Determinants Of Non-Performing Loans: An Empirical Investigation Of Bank-Specific Microeconomic Factors

The empirical study was undertaken to explore the determinants of non-performing loans (NPLs) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector held by the commercial banks. Stratified sampling technique was used to collect primary data through well-structured survey questionnaire from credit analysts / bankers of 42 branches of 9 commercial banks, operating in the district of Lahore (Pakistan), for 2014-2015. Selective descriptive analysis and Pearson chi-square technique were used to illustrate and evaluate the significance of different variables affecting NPLs. Branch age, duration of the loan, and credit policy were found to be significant determinants of NPLs. The study proposes that bank-specific and SME-specific microeconomic variables directly influence NPLs, while macroeconomic factors act as intermediary variables. The results elaborate various origins of NPLs and suggest that they are primarily instigated by the loan sanctioning procedure of the financial institution. The paper also underlines the risk management practices adopted by the bank at branch level to averse the risk of loan default. Empirical investigation of bank-specific microeconomic factors of NPLs with respect to Pakistan’s economy is the novelty of the study. Broader strategic policy implications are provided for credit analysts and entrepreneurs

Use of integrated clinical scenarios in neuroanatomy laboratory sessions a strategy to foster students’ learning

Objective: Combinations of various teaching strategies have been employed to enhance neuroanatomy teaching, to little success. Herein, we describe the use of integrated clinical scenarios in anatomy laboratory sessions as an educational strategy to improve the learning process for students undertaking neuroscience course. Methods: We assessed the perception and performance of students who utilised the integrated clinical resources in the neuroanatomy labs. We also compared the performance of the students on their neuroscience course with the performance of the previous year\u27s students (who did not use the clinical scenarios). Results: A total of (130) 88% of the registered student both male and female participated by filling out a questionnaire. A majority (80%) of students supported introducing clinical cases at this early stage and agreed that cases covered learning objectives well. Students (81%) preferred a decreased faculty participation and 68% strongly agreed that cases were well integrated with other disciplines and assisted critical thinking and conceptual understanding. Most of them (90%) approved using plastic models and pictures as resource-material. The average mark obtained for all block together between the two cohorts did not differ significantly, while student performance was significantly improved in neuroscience block of the cohort which had access to the integrated clinical scenarios. Conclusions: Collectively, or specifically designed neuroanatomy lab sessions provided students with an empowering experience to help them apply critical thinking and use their basic neuroscience knowledge to solve clinical problems

A Scientific Review on Disabled-Friendly Educational Environment for Disabilities Student in Malaysia

The increase in the number of Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in Malaysia as registered in the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) until the end of 2020 is estimated to be 570,000 and needs attention. People with disabilities are a part of Malaysian society and need to be given equal rights and given the opportunity to go through life easily. However, achieving the right to equality is not a simple thing to achieve today. There are many factors and challenges faced by people with disabilities due to negative attitudes and discrimination that have been ingrained in society. So, this study wants to explore facilities and equality in the field of disabled-friendly higher education. This study presents an exploratory study from selected past studies related to higher education for students with special needs in Malaysia. The research uses the choice approach of 10 selected articles to explore the problems, management, and implementation of efforts to create a friendly environment for people with disabilities. This study found that educational facilities at the higher education level have been created, such as facilities for parking spaces specially built for the disabled. This study suggests the need for improvements to other infrastructures, such as wheelchair access facilities, special pathways for the blind, and so on. The success of disabled-friendly higher education needs to involve a proactive environment in combating the neglect of disabled people in the current national development. Hopefully, this idea can contribute to building an inclusive environment in an educational institution. This study suggests future research related to aspects of community morality towards the disabled

Balancing science and public policy in Pakistan\u27s COVID-19 response

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the world in an unprecedented manner and South Asian countries were among the first to experience imported cases. Pakistan\u27s response to COVID-19 has been under scrutiny for its granularity, reach and impact.Aims: to evaluate objectively the chronology and depth of the response to COVID-19 in Pakistan.Methods: We evaluated available national and subnational epidemiological and burden information on COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pakistan, including projection models available to the Government at an early stage of the pandemic.Results: Pakistan, with a population of 215 million and considerable geographic diversity, experienced case introduction from pilgrims returning from the Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by widespread community transmission. The National Command and Operations Centre, established through civilian and military partnership, was critical in fast tracking logistics, information gathering, real-time reporting and smart lockdowns, coupled with a massive cash support programme targeting the poorest sections of society. Cases peaked in June 2020 but the health system was able to cope with the excess workload. Since then, although testing rates remain low (\u3e 300 000 cases confirmed to date), case fatality rates have stabilized, and with 6300 deaths, Pakistan seems to have flattened the COVID-19 curve.Conclusion: Despite notable successes in controlling the pandemic, several weaknesses remain and there are risks of rebound as the economy and educational systems reopen. There is continued need for strong technical and programmatic oversight, linked to civic society engagement and working with religious scholars to ensure nonpharmacological intervention compliance

Balancing science and public policy in Pakistan\u27s COVID-19 response

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the world in an unprecedented manner and South Asian countries were among the first to experience imported cases. Pakistan\u27s response to COVID-19 has been under scrutiny for its granularity, reach and impact.Aims: to evaluate objectively the chronology and depth of the response to COVID-19 in Pakistan.Methods: We evaluated available national and subnational epidemiological and burden information on COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pakistan, including projection models available to the Government at an early stage of the pandemic.Results: Pakistan, with a population of 215 million and considerable geographic diversity, experienced case introduction from pilgrims returning from the Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by widespread community transmission. The National Command and Operations Centre, established through civilian and military partnership, was critical in fast tracking logistics, information gathering, real-time reporting and smart lockdowns, coupled with a massive cash support programme targeting the poorest sections of society. Cases peaked in June 2020 but the health system was able to cope with the excess workload. Since then, although testing rates remain low (\u3e 300 000 cases confirmed to date), case fatality rates have stabilized, and with 6300 deaths, Pakistan seems to have flattened the COVID-19 curve.Conclusion: Despite notable successes in controlling the pandemic, several weaknesses remain and there are risks of rebound as the economy and educational systems reopen. There is continued need for strong technical and programmatic oversight, linked to civic society engagement and working with religious scholars to ensure nonpharmacological intervention compliance

Crossing the Borders – Monkey Pox in an HIV-Positive Pakistani Man Travelling from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; A Case Report

Monkeypox, now called Mpox, was previously endemic to central and western Africa; however, a recent outbreak of Mpox was noticed outside its traditional endemic regions. We report a case of Mpox in a 33-year-old HIV-positive gentleman, the fourth case in Pakistan and the first in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Risk factors like age, gender, and unsafe and risky sexual behavior put this patient at risk of Mpox

The effect of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub&Spach on some liver function biochemical parameters

Abstract Research on hepatoprotective effect from vegetables is increasingly focused on their potential on human health. In the present study, the effect of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.

UV-Light Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanowires; Characterization, Dye Degradation Potential and Kinetic Studies

Herrin, a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanowires (Ag-NWs) has been reported. Silver nanowires were synthesized using Psidium guajava seed extract that acted as a reducing agent as well as a stabilizing agent for silver nitrate solution. Synthesis was carried out at 50 °C temperature under continuous UV-irradiation. Silver nanowires were initially characterized by a UV-visible and FTIR spectrophotometer. In addition, morphology and particle size of synthesized Ag-NWs were determined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Nanowires were found to have 12.8 μm length and 200–500 nm diameter and cubic phase morphology. Furthermore, the catalytic potential of Ag-NWs for the degradation of methyl orange dye (MO) was determined. The selected dye was degraded successfully that confirmed the catalytic potential of Ag-NWs. The authors concluded that Ag-NWs can be synthesized using plant extract having excellent morphological features as well as impressive catalytic potential