Bilateral J-Curves between Pakistan and Her Trading Partners

Earlier studies that investigated the J-Curve phenomenon for Pakistan employed aggregate trade data. These studies suffered from the “aggregation bias” problem. In order to overcome this constraint, this paper tests the effects of real exchange rate depreciation in the Pakistani Rupee on the bilateral trade balance between Pakistan and her 12 respective trade partners. These countries, together, account for almost half of Pakistan’s total trade. In order to differentiate between the long-run equilibrium and short-run disequilibrium dynamics, and also to deal with non-stationary data, the ARDL approach is used. The results do not provide any support for the standard J-curve phenomenon.J-Curve, Trade Balance, Marshall-Lerner Condition

Bilateral J-Curves between Pakistan and Her Trading Partners

Earlier studies that investigated the J-Curve phenomenon for Pakistan employed aggregate trade data. These studies suffered from the aggregation bias problem. In order to overcome this constraint, this paper tests the effects of real exchange rate depreciation in the Pakistani Rupee on the bilateral trade balance between Pakistan and her 12 respective trade partners. These countries, together, account for almost half of Pakistans total trade. In order to differentiate between the long-run equilibrium and short-run disequilibrium dynamics, and also to deal with non-stationary data, the ARDL approach isused. The results do not provide any support for the standard J-curve phenomenon.J-Curve, Trade Balance, Marshall-Lerner Condition

Report: Interactions and conflicts of interests between prescribers and medical sales representatives (MSRs) regarding prescribing and drug promotion practices in Karachi, Pakistan.

Pharmaceutical drug promotion practices are found to have potentially controversial ethical standards. They may compromise on patient's wellbeing especially when it inordinately affects the clinical care and patient's interests by influencing the prescribing behavior of physicians. There is no proper system to keep a watch on the drug marketing and promotion strategies by the pharmaceuticals in Pakistan. A cross sectional study using a specially designed questionnaire and convenience sampling was conducted in Karachi for 6 months targeting prescribers and medical sales representative (MSRs). A total of 600 MSRs and prescribers consented to participate. 66% of MSRs highlighted that prescribers follow ethical prescribing but only (58%) seek evidence base behind promoted drug. This was contradictory to prescribers' response to same, which was 87%. Only (10%) of prescribers acknowledged demanding expensive gifts such as laptops, ACs, furniture and renovation of the clinic which was about 40% according to MSRs. This study offered intricate insights into the MSR and physicians interactions. It highlighted various aspects of these relationships from both MSRs' and prescribers' point of view. Although majority of the physicians negated the notion of expecting expensive favors from the sales representatives, responses by MSRs suggest that anticipation of gifts and incentives exists on part of the physicians. This has the potential to indulge in unethical promotion and irrational prescribing on part of MSRs and prescribers respectively that may further contribute to untoward patient outcomes such as increased treatment costs and adverse drug reactions

Insect pest resistance: an alternative approach for crop protection

From experience with insect resistance caused by synthetic chemical insecticides, it is clear that no single management tactic can provide lasting solutions to the insect pest problem. Biological control is a component of integrated pest management strategies that minimize insecticide spray applications and move towards ecofriendly systems of pest management. Successful utilization of host plant resistance, phytochemical products, pheromones, biological control agents such as predators, parasitoids, entomopathogenic bacteria, virus, nematodes, and fungi can help to control many destructive pests to achieve sustainable crop protection

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for various quantitative and qualitative traits in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different quantitative and qualitative characters were studied in 64 genotypes of chilli. The study indicated the existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the traits under study. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for almost all the traits studied. The maximum range was recorded for fruit yield per plant (150-900 g) followed by vitamin-C content at red ripe stage (35.50 -207.17 mg/100g), vitamin-C content at green stage (24.93-195.83 mg/100g), capsanthin content (39.58-180.35ASTA units, number of fruits per plant (21.32-100.27) and plant height (50.20-105.00cm). The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability were observed for average fruit weight followed by seed yield per plant, average seed weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit diameter. In general the phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were slight higher than genotypic coefficients of variation GCV), which indicates the minor role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The estimates of heritability in broad sense was high for all the characters. The present investigation indicates a great scope of in the improvement of these traits as these characters in general possessed high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advancement except for days to first fruit set, days to first green fruit harvest, days to first ripe fruit harvest and dry matter content (high heritability but moderate genetic gain) indicating the preponderance of additive gene action for control of these traits

A roadmap to develop dementia research capacity and capability in Pakistan: a model for low- and middle-income countries

Objective To produce a strategic roadmap for supporting the development of dementia research in Pakistan. Background While global research strategies for dementia research already exist, none is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) like Pakistan. Methods We undertook an iterative consensus process with lay and professional experts to develop a Theory of Change-based strategy for dementia research in Pakistan. This included Expert Reference Groups (ERGs), strategic planning techniques, a “research question” priority survey, and consultations with Key Opinion Leaders. Results We agreed on ten principles to guide dementia research in Pakistan, emphasizing pragmatic, resource sparing, real-world approaches to support people with dementia, both locally and internationally. Goals included capacity/capability building. Priority research topics included raising awareness and understanding of dementia, and improving quality of life. Conclusion This roadmap may be a model for other LMIC health ecosystems with emerging dementia research cultures

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT HIGHER EDUCATION OF PAKISTAN

This study is about the support and services provided to the students with disabilities in higher education of Pakistan. One university of Islamabad with a national and international repute was selected as a case study. Twelve focus group discussions were carried out with 100 faculty members. The thematic analysis was done that helped to understand university teachers’ perceptions and experiences relating to facilitating students with disability. Major theme identified include understanding the concept of disability, services available to students, faculty members’ practices and need for a specified disability center. Recommendations are derived for higher education in Pakistan.  Article visualizations

SINGLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, CONTROL TRIAL OF A UNANI COMPOUND FORMULATION IN ILTEHAB TAJAWEEFE ANAF MUZMIN

Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the efficacy and tolerability of oral Unani formulations with inhalation of Kalonji and to provide safe, effective, and economical treatment for Iltehab Tajaweefe Anaf Muzmin (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]). Methods: A randomized single-blind, comparative study of 40 patients of CRS. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups each consisting of 20 patients. In Group A, oral Unani formulation of Katan (Linum usitatissimum), Filfil Siyah (Piper nigrum), and honey was given 6 g BD with steam inhalation of Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Tab Alaspan 1 BD with Karvol Plus inhalation was given in Group B. Results: Statistical analysis of the data was done using paired t test by comparing the visual analog scale score of all major and minor symptoms before and after treatment. The result is statistically highly significant in Group A (p<0.0001) and it is significant in Group B. (p<0.01). Conclusion: It may be concluded that the oral Unani formulation with inhalation of Kalonji has statistically highly significant effect on major and minor symptoms of CRS. A multicentric trial of the test drug on larger sample size for a longer duration is required to establish the efficacy of the formulation on CRS

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of E-Module on High-Alert Medications in Terms of Knowledge among Student Nurses in a Selected College of Nursing in Delhi

Introduction: Use of medications is central to modern healthcare, and nearly all patients visiting a hospitalwill receive one or more medicines during their hospital stay or upon discharge. Medication use is a complexprocess and includes intervention by several health personnel, for example, physicians, pharmacists,nurses and student nurses to ensure safety of the patient.1.High-alert medicines have been proven to besafe and effective when taken properly. But they can cause injury if a mistake happens while taking them.This means that it is vitally important to know about these medicines and take them exactly as intended.2Methodology: The research approach selected for the study was quantitative approach with pretestposttestdesign. Convenient sampling was used for the selection of 60 student nurses from Rufaida Collegeof Nursing to evaluate their knowledge on high-alert medications. The tool developed and used for datacollection was a structured knowledge questionnaire on high-alert medications to assess the knowledgeof student nurses on high-alert medications. E-module on high-alert medications was developed by theresearcher and administered to student nurses.Results: The present study revealed that the e-module was an effective method of teaching in nursing.The mean posttest knowledge score (44.03) was higher than the mean pretest knowledge score (30.23)with a mean difference of (13.8). It indicated gain in knowledge by the student nurses. The obtained meandifference was found to be statistically significant as evident from the ‘z’ value of 8.8193 at 0.05 level ofsignificance. There was no significant association between knowledge of student nurses on high-alertmedications with their selected demographic variables like age, educational qualification, percentage inclass attendance, marks obtained in previous exam, and area of domicile.Conclusion: E-module on high-alert medications was found to be effective in improving the knowledgeof student nurses on high-alert medications. There was significant difference found in the pretest andposttest mean scores of student nurses. It shows that the e-module on high-alert medications was effectivein enhancing the knowledge of student nurses on high-alert medications