Description of a nanobody-based competitive immunoassay to detect tsetse fly exposure

Background : Tsetse flies are the main vectors of human and animal African trypanosomes. The Tsal proteins in tsetse fly saliva were previously identified as suitable biomarkers of bite exposure. A new competitive assay was conceived based on nanobody (Nb) technology to ameliorate the detection of anti-Tsal antibodies in mammalian hosts. Methodology/Principal Findings : A camelid-derived Nb library was generated against the Glossina morsitans morsitans sialome and exploited to select Tsal specific Nbs. One of the three identified Nb families (family III, TsalNb-05 and TsalNb-11) was found suitable for anti-Tsal antibody detection in a competitive ELISA format. The competitive ELISA was able to detect exposure to a broad range of tsetse species (G. morsitans morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. palpalis gambiensis and G. fuscipes) and did not cross-react with the other hematophagous insects (Stomoxys calcitrans and Tabanus yao). Using a collection of plasmas from tsetse-exposed pigs, the new test characteristics were compared with those of the previously described G. m. moristans and rTsal1 indirect ELISAs, revealing equally good specificities (> 95%) and positive predictive values (> 98%) but higher negative predictive values and hence increased sensitivity (> 95%) and accuracy (> 95%). Conclusion/Significance : We have developed a highly accurate Nb-based competitive immunoassay to detect specific anti-Tsal antibodies induced by various tsetse fly species in a range of hosts. We propose that this competitive assay provides a simple serological indicator of tsetse fly presence without the requirement of test adaptation to the vertebrate host species. In addition, the use of monoclonal Nbs for antibody detection is innovative and could be applied to other tsetse fly salivary biomarkers in order to achieve a multi-target immunoprofiling of hosts. In addition, this approach could be broadened to other pathogenic organisms for which accurate serological diagnosis remains a bottleneck

EXPLORING PROBLEMS OF MARKETING IN WOOLEN COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN CHITRAL

This study focuses on the issues associated with the marketing of a local product in order to develop a strategic awareness of the obstacles and opportunities. The problem is assessed using sequential mix methodologies, which include quantitative research followed by a qualitative investigation. Primary data were obtained using questionnaires and semi-structured interview schedules from 220 and 40 workers, respectively, out of a total population of 3000 operating in the Garum Chashma Valley's woolen cottage industries. Because the study area is dispersed and mountainous, convenience sampling was adopted. The study reveals the issues that local artists confront, such as a paucity of Kari wool, a lack of marketing tactics, powerful middlemen, insufficient skills, and fierce competition. The study describes the challenges faced by household woolen industries in Garum Chashma, aiming to raise awareness among diverse stakeholders regarding the issues and potential opportunities within this crucial sector of the local economy. The goal is to stimulate the recovery and revitalization of the industry

The Relationship between Individual Characteristics and practices of Self-leadership in Academia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-leadership behaviors and individual characteristics in academia. An online survey was conducted and 217 participants' responses were measured with the help of a questionnaire. Multiple regression was used to analyze individual characteristics of self- leaders. The findings indicate that individual characteristics do predict self-leadership. Personality traits variables conscientiousness and openness have a significant positive relationship with self-leadership practices. Surprisingly, this study found emotional stability has no significant relationship with self-leadership behavior. This study also employed a rigorous validation technique therefore, this study was able to address some of the methodological limitations of previous studies such as common method variance by examining the proposed relationships in a longitudinal setting

The Relationship between Individual Characteristics and practices of Self-leadership in Academia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-leadership behaviors and individual characteristics in academia. An online survey was conducted and 217 participants' responses were measured with the help of a questionnaire. Multiple regression was used to analyze individual characteristics of self- leaders. The findings indicate that individual characteristics do predict self-leadership. Personality traits variables conscientiousness and openness have a significant positive relationship with self-leadership practices. Surprisingly, this study found emotional stability has no significant relationship with self-leadership behavior. This study also employed a rigorous validation technique therefore, this study was able to address some of the methodological limitations of previous studies such as common method variance by examining the proposed relationships in a longitudinal setting

CSR AS AN INVESTMENT OR AN EXPENSE: EVIDENCE FROM BANKING SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

If engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities costs at least in short run and it is beyond a firm’s legal obligation then why do firms especially financial services firms engage in CSR activities. This question urges us to investigate the role of CSR in Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) in the banking sector of Pakistan.  Therefore, data of 15 banks, listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange, have been collected from annual reports of respective banks’ websites and the State Bank of Pakistan for 6 years from 2009 to 2014. Correlation and regression analysis have been conducted through SPSS software.  Strong correlation between CSR and ROA, Firm Size as well as Firm Age was found out. On the hand, it was revealed that CSR did not have a significant impact on ROA as well as on ROE. The study contributes to the banking sector of Pakistan and gives insights to stakeholders including managers, leaders, investors and general public

Determinants of Safe Organizational Climate and its Impact on Employee Performance: A Case of Marble Industries Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The purpose of this research paper was to discover different problems and disseminate solutions for creating a safety climate in an organization by minimizing accidents at the workplace through increasing safety awareness among employees. For this purpose, a survey was carried out to collect the data by means of questionnaires from different marble factories situated in industrial areas of Mardan and Nowshera Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Total one hundred questionnaires were distributed among the employees, out of which eighty five were returned, which were considered enough for analyzing the data. Data were analyzed though SPSS version 20. The empirical results showed that environmental conditions, safety related policies and programs, organizational climates, and safety communications were significantly affecting safety climate, and safety climate was highly related to the employee’s performance. On the basis of empirical findings of this study, it is concluded that better environmental conditions, safety related policies, organizational climates and safety communications should be ensured and practiced in marble factories situated in industrial zones of Mardan and Nowshera Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan for creating the safety climate in order to enhance the safety related performance of the employees.Â

EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY ON TOURIST DELIGHT

The objectives of the study are to assess the relationship and significant influence of affordability and accessibility on tourist delight taking into account the mountain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan and tourists who visit these sites. This is a survey type quantitative research. Data has been collected through the questionnaires from the selected population. Stratified and convenience sampling techniques are being employed. Sample comprises of respondents from three main regions/strata consisted of Malakand division, Mansehra division and Galiyat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and from each stratum data were data collected using the convenience sampling technique. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test relationship between variables of the study on Smart PLS 4. Results of the study show that the affordability and accessibility have significant relationship with the tourists' delight. The findings suggest that the tourist delight can be increased in the mountain tourism through the travel attributes (affordability and accessibility) have significant impact on the tourist delight