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.
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Syed Danial Hashmi, Khurram Shahzad and Muhammad Izhar
This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between different global software development (GSD) challenges (management, process, social, technical and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between different global software development (GSD) challenges (management, process, social, technical and environmental challenges) and software project success. Further, the study examines the moderating role of total quality management (TQM) between the relationship of GSD challenges and success of software projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Using two field studies, the authors collected data form software developers working in globally distributed teams. In study 1 (n = 194), relationship of different dimensions of GSD challenges (management, process, social, technical and environmental challenges) and project success was examined. In study 2 (n = 138), moderating role of TQM was examined on the relationship of GSD challenges and project success.
Findings
The results of study 1 indicate that there is a negative relationship between all dimensions of GSD challenges and project success. Findings of study 2 confirmed that TQM practices moderate the negative relationship between GSD challenges and project success.
Practical implications
The findings of the study provide guidelines to the project managers of software industry to mitigate GSD challenges using TQM practices.
Originality/value
Study adds in the literature of TQM, GSD challenges and project success by (1) empirically investigating the relationship between different GSD challenges and software project success and (2) by examining the moderating role of TQM practices on relationship of GSD challenges and project success in global software development industry.
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Abstract
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Muhammad Aamir, Izhar, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Imran Hanif and Riaz Muhammad
This paper aims to develop a fuzzy logic-based algorithm to predict the intermetallic compound (IMC) size and mechanical properties of soldering material, Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a fuzzy logic-based algorithm to predict the intermetallic compound (IMC) size and mechanical properties of soldering material, Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5 (SAC305) alloy, at different levels of temperature. The reliability of solder joint in materials selection is critical in terms of temperature, mechanical properties and environmental aspects. Owing to a wide range of soldering materials available, the selection space finds a fuzzy characteristic.
Design/methodology/approach
The developed algorithm takes thermal aging temperature for SAC305 alloy as input and converts it into fuzzy domain. These fuzzified values are then subjected to a fuzzy rule base, where a set of rules determines the IMC size and mechanical properties, such as yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of SAC305 alloy. The algorithm is successfully simulated for various input thermal aging temperatures. To analyze and validate the developed algorithm, an SAC305 lead (Pb)-free solder alloy is developed and thermally aged at 40, 60 and 100°C temperature.
Findings
The experimental results indicate an average IMCs size of 5.967 (in Pixels), 19.850 N/mm2 YS and 22.740 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy when thermally aged at an elevated temperature of 140°C. In comparison, the simulation results predicted 5.895 (in Pixels) average IMCs size, 19.875 N/mm2 YS and 22.480 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy at 140°C thermally aged temperature.
Originality/value
From the experimental and simulated results, it is evident that the fuzzy-based developed algorithm can be used effectively to predict the IMCs size and mechanical properties of SAC305 at various aging temperatures, for the first time.
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Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Sabir Zaman and Hira Izhar
This study aimed to examine how different parenting styles, (maternal and paternal) influence the development of maladaptive schemas in adults with depression. Furthermore, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine how different parenting styles, (maternal and paternal) influence the development of maladaptive schemas in adults with depression. Furthermore, the study intends to explore the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between parenting styles and the development of maladaptive schemas.
Design/methodology/approach
The study’s sample of adults aged 19–35, living in the metropolitan cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The screening process involved the utilization the Urdu version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42). Parenting styles were assessed using the Parental Authority Questionnaire, a widely recognized tool that assessing Authoritative, Authoritarian, and Submissive styles. In addition, an Urdu translated version of Schema Mode Inventory was used for emotional and cognitive patterns. Participant’s self-efficacy was assessed using Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale.
Findings
The results revealed that all three paternal parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian and permissive) significantly impact the development of maladaptive schemas. Similarly, authoritative and authoritarian maternal parenting styles had a significant positive impact on maladaptive schemas, while permissive maternal parenting had a slightly positive impact. Additionally, the study found no significant correlation between self-efficacy and maladaptive schemas.
Originality/value
The current study highlighted the impact of parental involvement both paternal and maternal on the development of maladaptive schema mode among adults with depression with specific focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy. This study tries to enhance the understanding mechanism using the parenting styles contribution in adult mental health.
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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…
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.
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Azam Malik, Izhar Alam, Mohammad Rishad Faridi and Sohail Ayub
The purpose of this study is to collaborate with environmental engineering and management making an effort to provide evidence for the irresponsible behavior of small business set…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to collaborate with environmental engineering and management making an effort to provide evidence for the irresponsible behavior of small business set up in north India with special reference to Aligarh City. Corporates have huge accountability for sustainable development, and they cannot overlook the major responsibilities which are lying on their shoulders. CSR is related to the concept of “doing good” but, beyond “doing good” businesses have the responsibility for “avoiding bad” to avoid corporate social irresponsibility (CSI), such as damaging the environment by polluting land, water and air, cheating customers, violating human rights, or doing any unethical practices.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, random groundwater samples were collected from “Aligarh Nagar Nigam” installed hand pumps from industrial influence areas of Aligarh during the month of October and November 2017. These samples were collected nearby small-scale metal plating industries plants. The samples analyzed by the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) Perkin Elmer PinAAcle 900 F, for Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr (Jahromi et al., 2007; Chen and Teo, 2001; Bidari et al., 2007; Land and Hoops, 1973; de Oliveira et al., 2016; Akoto et al., 2016). In addition, some other parameters also taken in this study and the results obtained are compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS).
Findings
These results of the study revealed that the penetration of heavy metals like Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn into the soil is found much higher than the permissible limit stated by the government. The concentrations of metals in groundwater found to be within limits, but some metals are exceeding the standard limits in few samples. Concentrations of these heavy metals Cr>Cu>Pb>Fe>Mn are exceeding standard limits, Zn found within permissible limits as per WHO and BIS standard. This result proves to be a means to an end for an irresponsible behavior toward the society and environment which leads to serious health and environmental hazards.
Research limitations/implications
The results are beneficial for data generation on various quality parameters of groundwater. The results of this study help in proper decision-making by concerned authorities to prevent, reduce toxic levels and begin to take steps for making water fit for drinking and other purposes. The research is limited in Aligarh City and other cities are like Kanpur, Noida and Ghaziabad are also tested by taking samples of water, as these cities are extensively captured by SME’s and large scale industries.
Practical implications
The results of this study have several implications for both governmental and non-governmental practice and policy development. As society expects positive attitudes of the businesses toward CSR activities and concern about the environment, businesses, institutions and governments should pay more attention to promote the initiative of environment safety to intensify their public concern. The small business unit must know about the serious health hazards of discharging the waste water in the open and therefore regular checking of heavy metal contamination in the groundwater in these areas is needed and use of contaminated water must be prevented to lessen the health risk caused by using the metal contaminated groundwater. The small-scale industries should follow the guidelines for proper disposal of wastewater discharge. The water treatment technology should involve and take possible steps to remove heavy metals contamination.
Originality/value
This study provides real data to municipality and other government offices which can be used as a benchmark to plan strict policy to prohibit the open discharge of wastewater by industries.
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In this empirical study, I describe how Muslim women leading American Islamic schools demonstrate emotionality by managing their own emotions and the emotions of others as core…
Abstract
In this empirical study, I describe how Muslim women leading American Islamic schools demonstrate emotionality by managing their own emotions and the emotions of others as core components of leadership practices. Using the lens of critical feminist studies, this research makes private emotional expressions a site for critical analysis of social, cultural and political influences that reflect patriarchal power imbalances and rising anti-Muslim sentiment. Through a national analysis of 13 interviews of Muslim women school leaders, centering their everyday leadership experiences as qualitative data, I found that these women skillfully managed emotions as both a demonstration of their faith and a professional effort to advance their school communities. The following themes emerged from the data as evidence of emotionality within American Islamic schools: (a) emotions as nurturing; (b) emotions as burdens; (c) emotional fluency and (d) emotions as resistance. This study expands the scholarship of critical feminist studies that examine the intersections of emotionality and leadership, by adding the voices of Muslim women school leaders who expertly manage emotions across cultural boundaries, through a difficult political environment, and as an embodiment of prophetic principles.
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Muhammad Rabiu Danlami, Muhamad Abduh and Lutfi Abdul Razak
This study aims to examine the nexus between CAMELS, risk-sharing financial performance and Islamic banks' stability. It also attempts to assess the conditioning effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the nexus between CAMELS, risk-sharing financial performance and Islamic banks' stability. It also attempts to assess the conditioning effects of institutional quality in the relationship between risk-sharing contracts and the stability of Islamic banks.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative research design was employed using secondary data from 20 Islamic banks in six countries over the period 2007–2019. The study utilized the feasible generalized least squares method for the analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that not all CAMELS variables support the stability of Islamic banks. The musharakah contract induced stability of the banks, whereas mudarabah financing reduced it. The interaction between risk-sharing finance and the quality of institutions suggested that the mudarabah contract via institutional quality raises the stability of Islamic banks. On the other hand, the quality of institutions encourages the banks to offer more musharakah, but it leads to an increase in their risk-taking. We show the impact of changes in risk-sharing variables on stability amplified by institutional quality. The results were robust when alternative measures of stability were used.
Practical implications
Various stakeholders in banking activities could learn from the results of this study. Islamic banks could improve their positions in terms of screening for risk-sharing financing. They could also leverage more on musharakah, as it promotes stability and could generate more returns for the banks. The mudarabah financing can be improved if there is a proper evaluation of entrepreneurs. Policymakers would learn more about the importance of institutional quality, as it provides a friendly environment for both mudarabah and musharakah businesses to thrive. This could increase the participation of Islamic banks in the real economy.
Originality/value
Previous studies concentrated on the effects of CAMELS on the profitability of Islamic banks. This study shows that CAMELS alone might not necessarily capture the financial performance of Islamic banks. Therefore, the risk-sharing financing variables are included alongside CAMELS to determine their effects on stability. Second, unlike the past research, this study used the quality of institutions to moderate the nexus between risk-sharing financing and the stability of Islamic banks.
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Tauhidul Islam Tanin, Abu Umar Faruq Ahmad and Mohammad Omar Farooq