Recent publications
Introduction
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from different comorbid conditions and are prone toward drug-related problems (DRPs) which affect their clinical parameters as well as quality of life (QoL). This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist-led interventions on the mean number of DRPs and the mean QoL score difference per patient DRPs in CKD patients.
Method
An open-labeled, randomized control trial performed from April 2023 to July 2023 in the nephrology unit of a tertiary care setting in Peshawar Pakistan. Those patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups 1:1, i.e., control and intervention group. Clinical pharmacists identified the DRPs at baseline using Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) 9.1 guidelines. The QoL of patients were assessed at baseline and endpoint by using the Functional Assessment of Non-Life-Threatening Conditions (FANLTC) questionnaire.
Results
A total of 100 patients were recruited having 50 in each group. The pharmacist identified a total of n = 230 DRPs in the intervention group, majority of the DRPs were attributed to inappropriate drug selection according to guidelines/formulary”; “inappropriate combinations of drugs or with herbal medications or dietary supplements”; and situations where “too many different drugs or active ingredients were prescribed”. There was 46.52% reduction in the DRPs while comparing baseline and endpoint interventions suggested by pharmacist in the intervention group. The clinical pharmacist provided interventions in order to resolve the DRPs, and 37.40% interventions were accepted and fully implemented; 31.30% of the interventions were accepted and partially implemented. The clinical pharmacist identification and proposed intervention for DRPs contributed to a statistically significant improvement in QoL, from mean ± SD scored 58.64 ± 9.10 at the baseline to 74.48 ± 10.11 at the endpoint, with a p-value of < 0.001.
Conclusion
A significant improvement in the QoL and laboratory parameters for patients with CKD following clinical pharmacist-led interventions having proposed interventions were implemented successfully from baseline to endpoint; however, a considerable number of proposed interventions were not accepted and implemented.
This study explores the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass derived from Syzygium cumini seeds ( S. Cumini ) as an eco‐friendly reinforcing filler for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites. The need for sustainable and biodegradable materials in polymer applications motivated this work, particularly to address environmental concerns associated with conventional PVC. Composite films with varying concentrations of S. Cumini seed filler were prepared using solution casting technique. The structural integrity and interactions within the composites were confirmed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The SEM analysis showed an average particle size of 6–14 μm and also revealed the modifications in morphology upon filler addition. Biodegradability was assessed using hydrolytic degradation and soil‐burial tests, indicating enhanced environmental compatibility compared to pure PVC. The hydrophilicity of the composites improved, as indicated by an increasing in the water contact angle from 79.4° (hydrophilic) to 107° (hydrophobic). Suppressed S. aureus activity of the PVC composite film has shown its antimicrobial behavior. These properties suggest that S. Cumini – reinforced PVC composites can serve as promising materials for polymer‐based medical devices, offering enhanced resistance to bacterial contamination while addressing sustainability challenges.
Highlights
Lignocellulosic biomass S. Cumini was used as reinforcing filler in PVC films.
S. Cumini extract improved the antimicrobial properties of the films.
Hydrolytic dehydration and soil‐burial tests showed enhanced biodegradability.
Hydrophilicity increased, as evidenced by a rise in the water contact angle.
Better bacterial resistance enhances the use in polymer‐based medical devices.
The present work analyses Raychaudhuri equation (RE) in Einstein gravity for two interacting fluids. Focusing theorem, a consequence of RE, is directly related to the singularity theorems of Penrose and Hawking. In the present work, the signature of the Raychaudhuri scalar or convergence scalar has been examined for two types of interaction forms namely, (i) Q = H ( α ρ 1 + β ρ 2 ) (linear) and (ii) Q = H ξ ρ 1 ρ 2 α ρ 1 + β ρ 2 (non-linear). Finally, the phenomena of focusing of a congruence of geodesics and possible avoidance of singularity have been discussed based on the nature of the two fluids and the interaction term operating between them.
This study aims to investigate the effects of psychological contract breach, self-efficacy, mental health, and abusive supervision on employee life satisfaction. Additionally, it examines how work engagement and job satisfaction mediate these effects. Analyzing data from 380 corporate employees in Bangladesh, a survey methodology was employed to test the claimed associations using structural equation modeling (SEM). Self-efficacy and mental health boost work, life, and job satisfaction. Unsurprisingly, abusive supervision and psychological contract breaches do not affect work engagement. Work engagement and job satisfaction affect psychological contract breach, self-efficacy, mental health, abusive supervision, and life satisfaction. By examining how psychological contract breach, self-efficacy, mental health, and abusive supervision affect employee life satisfaction, this study advances understanding level. The study investigates these factors in a developing country’s corporate sector. Employees’ work engagement, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction can be improved by improving self-efficacy, mental health, and psychological contract breaches. These elements should be included in HR policy and staff development programs to create a healthier and more productive workplace.
This study investigates thermal performance enhancement in heat pipes using surface-modified silver nanofluids, addressing the limitations of traditional working fluids in thermal conductivity and heat transfer. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of surface-modified silver nanofluids on the thermal performance of heat pipes. While previous research has explored the use of nanofluids to enhance thermal conductivity, this study introduces a novel approach by utilizing three distinct surface modifications: branched polyethyleneimine, methoxy polyethylene glycol 5 kDa, and aminated silica shells. The innovative combination of a silver core with these specific surface modifications, particularly the aminated silica shell, represents a significant advancement in the field, leading to unprecedented enhancements in thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and heat transfer rates. Characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis. Thermal performance was evaluated in a custom-designed heat pipe system, and the key results showed that silica-shelled nanofluids exhibited the highest thermal conductivity, increasing by 10%, and the lowest thermal resistance, reducing by 35%. These nanofluids also achieved the highest heat transfer coefficients, improving by 25%, and the highest heat transfer rates increased by 30%. Conclusions indicate that surface modifications significantly enhance the thermal properties of nanofluids, making them suitable for advanced thermal management applications. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis, revealing that aminated silica shells provide superior thermal performance. This study quantitatively demonstrates specific improvements in thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, heat transfer coefficients, and rates, suggesting that surface-modified nanofluids can significantly enhance the performance of thermal systems such as heat pipes and cooling systems, offering substantial benefits in various engineering applications. This research addresses the critical gap in understanding how surface modifications influence nanofluid stability and performance, offering new insights into optimizing heat transfer fluids for advanced thermal management systems.
This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of aspiring nutritionists in universities across Lahore. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, and dietary analysis was done using USDA food composition tables. Results showed that 63% of participants from upper middle-class backgrounds were either obese or underweight, while 25% of those affected by malnutrition were from lower middle-class backgrounds. The average caloric intake was only 990 ± 347 kcal, which is well below the requirement for healthy adult functioning. A significant proportion of obese individuals consumed junk food daily, while all groups had inadequate intakes of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Refined carbohydrates dominated meals, and protein sources were generally of low biological value. There was a strong association between socio-economic status and nutritional status (p < 0.005). The study concludes that nutrition knowledge alone is insufficient for promoting healthy habits targeted interventions are essential for long-term health improvements.
This study aims to examine how entrepreneurial education (EE), innovativeness (INT), technological adaptability (TA), and self-management (SM) shape the risk-taking behavior (RTB) and intention to become entrepreneurs of university students. Additionally, it intends to explore the influence of risk-taking behavior (RTB) as a mediator and family support (FS) as a moderator. This study utilized a quantitative methodology to gather data from a cohort of 396 university students. The data was collected by a survey questionnaire that employed a seven-point Likert scale. The sampling method used was convenience sampling. We utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine and interpret the data. The findings demonstrated a direct relationship between each independent variable and risk-taking behavior as well as entrepreneurial intentions. The proposed variable and entrepreneurial intentions are significantly mediated by risk-taking behavior. Furthermore, there is a favorable correlation between risk-taking behavior and entrepreneurial intention when family support is present. This study covers literature gaps on entrepreneurial intentions by thoroughly investigating interconnected variables including self-management, innovativeness, technological adaptability, risk-taking behavior, and entrepreneurial intentions. The study evaluates the impact of these determinants, explores risk-taking behavior as a possible mediator, and explores the moderating effects of family support.
Introduction
The objective of the present study was to improve the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of mastic gum resin (MGR). MGR was loaded into a phospholipid nanocarrier with or without partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside, followed by dispersion into distilled water.
Method
The phospholipid nanocarrier dispersion showed significantly enhanced in-vitro release, porcine skin/ intestine permeation, and retention. When the ratio of the MGR versus partially hydrogenated ginsenoside reached 1:1 w/w in the nanocarrier composition, the in-vitro release increased 54.8-fold compared to the MGR powder suspended in the release media.
Results
Permeation of the nanocarrier dispersion through the porcine skin and intestine increased 160-fold and 42-fold, respectively, compared to permeation of the MGR powder suspension. Furthermore, the nanocarrier dispersion reduced NO production and iNOS mRNA expression in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. MIC and MBC of the nanocarrier dispersion against P. gingivalis were 4.11 ± 1.17 and 8.22 ± 2.35 μg/mL, respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of MGR were remarkably enhanced when the MGR was loaded into the nanocarrier with partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside.
Conclusion
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of MGR were remarkably enhanced when the MGR was loaded into the nanocarrier with partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual machines can support businesses in performing various activities. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the performance outcomes by assessing the concentration of AI technologies. To create a quantifiable score of AI concentration, AI-related terms are identified in the annual reports of all listed firms in the U.S. For analysis purposes, a fixed effects model is employed, using firms’ panel data from 2003 to 2022. The analysis reveals that AI concentration is beneficial for a company’s financial success. Additional analysis examines the moderating role of research and development (R&D). Firms with higher R&D spending experience increased financial benefits from concentrating on AI technologies. The uniqueness of this study lies in analyzing the financial success through the AI and R&D parameters. The findings support a higher concentration on AI, combined with higher R&D spending, to attain greater financial success. The main insights suggest that management must evaluate their existing focus on AI and R&D spending to improve their financial position. JEL Classification: F65; G30; O32; P33
Broad industrial application makes cellulolytic enzymes always in industrial demand with economic and sustainable production method. Production of cellulase enzymes via solid state fermentation mode using solid waste can resolve enzyme production and solid waste management issue in eco-friendly way. In present investigation, co-fermentation of solid wastes and microbial co-cultivation using potential cellulase producers strains have been applied as promising strategy for enhancement of cellulase at economical scale. Under the optimized bioprocess, co-fermentative substrate ratio of 5:4 of coconut waste (Ccw) and jamun fruits (JFs) gave 16 IU/gds filter paper (FP) activity at 12 h of incubation via bacillus strains in solid state fermentation (SSF). Additionally, at optimum production temperature of 42 °C and pH 6.0, enzyme showed 19 and 21 IU/gds FP activity at 12 h of incubation. Further, using different organic and inorganic sources, enzyme produced 26 IU/gds FP activity at 12 h peptone as nitrogen source. Additionally, at 60% optimum, moisture content, enzyme gave highest 31 IU/gds FP activity, 239 IU/gds, β-glucosidase (BGL) activity and 176 IU/gds endoglucanase (EG) activity in 12 h of incubation of SSF confirms the efficient production of all cellulolytic components of enzyme. The study has prominent scope in economical industrial application of this enzyme with promising waste management for environment sustainability applications.
Seaweeds have been utilized as food, fodder, fertilizer, and medicine since ancient times; nevertheless, they have received only a little attention. In the current work, we extracted the sulfated polysaccharide from a marine source and investigated its anti-arthritic potential in vivo. The isolated and freeze-dried polysaccharide was tested for acute oral toxicity based on OECD 423. This step was followed by investigations on clinical signs and gross pathological alterations seen. A complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis was used to test the in vivo activity in female Sprague–Dawley rats, which were divided into five groups: (1) normal control, (2) arthritic control, (3) methotrexate treatment (0.1 mg/kg), (4) crude sulfated polysaccharide (CSP) (5 mg/kg), and (5) CSP (10 mg/kg). CSP was from the marine brown algae Sargassum ilicifolium from the Gulf of Mannar. The body weight, paw volume, and biochemical markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and C-reactive protein levels) were also measured for each group coupled with histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies. The acute toxicity investigation indicated that the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of the polysaccharide was more than 2,000 mg/kg. In addition, animals from the methotrexate and CSP (5 mg/kg, p.o.) groups had a substantial reduction in paw volume compared to other treatment groups. Methotrexate and CSP treatment dramatically decreased the levels of the investigated marker enzymes. Histopathology revealed that low-dose CSP (5 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the severity of synovitis, panniculitis, liver necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cortical and paracortical necrotic foci in node, compared to the high dose (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Immunohistochemical studies revealed that CSP (5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, and CD4 cells. Overall, it can be concluded that a low-dose CSP (5 mg/kg) is an efficient anti-arthritic agent that confers its effects via the cytokine pathway.
Background
Healthcare providers (HCP) face various stressful conditions in hospitals that result in the development of anxiety disorders. However, due to heavy workloads, they often miss the opportunity for self-care. Any effort to diminish this problem improves the quality of Healthcare providers and enhances patient safety. various applications have been developed to empower Healthcare providers and reduce their anxiety, but these applications do not meet all their individual and professional needs. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of mobile-based self-care applications on reducing anxiety in healthcare providers.
Methods
In this study, keywords such as anxiety, self-care, healthcare providers, and mobile health were used to search PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published in the recent ten years (2014–2024). We used the PRISMA diagram to report the results. Ten out of 2515 retrieved articles that addressed the effect of mobile-based self-care applications on Healthcare providers’ anxiety were included for analysis. Data were extracted using a data collection form designed based on the research objective. We used this form to collect data including the author’s name, publication year, country, study type, intervention duration, study objectives, platform used, Modules presented in technologies, Methods of reducing anxiety, questionnaire details, and Effectiveness assessment. Data collected from the studies were analyzed by SPSS-21 using frequency and percentage.
Results
Based on the results, studies were conducted in nine different countries, and the intervention duration and strategies for reducing anxiety using self-care applications ranged from two weeks to four months. The impact of mobile health applications, their content, and intervention strategies on reducing anxiety were positive. The anxiety-reduction strategies were varied among applications. Anxiety reduction strategies in this study included mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical activities, breathing exercises, dietary regimes, and nature exploration through virtual reality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness constituted the most frequently applied reduction techniques across the studies to reduce anxiety in Healthcare providers.Furthermore, the findings revealed the effectiveness of interventions in reducing other mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression, drug abuse, and psychotropic drug use of Healthcare providers.
Conclusion
The use of mobile health applications with practical strategies is effective in reducing anxiety and can also reduce other anxiety disorders in Healthcare professional.
Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is crucial for applications in climate action, land use analysis, disaster risk reduction, and informed decision-making, given the complex spatial and spectral variations inherent in HSI data. Traditional methods struggle with accurately capturing these variations, necessitating more advanced techniques. This work introduces an Optimized Linformer-Curvelet (OptiCurve) Framework that integrates CNN-based feature extraction, Curvelet Transform for spatial detail capture, and Linformer for efficient feature representation. By combining these techniques, the model enhances HSI segmentation and classification, supporting improved outcomes in critical areas like environmental monitoring and disaster response. The framework is validated on four standard HSI datasets-Indian Pines, Pavia University, Kennedy Space Center, and Houston University-showing significant performance improvements over existing methods.
This research investigates the impact of implementing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle as a quality improvement strategy in mitigating medication errors within the emergency departments. Data were gathered through a comprehensive analysis of medication error cases for 6 months, involving 15 emergency department nurses, collaborative meetings with healthcare stakeholders, and root cause analysis using tools like the Ishikawa (fishbone) model. The PDCA cycle was systematically applied to address identified issues in medication administration. The study reveals a significant reduction goal of 47% in medication errors within the emergency department over the next 6 months. The PDCA methodology demonstrates a positive impact on minimizing medication errors, enhancing patient safety, and fostering a more robust medication management system.
With the development of live streaming technology, it has been applied to various industries, such as e-commerce and game streaming. The function of live barrage came into being, and its powerful linking ability greatly enhanced the interaction and participation of the audience. However, with the increase in the number of users, there is a phenomenon that the live broadcast bullet screen covers the video content too much, which affects the user’s viewing experience. Therefore, this study aims to explore how to combine people’s visual habits with the popup strategy of live barrage and adopt a more effective optimisation method to reduce the negative impact of excessive live barrage on users’ information acquisition. The study was successful through four main phases. Firstly, according to the characteristics of the live barrage, the relevant theories of previous studies are reviewed. Second, the existing research defects are identified in the current theoretical framework; third, while solving the present research defects, a program is implemented through coding technology for usability testing to verify the effectiveness of this optimisation strategy; fourth, the usability test demonstrates the effectiveness of the optimisation strategy. As an implication, this study further improves the optimisation strategy based on user feedback that could benefit viewers and live-streaming content providers.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are essential in modern healthcare, underpinning e-health initiatives. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software toanalyze data from the Scopus database. The examination of a vast array of 10,701 EHR-related documents from 1991 to 2023 aims to highlight the growth, current trends, and prospects for the future. This study observed a significant increase in EHR-related publications over the years, predominantly led by the United States, with substantial input from the United Kingdom, China, and India. In the Arab region, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Morocco are notable contributors, with institutions like King Saud University at the forefront of Arab academic research. Key terms such as EHR, machine learning, and blockchain dominate, indicating a focus on advanced technology in healthcare. The study also stresses the importance of addressing privacy, security, and patient safety in EHR research. This comprehensive examination is anticipated to make a significant impact on the field, providing a solid understanding of the role of EHR in healthcare and influencing future research and policymaking in this area.
The current study aimed to discover the impact Digital Marketing on Mental Image of Banks in Saudi Arabia. This research focused on employees working for these Banks. The primary data for this research was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. The structural equation path coefficients, providing insights into the relationships among the latent constructs in the research model. Mental Image was demonstrated to be significantly influenced by Learning, followed by Retention, then Attraction, Communication and finally Engagement.
Since the COVID-19 epidemic, technology has altered the education systems, making online learning more prominent. Collaborative Online Learning (COLAB) has been seen as one method to create more effective lessons in virtual classes. It provides a more meaningful online learning experience for the students. However, several issues have been highlighted as challenges to incorporate into COLAB, such as needing more technical skills and focus and distractions from internal and external factors. Thus, support from the main stakeholders, parents, teachers, and the school is vital to creating an effective COLAB environment. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the issues, approaches, and importance of stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and schools, in contributing to the success of COLAB. A systematic literature review (SLR) research method has been applied to examine the importance of each stakeholder for COLAB. This study concludes that the involvement of all stakeholders is essential in providing the best COLAB experience at school. Each stakeholder has a unique role in cooperating, addressing challenges and enhancing collaboration. In the end, the results of this study provide insight into the importance of involving stakeholders in COLAB to enhance parent-teacher involvement and engagement. Ultimately, all stakeholders significantly promote parent-teacher engagement while benefiting students’ experience in the COLAB setting at school.
This study aimed to highlight students’ perceptions and needs who were attending Jordan University of Science and Technology during the pandemic, in addition to the safety precautions that were adopted by the Jordanian government as a step to resuming face-to-face education on campus. Moreover, the study did highlight the students’ needs for face-to-face schooling continuity during the crisis. A qualitative approach-based study was conducted by managing fifteen face-to-face interviews among students at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid–Jordan. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. As the participants expressed their perceptions of the re-opening of educational institutions, most of them reported their fear of spreading the infection to their families, thus, constantly making use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) efficiently.
This research investigates the influence of authentic leadership on fostering creativity within the dynamic setting of commercial banks in Jordan. As organizational environments continuously evolve, the demand for innovative solutions becomes increasingly crucial for sustained success. The study hypothesizes that authentic leadership positively correlates with and predicts increased levels of creativity among employees in Jordanian commercial banks. By examining specific dimensions of authentic leadership, such as self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and internalized moral perspective, the research aims to identify the key drivers that contribute to a creative work environment. Insights from this study inform leadership development programs, guiding organizations to cultivate and sustain an authentic leadership culture conducive to innovation and adaptability in the face of evolving market demands. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on leadership and creativity in organizational settings, specifically within the unique context of the Jordanian commercial banking sector.
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