Arbitrage pricing theory: evidence from an emerging stock market

The development of financial equilibrium asset pricing models has been the most important area of research in modern financial theory. These models are extensively tested for developed markets. This paper examines the validity of the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) model on returns from 24 actively trading stocks in Karachi Stock Exchange using monthly data from January 1997 to December 2003. Explanatory factor analysis approach indicates two factors governing stock return. Pre-specified macro economic approach identifies these two factors as the anticipated and unanticipated inflation and market index and dividend yield. Some evidence of instability is found. The overall finding of two significant priced factors at least for a sub period supports APT for an emerging capital market.Asset Pricing, APT, Emerging Markets

Cross correlation analysis of reward & punishment on students learning behavior

The current study aims to investigate the impact of reward and punishment on students' learning behavior. This paper is quantitative in nature. The study used questionnaire approach and acquired data from school teachers of D.G Khan, are selected as sample of the study. The study used convenient and simple random sampling technique for data acquisition. Moreover, paired sample T test approach is used to test correlation of variables. Hence it is concluded that both reward and punishment has positive significant impact on students' learning behavior whereas punishment has greater impact and role towards learning behavior

Analysis on corporate social: financial performance link

Study explore and investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility in multi level facets for performance outcome and corporate social behavior. Using corresponding and coordinated sample of different financial institutions. Data is collected by banks annual reports issuing during 2008-2012. To examine and verify the relationship between CSR and CFP, regression model is used. Findings from data is revealed that positive correlation among corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance. If financial institutions more invest for CSR practices then they will get higher performance and net profit for long lasting period

Addressing Health Disparities Among Homeless in Alachua County through Community-Based Participatory Research.

Introduction. In states such as Florida that did not expand Medicaid, a large number of economically disadvantaged individuals do not qualify for subsidies to buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2. This leaves the health needs of Florida’s homeless population largely unaddressed. Nearly 48.1% of Alachua County’s homeless population has disabling conditions 16. This confirms a pressing need to understand the homeless population\u27s healthcare needs, knowledge, and barriers in accessing healthcare. Methods. We used a Community-Based Participatory Research model in conducting health fairs and needs assessment surveys, incentivizing participation, and providing education about existing resources. The surveys were conducted at two homeless meal service sites and consisted of 22 questions regarding access to healthcare, utilization, and satisfaction. Health fairs consisted of blood pressure, blood glucose, and mental health screening. Patient participation was encouraged through games, prizes and food. Results. Of the population we surveyed, 100% have income levels below $11,490, therefore all uninsured fall into the ACA coverage gap. Those less than 65 years of age do not qualify for Medicare unless disabled. Some qualify for Medicaid as shown in tables. Fifty-eight percent were uninsured and did not get any treatment for their illnesses. Additionally, 67% had no knowledge of free local healthcare clinics. Discussion/Conclusion. The majority of this population falls into the ACA Coverage Gap, lacks knowledge about free community clinics, and inappropriately uses the ED. Future implications of this research involve advocacy to expand Medicaid in Florida and enroll those who are eligible for health insurance. Vital goals include outreach by free healthcare clinics to make healthcare more accessible, as well as building trust with the community through continued outreach initiatives. A community-Based Participatory Research Model is an effective tool to increasing collaboration among diverse members of the community in order to bring meaningful and positive change to the health of populations

To explore the causes of absenteeism at government and private primary schools: a case study from Pakistan

The main purpose of the research was to evaluate the various causes of absenteeism in Government and Private school teachers in primary school Tehsil Jampur District Rajanpur (Punjab) Pakistan. 100 teachers were selected for sample. Half from government and half from private sector. In other word 50 teachers were from Government Schools and 50 were from Private School Sector. In this survey, research tool was used a questionnaire. We found out percentage for the scrutiny of information. In this scrutiny we see that Private School Teachers enjoy less leaves than Government School Teachers. Professional safety, relaxed manners of Head of Institute, various family functions, problems of conveyance and sickness are the major causes of absenteeism of the Government School Teachers. Whereas, Private School Teachers get less leaves because they believe their profession is insecure and they are less satisfied with their profession and functioning surroundings

Impact of corporate governance on firm financial performance in Islamic financial institution

The paper discusses the influence and relationship between corporate governance practices and firm financial performance in Islamic banking sector. Main purpose of this study is to find or identify various factors or variables that affects the firm financial performance. Corporate governance focuses on three meters as board size, number of meeting and audit committee size and firm financial performance has also three indicators return on equity, return on asset and earning per share. Data relates to corporate governance and firm financial performance is collected from annual reports of different Islamic banks to analyze the results. Data reveals the positive relationship between corporate governance and financial performance of Islamic banking sectors. The most outstanding results of this study has considerable and strong positive relationship in large board size and firm financial performance in developing countries as Pakistani circumstances

Significance of Gender Equality in accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals

This research paper analyzes the significance of Gender Equality with five other sustainable development goals. Availability of food is essential for health and access to quality education is must for quality production and prudent consumption. A healthy, educated and wise economy results in the reduction in poverty. Hence, five goals including Poverty, Food Security, Health, Education, Production and Consumption are selected considering their importance for being the basic needs to be achieved for sustainable development in the economy. While, several aspects related to sustainable development goals (SDGs) are found to be covered in the literature reviewed. Nevertheless, the need for further work out assessed to be required from the reviewed literature. Hence, this paper focuses on the women participation in order to attain other sustainable development goals. This study will be useful to extract areas and analyze gaps that if addressed will provide grounds for growth in the economy with specific reference to Pakistan. Key Words: Gender Equality, Sustainable Development Goals, Economic Growth, Women Empowerment.

Efficacy of leeching (Ta‘līq al-‘Alaq) in patients with vitiligo (baras): a comprehensive case study

Vitiligo is a hypomelanotic skin disorder in white patches appear on the skin surface and also involve the hair. The disease is idiopathic, acquired and effects 1-4 percent of the world population. It is belived that there is immunologic influence in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and there is evidence of early cell death in vitiligo melanocytes related to their increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. In Ayurveda the vitiation of three doshas results deraignment of rasa, rakta, mamsa and medadhuta which results in vitiligo patches on skin. In Unani System of Medicine (USM) the deraignment of body humours result in the Fasad-e-Ikhlat which results in the Baras (vitiligo). Since both in Ayurveda and USM leech has been used for various dermatalogicalailments including vitiligo. In this study leeching (hirudotherapy) were done in vitiligo patients of both sexes with single and multiple patches and successful results were observed

Coping styles and depression among patients with solid organ cancers attending two tertiary care hospitals of Karachi: a cross sectional study.

Cancer undoubtedly affects patients in all aspects. Cancer diagnosis is a stressful event and coping is the primary mechanism used to adjust and counteract the stress. This study aims to assess the coping styles and prevalence of depression among solid organ cancer patients during treatment phase, attending two tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among solid organ cancer patients at Aga Khan University Hospital and Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center. Coping and depression were assessed by Brief COPE and Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) 20 respectively. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 488 patients. Coping styles are reported as mean ± SD. Prevalence has been computed for depression and Chi-square test is used to assess the relationship of depression with different variables. Correlation was assessed for coping styles and depression. The frequently used coping styles were active coping, acceptance, religion and self-distraction. 48.4% depression was estimated among patients. The significantly positive correlation of depression was found with active coping, planning, self-blame, venting, use of emotional support and substance use. While depression correlated negatively with acceptance, religion, self-distraction and humor. Depression was significantly associated with study sites, age, socioeconomic quintiles, past history of hospitalization and substance use. Our research addressed the missing element of mental health in oncology. Depression is a common mental ailment and often the initial manifestation towards deterioration of mental health. Each cancer patient copes differently which either promotes or hinders their fighting spirit. Hence, mental health screening and counseling are recommended in the treatment protocol of cancer patients. Also, support group interventions can help cancer patients to cope effectively

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on GDP: A Case Study from Pakistan

This research study is related to FDI and GDP and the main aim of this research study is to validate the relationship between them. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is considered as a growth accelerating component that has received a great attention in developed countries even in developing and less developed countries during recent years. Now FDI has greater importance in closed economy. FDI benefits any economy in terms of technology, skilled labor and skills transfer to the host countries. For data collection, 30 year data from 1983 to 2012 was collected and the cobb-Douglas Production function is used to test the relationship. Our research variables are Gross Capital Formation (K), Labor (L), Health Expenditure (H), FDI and openness to trade in export oriented economy (OP*FDI). We have followed the Bhagwati’s hypothesis that was: FDI has greater impact on GDP in the export oriented economy. For data analysis, we have examined the descriptive statistics, correlation and regression model. For this we incorporate the production function in regression model. In brief, our results show that there is a positive relationship between FDI and GDP in Pakistan. But, Pakistan has not sufficient flow of FDI during past decades. And main point to consider which is evident through statistics and results is that there is greater impact of FDI in the open trade policy regimes. It is also concluded that FDI impact may be situation and culture related. So, the extent of FDI economic benefits cannot be predicted