herd’s productivity, minimize financial losses, and prevent the misuse of synthetic chemical acaricides, finding ways to reduce R. microplus infestations with herbal acaricides is imperative. Whole-plant extracts derived from Olea ferruginea and Zanthoxylum armatum were collected from Buner, Mealia Azedarach from Nowshera, and prepared plant extract. The female adult ticks were collected from the cattle. These plant extracts were applied against adult female R. microplus, O. ferruginea extract significantly reduced egg laying (P<0.01) and increased oviposition inhibition in adult female ticks at a concentration of 40 mg/mL, as shown in the Adult Immersion Test. In contrast, Z. armatum, M. azedarach extracts, and an isolated substance demonstrated a lower acaricidal effect on adult female R. microplus. To ascertain the proportional contributions of different phytochemicals from whole-plant extracts on acaricidal action, research is needed. Further acaricidal effectiveness testing utilizing cattle infected with R. microplus will be designed in light of these findings
Assessment of the status of out-of-school street children in Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities, Pakistan
Full text linkThe study aims to assess street children\u27s challenges in getting a quality education and find strategies and policies for improving their formal education opportunities. Unfortunately, street children in Pakistan are unable to get an education, and even out-of-school street children do not have access to free education. Due to poverty, lack of awareness, and other significant conditions, they are unable to attend school. They have the right to get a formal education and play their role in society like other children. This study results show that most out-of-school street children undergo financial issues and other family problems, due to which they are unable to continue their education. Therefore, they become child labourers, beggars, car cleaners, etc. Sometimes, they forcefully work to meet their basic day-to-day needs. The research is based on qualitative and quantitative research methods collected through interviews with the primary respondents, including street children’s parents, surveys, questionnaires and case studies; the paper will also identify the main factor contributing to the exclusion of street children getting a formal education. The findings show the importance of an inclusive approach combining education, civil society support, NGOs and community engagement to empower street children to get formal education
The human nature: an artistic reflection on origin, infinity, and self-realisation
Full text linkThis study attempts to answer the self-raised questions, identification of individuals, what are we? To understand two significant but contradictory aspects of human life, both comprise physical and non-physical abilities of humans who are limited biologically. However, humans have infinite capacities and transcend earthly limitations to achieve farfetched success. This qualitative study explores the beliefs about human existence. Reading relates to these aspects with a process of recognition that is defined as ‘Khudi’ taken as ‘Self-realization.’ Self-realization is associated with the identification of an individual’s peculiar self. Data from books, articles, and recent scholarships have been analysed. The methodology of the creative process and execution was quite experimental and created a three-dimensional space with different mediums and materials. The analysis revealed the process of literature, religion, science, arts, and human dignity. The study concludes that the human being is a perfect man with the achievement of governing his tangible and intangible abilities. The research finds mud as a tangible source of human origin and physical skills; defiantly, it affiliates wisdom and soul with the intangible abilities of humans. Success of being a perfect human is the ultimate purpose of human life, attained by using both abilities in their proper senses
The postmodern analysis: fragmentation, metafiction, nonlinearity, intertextuality and simulacra in Inanimate Alice
Full text linkInanimate Alice is a digital novel created by Kate Pullinger and Chris Joseph. The novel protagonist, a young girl named Alice, grows up in a digital world, navigating the complexities of the digital, technological and virtual environment. This research article critically analyses Inanimate Alice from the perspective of postmodern theory, examining how the novel challenges traditional notions of storytelling. The researcher employs Alan Mackee\u27s concept of textual analysis to explore how Inanimate Alice challenges the conventional narrative structure, disrupts the notion of a unified self, and blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality. The researcher focuses on Baudrillard\u27s concepts of hyperreality and simulacra, as well as Lyotard’s exploration of postmodernism and the fragmentation of narratives. This offers valuable insights into the themes and ideas explored in the digital narrative and theoretical discourse under investigation. This paper is significant because it analyses digital literature from a postmodern perspective as the literary writing style transforms from textual to digital form. The paper argues that Inanimate Alice\u27s non-linear, fragmented narrative reflects the postmodern condition of the contemporary world, where reality is constructed through digital media
Volatility spillover effect between cryptocurrency and stock market using MGARCH BEKK model
Full text linkThis paper explores the volatility spillover effects between the cryptocurrency market and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Utilising data from January 1, 2019, to April 5, 2024, sourced from Investing and Yahoo Finance, the study employs the Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (MGARCH) BEKK model to assess the dynamic interactions between these markets. Stationarity tests confirmed the non-stationarity of time series data at their levels, which became stationary after first differencing, ensuring robust econometric analysis. The results indicate significant volatility spillovers from major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, to the PSX, highlighting a solid interconnectedness between these markets. This suggests that digital asset volatility significantly influences traditional financial systems. The study concludes that integrating cryptocurrencies into global financial markets introduces risks and opportunities for investors and policymakers. The findings underscore the need for market participants to account for these volatility interactions in their risk management strategies. Additionally, policymakers must consider these interlinkages to maintain financial stability. This research contributes to the literature on financial market volatility by emphasising the importance of understanding the impact of emerging digital currencies on traditional stock markets
Green HRM practices, organizational commitment, and citizenship behaviour in banks of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Full text linkThe study explores the interplay flanked by green HRM practices (GHRMP) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in banking institutions in Hyderabad, Pakistan, focusing on the mediating impact of organisational commitment. GHRMP are recognised for promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. OCB, reflecting discretionary employee behaviour, is pivotal for organisational success. This research aims to ascertain whether organisational commitment mediates the association between GHRMP and OCB in the banking sector of Hyderabad. Data were collected through closed-ended surveys, employing convenience sampling with 200 questionnaires from banks. Smart PLS software facilitated model development and assumption assessment, while SPSS was used for data analysis. Findings reveal that organisational commitment mediates the relationship between GHRMP and OCB in banking institutions. These results underscore the potential of GHRM to enhance organisational commitment, thereby fostering greater OCB participation among employees. This research contributes to academia by elucidating the connections among bank employee commitment, GHRMP, and voluntary employee behaviour. Banks can use these insights to devise and implement GHRM strategies that support environmental responsibility while enhancing staff engagement and organisational citizenship. Integrating sustainability initiatives into HRM processes can cultivate a culture of organisational citizenship and environmental responsibility
Exploring bilingualism as a pedagogical tool for enhancing English language teaching: a case study of Pakistan\u27s intermediate colleges
Full text linkThis study examines the role of bilingualism as a facilitative tool in English language teaching (ELT) at the intermediate level in Pakistan. It challenges the prevailing assumption that the use of L1 in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes limits students’ communicative abilities, proposing instead that strategic use of bilingualism aids in the L2 acquisition process. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative data collected from 65 in-service English teachers across 10 government colleges. The Revised Hierarchical Model (RHM) by Kroll and Stewart (1994) underpins the theoretical framework. The findings indicate that limited and contextually appropriate use of L1 enhances comprehension, provides motivation, and facilitates complex L2 instruction. Contrary to the notion of “no L1 in L2 classes,” the study advocates a balanced use of bilingualism, highlighting its potential benefits for improving ESL teaching methodologies. This research calls for broader acceptance of bilingual practices in ESL settings and suggests implications for future pedagogical strategies in similar educational contexts
Analyzing the Palestine-Israel conflict: deciphering the fusion of religious beliefs and political realities leading to a turbulent landscape
Full text linkThe Palestine-Israel conflict is a complex issue that might intertwine both the elements of religion and politics. At its core, the issue stems from historical, religious and territorial factors. The dispute is mainly over land that particularly holds immense religious significance both for Muslims and Jews. This paper aims to analyze the dispute, whether the issue involves political struggles to control the land or the factors of religious holiness. The historical insights in this connection would help analyze the issue in depth leading to the present day turbulent conflict since October 2023. A comprehensive approach is needed to address the religious sensitivities of the conflict as well as political realities. The research paper approaches the qualitative design that includes archival research, and content analysis of the relevant literature to gain insights into the complexities of the issue. Whereas, the findings of the research will shed light on the historical roots that led to the conflict. Proposing a path forward such as potential strategies to provide valuable insights for scholars, policymakers and individuals interested in fostering reconciliation and peace in the region, will contribute to the significance of the research