bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of WTO’s Trade Liberalisation on Selected Food Crops in Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Sharif  , M. Siddique Javed
Published: August 2018

There is a great potential in Pakistan for production of all types of food commodities due to vast natural resource base, covering various ecological and climatic zones. Most of the agricultural commodities produced in the country are consumed by the local population while the rest is exported in the form of primary products and some value added products. Previously, Pakistani products had a good market overseas with no restrictions of quality and quantity but under the changing environment affected by WTO, it is expected that Pakistan will face a strong competition in the agriculture sector from its competitors in the world market. According to the neoclassical trade theory, trade flows and pattern will develop along the lines of comparative advantage and competitiveness that can act as indicators of trade potential and direction. There has been extensive government involvement in the determination of the overall structure of agriculture and its patterns of production, employment and trade. Pakistani government has been intervening in agriculture sector in the past in order to support agricultural production, income supports, ensure food security, improve the balance of trade, reduce consumer prices, address environmental and regional concerns and to pursue sanitary and phyto-sanitary objectives [Hassan (1995)]. Pakistan is a founding member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since its creation. Following the Uruguay Round negotiations, all agricultural products were brought under multinational trade rules by WTO, under the Agreement on Agriculture. This established a framework to begin liberalising agricultural trade through the reduction of import duties (tariffs), trade-distorting production subsidies and export subsidies. Prior to the Uruguay Round, trade in agriculture was highly distorted. Market access for agricultural products was limited as most markets were restricted by physical import barriers. The presence of massive domestic subsidies led to overproduction of temperate crops in the developed countries that led to excess supply, and export subsidies were used to dump the surplus agricultural output in international markets. This resulted in depressed market prices and, in spite of being low-cost producers of agricultural products; developing countries could not compete with the subsidised exports from developed countries.
Instinctive Behaviour, Producer Surplus, and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Naheed Zia Khan
Published: August 2018

In a broader sense, CSR became an issue mainly in the recent years. The evolution of this phenomenon is largely to be credited to the neoliberalist era that began in the last quarter of the 20th century and continues to dominate the new millennium. Not surprisingly, the conceptual and operational definitions of CSR are subject to as many controversies and disappointments as is the outcome of neoliberalist economics manifested in looming threats to social, economic and environmental sustainability. The scope of this study is, however, only limited to addressing the issue of CSR. The analysis is carried out by adopting an inductive approach while probing into both interconnected aspects and disconnected separate currents of the phenomenon. The interconnectivity of CSR relates the capitalist paradigm with the individual/collective human behaviour. The disconnection on the other hand refers to specific real world issues with local and global contexts involving simultaneous but unequal capitalist development in the North and the South. The paper is divided into three parts. Part 1 reflects on the relationship between instinctive and ethical behaviour of the entrepreneurs. The former is driven by the motivational force of self-interest exhibited in efforts to accumulate producer surplus, while the latter demands social responsibility under the influence of intrinsic and/or extrinsic regulations. Part II presents a brief review of the literature on CSR, largely relating to the corporate sector in the North. Finally, Part III of the paper analyses the literature on CSR in the developing countries and highlights its recent origins in a world where Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) are increasingly underscoring the North-South divide in gains from economic globalisation.
Provincial Finance Commission: Options for Fiscal Transfers
Authors: Qazi Masood Ahmed  , Akhtar Lodhi
Published: August 2018

The Provincial Finance Commissions were constituted in all four provinces of Pakistan in 2001. The Commissions were asked to formulate a formula for the distribution of resources among the districts in their respective province. The formula includes both transfers- the development transfer and current transfers. The purposes of the current transfers are to ensure the maintainability of existing services at the districts level and of the development grants to minimise the intradistrict poverty and inter-districts income differential. In this paper we compute the Rank Correlation between the existing development grants transfer index and the deprivation index. This will help the policy-makers understood whether the transfers are fiscal need based or not? That is to highlight to what extent the existing development transfers are based on the existing level of deprivation in the districts. If not, then what can be done to make the transfers pro-poor. To assist the policy maker in this regards this study carried out a simulation when 50 percent transfers are based on population and 50 percent on deprivation. This simulation will provide sufficient range in which the policy maker can exercise their discretion to minimise poverty and at the same time provide resources to maintain existing infrastructure. The distribution of funds among the districts which is based only on expenditure needs of the districts cannot help address poverty issue. The provinces therefore, have to use different indicators in the formula of PFC Award to achieve both objectives.
Whether Fiscal Stance or Monetary Policy is Effective for Economic Growth in Case of South Asian Countries?
Authors: Shahid Ali  , Somia Irum
Published: August 2018

Monetary policy and fiscal policy are sister strategies that can be used alone and in combination to direct the economic goals. In the literature relative efficacy of fiscal and monetary policy has been studied extensively. Friedman and Meiselman (1963), Ansari (1996), Reynolds (2000, 2001), Chari, et al. (1991, 1998), Schmitt and Uribe (2001a), Shapiro and Watson (1988), Blanchard and Perroti (1996), Christiano, et al. (1996), Chari and Kehoe (1998), Kim (1997), Chowdhury (1986, 1988), Chowdhury, et al. (1986), Weeks (1999), Feldstein (2002) and Cardia (1991) have examined the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on various economic aggregates. However, the bulk of theoretical and empirical research has not reached on conclusion concerning the relative power of fiscal and monetary policy to effect economic growth. Some researchers find support for the monetarist view, which suggests that monetary policy generally has a greater impact on economic growth and dominates fiscal policy in terms of its impact on investment and growth. [Friedman and Meiselman (1963); Ajaye (1974); Elliot (1975); Batten and Hafer (1983)], while other argued that fiscal stimulates are crucial for economic growth. [Chowdhury (1986); Olaloye and Ikhide (1995)], On the other hand, according to Cardia (1991) macroeconomic activities are largely explained by some other variables. The experiment of 1970s clearly demonstrates that a policy mix produced only stagflation. Some economist took keen interest in money by combining Keynesian neoclassical mixture which is called the “funnel” theory by James Tobin. The argument was that tax rate and money growth simultaneously leads to stagflation thus the Government could choose either fiscal or monetary policy stimulus which will enhance growth. [Reynolds (2001)].
Fasih Uddin. Pakistan under IMF Shadow. Islamabad: Institute of Policy Studies, 2008. Paperback. 128 pages. Price not given.
Authors: Zafar Mahmood
Published: August 2018

Pakistan like many other developing countries has been experiencing both financial and fiscal instability. This is mainly because it has miserably failed to generate sufficient resources required for its economic development. Consequently, to supplement its meager domestic resources, it has been mostly seeking foreign assistance. At times when ‘friends of Pakistan’, for their own ulterior motives, such as support for the cold war and war on terror, have helped Pakistan through project and programme aid, it has kept striving to move towards a higher path of economic growth despite poor governance and mismanagement of the economy by its planners and economic managers. At other times, when the ‘friends’ have been slow to coming forward, Pakistan has looked for financial aid from international financial institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These institutions always attach stringent conditions to financial assistance. As a result, these institutions remain (implicitly) instrumental in the formulation of short- to medium-term economic policies of Pakistan, with outcomes that are always considered as sub-optimal.
Shahid Javed Burki. Changing Perceptions, Altered Reality: Pakistan’s Economy under Musharraf, 1999-2006. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2007. 373 pages. Hardbound. Price not given.
Authors: Mr. Fazal Husain
Published: August 2018

This book is another addition to Shahid Javed Burki’s work whose writings have been pivotal for understanding Pakistan’s social and economic transitions. The book examines various sectors of the economy that could become the source for sustainable growth. Thoughtful public policies in the high-potential areas are suggested with the claim that these could help the country join the ranks of Asia’s rapidly growing economies. Based on the weekly columns by the author published in the daily DAWN, and focusing on the 1999-2006 period, the tenure of President Pervez Musharraf, the book analyses the economic and social problems faced by Pakistan. It then discusses the opportunities that exist for the country in light of its geographical situation, and the rapid changes in the structure of the global economy. The issues explored in the book include the reasons for the rapid growth of the economy from 2003 onwards, as well as its impact on poverty and income distribution. It is suggested that these high rates of growth would not be sustained into the future unless a number of changes in the structure of the economy were introduced. The book consists of eight chapters. The first chapter starts with a brief discussion of the country’s economic history as well as the situation in mid 2000 (associated with high growth rates). It then continues to analyse the factors responsible for such growth with the caution that the economy still needs more measures before labeling it to have been set on a course of a high level of sustainable growth. In this regard the obstacles particularly related to infrastructure and governance are discussed raising crucial points and suggesting suitable measures. The chapter identifies various areas that need urgent attention by the policy-makers advising them to understand the true nature of the ‘determinants of growth’ and how they will affect the incidence of poverty and equality of opportunity.
Foreign Portfolio Investment and Economic Growth in Malaysia
Authors: Jarita Duasa  , Salina H. Kassim
Published: August 2018

This study examines the relationship between foreign portfolio investment (FPI) and Malaysia’s economic performance. In particular, the study analyses the relationship between FPI and real gross domestic product (GDP) using the widely adopted Granger causality test and the more recent Toda and Yamamoto’s (1995) non-causality test to establish the direction of causation between the two variables. Similar method is also applied on the relationship between volatility of FPI and real GDP. Additionally, the study uses an innovation accounting by simulating variance decompositions and impulse response functions for further inferences. Using quarterly data covering the period from 1991 to 2006, the study finds evidence that economic growth causes changes in the FPI and its volatility and not vice versa.. The findings suggest that economic performance is the major pull factor in attracting FPI into the country. Thus, it must be ensured that the Malaysian economy remains on a healthy and sustainable growth path so as to maintain investor confidence in the economy. JEL classification: G15, C32, C12 Keywords: Foreign Portfolio Investment, Economic Growth, Granger Causality, Toda-Yamamoto Non-causality, Variance Decomposition
Demand for Public Health Care in Pakistan
Authors: Ather H. Akbari  , Wimal Rankaduwa  , Adiqa K. Kiani
Published: August 2018

A health care demand model is estimated for each province in Pakistan to explain the outpatient visits to government hospitals over the period 1989-2006. The explanatory variables include the number of government hospitals per capita, doctors’ fee per visit at a private clinic, income per capita, the average price of medicine and the number of outpatient visits per capita in the previous period. All variables are significant determinants of the demand for health care in at least one province but their signs, magnitudes and the levels of significance vary. These variations may be attributed to cultural, social and religious factors that vary across provinces. Variations in health care quality offered at public hospitals may also be a factor. These factors and improved accessibility of health care facilities should be the focus of public policy aimed at increasing the usage of public sector health care facilities in Pakistan. JEL classification: I110, I180, O150 Keywords: Health Care, Hospitals, Human Resources, Policy, Public Health
Democratic Institutions and Variability of Economic Growth in Pakistan: Some Evidence from the Time-series Analysis
Authors: Muhammad Zakaria  , Bashir Ahmed Fida
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the empirical association between democracy and per capita output growth in Pakistan using data for the period 1947 to 2006. The findings of the paper indicate a weak negative association between democracy and output growth. Consistent with some current empirical literature, democracy is also found to influence output growth indirectly. The empirical results are robust to different democracy variables and output growth equation specifications. The empirical findings also highlight the role of other variables in determining output growth and, except for rising oil prices, show its positive linkage to physical and human capital, government consumption, openness of trade practices and inflation. JEL classification: C22, O43 Keywords: Democracy, Growth, Time-series
Conflict, Security, and Development.
Authors: Tariq Osman Hyder
Published: August 2018

There is no disagreement on the propositions; that development is a vital priority for all countries and societies; that a secure internal and external environment is needed for this purpose as an enabling environment, and; that where external and internal conflicts and potential conflicts exist, despite the alleged and controversial spin off from defense spending and its associated R+D, they act as a break on development and mitigation strategies are required. For Pakistan the parameters of the situation are bound by disputes with a larger India on one side, on the other side an ongoing conflict in Afghanistan between the Extra Regional Forces of the USA/ISAF/NATO and Afghan factions with its physical and ideological spill over accentuating internal conflicts with terrorist and extremist forces. All these situations and potential conflicts present mitigation challenges if we hope to give development the attention it deserves. How have we been faring, what is our scorecard, how can we do better? These are the fundamental questions posed by the subject of this Panel. On the first external front it is clear that the history of bilateral relations between Pakistan and India since the independence in 1947 has been beset by mistrust and characterised as a most difficult relationship. This has led to significant defense expenditure by both countries. It is clear that if relations can be improved or at least better managed in this age where globally confrontation is being increasingly replaced by cooperation, the “peace dividend” would be in the interest of both countries and improve the lot of their peoples a significant portion that live in conditions of poverty or on the margins of poverty. In this context since the peace process begun in 2004 through the composite dialogue process constituted an important element for managing this relationship and towards efforts for its improvement.
Resolving the Kashmir Dispute: Blending Realism with Justice.
Authors: Syed Rifaat Hussain
Published: August 2018

The resumption of India-Pakistan peace dialogue after a hiatus of nearly eighteen months resulting from the Mumbai terrorist attacks, has revived interest in different formulas, proposals and options that have been made from time to time to resolve the Kashmir dispute, the root-cause of “unending conflict” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. This paper attempts to make a contribution towards this ongoing exploration of feasible ideas by highlighting the relevance of the Difference Principle expounded by John Rawls in his Theory of Justice as a key component of a lasting India-Pakistan peace deal on Kashmir. The paper begins with a brief account of the historical background of the Kashmir dispute, its evolution and a summary of the competing Indian and Pakistani claims to the disputed territory. Section two of the paper provides a descriptive account of the various solutions that have been proposed and the attempts made by India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute. The last section of the paper offers a summary of the main tenets of Rawls’s theory of Justice and examines the relevance of the Difference Principle as a guide to finding a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
The Dynamics of Moonlighting in Pakistan
Authors: Asma Hyder  , Ather Maqsood Ahmed
Published: August 2018

The study explores the dynamics of moonlighting, demographics, human capital and association of occupations between primary and secondary job. The paper is based on cross-section data Labour Force Survey 2006-07 and limited to male wage workers residing in urban areas. Among two motives according to theoretical framework of moonlighting; first, constraint on hours worked in first job and second is wage rate is lower than the reservation wage in the primary occupation; within limited information available on different variables our results are skewed toward first motive and earnings from the primary occupation are insignificant in moonlighting decision. The model specification also attempts to correct the endogenous regressor in probit estimation. Among moonlighters ‘Professionals’ and ‘Technicians’ are holding their secondary job in same occupational category; apart from these two occupational categories managers and elementary occupations also seems popular for moonlighting. JEL classification: J22, J24 Keywords: Moonlighting, Labour Mobility, Occupational Association
Nominal Frictions and Optimal Monetary Policy
Authors: Adnan Haider  , Drissi Ramzi
Published: August 2018

It is well known in standard economic literature that nominal frictions have significant impact on the transmission mechanism of monetary policy. This paper considers a closed economy version of DSGE model with various nominal frictions vis-à-vis monetary-cumfiscal blocks to seek the basic query that how monetary policy impacts while in the presence of nominal frictions, like price stickiness, staggered wages, etc. Using Bayesian Simulation techniques, we estimate the model for the closed economy. Our simulation results show that despite the apparent similarities of various frictions, their responses to shocks and fit to data are quite different and there is no agreement on their relative performance. As a result, Monetary Authorities cannot afford to rely on a single reference model which contains few nominal frictions of the economy but need to model a large number of alternative ways available when they take their decision of optimal monetary policy. JEL classification: E32, E37 Keywords: DSGE Models, Nominal Trictions, Monetary Policy
Single Stock Futures Trading and Stock Price Volatility: Empirical Analysis
Authors: Safi Ullah Khan
Published: August 2018

This study examines impact of the introduction of single stock futures contracts on the return volatility of the SSFs-listed underlying stocks. The study documents a significant decrease in return volatility for the SSFs-underlying stocks following the introduction of single stock futures contracts on the Karachi Stock Exchange. The multivariate analysis in which the spot trading volume, the futures trading volume and open interest were partitioned into news and informationless components, the estimated coefficient of expected futures volume component is statistically significant and negatively related to volatility, suggesting that equity volatility is mitigated when the expected level of futures activity is high. The findings of the decreased spot price volatility of the SSFs-underlying stocks associated with large expected futures activity is important to the debate of regarding the role of equity derivatives trading in stock market volatility. These empirical results for the Pakistan’s equity market support theories implying that equity derivates trading improves liquidity provision and depth in the equity markets, and appear to be in contrast to the theories implying that equity derivates markets provide a medium for destabilising speculation. Finally, the SSFs-listed stocks were grouped with a sample of non-SSFs stocks to examine cross-sectional data for comparing changes in return volatility. After controlling for the effects of a number of determinants of volatility, sufficient evidence is found to support that, this multivariate test, like the previous analysis, provides no evidence that the volatility of the SSFsunderlying stocks is positively related to the introduction of the single stock futures trading in the Pakistan’s stock market.
Consumer Satisfaction in Social Security Hospital: A Case Study of Punjab Employees Social Security Institution Hospital, Rawalpindi.
Authors: Nasir Ayat
Published: August 2018

In health care, consumer satisfaction is an important evaluation instrument to determine the quality of services. In recent years, the concept has assumed much greater significance particularly in market based health systems. Also, in World Health Organisation’s framework for health care assessment, the customer satisfaction is given due consideration. On the contrary, in developing countries particularly, the concept is one of the most ignored elements in evaluation of health care systems. Pakistan is also a case in point. Review of literature and general health management systems in the country suggests scarcity of information on consumer satisfaction as well as its neglect as a crucial element in health systems. This present study—which is cross-sectional—is designed on the ground that there is a need to incorporate consumer satisfaction in health care evaluation. This study, presents a scientific analysis of Punjab Employees Social Security Institution Hospital, Rawalpindi (PESSI) using the Patient Survey Questionnaire technique, the most universal approach used by international studies to evaluate consumer satisfaction with health services. Based on study results, generally, we conclude that consumers have expressed high level of satisfaction for various quality assessment scales. Despite these findings, it has also been noted that significant proportion of patients have also expressed medium as well as low satisfaction for certain scales. It tends to suggest that quality of services needs to be improved for specific items as well as certain scales including communication, general satisfaction, and interpersonal aspects for improvements in provision of certain services at the hospital. JEL classification: I11, I18, I38 Keywords: Customer Satisfaction, Quality, Healthcare, Evaluation
Do Foreign Inflows Benefit Pakistani Poor?
Authors: Muhammad Ali  , Muhammad Nishat
Published: August 2018

Foreign Inflow plays an important role in country’s development. The importance of foreign inflows is not limited to developing countries; developed and emerging economies also attract foreign inflows to supplement their resources to sustain growth. The importance of foreign inflow in Pakistan is very well acknowledged and documented, however the affect of these inflows on poor people of Pakistan remains unanswered. This paper is an attempt to fill this gap by studying the impact of foreign inflows on poverty reduction in Pakistan through the channel of health, education and other indicators related to human development. Our foreign inflow variable consists of Foreign Direct Investment, Remittances and Foreign Assistance. Using ARDL approach to co-integration on time series data for the period 1972 to 2008, we found that foreign inflows as a whole have increased poverty levels in Pakistan. At disaggregated levels, we found that foreign assistance is the major component of inflows which is responsible for the positive relationship between inflows and poverty. We also found positive relationship between poverty and infant mortality and foreign inflows and female enrolment. The relationship suggests that increase in foreign inflows would not only increase poverty but also would increase infant mortality through indirect channel. The impact of inflow on female enrolment was however found to be positive. JEL classification: E00, F20, F21, F34, F35, I30 Keywords: Poverty, Economic Growth, Pakistan, Foreign Capital, Foreign Debt, Aid, Remittances, Foreign Direct Investment
Competitiveness among Asian Exporters in the World Rice Market.
Authors: Muhammad Ilyas  , Tahir Mukhtar  , Muhammad Tariq Javed
Published: August 2018

With the gradual reduction in trade barriers led by the process of globalisation, more emphasis is now being placed on promoting export competitiveness. Asia is the home of many of the world’s top rice exporters. The food-price crisis has divided Asia into “rice haves” and “rice have-nots”. In order to describe the processes involved in securing and maintaining international competitiveness in rice exports, the present study has used the Balassa and White indices of revealed comparative advantage and revealed competitive advantage respectively. Results have revealed that Pakistan is the most competitive country in rice trade and ranks first in both agricultural product trade and total merchandise exports. JEL classification: C12, C43, Q17 Keywords: Asian Countries, Competitiveness, Revealed Comparative Advantage, Revealed Competitive Advantage.
Fostering FDI in the Agriculture Sector.
Authors: Areef Suleman
Published: August 2018

Given the relative importance of the agriculture sector in many countries including Pakistan, at the core of any sustainable development and poverty reduction strategy is the development of agriculture. The 2008 food crisis triggered renewed interest in the agriculture sector when food security was threatened in several countries, and civil unrest emerged in others. Although there is potential to exploit underutilised agricultural land, the extent of FDI in the agriculture sector is constrained by many factors. In this regard, development partners have an important catalytic role to play to ensure “win-win” outcomes that will jumpstart inclusive growth in countries that exhibit potential. The paper contends that unless the enabling environment in countries is as good as elsewhere in the world, the opportunity to attract FDI into the agriculture sector will be lost.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Employment Opportunities: Panel Data Analysis (Empirical Evidence from Pakistan, India and China).
Authors: Syed Zia Abbas Rizvi  , Mohammad Nishat
Published: August 2018

Over the past two decades, the continent of Asia received a large amount of FDI from developed regions. Additionally, in the Asia, India and China received a major chunk of foreign direct investment and FDI flows to Pakistan also increased significantly. Many studies show that the inflow of FDI plays a significant role in generating employment in host countries. The objective of this study is to undertake an empirical study on creation of employment opportunities by FDI during 1985-2008 in the Asian region. In this regard, we have taken the sample of three countries i.e. Pakistan, India and China from the same region. The Im-Pesaran-Shin (IPS) test of unit root is applied to find out the order of integration. The long run relationship is investigated through the Pedroni (1999) test of panel cointegration. At last, the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) method is used for estimation of the impact of FDI inflows on employment levels in three countries. Implications for FDI policy are spelt out in the light of these empirical results. JEL classification: F23, E24, C23 Keywords: FDI, Employment, Panel Data
Effectiveness of Foreign Aid and Human Development.
Authors: Mohammad Ali  , Nasim Shah Shirazi  , Turkhan Ali Abdul Mannap
Published: August 2018

Foreign aid has been contributory towards fostering broad-based development and complementing national development initiatives in the recipient countries. This paper analyses the question of aid effectiveness towards the achievement of goals in the special context of a set of social outcomes in Pakistan. More specifically, the paper focuses the core question that ‘how’ and ‘how far’ foreign aid has affected the ‘health’, ‘education’, and overall ‘human development index’ in Pakistan. Our result shows that there is feedback Granger causality between GI and ODA. That is, Economic growth induces ODA and ODA Granger cause economic growth. As far as Education index, Human development index and life expectancy index concerned, there are only unidirectional Granger causality from ODA to Education index, Human development index and life expectancy index. This is consistent with other literature that ODA contribute to human development. JEL classification: O15, P45 Keywords: Effectiveness, Human Development, Foreign Aids, Granger Causality
Dynamic Effects of Changes in Government Spending in Pakistan’s Economy.
Authors: Attiya Yasmin Javid  , Umaima Arif
Published: August 2018

This study analyses the effects of changes in government spending on aggregate economic activity and the way these effects are transmitted in case of Pakistan for the period 1971-2008. To analyse the transmission mechanism of government spending innovations, the Vector Autoregressive Model is estimated for following five variables: government spending per capita, GDP per capita, consumption per capita, debt to GDP ratio, long term interest rate and real exchange rate. The consumption and output respond negatively to the innovation in government spending which is consistent with the standard neoclassical model. The interest rates increase in the face of expansionary fiscal spending. As government debt builds up with fiscal expansion, the rising risk of default or increasing inflation risk reinforce crowding out through interest rates. The real exchange rate tends to appreciate in response to rise in government spending. This finding is according to the open economy literature and also with the conventional literature. JEL classification: E21, E62, E63 Keywords: Government Spending, Vector Autoregressive Model, Impulse Response Function, Neoclassical Model
Inaugural Address
Authors: Syed Naveed Qamar
Published: August 2018

Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr Rashid Amjad, President, Pakistan Society of Development Economists, Dr G. M. Arif, Secretary Pakistan Society of Development Economists, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen! It is indeed a privilege and honour to address this distinguished gathering of economists and social scientists. Over the years the Annual Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists has become one of the leading events on the calendar of meetings where experts from various disciplines discuss cutting edge issues that confront developing economies in general and Pakistan’s economy in particular. I want to especially congratulate the Society and the President on completing 25 years as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee. I am very happy that the founding President, Prof. Dr Nawab Haider Naqvi is with us today and that some of the past Presidents are also present. The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, the home of the Society, also needs to be congratulated for holding such conferences on an annual and regular basis. I am very happy that this meeting as in the past is being attended by internationally acclaimed economists and academics from both within and outside the country. I am especially heartened to see that students of economics from all over Pakistan have been especially invited to attend this meeting.
Do freedom of information laws increase transparency of government? A replication of a field experiment
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , John Peter , Meijer Albert , Worthy Ben
Published: August 2018

Transparency and responsiveness are core values of democratic governments, yet do Freedom of Information Laws - one of the legal basis for such values - actually help to increase these values? This paper reports a replication of a field experiment testing for the responsiveness of public authorities by Worthy et al (2016) in the United Kingdom. We sent 390 information requests to Dutch local government bodies, half of which were framed as official FOIA requests, the other half as informal requests for information. We were able to reproduce the original findings, that is, we found a positive effect of FOIA requests on responsiveness. The overall response rate of local governments was much higher (76%) and the size of the effect was larger than in the original experiment. Furthermore, the strongest effect of FOI was found on proactive disclosure (concordance), something that governments - strictly speaking - are not obliged to do according to the Dutch FOIA. Implications for future replication studies are discussed.
Pengelolaan Pembelajaran Paud
Authors: Farida Siti
Published: August 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menjelaskan (1) perencanaan pembelajaran di TK  A Nurur Ra’uf Tlagah pamekasan, (2) pelaksanaan pembelajaran, dan (3) Penilaian pembelajarannya. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif. Penelitian dilaksanakan di TK A Nurur Ra’uf  Tlagah pamekasan. Desain penelitian ini adalah etnografi . Sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah informan yang terdiri atas pengelola, pendidik, dan siswa di TK A Nurur Ra’uf. Sumber data juga diperoleh dari data-data prota, promes, (RPPM) dan (RPPH) yang diperoleh dari lembaga TK  ketika peneliti melakukan wawancara dan observasi di lapangan. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan model analisis interaktif, yaitu pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan simpulan. Validitas data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik validitas internal dan trianggulasi. Hasil penelitian ini adalah (1) Silabus pembelajaran PAUD dituangkan dalam bentuk perencanaan semester, perencanaan mingguan dan perencanaan harian/pertemuan. Perencanaan itu dilakukan dengan memperhatikan tingkat perkembangan, kebutuhan, minat dan karakteristik anak didik, dan aspek-aspek perkembangan meliputi nilai-nilai agama dan moral, motorik, kognitif, bahasa dan sosial-emosional. (2) P elaksanaan pembelajaran di TK A Nurur Ra’uf  dimulai dengan (a) happy morning, (b) kegiatan pembiasaan, (c) transisi, (d) pijakan lingkungan, (e) pijakan sebelum main, (f) pijakan selama main, (g) pijakan setelah main, (h) pengenalan salat, dan (i) penutup. Pelaksanaan pembelajaran menggunakan metode bermain sambil belajar melalui pembelajaran kelas sentra dengan pendekatan Beyond Center and Circle Time (BCCT), dan metode tanya jawab, cerita, bermain peran atau praktik langsung lapangan. Kegiatan dilakukan dalam suasana bermain yang nyaman, aman, bersih, dan sehat. (3) Penilaian pembelajaran di TK A Nurur Ra’uf  dilakukan dengan observasi setiap saat tidak selama KBM berlangsung sampai selesai pembelajaran. melalui pengamatan, pencatatan anekdot, dan portofolio.
Convolutional Neural Networks Predict Fish Abundance from Underlying Coral Reef Texture
Authors: Young Grace , Balntas Vassileios , Prisacariu Victor
Published: August 2018

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth in large part owing to their unique three-dimensional (3D) structure, which provides niches for a variety of species. Metrics of structural complexity have been shown to correlate with the abundance and diversity of fish and other marine organisms, but they are imperfect representations of a surface that can oversimplify key structural elements and bias discoveries. Moreover, they require researchers to make relatively uninformed guesses about the features and spatial scales relevant to species of interest. This paper introduces a machine-learning method for automating inferences about fish abundance from reef 3D models. It demonstrates the capacity of a convolutional neural network (ConvNet) to learn ecological patterns that are extremely subtle, if not invisible, to the human eye. It is the first time in the literature that no a priori assumptions are made about the bathymetry–fish relationship.
A study of risk factors for bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections
Authors: Varma Muralidhar , Peravali Sravan Kumar , KE Vandana , Kamath Asha , Singh Rahul
Published: August 2018

Background: Urinary tract infections are not only one of the most common infections, but also one of the most common sources of bacteremia in both the general population and hospitalized patients.Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case control study conducted from October 2012 to July 2014in a tertiary care teaching hospital in southern India. Urinary tract infections were diagnosed based on the CDC criteria.Patients witha set of blood cultures and urine culture isolating same organism were grouped as cases while patients with urine culture alone isolating organism with sterile blood cultures were identified as controls.Results: Out of the 198 patientsin the study, 66 were cases while 132 were controls. E coli was the most organism isolated (81% of cases and 66% of controls). Risk factors for bacteremia based on univariate and multivariate analysis were diabetes mellitus with uncontrolled sugars (univariate: p=0.001; OR=5.250 [2.044-13.582]; and multivariate: p=0.01; OR= 6.023 [1.52-23.51]) and pyelonephritis (univariate: p=0.001; OR=6.56 [2.87-1.48]; and multivariate: p=0.047; OR=4.95 [1.02-24.12]).Conclusion: Upper UTI and complicated UTI patients should be evaluated for bacteremia since prompt and targeted treatment may be required.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 25-30
Prescribing Trends in Diabetic Neuropathy at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Banu Parvin , Mondal Subir , Biswas Arunava , Naser Syed Mohammed , Niyogi Mausumi
Published: August 2018

Background: Neuropathy, being a common complication of diabetes mellitus is frequently encountered in patients related to duration and severity of hyperglycaemia and had a multi-modality treatment approach by the treating physicians.Aims and Objective: To understand and analyze the current drug prescribing trends in the management of diabetic neuropathy in hospitalized and OPD patients in a tertiary care hospital.Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study on (n=100) patients of either sex aged between 18 to 70 years admitted in the Department of Neuromedicine as well as visiting the OPD was conducted for a period of 3 months. Prescriptions were collected and the relevant information i.e. drugs prescribed for diabetic neuropathy only excluding other drugs mentioned in the prescription were documented in a predesigned, pretested proforma and were analyzed. Results: All the prescribed drugs i.e. (100%) were oral formulations. The average number of drugs prescribed per prescription for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy including indoor and OPD patients was 3.60 ± 0.66. Prescription of single drug for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy was found to be the commonest trend among the prescribers i.e. 78% of all the prescriptions and they were all in their generic form.Conclusion: Gabapentin and pregablin (antiepileptics), amitryptylline (anti-depressants) and methylcobalamine were most commonly prescribed drugs. Side effects profiles of these drugs were also well evident among the patients. Much larger multicentric studies of similar type including private and public hospitals might reflect the true scenario of current drug prescribing trend among physicians in treating diabetic neuropathy.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 8-11
Chemopreventive compounds from plant derived food and their bioactivity
Authors: Rouamba Ablassé , Compaore Moussa , Kiendrebeogo Martin
Published: August 2018

Terrestrial plants, especially higher plants, have a long history of use for the treatment of many human diseases such as ailment, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Since then, many studies have been designed to evaluate biochemical properties of whole plant extract, fractions or isolated compounds. Several researches have established the relation between consumption of plant derived products to minimize the oxidative stress and diseases associated with stress. These beneficial biological properties on animal health has been attributed to certain classes of metabolites contents in plants including anthocyanins, flavonols, tannins, carotenoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and vitamins. The bioactivity of these compounds is due to their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) or NOS or to modulate antioxidant enzymes expression. The devastating environmental pollution has burdened with numerous toxic chemicals of which biological compounds such as nucleic acid, proteins and membrane phospholipids were the potential targets leading to mutation, cell injury and death. The endogenous antioxidant systems falls prey in response to these toxic and deleterious oxidants and reactive oxygen species. In these conditions, exogenous chemopreventive compounds extracted from plant derived foods are required to maintain cell hemostasis. This review highlights the source and the chemopreventive mechanisms of genoprotective compounds from plant derived food.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 1-7
Anatomic variations of the extrathoracic course of the intercostobrachial nerve and its clinical significance
Authors: Nayak Soubhagya Ranjan , Banerjee Smita Singh
Published: August 2018

Background: The intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) can present anatomic alterations in its course, but in general it originates as a lateral branch of the second intercostal nerve and penetrates the axilla, in the mid axillary line. Its communication with brachial plexus (BP) is of clinical importance. Neurotization and nerve grafting procedures have renewed interest in the communications of peripheral nerves, like that of between BP and ICBN. Aims and Objective: The current study was conducted with an aim to observe the variation in the origin of extra thoracic course of the ICBN and its connection with the components of BP.Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty hemi-thoraxes of 65 adult cadavers (35male & 30 female) of Indian origin were dissected. After removal of the skin and superficial fascia, the ICBN was identified from its origin. The point of emergence from the intercostal space and its communication with BP was noted and photographed.Results: Extrathoracically, ICBN originated from the 2nd intercostals space in 100% specimens. Additionally ICBN originated from the 1st intercostals space in 3.8% specimens, from 3rd intercostals space in 20.7% cases. The ICBN communicated more frequently with medial cutaneous nerve of the arm (MCN) in 63% cases and with other BP branches in 44.6% cases.Conclusion: In the present study we observed ICBN and BP are coherently linked anatomically. The anatomical knowledge of ICBN origin and its variable communication with BP branchesis significant in the event of surgical treatment of breast cancers, lymph node clearance, anaesthetic nerve blocks and traction injuries to the brachial plexus.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 77-80
Digital epidemiology and geographic mapping of G6PD deficiency: retrospective analytic of trends database existing on the surface web
Authors: Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited X-linked recessive condition in which the body does not synthesise a sufficient quantity of the G6PD enzyme. Hemolytic anaemic episodes occur following exposure to some medications, foods, or even infections in G6PD-deficient individuals.Aims and Objectives: To assess the digital epidemiology as well as the geographic mapping of G6PD deficiency in the world including countries of the Mediterranean basin.Materials and Methods: This study is primarily based on a digital epidemiological analysis and geographic mapping based on data retrieved from Google Trends database, a very large database, existing on the surface web. A retrospective analysis was carried out for the period from the 22nd of March 2015 to the 24th of January 2016. Trends data will also be contrasted with a collateral data set of a cross-sectional analytic for the same period which was conducted based on the exploration of cases of G6PD deficiency admitted to Jordan University Hospital.Results: Concerning geographic mapping, countries of the Basin of the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf accounted for one-third of the entire geographic map at 15.66% and 18.18% respectively. Countries of the Mediterranean basin included Jordan, Italy, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Syria, Cyprus, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Contributing countries surrounding the Arabian Gulf included Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan contributed to 2.78% of the global map which accounted for 17.74% of the entire Mediterranean basin. Concerning digital epidemiology, the prevalence was recorded as highest during May 2015 (12.10%), August 2015 (11.17%), and November 2015 (11.28%). Concerning the percentile contribution of monthly records, data were in harmony for those cases admitted to hospital and signals recorded via Google Trends. Both datasets averaged a percentile contribution of approximately 9% per month.Conclusion: This study is the first inferential research on G6PD deficiency based on data from a trends database and parallel data from Jordan University Hospital. Ambitious future research should deploy the use of machine learning for real-time and predictive analytics which will provide an excellent value for public health services and epidemiological studies.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 57-61