Suchergebnisse

Jianmin Sun,1 Muddassar Sarfraz,2,3 Kausar Fiaz Khawaja,4 Ilknur Ozturk,5 Muhammad Ali Raza6 1School of Management, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; 2School of Management, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; 3Department of Commerce & Business, Government College University Faisalabad, Layyah Campus, Layyah, Punjab, 31200, Pakistan; 4Faculty of Management Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan; 5Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Nisantasi University, Istanbul, 34485, Turkey; 6Department of Business Administration, National College of Business Administration and Economics, Multan Campus, Multan, 60000, PakistanCorrespondence: Muddassar Sarfraz, Email muddassar.sarfraz@gmail.comPurpose: This study aims to improve employees' job performance during COVID-19 pandemic circumstances and demonstrates the impact of COVID-19 fear on hospitality employees' job performance under the mediating role of job insecurity changes and job loss insecurity.Methods: The study adopts a quantitative approach, and data were accumulated through a structured questionnaire. In total, 509 valid questionnaires were received from employees working in Pakistan's hospitality sector. A structural equation model using Smart-PLS software was used to analyze the collected data from the respondents.Results: The results have identified that COVID-19 fear has a positive and significant influence on job insecurity changes, job loss insecurity, and a negative and significant relationship with job performance. The mediating relationship of job insecurity changes and job loss insecurity negatively significantly influence job performance. Additionally, results indicate a significant relationship between the moderating effect of the COVID-19 vaccines and job insecurity changes, job loss insecurity, and job performance.Conclusion: The study revealed that employees who perceived their jobs to be ...

This study intends to examine the relationship of Brand image, Brand attachment, low price, past experience, and attitude on consumer purchase intentions in the context of counterfeit mobile phones in Pakistan. A sample of 153 students with the help of a questionnaire containing 28 statements related beliefs about counterfeited mobiles was taken. The data were analyzed using linear regression using SPSS. The findings support the significant influence of past experience and low price on attitude towards counterfeit mobile phones. Positive association between past experience, Low price and attitude towards counterfeit mobile phones were found and there is also a positive association of attitude with young consumer's purchase intentions. Strangely, low price was not significant in influencing the purchase intentions. Brand image and Brand attachment were also found no significant in influencing purchase intention of customer. For both practitioners and academics, the findings of this study hold important implications. The paper guides the policy makers and academics about the main predictors of consumer's attitude towards counterfeit mobile phones.

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies focused on the optimisation of laser welding parameters for AISI 316L stainless steel. The focus of the numerical studies was to obtain the mathematical model with the least time complexity and the highest fidelity. Based on the comparison of different mathematical models, a combination of two models, double ellipsoidal and conical models, was found to be optimal for the numerical simulation of the laser welding process. The studies were also complemented by material characterization studies for validation purpose. A pulse duration of 8 milliseconds and a current of 400 amperes with an average power of 380W were found to be the optimum parameters for laser welding of standard gauge 12 sheet of stainless steel AISI 316L. In addition, the effect of duty factor of the pulsed laser beam on the weld profile was also investigated and was found to be a major contributor to the optimisation process. The properties of the sample welded with the optimised set of parameters were also compared with the base metal, and based on the mechanical characterisation studies, it was found that the yield strength and hardness of the welded sample were improved, but the overall ductility was slightly reduced as compared to the base metal. The average weld zone size was also reduced by increasing the power density due to multiple reflections of the beam.

Nitrogen (N), being mobile in soil is exposed to various losses owing to unwise use of nitrogen fertilizer, and conventional soil and crop management practices which can be minimized by temporal nitrogen application and different tillage practices. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of different tillage systems and nitrogen timings on growth, stay green and grain quality in maize. Three tillage systems viz. T1: tillage with cultivator, T2: mouldboard plough + 2-cultivations, T3: chisel plough + 2-cultivations; and five nitrogen timings viz. N1: whole at sowing, N2: ½ at sowing+½ at V5 (5-leaf stage), N3: ½ at sowing+½ at tasseling, N4: ½ at V5+½ at tasseling, N5: 1/3 at sowing+1/3 at V5+1/3 at tasseling). Tillage systems and nitrogen application had significant effect on leaf area per plant, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Tillage systems had non-significant effect on stay green and grain quality parameters except for oil contents. However, nitrogen timings had significant effect on chlorophyll a, b and total contents as well as grain quality parameters. The higher a, b and total chlorophyll contents were noted with three splits i.e. 1/3 at sowing+1/3 at V5+1/3 at tasseling compared with other treatments. The results suggest to grow maize by preparing the field through chisel plough and applying N in three splits to improve its growth, chlorophyll contents and grain quality.

Background: Community pharmacies are an integrated part of healthcare systems worldwide. In low and middle income countries like Pakistan, the paradigm of pharmacy practice is shifting from dispensing medicines to clinical activities. There are disparities in these practices according to location. Pharmacies in urban localities are better than those in rural areas. This qualitative study was conducted to explore patients' expectations and current practices in rural pharmacies. Methods: A cohort of adult pharmacy visitors (aged > 18 years) that reside in rural community was selected. Consenting participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique until thematic saturation level was achieved. A total of 34 patients were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. All the data were transcribed and used to originate the themes. Results: On analysis, a total of 20 themes were obtained. Sixteen themes pronounced the current provided services. Four themes provided some suggestions for the development of better pharmacies. On call services to provide medicines, limited free extended pharmacy services, interest in patients' wellbeing, appropriate referral, vaccination, free medical camp, medical services at home, first aid, and counseling were appreciated by patients. Patients stated that medicines are inappropriately stored in unhygienic conditions, prices of medicines are comparatively high, and medicines are substandard. Unavailability of medicines, inept dispensing, limited staffing with poor knowledge, limited working hours, and quackery promotion are challenges in rural pharmacy practice. Patients say that non marginal pricing, informative services, new legislation, and proper vigilance by officials can improve the pharmacy services in rural communities. Conclusions: Patients alleged that rural pharmacies perform deprived practices. To improve service, new legislation and the proper implementation of existing law is needed.