Difference between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Question- PICO vs. SPIDER

Purpose: The research question, an empirical component of research, is used for conceptualization, methodology selection, and patient recruitment when aiming to answer a complex phenomenon. PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) is a commonly employed/used framework for formulating a research question in quantitative studies. The PICO framework does not capture all the components of a qualitative research question thus, PICO may not be a suitable framework. To describe difference between qualitative and quantitative research questions and what are the main components of these questions.  Methodology: Non-systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies exploring expectations in preoperative sciatica and or chronic low back pain patients. We compared the research question between qualitative and quantitative studies, using SPIDER and PICO framework. Findings: We reviewed five qualitative studies, and six quantitative studies that explored expectation in sciatica or chronic low back pain patients undergoing surgical or nonsurgical interventions. Qualitative studies differed from quantitative studies as the former do not test hypotheses, but instead generated them. Qualitative studies are used to explain complex processes such as patients’ perceptions, experiences, attitudes, and opinions. The PICO framework did not capture all the components of a qualitative research question thus, SPIDER should be preferred over the PICO framework. Discussion: Understanding the difference in qualitative and quantitative research questions will be of particular importance to new researchers and students planning to conduct qualitative research

Unusual Cases of Spinal Cord Infarct Secondary to Fibrocartiliginous Embolism in Minor Injuries or Exercises; Review of Case Reports and Literature

Spinal cord infarction, secondary to fibrocartiliginous embolism (FCE), are reported after a major traumatic injury, or surgeries that relate to the spinal cord and the back of the upper body, but are rarely reported with the activities that are usually minor. Spinal cord infarct, secondary to FCE in minor trauma or activity is quite common, and bears potentially devastating consequences. It is postulated that an acute increase in intra discal pressure embolizes disc debris retrogradely to the spinal artery, leading to spinal cord infarction. The main objective of this literature review is to present important cases of spinal cord infarction, secondary to FCE, during routine activities. Using the Ovid Medline, our search gave us eighteen published articles on FCE induced spinal cord infarcts in minor or routine activities. A clinical diagnosis of FCE would be desirable for many important reasons, as no single non-invasive investigation has been proven effective. This literature review is done to acquire a detailed knowledge about pathogenesis, clinical features, investigations, treatments and prognosis for FCE.

High-yielding Wheat Varieties Harbour Superior Plant Growth Promoting-Bacterial Endophytes

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the endophytic microbial flora of different wheat varieties to check whether a better yielding variety also harbours superior plant growth promoting bacteria. Such bacteria are helpful in food biotechnology as their application can enhance the yield of the crop.Material and Methods: Three wheat varieties (Seher, Faisalabad and Lasani) were selected, Seher being the most superior variety. endophytic bacteria were isolated from the histosphere of the leaves and roots at different growth phases of the plants. The isolates were analyzed for plant growth promoting activities. Isolates giving best results were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2013. All the experiments were conducted in triplicates.Results and Conclusion: The endophytes of Seher variety showed maximum plant growth promoting abilities. Among the shoot endophytes, the highest auxin production was shown by Seher isolate SHHP1-3 up to 51.9μg ml-1, whereas in the case of root endophytes, the highest auxin was produced by SHHR1-5 up to 36 μg ml-1. The bacteria showing significant plant growth promoting abilities were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacillus, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria species were the dominant bacteria showing all the traits of plant growth promotion. It can be concluded that Seher variety harbours superior plant growth promoting endophytes that must be one of the reasons for its better growth and yield as compared to the other two varieties. The investigated results support possible utilization of the selected isolates in wheat growth promotion with respect to increase in agro-productivity. The application of such bacteria could be useful to enhance wheat yield and can help in food biotechnology.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest

The Impact and Efficiency of Electronic Libraries In Various Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

The present research study is conducted with the aim to assess and analyze the impact of electronic libraries (EL) by using usability criteria which include consistency, efficiency, learning and satisfaction in digital learning and reading stimulus among the general public and youth in specific. The structural equation modeling (SEM) of variables like effectiveness (EEF), efficiency (EFT), learning ability (LER) and performance & satisfaction (PES) was followed by research design. Survey was conducted in divisional headquarters of the Punjab province to collect data. The population was N=270 persons from 9 out of 20 districts having EL facilities. The findings revealed that E-Libraries have a positive correlation between productivity, effectiveness, learning and success. Performance, efficacy and learning capacity had a substantial and positive influence on user’s satisfaction. The study found that the provision of a conducive atmosphere that ensures productivity, effectiveness and learning capacity plays a vital role in enhancing performance of EL. It is proposed that we follow more efficient and dynamic methods in order to support the concept of EL for promotion of culture of digital learning philosophy among the public

Impact of Servant Leadership on Project Success Through Mediating Role of Team Motivation and Effectiveness:A Case of Software Industry

Project management in today’s intensely competitive environment has compelled organizations to adopt project management approach for better business results. Therefore, current research study aims to investigate the impact of servant leadership on project success with the mediating role of team motivation and team effectiveness in the software industry. A field survey was conducted, using a questionnaire as a survey tool. Data were collected from 219 respondents who have been working as team members of software development projects. The statistical results were obtained using the SPSS Process macro. The results show project managers need to exhibit a servant leadership style due to its strong influence on project success, albeit through team motivation and effectiveness. The findings from this study contribute to the field of leadership and project management along with the field of information systems and software engineering.</p

Bedtime Smart Phone Usage and Its Effects on Work-Related Behaviour at Workplace

The over usage and over dependency on digital devices, like smartphones, has been considered as a growing international epidemic. The increased dependency on gadgets, especially smartphones for personal and official uses, has also brought many detrimental effects on individual users. Hence it is vital to understand the negative effects of smartphone usage on human. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of bedtime smartphone usage on work performances, interpersonal conflicts, and work engagement, via the mediating role of sleep quality among employees. Using a cross-sectional study design, a questionnaire-based field survey was conducted on 315 employees who participated as respondents. The results confirmed the negative effects of bedtime smartphone usage on sleep quality. Along with it, the effects of sleep quality on work performances, work engagements and interpersonal conflicts were also proven to be statistically significant. Regarding the mediating role of sleep quality, it was empirically evident that sleep quality mediates the relationship between bedtime smartphone usage with work performances and interpersonal conflicts. The findings revealed that bedtime smartphone usage reduces sleep quality among the employees, resulting in lower work performances and engagements while contributing to higher interpersonal conflicts. The findings concluded that smartphone usage before sleep increases the prospects of employees to be less productive, less engaged, and have more workplace conflicts. The findings warrant the continued managerial as well as academic research attention, as the smartphones are now used by many organisations to run businesses as well

Bullet-induced synovitis as a cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint: a case report and review of literature

Abstract BACKGROUND: With increasing prevalence of gunshot injuries we are seeing more patients with retained bullet fragments lodged in their bodies. Embedded lead bullets are usually considered inert after their kinetic energy has dissipated hence these are not removed routinely. However, exposure of any foreign body to synovial fluid may lead to rapid degradation and hence result in systemic absorption, causing local and systemic symptoms. We present the case of a thirty year old man who came to our out patient department with a history of progressive, severe hip pain ten years after a gun shot injury to his right hip. CONCLUSION: The common belief that intraarticular bullets should not be removed has no benefit and may result in unwanted long term complications

Antimicrobial, hemolytic and thrombolytic activities of some new N-substituted-2-({5-[(1E,3E)F-4-(1,3-benzodioxol- 5-yl)-1,3-butadienyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}sulfanyl) propanamides

Purpose: To synthesize and evaluate the bioactivity of some N-substituted-2-({5-[(1E,3E)-4-(1,3- benzodioxol-5-yl)-1,3-butadienyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}sulfanyl)propanamides (9a-o) of the alkaloid piperine (1) extracted from P. nigrum (black pepper).Methods: Extract 1 was subjected to basic hydrolysis to obtain piperic acid (2). The heterocyclic 1,3,4- oxadiazole ring was synthesized from 2 through the formation of an ester and carbohydrazide. A series of electrophiles, 8a-o, were synthesized in the presence of 10 % Na2CO3. The final compounds, 9a-o, were synthesized by stirring 5-[(1E,3E)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1,3-butadienyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-thiol (5) and 8a-o in LiH/DMF. Spectral analysis was performed using infrared (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and electron impact mass spectrometry (EI-MS) to determine the structures of 9a-o. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated as zone of inhibition by disc diffusion method. Hemolytic and thrombolytic activities were determined by measuring absorbance before and after incubation of blood cells with test compound.Results: Compound 9d strongly inhibited Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition values of 16 mm for each. The reference drug, rifampicin, showed zone of inhibition of 21 and 23 mm against B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively. Compound 9a strongly inhibited Aspergillus niger with a zone of inhibition of 18 mm compared to the reference drug, fluconazole, with a zone of inhibition of 19mm.Conclusion: The newly synthesized compounds are more active antimicrobial agents than piperine. Compounds 9a and 9d are the most active.Keywords: Piper nigrum, Piperine, Propanamide, Hemolytic, Thrombolytic, Black peppe

Islamic Financial Development and Economic Growth of Emerging Economy of Pakistan; a Panel Data Approach

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic interactions between five pure Islamic banks of Pakistan and economic growth by using Panel ARDL method over the period of 2006-2016. The study elaborates strong confirmation and advocates the significant positive long-run relationship with economic growth. However, in short-run, each bank has individual significant positive relationship with economic growth in its individual capacity. The findings of this study are encouraging and signify a considerable contribution to recognize how pure Islamic banks activities translated into economic performance of the country. Although prudential regulations of State Bank of Pakistan are quite sound and their legislative structure and policy framing is also equally good but they are required to enhance the number of pure Islamic banks in the country for offering multiple options to clientele in order to promote Islamic economic activities in the country&nbsp; to make Pakistan more prosperous