Development of Sustainable Tourism Destinations and Poverty Alleviation of Bangladesh

Tourism sector has been considered as the crucial sectors of many different countries of the world. And sustainable tourism brings enormous scope as a rapid growing economic sector on the basis of foreign exchange earnings and generation of employment opportunity and thereby elevating poverty from the country. The central aim of this study is to investigate the role of sustainable tourism in alleviating poverty from developing countries, especially the northern part of Bangladesh. For this purpose, the different tourism sites have been selected that are situated in Rajshahi region like Padma Garden, Varendra Museum and Shaheed Kamruzzaman Zoo. Rajshahi, the major tourist destination region in Bangladesh which is very beautiful and flourished that has a great chance to contribute country’s infrastructure and economic development. This study conducts a survey on 200 respondents in three different places of Rajshahi through the structured questionnaires, observation, interview and literature review. An exploratory research method was employed because the nature of the study was descriptive due to the fact that most of the respondents were illiterate or semi illiterate. Besides IBM SPSS Statistics 20 is being used to analyze the data. Through the factor analysis and other measurements tools this study expatiates the social, cultural, economic, environmental and other factors which touching the sustainability of Rajshahi and also provide recommendations about the required steps that needs to be taken into account to palliate and to manage the drawbacks of tourism to make Rajshahi as a sustainable tourism destination. Besides it reveals the relationship between tourism development and poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. The study also suggested few ways by which existing tourism can be promoted and well developed in Bangladesh thereby ensuring sustainable tourism development (STD) and economic growth

Malpractice awareness among surgeons at a teaching hospital in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The duty of a doctor to take care presumes the person who offers medical advice and treatment to unequivocally possess the skills and knowledge to do so. However, a sense of responsibility cannot be guaranteed in the absence of accountability, which in turn requires a comprehensive medical law system to be in place. Such a system is almost non-existent in Pakistan. Keeping the above in mind, we designed this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of surgeons regarding malpractice at a tertiary care center in Pakistan. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted during a three month period from 31st March, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 at Civil Hospital, Karachi. Surgeons who were available during the period of our study and had been working in the hospital for at least 6 months were included. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed after seeking informed, written consent. The specialties included were general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery and gynecology and obstetrics. The study questionnaire comprised of four sections. The first section was concerned with the demographics of the surgeons. The second section analyzed the knowledge of the respondents regarding professional negligence and malpractice. The third section assessed the attitudes surgeons with regard to malpractice. The last section dealt with the general and specific practices and experiences of surgeons regarding malpractice. RESULTS: Of the 319 surgeons interviewed, 68.7% were oblivious of the complete definition of malpractice. Leaving foreign objects inside the patient (79.6%) was the most commonly agreed upon form of malpractice, whereas failure to break news in entirety (43.9%) was most frequently disagreed. In the event of a medical error, majority (67.7%) were ready to disclose their error to the patient. The most common perceived reason for not disclosing the error was threat of a claim or assault (90.9%). Majority (68.3%) believed that malpractice had a negative effect on reputation. Only 13(4.1%) had received at least one legal claim for damages. Only about three-fourths (75.5%) had the habit of frequently obtaining informed consent from the patients. 83(26.0%) expressed reluctance in accepting a case that was deemed to be difficult. Financial gains and liabilities were responsible for biased approach in 8.5% and 12.2% of the respondents respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a dire need of programs aimed at increasing awareness among practicing surgeons in our setup. Proactive measures are required for the formulation of an efficient system of litigation. Physician accountability will not only arouse a greater sense of responsibility in them, but will also augment the confidence placed by patients on the healthcare system

The Role of C3-C4 Propriospinal Interneurons on Reaching and Grasping Behaviors Pre- and Post-Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Greater than 50% of all spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in humans occur at the cervical level and the biggest desire of quadriplegic patients is recovery of hand and digit function. Several weeks after spinal cord injury, re-organization and re-modeling of spared endogenous pathways occurs and plasticity of both supraspinal and interneuronal networks are believed to mediate functional recovery. Propriospinal interneurons (PNs) are neurons found entirely in the spinal cord with axons projecting to different spinal segments. PNs function by modulating locomotion, integrating supraspinal motor pathways and peripheral sensory afferents. Recent studies have postulated that if PNs are spared following SCI, these neurons can contribute to functional recovery by establishing synaptic connections onto motor neurons. However, to what extent cervical PNs are involved in recovery of reaching behavior is not known. In our first study, we generated a lentiviral vector that permits highly efficient retrograde transport (HiRet) upon uptake at synaptic terminals in order to map supraspinal and interneuronal populations terminating near forelimb motoneurons (MNs) innervating the limb. With this vector, we found neurons labeled within the C3-C4 spinal cord and in the red nucleus, two major populations which are known to modulate forelimb reaching behavior. We also proceeded to use a novel two-viral vector method to specifically label ipsilateral C3-C4 PNs with tetracycline-inducible GFP. Histological analysis showed detailed labeling of somas, dendrites along with axon terminals. Based on this data, we proceeded to determine the contribution of C3-C4 PNs and rubrospinal neurons on forelimb reaching and grasping before and after cervical SCI. In our second study, we have examined a double-infection technique for shutdown of PNs and rubrospinal neurons (RSNs) in adult rats. Adult rats were microinjected with a lentiviral vector expressing tetracycline-inducible inhibitory DREADDs into C6-T1 spinal levels. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV2) expressing TetON mixed with GIRK2 were injected into the red nucleus and C3-C4 spinal levels respectively. Rats were tested for deficits in reaching behaviors upon application of doxycycline and clozapine-n-oxide (CNO) administration. No behavioral deficits were observed pre-injury. Rats then received a C5 spinal cord lesion to sever cortical input to forelimb motoneurons and were allowed four weeks to spontaneously recover. Upon re-administration of CNO to activate inhibitory DREADDs, deficits were observed in forelimb reaching. Histological analysis of the C3-C4 spinal cord and red nucleus showed DREADD+ neurons co-expressing GIRK2 in somas and dendrites of PNs and RSNs. PN terminals expressing DREADD were observed near C6-T1 motoneurons and in the brainstem. Control animals did not show substantial deficits with CNO administration. These results indicate both rubro- and propriospinal pathways are necessary for recovery of forelimb reaching. In a separate study, we sought to determine if promoting severed CST sprouting rostral to a C5 lesion near C3-C4 PNs could improve behavioral recovery post SCI. Past studies have examined sprouting and regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) fibers post-cervical SCI through viral upregulation of key components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade. We examined the regenerative growth potential of CST fibers that are transduced with AAV2 expressing constituively active Akt3 or STAT3 both separately and in combination (Akt3 + STAT3). We have observed significant increases in CST axonal sprouting and regeneration in Akt3 and Akt3 + STAT3 transduced samples. However, no recovery was observed as animals transduced with viral constitutively active Akt3 displayed an epileptic phenotype. Further, epileptic animals with constitutively active Akt3 were found to have significant cortical neuron cell hypertrophy, activatived astrogliosis, increased dendritic arbors and hemimegencephalitis (HME). These results indicate a new model for examining mechanisms of HME and mTOR hyperactivity-induced epilepsy in adult rodents.Biomedical Science

Effect of industry changes on quality and sustainability in the luxury apparel value chains : the case of cashmere industry in India : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Listed in 2022 Dean's List of Exceptional ThesesFigures are re-used with permission.Cashmere is an extremely fine and expensive natural fibre used to make a variety of luxury apparel products. The Kashmir region of India has been the traditional hub for manufacturing cashmere products for centuries and a source of livelihood to many artisan communities. However, changes in the cashmere industry such as the advent of mechanisation, use of blended fibres, exposure to wider markets and lack of quality standards is leading to social, economic, environmental, and quality issues in the craft industry. The aim of this interdisciplinary research was to determine and analyse the effect of these industry changes through the lenses of quality and sustainability. This study was carried out as an ethnographic case study in the context of an industry making transition to the global consumer age. To this end, a single case study was conducted in Kashmir, India using qualitative methodological approaches. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations and from secondary sources such as retailer websites and documents. A thematic analysis-based approach was adopted in this research. Findings indicate that there are three distinct cashmere value chains functioning simultaneously in India: a traditional chain, a modern chain and a Geographical Indication-based chain. Among other implications of the industry changes, the two major aspects observed were the marginalization of cashmere artisanal communities and the lack of recognition of distinct product labelling options. This has economic, social and environmental ramifications and leads to quality issues. Therefore, for multiple cashmere value chains which produce a range of products, a product labelling mechanism distinguishing the place of fibre origin, type of the fibre used, and practices adopted during the manufacture is developed. Also, the adoption of Geographical Indications (GI) as a quality and sustainable development tool is considered, and a conceptual model (QASHMIR) is developed to model the sustainable development of the cashmere industry in India. A policy mechanism to implement and monitor the proposed model using the sustainability indicator system is suggested. Through this, a contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding luxury apparel value chains is made for academics, policy makers and industry practitioners

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Young Diabetics

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition characterized by imbalance in autonomic reactivity leading to exaggerated heart rate and other symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. In adolescents, it is characterized either by a continuous increase in heart rate of ≥40 bpm as compared to basal heart rate or sustained basal rate of ≥130 bpm.         The objective of the research was to compare the characteristics of adolescent diabetics with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome with the controls.         Methods. Seventy adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were treated at the department of Endocrinology, Government Medical College and Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital, Srinagar, J&K, India were selected for the study. Lying to standing test was performed. Heart rate was recorded at the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 10th minutes. Based on the results of lying to standing test, there were selected 25 diabetic adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Their characteristics were compared with age- and sex-matched adolescents using unpaired T test. P< 0.05 was considered significant.         Results.  We observed a significantly lower body mass index (p=0.027), as well as a significantly higher fasting blood glucose level (p<0.0001) in diabetics with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.         Conclusion. It may be concluded that lower body mass index and higher fasting blood glucose level may lead to the development of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in adolescents.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PAKISTANI PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Objectives: To find quality of life (QOL) related to psychological health and its associated factors in Pakistani physical therapists. Methodology: A cross sectional-analytical study was conducted among Pakistani physical therapists, working in different teaching institutes and hospitals. The sample size was (n=464) qualified physical therapists age between 22-50 years selected through convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through general demographic questionnaire including age, gender qualification, marital status, job type, job nature, financial, family and health issues, job satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and for psychological health WHO Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) was used. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21 and the results were presented as mean±SD, frequency (n) and percentages (%) of physical therapist according to their psychological health and p-value and chi-square test was used to identify association between variables. Results: The mean age of study participant was 27.02±3.79 and mean psychological health score was 36.49±17.38 that showed that average population of PTs had poor psychological health. The psychological health showed significant association (p≤0.05) with gender, nature of job, financial issues, health issues and salary satisfaction. Conclusion: The majority of physical therapists have poor psychological health. The male gender, PTs working in both clinical and academic settings, financial issues, family issues their health status and unsatisfied job contribute in poor quality of life related to psychological health

Measuring Impact of Demographic and Environmental Factors on Small Business Performance: A case study of D.I.Khan KPK (Pakistan)

Small businesses play a vital role in economic development as they can provide the economy withefficiency, innovation, competition and job growth. Environment and Entrepreneurs are responsible forsuccesses of the businesses. To know Impact of environment and various characteristics of entrepreneur onsmall business data was collected from 60 respondents randomly selected on structured questionnaire inD.I.Khan. Regression analysis showed positive significant of investment, entrepreneurial experience,business profile and culture with R2=0.638 and F= 11.222. Provision of opportunities to develop skill forbusiness promotion is suggested by researcher

ATM & Biometric Solutions: A Case Study

The paper highlights security features for biometric systems along with application specific to a bank in Pakistan. Further, a comprehensive view of retinal scanning and application within the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm is discussed. Of the various forms of scanning techniques, fingerprint, iris, and facial have been selected as a security measure. However, the application of retinal scans for security within ATMs in Pakistan is novel. Retinal scans face many issues such as external pressures that can make the implementation of retinal scans difficult, proper technological advancements for implementing of retinal scans, costing and whether it will serve as a barrier and whether the overall concept of implementing retinal scans is a workable idea or not. The sample taken was of 80 close ended questionnaires filled along with 4 focus group discussions. The questions related to technology, economics and situational awareness concepts. The concept of automated houses and the use of objects with artificial intelligence were of special interest. It is shown that  external factors especially cost and technological limitations prohibit widespread adoption of biometric based retinal scans and implications for overall privacy and security that is present

The Impact of Board Attributes and Insider Ownership on Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from Pakistan

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of board attributes and insider ownership on cash holdings of non-financial firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Pakistan during 2008-2012. Empirical results indicate that board attributes such as CEO duality, board size and board independence are positively related to cash holdings. However, board independence is the only boards attribute which is found statistically significant. The insider ownership is significantly and negatively related to cash holdings. Alternatively, the square of insider ownership is significantly and positively related to cash holdings. The variation in signs indicates a non-linear relationship. Notably, sample firms are divided into three insider ownership structures i.e. family firm, pyramid firm and non-family firm. Results indicate that family firm is negatively while non-family firm is positively related to cash holdings. These findings indicate that family firms prefer to hold necessary amount of cash enough for their planned as well as unplanned payments than non-family firms. On the other hand, pyramid firm is positively related to cash holdings but the relationship is insignificant. In summary, empirical results indicate that board attributes and insider ownership are important predictors of corporate cash holdings for non-financial firms in Pakistan