bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating links between Internet literacy, Internet use, and Internet addiction among Chinese youth and adolescents in the digital age
Authors: Jiang Qiaolei , Chen Zonghai , Zhang Zizhong , Zuo Can
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In current digital era, adolescents’ Internet use has increased exponentially, with the Internet playing a more and more important role in their education and entertainment. However, due to the ongoing cognitive, emotion, and social development processes, youth and adolescents are more vulnerable to Internet addiction. Attention has been paid to the increased use of Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of Internet literacy in prevention and intervention of Internet addiction.

Methods

The present study proposes a conceptual model to investigate the links between Internet literacy, Internet use of different purpose and duration, and Internet addiction among Chinese youth and adolescents. In this study, N = 2,276 adolescents studying in primary and secondary schools in East China were recruited, and they completed self-reports on sociodemographic characteristics, Internet literacy scale, Internet use, and Internet addiction scale.

Results

The results showed a significant relationship between Internet use and Internet addiction. To be specific, the duration of Internet use significantly and positively affected Internet addiction. With different dimensions of Internet literacy required, entertainment-oriented Internet use had positive impact on Internet addiction, while education-oriented Internet use exerted negative effects on Internet addiction. As for Internet literacy, knowledge and skills for Internet (positively) and Internet self-management (negatively) significantly influenced the likelihood of Internet addiction.

Discussion

The findings suggest that Internet overuse increases the risk of Internet addiction in youth and adolescents, while entertainment-oriented rather than education-oriented Internet use is addictive. The role of Internet literacy is complicated, with critical Internet literacy preventing the development of Internet addiction among youth and adolescents, while functional Internet literacy increasing the risk.
Relationship between self-esteem and suicidal ideation before and during COVID-19 in a non-clinical sample: mediating effects of psychological distress and hopelessness
Authors: Tan Dat Nguyen , Mitsui Nobuyuki , Asakura Satoshi , Fujii Yutaka , Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Several studies have highlighted the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on suicide. Accordingly, investigating the risk factors of suicide during this crisis is important. Based on the escape theory of suicide, the current study examined the serial mediating roles of psychological distress and hopelessness in the relationship between self-esteem and suicidal ideation. It also aimed to explore whether or not the COVID-19 pandemic changed the mediation effect in any way.

Methods

Data were collected from 645 university students before and during the pandemic. The study employed mediation and multi-group analyses to test the hypotheses.

Results

The results demonstrated that individuals with low self-esteem reported high psychological distress, which further lead to hopelessness and eventually heightened suicidal ideation. Multi-group analysis revealed that psychological distress exerted a greater impact on suicidal ideation during COVID-19.

Discussion

The finding suggested that self-esteem, hopelessness, and psychological distress could help elucidate the development of suicidal ideation. Clinicians may target these factors in suicide prevention programs, particularly in the settings of the COVID-19 pandemic or future crisis.
A review of neurological health disparities in Peru
Authors: Almubaslat Faris , Sanchez-Boluarte Sofia S. , Diaz Monica M.
Published: September 2023

Peru is a historically unique and culturally diverse Latin American country. As a low-to-middle-income country (LMIC), Peru faces health implications from the spread of communicable diseases as well as a growing rate of noncommunicable diseases, both of which have been worsened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the national health system. Over the past two decades, the country has aimed to improve health access for its population through various efforts described in this review. Despite this, there are notable neurological health disparities that exist today. This narrative review investigates such disparities through the leading neurological contributors to the national burden of disease in the country, including migraine headaches, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Public health disparities that contribute to other major neurological diseases in the country, including epilepsy, neurocysticercosis, Chagas disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are also investigated. We also explore potential solutions for overcoming the various neurological health disparities covered in this review that may be applied through public policies, as well as in similar LMICs in Latin America. By overcoming such disparities, the country may be able to successfully address the major contributors of neurological disease burden and create a healthcare environment that can sustainably and equitably improve health outcomes for Peruvian people.
Microbial associations and transfers across the One Health Triad effects on human and animal adiposity and temperament: a protocol for an observational pilot study
Authors: Zeigler Mariah K. , Vander Wyst Kiley B.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is known that humans and pet dogs harbor microbial communities that are important regulators of health and disease. Pet dogs have been shown to promote microbial exchange between members of a household, a process that may have lasting health implications. Infancy marks a unique period of development as environmental exploration and introduction to complementary foods occur. This may lead to greater opportunities for microbial transfer between pet dogs and human infants due to a more confined shared environment, similar means of mobility, greater physical contact, and increased frequency of shared foods. This human-animal bond has led to extensive research in the areas of childhood allergies and behavioral health; however, there is a paucity in the available literature that has evaluated how this unique ecological relationship may impact both human and animal health.

Methods

Infants who reside in a household with a pet dog will be recruited from the greater Phoenix metropolitan area for this longitudinal, observational pilot study and followed through the complementary feeding period. Infant and pet dog fecal, salivary, and skin samples, as well as environmental samples from feeding areas/surfaces and main indoor play areas from both infants and pet dogs will be collected through in-home visits before (~5 mos), during (~9 mos), and after (~12 mos) the complementary feeding (CF) period. Anthropometrics, temperament, and dietary habits of both infants and pet dogs along with assessment of the home condition will also be collected. Microbial comparisons between infant and pet dog samples and evaluation of microbial changes during the CF period will be evaluated. Further, we will assess relationships between microbial composition and adiposity and temperament of both infants and pet dogs.

Discussion

The proposed observational pilot study will advance the available science by exploring how microbial communities are associated and change between infants and pet dogs before, during, and after the CF period, a unique period of human growth and development. Findings from this study will provide insights into the impact these ecological relationships have on each other and how transfer across the One Health Triad impacts human and animal health.
Examining the links between burnout and suicidal ideation in diverse occupations
Authors: Oh Dae Jong , Shin Young Chul , Oh Kang-Seob , Shin Dong-Won , Jeon Sang-Won , Cho Sung Joon
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is uncertain whether burnout is associated with suicidal ideation among workers not in health care services. The aim of this study was to identify how burnout and suicidal ideation are linked among employees in various occupations and whether depression affects this link.

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected data from 12,083 participants aged 19–65 years from 25 companies and public institutions who underwent workplace mental health screening. Burnout and depression were assessed using both the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Suicidal ideation was assessed by a self-rated questionnaire from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results

Exhaustion but not the cynicism dimension of burnout was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation after adjustment for depression and other covariates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.26–1.72). The association of exhaustion with suicidal ideation was significant in both depressed (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.14–1.61) and not depressed (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.13–2.76) participants. In exhausted participants, insufficient job control, an unfavorable occupational climate, low educational level, and depression were associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Exhaustion is linked with risk of suicidal ideation in employees not in health care service, regardless of depression status. Exhausted employees, particularly those having poor job resources, should be recognized as an at-risk group.
Hooked on artificial agents: a systems thinking perspective
Authors: Ðula Ivan , Berberena Tabea , Keplinger Ksenia , Wirzberger Maria
Published: September 2023

Following recent technological developments in the artificial intelligence space, artificial agents are increasingly taking over organizational tasks typically reserved for humans. Studies have shown that humans respond differently to this, with some being appreciative of their advice (algorithm appreciation), others being averse toward them (algorithm aversion), and others still fully relinquishing control to artificial agents without adequate oversight (automation bias). Using systems thinking, we analyze the existing literature on these phenomena and develop a conceptual model that provides an underlying structural explanation for their emergence. In doing so, we create a powerful visual tool that can be used to ground discussions about the impact artificial agents have on organizations and humans within them.
What Can Ice in Antarctica Tell Us About Earth’s Past Climate?
Authors: Crockart Camilla K. , Harlan Margaret , Martin Jordan R. W. , Bertler Nancy
Published: September 2023

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, and windiest continent, and it is home to 70 research stations from 29 countries. Antarctica is a remote and harsh place, without many weather stations or people. This means scientists must come up with creative ways to learn about the continent’s past climate. Scientists use sediment that builds up on the ocean floor to explore what Earth was like more than a million years ago; and they use satellites to learn about today’s climate. But how can we know what happened in the time between? This is where ice can help! When snow falls in Antarctica, it builds up in layers that get squeezed into ice. These layers hold traces of the past climate. The ice in Antarctica is the oldest anywhere in the world. Hundreds of thousands of years ago until now. These studies help us to better understand the past climate and to predict the future climate.
Caregiver burden and its associated factors among primary caregivers of stroke survivors at Amhara regional state tertiary hospitals: a multicenter study
Authors: Bekele Gebremariam , Yitayal Melisew Mekie , Belete Yihalem , Girma Yisak , Kassa Tesfa , Assefa Yohannes Awoke , Nigatu Solomon Gedlu , Eriku Getachew Azeze
Published: September 2023

Background

Caregivers of stroke survivors play a crucial role in post-stroke functional recovery and the prevention of complications. Although the situation is incredibly stressful and intimidating and the caregiver burden is high, there is little evidence in the local Ethiopian context of the extent of the burden among caregivers of stroke survivors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of caregiver burden and its associated factors among primary caregivers of stroke survivors in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Amhara regional state tertiary hospitals from April to June 2022. A standardized questionnaire was used to record factors associated with caregiver burden, including sociodemographic, clinical, and care situation factors. The Zarit caregiver burden interview (short form) was used to assess the level of caregiver burden. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select the study participants. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to identify the potential factors associated with the level of caregiver burden.

Results

The overall prevalence burden among primary caregivers of stroke survivors was 67%. 61.1% had a mild to moderate burden, while 5.9% had a severe burden. In multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis, sex, household income, duration of care, and duration of caregiving hours per day were factors significantly associated with the level of burden among caregivers of stroke survivors.

Conclusions

Being female, having a low household income, caring for more than 3 months, and caring for more than 6 h per day were factors significantly associated with the burdens of the primary caregivers of stroke survivors. It is better: health care providers must recognize and screen for burdens and provide special attention.
Potential and limitations of computed tomography images as predictors of the outcome of ischemic stroke events: a review
Authors: Oliveira Gonçalo , Fonseca Ana Catarina , Ferro José M. , Oliveira Arlindo L.
Published: September 2023

The prediction of functional outcome after a stroke remains a relevant, open problem. In this article, we present a systematic review of approaches that have been proposed to predict the most likely functional outcome of ischemic stroke patients, as measured by the modified Rankin scale. Different methods use a variety of clinical information and features extracted from brain computed tomography (CT) scans, usually obtained at the time of hospital admission. Most studies have concluded that CT data contains useful information, but the use of this information by models does not always translate into statistically significant improvements in the quality of the predictions.
Expanding horizons and navigating challenges for enhanced clinical workflows: ChatGPT in urology
Authors: Talyshinskii Ali , Naik Nithesh , Hameed B. M Zeeshan , Zhanbyrbekuly Ulanbek , Khairli Gafur , Guliev Bakhman , Juilebø-Jones Patrick , Tzelves Lazaros , Somani Bhaskar Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

ChatGPT has emerged as a potential tool for facilitating doctors' workflows. However, when it comes to applying these findings within a urological context, there have not been many studies. Thus, our objective was rooted in analyzing the pros and cons of ChatGPT use and how it can be exploited and used by urologists.

Recent findings

ChatGPT can facilitate clinical documentation and note-taking, patient communication and support, medical education, and research. In urology, it was proven that ChatGPT has the potential as a virtual healthcare aide for benign prostatic hyperplasia, an educational and prevention tool on prostate cancer, educational support for urological residents, and as an assistant in writing urological papers and academic work. However, several concerns about its exploitation are presented, such as lack of web crawling, risk of accidental plagiarism, and concerns about patients-data privacy.

The existing limitations mediate the need for further improvement of ChatGPT, such as ensuring the privacy of patient data and expanding the learning dataset to include medical databases, and developing guidance on its appropriate use. Urologists can also help by conducting studies to determine the effectiveness of ChatGPT in urology in clinical scenarios and nosologies other than those previously listed.
Socioeconomic Position and Type 2 Diabetes: The Mediating Role of Psychosocial Work Environment- the Maastricht Study
Authors: Sezer Bengisu , Koster Annemarie , Albers Jeroen , Meisters Rachelle , Schram Miranda , Eussen Simone , Dukers Nicole , de Rijk Angelique , Stehouwer Coen , Bosma Hans
Published: September 2023

Objective: We examined the association between low socioeconomic position (SEP) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and the mediating role of psychosocial work environment by using counterfactual mediation analysis.

Methods: Data from 8,090 participants of The Maastricht Study were analysed. SEP indicators (education, income, occupation), self-reported psychosocial work stressors, (pre)diabetes by oral glucose tolerance test were measured at baseline. Incident T2DM was self-reported per annum up to 9 years. Cox regression and causal mediation analyses were performed.

Results: 2.8% (N = 172) of the participants without T2DM at baseline reported incident T2DM. People with lower SEP more often had prevalent T2DM (e.g., education OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 2.16–2.87) and incident T2DM (e.g., education HR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.53–3.20) than higher SEP. Low job control was associated with prevalent T2DM (OR = 1.44 95% CI: 1.25–1.67). Job control partially explained the association between income and prevalent T2DM (7.23%). Job demand suppressed the associations of education and occupation with prevalent T2DM. The mediation models with incident T2DM and social support were not significant.

Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities in T2DM were present, but only a small part of it was explained by the psychosocial work environment.
Impact of Islamic Scholars as Celebrity Endorser on emotional attitude towards brand
Authors: Ahmed Sulehri Numair , Fayyaz Hina , Iqbal Sana , Baneen Ummul
Published: September 2023

The Purpose of the research paper is to investigate the effect of Islamic Scholars as celebrity endorser on customer emotional attitude towards brand. Two Islamic celebrities were taken for study namely Sch1 (Junaid Jamshed) and Sch2 (Dr. Amir Liaquat). Data was collected from 100 respondents via questionnaires, incorporating Celebrity endorsement and emotional attitude towards brand. Celebrity endorsement covered three dimensions namely attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness. Correlation and regression analysis was then employed to examine the relationship, association and effect of the variables on each other. In order to study comparative analysis t-Test was employed. Results indicated a strong, positive and significant association between attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness on emotional attitude towards brand. Regression results specified that attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness affect emotional attitude towards brand positively and significantly. The t-Test results indicated that attractiveness and trustworthiness level was significantly different in two celebrities -high level in case of Sch1. Research has yet not examined celebrity endorsement and its effect on emotional attitude towards the brand from the perspective of Islamic scholars as celebrity endorsers. The current study is the first of this type as per our knowledge. Managers can effectively utilize the research findings of the current study as in today's modern world brand is a critical asset of the company. The present research proves that celebrity endorsement is an effective and efficient tool. On the basis of the research findings it can be argued that celebrity endorser should be one who is considered to be credible on the basis of attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness.
An Empirical Insight into Investment and Impact of Corporate Governance on Under-Investment and Over-Investment Phenomenon of Pakistan manufacturing Firms
Authors: Masood Sundus , Aman Nida , Ullah Naeem
Published: September 2023

In the developing countries such as Pakistan corporate governance is still considered as an emerging idea. Our research focuses on the impact of corporate governance on firms' overinvestment and underinvestment decisions. For this we have taken a sample of 29 firms from years 2011-2013. This data has been extracted from sector leaders listed in Karachi stock exchange and also from the annual reports of these firms. The empirical investigation was conducted through investment equation, descriptive statistics and also by Hausman test to check the validity of hypothesis. This study reveals that corporate governance has a negative yet insignificant impact on over and under investment. The negative sign indicates that corporate governance indeed does control firms' under and over investment decisions. However, we believe that this insignificance is because the quality of corporate governance is not as fulfilling as we expected it to be.
The Impact of Financial Constraints, Dividend Policy and Capital Structure on Share Price Volatility
Authors: Yaqub Asad , Rehman Fazal , Awais Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad
Published: September 2023

This study is the contribution to literature of
Herding Behavior in Pakistani Financial Markets: A Study of Behavioral Finance
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Khan Shahbaz , Usman Muhammad , Baig Nida , Bashir Dar Imran
Published: September 2023

This paper examines herd behavior in Pakistan stock market using data from the Pakistan Stock Exchange. We test for the presence of herding as suggested by Hwang and Salmon (2004) Model. Results based on monthly data indicate the existence of herd behavior for the years 2013-2018. Evidence of little herd behavior is found during the whole period except in the last months of December, 2012 where more herding practices are being observed in Pakistan Stock Exchange. While investigating the herd behavior using sector wise data, we found that cement industry shows more herding as compared to others sectors.
Volatility Spillover between Currency and Stock Markets in Financial Crisis Period: Evidence from China
Authors: Ullah Dr. Irfan , Zeb Aurang
Published: September 2023

The study aims to investigate the volatility spillover between the currency and stock markets of China for the period from January 01, 2004 to December 31, 2013. The time frame is divided in to pre, amid and post-financial crises periods. “Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Hetroskedasticity (GARCH)” model is used to analyze the shock spread between these markets. The findings suggest significant bidirectional volatility spillover between the currency and stock markets in amidst and post-financial crisis periods. However, the spillover is more pronounced from currency to stock market in the post-financial crisis case. Moreover, unidirectional volatility flow form stock to currency market was observed in the pre-crisis era. The study helps the regulators to make policies that protect the financial markets from shocks. Similarly, the investors can get advantage, i.e. avoid risk and increase returns by diversifying their investment in non-correlated markets.
Examining Antecedents of Customer Engagement: The Role of Customer Engagement towards Driving Purchase Intention of Fashion Apparel Brands
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Asim , Ahmed Mirza Ashfaq
Published: September 2023

Although the literature on customer engagement is developing considerably, empirical studies on its drivers and outcomes are minimal. The aim of current paper is to examine the effect of brand interactivity, brand intimacy, brand involvement, brand psychological ownership, and brand trust on customer engagement.This research also seeks to measure the effect of customer engagement on purchase intention.A sample of 443 participants was collected employing a convenience sampling technique via a self-administered online survey from the users of fashion apparel brands in Pakistan. For the data analysis, researchers employed partial least squares. The findings of the structural analysis show that brand interactivity, brand involvement, brand intimacy and brand trust affects customer engagement.Overall, the results of this paper broaden the understanding of brand interactivity, brand involvement, brand psychological ownership, brand intimacy, brand trust, customer engagement and purchase intention in the fashion apparel context. This research expands the knowledge base of customer engagement in the fashion apparel sector. Research shows that brand managers should focus on non-brand owners because non-customers can also build intention to buy fashion apparel brands, if they are engaged.The current research focuses only on fashion brands in Pakistan. Future research may conduct research in other sectors and in different countries.
Revisiting the determinants of Economic Growth: An Implication Regime Switching model in case of Pakistan
Authors: Fiaz Asma , Khurshid Nabila , Malik Shahid Waseem , Satti Ahsan ul Haq
Published: September 2023

In the current study, relevant determinants of economic growth in Pakistan were examined from 1981 to 2020. The results of the BDS non-linearity test corroborate the non-linearity of the data, and the Markov regime-switching model is applied. In both regimes, the real effective exchange rate (RER), inflation (CPI), and potential output gap have a positive impact on economic growth, whereas openness has a negative impact. Furthermore, in high growth regimes, interest rates (CMR) have a positive relationship with economic growth, but in low growth regimes, they have a negative relationship. Based on the study's empirical findings, it is advised that policymakers examine the nonlinear nature of macroeconomics. This will aid in the formulation of better policiesfor economic growth. Further, it is recommended that policymakers take measures to reduce the heat of the economy through demand management policy. This policy may hurt other sectors of the economy negatively which does not contribute to heating the economy.
Enterprises Growth and Monetary Policy Asymmetric Effect: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Buzdar Muhammad Jafar , Hanif Hafiz Muhammad Adnan , Khan Muhammad Adnan
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the impact of monetary policy on the growth of non-financial firms in the case of Pakistan. A sample size of 45 companies from different sectors has been taken. The data set taken for this study ranges from 2001 to 2016 while it is annual in nature. The study uses a GMM model for the estimation process. The monetary policy variables include interest rate, exchange rate, and money supply. The study showed different results regarding different sectors, which includes leather and tanneries and glass and ceramics interest rate have a negative relation with the 6 selected firms of these sectors. The other sectors have positive and significant results with any change in interest rate. Food and personal and glass and ceramics have insignificant results with any change in Exchange rate. The coefficient of Sugar, Refineries, Transport, and chemicals have negative signs and results are steady with the study. The third variable money supply has mixed result in different sectors, some of which shows positive result while some are showing a negative association with the money supply. Synthetic and rayon, Refineries, fertilizer cement, and automobile have negative relations while the rest have been found to have a positive relation.
Workplace deviance & Predictors of Workplace deviance: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Raees , Shah Syed Raza Ullah , Shahzadi Sadaf , Ashraf Ahsan Ali
Published: September 2023

This study examines recent conceptual advances in workplace deviance constructs through a systematic literature review (SLR). This study also focuses on particular types of deviant behavior at work which have been studied more frequently since last seven years and whether they include interpersonal or organizational forms of workplace deviance. The study also investigated mediating and moderating variables of workplace deviance. An SLR included Scopus and Web of Science database articles published between 2015 and 2022. This evidence suggests that interpersonal forms of deviant work behavior, rather than organizational forms, have received more attention in recent studies. In terms of antecedents, the findings indicate that personality factors remain prevalent. The study has both theoretical and practical limitations.
The Moderating Impact of Firm Characteristics on Free Cash Flows and Financial Performance: Evidence from Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Suleman Aqsa , Butt Shahzad , Ahmad Tehsin
Published: September 2023

This study aims to discover effect of firm characteristics on the linkage of free cash flows and firm financial performance. Precisely, the current study has two main objectives: first, to setup the relationship between free cash flows and financial performance of non-financial firms; secondly, to investigate the moderating impact of firm characteristics of this relationship. The firm characteristics considered in this study are firm size and age. The study used secondary panel data which was obtained from 95 non-financial firms registered at PSX for the period of 2009-2019. Regression analysis was used in data evaluation. Results pointed out that free cash flows have substantial positive effect on financial performance, while firm' characteristics have a negative significant moderating effect on this relationship. The key academic input of the study is that free cash flows have a positive statistically significant effect on financial performance. The study suggests that firm managers, shareholders, and practitioners should focus more on the need for firms to generate more FCF.”
Corporate governance: Does it matter for tax rationalization? An empirical analysis of Pakistani firms
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Khurram , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Hashmi Aijaz Mustafa
Published: September 2023

This paper examines how the corporate governance mechanisms impact the tax avoidance rationale of public limited firms of Pakistan. Tax avoidance has grown in significance in policymaking. This study extends the literature by providing a perspective from a developing country, Pakistan, particularly with a unique data set of its listed firms. The study adds interest by investigating mechanisms for corporate governance and how they influence tax avoidance. In the study sample size consists of 295 non-financial firms at the Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) from 2016 to 2020. The regression results indicated that the mechanisms for corporate governance do influence the tax avoidance of the publicly listed firms of Pakistan. Specifically, it was found that the number of the board’s independent directors and the external audit fee had a significant negative association with the effective tax rates. While the other variables, such as board political connections, board expertise, compensation, institutional shareholding and, big4 affiliation were insignificant. The control variables, liquidity, and firm age had a significant positive association with the annual effective tax rate, while leverage had a negative association. The firm size was insignificant. The findings of this study are informative for lawmakers and suggest the importance of corporate governance in reducing tax avoidance practices.
Financial Effects of Expanding Tax Net to Agricultural Income in the Underdeveloped Economy
Authors: Naqvi Hasnain Abbas , Ud Din Ghulam Moeen , Khan Muhammad Azhar , Iqbal Nadeem
Published: September 2023

The objective of this paper is to study the effects of the Agricultural Income Tax on Welfare of the Household as well as Income Inequality in Pakistan. The analysis is performed to examine the implementation of the tax in the country. The CGE model was used to analyze the various economic effects of the proposed tax on agriculture income. It also aims to analyze its benefits at the household and macro levels. The study was conducted to determine if the implementation of the tax on agricultural income would be feasible in Pakistan. The variables that were analyzed in this study included the implementation of the tax on income from agricultural sector`s households and the reducing the rates of sales tax. The results of the study revealed that the implementation of the tax on agricultural income would have beneficial effects on the country's economy-wide welfare indicators. The paper also noted that the implementation of the tax on agricultural income could help improve the country's household utility and economic indicators at the micro level.
Pakistan's Economic Growth Restraints: The Three-Gap Model
Authors: Khan Azra , Safdar Saadia , Hussain Sadddam
Published: September 2023

Almost all the developing economies are confronted with three gaps which are termed as foreign exchange, savings-investment and fiscal gap. These gaps constrain the economic growth. Pakistan is also one of such developing economies and substantially facing three gaps in its economy. In order to observe the effect of these gaps on economic growth, we have used time series data ranging from 1980 to 2019. In the foreign exchange constrained growth findings show that an increase in investment opportunity, growth rate of potential GDP and a stable exchange rate will reduce the current account deficit there by increasing the growth rate of potential GDP. In the saving constrained growth findings show that an increase in tax revenue will increase the public savings reducing the saving-investment gap which will accelerate the potential GDP's growth rate. In the fiscal constrained growth finding show that public investment crowds in private investment, as private investment increases tax revenue will increase thereby reducing the fiscal gap. Higher tax revenue and public borrowing increase the growth rate of potential GDP.
Role of Leadership for Diversity Management and Organizational Performance: Moderation Model of Diversity and Functional Leadership Dimensions in Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Athar Muhammad Razzaq , Ur Rehman Zia , Anwar Abaidullah , Ali Muhammad Qasim
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The most important objective of this study is to investigate the associations of diversity management practices (DMP) and organizational performance with moderating role of functional leadership dimensions in Pakistan. Methodology: DMPs have been assessed employing EPDMP scale and functional leadership dimensions were measured with scale developed by Santos et al., 2015 on a total sample size of 499 employees serving in HEI in Pakistan. The data was collected from employees of higher education sector institutions. The PLS-SEM technique was applied for effective data analysis.Findings: Results of the study reveal that greater diversity may not necessarily generate inclusive environment-certain diversity inclusive functional leadership dimensions and are essential to encourage diversity workplace environment where personnel think respected and valued. Results also indicate that diversity-inclusive functional leadership dimensions regulate the association among workforce diversity management and the organizational performance. Conclusions: The Study concluded that the diversity management has significant direct and positive impact on the organizational performance. Therefore, leaders who creates plans, ideas and make policies especially those who carried out a business and governments institutions need to formulate such HR statutes, regulations, rules, policies, and practices that promote heterogeneous personnel in organizations and bid equal opportunities to all personnel unrestricted by their individual employee’s characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc, Practical implications: The results are very supportive for HR directors for the effective workforce diversity management to boost the organizational performance. Originality/value: The study describes the relationship of the diversity management and organizational performance with the moderating role of diversity inclusive functional leadership dimensions.
L1 Adaptive Control Based on Dynamic Inversion for Morphing Aircraft
Authors: Cheng Lingquan , Li Yiyang , Yuan Jiayi , Ai Jianliang , Dong Yiqun
Published: September 2023

Morphing aircraft are able to keep optimal performance in diverse flight conditions. However, the change in geometry always leads to challenges in the design of flight controllers. In this paper, a new method for designing a flight controller for variable-sweep morphing aircraft is presented—dynamic inversion combined with L1 adaptive control. Firstly, the dynamics of the vehicle is analyzed and a six degrees of freedom (6DOF) nonlinear dynamics model based on multibody dynamics theory is established. Secondly, nonlinear dynamic inversion (NDI) and incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) are then employed to realize decoupling control. Thirdly, linear quadratic regulator (LQR) technique and L1 adaptive control are adopted to design the adaptive controller in order to improve robustness to uncertainties and ensure the control accuracy. Finally, extensive simulation experiments are performed, wherein the demonstrated results indicate that the proposed method overcomes the drawbacks of conventional methods and realizes an improvement in control performance.
Genetic Variability of Oil Palm in Mexico: An Assessment Based on Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Magaña-Álvarez Anuar , Pérez-Brito Daisy , Cortés-Velázquez Alberto , Nexticapan-Garcéz Ángel , Ortega-Ramírez Marynor E. , García-Cámara Isabel , Sánchez-Rodríguez Yasmín , Martín-Mex Rodolfo
Published: September 2023

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has become the largest source of vegetable oil in the world. It is known that all existing genotypes of this species are related, so their genetic variability is considered to be low. In Mexico, all oil palm plantations are located in the southeast of the country, and they are established with different origins seeds, which has caused poor yields and resulted in the need to establish a genetic improvement program. Therefore, in this study, the extent of genetic diversity among 151 oil palm accessions from all producing regions of Mexico was assessed with twenty simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and seven random amplified microsatellite (RAM) markers. The markers utilized proved to be useful in revealing high existing genetic variability, with a total of 1218 and 708 alleles detected and polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.96 and 0.91 for RAM and SSR, respectively. The genetic distance among all accessions of oil palm collected ranged between 31% and 82% for similarity. Accessions from Tabasco and Veracruz presented the greatest and smallest genetic diversity, respectively. These results can allow breeding strategies to be established for the genetic improvement of this crop in Mexico.
Zinc Absorption through Leaves and Subsequent Translocation to the Grains of Bread Wheat after Foliar Spray
Authors: Kamran Atif , Ghazanfar Munazza , Khan Jan Sher , Pervaiz Sana , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Alamri Saud
Published: September 2023

Agronomic biofortification could possibly be a promising strategy to overcome zinc (Zn) deficiency in wheat; however, the cultivar’s response to foliar applications is enigmatic when it comes to the relative efficiency of Zn absorption and accumulation. To decipher that enigmatic response, this study was designed with the objectives (i) to track the amount of Zn absorbed through leaves after foliar application, (ii) to calculate the amount of the absorbed Zn actually translocated and stored in the grains, and (iii) to calculate the relative efficiency of the high yielding cultivars in terms of their Zn absorption and translocation. The results reveal that 0.90% of the zinc sprayed was absorbed through leaves, and 43% of the absorbed Zn was translocated to the grains. The cultivars significantly varied for their Zn absorption (0.71–1.07%) and subsequent translocation of the absorbed Zn (23–66%). Foliar zinc treatment also improved growth attributes such as leaf area, height, spikelet per spike, number of grains per spike, grain yield, leaf and grain Zn content, and grain protein content. These findings suggest a need for cautious parent selection in devising the breeding strategies intended for biofortification.
A New Strategy of Cross-Protection Based on Attenuated Vaccines: RNA Viruses Are Used as Vectors to Control DNA Viruses
Authors: Zhu Mingjing , Liu Shanshan , Wang Zhao , Yu Chengming , Yuan Xuefeng
Published: September 2023

Plant viruses can infect various types of plants, including food and oil crops, and ornamental flowers, threatening agricultural production and food supply. Cross-protection is an efficient strategy against severe viral strains. Due to distinct infection mechanisms, cross-protection cases involving RNA viruses and DNA viruses often rely on the utilization of corresponding attenuated strains for control purposes. In this study, we utilized cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a member of the RNA virus group, as the foundational framework for developing attenuated vaccines. We developed four vaccines by inserting relevant sequences from tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a DNA virus. All vaccines demonstrated effective prevention against TYLCV infection, with relative control efficacies exceeding 80%. Subsequently, we evaluated the preventive effects of these vaccines on mixed infections of CMV and TYLCV. Our findings demonstrated that CMV (R2-2bPTI-TYC1C4), CMV (R2-2bPTII-TYC1C4), and CMV (R2-2bPTIII-TYRep) displayed significant efficacy in preventing mixed infections. Following pre-inoculation with these vaccines, the disease index of tomato plants decreased from 100 to 56. This work provides theoretical foundations and tangible resources for controlling TYLCV through cross-protection while suggesting a feasible strategy for utilizing weak RNA virus vaccines to control DNA viruses.
Growth Performance and Fecal Microbiota of Dairy Calves Supplemented with Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria as Probiotics in Mexican Western Family Dairy Farming
Authors: Ruvalcaba-Gómez José Martín , Villaseñor-González Fernando , Espinosa-Martínez Mario Alfredo , Gómez-Godínez Lorena Jacqueline , Rojas-Anaya Edith , Villagrán Zuamí , Anaya-Esparza Luis Miguel , Buendía-Rodríguez Germán , Arteaga-Garibay Ramón Ignacio
Published: September 2023

Probiotic supplementation in dairy cattle has achieved several beneficial effects (improved growth rate, immune response, and adequate ruminal microbiota). This study assessed the effects on the growth parameters and gut microbiota of newborn dairy calves supplemented with two Lactobacillus-based probiotics, individually (6BZ or 6BY) or their combination (6BZ + 6BY), administrated with the same concentration (1 × 109 CFU/kg weight) at three times, between days 5 and 19 after birth. The control group consisted of probiotic-unsupplemented calves. Growth parameters were recorded weekly until eight weeks and at the calves’ ages of three, four, and five months. Fecal microbiota was described by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. Although no significant effects were observed regarding daily weight and height gain among probiotic-supplemented and non-supplemented calves, correlation analysis showed that growth rate was maintained until month 5 through probiotic supplementation, mainly when the two-strain probiotics were supplied. Modulation effects on microbiota were observed in probiotic-supplemented calves, improving the Bacteroidota: Firmicutes and the Proteobacteria ratios. Functional prediction by PICRUSt also showed an increment in several pathways when the two-strain probiotic was supplemented. Therefore, using the three-administration scheme, the two-strain probiotic improved the growth rate and gut microbiota profile in newborn dairy calves. However, positive effects could be reached by applying more administrations of the probiotic during the first 20 days of a calf’s life.
Saponin-Derived Silver Nanoparticles from Phoenix dactylifera (Ajwa Dates) Exhibit Broad-Spectrum Bioactivities Combating Bacterial Infections
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Ashraf Syed Amir , Ashraf Mohammad Saquib , Alomrani Sarah Owdah , Alreshidi Mousa , Tepe Bektas , Sachidanandan Manojkumar , Danciu Corina , Patel Mitesh
Published: September 2023

The emergence of antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to humankind, emphasizing the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on investigating the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum-sensing (anti-QS) activities of saponin-derived silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-S) obtained from Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The design and synthesis of these novel nanoparticles were explored in the context of developing alternative strategies to combat bacterial infections. The Ajwa date saponin extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AgNPs-S, which was characterized using various analytical techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biosynthesized AgNPs-S exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria due to their capability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and the leakage of nucleic acid and protein contents. The AgNPs-S effectively inhibited biofilm formation and quorum-sensing (QS) activity by interfering with QS signaling molecules, which play a pivotal role in bacterial virulence and pathogenicity. Furthermore, the AgNPs-S demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and cytotoxicity against small lung cancer cells (A549 cells). Overall, the findings of the present study provide valuable insights into the potential use of these nanoparticles as alternative therapeutic agents for the design and development of novel antibiotics. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the possible mechanism involved and safety concerns when it is used in vivo, paving the way for future therapeutic applications in combating bacterial infections and overcoming antibiotic resistance.
Cigarette Smoke-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Formation: A Concise Review
Authors: Seo Yoon-Seok , Park Jung-Min , Kim Jae-Hyeong , Lee Moo-Yeol
Published: September 2023

Smoking is recognized as a significant risk factor for numerous disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, and various forms of cancer. While the exact pathogenic mechanisms continue to be explored, the induction of oxidative stress via the production of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) is widely accepted as a primary molecular event that predisposes individuals to these smoking-related ailments. This review focused on how cigarette smoke (CS) promotes ROS formation rather than the pathophysiological repercussions of ROS and oxidative stress. A comprehensive analysis of existing studies revealed the following key ways through which CS imposes ROS burden on biological systems: (1) ROS, as well as radicals, are intrinsically present in CS, (2) CS constituents generate ROS through chemical reactions with biomolecules, (3) CS stimulates cellular ROS sources to enhance production, and (4) CS disrupts the antioxidant system, aggravating the ROS generation and its functions. While the evidence supporting these mechanisms is chiefly based on in vitro and animal studies, the direct clinical relevance remains to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, this understanding is fundamental for deciphering molecular events leading to oxidative stress and for developing intervention strategies to counter CS-induced oxidative stress.