THE EFFECTS OF DEMUTUALIZATION ON EXPANSION OF STOCK MARKET GROWTH: EVIDENCES FROM INDIAN STOCK MARKET AND LESSON FOR PAKISTAN STOCK EXCHANGE (PSX)

The decision to transform an exchange’s governance andownership structure is influenced by globalized market trend whichallows exchanges to gain from the benefits of internationalizationand integration. This article examines the impact ofdemutualization on stock market indicators. Bombay StockExchange and National Stock Exchange of India were taken asstatistical frame. Wilcoxon sign rank test, Pair sample T-test, andMANOVA were used as statistical techniques. Pre-Post researchdesign was used and data (4 years before and 4years after thedemutualization) were collected from the website of the worldfederation of the exchanges. The result of Wilcoxon sign rank testand Pair sample T-test indicates significant differences in stockindex, market capitalization, value of share trading and the numberof listed companies before and after the demutualization of Indianstock exchanges. Likewise, the results of MANOVA elucidatessignificant influence of demutualization on stock market indicators,and conclude that demutualization leveraged Indian stockexchanges to a great extant

Effect of on-the-job coaching on management trainees performance: a post merger case study of Glaxo-Smith-Klein Pakistan

This paper has identified the relationship between on-the-job coaching and job performance by considering the external forces involved in this relationship. The framework of the study illustrates the relationship between on the job coaching and job performance. The research has used quantitative design by application of case study technique. The data was collected through questionnaires from Marketing Sales Executives (MSEs) in the Rawalpindi/Islamabad regions of Glaxo-Smith-Kline (GSK). The paper has identified several variables which constitute coaching and it was found by the results that job performance has a positive relationship with on-the-job coaching. Furthermore the variables of coaching like coach ability, team coordination, action learning, and flexibility of the coach are also positively related with Job Performance. The paper suggests that at GSK, coaches need to lead from the front and use action learning techniques more often and they should perform what they deliver to the employees. Several rewards can also be given to trainees who perform well during the session. Sometimes a pat on the back can increase motivation immensely which in turn increases their performance on the job

Evaluation of Prunus domestica gum as a novel tablet binder

To evaluate binding potential of Prunus domestica gum in tablets formulations. Six tablet batches (F-1B to F-6B) were prepared by wet granulation method, containing Avicel pH 101 as diluent, sodium diclofenac as model drug using 10, 15 and 20 mg of Prunus domestica gum as binder and PVP K30 was used as standard binder. Magnesium stearate was used as lubricant. Flow properties of granules like bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose as well as physical parameters of the compressed tablets including hardness, friability, thickness and disintegration time were determined and found to be satisfactory. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that the formulation containing plant gum is compatible with the drug and other excipients used in tablets formulation. Hence the plant gum has role as a potential binder in tablets formulations. The dissolution profile showed that tablets formulations containing Prunus domestica gum 15 mg/200 mg of total weight of tablet as binder showed better results as compared to PVP K30.Para avaliar a propriedade aglutinante da goma Prunus domestica em formulações de comprimidos, seis lotes (F-1B para F-6B) foram preparados pelo método de granulação úmida, contendo Avicel pH 101 como diluente e diclofenaco de sódio como fármaco modelo, usando 10, 15 e 20 mg de goma de Prunus domestica como agente aglutinante e PVP K30 como aglutinante padrão. O estearato de magnésio foi utilizado como lubrificante. Propriedades de fluxo dos grânulos, como a densidade, índice de Carr, razão de Hausner, ângulo de repouso, bem como parâmetros físicos dos comprimidos, incluindo o tempo de dureza, friabilidade, espessura e desintegração foram determinados e se mostraram satisfatórios. A análise espectroscópica no FTIR mostrou que a formulação contendo goma vegetal é compatível com o fármaco e outros excipientes utilizados na formulação dos comprimidos. Assim, a goma vegetal tem papel potencial como aglutinante em formulações de comprimidos. O perfil de dissolução das formulações que contêm 15 mg/200 mg do peso total do comprimido em goma de Prunus domestica como aglutinante mostrou melhores resultados comparativamente ao PVP K30

Adaptation of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) to measure stressful life events in adults residing in an urban megapolis in Pakistan

Background: Contextually relevant stressful life events are integral to the quantification of stress. None such measures have been adapted for the Pakistani population. Methods: The RLCQ developed by Richard Rahe measures stress of an individual through recording the experience of life changing events. We used qualitative methodology in order to identify contextually relevant stressors in an open ended format, using serial in-depth interviews until thematic saturation of reported stressful life events was achieved. In our next phase of adaptation, our objective was to scale each item on the questionnaire, so as to weigh each of these identified events, in terms of severity of stress. This scaling exercise was performed on 200 random participants residing in the four communities of Karachi namely Kharadar, Dhorajee, Gulshan and Garden. For analysis of the scaled tool, exploratory factor analysis was used to inform structuring. Finally, to complete the process of adaption, content and face validity exercises were performed. Content validity by subject expert review and face validity was performed by translation and back translation of the adapted RLCQ. This yielded our final adapted tool. Results: Stressful life events emerging from the qualitative phase of the study reflect daily life stressors arising from the unstable socio-political environment. Some such events were public harassment, robbery/theft, missed life opportunities due to nepotism, extortion and threats, being a victim of state sponsored brutality, lack of electricity, water, sanitation, fuel, destruction due to natural disasters and direct or media based exposure to suicide bombing in the city. Personal or societal based relevant stressors included male child preference, having an unmarried middle aged daughter, lack of empowerment and respect reported by females. The finally adapted RLCQ incorporated Environmental Stress as a new category. Conclusion: The processes of qualitative methodology, in depth interview, community based scaling and face and content validity yielded an adapted RLCQ that represents contextually relevant life stress for adults residing in urban Pakistan

A comparison of intrinsic and extrinsic compensation instruments: the case of National Bank Of Pakistan (NBP)

The paper aims to compare the compensation instruments which are used as the factors of motivation in the banking sector of Pakistan. With a case study research design, structured interviews were conducted from the fifty ( 5 0 ) employees of NBP branches in district Attock. The responses of interview were scaled and scored according to standardized Likert technique, in such a way that scores for each response were added and then multiplied with total responses. After obtaining scores of the nine compensation factors, Pearson Product correlation was calculated to check the relationship between the compensation factors. The results show that the employees of National Bank of Pakistan were motivated both by the intrinsic as well extrinsic factors of compensation, in such way that extrinsic factors were more causing motivation. The paper has concluded that Compensation Management has a profound direct positive relationship with employee motivation level and intrinsic factors played important role in the motivation process. The paper recommends that public sector banks shall apply progressive human resource strategy and provide healthy compensation plans regarding benefits and intrinsic factors

Biosafety assessment of transgenic Bt cotton on model animals

Background: To know the effects of transgenic crops on soil microorganisms, animals and other expected hazards due to the introduction of GM crops into the environment is critical both scientifically and environmentally. The work was conducted to study the effect of insecticidal Bt protein on Rats and Earthworms.  Methods: For this purpose, animals like rat and soil organisms like Earthworm were selected. Rats were selected on the basis of its 95% homology on genomic, cellular and enzymatic level with human while earthworm were preferred on the basis of their direct contact with soil to evaluate the impact of Bt (Cry1AC) crop field soil on earthworm, secreted by root exudates of Bt cotton. Several physical, molecular, biochemical and histological analyses were performed on both Rats/Earthworms fed on standard diet (control group) as well containing Bt protein (experimental group).Results: Molecular analyses such as immune Dot blot, SDS-PAGE, ELISA and PCR, confirmed the absence of Cry1Ac protein in blood and urine samples of rats, which were fed with Bt protein in their diet. Furthermore, histological studies showed that there was no difference in cellular architecture in liver, heart, kidney and intestine of Bt and non-Bt diet fed rats. To see the effect of Bt on earthworm two different groups were studied, one with transgenic plant field soil supplemented with grinded leaves of cotton and second group with non-Bt field soil.Conclusions: No lethal effects of transgenic Bt protein on the survival of earthworm and rats were observed. Bradford assay, Dipstick assay ELISA demonstrated the absence of Cry1Ac protein in the mid-gut epithelial tissue of earthworm. The results of present study will be helpful in successful deployment and commercial release of genetically modified crop in Pakistan

Isolation and preliminary evaluation of Mulva Neglecta mucilage: a novel tablet binder

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de ligação de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (MNM), com posterior comparação ao PVP K30. Oito lotes de comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio foram preparados pela técnica de granulação úmida, mantendo diferentes concentrações (4, 6, 8 e 10% w/w) de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (extraída de folhas de Mulva neglecta) e PVP K30 como ligante padrão. Os grânulos de lotes formulados mostraram densidade aparente (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00-0.57 ± 0.00, densidade compactada (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01-0.70 ± 0.01, índice de Carr 09.27 ± 0.95-19.65 ± 0.59, a relação de Hausner 1.12 ± 0.00-1.24 ± 0.01 e ângulo de repouso 30.37 ± 2.90 °C a 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Os comprimidos foram prensados à dureza de 7.50-7.95 kg/cm2. Os comprimidos apresentaram 0.39 ± 0.02-0.39 ± 0.01% friabilidade e 7:20-14:00 min de tempo de desintegração. A avaliação de grânulos e pós-compressão revelou que todos os parâmetros estavam dentro dos limites da farmacopeia. Os resultados (dureza, desintegração e dissolução) provaram que a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta tem maior capacidade de ligação na preparação da forma de dosagem de comprimido não revestido em relação à PVP K30. Entre todas as formulações, MN-1 e MN-4 mostraram liberação lenta em comparação com PV-1 e PV-4 e, assim, a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta exibiu liberação do fármaco satisfatória para os comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio.The aim of this study was to evaluate binding potential of Mulva neglecta mucilage (MNM) with subsequent comparison to PVP K30. Eight batches of Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique keeping different concentrations (4, 6, 8 & 10% w/w) of Mulva neglecta mucilage (extracted from leaves of Mulva neglecta) and PVP K30 as standard binder. The granules of formulated batches showed bulk density (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00 to 0.57 ± 0.00, tapped density (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01 to 0.70 ± 0.01, Carr's index 09.27 ± 0.95 to 19.65 ± 0.59, Hausner's ratio 1.12 ± 0.00 to 1.24 ± 0.01 and angle of repose 30.37 ± 2.90 °C to 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Tablets were compressed to hardness 7.50 to 7.95 kg/cm2. The tablets showed 0.39 ± 0.02 to 0.39 ± 0.01% friability and 7:20 to 14:00 min disintegration time. Granules and post-compression evaluation revealed that parameters assessed were all found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits. The results (hardness, disintegration and dissolution) proved that Mulva neglecta mucilage has better binding capacity for preparation of uncoated tablet dosage form as compared to PVP K30. Among all the formulations, MN-1 to MN-4 showed slow release as compared to PV-1 to PV-4 and thereby Mulva neglecta mucilage exhibited satisfactory drug release phenomenon tablets of diclofenac sodium

Study Protocol: Validation and Adaptation of community-worker-administered stroke symptom questionnaire in a periurban Pakistani community to determine disease burden.

Background : Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability in the world today. The disease burden is on the rise in developing nations, but there is scarcity of data from these regions to inform policy decisions. Stroke burden can be determined by clinical diagnosis alone in the public health context and is a far more feasible way to assess disease status in low- to middle-income countries like Pakistan. We aim to translate and adapt a validated stroke symptom questionnaire, train community health workers in its administration, and verify it against assessment by two trained neurologists. Methods/Design : This is a prospective study, which we aim to carry out in Ibrahim Hyderi, a periurban slum of Karachi. We translated into Urdu the questionnaire for verifying stroke free status (QVSFS), which is an internationally validated tool to assess the same. Two community health workers (CHW) will be identified and will receive training by neurologists, which will include teaching regarding stroke pathophysiology, symptomatology, and detection. They will be familiarized with the QVSFS, and their questionnaire administration will be assessed through roleplay. We intend to recruit 322 subjects from the same community and the CHWs will gather data on them. The same subjects will later be assessed by two trained neurologists, and the findings collaborated to validate those obtained by the CHWs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and Cohen’s kappa will be determined for the CHW-administered ques tionnaire tested against assessment by two neurologists together and separately for the two CHWs. Data analysis will be done using SPSS version 19.0. Discussion ; The results of this study will determine if and how well CHW-administered questionnaires are at assessing stroke status in a community. This will facilitate use of the same as a practical alternative for stroke surveillance in the countr

Translating knowledge for action against stroke--using 5-minute videos for stroke survivors and caregivers to improve post-stroke outcomes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (Movies4Stroke).

Background: Two thirds of the global mortality of stroke is borne by low and middle income countries (LMICs). Pakistan is the world’s sixth most populous country with a stroke-vulnerable population and is without a single dedicated chronic care center. In order to provide evidence for a viable solution responsive to this health care gap, and leveraging the existing \u3e70 % mobile phone density, we thought it rational to test the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based video intervention of short 5-minute movies to educate and support stroke survivors and their primary caregivers. Methods: Movies4Stroke will be a randomized control, outcome assessor blinded, parallel group, single center superiority trial. Participants with an acute stroke, medically stable, with mild to moderate disability and having a stable primary caregiver will be included. After obtaining informed consent the stroke survivor-caregiver dyad will be randomized. Intervention participants will have the movie program software installed in their phone, desktop, or Android device which will allow them to receive, view and repeat 5-minute videos on stroke-related topics at admission, discharge and first and third months after enrollment. The control arm will receive standard of care at an internationally accredited center with defined protocols. The primary outcome measure is medication adherence as ascertained by a locally validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and control of major risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol at 12 months post discharge. Secondary outcome measures are post-stroke complications and mortality, caregiver knowledge and change in functional outcomes after acute stroke at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Movies4Stroke is designed to enroll 300 participant dyads after inflating 10 % to incorporate attrition and noncompliance and has been powered at 95 % to detect a 15 % difference between intervention and usual care arm. Analysis will be done by the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: Movies4Stroke is a randomized trial testing an application aimed at supporting caregivers and stroke survivors in a LMIC with no rehabilitation or chronic support systems

Study protocol: asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease in pakistanis.

Background : Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is the most frequent subtype of ischemic stroke globally. It is important to describe the determinants of early ICAD as a strategy to prevent strokes from clinically evident and progressive ICAD. Our objective is to report the determinants of asymptomatic ICAD by linking the presence or absence of ICAD on magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) with detailed risk assessment in asymptomatic adults. Methods : This is an observational cross-sectional analytical study. We plan to recruit 200 adult participants from the radiology departments of two tertiary care centers of Karachi, Pakistan. The participants will first be screened for the absence of stroke symptoms via the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke Free Status (QVSFS). QVSFS negative will be participants will be eligible. After written informed consent, participants will undergo detailed medical, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric evaluation by a detailed interview. They will, in addition, undergo MRA to study the presence, degree, and distribution of asymptomatic ICAD. All MRA scans will be reviewed centrally by vascular neurologists blinded to clinical information. These images would be reviewed on DICOM Viewer 3.0 used for calculating the degree of stenosis using Warfarin–Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) study defined criteria employing electronic calipers. A sample size of 200 will achieve 80% power for detecting a minimum difference of 20% in the prevalence of exposure factors (medical and lifestyle) between asymptomatic ICAD positive and ICAD negative persons. This study will generate regional data on risks for ICAD development and prevention in a high-risk susceptible population