The impact of financial development on economic indicators: a dynamic panel data analysis

The study investigates the effect of financial development on major economic indicators, i.e., economic growth, inflation, and employment by applying System GMM estimation technique for a panel of 120 countries for the period 1997 to 2017. Four distinct proxies of financial development are used, i.e., private sector credit, liquid liabilities, money and quasi money, and bank credit. The results contradict the traditional supply-lending hypothesis and reveal negative impact of financial development on economic growth. Moreover, financial development is found to be positively associated with inflation and employment growth. It is suggested that there is need to reform and strengthen the supervision of financial intermediaries to ensure sound prudential lending practices. Furthermore, more credit needs to be allocated to highly productive firms

Regulation on transportation of dangerous good by sea in Malaysia: whether it conforms to international standard / Muhammad Khairil Khalid

This study, "Regulation on Transportation of Dangerous Good by Sea in Malaysia: Whether it conforms to International Standard" is completed as a fulfilment of the course of Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons). This study mainly conducted in Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur to look into the regulations which govern the transportation of dangerous goods in Malaysia. There were.several methods used in order to find answers and to collect facts to answer the research questions and to meet the objectives of the study. Qualitative research which is library - based was conducted to gather information and relevant data for this study. The relevant data was gathered from various text books, journals, articles and internet. The researchers have also conducted several interviews with few respective people in gaining more information such as Dr. Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, Senior Research Fellow, Malaysia Institute for Transport (MITRANS) and last but not least, representatives from Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA), Amy Aai Sheau Ye, Melda Marissa bt. Malek, and Elvia Cory Abu Hasan. These interviews were conducted to provide the researches with a clearer insight of the current situation of the research topic from the point of view of expertise. Apart from that, the researchers have also studied the regulation of transportation of dangerous goods in other countries for the purpose of comparison in the law from another point of view. Overall, it is found that there is not specific law which govern transportation dangerous goods by sea. However, practice on shipping of dangerous goods in Malaysia is guide by international guideline such as International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) Code

Co-Movement of Pakistan Stock Exchange with India, S&P 500 and Nikkei 225: A Time-frequency (Wavelets) Analysis

This study examines the co-movement between the Pakistan, Indian, S&P 500 and Nikkei 225 stock markets using weekly data from 1998 to 2013. The time-frequency relationship between the selected stock markets is conducted by using measures of continuous wavelet power spectrum, cross-wavelet transform and cross (squared) wavelet coherency. The empirical evidence suggests strong dependence between Pakistan and Indian stock markets. The co-movement of Pakistani index with U.S and Japanese, the developed markets, varies over time and frequency where the long-run relationship is dominant. The results of cross wavelet and wavelet coherence analysis indicate moderate covariance and correlation between stock indexes and the markets are in phase (i.e. cyclical in nature) over varying durations. Pakistan stock market was lagging during the entire period in relation to Indian stock market, corresponding to the 8~32 and then 64~256 weeks scale. Similar findings are evident for S&P 500 and Nikkei 225 indexes, however, the relationship occurs during the later period of study. All three wavelet indicators suggest strong evidence of higher co-movement during 2008-09 global financial crises. The empirical analysis reveals a strong evidence that the portfolio diversification benefits vary across frequencies and time. This analysis is unique and have several practical implications for regional and international investors while assigning the optimal weightage of different assets in portfolio formulation

Co-Movement of Pakistan Stock Exchange with India, S&P 500 and Nikkei 225: A Time-frequency (Wavelets) Analysis

This study examines the co-movement between the Pakistan, Indian, S&P 500 and Nikkei 225 stock markets using weekly data from 1998 to 2013. The time-frequency relationship between the selected stock markets is conducted by using measures of continuous wavelet power spectrum, cross-wavelet transform and cross (squared) wavelet coherency. The empirical evidence suggests strong dependence between Pakistan and Indian stock markets. The co-movement of Pakistani index with U.S and Japanese, the developed markets, varies over time and frequency where the long-run relationship is dominant. The results of cross wavelet and wavelet coherence analysis indicate moderate covariance and correlation between stock indexes and the markets are in phase (i.e. cyclical in nature) over varying durations. Pakistan stock market was lagging during the entire period in relation to Indian stock market, corresponding to the 8~32 and then 64~256 weeks scale. Similar findings are evident for S&P 500 and Nikkei 225 indexes, however, the relationship occurs during the later period of study. All three wavelet indicators suggest strong evidence of higher co-movement during 2008-09 global financial crises. The empirical analysis reveals a strong evidence that the portfolio diversification benefits vary across frequencies and time. This analysis is unique and have several practical implications for regional and international investors while assigning the optimal weightage of different assets in portfolio formulation

Zerumbone-induced antinociception: involvement of the L-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP -PKC-K+ ATP channel pathways.

This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of zerumbone in chemical behavioural models of nociception in mice. Zerumbone given through intraperitoneal route (i.p.) produced dose-related antinociception when assessed on acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test in mice. In addition, the i.p. administration of zerumbone exhibited significant inhibition of the neurogenic pain induced by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of capsaicin and bradykinin. Likewise, zerumbone given by i.p. route reduced the nociception produced by i.pl. injection of glutamate and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The antinociception caused by zerumbone in the acetic acid test was significantly attenuated by i.p. pre-treatment of mice with l-arginine (nitric oxide precursor) and glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor). However, the antinociception of zerumbone was enhanced by methylene blue (non-specific gyanylyl cyclase inhibitor). Together, these results indicate that zerumbone produces pronounced antinociception against chemical models of nociception in mice. It also strongly suggests that the l-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP-PKC-K(+) ATP channel pathways, the TRPV1 and kinin B2 receptors play an important role in the zerumbone-induced antinociception

Synthesis of new isoquinoline-base-oxadiazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase and molecular docking study

Here in this study regarding the over expression of TP, which causes some physical, mental and socio problems like psoriasis, chronic inflammatory disease, tumor angiogenesis and rheumatoid arthritis etc. By this consideration, the inhibition of this enzyme is vital to secure life from serious threats. In connection with this, we have synthesized twenty derivatives of isoquinoline bearing oxadiazole (1–20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as HREI-MS, 1H- NMR and 13C-NMR and evaluated for thymidine phosphorylase inhibition. All analogues showed outstanding inhibitory potential ranging in between 1.10 ± 0.05 to 54.60 ± 1.50 µM. 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50 = 38.68 ± 1.12 µM) was used as a positive control. Through limited structure activity relationships study, it has been observed that the difference in inhibitory activities of screened analogs are mainly affected by different substitutions on phenyl ring. The effective binding interactions of the most active analogs were confirmed through docking study

Synthesis of new 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole analogs as potent inhibitors of b-Glucuronidase and in silico study

New benzimidazole analogues (1–18) were synthesized and characterized through differ- ent spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HREI-MS. All analogues were screened for b-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All analogues showed varied degree of inhibitory potentials with IC50 values ranging between 1.10 – 0.10 to 39.60 – 0.70 lM when compared with standard D-saccharic acid-1,4- lactone having IC50 value 48.30 lM. Analogues 17, 11, 9, 6, 1 and 13 having IC50 values 1.10 – 0.10, 1.70 – 0.10, 2.30 – 0.10, 5.30 – 0.20, 6.20 – 0.20 and 8.10 – 0. 20 lM respectively, showed excellent b-glucuronidase inhibitory potential many folds better than the standard. All other analogues also showed good inhibitory potential better as compared to stan- dard. Structure activity relationships (SAR) has been established for all compounds. The results from molecular docking studies supports the established SAR and developed a strong correlation with the results from into vitro assay. The molecular docking results clearly highlighted how sub- stituents like nitro and chloro affect the binding position of the active compounds in the active site. The docking results were also used to properly establish the effect of bulky substituents of least active compounds on reduced b-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–18 were found non-toxic

Colorectal cancer and potential predictors of never screened for faecal occult blood test: A narrative review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health threat. Therefore, CRC screening uptake has been a focus with the established precancerous lesion and the strong association of early detection with staging and survival of the disease. However, CRC screening is relatively low in many countries. This article briefly discussed the current situation of CRC, recommendations, and current uptake of CRC screening in various countries. Besides that, this article also highlights the potential factors that help to predict the CRC screening uptake worldwide. Identification of those factors could guide policymakers to develop an effective strategy to improve the CRC screening uptake and ultimately improve the health outcome of the population

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Route Planning Analysis In Holes Drilling Process Using Magnetic Optimization Algorithm For Electronic Manufacturing Sector

Electronic manufacturing sector uses computer numerical controlled machines for drilling holes. Most of the computer numerical controlled machines used nearest neighbour algorithm to plan the route for the drill bit to travel. Based on this motivation, this paper proposes an approach which is based on the experimentation of Magnetic Optimization Algorithm. In this implementation, each magnetic agent or particle in Magnetic Optimization Algorithm represents a candidate solution of the problem. The magnitude of the magnetic force between these particles is inversely proportional to the distance calculated by the solution they represented. Particles with greater magnetic force will attract other particles with relatively smaller magnetic force, towards it. The process is repeated until the stopping condition meets and the solution with lowest distance is taken as the best-found solution. Result obtained from the case study shows that the proposed approach managed to find the optimal solution. With this method, electronics manufacturing sector can optimize the drilling process hence will increase the productivity of the manufacturer. This study can be extended further by tuning the parameters of MOA in order to enhance the drilling route process