Institutional determinants of tax buoyancy in developing nations / Munnaza Ashraf, Dr. Saima Sarwarb

This study was conducted to examine the role of institutions on tax buoyancy in a set of developing nations. The analysis of 50 nations from the time period 1996-2013 indicates that mostly institutional factors such as bureaucratic efficiency, rule of law, corruption are affecting negatively to the tax collection in these regions. Revenue from indirect taxes is more sensitive to these non-economic factors in a society. Moreover, the study suggests that nature of relationship between tax buoyancy and institutional characteristics of the system is sensitive to different categories of political regimes i.e. Democracy and Autocracy. Results showed that democracy is affecting positively to the tax collection while autocracy is having negative impact in each case i.e. direct, indirect or total tax revenues. But in autocratic regimes, proportion of indirect and direct taxes in total revenue is more than in case of democracy. Findings help to suggest that efforts should be made to democratize the political system mostly in developing world so that more and more tax revenue generation could be made possible

The Prospects of Agritourism Development in China

Agritourism is a potent economical element that has been extensively used in developing countries to escalate the financial growth of the national income. In China, it is a major corporate zone which is elevating the socio-economic progression by playing its significant role in expanding country’s economic growth and development. It plays a substantial part in activating the ruler areas and reveals number of obstacles related. The main objective of this paper is to disclose the prospects of agritourism development in China that can be a key factor in sustaining progressive national economy. The current studies concluded that agritourism can be a drive for sustainable development of local community. An important feature is to fortify attentiveness of local communities regarding welfares resulting from the development of this non-agricultural source of income at various striking tourism sites. It will eventually lead to lessening of redundancy, job creation in sectors serving agritourism, revenue growth, alleviating poverty and will improve living standards of population vigorously involved. Therefore, agritourism in China has the prospects to nurture the perception of the particular community concerning sustainable development. Keywords: agritourism, socioeconomic prospects, rural development, revenue, sustainabilit

Effects of sodium arsenite in the modulation of testosterone synthesis by the hypothalamo-pituitary testicular axis and its effect on memory and learning in the rat

Sodium arsenite is a toxic metalloid that exists ubiquitously in the environment. Human exposure to arsenic compounds is a significant public health concern. In most populations, the main source of arsenic exposure is the drinking water. Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with increased risks of various diseases. Recent emerging evidences suggest that arsenic exposure affects the reproductive and developmental toxicity that leads to the decrease of cognition by affecting on nervous system. The aim of this current research was to investigate the morphological changes in structure of testis, hormonal imbalance and effect on cognition in rats treated with different doses of sodium arsenite. Mature male Sprague Dawley rats at the age of 90 days were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each. Group I received saline water whereas the other three groups received sodium arsenite at doses of 3, 5 and 8mg/kg of body weight of rats respectively, for 60 days by intraperitoneal injection. The blood samples were collected for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) measurements at day 60. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed for spatial memory at day 60. Following this, the animals were then dissected and their testes were collected for histological studies. It was found that the effect of chronic exposure was dose dependent. A significant decrease (p≤0.05) was observed in plasma levels of testosterone, LH, FSH andBDNF in the higher dose groups (5mg/kg and 8mg/kg of body weight) in comparison to the control group. To characterize behavioural alterations induced by arsenic exposure, Morris water maze test was used. The Morris Water Maze test was performed for spatial memory at day 60. Following this, the animals were then dissected and their hippocampus was collected for histological studies. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in cognitive behaviour, during Morris water maze test, in the higher dose groups 5mg/kg and 8mg/kg) in comparison to the control group. Histological evaluation revealed dose-dependent, gradual damage in histoarchitecture of hippocampus. Moreover no significant change was observed in any experimental parameter in the low dose group (3mg/kg) in comparison to the control group. The results revealed that sub chronic exposure to sodium arsenite caused degenerative changes in hippocampus; decrease the level of BDNF and effects spatial memory in a dose dependent manner. Sodium arsenite exposure caused complete arrest of spermatogenesis with disrupted seminiferous tubules in the testes in high dose groups (5 and 8mg/kg). Moreover, no significant change was observed in any experimental parameter in the low dose group (3mg/kg of body weight) in comparison to the control group. Testosterone level was decreased by the exposure of sodium arsenite. Low levels of endogenous testosterone can be associated with poor performance on cognitive tests. For men with both cognitive impairment and low testosterone, testosterone substitution may be considered. Large, long- term studies evaluating the effects of testosterone substitution on cognitive function in older men and testosterone substitution on cognitive function in affected men exposed by sodium arsenite are warranted

Neural Toxicology and Pathology of Domoic Acid

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin when intake via contaminated seafood in bulk quantity, results in neural tissue necrosis. It caused an outbreak of human poisoning in Canada in 1987 by the consumption of contaminated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), produced by red alga Chondria armataand and the genus Pseudo nitzschia. Domoic acid targets the glutamate receptors and the poisoning was characterized by memory impairment and brain disorders which led to the name Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Domoic acid has intoxicated wild animals and contaminated coastal waters since the 1987 incident. Hence it poses a global health and safety threat to significant human and wild animal lives populated at the shorelines. The present review aims to extend the understandings of ASP, DA induced toxicology and pathology which are critical for human health and wildlife safety. Keywords: Domoic Acid, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, Neurotoxicology, Neuropathology

Comparison of Sublingual Misoprostol and Manual Vacuum Aspiration for the Treatment of Incomplete Abortion in First Trimester in Terms of Frequency of Decreased Haemoglobin Levels

Background: To compare efficacy of manual vacuum aspiration with sublingual misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion in terms of frequency of blood loss and decreased haemoglobin.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with incomplete abortion, open cervical os, vaginal bleeding, history of vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy and uterine size of less than or equal to 12wks menstrual period were included. Consenting women were randomized to either Group A who received a single dose of 600 microgram of sublingual misoprostol or Group B who underwent manual vacuum aspiration for evacuation of retained products of conception. Both groups comprised of 150 patients each. Pre and post (after 48 hours) treatment haemoglobin levels were measured.Results: Mean fall in haemoglobin level &lt;1g/dl from baseline level was seen in misoprostol group while a mean fall of &lt;0.5g/dl from baseline level was observed in MVA group (p&lt;0.001, 95% CI, t=1.64, eta squared=0.006). A significant association was found with haemoglobin level, parity and age, with p=0.001, p= 0.05, p=0.02 respectivelyConclusion: The efficacy of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is indicated by lower level of blood loss (Hb&lt;0.5g/dl from baseline) as compared to 600μg sublingual misoprostol. MVA is associated with less complications than misoprostol

EMPLOYING NATION BRANDING AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY: STRATEGIES FOR PAKISTAN

In the 21st century, states use nation-branding techniques to safeguard their national interests. They employ public diplomacy strategies to maintain their international image. Through branding techniques and public diplomacy strategies, nations can build a positive image among the committee of nations. It is argued in this paper that the international image of Pakistan is required to be improved, and there is a need to shun the notion of negative characteristics associated with terrorism, religious extremism, Talibanization, and allegedly branding as a failed state. There is also a need to study the mindset for conducting various surveys about Pakistan’s image and its sponsors. The main argument of this research work is that Pakistan has all the variables required for nation branding and building positive public perception. To improve its international image, Pakistan has to adopt innovative nation-branding techniques and public diplomacy strategies.    Bibliography Entry Kayani, Saima Ashraf, and Muhammad Saif ur Rehman. 2022. "Employing Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy: Strategies for Pakistan." Margalla Papers 26 (1): 34-46

Pattern of admissions, clinical course and short term outcome of patients admitted to an obstetric ICU of a tertiary care hospital of north India: a retrospective study

Background: Obstetric ICUs have become an important part of any tertiary care obstetric hospital. There have been studies in different parts of the world including India to determine the clinical spectrum, management and outcome of the patients admitted to these units. There have been a few studies on the subject from our part of the country, so we tried to carry out the said study. Our objective was to study indications of admissions, the pattern of complications, interventions required, and the maternal and fetal /neonatal outcome of the patients admitted in an obstetric ICU of our hospital.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study carried out at Lalla Ded hospital Srinagar, a tertiary care hospital of north India, between January 2017 and June 2017.Results: Fifty patients among 4890 obstetric admissions required ICU care giving an admission rate of 1.02%. Most of the patients fell in the age group of 26-30years (52%) followed by 31-35 years (24%).The most frequent indication for admission to ICU was pregnancy induced hypertension related eclampsia and preeclampsia which constituted about 44% (n=22) of the admissions. Obstetric haemorrhage was a close second and accounted for 34% (n=17) of the admissions. Mean ICU stay was 2.5±1 days. Four patients died giving a maternal mortality rate of 8% in this ICU. There were eleven fetal and neonatal deaths excluding ectopic pregnancy giving a fetal /neonatal mortality rate of 22%.Conclusions: Obstetric ICUs have become an important part of any tertiary care obstetric hospital. Significant number of patients get admitted and treated in these ICUs. In our part of the world majority of ICU admissions are because of eclampsia/preeclampsia and obstetric haemorrhage. Although a large number of mothers and their neonates get benefitted by way of admission to ICUs, a significant proportion of these mothers and their neonates die. There is a lot of scope of improvement in maternal and perinatal mortality. In addition to the importance of setting up of state of the art obstetric ICUs, the need for supervision of pregnancies, institutional deliveries, early detection of complications and early referral cannot be overemphasized.

Evaluation and Susceptibility Pattern of Staphylococci Isolated From Clinical Specimens in POF Hospital, Wah Cantt.

Objective:&nbsp;To determine the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of&nbsp;Staphylococcus aureus&nbsp;and coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from clinical specimens as a result of culture and sensitivity. Materials &amp; Methods:&nbsp;This cross sectional study was carried out in POF Hospital Microbiology laboratory from January 2019 to September 2020. One hundred and eighty four staphylococci isolated from clinical specimens were processed as per standard methodology. Results:&nbsp;Out of 148, methicillin resistant&nbsp;S.aureus&nbsp;and methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci were 38.04% and13.04% respectively. Infections caused by Methicillin resistant staphylococcal isolates were higher among the age group 31-40 years (71.4%, OR=2.68). Out of thirty expired patients, 53.3% had been infected with methicillin resistant staphylococcal infections. The methicillin resistant staphylococci were most frequent in miscellaneous category of clinical specimens (80.0%, OR=4.63). The susceptibility analysis revealed that methicillin resistant staphylococci are 100% resistant to penicillin, meropenem and amoxycillin-clavulanate (p=0.000).&nbsp; A significant association of methicillin resistance was also noticed against amikacin (p=0.002), ciprofloxacin (p=0.001), clindamycin (p=0.005) and erythromycin (p=0.000). Moxifloxacin, linezolid and vancomycin are the most effective choice for infections caused by methicillin resistant staphylococci. Conclusions:&nbsp;The methicillin-resistant staphylococci are highly resistant to commonly prescribed oral as well as injectable antibiotics. Establishment and implementation of infection control policies are required to combat the grave situation of increasing antibiotic resistance

Evaluation and Susceptibility Pattern of Staphylococci Isolated From Clinical Specimens in POF Hospital, Wah Cantt.

Objective:&nbsp;To determine the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of&nbsp;Staphylococcus aureus&nbsp;and coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from clinical specimens as a result of culture and sensitivity. Materials &amp; Methods:&nbsp;This cross sectional study was carried out in POF Hospital Microbiology laboratory from January 2019 to September 2020. One hundred and eighty four staphylococci isolated from clinical specimens were processed as per standard methodology. Results:&nbsp;Out of 148, methicillin resistant&nbsp;S.aureus&nbsp;and methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci were 38.04% and13.04% respectively. Infections caused by Methicillin resistant staphylococcal isolates were higher among the age group 31-40 years (71.4%, OR=2.68). Out of thirty expired patients, 53.3% had been infected with methicillin resistant staphylococcal infections. The methicillin resistant staphylococci were most frequent in miscellaneous category of clinical specimens (80.0%, OR=4.63). The susceptibility analysis revealed that methicillin resistant staphylococci are 100% resistant to penicillin, meropenem and amoxycillin-clavulanate (p=0.000).&nbsp; A significant association of methicillin resistance was also noticed against amikacin (p=0.002), ciprofloxacin (p=0.001), clindamycin (p=0.005) and erythromycin (p=0.000). Moxifloxacin, linezolid and vancomycin are the most effective choice for infections caused by methicillin resistant staphylococci. Conclusions:&nbsp;The methicillin-resistant staphylococci are highly resistant to commonly prescribed oral as well as injectable antibiotics. Establishment and implementation of infection control policies are required to combat the grave situation of increasing antibiotic resistance