Transition of Gender Roles across Three Generations due to Globalization in Pakistan

This study focused on how gender roles change from traditional to modern society with the impact of globalization by exploring the role of culture, technology, and environment. Globalization is the integration process that may affect human wellbeing, environment, economic development, and societal prosperity worldwide. A qualitative method was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 participants comprising of generation X (1965-1979), generation Y (1980-1994), and generation Z (1995-2004). Participants were sampled purposively. Through thematic analysis 10 major themes were discovered; (i) Perceived traditional gender roles, (ii) Transitional gender roles, (iii) Practicing traditional gender roles, (iv) Socio-cultural and family pressure, (v) Adopting new behavioral characteristics by females, (vi) Technology paved new ways and convenience, (vii) Negative aspects of Technology, (viii) Sensitized gender concept, (ix) Exposure to a hazardous environment, and (x) Social deconstruction of gender roles. The following information was found with regard to different generations and genders: (i) The element of acceptance and change is more evident in generation Z than in generation X; (ii) The male respondents are more persistent in traditional gender roles; (iii) The influence of technology on changing gender roles is more evident among the female participants; and (iv) Generation X and Y have more stereotypical views on gender roles than generation Z. The implication of this study is that gender roles are changing significantly over time in Pakistan due to globalization and technological development.

Production and Optimization of Pectinase from Pomelo Through Solid State-Fermentation

Pectinase recognized as an industrial important enzymes which occupies 10 percent in enzyme production of world while 25 percent of food production. While keeping in view in the light of above scenario the study was design to produce pectinase from local agro wastes. The Pomelo (Citrus Grandis) was considered as novel substrate for pectinase production through solid state fermentation by Aspergillus niger. In first portion of this study, the OFAT (one factor at a time) was opted for optimizing the conditions of temperature, pH and time period for pectinase production. While the other factor was optimized thorugh RSM-DOE (Respone Surface Methadology), a statistical tool for the analysis of variant factor on pectinase activity. About 14 RSM trial were conducted by employing following condition i.e. Substrate (3-28g), inoculum level (1.5-7.5ml) nitrogen (0.625-1.375g), moisture (5-105%). The highest activity of pectinase was observed at pH (5), temperature (30 ?C), incubation day (4 ) by OFAT. In RSM maximum activity at 279.2 U/mL were achieved at optimize temperature 30 ?C, pH 5, day 4 th , moisture level 30%, inoculum size 6ml, substrate 3g and nitrogen level at 0.250g. For purification, ammonium sulphate, dialysis and gel chramatograpghy was performed. The results indicates that at 60% ammounium sulphate precipitation was achieved with specific enzyme activity at 0.856U/mg recorded after purification. Present finding proved that Pomelo peel was abundant and cheap source for production at commercial.