Book Review

Organization Theory and the Public Sector: Instrument, Culture and Myth By Tom Christensen, Per Laegreid, Paul G. Roness, Kjell Arne Rovi

Prediction of Soil Macronutrients Using Machine Learning Algorithm

In this research work, machine learning algorithms were applied to find the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables for soil data analysis. The independent variables include moisture, temperature, soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity(CEC) whereas, the dependent variables include Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK). This research concludes relationships between Phosphorus, Potassium,  soil pH and CEC; Nitrogen and soil moisture and temperature using machine learning(ML) algorithms so as to deduce NPK content of soil. A comparative analysis with obtained results from each ML method is also presented. Machine learning algorithms are best performed on data with multiple independent variables. The values computed for nitrogen relationship were more accurate than PK relationship values. The accuracy of data set I was less than data set II. A large data set would produce more accurate results for both data sets

Diabetes and Inflammation; Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Diabetic Nephropathy in Rawalpindi

Objective: To determine the frequency of elevated C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetics and to compare the levels of C-reactive protein between people with diabetes and non-diabetics nephropathy among the population of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study Diabetic and Medical OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2019 to July 2019. A total of 150 patients who had type 2 diabetes, aged between 35 to 60 years, irrespective of gender, were included. Blood samples were collected for blood sugar random, fasting, renal function test, WBC count, and C-reactive protein. Urine samples were collected for the measurement of 24-hour urinary proteins. The presence or absence of proteinuria was used to categorize patients into two groups. Group A consisted of 58 patients with type 2 diabetes who did not have nephropathy, and Group B consisted of 92 patients with type 2 diabetes who had nephropathy (proteinuria greater than 30 mg/dl in 24 hours). Results: The mean age in our study was 49.41+7.66. Ninety-two patients (61.3%) presented with diabetic nephropathy. CRP levels (> 8200 ng/ml) were raised in 50 (54.3%) patients of group B and 19 (32.8%) patients of group A. The difference was statistically significant (p-value 0.010). Conclusion: This study showed a higher prevalence of raised CRP in type 2 diabetics with nephropathy. This reinforces the idea that low-grade inflammation has an essential role in the inception and evolution of diabetic renal disease

Doppler of Renal Segmental Artery Resistive Index in Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetic nephropathy affects 40 percent of patients with type I diabetes mellitus. It carries a poor prognosis when fully developed, where the estimated death rate is approximately 40-100 times that of non-diabetics. Vascular resistivity evaluation at multiple points of renal parenchyma can indicate structural or functional changes within the kidneys and can provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information. Objective: The goal of the research was to use renal artery Doppler to evaluate the mean renal resistivity index in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Methodology: The research was initiated with the approval of the University of Lahore Ethical Committee. In this study, all the patients were registered after signing the informed consent form. Toshiba Xario was used with a convex probe of frequency of 3-5 MHz. Renal Resistive Index (RRI) was evaluated and sonographic data was kept in the ultrasound unit. The Statistical package for Social Sciencies version 24 was used for analysing the data. Results: Among 97 patients, there were 66 females and 31 males of which 50 patients were with Diabetes and 47 were normal. In the result of our study it was seen that renal resistive index significantly increases in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusion: In  conclusion,  renal  resistive index (RRI) levels were high in patients with Diabetes Mellitus showing positive correlation of RRI values Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy, Renal resistive index, Chronic kidney disease DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/82-03 Publication date: November 30th 202

Spiritual Leadership in Organizational Context: A Research Gap in South Asia

There is an emerging research area related to vision, hope, faith and intrinsic motivation as ―spiritual leadership‖. Researchers are presently in quest of publication channels as knockers argue whether this novel leadership theory is ominously discrete, practical, and valued for organizational triumph. The purpose of this research was to find research studies that discovered ―spiritual leadership‖ theory to evaluate and produce the instruments, dimensions, consequences, and effects of ―spiritual leadership‖. Therefore, we pursued to offer an evidence well-versed solution that by what means ―spiritual leadership‖ work, and in what way can we put on it? We led a ―SLR‖ (Systematic Literature Review), an approach embraced from the medicinal disciplines to synthesize research in an organized, clear, and reproducible way. A well-organized screening procedure stemmed in an ultimate sample population of 62 fitting research studies. The synthesis of these empirical research studies shown: (a) there is no agreement on the definition of ―spiritual leadership‖ (b) The investigation discloses that there are merely three frequently cited (73%) dimensions which have been verified empirically by means of both Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. These are Altruistic Love, Hope and Faith proposed by Fry et al 2003; 2005; 2008 (Table 3). Rest of the 27% dimensions have been least tested empirically and cited. (c) Empirical authentication of ―spiritual leadership‖ models other than Fry 2003; 2005; 2008 which are contributing 27% of empirical and 75% of the conceptual/review studies needs to be done in establishments like schools, cities, police, military units, and for profit officialdoms with numerous sample dimensions for authentication of these models (d) ―Spiritual Leadership‖ theory is being examined crossways in a diversity of settings and cultures but there is a significant research gap in this area of research (where the Spiritual Leadership is being studied in organizational contexts) in South Asian countries including Pakistan India, and Sri Lanka etc. (e) ―spiritual leadership‖ is a practical leadership theory that aids organizations and mends the well-being of groups. This scholarship backs to the advancement of ―spiritual leadership‖ notion and practice. Also, this scholarship contributes to the practice for piloting Systematic Literature Reviews in the arena of management, stressing an operative process for plotting out thematically, and inspecting holistically, novel research themes

Revisiting Public Policy Making Process and Strategies in Pakistan: A Governance Perspective

The paper deliberates on the issue of public policy making process and strategies in the specific context of Pakistan in view of the universal call for good governance, efficient service delivery, accountability, participation and sound public policy making through empowering people and leveraging their potential in the process of governance. It emphasizes on the need for revisiting the public policy making process and strategies with a renewed interest at a time when strategy and policy instruments are being intensively debated in the wake of a plethora of economic, social, political and governance problems triggered by the tragic wave of terrorism, militancy and corruption in the country. The paper argues that existing process and strategies of policy making are quite generic, linear and mainstream which provide an overly simplistic and general understanding of the approach in which public policies are formulated. These define policy formulation merely a solution generating process which in turn solves some problems. This procedure consists of sequential steps which begins with identification of a problem, and completes with a set of actions to resolve the problem. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that real world of policy making is much more complex and intricate. Some notable competing approaches in this regard include the “advocacy framework” (Sabatiaer and Jenkins-Smith, 1999), “multiple stream framework” (Kingdons, 1984; Zahariadis, 2003), “rational-choice analysis” (Sharpf, 1997), “policy network approach” (Borzel, 1998; Thatcher, 1998; Howlett, 2002), “policy transfer perspective” (Dolowitz and Marsh, 1996), and “network governance” (Cross, Hesterly, and Borgatti, 1997). While all of the above competing frameworks offer competing explanations they are largely concentrated on pluralist cultures and the way policy choices are made. Therefore, it is challenging to elucidate by what means such frameworks explain policy making where the decision making is done in dictatorial settings i.e. in those countries which are politically independent but economically dependent on international financial institutions, who have elected governments but without people centric democracy, who gained independence from colonial rule but are still well-entrenched in colonial traditions, and whose intellectuals are highly educated and well- read but have captive mindset. To address the issue the paper suggests utilizing a network governance perspective with decentralized/bottom up approach for effective policy making in Pakistan and recommends ways towards effective public policy based on a realistic, context specific, collaborative and participative approach.&nbsp

Comparison of social support, depression and anger in diabetic and cardiac patients

Objective: The present study explores the role of social support, depression and anger among diabetic and cardiac patients. Method: This cross sectional study comprised of 200 patients who were selected through purposive sampling strategy from outpatient departments (Cardiology and Endocrinology) of Government hospitals of Lahore (Jinnah Hospital and Services Hospital) and Muridke (Tehsil Headquarter Hospital) from April 2015- September 2015. Cardiac patients were 101(Men=51, Women=50) and diabetic type II patients were 99 (Men= 50, Women= 49). Siddiqui-Shah Depression scale (SSDS), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) and Trait Anger and Expression Scale (TAES) were administered on the patients. Result: The findings revealed that cardiac patients exhibit higher level of depression and receive more social support than diabetic patients. Furthermore, results reveal that low social support is a significant negative predictor of anger and depression among diabetic and cardiac patients. Conclusion: On the basis of findings, it is concluded that social support is a significant factor in the treatment of diabetes and cardiac diseases. This research is helpful for hospital administration in the counseling/management of such patients. Continuous..

Frequency of Thyroid Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar

Objective: To determine the frequency spectrum of all thyroid lesions in terms of histopathological patterns presented to the Pathology Department of the Combined Military Hospital Peshawar. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar, from September 2015 to December 2020. A total of 235 thyroidectomy specimens, over a period of 5 years, were included in the study period. Information was collected on age, gender, clinical presentation, and histopathological diagnosis. Results: A total of 235 cases were studied over a period of five years, of which 188 (80%) were females and 47 (20%) were males, with a male to female ratio of 1:4. The patients’ ages ranged from 14 years to 85 years, with a mean age of 41 years, and the relative peak age of incidence was seen from 21 to 40 years of age. Total 193 cases (82.1%) belonged to the non-neoplastic category out of which adenomatous colloid goiter was the most common (180 cases, 93.3%). The neoplastic lesions (total cases 42) were 17.9% of all of the cases, out of which benign lesions i.e. adenoma comprised 20 cases (47.7%) and malignant lesions were 22 (52.3%). Among the malignant lesions papillary carcinoma was the most common (16 cases) comprising of 73% of all of the malignant lesions. Conclusion: Thyroid lesions are more common in females, with peak incidence in the second and third decades. The non-neoplastic lesions are more common, with the adenomatous goiter being most prevalent. In the neoplastic lesions, follicular adenoma constitutes the main lesion in the group of benign neoplasms and papillary carcinoma being the most common lesion among the malignant neoplasms

Immuno Histochemical Expression of CD10 OR CA19.9 in Urinary Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Objectives: To determine the frequency of immunohistochemical expression of CD10 and CA19.9 in patients with papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in accordance with the WHO 2004 grading of the tumor. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Foundation University Medical College Islamabad, from October 2017 to October 2018. Seventy-five patients from both genders, aged 40 to 80 years, undergoing trans urethral resection of bladder tumors to diagnose papillary urothelial bladder were included in our study. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 17. Immunohistochemical processing was performed and the results were interpreted by the consultant pathologist for the expression of CD10 and CA19.9 on transitional cell carcinoma with respect to the 2004 grading of the tumor. Results: age range in this study was from 40 to 80 years with a mean age of 52.60 ± 7.60 years. Out of these 75 patients, 39 (52.0%) were male and 36 (48.0%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. The frequency of positive expression of CD10 and CA19.9 on immunohistochemistry in patients with papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder was found in 41 (54.67%) and 39 (52.0%) cases, respectively. It was seen that positive CD10 expression was found in 12 (31.58%) low grade tumors and in 24 (63.16%) high grade tumors. Positive CA19.9 expression was found in 29 (78.38%) low grade tumors and 15 (40.54%) high grade tumors. Conclusion:  The study concluded that there was a slightly increased expression of CD10 in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder compared with CA19.9. However, high-grade urothelial carcinomas showed increased expression of CD10 in contrast to low-grade urothelial carcinomas, which revealed increased positive expression of CA19.9.