Wild birds trade in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu divisions of Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KPK) Province, Pakistan

Wildlife trade is a profitable economic activity. Birds are among the most heavily traded animals worldwide, with numerous species threatened by pet trade. The present case study was stretched for period of one year to find out the status of wild birds’ trade in Bannu and Dera Ismael Khan Divisions. The study was aimed to find out the types of species, commercial prices of bird, trade routes, overall income generated from birds’ trade and the status of dealers whether licensed or not. Bimonthly visits were conducted to interview 52 bird dealers/pet shops owners/venders (23 in Dera Ismael Khan and 29 in Bannu). A sum of 16 conceivable sites were visited during the study period. Out of these, 8 sites were located in Dera Ismael Khan and 8 sites in Bannu Division. The highest priced species was Demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) and the lowest priced species was house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Total number of species traded in both regions were 8 and 14 while the income generated by bird trade was amounting to PkR 1,322,200 and 7,128,950 in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. Majority of the birds were trapped locally with the exception of few from adjacent areas. Commercial activity led by illegal bird traders was found 75% and 100% species in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. There was no significant difference between prices of birds, number of species sold and income generated by bird trade in two divisions.

Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): A Case Study

The present case study is about a 23 year’s old married man from a middle socioeconomic status Muslim family residing in Islamabad. He came with the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder such as obsessions, compulsions, superstitious thinking with comorbid depression, low mood, somatic complaints, anxiety, nervousness, tension, isolation and hostility. He was having these symptoms since 2006 to 2021. The present case study was conducted to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for individuals suffering with obsessive compulsive disorder. Case study continued for 12 sessions of cognitive behaviors therapy. 3 (1-3) sessions were conducted in initial phase, 5 sessions (4-9) were conducted in middle phase and 3 (10-12) sessions were conducted in termination phase and 2 follow up sessions after termination phase. Patient’s improvement was started in middle phase of the treatment; he seemed hopeful and motivated in getting better. After the end of the middle phase, he was almost symptom free. Further at the termination phase, patient’s symptoms were distinctly reduced and relapse prevention tactics were taught to him for dealing with his obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms in future. It was confirmed that CBT is an efficient therapy to treat obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms and improve well-being.

Patronage over Literature, Translation and Print: Some Remarks on 1809 Edition of the Dabestān-e mazāheb Published in Print with the Support of the East India Company

Dabestān-e mazāheb is an interesting example of a 17th century text on various faiths and creeds of the Indian subcontinent. The present case study looks at possible explanations for its popularity claimed for it in the editorial note found in the first printed edition (1809) while simultaneously analysing reasons behind selection of this particular text for a print publication in the light of patronage extended by the East India Company to translation and printing of selected Indian writings. The process in this case is well documented in the correspondence of British officials such as Sir William Jones, but as to the reasons for the printing even more may be deduced from the highly ornate Persian peritext appended at the end of the 1809 edition by the book’s editor, Nazar Ashraf. The note provides an interesting testimony to the evolving fusion of the long tradition of manuscript writing and the advancements in printing which the paper explores.

The Effects and Implications of a Peer-Led Small Group Advising Scheme: A Case Study

The present case study aims to investigate the effects and implications of a semi-structured, small group advising scheme led by a peer advisor (PA) who graduated from a previously offered scheme. The scheme involves a seven-unit Personalized Learning Module (PLM) that simultaneously combines four key points: (1) reflecting, (2) mindset training, (3) personal motivation and success, and (4) teaching students how to limit overwhelming sources of information as part of creating an actionable, personalized learning plan. Each unit of the PLM consists of an integrated, scaffolded set of original advising tools. Four learners were trained in a group by a PA. Data were collected through PA open-ended feedback forms at the end of each unit, metaphor drawings and the advisee feedback form containing the learners’ reflections on the efficiency of the module. Additionally, the PA’s feedback form containing the PA’s observations and reflections were used for data collection and data were analyzed through content analysis. The outcome of the study reveals promising results for future PA programs.

Teriparatide Therapy in a 4-Month-Old With Severe Hypoparathyroidism

Teriparatide is a human parathyroid hormone analog approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in adult patients. Its use for hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism in the pediatric population is described through case reports and small case series; however, larger studies that demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety are limited. At our institution, a 4-month-old premature (gestational age: 32 weeks) infant with multiple congenital anomalies, functional athymia, and severe hypoparathyroidism and receiving calcitriol, vitamin D, and calcium carbonate supplementation was initiated on subcutaneous injection of teriparatide. During the course of treatment, her calcium carbonate, vitamin D, and calcitriol supplementation requirements substantially decreased. Teriparatide effectively increased serum ionized calcium concentrations and decreased serum phosphorus concentrations in the present case-study over a 6-month period. Teriparatide was well tolerated, and no evidence of hypercalcemia was observed throughout treatment.

Disinfection of therapeutic water – balancing risks against benefits: case study of Hungarian therapeutic baths on the effects of technological steps and disinfection on therapeutic waters

Thermal therapeutic pools in most countries are operated in a manner similar to swimming pools: with water circulation, filtration and disinfection. However, in some countries, including Hungary, therapeutic pools are traditionally not treated this way, in order to preserve the therapeutic qualities of the water. However, dilution and frequent water replacement applied in these pools are often insufficient to ensure adequate microbial water quality, posing a risk of infection to the bathers. In the present case study, the impact of water treatment (including chemical disinfection by hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide) was investigated on the therapeutic components of the water in seven Hungarian spas of various water composition. Microbial quality was improved by both disinfectants, but hypochlorite reduced the concentration of the therapeutic components sulfide, bromide, and iodide ions by 40–99%, and high levels of disinfection by-products were observed. Hydrogen peroxide only affected sulfide ion (91% reduction). Other technological steps (e.g., transport or cooling by dilution) were found to have significant impact on composition, often outweighing the effect of disinfection. The current case study demonstrated that thermal waters may be treated and disinfected with minimal loss of the therapeutic compounds, if an adequate treatment procedure is selected based on the water composition.

MANAGEMENT OF SPASTIC QUADRIPLEGIA (SARVANGGHAT) WITH VATKULANTAK RASA & SHASHTIKA SHALI PINDA SWEDA - A CASE STUDY

Background- Spastic Quadriplegia also known as spastic tetraplegia is a subset of Spastic cerebral palsy that af- fects all four limbs (both arms and legs). Spastic quadriplegia usually displays equal involvement of both upper and lower extremities with severe involvement of legs, arms and floppiness of neck. Spastic quadriplegia is gen- erally caused by brain damage either before birth, during or shortly after. In Ayurveda quadriplegia can be corre- lated with Sarvangghat which is a vatavyadhi. It is a nanatmaja vatavyadhi according to charaka. As the disease was caused by vata-kapha dosha. The treatment is mainly aimed at mitigating vata kapha dosha which helps to clear the blocked micro-channels involved in the pathology. Aim and objective- To study the effect of Vatkulan- taka rasa and Shashtika shali pinda sweda in the management of Spastic quadriplegia (Sarvangghat). Material and methods-The present case study is upon 16 years old (male patient) diagnosed case of spastic quadriplegia with complaints of difficulty in walking with stiffness for 6 years at the kayachikitsa IPD of Pt. khushilal Sharma govt. ayurvedic hospital Bhopal. He was treated with shashtika shali pind sweda & Vatkulantaka rasa. The dura- tion of the study is 21 days. The assessment was done on the basis of symptomatic relief after treatment. Observation- The Ayurvedic therapy and oral medication yielded complete symptomatic relief from pain, stiffness and improve quality of life. Conclusion- On the basis of the result obtained, it can be concluded that Shashtika shali pinda sweda and Vatku- lantaka rasa can be used as an effective treatment in the management of Spastic quadriplegia (Sarvangghat). Keywords: Sarvangghat, Spastic quadriplegia, Shashtika shali pinda sweda, Vatkulantaka rasa.

IRONY IN FAN FICTION

Irony is a broad concept with many cultural and artistic manifestations of criticism, sarcasm, humor, parody, and even tragedy. It can represent various intellectual and emotional states, such as criticism, self-criticism, curiosity, entertainment, disappointment, anger, boasting, etc. The tone, intensity and frequency of sound are sufficient to convey irony in speech. However, in writing authors use a number of linguistic and stylistic means to be able to convey irony to the reader. This also refers to fanfic (fan fiction) – a work of art/fiction written by book fans, TV series, films, etc. – which is based on an original creation and uses irony widely. The language we perceive when reading fan fiction influences our language and our own production of speech. Hence, the present case study aims at revealing ways and means as well as reasons of expressing irony in fan fiction – a discourse variety that has attracted great interest in the modern world especially among the younger generation.

Agility enhancement through agile manufacturing implementation: a case study

PurposeDynamic business environment has a deep influence on production and management related exercises. In order to remain competitive, organization needs to coordinate with continuous and unpredictable changes taking place in the market. Globalization of markets is posing competitive pressure on firms, which leads them to adopt a new manufacturing paradigm termed agile manufacturing (AM). The purpose of the present case study is to explore the contribution of AM towards agility and productivity enhancements in an Indian manufacturing company.Design/methodology/approachThe study is carried out at forging industry which has been assessed on certain key business performance indicators. The assessment highlighted various issues which had scope for improvement to enhance the agility of the organization. Therefore, a phase-wise implementation of AM is carried to reap the significant benefits as a result of AM implementation in the case study company. The methodology has been applied to decrease the inline rejection, increase the productivity and responsiveness of the organization.FindingsThe results revealed an improvement in performance score from 77.5 to 100. Further, an increase in productivity and reduction in line rejection has been achieved through the systematic implementation of AM.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the contributions of strategic AM implementation to organizational performance and highlights the need for successful management of AM practices for establishing sustained performance of the organization.Originality/valueThe contribution of the present work is the phase-wise implementation of AM in the case studied company.

Experience Design Studio for Social Connection of Older Adults

Social isolation and loneliness are pressing health concerns in older adults, likely exacerbated by social distancing guidelines enacted during COVID-19. Creating effective interventions to address health issues is challenging. Design is an alternative approach to create innovative interventions and to test their preliminary potential. In the present case study, we describe the processes and outcomes of a four-week project in a graduate design studio. Students were asked to develop a prototype for an intervention using digital technologies to increase social connectedness among older adults. This was an interdisciplinary process guided by faculty with expertise in design (Mejía), healthcare redesign (Doebbeling), and gerontology (Der Ananian). In the first week, the faculty helped the students understand the design goals, the implications of social isolation and loneliness, and technology use in older adults. In the second week, students conducted user interviews. In the third week, students set the problem by defining a specific potential audience and context. They also prototyped two preliminary concepts using storyboards and received feedback from the faculty. In the last week, students presented refined prototypes with storyboards, user flows, and interface mockups. Student design ideas included an audio story-sharing app that facilitates conversations and new friendships, an assistance digital service for immigrant older adults that need support with language or cultural challenges, and an art and crafts subscription service with a sharing platform to connect older adults with similar interests. The students' design projects provided innovative technological approaches for improving social connections and could be used in future R&D.