Monetary and Non-monetary Gift Exchange

A standard labour contract has two important components, agreed upon wage from principal and efforts that in return is provided by agent. On one hand both principal and agent have full knowledge of wage, while information on provided effort level is always incomplete due to its abstract nature. Principal can only observe output of agent, which is joint function of effort, skill level and work environment [Green (1992)]. Assuming economic agents strictly follow their material gain, the game theoretic model predicts that agent will utilise minimum possible effort level. Similarly, the principal will pay minimum wages, since additional wages cannot extract additional effort. In contrast, the gift exchange model (GEM) is based on the critical assumption that reciprocal behaviour creates a positive relationship between wages and workers‘ effort levels [Akerlof (1982, 1984)]. Workers are assumed to reciprocate higher wage levels from firms by increasing their effort (positive reciprocity) and /or by decreasing their effort in retaliation for low wage (negative reciprocity). In labour market as partial gift exchange, the loyalty of workers is exchanged for higher wage, and this loyalty then can be translated to higher productivity through effective management. Experimental evidence has supported the reciprocity hypothesis both in laboratory [Fehr and Falk (2008); Fehr, et al. (1993); Fehr and Tougareva (1995); Fehr and Falk (1999); Fehr, et al. (1998); Fehr, Gächter, and Kirchsteiger (1997)] and in the field [Falk (2007); Henning- Schmidt, et al. (2005); Bellemare and Shearer (2007)]

Gender and Ultimatum in Pakistan: Revisited

Razzaque (2009) studied the role of gender in the ultimatum game by running experiments on students in various cities in Pakistan. He used standard confirmatory data analysis techniques, which work well in familiar contexts, where relevant hypotheses of interest are known in advance. Our goal in this paper is to demonstrate that exploratory data analysis is much better suited to the study of experimental data where the goal is to discover patterns of interest. Our exploratory re-analysis of the original data set of Razzaque (2009) leads to several new insights. While we re-confirm the main finding of Razzaque regarding the greater generosity of males, additional analysis suggests that this is driven by student subculture in Pakistan, and would not generalise to the population at large. In addition, we find strong effect of urbanisation. Our exploratory data analysis also offers considerable additional insights into the learning process that takes place over the course of a sequence of games. JEL Classification: C78, C81, C91, J16 Keywords: Ultimatum Game, Gender Differences, Exploratory Data Analysi

Robb Garden Building

Final project from the EMGT 193/293 Building Information Modeling (BIM) course in the School of Engineering and Computer Science as part of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management degree. A student group designed and modeled a one-story building to house the Pacific Garden Program on campus

Microwave-assisted organic reactions-A comparative account.

In recent years, the focal point in chemical research is the development of environmentally friendly processes in terms of sustainable chemistry. Of particular importance is a reduction in the amount of solvents and hazardous substances and more efficient use of energy, microwave-assisted synthesis being one of them. In the electromagnetic spectrum, microwave radiation area is located between Infrared and Radio waves having a wave length in the range of 0.3mm to 0.5m corresponding to frequencies between 1 × 1012 - 6 × 108 Hz. In the laboratory, microwave instruments generate the waves corresponding to a wavelength of 12.2 cm and energy of 2.45 GHz, as per the international convention so that any interference with telecommunications and radar equipments is minimized. Microwaves are reflected off metal surfaces but pass through paper, glass, china ware and plastic ware. Hence these materials find extensive use as reaction vessels or utensils since microwaves are absorbed directly by the chemical species or food without affecting the container. Microwaves penetrate several centimeters deep into the material to be heated because of a high penetration power and the dissipation of energy results in a quick and even rise in temperature of the species. Microwave-assisted organic synthesis has blossomed into a useful technique and accelerations have been observed in a wide range of reactions. Microwaves have been successfully applied to combinatorial chemistry whereby synthesis of large numbers of molecules is achieved by varying combinations of molecular building blocks and permutations of modular components. Control of the desired selectivity (chemo, regio, stereo and enantioselectivity) is the most important objective in organic synthesis.The application of microwave irradiation involves the modifications of the reactivity as well as selectivity in relation to conventional heating.Digital copy of Thesis.University of Kashmir

Utility of iRat as a Tool to Identify Low Academic Performers in 1st Year MBBS with High Scores in Pre-Medical Examination

Objective: To identify low performers by utilizing individual readiness assurance test (i-RAT) scores in first year MBBS students using Team-based learning (TBL) strategy. Study Design: Cross sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Federal Medical College Islamabad from 10 January to 31 March 2022. Materials and Methods: TBL were introduced in 1 year MBBS. Six TBL activities were practiced by Anatomy Department during the 12-week respiratory and CVS course program. Premedical examination scores, first week individual readiness assurance scores and average i-RAT scores of 6 weeks were gathered. Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Difference in the first week i-RAT scores of three groups based on their premedical examination scores i.e., upper percentile group (A), middle percentile group (B) and lower percentile group (C). Each group comprised of 37 students, was calculated using One Way ANOVA Method. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to access strength and direction of linear association between premedical examination scores and i-RAT scores. The data was analyzed in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Results: High scorers in premedical examination (Group A) showed lowest scores in first week iRAT (i-RAT 1) and Average i-RAT when compared with group B and C with significant p value < 0.05. Significant increase was seen in progressive i-RAT scores in all 3 groups. Negative linear association (r= -0.2) was found between premedical examination scores and i-RAT 1 scores. A strong positive linear association with r= 0.54 was found between first i-RAT and average i-RAT scores. Conclusion: High achievers in premedical examinations struggled the most in 1 year of medicine

Establishment of a patient and public involvement and engagement group to support clinical trials in Pakistan: Initial lessons learned

Background: Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in clinical trials is increasingly recognized as vital for ensuring research relevance and accessibility. Despite its proven benefits, PPIE remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and more examples of effective strategies for involvement are needed. This commentary outlines the establishment of a PPIE group for clinical trials in a lower-middle-income country setting with limited research infrastructure. Main Body: We established Pakistan’s first ever PPIE group for clinical trials within a new clinical trials unit at Ziauddin University in Karachi. The objectives of our project were focused on group formation, redesign of informed consent documents for trials, and dissemination of trial results to the public. Recruitment strategies involved referrals from clinicians and existing collaborators as well as engagement at public events, distribution of advertising leaflets and social media posts. Ten potential members were selected based on motivation, commitment and ability to contribute critically, with six members continuing their involvement long-term. An existing tool designed to establish the access needs of public partners was adapted to our project to help us document and account for members’ expectations and support requirements. The process of using the tool enabled deep engagement, clarified roles, and fostered trust between coordinators and group members. Patient and public members gained confidence about the legitimacy of the project and felt more comfortable participating in the first group meeting. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of wide-ranging engagement efforts and transparent discussions about expectations to build effective collaborative relationships. Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a PPIE group for clinical trials in Pakistan and highlights strong public interest for research involvement. The use of a formal tool to document needs, prior experiences and expectations encouraged relationship-building and helped coordinators make relevant accommodations for members. This account contributes to the growing body of literature on effective PPIE practices, emphasizing the value of tailored support and transparent communication in facilitating meaningful public involvement in clinical trials

Diagnostic Accuracy of 3d Scan and Plain Radiograph in Diagnosis of Midface Fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of plain radiographs and 3D scan in diagnosis of mid face fractures by taking surgery findings as a gold standard. STUDY DESIGN: Cross Sectional Study SETTING: study was carried out at  Department of Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan. DURATION: Study was completed in 6 months from May, 2017 to  November 2017in Nishtar . Methodology: 181 Patients were included  from Department of Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan after taking informed consent and permission from ethical committee and research department. Demographic information of patients (name, age, gender, duration of  Fracture had taken. Patients from both gender with age range of 18-35 years having Maxillofacial trauma &lt; 10 days were included in this study and patients in which CT scan was contraindicated and those taken any surgical treatment for facial trauma were excluded in this study. Radiographic examination for the cranio-facial complex had performed for all patients followed by routinely and according to the needs of each  individual case. RESULTS: From 181 patients, the minimum age was 18 years and maximum age was 35 years. According to plain radiographs, fracture was detected in  88.4% patients. By using 3D scan, fracture was detected in 96.7% patients. Sensitivity of 3D scan for detection of fracture was calculated as 98.13%, specificity was 14.28%, positive predicted value was 89.71%, negative predicted value was 50% and diagnostic accuracy was 88.39%. CONCLUSION: Among 181 patients, fracture was detected in 88.4% patients by using plain radiographs. By using 3D scan, fracture was detected in 96.7% patients. Sensitivity of 3D scan for detection of fracture was calculated as 98.13%, specificity was 14.28%, positive predicted value was 89.71%, and diagnostic accuracy was 88.39%. Keywords: 3D scan, plain radiographs, mid face fractures DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/60-01 Publication date:October 31st 2019

Unraveling the ecotoxicological effects of micro and nano-plastics on aquatic organisms and human health

Plastic pollution ranks among the most severe environmental disasters caused by humans, generating millions of tonnes of waste annually. The extensive and unregulated use of plastics has led to ecotoxicity and environmental imbalance. Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in aquatic environments, and these MPs further degrade into even smaller particles known as nano-plastics (NPs). Both MPs and NPs impact the environment by readily absorbing organic pollutants and pathogens from their surroundings, owing to their bigger surface area to volume ratio. This review focuses on the source of origin, bioaccumulation, and potential impact of MPs and NPs on aquatic organisms and human health. Additionally, the review explores various methods employed for identification and quantification of these particles in aquatic ecosystems. Sufficient information is available on their characteristics, distributions, and effects on marine ecosystems compared with freshwater ecosystems. For plastic particles &lt;10 μm, more toxicological effects were observed compared with larger size particles, in aquatic life. Understanding the mechanism of action and ecotoxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on the health of aquatic life across various trophic levels, as well as human health, is of utmost importance. We address knowledge gaps and provide insights into future research approaches for a better understanding of the interactive mechanisms between binary pollutants.O