Micro-Finance: A Driver for Entrepreneurship

Micro-finance lending has long been the answer to many rural developments around the world. It has successfully led to women empowerment and helped in enhancing the socio-economic status of women globally. Development policies and programs have often ignored women as the integral source in alleviating the growth process. The study thus examines the impact of handicrafts on the socio-economic status of women in Pakistan. It also focuses on the role played by micro-finance institutions in enabling women’s micro-entrepreneurship. Women are successfully achieving a high social and economic status in countries like Pakistan through earnings from handicrafts’ industry. The data is analyzed quantitatively, using inferential statistics to support the descriptive analysis. Results of the findings showed that handicrafts prove to be improving the socio-economic status of women in Pakistan and micro-finance has been at its backbone

Study of Titanium based Composite Coatings for Resistance against Molten Aluminium Soldering on H13 Tool Steel

The service life of industrial components is limited predominantly by chemical corrosion, mechanical failure or mechanical wear. In the aluminium high pressure die casting industry, liquid aluminium is extremely reactive with the constituents of H13 die steel and has a tendency to form intermetallic layers. This chemical interaction results in sticking of molten metal to the die surface which produces defective castings and also damages the die surface. The use of thermal spray coatings provides protection to the surfaces operating in severe environments. An HVOF thermally sprayed coating has the advantage of having excellent bond strength and very low porosity levels (< 1%). This research work is concerned with producing and evaluating the performance of titanium/alumina based composite coatings to improve the service life of tool steel (H13) used for dies in aluminium high pressure die casting and dummy blocks used in Al extrusion. In this research work, the powder feedstocks for making the composite coatings were produced by high energy mechanical milling of a mixture of Al and TiO₂ powders in two different molar ratios followed by a thermal reaction process. The feedstock powder was then thermally sprayed using a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) technique on H13 steel substrates to produce Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ and TiAl/Al₂O₃ composite coatings. The performance of the coatings was assessed in terms of Al soldering, liquid metal corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and wear resistance. In an immersion test, the coated specimens were dipped into molten Al at a temperature of 700 ± 10 °C for different intervals of time. The performance of the coatings was tested in terms of liquid metal corrosion resistance and propensity to Al soldering. The dissolution behaviour of the coatings was evaluated by measuring weight loss after dipping the samples in to molten aluminium. The immersion test results showed that the coated samples have relatively few locations where aluminium soldering (reactive/chemical) occurred, however, an H13 steel surface showed more tendency for aluminium soldering. It was found that composite coatings changed the molten Al attack on H13 tool steel from a generalized to a localized one. No reaction between molten aluminium and a Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ composite coating was identified. The TiAl/Al2O₃ composite coating was found to be attacked by molten aluminium as a result of a reaction between the coating and molten aluminium. The metallic phase TiAl in the composite coating is believed to be attacked by the molten Al. A Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ composite coating was found to be a better protective coating than the TiAl/Al₂O₃ composite coating due its stability against molten aluminium attack. The thermal shock behaviour of the composite coatings was investigated by subjecting the coated coupons to a number of cycles, each cycle consisting of a holding time of 30 seconds in molten aluminium at 700 ± 10 °C followed by quenching into water. The surfaces of the coupons were examined for Al soldering and an evaluation of surface spallation. Any cracks found in the coatings were studied to explain their thermal shock behaviour. A Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ composite coating on H13 tool steel produced from a fine feedstock has better thermal shock resistance than the Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ TiAl/Al₂O₃ composite coatings produced from the agglomerated feedstocks. The study also describes and compares the tribological properties such as friction and sliding wear rate of the composite coatings both at room and high temperature (700.°C) under dry and lubricating conditions. The wear resistance of the coatings was investigated by a tribometer using a spherical ended alumina, flat ended high speed steel and spherical ended hardened steel pins as counter bodies. The experimental results show that the composite coatings look promising for high temperature applications due to their low wear rate at high temperature. However room temperature applications of the composite coatings can be improved under lubricated conditions. Successful trials of a Ti(Al,O)/Al₂O₃ composite coated dummy block revealed that the coating has potential as an industrial coating

Venous stroke secondary to varicella zoster virus infection

This is a case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) as a rare complication of varicella Zoster infection. A young male with no significant medical history presented with generalized tonic clonic seizures preceded by vesicular rash on the face diagnosed as Varicella zoster infection. The MRI showed bilaterial superficial hemorrhagic infarcts involving frontal and temporal lobes and MR Venogram was consistent with extensive CVST involving superioir sagittal, right transverse and superficial veins. After initial treatment with antiepileptic and anticoagulant, he showed marked improvement in symptomatology and made complete recovery subsequently with recanalization of sinuses seen on a follow up MRV done at fourth month. Our case emphasizes on having a high suspicion of Varicella Zoster infection in patient who presents with CVST with an underlying ongoing Rash or a prior history of recent body Rash

Bitcoin and the World of Digital Currencies

A peer-to-peer system of blockchain, originally started for a cryptocurrency Bitcoin, has caused major disruptions in the stock market. It has affected many businesses if not all, but its significance in the financial world is magnanimous. Historical data (daily rates) for the past 23 months are analyzed to understand the market size, market capitalization and price volatility for Bitcoin. Time series data and financial model are applied to realize the shocks. Monte Carlo simulation is applied to assess the dynamic structure of Bitcoin. With greater volume and activity, the banks and financial intermediaries may become outdated, and the middleman will have no place. It seems like a distant thought, but the facts are pointing toward its reality

Determinants of dividend policy

Pakistan’s capital market and economy have significant features for examining the dynamics of the dividend policy. The agency conflicts between the management and the investors of the firms are main barriers to the success of the firm. The shareholder is generally taking away all the rights and similarly has a control on the decision concerning the dividend policy. The dividends are conveying better information than any other source regarding the firm’s prospects. The aim of this research is to identify and analyze the influence of shareholder preference and dividend signaling on the dividend policy of the corporations in Pakistan. The respective study presents the analysis of top financial management beliefs by taking eighty listed corporations on Pakistani stock exchanges during 2017–2018. Pearson correlation and multiple regressions are applied on responses to explore whether there is an influence regarding the shareholder preferences and the signaling mechanism on the dividend policy of the listed firms in Pakistan. Through statistical techniques the findings proved that shareholder preferences and dividend signaling have a positive and significant relationship with the dividend policy of listed corporations. Dividend policy is the response of investor preferences and signaling aspect of dividends

Our Nuts and Bolts in The Permanent Pacemakers’ Explanation Techniques

Objective: Our goal is to share our two decades of experience with implantable electrical device explanation at our electrophysiology centre at Hayat Abad Medical Complex in Peshawar. Methodology: After baseline patient were brought nil by mouth to catheterization laboratory (Cath: lab). A temporary pacemaker (TPM) implanted for backup.  In case of box change, a new device is attached after checking the integrity of the lead and device placed in the same pocket. But if of lead extraction was also needed, then stylet was put inside the lead and with twisting movement and mild traction the lead removed and new lead implanted with Seldinger,s technique, battery attached and wound closed in layers. Results:  Out of 1670, there were 1535 (91.9%) new implantations and 135 (8.08%) repeat procedures. The pulse generator was replaced without lead replacement in 59 (3.5%) patients. In 36 (2.15%) patients, the ventricular lead or atrial lead was successfully reposition. A total of 32 (1.9%) successful explanations were performed in the study period. Conclusion: The explanation of devices like implantation needs special gadgets and training for the safe and successful procedure

Entrepreneurial finance and its impact on e-business

Entrepreneurial activity is important not just from an economic point of view but it also recognizes the power and value of an individual. In a developing country like Pakistan that ranks high when it comes to ease of doing business but very low in entrepreneurship, alternatives must be devised to empower individuals socially and economically. The Pakistani women being empowered than ever before have to be paid special attention to in case of entrepreneurship. The current study is thus aimed at assessing the e-business related entrepreneurial finance and potential of women doing e-business. E-business helps women overcome many traditional barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. Using Theory of Planned behavior and entrepreneurship models, a framework for assessing e-business and seeking entrepreneurial finance alternatives is developed. Unlike the previous theories which suggested eight variables the current study found that for e-business entrepreneurs only perceived propensity, desirability, feasibility, motherhood, management and meso and macro environment are significant. Besides money, market and management which are important for starting any business, IT knowledge is important. The results based on regression analysis suggest that the model fits well as it predicts value of the entrepreneurial intention at 95% with a 5% significance value. Based on the findings of the study a new model for assessment of e-business entrepreneurial intention is developed which includes all significant variables and IT knowledge as a moderating variable. Based on this assumption, there is a clear implication for the policy makers to stress IT literacy to encourage entrepreneurial activity

The Effect of the Solution Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum-Copper Alloy (2024-T3) Using Rolling Process

The effect of solution heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Aluminum-Copper alloy. (2024-T3) by the rolling process is investigated. The solution heat treatment was implemented by heating the sheets to 480 C° and quenching them by water; then forming by rolling for many passes. And then natural aging is done for one month. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) are evaluated and the results are compared with the metal without treatment during the rolling process. ANSYS analysis is used to show the stresses distribution in the sheet during the rolling process. It has been seen that good mechanical properties are evident in the alloy without heat treatment due to the strain hardening and also the mechanical properties are improved after heat treatment and rolling process but with lower forces and stresses when compared with the untreated

Anatomical Variation Between Columella And Sphenoidal Sinuses: A Study Conducted On Adult Cadavers

Background: The sphenoid sinuses are located at the skull base at the junction of the anterior and middle cerebral fossae. The sphenoid sinus drains through a single ostium into the sphenoethmoid recess: this ostium is classically situated 7 cm from the base of the columella at an angle of 30° with the floor of the nose in a parasagittal plane, and this usually corresponds to a location halfway up the anterior wall of the sinus. Endoscopically, the posteroinferior end of the superior turbinate points superiorly and medially toward the ostium and thus represents a very important landmark to identify it. The objective of this study was to establish whether there is uniformity of distance measurements both from nasal aperture and between right and left sphenoidal sinuses. Methods: This study was conducted in conjunction with the department of Anatomy at the National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Total of 10 cadavers were examined with rigid nasal endoscopes, guide wires and digital vernier caliper. Distances were obtained for anterior and posterior sphenoid walls in each cadaver on each side. Results: The total mean distance from nasal aperture to anterior sphenoidal wall was 70.17mm (range 61.04-79.32) and the mean distance from nasal aperture to posterior sphenoidal wall was 83.82mm (range 75.10-90.87mm). Conclusion: The analysis of the study revealed wide variations of distance, both from the nasal aperture and between Right & Left sinuses. Key Words: Sphenoid sinus, Endoscopy of sphenoid sinus, anterior wall of sphenoid

PREDICTIVE VALUE OF SERUM INTERLEUKIN 31 IN DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMAN: A NOVEL CASE–CONTROL STUDY FROM IRAQ

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the predictive value of serum level of interleukin 31 (IL31) in diagnosis of osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal women.Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 80 individuals, 50 of them with postmenopausal OP diagnosed using dual X-ray absorptiometry study, and the other 30 were healthy postmenopausal female controls. Serum level of IL31 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique in both groups.Results: The mean age of patients was 65.3±4.8 years and controls was 61.1±3.9 years. Mean serum IL31 level was significantly higher among postmenopausal patients with OP compared to healthy controls (83.5±34.2 vs. 34.9±7.3ng/ml, p&lt;0.05). The optimum cutoff value of serum IL31 that can differentiate between patients with OP in postmenopausal women from controls was &gt;44.51 ng/ml with perfect positive predictive value (PPV) (100%), very high accuracy of 92.5%, 88% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) 83.3%.Conclusions: Serum IL31 level was significantly higher in postmenopausal osteoporotic women compared to healthy controls. It was a valid measure with high accuracy and perfect PPV and specificity, high sensitivity, and NPV. It can be used to confirm the diagnosis of OP in postmenopausal women