MBA

This study investigates the validity and acceptability of capital asset pricing model (CAPM) in four different stock exchanges of Asian countries. The paired sample t-test is applied to find the difference between actual and expected returns. Results confirm that CAPM accurately predict the expected returns of both short and long-term investments in Asian markets. It is recommended that those investors, who are risk taker and wish to invest on long-term basis, must consider securities listed in JKT 30, SSE 50 and HSE 35 indices. Short-term risk taker investor must consider securities listed in SSE 50 and JKT 30 indices. Those investors who are risk neutral and wish to invest on long-term basis must consider securities listed in KLSE 30 index. Short-term risk neutral investors must consider securities listed in KLSE 30 and HSE 35.

The thesis investigates the Islamic Banks’ performance in contrast to traditional banks in Pakistan for the period 2005 to 2015. The financial performance were assessed for profitability, liquidity, uncertainty, capitalization, operating efficiency and resource allocation. 15 financial ratios were selected to represent the selected six aspects of financial performance. All the variables and ratios were selected after extensive review of literature. The sample consisted of 4 Islamic banks and 4 traditional banks. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the banks in the sample. Financial statements were the source used for collecting all the information required for this thesis. Non-normal variables were transformed into approximately normal to apply parametric statistical test. Independent sample t-test is used as the comparing measure. The results indicated that Islamic banks earn less profits, but face high risk and efficiency is also less than traditional banks. On the other hand, liquidity of Islamic banks is higher than traditional banks in Pakistan.

Twenty-three (23) derivatives of coumarin (5-27) were synthesized and screened for their in vitroglucuronidase (E. coli) inhibitory activities. Only three compounds, 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (9) (IC 50 = 52.39 ± 1.85 μM), 3-chloro-6-hexyl-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (18) (IC 50 = 60.50 ± 0.87 μM), and 3,6dichloro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (15) (IC 50 = 380.26 ± 0.92 μM) displayed activities againstglucuronidase as compared to standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC 50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 M). The results indicated that the activity of the synthetic coumarins depends upon the substituents present on the coumarin skeleton.

a b s t r a c t 2-Arylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones 1-25 were synthesized by reacting anthranilamide with various benzaldehydes using CuCl 2 Á2H 2 O as a catalyst in ethanol under reflux. Synthetic 2-arylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones 1-25 were evaluated for their b-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. A trend of inhibition IC 50 against the enzyme in the range of 0.6-198.2 lM, was observed and compared with the standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC 50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 lM). , 9, 2, and 24 with the IC 50 values within the range of 0.6-44.0 lM, indicated that the compounds have superior activity than the standard. The compounds showed no cytotoxic effects against PC-3 cells. A structure-activity relationship is established.

Biotransformation of a steroidal contraceptive drug, etonogestrel (1), (13-ethyl-17b-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17a-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) was investigated with Cunninghamella blakesleeana and C. echinulata. Five metabolites 2-6 were obtained on incubation of 1 with Cunninghamella blakesleeana, and three metabolites, 2, 4, and 6 were isolated from the transformation of 1 with C. echinulata. Among them, metabolites 2-4 were identified as new compounds. Their structures were deduced as 6b-hydroxy-11,22-epoxy-etonogestrel (2), 11,22-epoxy-etonogestrel (3), 10b-hydroxy-etonogestrel (4), 6b-hydroxy-etonogestrel (5), and 14a-hydroxy-etonogestrel (6). Compounds 1-6 were evaluated for various biological activities. Interestingly, compound 5 was found to be active against b-glucuronidase enzyme with IC 50 value of 13.97 ± 0.12 lM, in comparison to standard compound, D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC 50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 lM). Intestinal bacteria produce b-glucuronidase. Increased activity of b-glucuronidase is responsible for the hydrolyses of glucuronic acid conjugates of estrogen and other toxic substances in the colon, which plays a key role in the etiology of colon cancer. Inhibition of b-glucoronidase enzyme therefore has a therapeutic significance. Compounds 1-6 were also found to be non cytotoxic against 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines.

Seven metabolites were obtained from the microbial transformation of anabolic-androgenic steroid mibolerone (1) with Cunninghamella blakesleeana, C. echinulata, and Macrophomina phaseolina. Their structures were determined as 10β,17β-dihydroxy-7α,17α-dimethylestr-4-en-3one (2), 6β,17β-dihydroxy-7α,17α-dimethylestr-4-en-3-one (3), 6β,10β,17β-trihydroxy-7α,17αdimethylestr-4-en-3-one (4), 11β,17β-dihydroxy-(20-hydroxymethyl)-7α,17α-dimethylestr-4-en-3-one (5), 1α,17β-dihydroxy-7α,17α-dimethylestr-4-en-3-one (6), 1α,11β,17β-trihydroxy-7α,17αdimethylestr-4-en-3-one (7), and 11β,17β-dihydroxy-7α,17α-dimethylestr-4-en-3-one (8), on the basis of spectroscopic studies. All metabolites, except 8, were identified as new compounds. This study indicates that C. blakesleeana, and C. echinulata are able to catalyze hydroxylation at allylic positions, while M. phaseolina can catalyze hydroxylation of CH 2 and CH 3 groups of substrate 1. Mibolerone (1) was found to be a moderate inhibitor of β-glucuronidase enzyme (IC 50 = 42.98 ± 1.24 μM) during random biological screening, while its metabolites 2-4, and 8 were found to be inactive. Mibolerone (1) was also found to be significantly active against Leishmania major promastigotes (IC 50 = 29.64 ± 0.88 μM). Its transformed products 3 (IC 50 = 79.09 ± 0.06 μM), and 8 (IC 50 = 70.09 ± 0.05 μM) showed a weak leishmanicidal activity, while 2 and 4 were found to be inactive. In addition, substrate 1 (IC 50 = 35.7 ± 4.46 μM), and its metabolite 8 (IC 50 = 34.16 ± 5.3 μM) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cell line (human cervical carcinoma). Metabolite 2 (IC 50 = 46.5 ± 5.4 μM) also showed a significant cytotoxicity, while 3 (IC 50 = 107.8 ± 4.0 μM) and 4 (IC 50 = 152.5 ± 2.15 μM) showed weak cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cell line. Compound 1 (IC 50 = 46.3 ± 11.7 μM), and its transformed products 2 (IC 50 = 43.3 ± 7.7 μM), 3 (IC 50 = 65.6 ± 2.5 μM), and 4 (IC 50 = 89.4 ± 2.7 μM) were also found to be moderately toxic to 3T3 cell line (mouse fibroblast). Interestingly, metabolite 8 showed no cytotoxicity against 3T3 cell line. Compounds 1-4, and 8 were also evaluated for inhibition of tyrosinase, carbonic anhydrase, and α-glucosidase enzymes, and all were found to be inactive.

Combining insights from Activity Theory , mobile-assisted language-learning (MALL) (Stockwell and Hubbard, 2013), and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research , this paper proposes three levels of teacher involvement in the adaptation and/or creation of MALL resources to enhance learner interaction with the target language and potentially contribute to the field of learner-computer interactions. Specifically, this paper (1) proposes three levels of teacher involvement in MALL material creation, moving from easily adaptable pre-made materials (e.g., Duolingo) to customizable materials (e.g., Quizlet) and finally to teacher-created materials (e.g., Moodle); (2) demonstrates how these levels of design can be implemented in a MALL context to increase target language interaction according to Activity Theory (e.g., how teachers can incorporate gaming features into their online courses); and (3) concludes with recommendations as to how MALL "engineers" can work together to enhance the overall L2 learning experience and potentially collaborate in research and in the design of pedagogical materials. From a pedagogical standpoint, through these three levels of teacher involvement in material creation, teachers can extend the reach of their classrooms by mobilizing the target L2 environments, depending on their MALL/CALL proficiency and/or interests. This approach also invites second language acquisition scholars from a wide range of technological abilities to contribute to CALL research.

Identification of hotspot drug-receptor interactions through in-silico prediction methods (Pharmacophore mapping, virtual screening, 3DQSAR, etc), is considered as a key approach in drug designing and development process. In the current design study, advanced in-silico based computational techniques were used for the identification of leadlike molecules against the targeted receptor β-glucuronidase. The binding pattern of a potent inhibitor in the ligand-receptor X-ray co-crystallize complex was used to identify and extract the structure-base Pharmacophore features. Based on these observations; five structure-based pharmacophore models were derived to conduct the virtual screening of ICCBS in-house data-base. Top-ranked identified Hits (33 compounds) were selected to subject for in-vitro biological activity evaluation against β-glucuronidase enzyme; out of them, twenty compounds (61% of screened compounds) evaluated as actives, however eleven compounds were found to have significantly higher inhibitory activity, including compounds 1, 5-8, 10, 12-13, and 17-19 with IC 50 values ranging from 1.2 μM to 34.9 μM. Out of the eleven potent inhibitors, seven compounds 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 19 were found new, and evaluated first time for the β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1, 5 and 19 exhibited a highly potent inhibition in uM of β-glucuronidase enzyme with non-cytotoxic behavior against the mouse fibroblast (3T3) cell line. Our combined in-silico and in-vitro results revealed that the binding pattern analysis of the eleven potent inhibitors, showed almost similar non-covalent interactions, as observed in case of our validated pharmacophore model. The obtained results thus demonstrated that the virtual screening minimizes false positives, and provide a template for the identification and development of new and more potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors with non-toxic effects.

Statement of the Problem: In this dynamic and competitive world everyone wants to achieve maximum profit at the charge of quality. Due to this, food products adulteration has turn into a common issue in various countries. Adulteration usually refers to non-compliance to health or safety standards according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Adulterants may be intentionally added to more expensive substances to increase visible quantities, reduce manufacturing costs and other deceptive or malicious purposes. Food and Drug Administration has developed multiple Food Defense tools in order to prevent food from adulteration. This study will emphasize on the issues of adulteration and food product authenticity in confectionery products. There are a number of ingredients used in the production of confectionary items especially fats. Manufacturers often choose lard as a substitute ingredient for oil because it is relatively cheap and eas...

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of total quality management (TQM) in pharmaceutical wholesale distribution companies in Pakistan. The paper also seeks to contribute to reduce the existing lack of TQM studies in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach -A 29-item survey questionnaire is sent to 90 pharmaceutical distributors. Response rate is 56.7 per cent. Confirmatory factor analysis deletes one item in the scale purification process. Findings -Data analysis reveal that "process design" (PD) is critical TQM success factor in pharmaceutical wholesale distribution companies in Pakistan. Like other studies in developing countries, top management in pharmaceutical wholesale distribution companies in Pakistan does not adequately support the TQM implementation.

Key Word Index Piper ni.qrum; Piperaceae; N-isobutylamide ofoctadeca-wans-2-cis-4-dienoic acid; piperine; 2D NMR. Abstract A new amide, N-isobutyl amide of octadeca-trans-2-eis-4-dienoic acid has been isolated from the dried and crushed fruits of Piper nigrum, along with the known alkaloid, piperine. Complete assignments of the protons and carbons of the new amide and piperine have been made based on 2D NMR studies. 'i( 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

In this course, students develop a critical appreciation of the basic concepts and techniques of marketing management and strategy with an emphasis on creating customer value and building customer relationships. The course develops concepts and skills necessary for marketing decisionmaking and illustrates how various decision-making tools apply to actual business situations. The goal of this course is to develop a disciplined process for addressing marketing issues and problems in a variety of settings, and to give students the tools and background necessary to think through marketing problems.

Cenani-Lenz syndrome (CLS) is an autosomal-recessive congenital disorder affecting distal limb development. It is characterized mainly by syndactyly and/or oligodactyly and is now shown to be commonly associated with kidney anomalies. We used a homozygositymapping approach to map the CLS1 locus to chromosome 11p11.2-q13.1. By sequencing candidate genes, we identified recessive LRP4 mutations in 12 families with CLS. LRP4 belongs to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related proteins (LRPs), which are essential for various developmental processes. LRP4 is known to antagonize LRP6-mediated activation of canonical Wnt signaling, a function that is lost by the identified mutations. Our findings increase the spectrum of congenital anomalies associated with abnormal lipoprotein receptor-dependent signaling.

Invasive papillary carcinomas of the Extrahepatic Bile Ducts (EBD) are uncommon (4-5%). The course is less aggressive than conventional adenocarcinomas of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Non-invasive and minimally invasive papillary carcinomas are even rarer, behave as in-situ carcinomas and are associated with excellent long-term prognosis. A variety of lesions of the EBD that show papillary architecture should be distinguished from papillary carcinoma. Here, we report a case of papillary carcinoma of the common bile duct showing minimal invasion. Separation of invasive from non-invasive or minimally invasive papillary carcinoma is critical in estimating the patient outcome.