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The representation of gender in school textbooks is an area that has been researched in different contexts for decades. It is an area worth investigation because it has been established through research that gender biased textbooks provide hurdles for gender equality in many ways. Taking this as a point of departure this paper aims to examine the representation of male and female in primary level English and Urdu textbooks in Pakistan. To achieve its aim three public and private publishers i.e. AFAQ, National Book Foundation (NBF) and Oxford University Press (OUF) were selected. The text and images in these textbooks were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. The representation of gender in the selected textbooks was seen through three major themes i.e. visibility of female and male through characters, photographs and narrator of the lesson; activities assigned and vocabulary used for both gender. The data clearly reveals that the visibility of males was much higher than that of females in photographs, images, characters and narrators. Regarding activities assigned to gender in all the selected textbooks women were mostly depicted to be involved in housework and engaged in personal and family activities while boys were shown to be working, playing and engaged in social activities. Finally, it was found that the vocabulary used in the textbooks was stereotypical reflecting existing gender stereotypes in the Pakistani culture. To reduce the gender biased attitude in textbooks it is suggested that a strong gender lens is needed while setting educational policies in the country.

Freiberg's disease is a rare condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the lesser metatarsal heads. The incidence is highest in females, and the disease is usually unilateral, affecting just a single metatarsal. In this report, we describe the first male case of Freiberg's disease involving the second and third metatarsals in both feet, with the aim of highlighting the condition as a potential cause of such forefoot pain. One year of follow-up is provided.

A first ray dorsiflexion osteotomy is commonly performed for cavovarus foot correction. There are multiple techniques to fix this osteotomy, ranging from wires, screws, and plates or a combination of these. We present our results using a varisation staple (Biomet©) as an alternative fixation device. We performed a retrospective outcome analysis of a consecutive series of 10 cavovarus feet that underwent a dorsiflexion osteotomy (dorsal closing wedge) of the first metatarsal fixed with two varisation staples. The results were measured at a mean three monthly follow-ups and included union and complication rates, as well as clinical and radiographic assessment of cavus deformity correction. There was a 100% union rate with no complications or cases of delayed union. No metalwork removal was requested in any case at follow-up. First ray dorsiflexion osteotomies are most commonly fixed using a 3.5mm cortical screw. We demonstrate that our alternative and novel technique using varisation staples achieved a 100% union rate while avoiding the prominent hardware complications known to occur with cortical screws or plates.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to specify an efficient forecast model for the accurate prediction of macroeconomic variables in the context of Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: We particularly investigate the comparative accuracy of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models-based predictions using monthly data of inflation, exchange rate, and GDP from 1990 to 2014. Findings: According to our findings, the ANN-based forecasted inflation series is more precise as compared to ARIMA-based estimates. On the contrary, the ARIMA model outperforms the ANN model for exchange rate forecasts with the forecasted values being very close to the actual values. Further, ARIMA performs comparatively better in forecasting GDP with relatively smaller forecast error. On the whole, our findings suggest the ARIMA model provides appropriate results for forecasting exchange rates and GDP, while the ANN model offers precise estimates of inflation. Implications/Originality/Value: Our findings have important implications for the analysts and policymakers highlighting the need to use appropriate forecasting models that are well aligned with the structure of an economy.