Lincoln University College

The study delves into the convergence of German new medicine (GNM) and homeopathy, examining their potential to enhance treatment strategies when considered together such that GNM posits a link between emotional trauma and physical manifestations of disease, providing a specific lens through which one can examine the origins of conditions such as cancer. Homeopathy, with its holistic and individualized approach, considers a vast array of symptoms and patient aspects. The present study debates the merits of integrating the detailed emotional analyses of GNM into the wide‐ranging, symptom‐based approach of homeopathy. Integration efforts are aimed at augmenting the depth of patient assessments, especially concerning the emotional etiology of diseases. The study indicated that while GNM can provide valuable insights, it should supplement rather than overshadow the comprehensive methodologies of homeopathic treatment. Future research avenues are proposed to evaluate the impact of combined GNM and homeopathic practices on patient outcomes, particularly in the domain of cancer, to uphold and possibly enhance the tradition of holistic and personalized patient care.

In this study, we investigate the relationships amongst risk mitigation, risk hedging and project management within the construction SME sector in Iraq; however, we focus on the mediating role of internal control. The project collected data from a self-administered survey conducted using a stratified random sampling strategy with 251 SME employees. By confirming using the technique of electronic equation modelling (Smart-PLS), the results indicate that there is a strong positive effect on internal control and project management from risk reduction as well as risk hedging. We show Internal control was found to partially mediate the relationship between risk reduction and risk hedging with project management. The findings have implications for internal control because the effectiveness of internal control is positively related to effective project management performance in Iraqi construction SMEs. In this research, the integration of risk management strategies in construction project management is emphasized in order to foster cost savings, revenue growth, quality improvement, and project success. Hence, the value of such research in understanding the dynamics of the construction project management process.

In the evolving landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a combination of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and innovation capabilities is essential for achieving sustainable innovation performance (SIP). This comprehensive literature review explores EO and its substantial influence on promoting sustainable innovation, as well as the mediating role of ICs in SMEs contexts. The findings show that EO directly enhances SIP and ICs. Further, SIP is directly affected by the ICs. The results also showed that ICs act as mediator role for converting EO-driven practices into sustainable innovation performance. While EO leads entrepreneurs into setting the entrepreneurial mindset, ICs will be able to put into innovation solutions that fit with long term sustainability targets. This work establishes a foundation for future empirical research on the interplay between EO, ICs, and SIP.

Artificial intelligence is considered one of the most significant effects of globalization and modern technology, and one of the rapidly spreading modern sciences today. It has entered various industrial and research fields, most notably robotics and smart services for governments and companies. As a branch of computer science, it relies on different software programs that align with human cognitive abilities in various tasks. AI is the result of decades of effort, where humans have strived to create an artificial mind that thinks alongside them and assists in certain tasks. This technology has also impacted the legal system, with some considering AI technology incapable of resolving the legal issues it raises. Therefore, lawmakers are urged to establish specific legislation for this advanced technology. However, others are concerned about this approach, advocating instead for the application of existing legal rules with minor adjustments, in order to prevent radical changes to the current legal logic.

As small and medium sized firms (SMEs) mature within a rapidly changing environment, market orientation (MO) acts an essential force in advancing corporate success. Innovative capability (IC) and environmental uncertainty (EU) often play an intervening role in the efficacy of MO in contributing to SME performance. The purpose of this study is to estimate the moderating role of environmental uncertainty on the relationship between market orientation and small and medium sized enterprise performance that is mediated by innovation capability. Moreover, the study highlights that IC helps SMEs translate market insights into new solutions to offer them a competitive edge as well as improve their operational efficiency. When the circumstances surrounding operations are unpredictable, companies need to become more adaptive through innovation, thus being increasingly able to reap the beneficial impacts of MO on performance. This thesis integrates these aspects to elucidate how SMEs could be leveraging MO and IC to overcome external constraints to enable their sustainable growth. The results on the collaborative functions of MO, IC, and EU improve on existing literature of SME Performance. Implications for practitioners and future study are offered along with strategic insights for SMEs competing in unpredictable and competitive market places.

Green human resource management (GHRM) incorporates the sustainability in the human resource management activities. Encouraging eco-friendly activities promoting green and working towards a sustainable nation is the agenda of the GRHM. This agenda has been promoted globally in Western countries but it is the developing nations such as India and China who are leading in every aspect from development to nation who are contributing the larger percentage of the world’s pollution. The GHRM is a well-organized agenda with less information on its implementation. The present research explores the status of GHRM in the mineral industries in India. The results have shown that there is the least amount of implementation of the GHRM practices in the mineral industries and call for the effective implementation of the GHRM practices to build a sustainable nation.

Background and objectives: Monosyllable words are the most common speech recognition stimuli since they test auditory perception and are used to assess speech recognition. However, there is a lack of resources available for the Urdu-speaking Pakistani population. This study aims to develop and psychometrically evaluate a digitally recorded Urdu monosyllabic word list for Word Recognition Score (WRS) testing. Subjects and methods: A total of 135 monosyllabic words were selected from a previous study. These words were digitally recorded by a native female Urdu speaker in a studio. The recordings were psychometrically assessed by 30 native Urdu speakers with normal hearing. The 100 most familiar words were selected and organized into two lists, each further divided into four halves to ensure that the words were relatively homogeneous in terms of audibility. Results: The average psychometric slope between 20% and 80% for the full list was 4.78%/dB±0.22%/dB, while it was 4.81%/dB±0.35%/dB for the half list. No statistically significant difference in p-values was observed between the full and half lists. The mean psychometric slope for 50% intelligibility was 6.04%/dB for both the full list (SD=0.44) and the half lists (SD=0.40). Conclusions: Digitally recorded Urdu monosyllabic word lists are valid for assessing speech recognition in native Urdu speakers with normal hearing.

Malaria infection causes lysis of infected red blood cells (RBCs), leading to anemia. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), on the other hand, is caused by antibody-mediated destruction of RBCs, and it is associated with other autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thereby, we report a rare case of concurrent malaria infection with AIHA and acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A 33-year-old female presented with fever for seven days. She came back from Ethiopia 40 days ago. She was found to have severe anemia, and further workup revealed high levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against RBC. She rapidly improved with antimalarial and prednisolone therapy. She was also found to have immunoglobulin M (IgM) against CMV, indicating acute infection, but she didn't have specific manifestations related to CMV and therefore was not treated. During outpatient follow-up, she was found to have high antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers as well as low complements, indicating the possibility of an underlying autoimmune disorder. This case underscores the need for concurrent antimalarial and immunosuppressive therapy in co-occurring autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)/malaria, with close monitoring for SLE progression given high ANA titers.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to find the relationship between excessive screen time exposure and the development of astigmatism in children. Methods A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at tertiary care hospital, Islamabad between June 2023 to May 2024. In total, 431 patients were included in this study after informed written consent. Screen time exposure was assessed through smartphone usage history or parental reports of daily use of smart gadget(s). Tear break-up time was measured using a fluorescein strip, cobalt blue filter on a slit-lamp biomicroscope and a stopwatch. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical tests including Spearman’s correlation and regression analyses. Results The study included 431 children (mean age: 6.70 ± 1.80 years; 55% male, 45% female). Mean screen time was 4.54 ± 1.52 hours/day. A positive correlation between screen time and the magnitude of astigmatism was observed (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a significant relationship among screen time and astigmatism (B = 0.177, CI: 0.80-0.25). Tear break- up time (TBUT) showed a significant negative correlation with screen time (r = -0.167, p < 0.001), and reduced TBUT was linked to a higher risk of inflammatory conjunctivitis and lid thickening (B = -0.431, CI: -0.12 to -0.49, p < 0.001). The results highlighted that inflammatory conjunctivitis/lid thickness have three times greater risk of developing high astigmatism (OR = 3.31, p-value < 0.001, CI = 1.91 to 5.73) while the risk of moderate astigmatism in such cases was two times higher (2.12, p-value = 0.004, CI = 1.26-3.56). However, the effect of lid thickness on astigmatism when combining with screen time has a little effect that is not significant (p-value = 0.053). Thus, excessive screen time is an independent risk factor of causing astigmatism in children (p < 0.001). The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity after correction (p < 0.001). Conclusion Excessive screen time in children is significantly associated with astigmatism, tear film instability, inflammatory ocular conditions, including conjunctivitis and lid thickening. These findings suggest the need for preventive strategies, such as reducing screen time and encouraging regular eye examinations, to protect children’s ocular health.

The global Muslim population is projected to drive unprecedented demand for halal products, with the halal market expected to reach $2.8 trillion in the coming years. This growth necessitates reliable, traceable, and sustainable halal products. The Blue Economy, which promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods, presents a promising approach to meet this demand. This chapter underscores the importance of strategic integration and collaboration between Blue Economy principles and halal standards, promoting economic and environmental sustainability while meeting growing consumer demand for ethically sourced halal products. Integrating Fiqh al-Bi’ah, an Islamic environmental ethics framework, with Blue Economy practices enhances the sustainability of halal products, ensuring they are permissible under Islamic law and produced responsibly. Key sustainable practices in the halal industry include humane animal treatment, community engagement, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical supply chains. Despite challenges like varying interpretations of halal requirements and the need for significant investment, opportunities abound for technological advancements and regulatory support.

The current work aims to develop a reliable and robust RP-HPLC method for analyzing Fosamprenavir and its potential impurities, including isomer, amino, propyl, nitro, and Amprenavir. The method used a Zobrax C18 column with a mobile phase of 0.1% V/V orthophosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile in gradient elution at a flow rate of 1 mL/min to accomplish efficient separation with detection at 264 nm and column temperature of 30 ± 2⁰C. A diluent with a 1:1 water-to-acetonitrile ratio was used to prepare standard and sample solutions. The developed approach was validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. Fosamprenavir, Amino, Propyl, Isomer, Nitro impurities, and Amprenavir impurities were eluted at retention time (RT) of 5.3 min, 2.3 min, 4.3 min, 4.7 min, 8.1 min and 8.6 min correspondingly with good resolution within a 10-minute run time. Method validation confirmed system suitability, linearity (R² = 0.999), good sensitivity (LOD/LOQ), specificity, precision (% RSD: 0.5–1.7), accuracy (% recovery: 90.9-104.3%), and robustness. The optimized approach excelled existing methods in lower retention time, run time, sensitivity, and linearity for all potential impurities, making it a novel and trustworthy method for monitoring Fosamprenavir drug quality and assessing stated impurities. The established method allows precise measurement of Fosamprenavir and related substances, supporting drug safety and regulatory compliance. Graphical Abstract

Urban areas worldwide grapple with the persistent issue of traffic management. Various intelligent techniques has emerged to tackle this problem, but they often rely on costly traffic lights and struggle with emergency situations. This research introduces three innovative: (i) Deep Mutual Exclusion Algorithm based on Single Instruction (D-MEASIR), (ii) D-Mutual Exclusion Algorithm based on optimal path (D-MEAPRI), and (iii) Deep Mutual Exclusion Algorithm based on Multi-Agent Systems (D-MEAMAS). These algorithms facilitate management within a group through a queue structure using traffic prediction dataset, employing external elements like routers for internal communication. Beyond presenting experimental and simulation outcomes, the article conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis, comparing the efficiency of D-MEASIR, D-MEAPRI, and D-MEAMAS with existing alternatives. Finally, these algorithms demonstrate remarkable efficiency while maintaining a CC of O(n) for accessing critical sections.

Arsenic is a highly menacing environmental pollutant that substantially affects the quality of life, even in traces. It develops various diseases through increasing intracellular ROS that interacts with vital organs. Chelation therapy is currently recommended for arsenic toxicity. However, these treatment options are not specific and only target symptoms. Besides, they also show toxic effects and irreversibly damage crucial organs. Hence, there is an urgent need for a potential and safer therapeutic strategy that can prevent arsenic toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated SA and EC individually and in combination against arsenic toxicity in HCT‐116 cells. The results obtained from various experiments revealed that both plant materials comparably inhibited arsenic‐induced cellular damage by increasing the antioxidant function. Conversely, combining both plants showed even better cytoprotection against arsenic toxicity. The FT‐IR and HPLC analysis of the active fractions revealed the presence of polyphenol compounds (ferulic acid and gallic acid) responsible for the pharmacological effect. This finding is unique because no cytoprotective impact has been reported yet on this combination.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) remains a global health challenge due to its high mortality and morbidity. Advances in chemotherapy, combination therapies, and targeted treatments like immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival rates. These developments pave the way for personalized therapies that maximize effectiveness while minimizing toxicities. However, challenges such as tumor resistance, treatment-related side effects and limited access to advanced therapies continue to hinder progress. Addressing these issues requires efforts in clinical research, biomarker discovery and ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments worldwide.

The rise in usage of smartphones and digital devices among pediatric population has raised concerns about their eye’s health. It is of particular interest in relation to dry eye disease (DED) and inflammatory conjunctivitis. Prolonged screen exposure is linked to reduced blink rates, tear evaporation, and tear break-up time (TBUT), that can lead to ocular discomfort and tear instability. To find association between excessive screen time, dry eye disease, and inflammatory conjunctivitis in children aged 3 to 11 years. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital Islamabad. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was adopted. Detailed ophthalmic examinations, including TBUT and blink rate assessments, were performed. The relationship between excessive screen time, TBUT, blink rate, and inflammatory conjunctivitis was assessed using multivariate analysis. A 95% confidence interval was kept significant. A total of 479 participants aged 6.7 ± 1.9 were included. The mean screen time was 4.52 ± 1.49 hour/day, while mean TBUT was 10.29 ± 3.17. A significant negative relationship was found between screen time and TBUT (B = − 0.351, p < 0.001). The TBUT and inflammatory conjunctivitis showed a significant relationship (χ2 = 134.1(3); p value < 0.001). A significant relationship was also found among dry eyes and children having a dedicated gadget (χ2 = 27.6(3); p value < 0.001). Blink rate was directly associated with TBUT (p < 0.001). Approximately 48.64% of participants exhibited abnormal Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT). Excessive screen time is significantly associated with reduced TBUT and a lower blink rate in children, contributing to dry eye disease and inflammatory conjunctivitis.

The dual effects are noticeable between two groups of people in influencing each other's behavior. This study investigated brand satisfaction and loyalty of electronic home appliances bought by the house‐owners in tenancy tenure; and, similarly, the level of satisfaction and loyalty the house‐owners showed towards the tenants' preferred brands. Data was collected from 262 house owners and 252 tenants (local and foreigners) using a paper‐based questionnaire. These two samples were selected via the purposive (judgmental) sampling technique from Terengganu state, Malaysia. The hypotheses, underpinned by the social exchange theory (SET) and stimulus‐organism‐response (S‐O‐R) theory, were analyzed with the PLS‐SEM (SmartPLS‐v4.0) technique. The findings showed that after‐sales service, brand image, and personal relationships were significant for satisfaction, and satisfaction and social media usage were significant for loyalty in both samples. However, product quality and usage experience were found to be insignificant to the satisfaction of the house owners; contrarily, they were found to be significant to the tenants' satisfaction. In addition, social media usage moderated the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty in both samples. The integration of SET and S‐O‐R provided substantial insight into the dynamic process of brand loyalty in purchasing and repurchasing home appliances. This study offers meaningful insights for business managers, especially brand managers, in considering dual aspects for house owners and tenants.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a threat to public health globally and is one of the top infectious killer diseases in Africa and Asia. The government and international partners have strategically intervened by cascading chest radiography (CXR) to identify, manage, and monitor treatments outcomes. However, patient have reportedly been dissatisfied with the quality of CXR screening services provided, raising complains that spans across quality of care, waiting times, communication levels, staff attitudes, and treatment outcomes. Aim, Settings, and Design Coming at this present time when the major focus in health care is on improving patients' care and experience, this study aims to ascertain the performance of queue management system (QMS) use for CXR-TB screening in Nigeria as well as its acceptability; adopting quantitative research design. Materials and Methods Questionnaires were administered face-to-face to the three categories of respondents (radiographers, radiology assistants, and patients) who meet the specific set of inclusion criteria, following a brief explanation about the research aim. Consent was gotten by way of a signed consent form and ethical approval obtained. A Likert 5-point scale was utilized in analyzing the responses, undergoing descriptive statistics using SPSS (version 25) software. Results QMS is extremely useful in workflow, accuracy, communication, combatting work stress, and maintaining privacy, but with accompanying occasional technical challenges. A remarkable preference for QMS to manual in CXR-TB screening was noted among all research subjects, with strong level of agreement (close mean values of 4.06, 3.81, 3.91; standard deviation of 0.70, 0.73, 0.60). Conclusion Findings from this study uncover the vital role the QMS plays in improving the quality of CXR-TB screening services, demonstrating great acceptability.