New lead-free piezoelectric ceramics 0.96[{Bi0.5 (Na0.84 K0.16)0.5}1-xLax(Ti1-y Nby)O3]-0.04SrTiO3 (BNKT-ST-LN, where x = y = 0.00 ≤ (x = y) ≤ 0.015) were synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method. Their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were investigated as a function of the La and Nb (LN) content. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the formation of a single-phase perovskite structure for all the LN-modified BNKT-ST ceramics in this study. The temperature dependence of the dielectric curves showed that the maximum dielectric constant temperature (Tm) shifted towards lower temperatures and the curves became more diffuse with an increasing LN content. At the optimum composition (LN 0.005), a maximum value of remnant polarization (33 C/cm2) with a relatively low coercive field (22 kV/cm) and high piezoelectric constant (215 pC/N) was observed. These results indicate that the LN co-modified BNKT-ST ceramic system is a promising candidate for lead-free piezoelectric materials.

Synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods, sheets and flower like structure were done by the sol-gel method using zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide at with 12 hours refluxing time nanorods, in case of as synthesized powder, with diameter of 20-60nm. Annealing at higher temperature (300 and ,) in air ambient changes the morphology to sheet and flower like structure. The standard peak of zinc oxide was observed in IR at . The UV-VIS spectroscopy of zinc oxide shows a characteristic peak at 375nm.

Maghemite and hematite nanospheres were synthesized by using the Sol-gel technique. The structural properties of these nanosphere powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and pore size distribution. Hematite phase shows crystalline structures. The mean particle size that resulted from BET and XRD analyses were 4.9 nm and 2 nm. It can be seen from transmission electron microscopy that the size of the particles are very small which is in good agreement with the FESEM and the X-ray diffraction. The BET and pore size method were employed for specific surface area determination.

The purpose of this research study is to examine the stock market’s response to terrorist attacks. The study uses data of terrorist attacks in different parts of the country (Pakistan) from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2017. The event window procedure applies to a 16-day window in which 5 days before and 10 days after the attack. In addition, several event windows have been built to test the response of the Pakistan Stock Exchange. KSE-100 index is taken as proxy of response. The total terrorist attacks are classified into four categories: attacks on law enforcement agencies, attacks on civilians, attacks on special places and attacks on politicians, government employees and bureaucrats. The standard market model is used to estimate the abnormal return of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which takes 252 business days each year. Furthermore, BMP test is used to check statistical significance of cumulative abnormal rate of return (CAAR). The results of this study reveal that total number of terrorist attacks and attacks on law enforcement agencies show long-term effects on Pakistan stock exchange. However, attacks on civilians, attacks on special places and attacks on politicians, government employees and bureaucrats have little effect on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

The purpose of this study is to test both the alignment theory and entertainment theory on family firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. To achieve these goals, we collected secondary data from 164 non-financial family firms in various sectors during 2014-18. These family firms are classified into two categories: family control firms and family owned firms. We take the audit fee and the audit quality as dependent variables while family control firms, family-owned firms, and family CEOs as independent variables. In addition, the study uses leverage, profit and export as control variables. To test the effect of the explanatory variables on the output variables, we use two econometric models, Ordinary Least Square and the Probit regression model. In addition, Huber Sandwich test is used to check the nonnormality and heteroscedasticity of panel data. Contrary to the alignment effect, the study supports the entrenchment effect and advocates that family-controlled firms as well as family-owned firms are not conscientious regarding the selection of external auditors during their contracts with audit firms. They are less likely to pay high audit fees for good quality audit in Pakistan. Furthermore, the study shows a statistically significant and positive relationship between audit quality and audit fees.

Based on the theoretical underpinnings of the agency theory and liquidity theory, the purpose of this study is to show how managers who want to enhance the performance of Pakistan’s non-financial sector can use liquidity policy in relation to corporate governance. Nowadays, Pakistan is facing a severe liquidity crisis; this study contributes by examining the mediating role of liquidity on the link of corporate governance-performance. We use data from 63 firms from 2010 to 2018, excluding 17 outliers. To analyze the data, we use the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SURE) model and nlcom-Stata test. Our findings support the mediating role of liquidity on the link between corporate governance and performance. In addition, the results show that corporate governance improves performance. Furthermore, the study supports a significant positive association of liquidity and performance. For robustness, we use two performance variables – return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s q (TQ) – where ROA represents full mediation and TQ indicates partial mediation. This study helps to use liquidity policy to strengthen the inside and outside dimensions of corporate governance mechanisms that improve the performance of firms. Overall, these findings suggest better disclosure, transparency, and solutions to auditing issues that add value to the firms.