9 research outputs found
Cost and Profit Efficiencies of Fully-Fledged Islamic Banks and Islamic Windows of Conventional Banks in Pakistan
Full text linkPakistan is an emerging and an important country in banking and finance. A lot of emphasis has been made on the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan and its growth in the past decade is plausible. It is opening up the market for international investors. This makes the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan interesting and worth analysing. Furthermore, it has not been taken up widely in the academic literature. The purpose of this research is to present a new perspective on the evaluation of x-efficiencies in Pakistani Islamic banking system. As per the knowledge of the author this is the first time such a study has been conducted for Pakistani banks where a comparison has been made between the cost and profit efficiencies of fully-fledged Islamic banks and the Islamic banking windows of the conventional Banks.
We have taken up a sample of four fully fledged Islamic Banks and thirteen conventional banks Islamic banking windows. Stochastic frontier approach was applied in the first stage and in the second stage we have used the Tobit model and GMM model to find out the effects of bank specific and macroeconomic variables. On evaluating the efficiencies it was found out that the fully fledged Islamic banking windows were both cost and profit efficient as compared to the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks. We also found out that the Islamic banks were not affected by the recent financial crises of 2007.
This research intends to fill the gap and would create a basis for further study on this topic. It would also prove to be useful for the investors as to which type of Islamic bank to invest i.e. fully-fledged Islamic banks or the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks
Cost and Profit Efficiencies of Fully-Fledged Islamic Banks and Islamic Windows of Conventional Banks in Pakistan
Full text linkPakistan is an emerging and an important country in banking and finance. A lot of emphasis has been made on the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan and its growth in the past decade is plausible. It is opening up the market for international investors. This makes the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan interesting and worth analysing. Furthermore, it has not been taken up widely in the academic literature. The purpose of this research is to present a new perspective on the evaluation of x-efficiencies in Pakistani Islamic banking system. As per the knowledge of the author this is the first time such a study has been conducted for Pakistani banks where a comparison has been made between the cost and profit efficiencies of fully-fledged Islamic banks and the Islamic banking windows of the conventional Banks.
We have taken up a sample of four fully fledged Islamic Banks and thirteen conventional banks Islamic banking windows. Stochastic frontier approach was applied in the first stage and in the second stage we have used the Tobit model and GMM model to find out the effects of bank specific and macroeconomic variables. On evaluating the efficiencies it was found out that the fully fledged Islamic banking windows were both cost and profit efficient as compared to the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks. We also found out that the Islamic banks were not affected by the recent financial crises of 2007.
This research intends to fill the gap and would create a basis for further study on this topic. It would also prove to be useful for the investors as to which type of Islamic bank to invest i.e. fully-fledged Islamic banks or the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks
Critical success factors for different organizations in construction projects
Full text linkMaster of ScienceDepartment of Civil EngineeringHani G. MelhemResearchers have been compiling lists of key factors the presence or absence of which have determined the success or failure of projects. Early researches of critical success factors were largely theory based; subsequent researches employed the use of statistics and continuously refined methods like neural network and the analytical hierarchy process. Over the passage of time, the focus has narrowed down from broad generalization of ‘projects’ to ‘project classes’.
The thesis can be broadly divided into three components.
First Component: The first component (Chapter 1, 2, and 3) leads an insight into the basic concept of success factor studies, and the empirical frameworks adopted for identification of critical success factors. The second and the third component, comprises literature review and original research, respectively. These components pertain to success factor studies of construction projects, and are introduced as below.
Second Component:
The second component (Chapter 4: Review Component) sets out to choose from among a treasure of resources on construction projects, three such state of the art works that can best explain the progress in search of success factors over a period of the foregoing 25 years. After discussing each work in detail, the reader’s attention is drawn to a collective discussion, and summary towards the end of the Review Component. The review includes the following works: (1) Pinto and Covin, 1989, (2) Ashley et al., 1987, and (3) Kog and Loh, 2011.
Pinto and Covin (1989) endeavored to set aside the convenient research trend of treating all project types (Manufacturing, R&D, Construction etc.) as similar. It was felt that management practitioners considered the generalized project management prescriptions offered by researchers as mostly inapplicable to the unique situations posed by their respective classes of projects. Stepwise regression analysis was employed to seek separate sets of CSFs for construction and R&D projects. The choice of these two project types was made as they apparently lied on opposite ends of the spectrum of characteristics. The phases of project lifecycle considered for
determining CSFs were conceptualization, planning, execution, and termination. It was concluded that though identification of a set of general critical success factors has some benefits for both academics and practitioners, strict adherence to them would not necessarily ensure project success. It was proved that every project type offers its own set of problems, and that these vary over a project’s lifecycle.
The review briefly touches upon the work of Ashley et al. (1987) so as to lead an insight into yet another methodology adopted by CSF researchers. This study views project success from the project managers’ perspective for the owner and contractor organizations they works for, and does not take into consideration the view point of other professionals working for owner, contractor and consultant organizations. Hypothesis testing was employed to find those factors that exhibited strong statistical difference while going from average to outstanding projects.
Kog and Loh (2011) studied a possible dissimilarity between CSFs pertaining to different components of construction projects: (1) civil works, (2) architectural works, and (3) mechanical and electrical works. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process the CSFs were compared separately for the objectives of budget, schedule, quality, and overall performance. They concluded that, on the whole, markedly distinct sets of factors were perceived as crucial by professionals associated with these three components. Apart from their varying job descriptions, the divergence in views of professionals was interpreted to be an outcome of the different frames of time that they mostly work in. While a major portion of civil and structural works would be undertaken in early project-life, mechanical and electrical works, and architectural works would be initiated later in the project’s life. For the three components of construction projects (C&S: civil & structural, M&E: mechanical & electrical, and architectural works), the highest correlation of views was seen to exist between the C&S and M&E, while the lowest was always that between the M&E and the architect. This trend remained the same whether the goal of overall performance or any of the three objectives were taken into consideration.
Third Component:
The thesis terminates with the original work (Research Component: Chapter 5) conducted by the author in the light of Chua et al. (1999) that had attempted, though very briefly, to distinguish between CSFs for different organizations involved in construction projects. Because the survey sample of Chua et al. (1999) was quite small, the researchers referred to their findings
regarding organization-based CSFs as inconclusive. It was suggested that further research be conducted in this regard. Addressing these recommendations, the ‘Research Component’ has differentiated the CSFs based on organizational backgrounds of project participants: consultants, contractors, and project management organizations.
Spearman’s test on overall rankings of 40 significant factors results in a highest level of correlation between the managers and contractor personnel (rs=0.54), followed by that between the managers and the consultants (rs=0.50), and a least correlation between the contractor personnel and the consultants (rs=0.19). Managers not only maintain a significant presence on the site with the contractors, but also coordinate with the consultants regarding any design-construction issues that arise more than often during project execution: No wonder why their pivotal position helps the managers to establish a higher understanding with both contractor personnel and consultants. The lowest correlation of views between the contractor personnel and the consultants arise from the spot on difference between their workspace environments. Whereas the contractor personnel operate in the field, the consultants are mostly restricted to their design offices
Cost and Profit Efficiencies of Fully-Fledged Islamic Banks and Islamic Windows of Conventional Banks in Pakistan
No full textPakistan is an emerging and an important country in banking and finance. A lot of emphasis has been made on the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan and its growth in the past decade is plausible. It is opening up the market for international investors. This makes the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan interesting and worth analysing. Furthermore, it has not been taken up widely in the academic literature. The purpose of this research is to present a new perspective on the evaluation of x-efficiencies in Pakistani Islamic banking system. As per the knowledge of the author this is the first time such a study has been conducted for Pakistani banks where a comparison has been made between the cost and profit efficiencies of fully-fledged Islamic banks and the Islamic banking windows of the conventional Banks.
We have taken up a sample of four fully fledged Islamic Banks and thirteen conventional banks Islamic banking windows. Stochastic frontier approach was applied in the first stage and in the second stage we have used the Tobit model and GMM model to find out the effects of bank specific and macroeconomic variables. On evaluating the efficiencies it was found out that the fully fledged Islamic banking windows were both cost and profit efficient as compared to the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks. We also found out that the Islamic banks were not affected by the recent financial crises of 2007.
This research intends to fill the gap and would create a basis for further study on this topic. It would also prove to be useful for the investors as to which type of Islamic bank to invest i.e. fully-fledged Islamic banks or the Islamic banking windows of conventional banks
A novel synthesis of solid-solid (SSMePCM) by in situ polymerization
No full textIn this research solid-solid microencapsulated phase change material (SSMePCM) with high thermal energy storage density (177.6 Jg/1) was synthesized successfully by in situ polymerization using biodegradable natural polymer chitosan as shell and polyethylene glycol (PEG-1000) as core. The morphology, chemical structure and thermal properties were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the obtained SSMePCM dispersed individually with a spherical shape. Author (s) recommends the all set thermal and chemically steady microcapsule for thermal energy storage purposes as novel synthesized SSMePCM with latent heat storage capacities.</p
A comprehensive study of potentially toxic element contamination and source quantitative assessment by positive matrix factorization model: risk from the fine road dust of Chehe mining area, China
No full textExtreme mining activities can risk human life and the environment via potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road dust, thus making their quantification and assessment unavoidable. For this purpose, we collected 50 fine road dust samples from the Chehe mining area, China, to quantify the level of contamination and ecological and health risks of PTEs comprising As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn, and their quantitative source apportionment using the positive matrix factorization model (PMF). Results indicated that the average values of Cd, Sb, As, Zn, Pb, and Cu in road dust were 1555.21, 586.78, 429.68, 429.43, 72.88, and 26.61 times higher than their background values. Pollution indices of PTEs revealed a strong level of contamination by Cd, Sb, As, Zn, and Pb, which were extremely polluted in the study area. The average values of the Nemerow integrated risk index (NIRI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were 104.09 and 86.49 times the highest risk limit, respectively, which are extremely high ecological risks. Based on PMF for quantitative source identification, mining activities and fuel combustion were the main sources of PTEs in road dust contributing 57.25% and 35.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the health risk assessment indicated that Sb, As, Cr, Cd, and Pb in the Chehe road dust could lead to significantly serious carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to both children and adults. The results of this study could be used to opt for strategies to mitigate the ecological and human health risk in the mining area of Hechi, China. ? 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
Author Correction: The bottromycin epimerase BotH defines a group of atypical α/β-hydrolase-fold enzymes
No full textTrends and disparities in peptic ulcer disease-related mortality in the United States from 1999–2020: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is associated with severe complications such as hemorrhage and perforation, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. This study aims to evaluate the temporal and regional mortality trends of adults with PUD in the United States from 1999 to 2020, stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, age group, and geographic region.
Methods:
Utilizing death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database, age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were derived from crude mortality rates (CMRs). Trends in AAMRs were analyzed through annual percent change (APC) and average APC (AAPC) using Joinpoint regression (Joinpoint Regression Program, V5.0.2).
Results:
From 1999 to 2020, a total of 37,471 deaths due to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) were reported in the United States. The AAMR remained stable from 1999 to 2001 (APC: 0.59), followed by a sharp decline from 2001 to 2012 (APC: -11.79). After a period of stability from 2012 to 2018 (APC: 1.53), the trend reversed with an increase from 2018 to 2020 (APC: 8.45). Males had higher AAMR (0.84) than females (0.71). Non-Hispanic Whites had the highest AAMR (0.82), and Hispanics or Latinos the lowest (0.49), with an overall decrease in mortality rates across all racial groups, particularly among Non-Hispanic Black or African Americans. The West had the highest AAMR (0.87), and the Northeast the lowest (0.71), with all regions showing a downward trend. Rural areas exhibited a higher AAMR (0.86) compared to urban areas (0.76). Mortality was most concentrated among adults aged 85 years and older (CMR: 7.63), and the lowest CMR was recorded in the 25–54 years age group (0.16). Most deaths occurred in medical facilities (81.89%), followed by decedents’ homes (8.36%) and nursing homes/long-
term care (3.85%). The District of Columbia (AAMR: 1.47) reported the highest AAMR, while New Jersey (0.59) had the lowest.
Conclusion:
Despite the overall decline, regional and demographic disparities remain, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address PUD-related mortality
Antibacterial spectrum of traditionally used medicinal plants of Hazara, Pakistan
Full text linkThe use of medicinal plants for treatment of infections is an old age practice. On the basis of this important practice, this study was initiated to evaluate the antibacterial effects of medicinal plants, commonly used by the community of Hazara region of Pakistan. Antibacterial spectrum of traditionally used medicinal plants was determined by disc diffusion method under incubation period of 24 to 48 h at 37°C. Four medicinal plants were tested against the different species of human pathogenic bacteria. It was observed that Incarvillea emodi have good activity against Proteus and significantly active against Staphylococcus. Vernonia anthelmintica revealed significant activity against Staphylococcus and Proteus. However, Pseudomonas is resistant to Adiantum capilus-veneries and this plant is negligibly active against other tested microorganism. Mentha longifolia is significantly active against Proteus, while negligibly active against other tested microorganisms. Escherichia coli is however, resistant to M longifolia.Keywords: Biological activity, medicinal plants, Incarvillea emodi, Vernonia anthelmintica, Adiantum capilus-veneries, Mentha longifolia, Hazara, Pakista
