Paktia University

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia and its association with the academic performance of schoolchildren in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This was a cross-sectional analytical study. This was a school-based study conducted among 1866 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years in Kandahar city from September to December 2023. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using a portable HemoCue Hb 301 analyser, while the WHO age-adjusted cut-off for haemoglobin was used to classify anaemia. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, the χ² test and multivariate logistic regression. In this study, the mean age of the children was 9.1 years, 61.1% (1138/1866) were boys, 83.6% (1560/1866) had illiterate mothers, and 81.3% (1517/1866) belonged to poor families. Prevalence of anaemia among schoolchildren was 64.1% (1196/1866), while 20.8% (388/1866), 41.7% (778/1866), and 1.6% (30/1866) were suffering from mild, moderate and severe anaemia, respectively. Main associated factors of anaemia were being male (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7, p=0.003), unemployed father (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.2, p=0.020), poor family (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.9, p<0.001), large family (AOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6, p=0.048), history of intestinal helminths (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6, p=0.017) and decreased meat consumption (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.5, p<0.001). Children with anaemia had significantly lower academic performance. Prevalence of anaemia was very high and is a severe public health problem in schoolchildren of Kandahar. Based on the known consequences of anaemia on academic performance, the education and health authorities of Afghanistan should take serious steps to alleviate this problem. Periodic iron supplementation and deworming, as well as daily iron-rich mid-day meal programmes, should be started for both boys and girls in schools.

In this article, we utilize the conformable fractional (CF) derivative to investigate the analytically innovative soliton solutions for the time‐fractional nonlinear perturbed Chen‐Lee‐Liu (CLL) equation in optical fibers. An essential governing equation in nonlinear optics, the perturbed CLL model describes the propagation of ultrashort pulses in optical fibers with higher‐order perturbations, and its study is critical to the development of high‐capacity optical communication systems. Several types of optical soliton solutions for this model with a conformable derivative are extracted in this study by using the modified Khater method and the modified ‐expansion approach. The obtained bright, dark, periodic, and kink soliton solutions offer important information for developing and regulating new optical devices, including all‐optical switches and soliton‐based data transmitters. The significant impact of the CF derivative on the soliton dynamics and symmetric features of the resulting solutions is demonstrated by two‐ and three‐dimensional graphical representations created with MATLAB software. Moreover, stability, sensitivity, and chaotic are successfully analyzed through diverse values of unknown parameters.

International legislative instruments are the treaties, resolutions, and rules that are adopted globally by various states. These instruments form the foundation for implementing international laws and regulations and play a significant role in the areas of human rights, environmental protection, and economic development. Although international legislative documents serve as essential guidelines for all countries in terms of legal norms and standards, their implementation faces various challenges. These challenges not only create obstacles in establishing a solid legal framework but also hinder coordination and cooperation among states. The importance of this research lies in the fact that international legislative instruments aim to establish shared global values and principles. These instruments provide the basis for formulating common laws among countries of the world in the fields of human rights, environmental sustainability, economic cooperation, and peacebuilding. Implementing these instruments is considered a fundamental requirement for international cooperation among states. However, despite their role in enforcing international legal norms, the diverse political, economic, and cultural conditions of different countries make their implementation difficult. These challenges are particularly increasing in countries where applying international principles within national contexts is viewed as problematic. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the existing challenges and obstacles to the implementation of international legislative instruments. The study will examine the implementation processes of various international laws and documents to develop a comprehensive understanding of the barriers that hinder their effective enforcement. Additional objectives include proposing solutions for more effective implementation, strengthening international cooperation, and improving coordination between governmental and non-governmental institutions. This research on the challenges to the implementation of international legislative instruments draws upon various books and reputable scholarly articles. The findings of the study indicate that the political, economic, social, and geographical conditions of countries constitute the most significant barriers to the implementation of international legislative instruments, and these obstacles continue to grow day by day.

Abstract Objectives This study examined intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences among co-wives in polygynous marriages (first versus second or later-order) and monogamous unions, focusing on how community, household, and individual factors affect these relationships. Methods Data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey (AFDHS) were used, with a final sample of 21,324 currently married and in-union women aged 15–49. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis and a non-linear decomposition approach (Fairlie method) were used to investigate this association. Results Over half of the women (50.8%) reported experiencing at least one form of IPV—physical (47.5%), emotional (32.1%), or sexual (8.9%). Logistic regression showed that first-ranked wives in polygynous unions faced significantly higher odds of experiencing physical (aOR = 2.98), emotional (aOR = 2.55), sexual (aOR = 1.94), and any IPV (aOR = 2.71) (all p &lt; 0.001). Fairlie decomposition revealed a 9.7% to 45% greater IPV risk for first-ranked wives than second or later-order wives in polygynous unions, and 10.8% to 72% compared to only wives in monogamous unions, largely driven by community-level factors. Conclusion The first wife in a polygynous union is more likely to experience IPV, and this study identifies important structural factors contributing to IPV. By focusing on evidence-based interventions and cross-sector collaboration, stakeholders in Afghanistan and other conflict-affected areas can work to decrease IPV and promote gender equality.

Abstract Nanomaterials are a key component of nanoelectronics and selecting the most suitable nanomaterial for nanoelectronics remains a significant challenge for companies. The classical decision making process is often difficult and uncertain when identifying the ideal nanomaterial. To address this, we develop a novel decision making model based on a fuzzy credibility neural network with Hamacher aggregation operators. We apply the proposed model to select the most suitable nanomaterial for nanoelectronics. For this purpose, we collect information matrices from three experts regarding various nanomaterials. To analyze these matrices, we use entropy to calculate the weights of each criterion. After determining the weights, we apply fuzzy credibility Hamacher weighted aggregation operators to combine the input signals and their corresponding weights in order to compute the hidden layer information for the nanomaterials. To ensure accurate and reliable results, we apply the fuzzy credibility Hamacher weighted aggregation operator once again to the hidden layer information, aggregating it with the appropriate weights to generate the output layer information. Next, we use a score function based on fuzzy credibility numbers to calculate the score values of the output information. After this, we apply three activation functions to compute the final output of the proposed model. Based on the results, graphene is identified as the best nanomaterial for nanoelectronics. Furthermore, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the proposed model by varying the Hamacher parameter. To confirm the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach, we finally validate the results using three well-known MCDM methods.

This study conducts a comparative analysis of Pashto ghazals and English sonnets in 17th century to explore their unique structures, themes, and cultural significance. Utilizing descriptive and comparative methods, the study examines how these distinct poetic traditions address universal themes such as love, mortality, and spirituality while reflecting their respective cultural and historical backgrounds. English sonnets, particularly from the Renaissance period, are known for their strict structure, addressing themes of love, beauty, and the transient nature of life. Pashto ghazals, rooted in the oral traditions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, are structurally flexible and often imbued with Sufi mysticism, emphasizing spiritual transcendence and divine love. By analyzing examples from poets such as Shakespeare and Khushal Khan Khattak, the study highlights how both poetic forms serve as powerful expressions of human emotions despite cultural and linguistic differences. The findings suggest that while English sonnets emphasize aesthetic refinement and structured form, Pashto ghazals prioritize spiritual depth and oral lyrical traditions. This research contributes to comparative literary studies by shedding light on the underexplored tradition of Pashto ghazals.

Background: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in the realm of law enforcement and human rights. In recent decades, their influence has expanded significantly, especially in areas where government action is either insufficient or absent. NGOs often bridge gaps in legal and human rights protection by advocating for vulnerable populations, monitoring abuses, and holding governments accountable. Their contributions in law enforcement vary, from providing legal assistance to victims of human rights violations to actively participating in the policy-making process. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the role of NGOs in law enforcement and human rights, with a particular focus on their contributions to legal reforms, advocacy for victims, and international collaborations. The research explores how NGOs influence law enforcement mechanisms and contribute to the advancement of human rights protections across different regions. Method: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing case studies, interviews with NGO leaders, legal experts, and human rights advocates, and document analysis of reports and legal frameworks where NGOs have had significant influence. Results: The study found that NGOs significantly impact human rights law enforcement, especially in regions with weak legal frameworks. They provide essential resources for victims, influence policy changes, and sometimes fill gaps left by state institutions. However, challenges such as limited funding and political resistance affect their effectiveness. Conclusion: NGOs are indispensable in promoting human rights and enforcing laws in under-served regions. Their role should be enhanced through stronger partnerships with governments and international organizations.

Hipertensi atau tekanan darah tinggi adalah peningkatan tekanan darah sistolik lebih dari 140 mmHg dan tekanan darah diastolik lebih dari 90 mmHg pada dua kali pengukuran dengan selang waktu lima menit dalam keadaan cukup istirahat atau tenang. Berdasarkan Riskesdas tahun 2018 prevalensi hipertensi di wilayah Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) sebesar 11,01%, angka tersebut lebih tinggi daripada nilai nasional yaitu sebesar 8,8%. Prevalensi tersebut menjadikan DIY sebagai provinsi dengan kasus hipertensi tertinggi keempat di Indonesia. Berdasarkan data hipertensi di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Pakem sebesar 2835 kasus, data tersebut menunjukkan bahwa persentase penderita hipertensi yang mendapatkan pelayanan kesehatan sesuai standar di Puskesmas Pakem sebesar 7% dengan target capaian 100%. Penyuluhan ditujukan pada lansia, demi terciptanya lansia menjadi lebih. Tujuan penyuluhan ini yaitu dapat memahami tentang pengaturan makan pada penyakit hipertensi sehingga dapat membantu mencegah dan menanggulangi penyakit hipertensi pada lansia. Kegiatan dilaksanakan pada hari Senin, 13 November 2023 di desa Purworejo. Kegiatan berlangsung dari pukul 14.00 - 15.05 WIB. Peserta kegiatan adalah lansia dan kader lansia di desa Purworejo. Topik yang disampaikan mengenai pengaturan makan hipertensi dan diabetes melitus. Peserta penyuluhan berjumlah 18 orang. Media yang digunakan lembar balik dan leaflet yang dibagikan pada peserta. Untuk mengevaluasi pemahaman peserta mengenai materi yang telah disampaikan, evaluasi dilakukan dengan cara permainan “Ya/Tidak”. Permainan tersebut dimulai dengan menunjukan gambar makanan yang dianjurkan dan tidak dianjurkan, kemudian peserta menjawab dengan mengangkat papan yang berisi tanda centang atau tanda silang.

This article presents a comprehensive study that investigates the extent to which Afghan Universities and Higher Education Institutions prioritize the integration of soft skills within curricula, pedagogy, and educational programs, ensuring alignment with the demands of the 21 stcentury career market.A survey design has been used to collect the data from 35 different departments of 20 universities and higher education institutions in Afghanistan.The findings of the study revealed several important insights.There is a significant misalignment between the curriculum implemented in Afghan Universities and HEIs and the job market demands.The study found that Afghan Universities and HEIs do not pay sufficient attention to the development and fostering of soft skills in students through their educational programs and pedagogy.The study revealed that respondents also expressed concerns regarding the ability of universities and HEIs to effectively nurture and develop soft skills.They identified some key contributing reasons for their concerns such as outdated curriculum and pedagogy, and lack of professionalism.The researchers recommend that universities and higher education institutions strengthen the integration of soft skills into their educational programs to better prepare students for the professional world.and Prioritizing the integration of soft skills alongside technical knowledge.