Comparison of Residual based Cointegration Tests: Evidence from Monte Carlo

In this article ten cointegration tests based on residuals of cointegrating equation are compared on basis of stringency criterion: a robust technique for comparison of tests using Monte Carlo simulations. Two tests i.e. Phillips and Ouliaris’ Pu and Choi Durbin-Hausman statistic are the leading performers and are recommended for any sample size. The remaining eight tests are recommended for only large sample sizes of 200 or greater. The use of all these ten tests is not recommended when presence of both intercept and linear time trend is assumed in cointegrating equation unless the sample size is very large i.e. greater than 200

Client Satisfaction towards Quality of Health Services: An Assessment at Primary Healthcare of District Gujranwala

This survey designed to evaluate the satisfaction level and the factors that affect the patient satisfaction regarding health care delivery services with the aim to improve the services in the primary health care settings of Gujranwala. A Cross Sectional Study done on randomly selected patients attending the basic health units of Gujranwala, with more than18 years of age. Pretested structured "Liker scale questionnaire" was used for data collection. Out of total respondents, 62 (41.3%) clients were satisfied with the services provided by the basic health units of Gujranwala. The factors identified to determine patient satisfaction were accessibility of services, behavior of staff, health education, level of cleanliness, drug availability and miscellaneous services. Not a single ranked area of satisfaction noticed. Client’s occupation and income had significant relationship with the patient satisfaction level. Gender, age, and education of clients were not contributing factors; they not affect the client satisfaction level.Less than half clients were satisfied with the services provided by the basic health units. Management of health facilities needs to improve the services

Comparison of Residual based Cointegration Tests: Evidence from Monte Carlo

In this article ten cointegration tests based on residuals of cointegrating equation are compared on basis of stringency criterion: a robust technique for comparison of tests using Monte Carlo simulations. Two tests i.e. Phillips and Ouliaris’ Pu and Choi Durbin-Hausman statistic are the leading performers and are recommended for any sample size. The remaining eight tests are recommended for only large sample sizes of 200 or greater. The use of all these ten tests is not recommended when presence of both intercept and linear time trend is assumed in cointegrating equation unless the sample size is very large i.e. greater than 200

A novel driver emotion recognition system based on deep ensemble classification

Driver emotion classification is an important topic that can raise awareness of driving habits because many drivers are overconfident and unaware of their bad driving habits. Drivers will acquire insight into their poor driving behaviors and be better able to avoid future accidents if their behavior is automatically identified. In this paper, we use different models such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and multi-layer perceptron classification models to construct an ensemble convolutional neural network-based enhanced driver facial expression recognition model. First, the faces of the drivers are discovered using the faster region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) model, which can recognize faces in real-time and offline video reliably and effectively. The feature-fusing technique is utilized to integrate the features extracted from three CNN models, and the fused features are then used to train the suggested ensemble classification model. To increase the accuracy and efficiency of face detection, a new convolutional neural network block (InceptionV3) replaces the improved Faster R-CNN feature-learning block. To evaluate the proposed face detection and driver facial expression recognition (DFER) datasets, we achieved an accuracy of 98.01%, 99.53%, 99.27%, 96.81%, and 99.90% on the JAFFE, CK+, FER-2013, AffectNet, and custom-developed datasets, respectively. The custom-developed dataset has been recorded as the best among all under the simulation environment

Assessment of Knowledge, Qualification, Experience, and Medication Dispensing Practices in South Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Drug stores in Pakistan are run by dispensers with varied knowledge, qualification, and experience. The current study was sought to explore the knowledge, qualification, experience, and dispensing practices among dispensers working in drugstores in South Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from medical stores in South Karachi which were then categorized, coded, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Relationship among different study variables with pharmacist’s availability and personal experience was assessed using statistical non-parametric Chi-square test. A total of 385 samples obtained using a simple random sampling method were included in the study. However, only 210 responses on questionnaire were complete which were then selected for study analysis between October and December 2018. Results: Of the 210 surveyed drugstores, 9% of their staff had studied only till primary school, 5.7% till the eighth grade, 25.2% up to secondary school level, 26.7% till higher secondary school level, 15.7% had non-professional education, and 8.1% were professional graduate. Only 9% of them had a degree in Pharm. D or B. Pharm, while 0.5% had a post-graduation qualification. Furthermore, 44.8% of pharmacies had a valid pharmacy license but the pharmacist was physically absent in 91% of the drugstores. Majority of pharmacies did not maintain appropriate temperature (refrigerator and/or room temperature). Majority of dispensers did not review prescription particulars before dispensing medications and also dispensed medications on older prescriptions as well as without prescription. Conclusion: In conclusion, the overall knowledge and practices of dispensers working in drugstores was poor. However, the presence of pharmacist was associated with good dispensing practices to a certain extent

SURVEY BASE STUDY ON CURRENT TREND OF TREATMENT OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN KARACHI

Objective: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a potentially serious infection that results in various general physicians (GP) visits and hospital admission every year. The prime objective of this research was to find the current trend of treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in Karachi.Methods: It was a prospective survey conducted in all districts of Karachi. A Questionnaire was filled by distinctive specialities of doctors in an outpatient setting in Karachi. A preliminary test questionnaire was used to collect the data directly from distinctive specialities of doctors in outpatient setting in Karachi. Total 500 doctors were selected from distinct districts of Karachi with convenient random sampling.Results: Majority (33.8%) of the respondents recommended complete blood count and chest x-ray for diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in an outpatient setting. Most (76%) of the respondents recommended nebulization for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in an outpatient setting. 31% and 25.4% of the physicians recommended clarithromycin as 1st line antibiotic therapy in adults and children for the management of a community-acquired pneumonia patients in outpatient setting.55.6% of the physicians recommended two-week duration of antibiotic therapy for the management of CAP in outpatient setting.Conclusion: This is clearly indicated by this study that deviation from the standard guideline is observed in the management of community-acquired pneumonia in Karachi. These deviations from the highly recommended guideline can results excess cost and inappropriateness of the management of the disease of community-acquired pneumonia. There is a need that the physician should take a decision of therapy according to the standard guidelines for the treatment of CAP in an outpatient setting.Â

A detailed machinability assessment of DC53 steel for die and mold industry through wire electric discharge machining

Recently, DC53 die steel was introduced to the die and mold industry because of its excellent characteristics i.e., very good machinability and better engineering properties. DC53 demonstrates a strong capability to retain a near-net shape profile of the die, which is a very challenging process with materials. To produce complex and accurate die features, the use of the wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process takes the lead in the manufacturing industry. However, the challenge is to understand the physical science of the process to improve surface features and service properties. In this study, a detailed yet systematic evaluation of process parameters investigation is made on the influence of a wire feed, pulse on duration, open voltage, and servo voltage on the productivity (material removal rate) and material quality (surface roughness, recast layer thickness, kerf width) against the requirements of mechanical-tooling industry. Based on parametric exploration, wire feed was found the most influential parameter on kerf width: KW (45.64%), pulse on time on surface roughness: SR (84.83%), open voltage on material removal rate: MRR (49.07%) and recast layer thickness: RLT (52.06%). Also, the optimized process parameters resulted in 1.710 µm SR, 10.367 mm3/min MRR, 0.327 mm KW, and 10.443 µm RLT. Moreover, the evolution of surface features and process complexities are thoroughly discussed based on the involved physical science. The recast layer, often considered as a process limitation, was explored with the aim of minimizing the layers’ depth, as well as the recast layer and heat-affected zone. The research provides regression models based on thorough investigation to support machinists for achieving required features

Community Based Assessment of Behavior and Awareness of Risk Factors of Cystic Echinococcosis in Major Cities of Pakistan: A One Health Perspective.

Background: The parasitic disease, cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a serious health problem in Pakistan. Risk of disease transmission is increased by economic and political instability, poor living conditions, and limited awareness of hygienic practices. The current study aimed to investigate the community perception and awareness regarding the risk factors of CE in Pakistan, from a One Health perspective. Methods: We conducted a community-based survey involving 454 participants in the major cities of Pakistan. Quantitative data based on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), the One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception of CE among the general population of the major cities of Pakistan were collected. The questions included those related to knowledge, attitude, practices, One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception. The Chi-squared test was applied to determine the associations regarding KAPs across socio-demographic parameters. Results: KAPs had no significant associations with sociodemographic aspects such as age, sex, religion, ethnicity, education, marital status, occupation, or financial status of the participants. The findings indicated a lack of awareness about CE among the participants. Respondents were unaware of the risk factors and the One Health concept of CE. However, the community attitude and perception were positive toward the control of CE. Conclusion: Illiteracy, deficient sanitation systems and lack of awareness are the contributing factors to CE in Pakistan. It is necessary to make the community aware regarding CE and its importance. Increasing this awareness represents an important step toward the eradication and control of CE