Institutional Quality, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in South Asian Economies: Some New Insights from a Panel Data Analysis

The main aim of the present study is to empirically investigate into the question whether the Institutional Quality (IQ) and Trade Openness (TO) are competitors or complements in Economic Growth (EG) in case of sample South Asia Economies; “India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka”. The panel data for the period of 1984-2018 has been utilized. The Fixed Effects Model (FEM) estimation technique has been applied for empirical investigation. The empirical results of FEM confirm the positive and statically significant impact of IQ and Interaction Term on Economic Growth in sample countries. The positive significant results strongly supported the hypothesis of this study, the IQ and TO are complements in EG in the case of sample SAE. The IQ measure has also established positive and significant effects on EG while the TO has a negative impact. Based on empirical findings, this study recommends that the policymakers of sample countries should make policies that strengthen the IQ, in order to improve trade and, consequently, the EG.&nbsp

Assessment of salinity tolerance in rice using seedling based morpho-physiological indices

Background: Salinity is among the most damaging abiotic stresses for rice production which limits its growing area. The present research was conducted to evaluate five rice varieties for salinity tolerance at seedling stage.Methods: Experiment was conducted in triplicate and in two sets. One set was grown as a control (non-stress) and other as salt stressed. Salt stress of 15 dS/m was applied to one set of rice seedlings under controlled conditions. Data for different growth related morpho-physiological traits, i.e. germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weight, Na+ and K+ uptake were recorded after 15 days of seedling emergence under control as well as salinity condition.Results: Significant differences were observed among the genotypes under both the treatments and interaction of the evaluated traits suggested a significant variability among the rice genotypes under salt stress. NIAB-IRRI-9, Basmati-198 and KSK-133 were proved to be relatively salt tolerant varieties as they showed good performance for the recorded parameters. However, Basmati-385 was observed a salt sensitive variety due to highest reduction in seedling fresh and dry weight along with the maximum Na+ uptake.Conclusion: Based on obtained results, it was concluded that the evaluated morpho-physiological traits were useful to screen rice cultivars for salinity stress. In addition, NIAB-IRRI-9, Basmati-198 and KSK-133 can be used in breeding programs as tolerant check and Basmati-385 can be used as sensitive check

The Qur’anic Approach to Self Purififaction (Tazkiyah e Nafs): A Research Based Study

'Tazkiyah' is a word from Arabic expressing the development and purification of anything to the extent of perfection. As a metaphor from the Qur'an, it explains how to get rid oneself of bad habits and dispositions, as well as how to become pious and help our souls grow into being as perfect as is humanly possible.  In other words, the primary objective of tazkiyah is for man to purify himself in order to get ready for his return to his "original home" and "final dwelling," Paradise. The Quran contains revelations from Allah Ta'ala: "By the soul and the proportion and order provided to it; and its enlightenment as to its wrong and good; indeed, he succeeds who cleanses it and fails who corrupts it!" [Quran 91:7-10]. The purification (tazkiyah) of 'Nafs' in regard to God Almighty and the universe is the central tenet of Islam. One of the most essential responsibilities of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as stated in the Glorious Quran is to cleanse people from spiritual diseases and moral bankruptcy. "We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our signs, purifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom and profound knowledge," (Baqarah, 2:151). The spiritual sustenance that the soul needs to maintain and strengthen the attributes that are innately divine is provided. Three types of guidance for the purification of the human soul are described by the Holy Qur'an. 1. The believers are purified by Allah Almighty. 2. The Prophets are tasked by Almighty Allah with purging the believers. 3. Instructions are given to the followers by Allah Almighty on how to cleanse themselves by doing what Allah says. So that his followers to gain prosperity both here on earth and in the hereafter, and to become his chosen servants by virtue of their kindness, fear of God, and moral qualities. In actuality, this teaching is the Holy Quran's "Tazkiyah Nafs" methodology. This article will describe the selected verses from the Holy Quran to illustrate all of Allah's instructions, methods, and strategies for self-purification. Keywords: Tazkiyah; Metaphor; Bankruptcy; Innately; Self-purificatio

Is Trade Openness the Reason of High Energy Demand in China?

The present study aims to examine the short-run and long-run impact of China's trade liberalization policies on its energy demand over the period from 1980 to 2018. The results of Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach of co-integration show that energy consumption significantly increases as a result of trade openness and increase in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The results of the granger causality test also confirm the unidirectional causality running from trade openness and real GDP to energy demand. The results of the study have an important implication because if China wants to continue its trade liberalization policies then it must increase its energy production. Keywords: Energy Consumption, Gross Domestic Product, Trade Openness, China, Time Series JEL Classifications: C22, F15, L98, Q43 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.1116

Chemoradiation and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in lymph nodal-metastatic cervical cancer

Purpose: To report the long-term outcome in lymph nodal-metastatic cervical squamous cell cancer after chemoradiation followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.Patients and Methods: Between 2010 and 2013, five patients were diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer with clinically involved para-aortic lymph nodes (ie, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IVB). These patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiation consisted of cisplatin given once per week concomitantly with extended-field radiation therapy followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy comprised four courses of carboplatin and paclitaxel given every three weeks. The primary outcomes were local and distant failures.Results: None of the patients had local recurrence or distal failure after a minimum follow-up time of 3 years.Conclusion: Adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiation has a probable role in the management of lymph nodal-metastatic cervical cancer

Study of erythrocytes as a novel drug carrier for the delivery of artemether

Resealed erythrocytes have been explored in various dimensions of drug delivery, owing to their high biocompatibility and inability to initiate immune response. The present research was designed to evaluate the drug delivery potential of erythrocytes by loading a hydrophobic anti-malarial drug, Artemether. Three different loading techniques were applied to achieve maximum optimized drug loading. A HPLC method was validated for drug quantification in erythrocytes. The relatively high loading was achieved using hypotonic treatment was 31.39% as compared to other two methods. These, drug loaded erythrocytes were characterized for membrane integrity via ESR showing higher ESR values for drug loaded cells as compared to normal cells. Moreover, microscopic evaluation was done to observe morphological changes in erythrocytes after successful loading which showed swollen cells with slight rough surface as compared to smooth surface of normal cells. Drug release was studied for 8 h which showed more than 80% release within 3-7 h from erythrocytes treated with different hypotonic methods. Overall, the study revealed a potential application of erythrocytes in delivery of hydrophobic drugs using hypotonic treatment as compared to other methods

Genetic Mapping in Cotton

The genus Gossypium provides natural fiber for textile industry worldwide. Genetic improvement in cotton for traits of interest is not up to mark due to scarcity of adequate information about fiber production and quality. Use of DNA markers for overcoming the issues of selection associated with complex traits is the ultimate choice which may lead to initiate breeding by design. Numerous marker-trait associations have been identified for economical traits using linkage analysis in cotton. Currently there is need for developing high-density genetic maps using next-generation sequencing approaches together with genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Efforts have been started in this direction and several QTLs including fiber quality, yield traits, plant architecture, stomatal conductance and verticillium wilt resistance were identified. This chapter narrates genetic diversity, QTL mapping, association mapping and QTLs related to fiber quality traits. The incorporation of various genomic approaches and previously described marker strategies will pave the way for increase in fiber production

An epidemiological, strategic and response analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia: A population-based observational study

Introduction: South Asia has had a dynamic response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The overall burden and response have remained comparable across highly-burdened countries within the South Asian Region. Methodology: Using a population-based observational design, all eight South Asian countries were analyzed using a step-wise approach. Data were obtained from government websites and publicly-available repositories for population dynamics and key variables. Results: South Asian countries have a younger average age of their population. Inequitable distribution of resources centered in urban metropolitan cities within South Asia is present. Certain densely populated regions in these countries have better testing and healthcare facilities that correlate with lower COVID-19 incidence per million populations. Trends of urban-rural disparities are unclear given the lack of clear reporting of the gaps within these regions. COVID-19 vaccination lag has become apparent in South Asian countries, with the expected time to complete the campaign being unfeasible as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Conclusion: With a redesigning of governance policies on preventing the rise of COVID-19 promptly, the relief on the healthcare system and healthcare workers will allow for adequate time to roll out vaccination campaigns with equitable distribution. Capacity expansion of public health within the Region is required to ensure a robust healthcare response to the ongoing pandemic and future infectious disease outbreak

Understanding of final year medical-, pharmacy- and nursing students in Pakistan towards antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship : findings and implications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading public health threat, which is exacerbated by high and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate knowledge regarding antibiotic use, AMR and their readiness to implement antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) among final year medical, pharmacy and nursing students in Pakistan. This reflects high and increasing rates of AMR in the country, and students being the future healthcare professionals (HCPs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1251 final year students from 23 public and private educational institutions in Punjab. The majority of the surveyed participants possessed good knowledge of antibiotic use, AMR and the potential causes of AMR. The most common sources of the information on antibiotics were physicians (69.9%), peers (35.9%) and medical journals (30.6%). However, most surveyed participants were not fully prepared to participate in ASPs. They knew though how to reduce AMR by educating HCPs about appropriate prescribing, implementing ASPs and improving laboratory facilities. There was a significant association between antibiotic knowledge and causes of AMR with sex, family income, and student type (p < 0.05). Being a student at a public sector university (OR= 4.809; CI= 3.261- 7.094; p<0.001), and age (OR=0.524, CI=0.327-0.842; p<0.008) were among key factors impacting students training on ASPs. Educational curricula must be improved to include more information about appropriate antibiotic use and ASPs along with sufficient training, workshops and clinical rotations in the final year to fully equip students on graduation

Impact of peer review in the radiation treatment planning process: Experience of a tertiary care university hospital in Pakistan

Purpose: To evaluate and report the frequency of changes in radiation therapy treatment plans after peer review in a simulation review meeting once a week.Materials and Methods: Between July 1 and August 31, 2016, the radiation plans of 116 patients were discussed in departmental simulation review meetings. All plans were finalized by the primary radiation oncologist before presenting them in the meeting. A team of radiation oncologists reviewed each plan, and their suggestions were documented as no change, major change, minor change, or missing contour. Changes were further classified as changes in clinical target volume, treatment field, or dose. All recommendations were stratified on the basis of treatment intent, site, and technique. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and are presented descriptively.Results: Out of 116 plans, 26 (22.4%) were recommended for changes. Minor changes were suggested in 15 treatment plans (12.9%) and a major change in 10 (8.6%), and only one plan was suggested for missing contour. The frequency of change recommendations was greater in radical radiation plans than in palliative plans (92.3% v 7.7%). The head and neck was the most common treatment site recommended for any changes (42.3%). Most of the changes were recommended in the technique planned with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (50%). Clinical target volume (73.1%) was identified as the most frequent parameter suggested for any change, followed by treatment field (19.2%) and dose (0.08%).Conclusion: Peer review is an important tool that can be used to overcome deficiencies in radiation treatment plans, with a goal of improved and individualized patient care. Our study reports changes in up to a quarter of radiotherapy plans