Search

PurposeIn the modern era, libraries confront significant service challenges. Some challenges are linked to information resource management which includes direct availability of information for immediate decision making. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a recent technological shift that library personnel should be aware of because it has the potential to enhance information resource management. The purpose of the research is to highlight the willingness to adopt IoT technology in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative research design in which a survey of public sector universities in Nanjing, China, is conducted to investigate the determinants of IoT adoption intention in libraries. A total of 389 responses were captured from experienced library personnel. The literature on technology adoption is then used to formulate quantitative theories. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS.FindingsThe research highlights the various success factors which support the IoT service adoption process. It is concluded that IoT augmented services in academic libraries must be supported through robust management practices and effective utilization of technological resources. Many libraries have made substantial modifications to their structure in terms of technology and design to satisfy the demands of patrons.Originality/valueThis is an empirical paper that looks at IoT adoption intention in libraries using a quantitative approach through surveying library personnel. The library personnel can aid in the understanding of the motivations behind technology adoption in libraries, particularly of IoT services that may bring about advances in the libraries' capability to provide information access services.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of design and behavior science collectively in refining the government to citizens’ (G2C) cognitive-communication by using artificial intelligence (AI) artifacts. It investigates the citizens’ behavior intention to use AI cognitive-communication channels in e-government services. Design/methodology/approach This study reveals the potential of unification in design and behavior science paradigms when integrated into AI artifacts in measuring the constructive outcome of proposed architecture that embraces the perceived risk and trust in citizens’ usage behavior intentions. To evaluate the practical relevance of design science paradigm, action research was incorporated by developing an app as an exemplified scenario. Findings The weaknesses of traditional G2C channel communication obliterated by AI virtual agents. This study proposes a five-layer architecture model created with citizens-centered design highlighting the improved relevance for G2C cognitive-communication. The behavior model supports citizens’ usage behavior intentions through trust as a positive attribute and negative attribute as a perceived risk. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the knowledge of design science paradigm particularly to AI-based cognitive G2C communication. The architecture serves for deploying virtual agents to automate the public officials for decision-making processes. The authors have constructed a cognitive-communication model and have examined the relationships among the extents of cognitive-communication model. This channel has the potential to significantly transform G2C cognitive and intelligent communication. Practical implications This cognitive-communication channel has the potential to significantly transform the communication between government and citizens. Such a model can be an interest of developers, researchers and government policymakers in a holistic approach drawn from theory and methods of both design and behavior science to create a successful communication scenario. Social implications Advances in technology are not without social implications. The study results can dramatically improve the efficiencies of government workplaces and can augment the human working. It will help to reduce the government services discriminations among the citizens and contribute to society through social inclusion. Originality/value This study addresses the duality in information system research by first defining the theoretical framework for G2C cognitive-communication architecture and then developing a research model drawn upon a citizens’ service usage behavioral theory. It will also contribute to providing important perceptions of AI practices in the public sector.

The continuous growth of digital transformation aims to leverage the changes and opportunities for IoT technologies in public sector, which has created an impact on the sustainability of digital so...

Governments around the globe are in a quest for successful e-government services. In this pursuit, one of the most significant barriers to e-government resilience is insufficient training. The obje...

Purpose This study aims to fulfill the research gap by suggesting an appropriate and adaptable e-government (e-gov) maturity model for Pakistan not just in the abstract pattern relatively but also in a practical solution assured by the industry experts. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative research approach using key informants from the public sector domain; furthermore, e-gov performance artifacts were verified by the citizens through the process of focus group interviews. Findings The major finding of the study is the development of e-gov maturity model with implementations artifacts in proposed stages as follows: availability, interaction, integration, transactions and public participation. Research limitations/implications This study contributes a qualitative meta-synthesis in the field of e-gov maturity models and could support researchers who are in a quest of knowledge and references to develop new maturity models for their specific countries by providing them with useful resources for further investigation and study. Practical implications This maturity model will strengthen the argument that the e-gov services are necessary for the acceptance behaviour of the citizens and the prosperous public administration by the Government in Pakistan. This research strengthens the science-policy interface that has prevented governments from delivering changes on the ground to the public, and it will also identify diversified opportunities for the e-gov sector that can reverse the lack of investment in this domain. Social implications The study intends to provide directions to policymakers for the development of e-gov services for the citizens. Additionally, the public value of e-gov can be better understood in the form of citizens’ expectations from the government and this model will integrate public participation in the development of e-gov service. Originality/value The public value of e-gov can be better understood in the form citizens’ expectations from the government through this maturity model, furthermore, it can be recommended that the government can improve the relationship between the citizens and the state through the use of information and communication technologies which will strengthen the democratic process in Pakistan.

Numerous studies have examined the role of social media as an open-learning (OL) tool in the field of education, but the empirical evidence necessary to validate such OL tools is scant, specifically in terms of student academic performance (AP). In today’s digital age, social media platforms are most popular among the student community, and they provide opportunities for OL where they can easily communicate, interact, and collaborate with each other. The authors of this study aimed to minimize the literature gap among student communities who adopt social media for OL, which has positive impacts on their AP in Chinese higher education. We adopted social constructivism theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to formulate a conceptual framework. Primary data containing 233 questionnaires of international medical students in China were collected in January 2021 through the survey method. The gathered data were analyzed through structural equation modeling techniques with SmartPLS 3. The results revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and interactions with peers have positive and significant influence on OL. In addition, OL was found to have positive and significant influence on students’ AP and engagement. Lastly, engagement showed a positive impact on students’ AP. Thus, this study shows that social media serves as a dynamic tool to expedite the development of OL settings by encouraging collaboration, group discussion, and the exchange of ideas between students that reinforce their learning behavior and performance.

Digitization and lightning expansions in digital technology have made it possible to collect data on almost anything, making it easier to quantify and integrate the collected data. The diffusion of IoT technologies has fostered the government-citizen relationship, creating a powerful argument for public value creation. Thus, IoT service orchestration can influence the development and trustworthiness of intention to use behavior. This study aims to explore the success factors of IoT service orchestration to create public value in smart government by integrating ISST and cognitive trust into TAM. Based on the literature and research outcomes, a comprehensive IoT-based Public Value Model (IoT-PVM) was developed to provide a complete picture of system success. This conceptual model is validated analytically through a quantitative method using PLS-SEM. The findings highlight that IoT service orchestration can enable the government to deliver public value, just as public trust has a parental role in building citizens’ positive behavior intentions towards the use of IoT in e-government services. The model explains 71.8% variance in perceived ease of use, 59.7% in public trust, 62.6% in perceived usefulness, 61.9% in usage behavior intention, and 69.8% of public value creation. The study results and discussion offer valuable insights regarding the public value creation of IoT-empowered public services and also contribute to academic research literature and are practically helpful for policymakers for designing IoT service orchestration and making government smarter, more transparent, and responsive to citizens.

Purpose The public sector use of the internet of Things (IoT) technology is an emerging field with a potential for a variety of institutional applications in the fields of information gathering and policy implementation to establish resilience for modern society. In this context, we aim to investigate the success factors which can positively influence the continuous usage intention of IoT service with the mediation effect of perceived public value. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model based on the strong literature and theoretical background is tailored to provide factors for IoT services success in the public sector. A quantitative survey was conducted through 381 citizens using IoT services to validate the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling approach in order to examine the influence of identified constructs on the continuous usage intention. Findings The results highlighted that the proposed model successfully accounted for about 59% perceived variance in public value creation and 63% perceived variance in citizens' continuous usage intention. IoT services success is best dignified by the perceptions of citizens who use the services, therefore, this study identifies the positive role of digital society affinity in context of social sustainability and it climaxes that the real value of IoT in public sector comes from establishment of services on top of the service delivery and that's where the public value is going to be created. Practical implications The use of IoT technology in public services will fetch much benefit to the citizens as well as to the government. The study findings are significant in identifying good practices for generating public value in digital society affinity. Originality/value The integrated conceptual model explores the driving factors of citizens' inclination towards IoT technology in a social context. Through this study, we can analyze the role of perceived public value in enhancing the citizens' engagement with IoT services. The government policymakers and ICT managers take help from this study to designing IoT public services with making the government more responsive to citizens.

Background: Antibiotics are in use since decades to treat various infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diphenhydramine, an H1 receptor blocker possesses a weak antibiotic action but when combined with other antibiotics may potentiate their antibacterial activity. Materials & methods: This study investigated in vitro antibacterial activity of diphenhydramine when used alone and in combination with levofloxacin against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Results: The combined antibacterial effect of the drugs against bacteria showed a fractional inhibitory concentration index of ≤0.5, in other words, synergism. No cytotoxicity was observed as percentage cell viability was >50%. Conclusion: The combination of diphenhydramine and levofloxacin exerted antibacterial activity, and was not found to be cytotoxic when given in combination against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.

Renessans is an iodine complex which has proven in vitro antiviral activity including Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The present study was designed to determine its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in monkeys (Rhesus macaque). A total of 14 monkeys were divided into four groups: A) Prophylactic group (n=03), (B) Treatment group (n=03), (C) infection control group (n=04) and (D) negative control group (n=04) and were housed in BSL-3 Animal facility while group D was housed at another animal house. Group A was administered with Renessans @ 2.85 mg/7 kg from 5 days prior to the infection to 08 days post infections (DPI). Group B was administered with Renessans from 03-08 DPI @ 2.85 mg/7 kg. Group C was administered with WIF only. The infection @ 2 × 106 TCID of SARS-CoV-2 was given to all group monkeys through intranasal and oral route under anesthesia. Nasal swab samples (at different times) and fecal matter on daily basis were collected for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 through real-time quantitative PCR. Three monkeys (one from each of group A, B and C) were euthanized at 07 DPI to determine the gross pathological lesions and SARS-CoV-2 detection from internal tissues. Nasal swabs from all the monkeys from group A, B and C were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 02 and 07 DPI (Day 05 of treatment). At 14 DPI, all (100%) nasal swabs from group A were negative for SARS-CoV-2 while 50% and 100% were positive from group B and C, respectively. At 21 DPI, monkeys from group B were negative and all in group C were still positive for SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, fecal matter of monkeys in group A and B was returned negative in significantly lesser time as compared to monkeys from infection control group. Based on these research findings it is concluded that the Renessans has in-vivo SARS-CoV-2 activity and may result in early clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, a clinical trial of the drug in COVID-19 patients may reveal its anti-COVID-19 potential.

The wide acceptability of ICTs and social media enriches the delivery platform of e-government (E-gov) services. The public can explore problems, provide ideas, and design solutions to improve E-gov services (EGS) in a convenient and timely manner. The role of the public transforms from passive users to active, informed partners or co-creators of EGS innovations and problem solving. However, value co-creation is an interactive process, and service value can only be created through joint efforts of all participants. This study builds an influence factor model of public engaging intention towards EGS value co-creation, based on technology acceptance theory, trust theory, and motivation theory, to explore the impact factors and impact paths. Comprehensive validation is further conducted through path analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) methods. Path analysis interprets how the public will accept and adopt value co-creation behavior for EGS. The results presented in this study might be helpful for government policymakers or IT managers seeking to enhance EGS value creation through designing more effective incentive mechanisms. This study also introduces a comprehensive picture of the potential paradigm of public service value creation in an era of increasing user dominance.

In this paper, We analyze the shocking episode of “2016 demonetization” in India. The policy declared 86% of cash in circulation in the form of INR 500 ($7.5) & INR 1000 ($15) notes as an illegal tender effective from the midnight of November 8, 2016. However, the government of India gradually introduced new notes of INR 500 and INR 2000($30) over the next several months, this is considered as one of the biggest macro-economic shock happened at a stable economic environment. Following demonetization announcement, there was a rapid decline in the stock prices of cash- sensitive sectors like consumer goods, financial services, signaling lower market expectation of a fall in demand. However, demonetization has affected the purchasing power which sharply declines the demand for various goods and services in the economy. Therefore, this paper focus on the short-term impact of demonetization announcement on stock price of 100 publicly listed firms in India using daily data. To capture short- term announcement effect, We use estimation window ranges from one week after the announcement to 60 days. Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Fixed Effect (FE) and Random Effect (RE) estimation techniques are used in this study. The results found that the announcement effect of demonetization sharply decline the stock prices of the Indian firms. To control heterogeneous effect among the firms, this paper divide the firm into “Economic Financial sectors” and “other sectors” and found that stock prices severely affected by the demonetization announcement in short-term.

The digital disturbance is currently the main problem vulnerable to many industries including the industry of government. The purpose of this study is to recommend the immediate AI enabled solution to upgrade the life of citizens in the urban areas of Pakistan by using AI as a new dimension for the citizen services. This study is based upon systematic literature review method to collect, analyse and synthesise data available in the previous researches regarding the topic to provide an artificial intelligence oriented innovative solutions for the implementation of e-government services in Pakistan. Based upon the current ICT infrastructure and stability in Pakistan, it is recommended to have artificial intelligence in the citizens to government (C2G) administrative services, financial and taxation services, police, local administration, and health services. This study contributes to knowledge by providing certain dimensions to implement AI services in e-government for the betterment of citizens in Pakistan. These recommendations can also be of interest to academic researchers, IT practitioners, and governments especially in the developing countries.

Mannitol is commonly used to lower intracranial and intraocular pressures. Large doses/massive infusions of mannitol have been found to be associated with acute renal failure (MI-ARF), that is, osmotic nephrosis. While many researchers have reported individual experiences with this pathology, we felt that there is need of an updated comprehensive review of all reported cases with elaboration of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management plan for MI-ARF. The purpose of the present communication is to share our own experience with MI-ARF, to review the effect of mannitol on kidney function and to highlight the dynamics of MI-ARF with considerations for the cautious use of mannitol in patients with risk factors for kidney diseases.

Background: The scarcity of healthcare professionals is one of the burning issues in almost every part of the world. Each health care personnel are crucial for the healthcare system and its insufficiency produce troubles for the working of the system. This dearth’s construct an unfavorable environment for others to retain in an organization. Job satisfaction is one of the leading concerns for all mangers around the world. Job satisfaction among professionals would actually have impact on their work. Objective: To evaluate the determinants of job satisfaction among Dentists in teaching hospitals in few cities of Pakistan. Method: A quantitative approach was used by using probability sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed at five teaching hospitals of Karachi and two teachings hospitals outside Karachi. A sample size of hundred respondents were identified and selected for this study. Study questionnaire consists of two sections. Section A comprised the socio-demographic characteristics consisting of seven items; while Section B was on evaluation of job satisfaction consists of 15 questions. Data were then confining in Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS 21 for the purpose of analysis. Results: The study found that Dentist were more satisfied with their job advantages, sufficient job opportunities, work mentally stimulating, status in the community and entrusted with responsibility. Majority of the sample (71%) were agreed to the point that they are satisfied with their job. Results also suggest that there is no association between socio-demographic variables and job satisfaction. Conclusion: Dissatisfaction with one’s job cannot affect only motivation at work but also career decisions, personal growth and level of cooperation. Given the pivotal role that healthcare professionals play in determining the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of health care systems, it is imperative to understand what motivates them and the extent to which contextual variables and the organization satisfy them.

The 18th Constitutional Amendment was passed in April 2010 by ruling party of that time Pakistan people’s party in support of the opposition party with the aim of providing more autonomy to the provincial governments. Abolishing 17 ministries at federal level and transferring the responsibilities to provinces. It has provided new prospect to provincial governments to review and revise administrative, personnel, management and financial resources to narrow down the wide existing gaps and plan for additional responsibilities. This analysis was entirely based on secondary data. Secondary data were selected randomly without using any specific search strategy, however the focused was post devolution trend analysis of health sector budget allocation. Several government documents/reports were a part of this analysis. Nominal values were used in all these analyses using descriptive approach for analysing the trend. The review article emphasized more on Sindh province. It is evident from the statistics that there has been no change in health indicators over the year’s despite of 5-6 fold increase in budget allocation to health sector. Provincial government need to prioritize budget allocation within sector from non-developmental to developmental, also a shift from curative to preventive programs. In addition, government need to provide some sort of financial cushions like insurance, health vouchers to reduce the out of pocket expenditure.

Objective: To determine the significant role of FNAC upon other diagnosticmodalities in pre-operative investigations of patients presenting with solitary thyroid nodules and to compare the postoperative histopathological results with the results of FNAC. Design: A Comparative study. Place and Duration ofStudy: Department of Surgery Combined Military Hospital Quetta and Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi fromDecember 1999 to December 2001. Patients and Methods: In this study 46 patients with solitary thyroid nodule werestudied. Only 2 patients were toxic while remaining 44 were with euthyroid. In this study only one case was suspectedto be malignant clinically out of 5 malignant cases. All 46 patients under went thyroid scanning, ultrasound examinationand fine needle aspiration biopsy and the diagnostic accuracy was assessed. Results: 36 patients (78.26%) wereoperated while 10(21.73%) were managed conservatively. There were 5(10.86%) malignant nodules while 41(89.13%)were benign. All the 5 cases with malignancy were with ‘cold’ nodules on scan as most of others, while ‘solid’ onultrasound examination and so were most of other benign nodules. All cases diagnosed malignant pre-operatively onFNAC, proved to be malignant on histopathology after surgery and the others diagnosed as benign on FNAC provedto be benign. Conclusion: This study shows that conventional investigations for evaluation of solitary thyroid nodulesare inaccurate in identifying the malignant from the benign nodules and their routine use in such patients should beabandoned, while the use of FNAC should be encouraged more in our hospitals as this technique is with high degreeof sensitivity and specificity, cost effective and safe.