320 research outputs found
A stony track towards innovation in remote highland regions: agricultural intensification in the apricot sector of Northern Pakistan
No full textAbstract
Background
Traditional farming practices of remote highland regions are usually well adapted to the local agro-ecological and social conditions. There, introduced agricultural innovation geared towards sustainable intensification as a response to changing environments often faces multiple barriers. These may comprise limited market incentives for enhanced production, narrow pathways of knowledge transmission, and infrastructural hurdles. To quantify effects of innovation and sustainable intensification in enhancing smallholders’ livelihoods in the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan, the present study was conducted with 86 small-holder farmers. We chose interviewees who are involved in the cultivation, processing and/or trading of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), a traditionally important currently eroding fruit crop of the Central Asian highlands. By investigating the status quo of apricot production and producers’ innovative farming practices, we generated an intensification index based on simple agronomic indicators. Explanatory farm and framers’ characteristics, production characteristics, knowledge, and apricot management were tested for their predictive power.
Results
Although the data show low average profits of 3.8 US$ tree−1, we found that intensified apricot production can contribute to the provision of nutritious food and increased household income. Age and training of farmers were key factors fostering innovation, while lacking awareness of innovative practices was attributed to slow communication. Rejection of intensification was either due to low-value attribution towards apricot farming or risk aversion. Commonly adopted innovations, particularly sulfur drying, were either well integrated with traditional practices or characterized by low up-front costs and high returns on investment.
Conclusions
Management intensification may increase farmers’ incomes and retard abandonment of apricot farming and the consecutive loss of associated benefits, such as diversified farm output and improved ecosystem services.
Graphical Abstrac
Enhanced Chemokine Receptor Expression on Leukocytes of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
No full textAlthough primarily a neurological complaint, systemic inflammation is present in Alzheimer's Disease, with higher than normal levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the periphery as well as the brain. A gradient of these factors may enhance recruitment of activated immune cells into the brain via chemotaxis. Here, we investigated the phenotypes of circulating immune cells in AD patients with multi-colour flow cytometry to determine whether their expression of chemokine receptors is consistent with this hypothesis. In this study, we confirmed our previously reported data on the shift of early- to late-differentiated CD4+ T-cells in AD patients. The percentage of cells expressing CD25, a marker of acute T-cell activation, was higher in patients than in age-matched controls, and percentages of CCR6+ cells were elevated. This chemokine receptor is primarily expressed on pro-inflammatory memory cells and Th17 cells. The proportion of cells expressing CCR4 (expressed on Th2 cells) and CCR5 (Th1 cells and dendritic cells) was also greater in patients, and was more pronounced on CD4+ than CD8+ T-cells. These findings allow a more detailed insight into the systemic immune status of patients with Alzheimer's disease and suggest possible novel targets for immune therapy
Ramadan-specific nutrition education improves cardio-metabolic health and inflammation—a prospective nutrition intervention study from Pakistan
Full text linkThere are recent reports that Ramadan fasting (RF) results in weight gain instead of weight loss. In addition, the data on the efficacy of brief nutrition education on healthy eating practices in Ramadan for better health are scarce. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of brief nutrition education before the start of RF on healthy eating practices during RF. For this purpose, a prospective observational study focused on “Dietary Education and Awareness for Ramadan (DEAR)” as an intervention was carried out. The participants (n = 74) were recruited and divided into two groups, i.e., intervention and control groups (n = 37 each). As an intervention, nutrition education lessons were given before and during RF month. The control group did not attend these nutrition education lessons. Data on anthropometrics, dietary intake, and other parameters were collected at three time points: before, in the end, and 4 weeks after RF. Weight was measured in kg; height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured in cm; and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was calculated by dividing the waist value by the hip value. Body composition analysis was performed by the body composition analyzer (BF-907). Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a validated automated blood pressure. A 3–5 ml of venous blood was collected, and plasma and serum were separated. Serum and plasma samples were processed for general blood chemistry (blood lipid profile, glucose, and CRP) within 2 h. CRP was determined by the immunoturbidimetry method using an auto-analyzer. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine cytokine/chemokines. Adherence to nutrition education (intervention) was assessed. The results show that nutrition education has positive effects on overall nutrition. Significant improvement in dietary adherence to dietary advice in the intervention group was noted. Significant BW loss (mean loss: 1.21 kg) in the intervention group was observed. The majority (63.3%) had lost BW ≥ 1.0 kg. Other changes observed as a result of the intervention included improvements in blood glucose, cholesterol, CRP levels, and systolic and diastolic BP. There was a notable shift in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations: IL-7, IL-4, and TGF-α decreased, while IL-2, TNF-α and resistin, IL-1 RA, IL-17 A, and sCD40 increased. In conclusion, RF resulted in a loss in mean BW and an improvement in related blood chemistry and cytokine profiles. Furthermore, nutrition education before RF resulted in better nutrition practices during RF and a desirable healthy BW, blood lipid, and cytokine profiles
Pheno-genetic studies of apple varieties in northern Pakistan: A hidden pool of diversity
No full textMathematical modeling of infectious diseases
Full text linkIn this dissertation, we studied mathematical models of infectious diseases that consist of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). An ODE model is formulated to describe the dynamics of wild mosquitoes when Wolbachia-infected female and male mosquitoes are introduced in the wild as a biological control, where we assume imperfect maternal transmission of Wolbachia to offspring and incomplete cytoplasmic incompatibility. In order to reduce the population of wild mosquitoes with minimal release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in the wild, we develop an optimal control model. The optimal controls are found by using the Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. We also formulated an ODE optimal control model to describe the dynamics of dengue-infected humans when Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are introduced in the wild along with efforts on educational campaigns to motivate individuals for using personal protection in order to reduce humans-mosquitoes. In this optimal control model, we also determined the most cost-effectiveness control strategy among different control interventions to reduce dengue infections in humans. In the host (Daphnia)- parasite (fungal spores) system, we study the disease dynamics of Daphnia in a water column where both algae and spores sink and diffuse. We formulated the Daphnia-spores-algae model using advection-diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs). We studied the effects of algal carrying capacity, sinking rates of algae and spores, and the water column maximum depth on the disease dynamics of Daphnia.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'Closed Access', the embargo will last until 2022-05-01The student, Iftikhar Ahmed, accepted the attached license on 2020-03-09 at 19:30.The student, Iftikhar Ahmed, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2020-03-09 at 19:53.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2020-04-09 at 09:53.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #14891 on 2020-08-25 at 17:38:59Made available in DSpace on 2020-08-27T00:46:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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افتخار جالب اور اردو افسانے کی نئی لسانی تشکیلات
No full textThis essay highlights Iftikhar Jalib’s views on the importance of introducing new linguistic formations and abandoning the conventional use of language in Urdu poetry and prose. The essay limits itself to the Urdu short stories of Iftikhar Jalib, that apply what the author calls the mythical technique, through which the story is constructed in the light of mythical ideas from the Greek and Hindu traditions as well as stories from the Islamic scriptur
Re-envisioning assessment of interlanguage pragmatic competence through computer-mediated communicative tasks
Full text linkAssessment of second language (L2) pragmatic knowledge is still a new and understudied area of research. Some researchers (Hudson, Detmer, & Brown, 1992, 1995; Roever, 2006, Walters, 2007) have played an important role in advancing the field, but their theories have followed speech act framework often criticized for pragmatic construct under-representation (Grabowski, 2009; Roever, 2011; Youn, 2015). Methodologically, past studies mainly used closed role-plays based on predetermined interactional outcomes (Youn, 2015). Kasper and Rose (2002) doubted the validity and authenticity of closed role-play tasks. In order to address these research gaps, and as a contribution to the general understanding of Second Language Pragmatic Testing (SLPT), this study combines second language pragmatics and computer-mediated communication to assess the pragmatic knowledge of second language users of English. It uses Purpura’s (2004) framework of communicative language ability for developing interactive, email-based role-play tasks to assess test takers’ pragmatic ability with regard to sociolinguistic, sociocultural and psychological meanings, and the use of polite formulaic expressions. Using mixed methods (Greene, 2007), qualitative and quantitative evidence was provided to support test inferences. A thorough needs analysis was conducted first through semi-structured interviews and then through an online survey by involving different ESL stakeholders including 153 faculty members at a large Mid-Western university. The online questionnaire results provided insight into the instructors’ perceptions of different email situations. The results of the needs analysis also helped to determine appropriate role-play situations. A set of communicative role-play tasks were developed following Davidson and Lynch’s (2002) test specification theory. Role-play cards were used to enhance standardization, and test takers were allowed to communicate naturally without following fixed interactional outcomes. A group of 52 graduate ESL students completed email role-play tasks. Two native-speaking raters evaluated the pragmatic ability of test takers and assigned scores using an empirically driven analytical scoring rubric on the email threads. Given that most students scored high, there appears to be a correlation between the ESL proficiency level of students and their scores in the pragmatic ability tests. Furthermore, inter-rater reliability analysis shows an overall high inter-rater reliability (0.85). There was some agreement between the hypothesized task difficulty typology and actual scores of three ability groups assessed in the present study.
Qualitative analysis of interactive email data revealed a lack of knowledge of norms (as expected in Midwestern US academic settings) of appropriateness and politeness by the lower proficiency groups. Therefore, the low stakes test might have a great potential for developing instructional materials in an academic email communication context. Based on the findings of the present study, suggestions on inclusion of sociopragmatic competence into the ESL writing curriculum are made. Systematic curricular inclusion of email pragmatics in ESL courses will assist ESL learners in developing their email pragmatic competence in academic settings.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'Closed Access', the embargo will last until 2021-05-01The student, Iftikhar Haider, accepted the attached license on 2019-01-12 at 12:47.The student, Iftikhar Haider, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2019-01-12 at 13:20.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2019-04-19 at 07:56.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #13355 on 2019-08-22 at 16:19:42Made available in DSpace on 2019-08-23T20:44:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3
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EPISTEMOLOGI STUDI HADIS KONTEMPORER KESARJANAAN MUSLIM DAN BARAT (STUDI KOMPARATIF ANTARA HARALD MOTZKI DAN IFTIKHAR ZAMAN)
Full text linkContemporary hadith studies are distinguished by the dynamics
of discourse on hadith studies that emerge in two distinct spheres,
Muslim and Western scholars. Each of these areas have produced
epistemological structures that do not complement one another and
frequently come into conflict. Despite the fact that the hadith material
examined is the same, their orientations and techniques of
development differ. Communication gaps frequently occur, and it is
not unusual for one group to refuse to accept the presence of another.
The question therefore becomes how to develop a hadith epistemology
capable of serving as a bridge between the two paradigms of hadith
thinking mentioned above, allowing the standstill in scientific
discussion that has happened so far to be resolved. There will be no
more intellectual cynicism based on the assumption that each other is
not capable of being scientific.
The academic issues raised above inspired the author to delve
further into the ideas of Harald Motzki-Germany (1948-2019) and
Iftikhar Zaman-Pakistan (1960-...) in the study of hadith. The
epistemological building developed by both of them is significant
enough to be synergized into a form of creative synthesis that is
expected to give birth to the epistemological structure of contemporary
hadith studies and create a deadlock in the communication and
scientific dialogue by producing an engagement between two groups
of hadith scholarship that is based on assumptions and testing methods
that is acceptable to both parties.
This dissertation's problem formulation takes the form of a
series of questions. First, how has the structure of hadith studies
evolved in Muslim intellectual traditions (Muslim scholars) and
Western scholars? Why does this dichotomy result in different
academic traditions in the realm of hadith studies while the material
object under investigation is the same? Second, what are Harald Motzki and Iftikhar Zaman’s fundamental/core concepts (primary
ideas) in hadith studies? Third, what is the epistemological framework
of hadith studies as represented by these two scholars from distinct
academic traditions? Fourth, what are the consequences of Harald
Motzki and Iftikhar Zaman’s ideas for the advancement of
contemporary hadith studies?
The author applies the analytical-comparative technique to link
ideas, clarify the breadth of possibilities, and emphasize shared ground
of thinking while preserving and clarifying existing disparities.
Epistemology and the history of ideas serve as a theoretical framework
for identifying basic (fundamental) beliefs about the topic of the
problem under study. The historical-philosophical approach to the
genetic structuralism model is important in this study. The author takes
a historical method to tracing all of the foundations of thinking,
revealing a framework of diversity, change, and continuity.
Meanwhile, a philosophical method is employed to show the
fundamental structure of the two persons' views, despite their disparate
socio-cultural origins.
Several results drawn from this research demonstrate that: first,
the disparities in hadith study traditions between Muslim and Western
scholars are related to variances in epistemological frameworks
developed in each location. The most basic distinction is
epistemology, which has an impact on every facet of the evolving
scientific architecture. The intellectual effort of Muslim and Western
academics has formed the heart of hadith studies, resulting in
epistemological grounds that frequently contradict. The two academic
traditions’ epistemological structures differ in terms of bibliographic
corpus, assumptions, analytical methods, and terminology. Secondly,
Motzki and Zaman's thoughts on the study of hadith represent their
essential principles. Motzki’s key concepts are framed in the logic of
showing the authenticity of hadith, whereas Zaman depends on the
link between the variety of isna>d (the act of relating the chain of
narration) and the diversity of matn (the text), created via the theory
of the science of rija>l .
Third, the epistemological framework of Motzki’s hadith
studies belong to the paradigmatic group, which corresponds to
traditionalist middle ground. The reference source is Mus}annaf ‘Abdul Razza>q, while the historical method relies on biographical literature.
Motzki also employed the historical critical method, which combines
form with redaction criticism. Meanwhile, Motzki’s theoretical
framework is based on dating (when, who, and where) and a sanad
(the chain of narration) and matn calendar pattern. Meanwhile, Zaman
established an epistemological framework that indicates an interaction
effort between two schools of thought: the classical heritage of hadith
studies and the Western historical critical tradition. Zaman provided a
novel interpretation of the common link theory, which was integrated
with other Western academic ideas to explain the presence of isna>d
routes by which matn versions are narrated. The study of rija>l theory
was primarily developed to determine which transmitters were the
most skilful and meticulous in preserving and transmitting hadith.
Although the hadith is not explicitly dated, the resources offered by
the notion of the science of rija>l allow us to identify when, where, and
by whom the hadith was widely spread.
Fourth, the implications of the thoughts of Motzki and Zaman
on the development of hadith studies can be recognized, first, by
means of investigation. These two scholars were able to shift the
direction or basic assumptions that had previously believed by
Western academics, who oftentimes disputing the reliability of the
sunnah or hadith, to be something whose validity can be academically
proven. Second, it demonstrates the relationship between Muslim and
Western scholarship, particularly in hadith studies; they are not all
mutually exclusive. Third, through this relatively recent research,
Motzki and Zaman have produced new achievements in current hadith
studies, inspiring future scholars. In general, this style of inquiry is
rare among Muslim and Western academics since Western researchers
base their studies on fundamental skepticism, making them hesitant to
draw inferences from extant classical literature. It contrasts with
Motzki, who used a traditional-historical technique to date the content
from the book Mus}annaf ‘Abdul Razza>q, demonstrating the
legitimacy of classical literary material. Meanwhile, Zaman proposed
a theory that offered a new and more significant meaning to numerous
classical literatures via a Western lens, which had previously
questioned the information in transmission mechanism included in the
hadith’s chain of narration
Revealing the quasiparticle electronic and excitonic nature in cubic, tetragonal, and hexagonal phases of FAPbI3
Full text linkThe development of three-dimensional (3D) hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites has sparked much interest because of their rich light-harvesting capabilities in solar cells. However, the understanding of the electronic and optical properties, particularly the excitonic shifts upon structural phase transition with temperature in these materials, is not fully clear. Here, we report the accurate description of electronic and optical properties of mostly studied FAPbI(3) across the cubic-tetragonal-hexagonal phases, using the relativistic GW method and Bethe-Salpeter Equation (BSE), including the spin-orbit coupling effects. Our GW calculations reveal that the bandgap values vary from 1.47 to 3.54 eV from the room temperature cubic phase to the low temperature hexagonal phase. Our optical analysis shows that excitonic peaks are blue-shifted, and exciton binding energies estimated by the model BSE approach increase from 74 to 567 meV going from the cubic to hexagonal phases. Our results may have important impacts on the practical uptake of hybrid perovskite based solar cells under different climatic conditions. (c) 2022 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
A Service of zbw Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre for Economics University Quality and Graduate Wages in the UK University Quality and Graduate Wages in the UK
No full textStandard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. The Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in Bonn is a local and virtual international research center and a place of communication between science, politics and business. IZA is an independent nonprofit organization supported by Deutsche Post Foundation. The center is associated with the University of Bonn and offers a stimulating research environment through its international network, workshops and conferences, data service, project support, research visits and doctoral program. IZA engages in (i) original and internationally competitive research in all fields of labor economics, (ii) development of policy concepts, and (iii) dissemination of research results and concepts to the interested public. Terms of use: Documents in University Quality and Graduate Wages in the UK Iftikhar Hussain Sandra McNally Shqiponja Telhaj D I S C U S S I O N P A P E R S E R I E S IZA Discussion Papers often represent preliminary work and are circulated to encourage discussion. Citation of such a paper should account for its provisional character. A revised version may be available directly from the author. ABSTRACT University Quality and Graduate Wages in the UK * We examine the links between various measures of university quality and graduate earnings in the United Kingdom. We explore the implications of using different measures of quality and combining them into an aggregate measure. Our findings suggest a positive return to university quality with an average earnings differential of about 6 percent for a one standard deviation rise in university quality. However, the relationship between university quality and wages is highly non-linear, with a much higher return at the top of the distribution. There is some indication that returns may be increasing over time. JEL Classification: I23, J2
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