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This paper examined the total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan from 1980 to 2018. It uses Malmquist productivity index by applying data envelop analysis to estimate the changes in the production frontier. The Malmquist productivity index is used to decompose total factor productivity into technical change (TECCH) & technical efficiency change (EFFCH). Technical change (TECHCH) means shifts in the frontier or innovation, while efficiency change means catching up to the frontier. The Empirical results show an increase in the productivity of the cash crop in Pakistan. The objective of the study is the decomposition of the total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan. Three cash crops (sugarcane, cotton, and rice) and seven inputs (arable land, irrigated land, use of electricity, use of petroleum product, education, credit facility, and machinery) have been used. The study found a 2.2% increase in total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan which was mainly due to technological change, and the efficiency score of cash crops in Pakistan has been decreased relative to previous years, which is 8.40% in the period's t+1, and compared to 10.44% in the period's t. The government should invest in research and extension in order to provide better seed varieties, better infrastructure, and ensure credit facilities.

Private investment has a significant relation with the economic growth of the country. It plays an important role in reduction of unemployment and poverty by promoting efficiency and competition among the firms. This study is an attempt to investigate the determinants of private investment in Pakistan. For this purpose, time-series data is utilized for the period 1974-2013. The ARDL (Auto Regressive-Distributed Lag) modeling technique of co-integration was employed to estimate the short-run and long-run determinants of private investment in Pakistan. Empirical findings of this study indicated that in the short-run private investment in Pakistan is determined by the growth rate of GDP, public sector investment, and domestic savings. While in the long run it is determined by the official exchange rate, the growth rate of GDP, public sector investment, domestic savings, trade openness, and interest rate. The results also revealed that in the case of Pakistan different political regimes (democratic, non-democratic) have no significance in the determination of private investment. Stability tests of CUSUM and (CUSUMSQ) (Cumulative Sum Control Chart) were performed in this study. These tests indicated a stable, long run as well as short-run structural stability of the model.

Financial resources and allocations play a pivotal role in improving the learning and teaching system in any country. In that context, this study aims to explore the perceptions of secondary head-teachers relating to Budgetary Allocations and Financial Constraints in the context of Effective Management. A qualitative research method was employed in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 head-teachers working in secondary schools. The result from the interview data shows that the majority of the head-teachers were not satisfied with the budgets and funds provided to the schools, and found aspects of the procedures employed to be unhelpful. There was a tendency to expect more of schools on diminishing budgets and difficulties in being able to spend allocations efficiently and effectively for the maximum benefit of learners. The keys issues are identified and some positive ways forward suggested.

Nanomaterials exist as potential biocompatible materials in nature and are being synthesized to provide extraordinary characteristics in various food industry sectors. Synthesis of biocompatible nanomaterials requires modification in the shape, density, and size of nanomaterials. Biocompatible nanomaterials are synthesized to reduce toxicity, decrease adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract, and enhance immune response. Nanomaterials can target organs and tissues. Nanomaterials are found to be effectively compatible by interacting with functional foods and nutraceuticals. Applications of these nanomaterials are novel strategies in food industries such as food safety, food processing, food quality, food packaging, and food labeling. Various functions like detection of toxins and pathogens; production of biocompatible packaging; enhancement in color, flavor, and aroma; processing edible film, and sensing authenticity of food product are being accomplished with no toxicity. This review provides a systematic study on the biocompatibility of nanomaterials. It highlights the synthesis of biocompatible nanomaterials and advanced functions of these nanomaterials in the production area, processing industry, safety improvement, quality control, edible packaging films, biocompatibility, current developments, legislations and regulations for Nano-products, health and safety concerns, toxicity and public perceptions for use of nanomaterials.