Application and advantage of functional magnetic resonance imaging and blood oxygen level dependant (BOLD) imaging modality

The objective of the study was to introduce the availability of bold imaging facility at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi for the first time in Pakistan and also to review the practical application and advantages of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and blood oxygen level dependant (BOLD) Imaging Procedures. The study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from August 2008 to November 2008 .Three patients were selected that had presented with intracranial space occupying lesions. They underwent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The findings of the images were important to describe and localize the eloquent brain areas and their relationship to the underlying pathology. In conclusion this study reflected the significance of the Blood Oxygen Level Dependant (BOLD) imaging modality that can help in improved outcome of patients presenting with intracranial space occupying lesions

Detection of BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations in CD34+ cells from newly diagnosed chronic phase CML patients and their association with imatinib resistance

BCR-ABL kinase domain (KD) mutations, the most common cause of imatinib resistance, are infrequently detected in newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients. Recent studies indicate pre-existing mutations (PEMs) can be detected in a higher percentage of CML patients using CD34+ stem/progenitor cells, and these mutations may correlate with imatinib resistance. We investigated KD mutations in CD34+ stem cells from 100 CP-CML patients by multiplex ASO-PCR and sequencing ASO-PCR products at the time of diagnosis. PEMs were detected in 32/100 patients and included F311L, M351T, and T315I. After a median follow-up of 30 months (range 8-48), all patients with PEMs exhibited imatinib resistance. Of 68 patients without PEMs, 24 developed imatinib resistance. Mutations were detected in 21 of these patients by ASO-PCR and KD sequencing. All 32 patients with PEMs had the same mutations. In imatinib-resistant patients without PEMs, we detected F311L, M351T, Y253F, and T315I mutations. All imatinib-resistant patients without T315I and Y253F mutations responded to imatinib dose escalation. In conclusion, BCR-ABL PEMs can be detected in a substantial number of CP-CML patients when investigated using CD34+ stem/progenitor cells. These mutations are associated with imatinib resistance, and mutation testing using CD34+ cells may facilitate improved, patient-tailored treatment

Petrographic characterization to build an accurate rock model using micro-CT: Case study on low-permeable to tight turbidite sandstone from Eocene Shahejie Formation

Pore scale flow simulations heavily depend on petrographic characterizing and modeling of reservoir rocks. Mineral phase segmentation and pore network modeling are crucial stages in micro-CT based rock modeling. The success of the pore network model (PNM) to predict petrophysical properties relies on image segmentation, image resolution and most importantly nature of rock (homogenous, complex or microporous). The pore network modeling has experienced extensive research and development during last decade, however the application of these models to a variety of naturally heterogenous reservoir rock is still a challenge. In this paper, four samples from a low permeable to tight sandstone reservoir were used to characterize their petrographic and petrophysical properties using high-resolution micro-CT imaging. The phase segmentation analysis from micro-CT images shows that 5-6% microporous regions are present in kaolinite rich sandstone (E3 and E4), while 1.7-1.8% are present in illite rich sandstone (El and E2). The pore system percolates without micropores in El and E2 while it does not percolate without micropores in E3 and E4. In El and E2, total MICP porosity is equal to the volume percent of macrospores determined from micro-CT images, which indicate that the macropores are well connected and microspores do not play any role in non-wetting fluid (mercury) displacement process. Whereas in E3 and E4 sandstones, the volume percent of micropores is far less (almost 50%) than the total MICP porosity which means that almost half of the pore space was not detected by the micro-CT scan. PNM behaved well in El and E2 where better agreement exists in PNM and MICP measurements. While E3 and E4 exhibit multiscale pore space which cannot be addressed with single scale PNM method, a multiscale approach is needed to characterize such complex rocks. This study provides helpful insights towards the application of existing micro-CT based petrographic characterization methodology to naturally complex petroleum reservoir rocks

Impact of Working Capital Management on Profitability: A Case of the Pakistan Textile Industry

This paper investigates that how different factors such as Current ratio, Quick ratio, Inventory turnover and Trade debt are effecting Working Capital Management in Textile Industry of Pakistan. The study used the annual data of 15 firms listed at Pakisatn Stock Exchange. The statistical software Eviews 9 was used for analyzing the variables. This study has used panel regression models for panel data. To choose most appropriate model among these models, the current study has used Chow, Brush-pagan and Hausman tests. These test suggested that the Random Effect Model is appropriate while Fixed Effect Model and Pooled OLS cannot be used. Residual Autocorrelation test was tested using the Breusch-Pagan LM, Pesaran scaled LM and Pesaran CD and it showed that there is no issue of Autocorrelation in the Model. Correlation test shows that all the variables are unique and have no relationship with each other. Wald test shows that error terms are homoscedastic. In the results of Random Effect Model, it is found that R-Square has a value of 62.52 % which shows that 62.52 % changes in the Dependent variables are caused by the independent variables. Probability value of F-Statistic is 0.0000 which is less than 0.05 and shows that the overall model is highly significant. The regression results show that Current ratio and Inventory turnover are significant and have a positive relationship with firm Profitability while Quick ratio and Trade debt ratio have no significant relationship with profitability. Keywords: Working Capital, Random Effect, Textile industry, Pakista

Attain and sustain competitive advantage: A system dynamics model of customer-based brand equity

Using Vensim® I developed a simulation model of customer based brand equity based on the theoretical framework of Aaker (1991) incorporating the two way linkages of the elements of brand equity and market performance of the firm. I have incorporated three of the four elements/dimensions of brand equity and could not include brand association because many do not consider it part of brand equity and for many others it is part of perceived quality and for some others there is difficulty in measurement (please see section 3.2.3). This may be a limitation of this study. Further, I could not perform all model validation tests which is also a limitation of this study. Model simulations indicate that Mobilink is bound to lose its market share if it continues its current policies. However, heavy investment in its cell sites will help improve its market share and reverse declining trend of the market share.Master of Philosophy in System DynamicsGEO-SD350MASV-SYSD

INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE EMERGENCE OF KNOWLEDGE BASED ECONOMY

 In the last few decades ‘intellectual capital’ has been among the most investigated constituent of corporate finance and accounting research. The immense empirical and theoretical research published in different journals, for instance, “Measuring Business Excellence” and the development and formation of specific journal, such as, “Journal of Intellectual Capital” are the evidence of this novel and emergent area of research. After the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the great financial crisis of 2008, the significance and magnitude of IC increase. The motive behind the critical role of IC during financial instability and disorder is that when companies are economically vulnerable and troubled during the financial disorder, the firms consider and explore alternative approaches of survival, such as, the use of intangible assets and resources

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION (A CASE OF GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY, LAHORE)

The gender differences can never be ignored in any society or community in all fields of life. Similarly, Academic performance in higher education may also be influenced by gender according to the demographic behaviour and personal attitude of the students towards studies. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible differences in gender wise academic performance in higher education. A sample of 285 students was selected from Government College University, Lahore and the requisite information was collected through a questionnaire which was developed for this purpose. The reliability of the instrument/questionnaire was measured by Cronbach Alpha. Descriptive and inferential measures were used to explain the factors affecting the students‘ academic performance. Furthermore, the levene’s and t-tests are used for inferential analysis. The software SPSS (Version-16) was used for the data analysis. The Levene's test suggested that the variances of both male and female students’ performance were equal with F = 2.16 at p-value=0.143 and pooled t-test analysis has suggested that the average percentage marks of male and female students’ are significantly different with t = 2.206 having p-value= 0.028. The averages of the performance of male and female students were 72.12 and 74.54, respectively. The performance of female students’ in higher education is found to be better as compared to the male students

Culture Sensitivity Pattern of Infectious Meningitis in Pediatric Population at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: This study aims to determine the culture sensitivity pattern and clinical features of patients suffering from infectious meningitis presenting at Nishtar medical university hospital Multan, Pakistan. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Pediatric department, Nishtar Hospital Multan the duration of the study was January 01, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Method All the children of age 1 month to 12 years with suspected meningitis were included in our study. The patients who were critically ill or immune compromised were not included in the study. All these cases were evaluated by detailed history, thorough physical examination and the necessary investigations. All the demographic data and other variables related to clinico-epidemiological features were measured and recorded using a specifically designed Proforma. The data were analyzed by using computer program SPSS 21 version. Result Of the 178 patients included in the final analysis, 113 (63.6%) were females and 65 (36.4%) males. The age ranged from 1 month to 12 years with a median of 31 months (6.00 - 72.50). Seventy-five percent of them were below 5 years. On the basis of investigations, bacterial meningitis was diagnosed in 91, viral meningitis in 27, tuberculous meningitis in 21 and cryptococcal meningitis in 15 patients. The most common clinical presentations of meningitis were fever, vomiting, headache, irritability, neck stiffness and altered level of consciousness. While the photophobia and fits were less common. The GCS score was more than 13 in 33 patients (18.8%) and 8-13 in 93 patients (52%). Whereas, less than eight GCS score was observed in 52 children (29.2%). Most of the complications were observed in the initial 48 hours of admission. The commonly observed complications were an altered level of sensorium, seizure, and shock. The minimum length of hospitalization was three days and the maximum was 36 days with median (IQR) of 12 days (4-15). The mortality was observed in 29 patients (16.2%) of Pediatric Department. Conclusion Infectious meningitis is a common disease of Pakistani pediatric population. The female children of rural areas, having age less than 5 years are more prone to suffer from this disease. For effective management of infectious meningitis, the antimicrobial sensitivity data should be continuously monitored. Keywords: Meningitis, children, culture sensitivity patterns, clinical feature

Inclusion of Social Media Abbreviations in Communicative Language Testing

Communicative competence is a broader term that covers all knowledge, capacity and skills. This study invites the attention towards communicative abbreviations as used on social media platforms and in electronic communication. Researchers have placed these abbreviations in pragmatic and grammatical knowledge in Batchman’s (1990) model. These abbreviations are internationally recognized and mutually intelligible by the community of social media. Keeping in view the ideas that social media is the active and easily accessible platform to get information and express views, and a large number of world’s population (being the active user of social media) uses different abbreviations in communication; this study proposes to assess the communicative competence of speakers with the help of the abbreviations. Knowhow of these abbreviations will help the speakers perceive and produce information on social media more actively and quickly. List of abbreviations with their meanings has been given in this study.    Keywords: abbreviations; CLT; communicative competence; social medi

HR Practices and Employee Retention in the Banking Sector of Pakistan

Purpose: Human Resource is one of the most valuable resources in any organization and its contribution is massive everywhere in the world.  Human Resources (HR) practices can be helpful to retain valued employees. This study examines the role and association between HR practices and employee retention. HR practices include training & development, compensation, job security, working environment, leadership and culture & policies. Major objective of this study is indentfiy the roele and effect of HR practices on employee retention in banking sector of Pakistan.   Design: The population of this study consists of 8 major banks of Pakistan including public, private, Islamic and foreign banks.  The mixed-method was employed to get the data through interviews and questionnaires. Simple random sampling and stratified random were used for interviews and questionnaires respectively. Findings: Findings of the study indicate that compensation; job security, training & development, working environment and leadership practices have a significant association with employee retention. These variables also play a very imperative role in employee retention except job security. The culture & policies have no significant association and role on employee retention. Value: The research findings may help the policymakers to prioritize the areas of instant concerns and invest resources as per the local requirement of staff for their retention in the banking sector of Pakistan