Comparative Study of Pakistani and Chinese Banking Industry using SERVQUAL Model

This study aimed to explore, measure and compare the SERVQUAL model of service quality in Pakistani and Chinese context and to compare the degree of customer’s satisfaction and loyalty in Pakistan and China. This study used non-probabilistic sampling technique, particularly convenience, judgmental and quota sampling techniques were implemented. The total sample size for this study was 325 (n =325), 163 (n = 163) respondents were contacted in China and 162 (n = 162) respondents were contacted in Pakistan. The data were analyzed by using inferential statistics; mainly Independent samples t-test and descriptive techniques were applied. The results of this study revealed, that reliability and responsiveness dimensions of SERVQUAL model are very strong in Chinese banking industry as compared to Pakistani banking. Similarly, assurance dimension is significant in Pakistani context. Tangibility and empathy dimensions are proved to be common in both countries. Moreover, customer’s satisfaction and loyalty in China is very strong as compared to Pakistan. This study can be valuable for decision makers of banking industry of both countries, in order to develop strategies by incorporating this hidden yet very important inside of customer’s psychology. Keywords: SERVQUAL Model, Pakistan, China, Banking Industry, Customer’s Satisfaction and Loyalt

Exploratory Research on Organizations’ Behavior towards Training Programs: a Case of Pakistan

This study aimed at to investigate the organizations’ behavior towards training programs and to examine the impact of employees training on organization performance. This study used non-probabilistic sampling technique, particularly convenience, judgmental and quota sampling techniques were applied. The total sample size for this study was 246 (n=246) respondents. The data was analyzed by using inferential statistics; particularly the One Sample t-test and Simple Linear Regression techniques were implemented. The results of One Sample t-test revealed the negative attitude of banking industry of Pakistan about employees training programs. Specifically respondents believed that, banking industry of Pakistan is not conducting extensive training programs for their employees, very few employees normally go through formal training programs, there is no any formal performance appraisal mechanism to identify the training needs, the cutting age knowledge and skills are not imparted to employees periodically, training needs identified are not realistic, useful and not based on the business strategy of the organizations. Moreover, employees in the banking industry of Pakistan believe that their organizations show resistance to provide training and show the reluctance to invest in the employees training and skills development programs. Furthermore, this study concluded a strong positive impact of the employees training on organization performance. Keywords: Employees Training, Organization Performance, Organization Behavior, Organization’s resistanc

Principles and Principals: Does Self-Concept Compete or Complement Brand Experience When Shaping Consumer Brand Relationship, Brand Preference and Customer Satisfaction?

This study aims to investigate the direct and indirect effect of brand experience on consumer brand relationship, brand preference and customer satisfaction through self-concept. Non probability sampling technique was applied. The primary data were collected from 297 (n = 297) Pakistani customers. The proposed theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling in PLS Smart. Results showed that brand experience has strongest direct effect on consumer brand relationship, followed by brand preference, and then customer satisfaction. The results of indirect effect revealed that the self-concept emerged as a stronger driver for brand experience and consumer brand relationship, then for brand preference and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the implications for academicians and practitioners are discussed. Keywords: Brand experience, consumer brand relationship, brand preference, customer satisfaction, self-concept

Cardiac Insulin Resistance and MicroRNA Modulators

Cardiac insulin resistance is a metabolic and functional disorder that is often associated with obesity and/or the cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS), and this disorder may be accentuated by chronic alcohol consumption. In conditions of over-nutrition, increased insulin (INS) and angiotensin II (Ang II) activate mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 S6 kinase (S6K1) signaling, whereas chronic alcohol consumption inhibits mTOR/S6K1 activation in cardiac tissue. Although excessive activation of mTOR/S6K1 induces cardiac INS resistance via serine phosphorylation of INS receptor substrates (IRS-1/2), it also renders cardioprotection via increased Ang II receptor 2 (AT2R) upregulation and adaptive hypertrophy. In the INS-resistant and hyperinsulinemic Zucker obese (ZO) rat, a rodent model for CRS, activation of mTOR/S6K1signaling in cardiac tissue is regulated by protective feed-back mechanisms involving mTOR↔AT2R signaling loop and profile changes of microRNA that target S6K1. Such regulation may play a role in attenuating progressive heart failure. Conversely, alcohol-mediated inhibition of mTOR/S6K1, down-regulation of INS receptor and growth-inhibitory mir-200 family, and upregulation of mir-212 that promotes fetal gene program may exacerbate CRS-related cardiomyopathy

Impact of Teacher Absenteeism on Student Achievement at Primary Level in Balochistan

The purpose of this study is to find out causes of teacher absenteeism and its impact on student achievement at the primary level in Balochistan, Pakistan. Quantitative method is used in this study. Quantitative method based on the primary data collected from five purposive selected primary schools. Participants were teachers, students, and parents of this study. The main findings of the study showed that lack of motivation and low salary are main causes of teacher absenteeism which leads students’ absenteeism and affect quality education, and impact students’ achievement. The study also revealed that there are also many causes of teacher absenteeism at primary level such as classroom structure, care of family members, seniority and professional standing. It is suggested that teachers should be monitored properly and awarded monetary and non-monetary incentives in order to control teacher absenteeism. This study also suggests good practices to minimize the absence and enhance students’ achievement at primary level. Keywords: Teachers, Absenteeism, Impact, Achievement, Primary School Students DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-18-12 Publication date:June 30th 202

The β-blocker Nebivolol Is a GRK/β-arrestin Biased Agonist

Nebivolol, a third generation β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) antagonist (β-blocker), causes vasodilation by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production. The mechanism via which nebivolol induces NO production remains unknown, resulting in the genesis of much of the controversy regarding the pharmacological action of nebivolol. Carvedilol is another β-blocker that induces NO production. A prominent pharmacological mechanism of carvedilol is biased agonism that is independent of Gαs and involves G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)/β-arrestin signaling with downstream activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Due to the pharmacological similarities between nebivolol and carvedilol, we hypothesized that nebivolol is also a GRK/β-arrestin biased agonist. We tested this hypothesis utilizing mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that solely express β2-ARs, and HL-1 cardiac myocytes that express β1- and β2-ARs and no detectable β3-ARs. We confirmed previous reports that nebivolol does not significantly alter cAMP levels and thus is not a classical agonist. Moreover, in both cell types, nebivolol induced rapid internalization of β-ARs indicating that nebivolol is also not a classical β-blocker. Furthermore, nebivolol treatment resulted in a time-dependent phosphorylation of ERK that was indistinguishable from carvedilol and similar in duration, but not amplitude, to isoproterenol. Nebivolol-mediated phosphorylation of ERK was sensitive to propranolol (non-selective β-AR-blocker), AG1478 (EGFR inhibitor), indicating that the signaling emanates from β-ARs and involves the EGFR. Furthermore, in MEFs, nebivolol-mediated phosphorylation of ERK was sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of GRK2 as well as siRNA knockdown of β-arrestin 1/2. Additionally, nebivolol induced redistribution of β-arrestin 2 from a diffuse staining pattern into more intense punctate spots. We conclude that nebivolol is a β2-AR, and likely β1-AR, GRK/β-arrestin biased agonist, which suggests that some of the unique clinically beneficial effects of nebivolol may be due to biased agonism at β1- and/or β2-ARs. © 2013 Erickson et al

MANAGEMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS: AN INSIGHT INTO EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AMONG POSTGRADUATE TRAINEES OF OBSTETRICS AND MEDICINE DISCIPLINES

OBJECTIVE: To explore the discrepancies regarding screening, diagnosis & management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among postgraduate trainees of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) and Medicine disciplines. METHODS: This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st August 2022. The questionnaire regarding screening, diagnosis, management of GDM, & postnatal follow-up with neonatal care were distributed among postgraduate trainees of medicine/OBG through google-form/hardcopies. Data was analysed through SPSS-22 RESULTS: Out of 236 trainees, 184 (78%) were following national institute of clinical excellence (NICE) guidelines for management of GDM. Majority of medicine (n=87/120 (72.5%) & OBG (n=76/116; 65.5%) trainees failed to identify the correct cut-off of oral glucose tolerance test for GDM. A big chunk of both OBG (n=93/116; 80.2%) & Medicine (n=96/120; 80%) trainees were unable to differentiate pre-existing diabetes mellitus from GDM. The clinical knowledge about carbohydrate diet (n=119/236; 50.4%), calories intake (103/236; 43.6%) & low glycaemic index (138/236; 58.5%) was poor among trainees of both specialities. Surprisingly, the medicine trainee’s knowledge about insulin types, dose & tocolytic agent was not evidence-based. The practicing knowledge of both specialities was poor about identification of neonatal hypoglycemia (n=30/236; 12.7%) & its management (n=47; 19.9%). Trainees of both specialities had poor knowledge about postnatal follow-up (n=64/236; 27.1%) of GDM patients. CONCLUSION: GDM is a common domain for OBG & medicine disciplines with no consensus guidelines for its uniform management. This study has identified some basic gaps in the clinical practice of future consultants regarding GDM management, urging the need of combined local guidelines

Nebivolol, a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist blocks angiotensin II-mediated signaling in heart [abstract]

We recently showed that Nebivolol, a [beta]-adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist attenuates myocardial oxidative stress and promotes insulin metabolic signaling in 9 week old Zucker obese (ZO) insulin resistant rats. Here, we demonstrate that Nebivolol suppresses angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R)-mediated signaling in ZO hearts as well as in HL-1 cardiomyocytes

Catalytic removal of Alizarin Red using chromium manganese oxide nanorods: degradation and kinetic studies

Dye removal through photocatalytic degradation employing nanomaterials as catalysts is a growing research area. In current studies, photocatalytic alizarin red (AR) dye degradation has been investigated by designing a series of Cr based manganese oxide nanomaterials (MH1–MH5). Synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and photoluminescence techniques and were utilized for photocatalytic AR dye degradation under UV light. AR dye degradation was monitored by UV–visible spectroscopy and percent degradation was studied for the effect of time, catalyst dose, different dye concentrations, and different pH values of dye solution. All the catalysts have shown more than 80% dye degradation exhibiting good catalytic efficiencies for dye removal. The catalytic pathway was analyzed by applying the kinetic model. A pseudo second-order model was found the best fitted kinetic model indicating a chemically-rate controlled mechanism. Values of constant R2 for all the factors studied were close to unity depicting a good correlation between experimental data