The Effect of Organizational Context on Quality Management in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises of Pakistan

Most of the literature available on quality management (QM) and ISO 9000 in Pakistan is in the form of case studies, conceptual papers, descriptions and prescriptions. The main focus of the study was to identify critical factors for effective implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) and ISO 9000 certification, so that by managing these critical factors of QM, SMEs of Pakistan could flourish in a competitive world market. This research was an empirical attempt to investigate the relationship between organisational quality context (OQC) and level of quality management (LQM), using data from 94 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Sample constituted 32 sports, 31 leather, and 30 surgical SMEs while one enterprise was involved in both sports and leather goods manufacturing. The Chronbach's coefficient alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to measure the internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the six main constructs of the measuring instrument. Descriptive statistics and Pearson-coefficient of correlation gave a feel of the data that further helped to examine the current status of the SMEs towards their OQC. The results indicated that the entrepreneurs were not well aware of the basic concepts of QM and ISO 9000 certifications. Similarly, it was found that the financial position of the SMEs was not good, however, the entrepreneurs were supportive to get ISO 9000 certification for their enterprises despite their poor financial position. Furthermore, descriptive statistics indicated that entrepreneur's perceptions towards the government assistance program (GOVT) to overcome financial constraints (GOVTF) and to increase awareness about QM and ISO 9000 certification (GOVTA) among the SMEs of Pakistan were very poor. Data were further analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM), multiple regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. Using SEM, four competing models were developed based on the theoretical framework. Comparison of these competing models illustrated that management commitment (COM) was the most important factor affecting LQM in SMEs which was also supported by the findings from the multiple regression analysis, while COM was significantly affected by the financial position of the SMEs (FINAN), and GOVT. Results of one-way ANOVA indicated that the age of the SMEs and the process of ISO 9000 certification were the two significant factors affecting LQM. In other words the older the firm higher the LQM. Similarly, the SMEs at the advance stages of getting ISO 9000 certification were having better LQM as compared to those with no certification or those at initial stages of the process of certification.Overall findings revealed that OQC had a significant impact on LQM in SMEs. Research presented the outcomes in the fonn of an implementation framework, constructed through the use of practical guidelines, the key steps of which have been validated and supported empirically. This empirical study suggested that knowledge of OQC is useful for explaining and predicting quality management practices (QMPs). This study is the first empirical attempt at studying QM in SMEs (leather, sports and surgical) of Pakistan and would be a step further in synthesising the theory of QM and also a good contribution to the existing literature on QM and ISO 9000 certification in SMEs of developing economies

HETERODIMERIZATION BETWEEN CHEMOKINE RECEPTORS CXCR4 AND CCR7 AND ITS ROLE IN CANCER

In physiology, the functional and physical interactions between cell surface receptors for signal molecules such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines, provides an important mechanism of diversity and regulation of signal transduction. Therefore, investigating the functional interactions between these receptors is of great importance for understanding their role in physiology and pathophysiology with potential application in drug discovery. In this context, numerous evidences support the implication of two chemokine receptors, CXCR4 and CCR7, in many cancer types. In this study, we hypothesized that the functional, and perhaps the physical interaction, occurring between CXCR4 and CCR7 may constitute one of the key molecular mechanisms of their implication in cancer. Therefore, we investigated such CXCR4-CCR7 interaction in vitro using different cell lines endogenously (HepG2, MDA-MB231, and HT-29) or transiently (human embryonic kidney (HEK 293)) co-expressing the two receptors. For this, RT-PCR was used for the analysis of the relative expression of CXCR4 and CCR7. Moreover, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology in live cells combined with SDS-PAGE followed by western blot were applied to study the possible impact of CXCR4-CCR7 interaction on their signaling pathways inside the cells. Our results showed differential expression of the CXCR4 and CCR7 in the different cell lines. More importantly, we revealed an interesting pharmacological and signaling fingerprint supporting the existence of a functional CXCR4-CCR7 interaction. This was mainly characterized by the cross-inhibition of both receptor/G protein coupling as well as receptor/β-arrestin pathway between CXCR4 and CCR7 with an inhibitory impact on the intracellular kinase activation and cell viability. Whether such observations were due to the physical CXCR4-CCR7 interaction (heterodimerization) or simply to an intracellular crosstalk, this needs further investigation. Our study sheds more light on the relationship between CXCR4 and CCR7 and their implication in cell signaling with potential implication in cancer. This may open new perspectives to develop alternative therapeutics by considering the existence of the functional interaction between CXCR4-CCR7 in vitro

Relation of corporate governance with financial performance

The intention of the work is to prove that corporate governance is essential to uninterrupted operation of any corporation, while more consideration to the process such that governance. Hence it is transparent what is commonly intermediate by corporate governance. This work proves a link with the corporate governance and firm financial performance in insurance industry of Pakistan. It included three variables which are Audit committee independence, board independence and CEO duality for corporate governance. The degree of firm's performance is limited by return on equity and asset. This work gives a positive direction for exploring this concept

PROFICIENT AUTOMATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(PALMS): A NEW MODEL FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN.

The basic objective of this study is to provide a detailed perspective of current situation of public libraries workings and procedures in Karachi (Pakistan) and propose automation strategy with implementation strategy. The study elaborates on the needs of automated library management system components ideally packaging into an ALMS. Differences between available library management system(s) and proposed ALMS have been highlighted as well. This study recommends the development as well as implementation architectures, development technologies, database platforms, required human resources, and Infrastructure (i.e. servers, client machines etc.) for ALMS as a preferred system for public libraries in Karachi,Pakistan.In this study we have proposed a new model for public libraries that refocuses them on the vital task of knowledge management coherent within their communities by way of forming a hub for sharing and disseminating pertinent knowledge. A multi-layered architecture has been proposed for managing information on both local and global levels by creating a connection among multiple instances of system via internet. Statistical data collected by surveying thirty public libraries all over Karachi played a pivotal role in the proposed system design. Different aspects of the system has been identified, quantified and grouped into robust and flexible modules to facilitate the common interactions with the application. The system incorporates modules as pluggable and/or reusable components using MVC design pattern to ease the process of adding, modifying, and/or deleting modules without affecting the integrity of the system. The system features an extremely fast NoSQL database for local storage for real time and offline search (while internet is down). All local databases are combined to form a global database to facilitate the passive users (book readers) of the system. The system also defines four different user-views to provide multi-level access of either the local or global database to its users. Since the horizon of technology is very fragmented, the system is designed to be extremely portable by using Electron framework which enables the application to cover all major platforms Windows, Linux, and Macintosh which are most widely used Operating systems by Institutions

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is the most severe form of drug-induced skin reaction and includes denudation of >30% of total body surface area. The mechanism of disease is not completely understood, but immunologic mechanisms, cytotoxic reactions, and delayed hypersensitivity seem to be involved. Drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis (TENS), also known as Lyell’s syndrome, remains one of the most dramatic dermatological emergencies characterized by extensive destruction of epidermis and mucosal epithelia that often can be caused by drugs. TEN affects between 0.4 and 1.5 cases per million people every year with a mortality rate between 15% to 40%, with a large portion of patients dying from infections or multi-organ failure.1-4 The pathogenesis of drug-induced TEN is unknown, although several theories have been developed. Recent discoveries have shown that keratinocytes in TEN undergo apoptosis, not simply necrosis.5,6 Further research has elucidated that this apoptosis can be induced by interactions between cell surface death receptor Fas and its ligand, FasL or CD95L. The management of these patients is primarily supportive, although the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been widely used with controversy. We report a case of risperidone induced toxic epidermal necrolysis with excellent response to corticosteroid

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION OF SUPPORT STAFF IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

The purpose of current study was to investigate about the job performance and job satisfaction of support staff working in academic libraries of Lahore. Supporting staff is performing many imperative duties in academic libraries and their role in libraries is very important. The objective of current study was to investigate the job performance through job satisfaction, to test relationship between job performance and job satisfaction and to investigate the moderating effect of hurdles in work between job satisfaction and job performance. Quantitative approach was adopted and survey method was used to achieve the objective of the study. Questionnaire with Urdu translation was prepared to collect the data. Data was collected by visiting personally, through email and google form was also developed to collect the data. Higher Education Commission recognized academic universities of Lahore offering higher education programs was the population of current research. Participant of this study was supporting staff including “data entry operators, library assistants, library clerks, junior assistants, computer operators and shelvers etc.” those were performing their duties in government, semi-government and private sector universities main libraries of Lahore. Data was analyzed by using SPPS 22 version. The findings of this study revealed that supporting staff performing the duties in many major areas of library, like, Circulation, Technical, Cataloguing, Serial Management etc. The results showed positive impact of job satisfaction on job performance, but relationship between job satisfaction and performance found weak. The moderator like, low connectivity, down of computer, domestic issue, office environment effects the job performance of support staff

Exploring the Usage of Information Technology for Library Automation

Abstract The basic objective of this research study is to provide a detailed perspective of the current scenario of public libraries workings and procedures in Karachi (Pakistan) and propose automation with an implementation strategy. The study elaborates on the needs of automated library management system components ideally packaging into an ALMS. Differences between the available library management system(s) and proposed ALMS have been highlighted as well. This study recommends the development as well as implementation architectures, development technologies required human resources, and Infrastructure (i.e. servers, client machines, etc.) for ALMS as a preferred system for public libraries in Karachi. In this study, we have proposed a new model for public libraries that refocuses them on the vital task of knowledge management coherent within their communities by way of forming a hub for sharing and disseminating pertinent knowledge. A multi-layered architecture has been proposed for managing information on both local and global levels by creating a connection among multiple instances of the system via the internet. Statistical data collected by surveying thirty public libraries all over Karachi played a pivotal role in the proposed system design. Different aspects of the system have been identified, quantified and grouped into robust and flexible modules to facilitate the common interactions with the application. The system incorporates modules as pluggable and/or reusable components using the MVC design pattern to ease the process of adding, modifying, and/or deleting modules without affecting the integrity of the system. The system features an extremely fast NoSQL database for local storage for real-time and offline search (while the internet is down). All local databases are combined to form a global database to facilitate the passive users (book readers) of the system. The system also defines four different user-views to provide multi-level access of either the local or global database to its users. Since the horizon of technology is very fragmented, the system is designed to be extremely portable by using Electron framework which enables the application to cover all major platforms Windows, Linux, and Macintosh which are most widely used Operating systems by Institutions

Barriers for the Adoption of Professional Development Courses (PDCs) in Public Sector University Libraries

Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the major problems of Library Professionals working in the academic libraries of public sector universities regarding participation in Professional Development Courses (PDCs). Methodology: Public sector Universities affiliated with Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, located in Lahore, Pakistan were the target population. The Census sampling technique was adopted to accomplish the objectives of the conducted study. 67 respondents participated in the study. A quantitative research technique was used in the study. A self-created questionnaire was used to collect the data. Key Findings: The findings of the study revealed that a good number of respondents were willing to participate in development activities. But, due to numerous hurdles included shortage of library staff, poor allocation of budget for development activities and non-interesting attitude of organizational administration towards the professional development of Library professionals were the major barriers towards professional development activities. Rationale and Significance: Past literature indicated that no study was conducted covering the objective of barriers in professional development. No researcher made the proper investigation in the local scenario. It was highly desired to explore the barriers in participating in professional development activities in the local context. Implication: This study would contribute to the professional literature. It will also assist policy makers to take initiatives for the capacity building of library professionals

Formulation and stability of topical water in oil emulsion containing corn silk extract

Purpose: To formulate the water in oil (W/O) emulsion of corn silk (CS) extract and to evaluate its stability at various storage conditions.Methods: Ethanol CS extract was prepared using maceration (cold) technique. A 4 % CS emulsion was prepared using varying concentrations of liquid paraffin, ABIL EM90 and water. The formulations were kept at 25 oC for 28 days and to screen out the less stable formulations. The remaining formulations were further stressed at 40 oC to choose the most stable formulation. The optimized formulation was evaluated for physical characteristics including phase separation, rheology and mean droplet size. The physical stability of the formulation was evaluated by monitoring these parameters over a period of 12 weeks at 8, 25, 40 and 40 oC, and 75 % RH.Results: The chosen formulation showed good resistance to phase separation on centrifugation under all storage conditions. Rheological behavior followed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic pattern at various storage conditions. Mean droplet size of freshly prepared formulation was 2.98 ± 1.32 μm and did not show significant (p < 0.05) changes at normal storage conditions (8 and 25 oC).Conclusion: The findings indicate that the developed CS extract W/O emulsion is stable and therefore may be suitable for topical use on skin as an antioxidant preparation.Keywords: Corn silk, Emulsion, Nonionic surfactant, Rheology, Flow index, Droplet size, Non-Newtonian pseudoplasti