Pakistan's trade competitiveness & complementarities in South Asia

Over the past decade Pakistan remained involved in two major trade agreements with in the South Asia (Pakistan & Sri-Lanka FTA and SAFTA). It is meaningful from an operational and policy perspective to evaluate Pakistan's trade performance in South Asia against its objectives of greater trade integration and suggest policy interventions to improve its effectiveness. In order to achieve this objective, current study evaluates the Pakistan’s overall and chapter-wise trade performance with SAARC major SAARC economies for the last seven years (2003-09). This study has been disaggregated into two parts: In the first part of the study, an assessment of trade performance of SAARC members is carried out with respect to the rest of the world. Pakistan's trade performance vis-à-vis other SAARC members is the focus of this part. In the second part Pakistan’s trade performance in South Asia has been analyzed and policy interventions have been suggested to improve its effectiveness. Certain trade indicators like Trade Complementarity Index (TCI), Trade Specialization Index (TSI), Grubel Lloyd Index (GLI), Revealed Comparative Analysis (RCA), Bilateral Revealed Comparative Analysis BRCAs and Revealed Market Access (RMA) have been employed to achieve the above objectives.International Trade, Regionalism

The role of greulich and pyle method in age estimation from left hand plain x-rays

Objective: To determine whether the Greulich and Pyle (G&P) atlas is applicable to populations of different ethnicity.Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Institute Rehabilitation Medicine during 2017.  Total 100 left hand and wrist radiographs were assessed using GP atlas for age estimation using non-probability consecutive sampling technique.ean Chronological age (CA) and Skeletal age (SA) were calculated for each group and any significant differences between the two were established through two- tailed, paired t-test. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.Results: Total of 100 patients with left hand and wrist x-rays were included (50 males, 50 females). Analysis showed a strong correlation between Chronological age (CA) and Estimated age (skeletal age) with a p <0.001. The mean difference between chronological age and skeletal age was .31050 years and std. Deviation 1.06866 respectively; p-values < 0.001. However, a strong significant positive correlation (r = .980; p-values, 0.001) was noted between chronological age and skeletal age in both the genders.Conclusion: GP atlas can be used for age estimation to Islamabad Rawalpindi population but would recommend that differences highlighted are to be taken in to consideration for over- and under-aging

Furin and the adaptive mutation of SARS-COV2: A computational framework

SARS-2 virus has reached its most harmful mutated form and has damaged the world's economy, integrity, health system and peace to a limit. An open problem is to address the release of antibodies after the infection and after getting the individuals vaccinated against the virus. The viral fusion process is linked with the furin enzyme and the adaptation is linked with the mutation, called D614G mutation. The cell-protein studies are extremely challenging. We have developed a mathematical model to address the process at the cell-protein level and the delay is linked with this biological process. Genetic algorithm is used to approximate the parametric values. The mathematical model proposed during this research consists of virus concentration, the infected cells count at different stages and the effect of interferon. To improve the understanding of this model of SARS-CoV2 infection process, the action of interferon (IFN) is quantified using a variable for the non-linear mathematical model, that is based on a degradation parameter gamma. This parameter is responsible for the delay in the dynamics of this viral action. We emphasize that this delay responds to the evasion by SARS-CoV2 via antagonizing IFN production, inhibiting IFN signaling and improving viral IFN resistance. We have provided videos to explain the modeling scheme

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Gallic Acid Analogues as Potential Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Agents

A series of fifteen novel gallic acid esters (7a-o) was synthesized and structure was confirmed by spectral data. Antibiotic power of compounds was assessed against a panel of ten microbes while antioxidant activity was gauged by employing DPPH, ABTS and antilipid peroxidation assays. It was found that in comparison to lead, many of the synthesized derivatives implied much improved broad spectrum antimicrobial effect. Most effective compound found was 7c specifically against resistant gram-negative strains such as P. aeruginosa, E. coli and E. aerogenes. Potent antioxidant capacity was exhibited by7a and 7d in electron transfer assays while 7j and 7c provided maximum shielding against lipid peroxidation. Structure-activity analysis revealed that analogues with electron -withdrawing substituent particularly chloro group stand out as much better antibiotic agent. This study suggests that halogenated gallic acid analogues might be promising pharmacological candidates in view of further drug development. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

A creative alliance between learner autonomy and English language learning: Pakistani University teachers’ beliefs

Learner autonomy has been a focus of research for last three decades. Not only the nature of phenomenon was investigated but also its role in foreign language learning attracted researchers’ interests. The present paper examines the mutual creative relationship between learner autonomy and target foreign language acquisition. Following an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs of 16 university teachers of English language teaching in four public sector universities of province Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed a close creative connection between learner autonomy and English language learning. Teachers believed that autonomy in learners accelerates language learning. Major aspects of learner autonomy were reported fulfilling the perceived needs of foreign language learning. The study implied that fostering of autonomy in learners accelerates target language proficiency. Santrauka Studento autonomijai dėmesys skiriamas tris pastaruosius dešimtmečius. Buvo ne tik nagrinėjamas reiškinio pobūdis, tyrėjų interesus taip pat patraukė jo vaid muo, mokantis užsienio kalbų. Šiame straipsnyje analizuojamas abipusis kūrybinis santykis tarp studento autonomijos ir įvaldytos užsienio kalbos objekto. Remiantis interpretavimo paradigma, šiame kokybiniame tyrime naudojamasi pusiau struktūruotais interviu, siekiant išsiaiškinti 16-os anglų kalbos universiteto dėstytojų nuomones keturiuose viešojo sektoriaus Pandžabo (Pakistanas) provincijos universitetuose. Rezultatai atskleidė glaudų kūrybinį ryšį tarp studento autonomijos ir anglų kalbos mokymosi. Dėstytojai buvo įsitikinę, kad studentų autonomija spartina kalbos mokymąsi. Buvo paskelbta, kad pagrindiniai studentų autonomijos aspektai atitiko pastebėtus poreikius mokantis užsienio kalbos. Tyrimas atskleidė, kad studentų autonomijos skatinimas spartina pagrindinių kalbos įgūdžių įgijimą. Reikšminiai žodžiai: anglų kalbos mokymasis, anglų kalbos dėstymas, kalbos besimokančiojo savybės, studento autonomija, studento motyvacija

CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC’S) SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON PAKISTAN

CPEC being a mega project of the recent era not only in South Asia but throughout the world. CPEC is going to take place between Pakistan and China by bringing enormous economic betterment and lifestyle changes for the people living in Pakistan. Both countries, China and Pakistan are agreed to build one road one belt which is commonly known as China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the intentions to bring peace and prosperity as well as to enhance business activities by promoting trade with each other and with rest of the world, which will directly affect on economic growth. Being a mega economic project for both countries it will bring prosperity and economic stability. It will enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure (road, railway and telecommunication), overcome energy crises, develop trade, modernize and develop agriculture and manufacturing industry and mutual connectivity between people of both countries which is a very important factor for trade. China being the strongest economy of the present day will support the new economically arising country (Pakistan). China will pull Pakistan from the crises by applying modern technology and high financial support, which every country faces during the difficult time of raising its economy. This study helps to overlook and analyze the benefits of CPEC for the people of Pakistan. Keywords: China Pakistan Economic Corridor, One Belt One Road, Gwadar, Socio-Economic Developmen

Effectiveness of the Campus FM Radios for the Promotion of Formal Education and Awareness among Pakistani Youths

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the mottos of public sector universities effect the transmission of campus radio. The researcher is intended to know under the light of social responsibility theory whether these universities are using these radios for training of students merely or they are using them as a source to transmit their motto among students alongside. Also, does the content following the principles set forth by these universities in their slogans? For the purpose of in-depth inquiry, the researcher hypothesized that universities FMs are influenced by their motto and they are transmitting certain type of content. The researcher also hypothesized that the campus radios of formal education-based universities are less influenced by the motto and vice versa. The bi-angulations method was used to test the hypothesis. Interviews of famous radio personalities were conducted to know the real purpose of campus radios and content analysis of respective radios’ content to learn more about the nature of their transmission. Finally, the researcher found that the campus radios are providing training to students but they do not promote the motto of their universities. For reliability of research, statistical tests were used for accurate calculation of facts. K-sample t-test was applied to cross analyze the study. In the end, all hypothesis set forth by researcher were approved in the end. This study suggests future researcher to analyze other campus radios stations of Pakistan and extend the scope of the study to overall community broadcast in Pakistan

Online assessments during COVID-19 pandemic - A paradigm shift in educational strategy

Objectives: Covid-19 pandemic has instigated changes in the teaching and assessment practices of institutions in many parts of the world, resulting not only in online teaching but also online assessments. The present study analyzes the perceptions of students regarding the first online assessments conducted at a medical college in Pakistan. Methodology: This Mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted in Wah Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July to November 2020. The questionnaire was developed after collaboration of the authors and review of the pertinent literature on online examinations. Universal sampling was done and all students of WMC were invited to participate in the study. Data collection was done by google forms and analysis was performed on SPSS. Results: Students from all five years of the MBBS program participated almost equally in the study. Students of 1st, 3rd and 4th year were not contented with their performance in online exams whereas students of 2nd and 5th year were satisfied. Most students considered technological issues as a basis of their poor performance and proposed technical training before online exams. They also provided suggestions related to improvement of examination formats and tools. Conclusion: Majority of the students found the online assessment more effective and helpful in improving their performance in exams. Student perceptions provided valuable insights for improving the online examinations system at Wah Medical College. Key words: Online Assessments, Medical education, e-assessments, student perceptions, Higher Education institute

Online assessments during COVID-19 pandemic - A paradigm shift in educational strategy

Objectives: Covid-19 pandemic has instigated changes in the teaching and assessment practices of institutions in many parts of the world, resulting not only in online teaching but also online assessments. The present study analyzes the perceptions of students regarding the first online assessments conducted at a medical college in Pakistan. Methodology: This Mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted in Wah Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July to November 2020. The questionnaire was developed after collaboration of the authors and review of the pertinent literature on online examinations. Universal sampling was done and all students of WMC were invited to participate in the study. Data collection was done by google forms and analysis was performed on SPSS. Results: Students from all five years of the MBBS program participated almost equally in the study. Students of 1st, 3rd and 4th year were not contented with their performance in online exams whereas students of 2nd and 5th year were satisfied. Most students considered technological issues as a basis of their poor performance and proposed technical training before online exams. They also provided suggestions related to improvement of examination formats and tools. Conclusion: Majority of the students found the online assessment more effective and helpful in improving their performance in exams. Student perceptions provided valuable insights for improving the online examinations system at Wah Medical College. Key words: Online Assessments, Medical education, e-assessments, student perceptions, Higher Education institute