The article examines economic, political, and institutional determinants of privatization using a panel of 50 countries over the period of 1988-2006. Our sample includes developed, developing, and transition economies. Privatization activity is measured by the number of privatization deals as well as the revenue raised and analyzed using the negative binomial regression and Tobit regression respectively. Although more privatization activity is usually taking place in countries displaying satisfactory economic performance in some respect, the role of economic factors turns out to be limited. The results identify a number of political and institutional determinants but some effects are specific to a particular type of economy. For example, in developing countries, right-wing governments are associated with privatizations while new, not necessarily right-wing governments, are behind privatization in Eastern Europe. The role of financial development is also varied, with sound financial institutions related to successful privatization in developed and developing countries but not in transition economies.

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Study Objectives: Sleep problems are common in persons with dementing illnesses and among the most stressful patient behaviors for caregivers. Although studies have shown differences in sleep across ethnic groups, little information is available on ethnic differences among persons with dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible ethnic differences in sleep problems among patients with Alzheimer dementia. Method: Caregiver reports of 5 sleep-or circadian rhythm-related behavioral problems (behavior disturbance worse in the evening, difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings, early awakenings, and excessive daytime sleep) were evaluated in 395 patients who had received a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease after diagnostic evaluation. The average cognitive score of the groups suggested that they could be characterized as having moderately severe impairment. The frequency of sleep problems was then evaluated across subgroups defined by self-reported ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white). As patient and caregiver characteristics may affect caregivers' reports of patients' behaviors, mixed effects regression models were used to adjust for patient and care-giver variables that might affect caregiver reports. Results: Analyses revealed ethnic differences in sleep or circadian rhythm disturbances. African American and Hispanic patients were reported to have more severe sleep disturbances than non-Hispanic whites. After correction for patient and caregiver variables that might have affected caregiver reports, differences between African Americans and others remained. Conclusions: Sleep problems in patients with dementing illnesses are reported by caregivers with differing frequencies across groups of African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites. Clinicians should be aware of these differences in assessing sleep disturbance in patients with dementia as well as the potential effects of patient and caregiver variables on reports of these problems.

This study was conducted to compare the performance of ten sorghum hybrids at two locations (Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal, MMRI) & Sorghum Research Sub-Station, Dera Gazi Khan, D.G. Khan) for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016), i.e. in a total of four environments (MMRI-15, MMRI-16, DG Khan-15 and DG Khan-16). The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with a plot size of 4 × 0.75 × 2 m. In all four environments the crop was sown in July and harvested in December. Five plants were selected randomly from each plot for data collection. The following ranges were determined in the investigated traits; grain yield (2858.34-5266.33 kg ha-1), fodder yield (28663-45667 kg ha-1), days to 50% anthesis (76-81 days) and Brix value (8.28-18.42). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) estimates, generated by the biplot software were used for data interpretation. It was found that the influence of genotype, environment and G × E interaction was significant (P<0.05) for all traits in all environments. The data for all traits except Brix value were useful for further study. For grain yield and fodder yield, hybrid YSH-95 was the most suitable due to its higher yield and better stability. Sorghum Research Sub-Station Dera Gazi Khan (DG Khan), a non-discriminating location, were considered suitable for generally adapted hybrids and Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal (MMRI), a more discriminating location, were considered best for specifically adapted hybrids. The results of which-won-where biplots showed that Lasani was the best general hybrid at both locations, whereas YSH-95 was the best hybrid for the specific environmental conditions at MMRI.

A survey was conducted to record the views of visitors of three purposefully selected historic Mughal gardens of Pakistan to evaluate the available facilities and to develop guidelines for their improvement if desired. Two hundred visitors were interviewed to generate required information. Majority of the visitors (61.5%) were unsatisfied with the existing facilities. Reasons ascribed to dissatisfaction by the visitors were inadequate overall management of gardens, non-availability of quality food items at canteens, poor quality of utilities, recreational opportunities, security measures, behavior and guidance of employees, parking facility and cleanliness. Most of the visitors demanded certain facilities such as the presence of library (8.5%), bookshop (3%) and antique shop (3.5%). Significant differences in perceptions were recorded among various demographic groups of the visitors.