Real-Time Bio Sensing Using Micro-Channel Encapsulated MEMS Resonators

This work presents a label-free bio-molecular detection technique based on realtime monitoring of the resonant frequency of micromechanical thermal-piezoresistive rotational mode disk resonators encapsulated in microfluidic channels. Mass loading via adsorption of molecular layers on the surface of such devices results in a frequency shift. In order to provide a reliable platform for sample-resonator interactions and to protect the resonators from contaminants, the resonators were encapsulated in PDMS-based microfluidic channels. Micro-channel encapsulation also allows insulation of electrical signals from the analyte solution. To characterize the performance of such devices as real-time label-free bio-molecular detectors, the strong non-covalent binding of Avidin with its ligand, biotin was utilized. To further validate the measured frequency shifts and confirm that the frequency shifts are due to molecular attachments to the resonator surfaces, fluorescent labeled molecules followed by fluorescent imaging was used confirming the existence of the expected molecular layers on the resonator surfaces

Predictive Ability of Value-at-Risk Methods: Evidence from the Karachi Stock Exchange-100 Index

Value-at-risk (VaR) is a useful risk measure broadly used by financial institutions all over the world. VaR has been extensively used to measure systematic risk exposure in developed markets like of the US, Europe and Asia. This paper analyzes the accuracy of VaR measure for Pakistan’s emerging stock market using daily data from the Karachi Stock Exchange-100 index January 1992 to June 2008. We computed VaR by employing data on annual basis as well as for the whole 17 year period. Overall we found that VaR measures are more accurate when KSE index return volatility is estimated by GARCH (1,1) model especially at 95% confidence level. In this case the actual loss of KSE-100 index exceeds VaR in only two years 1998 and 2006. At 99% confidence level no method generally gives accurate VaR estimates. In this case ‘equally weighted moving average’, ‘exponentially weighted moving average’ and ‘GARCH’ based methods yield accurate VaR estimates in nearly half of the number of years. On average for the whole period 95% VaR is estimated to be about 2.5% of the value of KSE-100 index. That is on average in one out of 20 days KSE-100 index loses at least 2.5% of its value. We also investigate the asset pricing implication of downside risk measured by VaR and expected returns for decile portfolios sorted according to VaR of each stock. We found that portfolios with higher VaR have higher average returns. Therefore VaR as a measure of downside risk is associated with higher returns.Downside risk; Emerging Markets; Value-at-Risk.

Predictive ability of Value-at-Risk methods: evidence from the Karachi Stock Exchange-100 Index

Value-at-risk (VaR) is a useful risk measure broadly used by financial institutions all over the world. VaR is popular among researchers, practitioners and regulators of financial institutions. VaR has been extensively used for to measure systematic risk exposure in developed markets like of the US, Europe and Asia. In this paper we analyze the accuracy of VaR measure for Pakistan’s emerging stock market using daily data from the Karachi Stock Exchange-100 index January 1992 to June 2008. We computed VaR by employing data on annual basis as well as for the whole 17 year period. Overall we found that VaR measures are more accurate when KSE index return volatility is estimated by GARCH (1,1) model especially at 95% confidence level. In this case the actual loss of KSE-100 index exceeds VaR in only two years 1998 and 2006. At 99% confidence level no method generally gives accurate VaR estimates. In this case ‘equally weighted moving average’, ‘exponentially weighted moving average’ and ‘GARCH’ based methods yield accurate VaR estimates in nearly half of the number of years. On average for the whole period 95% VaR is estimated to be about 2.5% of the value of KSE-100 index. That is on average in one out of 20 days KSE-100 index loses at least 2.5% of its value. We also investigate the asset pricing implication of downside risk measured by VaR and expected returns for docile portfolios sorted according to VaR of each stock. We found that portfolios with higher VaR have higher average returns. Therefore VaR as a measure of downside risk is associated with higher returns.Downside risk; Emerging Markets; Value-at-Risk

Obstacle Detection and Track Detection in Autonomous Cars

This chapter illustrates the history and recent advancements in the field of Autonomous Vehicles with regard to two important concerns that play the most vital role in successful implementation and working of an Autonomous Car: (1) Obstacle Detection and (2) Track Detection. The car should be able to detect the obstacles for smooth and efficient working in order to avoid accident and collision. It should also be able to calculate the distance of the obstacle from the car. Similarly, Track Detection is also important as the autonomous car should stay within a predefined track and has to keep itself within the yellow lines on both sides of the road. This chapter elaborates the technologies and advancements that have been presented in the literature till date that deal with Obstacle Detection and Track Detection in Autonomous Cars/Vehicles

Role of Community Pharmacists in Optimizing Opioid Therapy for Chronic Non-malignant Pain Patients in Pakistan

Background Chronic Non-Malignant Pain (CNMP) is one of the most common conditions in both high-income countries (HICs) and low middle-income countries (LMICs). CNMP can have a substantial impact on people, communities and puts an economic burden on the society. Opioids are commonly used worldwide for CNMP management. However, their use might have contributed to opioid use-related harm and increased mortality. There have been substantial reports of opioid diversion and misuse in Pakistan. Community pharmacists (CPs) might be able to help optimise the use of opioids in CNMP management but there is no regularised CP-based patient-centred services in Pakistan. Aim and objectives The aim of the study was to explore the potential role of CPs in opioid optimisation in people with CNMP in Pakistan. Objectives of this study included systematically exploring the role of CPs in opioid optimisation in CNMP management, exploring the current use of opioids in Pakistan and identify the role CPs can play to optimise the use of opioids in people with CNMP and explore factors that might influence the development and delivery of role of CPs in an opioid optimisation service. Methodology Conceptual guiding framework The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for complex interventions was used as conceptual guiding framework for exploring the aim of this study. The data was collected in two phases: Phase 1: Systematic review The systematic review followed the 27-item PRISMA guidelines and studies between January 1990-June 2020 were included. All studies where pharmacists in ambulatory care settings helped in optimisation of opioids in the treatment of CNMP, as individuals or as part of a team were included and were descriptively synthesized. Phase 2: In-depth qualitative methods (Interviews, focus groups and case studies) Two studies were conducted to collect the data. The first study constituted of semi-structured interviews and focus groups from four stakeholder groups: pharmacy policy makers, people with CNMP, doctors and CPs. The second study included non-participant multiple case study observations in six community pharmacies. The data in phase two was collected from November 2019–December 2020. Data analysis Interviews and focus groups with all stakeholders in phase two were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis using N-Vivo 12. For case studies, reflexive thematic analysis as well a cross case synthesis method using explanation building technique was used to analyse the data across six cases. Data triangulation Findings from both studies in phase two were triangulated using two steps; comparing, and categorising. Any code or subtheme about a particular phenomenon or a theme across both studies were brought together using one sheet one paper data visualisation technique. Diagrammatic model development Schematic diagrammatic models were developed in this thesis usual process mapping data visualisation technique. This was done selecting and representing events and situating data in time/process meaningfully. Results In this study 98 stakeholders participated (38 females). A total of 240 hours (40 hours/case) were observed during a six-week period of non-participant observational case studies in six community pharmacies. Phase 1: Systematic review In the systematic review 14 studies were included in the final data synthesis (total number of participants n=1175). Interventions by pharmacists decreased opioid dose in four studies and improved patient opioid safety in five studies. Qualitative studies showed positive perception of stakeholders for the development of CP role in optimisation of opioid therapy for people with CNMP. No actual interventions involving CPs or studies form LMICs were identified. Phase 2: Focus groups, interviews and case studies These studies were able to identify reasons contributing towards the non-availability of opioids, factors contributing towards the unsafe use of opioids and certain actions that can be taken by CPs to overcome existing barriers contributing to the unsafe use of opioids and help optimise their use. These studies also highlight advantages and benefits of developing the role of CPs in optimising opioid use in people with CNMP. In addition, these studies identified multiple level barriers and facilitators for the development and delivery of CP opioid service. They also helped identify strategies to overcome the perceived barriers and to leverage the facilitators in order to develop and deliver an opioid service. Data visualisation helped develop diagrammatic models after triangulation. Firstly, a logic model was developed that identifies the possible actions that can be undertaken by CPs to help overcome the barriers causing/contributing towards unsafe use of opioids. Secondly a CP proposed opioid service model was developed, tailored to the health system of Pakistan, that is anticipated to help optimise the use of opioids in people with CNMP. Finally, a CP opioid service logic model was developed that shows strategies perceived to develop and improve the capability of CPs to deliver the opioid service and help optimise the use of opioids. Conclusion This thesis explored the process, the need and service delivery of CP role in opioid optimisation. This thesis identified factors contributing towards unsafe use of opioids (logic model), what can be done by CPs to help people use opioids in an optimised manner (CP proposed service model), what challenges might CPs face while delivering the service and what can be done to improve the development and delivery of a CP opioid service for people with CNMP using opioids (CP service logic model). The findings provide policy makers with possible steps and actions that may be followed to facilitate the development and delivery of a CP service for opioid optimisation in Pakistan

Role of Community Pharmacists in Optimizing Opioid Therapy for Chronic Non-malignant Pain Patients in Pakistan

Background Chronic Non-Malignant Pain (CNMP) is one of the most common conditions in both high-income countries (HICs) and low middle-income countries (LMICs). CNMP can have a substantial impact on people, communities and puts an economic burden on the society. Opioids are commonly used worldwide for CNMP management. However, their use might have contributed to opioid use-related harm and increased mortality. There have been substantial reports of opioid diversion and misuse in Pakistan. Community pharmacists (CPs) might be able to help optimise the use of opioids in CNMP management but there is no regularised CP-based patient-centred services in Pakistan. Aim and objectives The aim of the study was to explore the potential role of CPs in opioid optimisation in people with CNMP in Pakistan. Objectives of this study included systematically exploring the role of CPs in opioid optimisation in CNMP management, exploring the current use of opioids in Pakistan and identify the role CPs can play to optimise the use of opioids in people with CNMP and explore factors that might influence the development and delivery of role of CPs in an opioid optimisation service. Methodology Conceptual guiding framework The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for complex interventions was used as conceptual guiding framework for exploring the aim of this study. The data was collected in two phases: Phase 1: Systematic review The systematic review followed the 27-item PRISMA guidelines and studies between January 1990-June 2020 were included. All studies where pharmacists in ambulatory care settings helped in optimisation of opioids in the treatment of CNMP, as individuals or as part of a team were included and were descriptively synthesized. Phase 2: In-depth qualitative methods (Interviews, focus groups and case studies) Two studies were conducted to collect the data. The first study constituted of semi-structured interviews and focus groups from four stakeholder groups: pharmacy policy makers, people with CNMP, doctors and CPs. The second study included non-participant multiple case study observations in six community pharmacies. The data in phase two was collected from November 2019–December 2020. Data analysis Interviews and focus groups with all stakeholders in phase two were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis using N-Vivo 12. For case studies, reflexive thematic analysis as well a cross case synthesis method using explanation building technique was used to analyse the data across six cases. Data triangulation Findings from both studies in phase two were triangulated using two steps; comparing, and categorising. Any code or subtheme about a particular phenomenon or a theme across both studies were brought together using one sheet one paper data visualisation technique. Diagrammatic model development Schematic diagrammatic models were developed in this thesis usual process mapping data visualisation technique. This was done selecting and representing events and situating data in time/process meaningfully. Results In this study 98 stakeholders participated (38 females). A total of 240 hours (40 hours/case) were observed during a six-week period of non-participant observational case studies in six community pharmacies. Phase 1: Systematic review In the systematic review 14 studies were included in the final data synthesis (total number of participants n=1175). Interventions by pharmacists decreased opioid dose in four studies and improved patient opioid safety in five studies. Qualitative studies showed positive perception of stakeholders for the development of CP role in optimisation of opioid therapy for people with CNMP. No actual interventions involving CPs or studies form LMICs were identified. Phase 2: Focus groups, interviews and case studies These studies were able to identify reasons contributing towards the non-availability of opioids, factors contributing towards the unsafe use of opioids and certain actions that can be taken by CPs to overcome existing barriers contributing to the unsafe use of opioids and help optimise their use. These studies also highlight advantages and benefits of developing the role of CPs in optimising opioid use in people with CNMP. In addition, these studies identified multiple level barriers and facilitators for the development and delivery of CP opioid service. They also helped identify strategies to overcome the perceived barriers and to leverage the facilitators in order to develop and deliver an opioid service. Data visualisation helped develop diagrammatic models after triangulation. Firstly, a logic model was developed that identifies the possible actions that can be undertaken by CPs to help overcome the barriers causing/contributing towards unsafe use of opioids. Secondly a CP proposed opioid service model was developed, tailored to the health system of Pakistan, that is anticipated to help optimise the use of opioids in people with CNMP. Finally, a CP opioid service logic model was developed that shows strategies perceived to develop and improve the capability of CPs to deliver the opioid service and help optimise the use of opioids. Conclusion This thesis explored the process, the need and service delivery of CP role in opioid optimisation. This thesis identified factors contributing towards unsafe use of opioids (logic model), what can be done by CPs to help people use opioids in an optimised manner (CP proposed service model), what challenges might CPs face while delivering the service and what can be done to improve the development and delivery of a CP opioid service for people with CNMP using opioids (CP service logic model). The findings provide policy makers with possible steps and actions that may be followed to facilitate the development and delivery of a CP service for opioid optimisation in Pakistan

Evaluation of Records of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases Reported at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Pakistan

Background: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department is a diverse field in dentistry. Record maintenance has been established as one of the key factors in the success and integrity of health care institutes.Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the records of oral and maxillofacial surgery casesreported to oral and maxillofacial surgery department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and oral surgery OPD ofKarachi Medical and Dental College.Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted in at ASH and KMDC from July 2019 to September 2019.The data from January 2017 to July 2019 was retrospectively noted through electronic surgical recordof ASH and records of the Oral Surgery OPD of KMDC. Inclusion criteria was patients records of bothgenders of 5–70 years age, having complaint of any oral or dental pathology or pathologies, trauma andimpactions. Data was calculated manually by calculating frequencies and percentages for the trauma,impaction and pathology cases of patients.Results: In 2017, 239 cases were treated under general anesthesia from which trauma 11. 45% (n=11),followed by 48. 11% (n=115) cases of oral pathologies, total 11.7% (n=28) cases of complicated exodontias. In2018, among 211, 51.1% (n=108) cases were trauma followed by 39.3% (n=83) cases of oral pathologies,whereas, total 9.4% (n=20) complicated exodontias cases were observed. During 2019 (January to July),168 cases 36.2% (n=62) cases were diagnosed as trauma, in oral pathology, overall 36.2% (n=62) caseswere surgically excised. Total 23.2% (n=39) complicated exodontias. In 2017, 25122 cases were reported in Surgery OPD of Karachi Medical and Dental College. Total 36.2% (n=9097) teeth were extracted from which 1.93% (n=486) cases were surgical impaction. On the other hand, 1.65% (n=416) patients were treated through minor oral surgeries. In 2018, 29008 cases were reported in Surgery OPD. Total 42.7% (n=12377) teeth were extracted from which 0.92% (n=268) cases were surgical impaction. On the other hand, 0.71% (n=208) patients were treated through minor surgeries. In 2019, January till July 13028 cases were reported in Surgery OPD. Total42.6% (n=5559) teeth were extracted from which 0.66% (n=87) cases were surgical impaction. On the other hand, 0.68% (n=89) patients were treated through minor surgeries.Conclusion: It has been concluded that evaluation of the records of oral and maxillofacial surgery casesreported to oral and maxillofacial surgery department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and oral surgery OPD ofKarachi Medical and Dental College were high and appropriate measures should be taken in order tomanage these problems timely and effectively

Uncertainty in Fiscal and Monetary Policy and its Impact on Economic Growth: An Analysis from Pakistan

Uncertainty or shocks in macroeconomic policies have been a debated issue all over the world because these shocks severely influence the growth of economies. To analyze the impacts of these shocks in the context of Pakistan, the current study determined the role of fiscal and monetary policy uncertainty by taking the time series data for the period 1971-2020. In this regard, GARCH and ARDL cointegration model were applied. Empirical evidence revealed that in the long-run, fiscal uncertainty in terms of government expenditure positively affects the economy and monetary uncertainty in terms of money supply negatively affects the economy. While, in the short-run, uncertainty of both policies has a negative influence on the economic growth of Pakistan. The study also gauged other factors, such as, exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation with respect to their impact on economic growth. It was found that these factors positively and significantly sway growth in the long-run

Impedimentos enfrentados por instituições educacionais na criação de economia do conhecimento: um estudo de caso de Punjab Paquistão

Knowledge has become a powerful tool for the development of economy. The important role played by educational institutions in the production of knowledge economy cannot be denied. Pakistan is a developing country and has limited resources to deal with the new challenges of economy, so the research was designed to find out the problem faced by educational institutions in the process of creation of knowledge economy. The research was conducted into two parts. In the first part, qualitative approach is used to develop variables. These variables are further analyzed by using quantitative inquiry. Collected data is analyzed by using the SPSS. Descriptive statistics are applied to data to get the results. Results guide us that educational institutions are facing problems in providing access to knowledge, rich infrastructure, funds, incentives, research and development, developed human capital, and developing link between industry and universities. These problems are impeding the process of knowledge creation. Knowledge creation can only be enhanced by dealing the above mentioned problem.El conocimiento se ha convertido en una herramienta eficaz para el desarrollo de la economía. El rol desempeñado por las instituciones educativas en la producción de conocimiento de la economía no puede ser denied. El Pakistán es un país de transición y tiene recursos limitados para satisfacer los nuevos desafíos de la economía, ya que la investigación está diseñada para resolver el problema de las instituciones educativas en el proceso de creación de conocimiento de la economía. La investigación se llevó en dos partes. En el primer paso, se utilizó un método de aproximación para desarrollar variables. Estas variables se analizan mediante la utilización de cuantitativos cuantitativos. Se ha recopilado la fecha con el SPSS. La descripción estática se aplica a la fecha para obtener los resultados. En el caso de que se produzca un cambio en la calidad de la información, se debe tener en cuenta que, Estos problemas impiden el proceso de creación de conocimiento. La concepción de Knowledge Base sólo se puede mejorar al tratar el problema anteriormente mencionado.O conhecimento tornou-se uma ferramenta poderosa para o desenvolvimento da economia. O importante papel desempenhado pelas instituições educacionais na produção da economia do conhecimento não pode ser negado. O Paquistão é um país em desenvolvimento e tem recursos limitados para lidar com os novos desafios da economia, então a pesquisa foi projetada para encontrar o problema enfrentado pelas instituições educacionais no processo de criação da economia do conhecimento. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas partes. Na primeira parte, abordagem qualitativa é usada para desenvolver variáveis. Essas variáveis são analisadas posteriormente usando a pesquisa quantitativa. Os dados coletados são analisados usando o SPSS. Estatísticas descritivas são aplicadas para obter os resultados. Os resultados nos orientam que as instituições de ensino estão enfrentando problemas para fornecer acesso ao conhecimento, rica infraestrutura, fundos, incentivos, pesquisa e desenvolvimento, desenvolvimento de capital humano e desenvolvimento do vínculo entre a indústria e as universidades. Esses problemas estão impedindo o processo de criação do conhecimento. A criação de conhecimento pode ser melhorada ao lidar com o problema mencionado acima

Relationship between Narcissism and Selfie Posting Behavior; Mediating Role of Loneliness and Self-esteem among Adolescents

Narcissism is characterized by an abnormally high sense of self-importance that leads to different mental health issues. The current study was aimed at observing the mediating role of loneliness and self-esteem between narcissism and selfie-posting behavior among adolescents. To examine the psychometric properties of scales, a sample of 300 students was collected and further divided into two groups of male (n = 193) and female (n = 107) participants by using a convenient sampling strategy. The age range of participants was from 18 to 35 years old. Urdu-translated versions of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory by Raskin and Hall (1988), the Selfitis Scale by Amna Amjad (2017), the UCLA Loneliness Scale by Russell, Peplau, and Cutrona (1980), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale by Rosenberg (1965) were used to analyze the constructs of this study. The findings of the current study show a significant relationship between variables such as narcissism that is positively correlated with selfie-posting behavior, loneliness, and self-esteem. Regression analysis revealed that narcissism significantly predicts selfie-posting behavior. Mediation analysis shows the significant mediation of loneliness between narcissism and selfie-posting behavior. Mediation results are non-significant in the case of self-esteem. The implications of the current study suggest the need for interventions to deal with loneliness and alleviate the potentially detrimental effects of narcissism on the behaviors associated with selfie posting. These interventions may encourage healthy online behaviors among adolescents by encouraging social bonds and lowering loneliness. Further limitations of the study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided