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Article
Publication date: 5 August 2022

Zeeshan Tariq, Fatima Izhar, Mumtaz Hasan Malik, Muhammad Oneeb, Faiza Anwar, Mudassar Abbas and Asfandyar Khan

The efforts of researchers in the 21st century have been devoted to developing novel approaches to leave planet earth green for future generations. This study aims to report the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The efforts of researchers in the 21st century have been devoted to developing novel approaches to leave planet earth green for future generations. This study aims to report the synthesis of microcapsules from natural essential peppermint oil and their application to a bleached polyester and cotton (PC) blended fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Microcapsules were prepared by a complex coacervation process and applied through the conventional pad-dry-cure method. The liquid suspension of the microcapsules was examined by optical microscopy to investigate the surface morphology of the microcapsules. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface morphology of the fabric after the application of the microcapsules. The finished fabric was checked for its mosquito repellent activity at the lab scale using a standard test protocol (cage test) by inserting a human arm and hand enfolded with microcapsules treated fabric.

Findings

PC fabric treated with 6% microencapsulated peppermint oil at zero wash showed 95.3% repellency against mosquitoes, and after 30 washes, the repellency was 85.8% which confirmed the durability of the developed finished fabric. The finished samples exhibited excellent air permeabilities and absorbencies.

Originality/value

This study successfully developed peppermint oil microencapsulated fabric with excellent efficacy against three mosquito species.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Hongyun Tian, Shuja Iqbal and Shamim Akhtar

In the competitive business world, companies strive to be innovative, and to do so, they try to implement innovative human resource practices. Therefore, the authors propose an…

Abstract

Purpose

In the competitive business world, companies strive to be innovative, and to do so, they try to implement innovative human resource practices. Therefore, the authors propose an association between innovative human resource practice, organizational commitment, innovation performance and transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This study gathered data from 1,037 small- and medium-sized enterprises and implied partial least square structural equation modeling PLS-SEM using Smart PLS was adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal positive direct relationships between innovative human resource practices, organizational commitment and innovation performance. Moreover, organizational commitment positively mediates and transformational leadership significantly and positively moderates the relationship. Companies should use innovative recruitment and selection, performance management, and innovative compensation to enhance organizational commitment and innovation performance. In addition, the optimized organizational commitment aids in strengthening the connection between innovative human resource practices and firms' innovation performance.

Originality/value

Managers should also develop a sense of affiliation and attachment to increase innovation performance. The study contributes empirically to the literature on innovative human resource practices and their effect on organizational commitment and innovation performance.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2021

Asad Khan, Joanna Richardson and Muhammad Izhar

Awareness about plagiarism is essential for the evasion of intellectual mendacity, inculcation of academic integrity and assurance of quality research. Maintaining high standards…

Abstract

Purpose

Awareness about plagiarism is essential for the evasion of intellectual mendacity, inculcation of academic integrity and assurance of quality research. Maintaining high standards regarding academic integrity is a major challenge for higher education and research organizations. In Pakistan, resident doctors are required to submit a dissertation to the College of Physicians and Surgeons. The purpose of this study is to examine this cohort’s awareness of plagiarism and to determine the effectiveness of the library literacy (IL) programme towards the prevention of plagiarism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the quantitative approach, a cross-sectional survey method was used. A convenience sample of postgraduate resident doctors was randomly recruited from two hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses.

Findings

The findings revealed that while resident doctors were aware of the concept of plagiarism, there were variations in their definition of the term. That said, they perceived plagiarism as an unethical practice and supported the implementation of anti-plagiarism policies. However, the respondents’ knowledge was not strong regarding citation styles, specific anti-plagiarism policies and plagiarism penalties. Likewise, this cohort was unfamiliar with library IL activities and their role in the prevention of plagiarism. Finally, collaboration was absent among key stakeholders, e.g. resident doctors, research supervisors and librarians, to deter plagiarism.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends collaboration among the key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of consistent messages and to reinforce the importance of plagiarism prevention. As this study was limited to two hospitals, similar research could be undertaken using a larger sample of resident doctors. It would also be useful to survey the librarians providing support for this cohort.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to examine the effectiveness of hospital library IL programmes in the prevention of plagiarism among resident doctors in Pakistan. The findings are applicable to other health libraries worldwide that wish to address the challenge of plagiarism among health researchers in general.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 70 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 October 2019

Nadeem Ahmad Khan, Saif Ullah Khan, Sirajuddin Ahmed, Izharul Haq Farooqi, Arshad Hussain, Sergij Vambol and Viola Vambol

The purpose of this paper is to cover some aspects about the disposal and regulatory standard around the world toward hospital effluent discharge, its managements and treatment…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cover some aspects about the disposal and regulatory standard around the world toward hospital effluent discharge, its managements and treatment technologies that are adopted and best suitable nowadays.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to large and variety of antibiotics available in the market nowadays it is difficult to control its use, thereby risking the whole ecosystem and its components. The regulation pattern is variable depending upon the various factors in different countries. The permissible limit of these emerging pollutants found in sewage as compared to in hospital effluent streams having active pharmaceutical ingredients is very narrow and is a debatable issue.

Findings

The disparity in the available legislation for hospital waste management in different countries makes it difficult to compare pro’s and con’s of methods adopted. Strict laws need to be framed for hospital wastewater management and its treatment, as it contains harmful compounds in higher concentrations resulting in development of resistant genes. The guideline applicable nowadays makes it clear that, specific management guidelines with respect to HWW, but also indicate certain characteristics that can be represented to specify their nature and indicator.

Research limitations/implications

Determination of effluent characteristic for each specialized treatment need to be analyzed for meeting the framed regulatory standards. Up-gradation of existing treatment facilities, adopting new technologies and improving operation, maintained is a viable option. As there are no specific treatment schemes available hence combination and optimization of treatment methods may solve the problem to certain extent.

Practical implications

There is some flexibility also there so that law framework can be modified accordingly. For any health facilities direct discharges into natural water bodies it effluent need to follow national discharge standards. These are quite strict as compared to indirect standards and generally not meet by such facilities. This is quite logical because they are not being monitored or treated by municipal systems.

Social implications

The law indicates that hospital needed to collect and treat effluent according to the treatment standards. But on other hand the law was made making it consideration about the HWW collection in water bodies.

Originality/value

The best way of management as described, is to treat HWW onsite-dividing into primary, secondary and tertiary. The document also provides details about sludge disposal, possible reuse, including the application of new and innovative treatment technologies for HWW. It also provides guidance for minimum approach for HWW management because developing countries patients do not have proper sanitation facilities.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Murad Ali, Muhammad Shujahat, Noureen Fatima, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, Tan Vo-Thanh, Mohammad Asif Salam and Hengky Latan

The existing literature indicates that the ultimate purpose of green human resource management (GHRM) practices is to enhance sustainable corporate performance by shaping…

Abstract

Purpose

The existing literature indicates that the ultimate purpose of green human resource management (GHRM) practices is to enhance sustainable corporate performance by shaping employees’ green behaviors. In this vein, we argue that green organizational culture and employee existing pro-environmental behaviors are the important factors or channels through which GHRM practices shape green employee behaviors for sustainable corporate performance. Consequently, we draw on the ability, motivation, and opportunity (AMO) framework to examine how firms’ GHRM practices indirectly shape employee green behavior for sustainable corporate performance by cultivating and reinforcing green organizational culture under the boundary condition of high employee pro-environmental behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multi-source, dyadic, and time-lagged data collected from green HR managers and employees in 242 ISO-14001-certified green firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study applies structural equation modeling through LISREL 12 software for testing of hypotheses.

Findings

The findings support the postulation that GHRM practices, directly and indirectly, shape employee green behaviors for sustainable performance. GHRM practices indirectly enhance employee green behaviors for sustainable performance by cultivating and fostering the green organizational culture in the presence of high pro-environmental behavior.

Practical implications

This study outlines theoretical and practical implications on how HRM managers require an established green organizational culture and employee pro-environmental behaviors to effectively direct GHRM for enhanced sustainable corporate performance. HRM managers should make use of appropriate interventions, including but not limited to GHRM practices, to foster a green organizational culture and employee pro-environmental behaviors.

Originality/value

This is an original study that outlines the importance of alignment between Green HRM practices and employee pro-environmental behaviors towards shaping green organizational culture and employee behaviors for corporate sustainability. The study demonstrates how GHRM practices enhance sustainable corporate performance through sequential mediations of green organizational culture and employee green behaviors, and under the boundary condition of pro-environmental behavior.

Article
Publication date: 27 December 2022

Joel Nakitare and Fredrick Otike

Plagiarism has been on the rise, mainly because of increased access to the internet and digital sources. To combat the threat of plagiarism, various universities have implemented…

Abstract

Purpose

Plagiarism has been on the rise, mainly because of increased access to the internet and digital sources. To combat the threat of plagiarism, various universities have implemented countermeasures such as capacity building, anti-plagiarism policies and the purchase of anti-plagiarism software. In Kenya, there appears to be a lack of cohesion among universities in combating plagiarism, a situation that threatens teaching, learning and research if not addressed adequately. This paper aims to review and identify anti-plagiarism practices in Kenyan universities; it further proposed various best practices and policy actions that ought to be adopted to win the fight and the misperception of plagiarism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed-method approach by surveying the librarians and interviewing the graduate school directors or deans to establish the strength and challenges in implementing plagiarism measures in the universities in Kenya. Before collecting data, the researcher checked the reliability of the tools by pretesting and readjusting the tools based on input from the participants.

Findings

This study established that most universities in Kenya appreciate the fact that plagiarism negatively affects the quality of teaching, learning and research. However, despite the fact that there is goodwill in the effort to combat plagiarism, there were no unified mechanisms, strategies and implementation policies in solving plagiarism issues among universities in Kenya. Different universities have adopted different strategies in terms of policy, software and capacity. Further, it was noted that the well-established/funded universities had clear stipulated mechanisms as opposed to the ill-funded universities with limited funding and budget.

Practical implications

This research provides an opportunity for universities to make an informed choice about the policies, required capacity and software to tackle plagiarism. The findings from the study will be used to improve the quality of academic writing and standardize procedures on plagiarism by proposing policy actions needed to maximize the benefits of the investments in this venture. This study recommends a collaborations approach among universities in the fight against plagiarism. Because the Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium already supports many university cooperation, they ought to take the initiative in formulating policy, choosing the appropriate software to use and developing the necessary ability in the battle against plagiarism.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first effort to evaluate the anti-plagiarism strategies being applied in different universities in Kenya. This study demonstrates the gaps and variations in university strategies in combating academic plagiarism. The findings can be applied to improve academic communication and indeed the quality of research output at other universities in Kenya and beyond.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Roshima Said, Khairunnisa Abd Samad, Noor Zahirah Mohd Sidek, Nurul Fatihah Ilias and Noorain Omar

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of Maqasid Al-Shariah corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of public listed companies of Shariah-compliant companies…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of Maqasid Al-Shariah corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of public listed companies of Shariah-compliant companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to construct the Maqasid Al-Shariah CSR disclosure index. Furthermore, the study used a checklist that covered four themes of CSR, namely environment, community involvement, human resource and product, and five elements of Maqasid Al-Shariah, namely, faith, human self, intellect, posterity and wealth.

Findings

The findings of the study show that the level of Maqasid Al-Shariah CSR disclosure index is generally low. The study found that Shariah-compliant companies revealed more community-related theme and an intellect element in their annual reports for the year of the survey.

Originality/value

This paper is one of few papers that has developed the Maqasid Al-Shariah CSR disclosure index that used the aforementioned four themes of CSR and five Maqasid Al-Shariah elements.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2019

Rubina Begum, Fahad Riaz Choudhry, Tahir Mehmood Khan, Faizah Safina Bakrin, Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi and Khadeeja Munawar

The term “Mental health literacy” is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. The importance of health…

Abstract

Purpose

The term “Mental health literacy” is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. The importance of health literacy for physical health is widely studied; however, the area of mental health literacy in Pakistan has been comparatively neglected. The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge about mental health in people living in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature relating to mental health literacy was identified through various database searches. The databases searched included: PubMed, Cochrane database of Systemic Reviews, PsycINFO using the terms mental health, mental health literacy, mental health education, Pakistan.

Findings

Literature suggests that there is dearth of knowledge about mental illnesses and their treatment among public. This review also highlights the importance of mental health literacy among professionals working in the field of health care. In Pakistan, due to low literacy rate, a high percentage of poverty and dearth of trained professionals warrants an emendation in approaches established for attaining the goal of public health and psychiatric care.

Practical implications

Findings have implications for practitioners in the field of mental health care as well as designing targeted interventions for enhancing mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior in the future.

Originality/value

A limited understanding and lack of improvement in mental health literacy may interfere with society’s acceptance of evidence-based mental health care which may hamper the delivery of adequate mental health services to the needy.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Arshdeep Singh, Kashish Arora and Suresh Chandra Babu

Climate change-related weather events significantly affect rice production. In this paper, we investigate the impact of and interrelationships between agriculture inputs, climate…

Abstract

Purpose

Climate change-related weather events significantly affect rice production. In this paper, we investigate the impact of and interrelationships between agriculture inputs, climate change factors and financial variables on rice production in India from 1970–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the time series analysis; the unit root test has been employed to unveil the integration order. Further, the study used various econometric techniques, including vector autoregression estimates (VAR), cointegration test, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and diagnostic test for ARDL, fully modified least squares (FMOLS), canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), impulse response functions (IRF) and the variance decomposition method (VDM) to validate the long- and short-term impacts of climate change on rice production in India of the scrutinized variables.

Findings

The study's findings revealed that the rice area, precipitation and maximum temperature have a significant and positive impact on rice production in the short run. In the long run, rice area (ß = 1.162), pesticide consumption (ß = 0.089) and domestic credit to private sector (ß = 0.068) have a positive and significant impact on rice production. The results show that minimum temperature and direct institutional credit for agriculture have a significant but negative impact on rice production in the short run. Minimum temperature, pesticide consumption, domestic credit to the private sector and direct institutional credit for agriculture have a negative and significant impact on rice production in the long run.

Originality/value

The present study makes valuable and original contributions to the literature by examining the short- and long-term impacts of climate change on rice production in India over 1970–2021. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, The majority of the studies examined the impact of climate change on rice production with the consideration of only “mean temperature” as one of the climatic variables, while in the present study, the authors have considered both minimum as well as maximum temperature. Furthermore, the authors also considered the financial variables in the model.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Muhammad-Bashir Owolabi Yusuf, Nasim Shah Shirazi and Gairuzazmi Mat Ghani

This study aims to examine the determinants of poverty among microcredit beneficiaries in Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinants of poverty among microcredit beneficiaries in Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a nationwide survey of microcredit beneficiaries of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. Using the national poverty line, this study classified borrowers into the poor and the non-poor. A Tobit model was estimated to examine the determinants of poverty among the borrowers.

Findings

The model was found to fit the data well and six out of the ten specified independent variables are found to be statistically significant.

Practical implications

The results of the study can be helpful in fully characterizing poverty dynamics and in policy formulation in using microcredit to reduce poverty.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to examine the determinants of poverty among Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund recipients.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

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