American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

ENVIRONMENTAL INSECURITY IN PAKISTAN: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES

2022-08-02T17:15:48+00:00

This study investigates the contemporary environmental risks of air pollution and heat waves, their causes, and their impacts in Pakistan. The research aims to find out the reasons behind the response challenges despite introducing policy programs such as National Climate Change Policy Framework and initiatives like The Billion Tree Tsunami. This study has used a qualitative research approach by adding a case study analysis and an environmental expert’s opinion. The key findings have revealed that compared to the past, the nature of causes behind rising air pollution and intense heat waves has changed. Heavy traffic flow, stop-and-go traffic phenomenon, uncontrolled emissions, and rapid shifts in rainfall are the principal factors that harm Pakistan’s environment. From the expert’s point of view, the study also reveals that the response mechanism is facing hurdles due to institutional dissonance and lack of capacity building. Further, the findings suggest that a multi-layered approach involving policymakers, experts, academicians, and individuals through a community-driven approach can offer practical solutions. As the study has included the example of an individual-level digital response to current environmental threats, this research would provide a platform to make similar budget-friendly and technology-oriented approaches in the future.

JEL Classification Codes : Q53, Q54, Q55, Q56, Q58.

COMMUNICATING ATTITUDINAL CHANGE THROUGH BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE MEDIA CAMPAIGN: REVIEW OF RESPONSES FROM NURSING MOTHERS IN AROCHUKWU, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

2023-01-14T17:52:56+00:00

Studies have clearly shown that there are numerous health benefits accruing from breastfeeding, not only to infants but mothers also. However, adherence to breastfeeding practice remains a key challenge facing mothers and maternal health providers. The study which adopted survey research approach critically examined audience response to media campaign on the importance of breastfeeding in Arochukwu community of Abia State, Nigeria to determine the factors that actually militate against its practice as an ideal, healthy and accepted norm. Structured questionnaire was the principal instrument of data collection. A number of 185 respondents were randomly selected from seven health centers in the area, representing the population of the study. The data obtained were analyzed using tables and simple percentage calculation and graphs respectively to elucidate on the findings. Findings reveal that civilization/new cultural ideas were contributory to the decline in breastfeeding rate in Arochukwu. It was also found that there was a huge influence of the effects of social perception and lack of education resulting to mothers' neglect of breastfeeding practice in the area. Hence, the study concludes that the media and stakeholders in the health sector need to do more to effectively make mothers appreciate and appropriate the invaluable benefits of breastfeeding practice. It further recommends that conscious efforts should always be made by media campaigners to appropriately select and utilize suitable media channels for effective realization of objectives; more so, in the present context of addressing this key challenge of non-adherence to breastfeeding practice facing mothers generally, and particularly young mothers.

JEL Classification Codes: H51, H52, H53, H75

INVESTIGATING THE FINANCIAL STRENGTH IN THE ENERGY SECTOR: A STUDY ON TGTDCL

2023-06-04T15:38:27+00:00

This study presents a descriptive study analyzing the financial strength of TGTDCL in the energy sector. The study examines various financial aspects, including shareholding pattern, annual turnover, net assets value per share, liquidity ratios, profitability ratios, working capital ratios, capital structure ratios, contribution to the national exchequer, and system loss reduction. Employing a descriptive research design, the study utilizes purposive sampling to select TGTDCL. Data is collected from TGTDCL's annual reports spanning 2017-18 to 2020-21 and analyzed using Ms Excel, incorporating descriptive statistics and ratio analysis. Findings indicate that TGTDCL's operations are influenced by government control. Nevertheless, the company exhibits consistent growth in annual turnover, indicating effectiveness in capitalizing on market opportunities and meeting gas demand. The upward trend in net assets value per share reflects growth of assets, benefiting shareholders. Additionally, positive liquidity ratios highlight improved financial health and effective short-term obligation management. However, profitability ratios reveal a decline in profit generation and conversion of revenues to earnings. The study emphasizes inventory management, enhanced collection processes, and optimized payment cycles for financial strengthening. Capital structure ratios underscore the need for managing debt levels and improving cash flow generation. TGTDCL's contributions to the national exchequer demonstrate financial responsibility and positive impact on the economy. Efforts in system loss reduction enhance operational efficiency and cost management. The findings contribute to understanding the financial landscape of the TGTDCL and offer insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers. Future research should consider qualitative factors and detailed financial data to comprehensively assess financial position of industries in the energy sector.