BARRIERS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF E-BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN PAKISTAN

The current research investigates the Barriers in implementation of E-Business Technologies in Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Data were collected from 2000 respondents by using simple random technique. A structural questionnaire was developed for the data collection and reliability and validity of data. It was revealed that most of the SMEs business owners are not familiar in using internet and in many cases they are not computer literate. It was further revealed that Government should provide some basic computer training to the Small and Medium Enterprises so they will able to use computer. The proper implementation of E-Business technologies in SMEs in Pakistan, Government and other related agencies can initiate E-Business in SMEs to achieve competitive edge

Stability Analysis of Charged Rotating Black Ring

We study the electromagnetic field equation along with the WKB approximation. The boson tunneling phenomenon from charged rotating black ring(CRBR) is analyzed. It is examined that reserve radiation consistent with CRBR can be computed in general by neglecting back reaction and self-gravitational of the radiated boson particle. The calculated temperature depends upon quantum gravity and CRBR geometry. We also examine the corrected tunneling rate/probability of boson particles by assuming charge as well as energy conservation laws and the quantum gravity. Furthermore, we study the graphical behavior of the temperature and check the stability and instability of CRBR.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, version accepted for publication in Symmetr

The Socıo-Economıc Impact of Ngos Development on Benefıcıarıes ın Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provınce (Kp) of Pakıstan

This study focuses on the analysis of socio-economic impacts of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) development on beneficiaries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of Pakistan. In order to accomplish the task, the qualitative method has been adopted based on the triangulation method in the study. Three fundamental approaches comprising of Regime Theory, Agency Theory, and Theory of Change have been applied to examine the role of NGOs. The findings illustrated a fact that NGO in KP are the root of improving the standard of living of beneficiaries who are poor and socially separated. In opposition, some adverse impacts of these NGOs were found during the 9/11 incident when the beneficiaries were socially divided and poorly developed. However, these impacts do not take over the positivity of NGOs development in KP including the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) and such kinds of other NGOs

Yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy in cancer of unknown primary

Objectives: Carcinoma of unknown primary origin (CUP) is heterogeneous group of cancers. Role of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in this entity is under investigated. Aim of this study was to evaluate yield of Colonoscopy and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in localizing primary tumor in patients with CUP. METHODOLOGY: Patients with histopathologically proven CUP who underwent colonoscopy / EGD to find the primary tumor from December 2009 to December 2011 were included in the study. Abdominal symptoms and cytokeratin (CK) 7 and 20 markers were correlated with presence of primary in GI tract. Results: After giving informed consent 86 patients were included in final analysis. All patients underwent colonoscopy while 60(70%) got EGD along with colonoscopy. Mean age was 55.10 +/-11.94 years with 52(60%) male. Abdominal symptoms were present in 50%. CK7+/CK20- in 34(40%); CK7-/CK20+ in 2(2%) while CK7+/20+ in 7(8%) of metastatic tumor samples. Liver was metastatic site in 47(55%), Lymph node 12(14%) and Ascites in 8(9%). Endoscopy detected primary in 6 (7%) patients with 3 each in stomach and colon. No association of abdominal symptoms and cytokeratin markers was found with presence of GI primary site. CONCLUSION: Yield of localizing primary lesion in the GI tract by pan-endoscopy was limited. Abdominal symptoms and cytokeratin markers do not predict presence of gastrointestinal malignancies

Impact of CSR, Quality of Work Life and Organizational Structure on Employee’s Performance in Pakistan

The trends of organizations are changing and demanding satisfied employees rather than dissatisfied employees. This paper provides factors through which employee’s performance can be increased to achieve organizational goals and objectives. To attract the motivated employees and building relations, CSR can perform for society which will change the thoughts of stakeholders. Quality of work life has impact on organization’s effectiveness which is essential for firms to be healthy and productive. Firms should adopt employee oriented policies which satisfies them to achieve organizational objectives. This study also indicates that effective organizational structure is necessary for improving the performance of employees and the organization. The structure is a source of success or failure because it empowers the employee which will increase the sense of responsibility. For the improvement in the organization and removing stress of the employees management must consider the hygiene factors to motivate the employees. The conceptualized work is conducted which is proved through evidence. For further study statistical analysis can be done for confirmation of the hypothesis

Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Associated Factors among Female Migrants in the United Arab Emirates

Vitamin D is important for bone health, and vitamin D deficiency could be linked to noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated risk factors among female migrants from Philippines, Arab, and South Asian countries residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We used a cross-sectional study to recruit a random sample (N = 550) of female migrants aged 18 years and over in the city of Al Ain, UAE. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations ≤20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. The mean age of participants was 35 years (SD ± 10). The overall prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency was 67% (95% CI 60–73%), with the highest rate seen in Arabs (87%), followed by South Asians (83%) and the lowest in Filipinas (15%). Multivariate analyses showed that low physical activity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.59; 95% CI 1.98, 10.63), having more than 5 years duration of residence in the UAE (aOR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.31, 16.53) and being obese (aOR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.04, 12.20) were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency, after controlling for age and nationality. In summary, vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among female migrants, especially Arabs and South Asians. It is crucial that health professionals in the UAE become aware of this situation among this vulnerable subpopulation and provide intervention strategies aiming to rectify vitamin D deficiency by focusing more on sun exposure, physical activity, and supplementation

Response of Financial Markets to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Literature on Stock Markets

The objective of this research is to consolidate the literature published on the COVID-19 crisis impact on global stock markets to gain managerial implications from the crisis. It performs a thematic bibliometric review of the literature published in Scopus-ranked journals since the beginning of the pandemic using FCWI, Piecharts, and VOSViewer. It identifies the most under-researched regions and eight emerging sub-themes. The research finds that the benchmark theme is market behavior during the COVID-19 crisis, whereas an emerging benchmark theme is the markets after the COVID-19 crisis. The holistic view of the literature supporting eight sub-themes suggests that the government's role is of utmost importance to handle the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, which should be industry-specific. It identifies that all eight sub-themes of the research are the future research directions in all and specifically in the South American, African, South East Asian, and Oceania regions till the crisis continues. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-03 Full Text: PD

Production system and challenges of saline aquaculture in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan

IntroductionLack of data about saline aquaculture in Pakistan has curtailed informed policy and investment decision making resulting in undervaluation of and underinvestment in the sector. Therefore, saline aquaculture in Pakistan is today an underdeveloped sector despite its potential as an alternative livelihood for the country's rural farmers. This study represents one of the initial exploratory investigations into saline aquaculture systems in Pakistan, aiming to comprehend the existing sectoral landscape, production challenges, post-harvest constraints, and the associated capacity and investment needs.MethodsThe study employed purposive sampling to survey 121 low-income saline aquaculture farmers across five districts of Southern Punjab and Sindh provinces. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe results revealed that the saline aquaculture sector is predominantly male-centric, with agricultural land utilized for both agriculture and aquaculture purposes. Ponds, which usually serve multiple functions, focus primarily on carp production, but adherence to good management practices remains limited. Farmers face various challenges, including the high costs of feed and seeds, freshwater scarcity, inadequate technical knowledge, and marketing issues.Discussion and conclusionThis study serves as a foundational assessment, addressing data and information gaps crucial for supporting the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in Pakistan. To facilitate such development, the study recommends initiating programs to strengthen technical skills in saline aquaculture, together with the establishment of hatcheries and breeding stations for saline-tolerant species, aiming to reduce dependence on freshwater species in saline pond environments