Leading AI Integration in Education: Fostering Student Engagement and Overcoming Implementation Barriers
This study examines the pivotal role of educational leadership in effectively integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within schools to improve student engagement. By employing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 356 participants (teachers, principals, and vice-principals) across five schools, the research identifies key leadership strategies that drive successful AI adoption. Findings reveal that proactive leadership, collaboration, professional development, and inclusivity are essential for facilitating AI integration. However, the study also highlights significant barriers, including insufficient training, resistance to technological change, and inadequate infrastructure, all of which hinder effective AI implementation. Moreover, the study notes the rapid evolution of AI technologies, particularly in the realm of generative AI and personalized learning tools, which have reshaped the way AI engages students in learning environments. Ethical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the trustworthiness of AI systems were found to be crucial concerns. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges through ethical leadership, transparent planning, and investment in AI infrastructure to ensure equitable and reliable AI-driven education. The study concludes by offering recommendations for educational leaders to foster AI adoption through a focus on inclusivity, continuous professional development, and the mitigation of ethical risks associated with emerging technologies.
AI in Education, Student Engagement, Educational Leadership, AI Adoption Challenges, Ethical AI in Schools
Impact of Petroleum Products on the Compressive Strength of Concrete
Background: Concrete is pivotal in construction due to its strength, affordability, and versatility. However, concerns persist regarding the impact of petroleum products like benzene, kerosene, and diesel on concrete strength. This study evaluates their influence on concrete compressive strength and compares their effects with non-contaminated concrete. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the effects of benzene, kerosene, and diesel on concrete strength. Additionally, it compares different curing methods, specifically immersion in contaminants versus traditional water curing, on concrete strength. Methods: 327 standard concrete cubes (150mm x 150mm x 150mm) were cast and divided into four groups based on curing methods. Compressive strength tests were conducted on both control and contaminated samples. Statistical analysis using SPSS software was employed. Results: All compressive strength values exceeded 100% of the designed concrete compressive strength of K-300. Curing in contaminants positively impacted concrete strength compared to water curing, with kerosene immersion showing the most significant increase. Statistical analysis confirmed the significant positive impact of pollutants on concrete strength. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering petroleum product contamination in concrete construction. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the increased compressive strength, potentially linked to the hydrophobic-plasticizing effect of petroleum products.
Compressive Strength; Concrete; Benzene; Kerosene; Diesel
Comparative Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Non-Invasive MR, 4D-Flow CMR, CT, and Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Background: Accurate prognostication and risk stratification in pulmonary hypertension (PH), particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), remain critical yet challenging. With the evolution of noninvasive imaging, modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), 4D-flow CMR, and computed tomography (CT) have shown promise in assessing right ventricular (RV) structure and function and predicting clinical outcomes. Purpose: This systematic review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of advanced non-invasive imaging techniques in sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and mortality outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, seven high-quality studies published between 2021 and 2025 were included. These studies employed imaging modalities across diverse international populations. QUADAS-2 was used to assess risk of bias. Outcomes of interest were sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and mortality. Results: CMR and 4D-flow CMR showed superior diagnostic accuracy (AUC up to 0.91) and strong associations with RV end-systolic volume, VO₂, and ventilatory efficiency. CT-derived RV/LV ratios and echocardiographic strain markers emerged as independent predictors of MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events) and mortality. Consistency in follow-up timing and methodological rigor across studies strengthened the reliability of findings. Conclusion: Advanced imaging biomarkers from echocardiography, CMR, and CT demonstrate significant prognostic utility in PH. Integration of these modalities into clinical pathways could enhance early diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic monitoring. Standardization of imaging protocols remains a necessary next step for global application.
Pulmonary Hypertension, Non-Invasive Imaging, Cardiac MRI (CMR), Right Ventricular Remodeling, Prognostic Biomarkers
Prevalence and Predictors of Antibiotic-Resistant Otitis Media in Pediatric Populations
Background: Otitis media is a widely spread childhood infection and the cause of antibiotic prescriptions globally. The growing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has brought considerable concerns into the effectiveness of treatment methods and health-related outcomes in the population. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant otitis media among a pediatric population, as well as clinical and demographic predictors of resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 500 children aged between 6 months and 12 years who had been diagnosed with otitis media. Demographic and clinical data were gathered and middle ear samples were cultured and susceptibility tested with microbiological tests. Data was analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 2025. Prevalence was summarized using descriptive statistics. Univariate analyses were done by using chi-square tests and independent t-tests, and logistic regression modeling was used to identify independent predictors. A p-value less than 0.05 was regarded to be statistically significant. Findings: The rate of resistance to antibiotics was 37.4, with 14.2% of the cases labelled as multidrug resistant. The most common resistant organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae (56.1) and Haemophiles influenzae (29.4). Other factors that were found to be significant independent predictors of resistance comprised of the previous antibiotic use (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.59334), the attendance of daycare (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.19256) as well as recurring otitis media (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.10240). Full vaccination was protective (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.400.87). Conclusion: AOM that develops resistance to antibiotics is extremely common among the pediatric population and is increased by the risk factors, which are modifiable like previous antibiotic use and daycare visits. The need to enhance vaccination efforts and maximize antibiotic stewardship practices is needed to decrease the rate of resistance and to increase clinical outcomes.
Otitis media, antibiotic resistance, pediatrics, predictors, vaccination, antibiotic stewardship.
Adaptive Cluster-Graph (ACG) for Efficient Document Retrieval in RAG Pipelines
Traditional Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems depend heavily on document retrieval components that need quick retrieval and accurate results when working in knowledge synthesis-intensive fields such as science-based question answering. The traditional retrieval system based on TF and TF-IDF creates simple, understandable retrieval pipelines, even though these methods struggle to find the best semantic associations in information-dense resources. An Adaptive Cluster Graph (ACG) search framework serves as the answer to highly scalable, accurate retrieval processes. It demonstrates its performance against both FAISS and TF-IDF baselines in this paper. The evaluation process uses a 50,000-document cleaned subset of CORD-19 to analyse four retrieval frameworks: lexical vectors, TF-IDF with dimensional reduction, FAISS Flat indexing and our developed ACG system. ACG creates a hierarchical centroid-based graph through K-Means clustering, which it extends with k-NN centroid graphs for navigation within clusters that employ HNSW indexing. The system automatically increases cluster sizes during search operations through distance threshold management. Under SBERT embedding conditions, ACG demonstrates a perfect performance in queries with Recall@1 and Recall@5 while maintaining retrieval times below 0.43 milliseconds, surpassing FAISS in accuracy while requiring few additional computational resources. Other evaluations included t-SNE cluster visualisation, latency distribution analysis, and precision at different recall values. The combination of performance attributes from ACG makes it an ideal choice for semantic precision and high-throughput operations in RAG pipelines and QA systems.
Semantic Retrieval, Adaptive Cluster Graph (ACG), SBERT Embeddings, RAG Pipeline, CORD-19, HNSW, Clustering, FAISS, Information Retrieval, Biomedical NLP
Promoting Sustainable Development in Heavy Oil Production by Combining Geothermal Energy with Advanced Technological Solutions
The study aims to establish the forms of heat that can be applied with geothermal energy in combination with in-situ combustion in order to meet the increasing need for sustainable energy utilization. It focuses on enhancing the application of geothermal energy by complementing it with in-situ combustion as a sustainable heat source. Thus, a review and analysis approach that involves AI and ML is applied to enhance the characterization of the reservoir. The heat management concerns of reservoir conditions are modeled using MATLAB simulations and IoT implementations to create fake sensor data for monitoring. The study takes a closer look at both geothermal and solar systems combined with examples in Arab countries that are feasible for geothermal power. Combining geothermal energy with in-situ combustion enhances the rate at which oil is produced for use and reduces harm to the environment. AI and ML in reservoir characterization enhance heat distribution and oil recovery. Data gathered by connected sensors allows understanding when heating is consistent and when the reservoir needs attention. MATLAB simulations highlight geothermal energy's potential in Arab countries, emphasizing EGS for higher recovery rates and energy security. This approach complements oil production systems and reduces negative impacts of conventional energy sources. Policymaking and goal planning benefit from AI, ML, and real-time IoT analytics, promoting a sustainable energy future. These technologies offer practical solutions for heavy oil development and support renewable energy goals in Arab countries.
AI and Machine Learning in Reservoir Characterization, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), Geothermal Energy Integration, Hybrid Energy Systems, Sustainable Energy Transition.
Evaluating the Impact of Pharmacy Home Delivery Services on Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Specialty Pharmacies in Urban and Rural Settings
Pharmacy home delivery and telepharmacy expanded markedly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the growing complexity of specialty pharmacy care. This review synthesized evidence from 12 empirical studies published between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2025, to evaluate whether home delivery improves medication adherence and health outcomes, and whether these effects differ between urban and rural settings. Searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE utilised a predefined Boolean strategy. Eligibility required an empirical focus on speciality pharmacy home delivery or telepharmacy, with adherence and/or clinical outcomes reported, and an interpretable urban-rural context. Findings indicate that home delivery is associated with higher adherence, typically measured by the Proportion of Days Covered or Medication Possession Ratio, and with favourable clinical endpoints, such as better risk-factor control and fewer utilisation events, when delivery is embedded within pharmacist-led services. Patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction and health-related quality of life, also tended to improve where a reliable supply was paired with structured counseling, reminder systems, and timely problem-solving. However, gains were heterogeneous and sensitive to context: in rural areas, last-mile logistics, cold-chain integrity, and broadband availability were decisive factors; in urban areas, crowded workflows and fragmented follow-up processes diluted counselling opportunities. Across settings, beliefs about medicines and digital literacy moderated the translation of convenience into sustained use. Overall, pharmacy home delivery is a necessary but insufficient component of high-quality specialty care. The most significant and most consistent benefits emerged when delivery was co-designed with telepharmacy consultations and medication reviews. Persistent urban–rural disparities underscore the need for tailored models, equitable digital infrastructure, and reimbursement that recognises pharmacist time for remote clinical care.
Pharmacy Home Delivery; Specialty Pharmacy; Medication Adherence; Urban Rural Disparities
Role of Microbial Inoculants in Enhancing Soil Fertility and Crop Productivity in Organic Farming Systems
Organic farming, currently practiced in 188 nations and across 96.4 million hectares of land, focuses on biodiversity, ecological integrity, and sustainability. They play roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, antagonism, competition and mutualism with plants, which are fundamental for sustainable agriculture. The study aims to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants on the fertility of organic soil and green tea production in organic farming systems, especially with multi-strain agents. In the current study, field trials were carried out on certified organic farms in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, where an RBD was used to implement control, single-strain, multi-strain, and commercial inoculant treatments. Physicochemical characteristics of soil, including pH, organic carbon, available nutrient content, microbial biomass, germination index, plant height, leaf biomass, Yield, and antioxidant status of the plants, were measured and recorded. Results showed that multi-strain inoculants significantly improved soil fertility (organic C: 1.8%, microbial biomass 520 µg/g, n = 41 mg/kg), green tea yield 3900 kg/ha, and leaf antioxidant 15.2%. It was found that microbial biomass has a very high positive relationship with Yield, with an R² value of 0.91 for the regression coefficient. In conclusion, it is evident that microbial inoculants made from multiple strains improved soil health, green tea production, and product quality, and microbial inoculants can be used to support successful available systems of organic farming in various climates.
Microbial inoculants, organic farming, microbial Biomass, crop productivity, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture.
Safety and Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Add-on Therapy versus Nucleotide Analog for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Sustained Response to Nucleos(t)ide Analog Therapy: A Systematic Literature Review
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health challenge and remains treated with long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy. Nevertheless, NA therapy alone rarely results in HBsAg clearance, the ultimate goal of a cure of function. Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) has been examined as a switch or adjunct to HBsAgol treatment to increase treatment response, particularly to achieve HBsAg loss and seroconversion. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of PEG-IFN for various CHB patients. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched for a systematic literature review (SLR). 13 studies were considered eligible and included PEG-IFN add-on or switch studies in CHB patients. A content analysis was used to synthesise findings. The findings show that NA monotherapy was less effective than PEG-IFN add therapy in HBeAg-negative patients. PEG-IFN add-on treatment led to a 28% decline in HBsAg levels compared to NA monotherapy, which did have a significant decrease. HBsAg clearance was also observed in 10% of patients receiving PEG-IFN add-on therapy but none in patients on NA monotherapy. The analysis also showed that 37.4% of patients could reach HBsAg clearance while receiving PEG-IFN add-on therapy, whereas only 1.9% were within the NA monotherapy group. PEG IFN combination therapy is superior to PEG IFN monotherapy in treating CHB patients, especially to the extent that it avoids the possibility of diminishing response. However, further research is needed to select more patients who are more optimal for treatment and longer durations.
Pegylated Interferon (PEG-IFN), Interferon alfa-2a, Interferon alfa-2b Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA therapy), Tenofovir, Entecavir
Regulatory Challenges in Developing Innovative Health Insurance Products: A Comparative Analysis of Compliance Strategies in Emerging and Developed Markets
Regulatory challenges remain a barrier to developing innovative health insurance products to respond to emerging health needs. This research delves into the regulatory challenges that health insurance companies confront in emerging and developed markets in studying and examining compliance strategies, which help health insurance companies across the webs of regulatory cities. The study involved 20 Indian, Brazilian, EU, and U.S. industry professionals, and through qualitative research, the key challenges of regulatory uncertainty, fragmentation, and stringent compliance requirements were realized. Findings meant that emerging markets had to contend with inconsistent policies and bureaucratic inefficiencies while defending their turf above developing markets that had to battle with strict data protection laws and dense approval processes. An analysis of the comparative case demonstrates that the approach to regulatory engagement and pilot programs is empirically important in emerging markets. In contrast, regulatory compliance structure and legal expertise underpin the insurer investments in developed markets. This conveys the need for regulatory harmonization, streamlined approval process and a regulatory sandbox to nurture innovation alongside consumer protection. The implications of this research are relevant to a broader discussion of reconciling innovation with compliance by providing strategic advice for policymakers and insurers to facilitate healthy growth of the global health insurance system.
Regulatory Challenge, Innovative Health Insurance Products, Compliance Strategies, Emerging markets, Developed Markets
The efficacy of different strains of SpltNPV (Spodoptera litura Nucleopolyhedrovirus) against the armyworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in laboratory
The armyworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the leading vegetable pests in the Mekong Delta area, and chemical control has been ineffective due to resistance. SpltNPV has been developed as a biopesticide for its applications to control S. litura pest. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the SpltNPV strain in controlling armyworm Spodoptera litura. In this experiment, bioassays were performed, and the LC50 and LT50 were established for first to fifth instar larvae through the droplet feeding method. Further, viral residual activity and pathogenicity in cabbage were identified. The result highlighted the pathogenicity of nine SpltNPV strains on S. litura larvae in laboratory and cage-house environments. The LC50 values were determined to be between (0.15–8.2) × 10³ OBs/ml in first instar larvae and (0.27–5.9) × 10⁸ OBs/ml in fifth instar larvae, citing the fact that susceptibility decreases as the larvae grow. All the LT50 values were increased with the larval age and ranged from 73.25 h PI (hour post-inoculation) to 199.75 h PI. The residual activity of SpltNPV on cabbage reduced in activity from an initial rate of 28.8% on the first day to 98.9% on 7 days. The presented research shows that SpltNPV has the prospects for being used in combined pest control strategies, with a focus on early larval instars. Further research should be conducted with more significant effort towards the stability of the virus as it is applied to the field to increase its defence systems of the older larvae.
Spodoptera litura; nucleopolyhedrovirus; Lethal concentration, Lethal time; Mekong Delta
Deconstructing Stereotypes of Manipulation: A Critical Analysis of Muslims’ Representation in “The Kerala Story”
Ideologies and discourses take a due share in framing the structure and functions of the societies. Various tools of mass communication like movies are employed to cast and shed different discourses to popularize them among the masses. This study takes ‘The Kerala Story’ (2023) and examines the representation of Muslims in the Bollywood film industry. This movie is selected as a case study through purposive sampling because of its ideological depiction of Muslims in various scenes and dialogues. Fairclough’s (2003) critical discourse analysis framework has been used to analyse the dialogues of this movie. Data was collected from online platform the Movie Box. The purpose of this study is to deconstruct the discourses presenting Muslims in the film and explore how different stereotypes and harmful misconceptions are made through this movie. The findings indicates the complex representation of Muslims in the film, reflecting negative stereotypes specially in the portrayal of manipulative figures of Muslims who forced non-Muslim Indian women to convert to Islam. The inciting dialogues of Muslim characters’ are deliberately designed to damage their identity and present them as extremists and terrorists. So, this research contributes to the understanding of societal attitudes towards minority communities specifically Muslims as in-depth analysis reveals that these are shaped through popular narratives.
Muslims, Representation, Bollywood Film Industry, the Kerala Story, Manipulation, CDA
Education Policy of Higher Education Commission Pakistan in the Context of Islamic Education and Legal Global Policy Management
This research article investigates the education policy implemented by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, particularly emphasizing its congruence with sustainable development goals. In light of various global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality, it is imperative for educational institutions to assume a central role in advancing sustainable development. The present research examines the existing policies and practices implemented by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, with a focus on assessing their effectiveness in promoting sustainability within the higher education domain. Furthermore, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the recommendations aimed at further improving the incorporation of sustainable development principles into the policies of the HEC, with the ultimate objective of effectively contributing to the nation's long-term socio-economic and environmental objectives.
Higher Education Commission; HEC; Pakistan; Sustainable development; educational policies
Community Policing for Violence Prevention in Pakistan: A Critical Review of Evidence and Future Directions
Community policing is an approach to law enforcement aimed at improving police-community relations and reducing crime rates. This article examines the implementation of community policing in Pakistan and its limitations. While community policing has been implemented at the grassroots level in Pakistan, there are several challenges that hinder its effectiveness, including inadequate resources, training, and community participation. To overcome these limitations, this article suggests prioritizing funding for community policing programs, providing ongoing training for police officers, and increasing community involvement in policing initiatives. The article also explores different models of community policing, including Robert C. Trojanowicz's principles, the Broken Windows model, the Problem-Oriented Policing model, and the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) model, which can serve as a guide for effective community policing in Pakistan. The article concludes that enhancing community policing in Pakistan requires building trust, transparency, and accountability in police-public relations, promoting community participation in decision-making processes, and providing appropriate resources and training for police officers. By implementing effective community policing strategies, Pakistan can create a safer and more secure future for its communities.
Community policing, Pakistan, Police-community relations, Limitations, Effective strategies
Prof. Dr. Matloob Ahmad (Corresponding Author)
The Holocaust in Hungary: A Critical Analysis
Using a newly constructed panel dataset for agriculture in 17 OECD countries over the 1973–2011 period, we investigate the role of capital deepening in affecting agricultural TFP growth and the convergence of relative TFP levels across countries with different relative factor endowments. Our results show that capital deepening contributes positively to agricultural productivity growth among countries with similar levels of land relative to labor as reflected in relative prices. Depending on the relative endowments of land to labor, countries with relatively more abundant land are more likely to achieve technological gains through capital deepening than countries with relatively more labor. This finding is consistent with Hayami and Ruttan (1970a) and provides supportive evidence for the induced innovation hypothesis.
sexually abuse, State employment decisions.
Emerging Challenges of E-Waste Management: A Growing Socio Environmental Concern
In the past few decades, there has been a substantial increase in global demand for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) due to the addition of advanced features, capacity, and speed etc. This has resulted in a shorter lifespan of EEE (s) and stacks of electronic waste (e-waste). Considering the global e-waste issue, this study analyses the impact of e-waste, treatment of e-waste depending upon EEE (s) (recycling, dumping, and burning), impact on the environment (air, bottom ash, dust, soil, and water), and on human health (chronic and acute diseases). In addition, the literature lacks accurate data and recent research; hence, this study bridges the research gap, specifically in the developing country’s scenario. The study concludes that burning of e-waste has contaminated industrial and urban environments by exceeding environmental reference limits by involving approx. 50 hazardous elements and compounds. Moreover, dealing with e-waste has exposed workers to hazardous gases and chemicals, threatening their health and families due to lack of appropriate equipment, especially in underdeveloped countries. It is high time to learn from developed countries' research, experience, and expertise in dealing with e-waste.
Emerging Challenges, E-Waste Management, Growing Socio Environmental Concern
Application of Quality Standards in the Pillars and Conditions of the“Istisna” “Manufacture” Contract
The concept of quality is one of the basic features of our present era, due to its wide use, and the increasing demand for it in many aspects of our contemporary life. There is no doubt that quality can only be achieved by diligent and hard work. Moreover, itis a technique by which humans enhance the individual and societal level through which they achieve success and accomplish the satisfaction of Allah,the Almighty. The Istisna“manufacture” contract is one of the important contracts in this era, because industrial progress has been active and flourished between individuals and peoples. The need for contracting to obtain or manufacturesome product that is needed by individuals and countries has arisen. Accordingly,I wanted to reveal what came in Islamic jurisprudence and related to this by applying quality standards in the pillars and conditions of the Istisna“manufacture” contract.
Application, Quality Standards, “Istisna“Manufacture” Contract
Recognition of Arm Exercises of Stroke Patient through Smartphone Accelerometer Sensor Using Machine Learning Algorithm
Human activity recognition is an emerging domain that plays an important role in assisted living. People prefer to adopt such systems, which provide them with a comfortable living, especially in the healthcare domain. The designed model is helpful for the recognition of arm-affected stroke patients. For the implementation of the proposed model, an android-based application was developed for the collection of data. The data is collected from 17 subjects (7 stroke patients, including 4 males, and 3 females, and 10 ordinary persons including, 5 males and 5 females). The age of the subjects lies between 20 to 65 years. Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) has been used for arm exercise recognition of stroke patients. Each subject performed a set of 17 exercises in a supervised approach for 7 days; each person took 17 to 20 minutes to perform exercises in one day. The report of the performed exercises has been shared with the doctor through the hospital website and the physician’s advice has been shared with the caretaker. The results have shown that the proposed system is used for the recognition of arm exercises of stroke patients. The system is not only helpful for the doctors and caretakers to check the progress of the patient while doing exercises but also helpful for the patient in the rehabilitation process.
Internet of Things; Arm Exercises; Stoke Patients; Upper Extremity Exercises, Recognition.
Unraveling Workplace Dynamics: An Investigation into the Relationship of Workplace Hazing, Mobile Cyber-loafing, and Workplace Ostracism Using Situational Strength Theory
Cyber-loafing is increasing, and researchers are eager to uncover its antecedents and consequences. This research study aims to explore the antecedents of cyber-loafing and this research paper delves into a unique context, examining the relationships among workplace hazing, cyber-loafing activities, and workplace ostracism in the nursing profession. By synthesizing existing literature, conducting empirical analysis, and drawing insights from nursing practice, drawing upon situational strength theory, this paper contributes to the existing literature on organizational behavior by elucidating the nuanced connections between workplace hazing, cyber-loafing, and workplace ostracism which is holistically discussed in this paper. Data were gathered from 383 registered nurses employed across various Pakistan's public and private sector hospitals. The partial least squares process macro technique was employed to scrutinize and assess hypothesized relationships, with the analysis conducted using SmartPLS 4 software. This approach served as a robust method for evaluating and confirming the proposed relationships within the research framework. The findings show a significant positive relationship between workplace hazing and cyber-loafing, whereas, workplace ostracism has a mediating effect on the said relationship. This study underscores the significance of comprehending hazing and its implications for nurses. The research findings emphasize the necessity of cultivating a supportive work environment and implementing employee-centric organizational policies and practices. These measures signal the importance of addressing mobile cyber-loafing, which, when left unchecked, can lead to detrimental consequences. By prioritizing these aspects, organizations can enhance patient care quality and uphold the dignity of the nursing profession, recognizing its profound importance in healthcare. This research proffers a novel nexus among workplace hazing, cyber-loafing, and workplace ostracism. This study enhances the comprehensive theoretical framework surrounding workplace hazing and mobile cyber-loafing, adds noteworthy contributions to the literature in this domain, and provides theoretical and methodological validation.
Workplace Hazing; Mobile Cyber-Loafing, Workplace Ostracism, Nursing Profession, Patient Care
The Micro-Modeling of Voter's Satisfaction: Understanding the Dynamics of Voter's Preferences in the Case of Pakistan
The analysis of voter satisfaction and voting behaviors are rapidly growing since the emergence of the political economy. The prime focus of the present study relies on the micro-modeling of voter satisfaction through utility maximization theory and is based upon a multiple-party system. Primarily, it was quite complex to develop those determinants which directly or indirectly influence the voter's satisfaction level in a democratic framework. However, in recent years we have been able to develop a structural model that may relate to different levels of voter satisfaction. For the present study, we have developed a structural equation model for voter satisfaction with the help of various social, political, economic, and electoral variables which maximizes or minimizes the voter’s satisfaction in the case of Pakistan. The 1200 respondent’s data was taken from the most recent World Values Survey’s Wave-6 (2016) for 2010-14. The political preferences, electoral trust, and essential democratic attributes among other observed variables are incorporated for the construction of voter satisfaction (latent variables) by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed that political preferences and citizens' trust in the electoral system increased the likelihood of voting and voter satisfaction, whereas democratic attributes didn't influence the voter's satisfaction level and were absent in the case of Pakistan. This dynamic micro-modeling of voter satisfaction will be applicable in those countries which have a multi-party system.
Utility maximization, Voter’s Satisfaction, Political Preferences, Electoral System, Democratic Attributes, Structural Equation Modelling.
Fatima Sharif Corresponding & Principal Author
Women Employees Status in the Pakistani Workplace: Women's Narratives on Stigma, Outcomes, and Coping Strategies and Policy Making, Islamic Legal and Sociological Dimensions
In the context of Pakistan, similar to numerous other regions globally, there has been a consistent upward trend in the involvement of women in the labor force during recent decades. Notwithstanding the advancements, women in Pakistan persistently encounter various obstacles and societal disapproval within professional settings, exerting a substantial influence on their work experiences, professional achievements, and overall welfare (Zia, Batool, & Yasin, 2016). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the position of female employees within the workplace in Pakistan. The research seeks to provide insight into the personal accounts of women, focusing on the challenges they experience due to societal disapproval, the consequences they encounter, and the methods they employ to manage these difficulties. To gain insight into the present condition of female workers within the Pakistani labor force, it is imperative to acknowledge the historical backdrop encompassing gender roles and societal conventions. Historically, Pakistani culture has been distinguished by robust patriarchal systems that have constrained women to domestic spheres, thereby restricting their educational attainment and economic prospects (Jafree, 2017). Nevertheless, as a result of the emergence of modernization and the growing recognition of gender equality, there has been a gradual transformation in the societal framework, increasing the level of female engagement in the workforce (Sarwar & Abbasi, 2013). Despite the growing representation of women in the professional sphere, female individuals in Pakistan frequently face a range of stigmatization and discriminatory practices. The persistence of gender-based prejudices is evident in various forms, including stereotyping women's abilities, skepticism regarding their work commitment due to familial obligations, and the perception that they are not as appropriate for specific job roles. In addition, subtle presumptions and insults can give rise to unwelcoming work environments that hinder women's professional development and career progress (Ali & Syed, 2017). The workplace stigmatization and discrimination experienced by women carry substantial ramifications for their professional trajectories. Research has indicated a notable disparity in the representation of women in leadership roles, with a tendency for them to be underrepresented. Additionally, women often experience a discrepancy in compensation, receiving lower pay than their male coworkers despite engaging in similar work. The absence of prospects for skill enhancement and professional advancement further intensifies gender inequality in the workplace (Saleem, Ali, Ashiq, & Rehman, 2021). Women employees in Pakistan have devised various coping mechanisms to effectively navigate the complex professional environment, despite encountering numerous challenges. Individuals can employ potential strategies, including establishing support networks with colleagues, pursuing mentorship from accomplished women within the industry, and active engagement in initiatives to empower women. Moreover, women may employ strategies such as modifying their communication styles, attire, or conduct to mitigate the effects of gender bias and stereotypes. Gaining insight into women's narratives regarding stigma, outcomes, and coping mechanisms is paramount in enhancing workplace environments and promoting empowerment. Moreover, an examination of the autonomy of women within the Islamic faith offers valuable insights into the cultural milieu. It illuminates the intricate relationship between religious convictions and societal expectations regarding gender roles. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive examination of these issues and ascertain practical implications that can be implemented to improve gender equality within the workforce of Pakistan.
Women Employees, Status, Pakistani Workplace, Women's Narratives, Outcomes, Coping Strategies, Policy Making, Islamic Legal, Sociological Dimensions
Internationalization and Pakistan: The Regional and Local Ramification(s) of Conflict(s) and Future of Modern Islamic State
Geographically, the state of Pakistan is located between the regions of South Asia, Middle East, and the Central Asia. Being a multiethnic state, it is facing with different kinds of problems, namely, violence, ethnic conflicts, and borderline dispute since the time of its birth. The Pakistan’s multiethnic groups have their own ideology and philosophies resulting to national security dilemma, all these problems hinder the prosperity and progress of Pakistan. The severe ethnic conflicts in Pakistan have become internationalized which jeopardizes the sovereignty of Pakistan. This article identifies a framework for understanding the said problems facing the Pakistan government. Theoretical and ethnographic data analysis revealed that Pakistan is facing two conflicts problems with two manifestations: internationalization from inside and internationalization from outside. It is suggested that investment and capital should be transferred to the grass root level, and the Pakistan government should provide equal opportunity to the multiethnic groups in Pakistan geared towards their empowerment and to reduce the diverse negative effects of the said problems which Pakistan have.
Internationalization; Fascism; Ethnicity; Kashmir-Conflict; Violence.
Historical Evolution of Islamic Thoughts and Its Dimensions
This research article comprehensively examines the historical development of Islamic ideologies and their various facets. Over the course of 1400 years, Islamic thought has experienced substantial changes, exerting a profound influence on the trajectory of human history and culture. Commencing with the initial Islamic era under the leadership of Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ, this study examines the establishment of the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. It subsequently explores the Golden Age of Islamic Civilization, characterised by significant intellectual contributions in the realms of philosophy, science, and arts, as exemplified by renowned scholars like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina. This paper examines the emergence and subsequent influence of Sufism, which represents the mystical facet of the Islamic faith. Additionally, it delves into the enduring effects of Sufism on both spirituality and society. The subsequent investigation explores the period of decline and colonialism, during which interactions with European powers posed challenges to conventional Islamic ideology and catalysed movements for reform.This article explores the intricacies of present-day Islamic ideology, delving into the multifaceted issues pertaining to politics, society, and intellectual discourse. This statement underscores the significance of movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic Feminism, which have endeavoured to reexamine Islamic principles within the framework of contemporary society and the pursuit of gender parity. Furthermore, this analysis elucidates the dynamic relationship between Islamic philosophy and Western thought, showcasing the continuous amalgamation of Islamic and secular concepts.This investigation underscores the intricate and diverse characteristics of the Islamic intellectual heritage. A comprehensive comprehension of the historical aspects of Islamic thought is imperative in order to fully grasp its enduring nature and ability to adapt. This adaptability has played a significant role in facilitating intercultural and ideological dialogue within the context of an increasingly interconnected globalised world.
Islamic thoughts; History and Dimensions of Islamic Thoughts; Early Islamic Age; Golden Age; Islamic civilization
Islam and the West, the Politics of Phobia: Reasons and Remedies
The sunrise of the twenty-first Century inherited the horrific members of the family among the Muslim World and the West. Mainly, the unsettled political troubles of the Cold War fashioned the timetable for the post-Cold War situation. Particularly, the political writing of post-Cold War duration ruled with the aid of using Huntington’s Clash of Civilization theory, which depicted Islam because of the finest hazard to Western lifestyle and ethics. This belief become being carried out in diverse homes vis-à-vis worldwide conditions that had nothing to do with Muslims, and this worry about Islam or Muslims, Islamophobia, inside the West shaped a gulf between the Muslim global and the Christian West. Islamophobia is a far-mentioned phenomenon; though, little interest becomes assumed to the reality that the Muslim global and a few Western enemies had been additionally blaming the West as certainly considered one among the predominant supply of political unrest inside the Muslim global, which continued horrific members of the family among the two. Resultantly, developing the geopolitics of feelings around politics of phobia or xenophobia strengthened the central foundation of political procedures in global members of the family. Equally, in Muslim World, the very basics of the phobia or feelings of worry, doubt, and humiliation are advanced or studied through ancient prisms that encompass the records of Crusades, the generation of colonialism, and geopolitical maneuverings’ in post-colonial settings, advanced severe degrees of distrust known as West phobia. The worldwide consequences of those phobias are troublesome traits now no longer simplest for the Christian West but additionally for Muslim global and it's far excessive time to alleviate the socio- political gaps between the Muslim World and the West. This paper tries to discover the conceptualization of the politics of phobias, especially Islamophobia and Westophobia.
Islamophobia, Westophobia, Cold War, Political Islam, Peaceful Coexistence, Remedies.
Higher Education Policy in Pakistan, Challenges and Opportunities in Global Context
Higher education is of utmost importance in the socio-economic advancement of a country, as it significantly influences the formation of future leaders, researchers, and professionals. In the Pakistani context, the higher education system has recently experienced substantial growth and expansion. Nevertheless, the sector encounters various obstacles that impede its advancement and capacity to compete internationally. Pakistan's comprehensive higher education system is characterized by a wide array of universities, encompassing both public and private institutions. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) serves as the principal governing entity tasked with regulating, supervising, and coordinating higher education within the nation. The primary objective of this research article is to examine the various obstacles encountered by the higher education sector in Pakistan and ascertain potential avenues for enhancement within the framework of the global environment. The results underscore the significance of tackling these obstacles in order to fully leverage the potential of higher education for the advancement of a nation and its global competitiveness.
Pakistan, Higher Education, Higher Education Commission, Challenges, Opportunities
First steps into the pupillometry multiverse of developmental science
Pupillometry has been widely implemented to investigate cognitive functioning since infancy. Like most psychophysiological and behavioral measures, it implies hierarchical levels of arbitrariness in preprocessing before statistical data analysis. By means of an illustrative example, we checked the robustness of the results of a familiarization procedure that compared the impact of audiovisual and visual stimuli in 12-month-olds. We adopted a multiverse approach to pupillometry data analysis to explore the role of (1) the preprocessing phase, that is, handling of extreme values, selection of the areas of interest, management of blinks, baseline correction, participant inclusion/exclusion and (2) the modeling structure, that is, the incorporation of smoothers, fixed and random effects structure, in guiding the parameter estimation. The multiverse of analyses shows how the preprocessing steps influenced the regression results, and when visual stimuli plausibly predicted an increase of resource allocation compared with audiovisual stimuli. Importantly, smoothing time in statistical models increased the plausibility of the results compared to those nested models that do not weigh the impact of time. Finally, we share theoretical and methodological tools to move the first steps into (rather than being afraid of) the inherent uncertainty of infant pupillometry.
steps, pupillometry, multiverse, developmental science
A Study of Sira in the West in the 21st Century
This article explores the study of the Sira (biography) of Prophet Muhammad in the Western academic context during the 21st century. The Sira serves as a crucial historical and religious text in Islam, providing insights into the life, teachings, and character of the Prophet Muhammad. Over the past two decades, there has been a growing interest among Western scholars in understanding the Sira and its significance. This article examines the trends, methodologies, and key contributions in the study of the Sira in the Western world, highlighting the diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches used by scholars. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research on the Sira to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote interfaith dialogue.
Socio-Cultural Determinants associated with the Implementation of Expanded Program on Immunization in Kasur District
Low immunization coverage is widely recognized as a contributing factor to the occurrence and spread of epidemic diseases. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the socio-cultural barriers that hinder the effectiveness of the expanded program on immunization (EPI) in the Kasur district. The choice of Kasur district as the study population was deliberate, as the local community in this area has been grappling with low coverage of routine immunization due to a range of socio-cultural obstacles. To gather data for the study, a convenient sampling technique was utilized to select a sample of 228 mothers residing in the rural union councils of the Kasur district. A self-structured questionnaire was employed as the data collection tool. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed in the research. The findings of the study indicated that 30% of the surveyed respondents reported vaccinating their children, highlighting a concerning low rate of vaccination. The results also demonstrated a significant correlation between a mother's education, awareness, and positive vaccination status. Additionally, the study revealed a notable association between the pattern of residence and knowledge about immunization. The impact of socio-cultural barriers faced by the residents of the Kasur district is evident, as reflected in the increased rates of child mortality and morbidity. Lack of knowledge and awareness of the importance of immunization emerge were prominent factors contributing to the low coverage of routine immunization. The result of the study suggested that there should be community-level awareness sessions regarding the benefits, importance and schedule of immunization.
Socio-Cultural Determinants, Implementation, Expanded Program, Immunization, Kasur District
Analysis of the role of Heads of secondary schools in flourishing a convenient ambiance for teaching and learning
A convenient ambiance is having an cardinal position in the process of learning in government schools. The motive of this study is to determine the existing role of head teacher and possible suggestions for some advancements. 100 public secondary school heads were randomly selected of district Nankana Sahib from both sides(boys and girls) with no bigotry for this article. Data were collected through google forms and by visiting some places. Chi-Square test was applied to determine the results and analyzing the hypothesis. After scrutinizing the data the results are satisfactory in some aspects and some needs improvement. Heads are trying their best to involve the community in this process and educating them about its importance to them. Implementation of the policy of government is key point in this process and it needs some more intention. It is recommended that policy makers should empower the post of head teachers and give them job security and satisfaction.
Heads Roles, Conducive, Environment, Secondary Level, Learning
Health Care System of Islam: Physical, Mental and Spiritual Remedies from Islamic Perspective and Public Policy for Administration
Health care is the subject of great importance in Islam. As Muslims, we are told some guidelines or ethics to follow for keeping us healthy, spiritually as well as physically. As Muslims it’s also mandatory to follow such guidelines for our faith as we have to answer about our deeds regarding our body and its health. Spirituality is one of the dimensions of health. The cultural and religious resources of every community influence the definition of spiritual care. This work discusses a concept of spirituality in islam . We identified the attributes, antecedents and consequences of spiritual care in the light of Holy Quran. :
Islam, Healthcare, System, Mental, Physical, Spiritual