Strengthening the Performance of SMEs Through Knowledge Management, Market Orientation and Competitive Environment

This study aims to proposes a framework for strengthening performance of SMEs. It was identified that knowledge management, market orientation, competitive environment and access to finance as an effective response of SMEs to the large firms for their survival. A model was developed with the help of extensive literature search and four propositions were exhibited with a graphical model.  The framework of this study proposes Knowledge Management and Market Orientation have strong association with SMEs Performance. The model further proposes that Access to Finance and Competitive Environment serve as a contingency between the Knowledge Management and Market Orientation with SMEs Performance. This study significantly adds into the entrepreneurship literature and proposes a framework not tested before. The theoretical model has a wider applicability, and it can be used in any cultural context in general but specifically in the emerging economies.  &nbsp

N-[4-(4-Nitrophenoxy)phenyl]-propionamide

The title compound, C15H14N2O4, is an important intermediate for the synthesis of thermotropic liquid crystals. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 84.29 (4)°. An N-H...O hydrogen bond connects the molecules into chains running along the b axis. In addition, the crystal packing is stabilized by weak C-H...O hydrogen bonds. Key indicators: single-crystal X-ray study; T = 173 K; mean σ(C–C) = 0.002 Å; R factor = 0.036; wR factor = 0.096; data-to-parameter ratio = 14.3

Explaining Rejection Sensitivity among Adolescences as predicted by Perceived Differential Treatment of Parents

The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between differential parenting and rejection sensitivity in 200 (male=95; females=105) adolescences. It was hypothesized that differential parenting (Maternal/Paternal affection and control) was likely to predict rejection sensitivity (anxious & angry expectation) in adolescents. Differential Parenting Treatment subscale of Sibling Inventory of Differential Experiences (Daniels,&Plomin, 1985) and Children Rejection Sensitivity Scale (Downey, & Feldom, 1996) were used. The results revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between maternal/paternal affection and anxious expectation domain of rejection sensitivity while maternal/paternal control was negatively related with angry expectation domain of rejection sensitivity in adolescents. Maternal affection, maternal control, paternal affection, paternal control were more significant predictors of anxious expectation (39%) domain of rejection sensitivity than angry expectation (22%) domain among adolescents after controlling for the effects of covariates. The finding of the study was helpful for the family advisors to teach parents not to practice discrimination  in their child rearing towards any of their kid in light of the fact that can be prompt create feeling to be dismisses from their critical connections. More over these discoveries were useful for school guides to consolidate educational modules uniquely outline to lessens rejection

Impact of E-Learning, Perception and Attitude among Students and Faculty following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Aim: The Novel coronavirus disease has grasped the world as one of the most devastating pandemics of recent times. Many efforts such as social distancing was made to cut down the spread of the virus in its early days and restrictions were followed by numerous countries worldwide which resulted in serious hurdles in all sectors of our daily lives such as education, financial and social activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the implications of E-Learning and its future use by students and faculty members following the pandemic restrictions. Material and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey that was distributed online among students and faculty members belonging to medical and non-medical programs across universities in major cities of Pakistan. Results: Of the total 476 responses, it was evident that the majority of the students were not satisfied with the learning experience that virtual classrooms provided. Concerning clinical and practical skills, a majority agreed that the online teaching method is not an effective way to develop essential skills. Conclusion: Online education may be a necessary technological advancement needed in the field of education, but as concluded from the results of this study there is a disagreement about virtual classrooms being an effective medium of learning. It is also inconvenient to develop appropriate practical and clinical skills using E-learning as a medium.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by cetuximab

A wide variety of diseases and drugs can cause cutaneous pustular eruptions. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a unique drug-induced dermatosis clinically presented as erythematous papular and pustular eruption, usually caused by certain systemic drugs. We are presenting a very rare association of AGEP with a biological agent, cetuximab. A male aged 66 years, who was recently diagnosed with a case of squamous cell carcinoma of glottis, presented in the dermatology clinic with a recent onset of fever and widespread pustular eruption over the face, trunk, and limbs. The eruption was noted after the injection of cetuximab given for his squamous cell carcinoma. The clinical history, typical physical findings, and histopathological features confirm the diagnosis of AGEP. The injection cetuximab was stopped and the patient was treated with some topical and systemic medications and the symptoms resolved completely in a few weeks. Our case is an interesting clinical presentation of AGEP due to cetuximab therapy and confirms that this is an extremely rare and proven adverse effect of cetuximab. To our knowledge, this is the first-ever reported case of AGEP associated with cetuximab. Physicians need to be aware of this unique but important side effect of cetuximab and perform a proper physical examination and specific investigations that can be useful to reach a final diagnosis

Malrotation after reamed intramedullary nailing with and without a fracture table for closed fractures of the femoral shaft

Abstract Introduction: To observe the effect of the choice of surgical table on the incidence of malrotation. Methods: The randomised trial was conducted from July 2012 to January 2013 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, during which 74 patients were inducted. Randomisation was done via random allocation software version 1.0.0 and sealed envelopes were used to guide the choice of table. Malrotation was assessed by the operating surgeon using the lesser trochanteric shape signunder intra-operative fluoroscopy. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The 74 patients in the study were divided into two groups of 37(50%) each using fracture table and the regular table.Overall, there were 55(74%) male and 19(26%) female patients with a mean age of 37±17 years. Overall incidence of malrotation was 13(17.6%). Malrotation was observed in 7(19%)patients in the fracture table group and 6(16%)in the regular table group (p=0.760). Conclusion: The choice of fracture table did not influence the occurrence or direction of malrotation

Meningitis in Closed Head Injury 2 Years Experience at Lahore General Hospital

During the time period of January 2006 till December 2007 there were 114300 patients with closed head injuries admitted at The Department of Neurosurgery Lahore General Hospital Lahore. The patients with closed head injury who developed meningitis were 17 and presented with headache, vomiting and neck stiffness. Headache was the commonest symptom. Diagnosis was made with the help of post contrast CT scan brain and CSF examination. Majority of patients admitted with head injury were adults while among patients who developed meningitis predominantly were children. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of trauma. Majority developed meningitis within 6 weeks of trauma. There was no patient who developed meningitis after 12 weeks. Glasgow coma score at admission was above 8 in most of the patients. All patients were treated with combination of antibiotics for 6 to 12 weeks. Clinically outcome was moderate disability and good recovery in most of the cases. Conclusion:  Meningitis may occur following closed head injury. Its incidence is more in children than in adults. Responsible organism is not commonly identified on CSF examination. Outcome is reasonably good after proper management. Prophylactic antibiotics to all patients with closed head injury are not required