Search

Building on cognitive appraisal theory of stress, we examined the direct relationship between the emotional labor strategies of employees (i.e., surface and deep acting) and outcomes (i.e., psychological strain and creativity). In addition, we investigated the indirect relationship between emotional labor strategies and outcomes via job stressors (i.e., challenge and hindrance stressors). We collected time-lagged data from service sector employees in Italy and tested the data using path analysis. We found that surface acting predicted psychological strain and creativity, and the indirect relationship between surface acting and outcomes via hindrance stressor was significant. Whereas, deep acting predicted psychological strain but not creativity and the indirect relationship between deep acting and psychological strain via challenge stressor was significant. Our data failed to support the indirect association between deep acting and creativity. Our study highlighted that emotion regulation strategies of employees were related to challenge and hindrance stressors and thus underlines that employees should carefully manage their emotional displays at work. Implications and future research directions are discussed., Author(s): Muhammad Farrukh Moin [sup.1] , Paola Spagnoli [sup.2] , Ali Nawaz Khan [sup.3] , Zahid Hameed [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/01t9czq80, grid.463678.8, 0000 0004 5896 7337, Rabat Business School, [...]

This study examines the incorporation of blockchain technology into Saudi Arabia's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), concentrating on enhancing the bus permission procedure for religious mass gatherings in Makkah. The research illustrates how blockchain might improve the security and operational effectiveness of transportation management for major events. The research used a weighted significance methodology and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing transportation at religious events. The research illustrates the strong interrelation of the CSFs, emphasizing the notable enhancement in transparency and efficiency in the approval and management processes using blockchain-based solutions. The research examines the impact of reformulated CSFs on the proposed blockchain-based transportation framework (BTF), emphasizing key domains such as people ( P 1 ), technology ( P 2 ), the environment ( P 3 ), and organization ( P 4 ). The findings indicate that blockchain-related CSFs exhibit the greatest influence, which is 21.62, while financial CSFs demonstrate the least influence of 0.25. This research significantly addresses current system limitations and stimulates wider blockchain usage inside Intelligent Transportation Systems by developing a thorough mathematical model. This paper presents a strategy framework for the successful management of large-scale transportation difficulties with blockchain technology, assuring optimum operations in organizational and environmental contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice, a staple food crop for over half of the global population, is facing a serious threat of rising temperature due to climate change, especially in the areas producing Basmati rice. The main objectives of the study were to compare the promising cultivars of Basmati rice for heat stress tolerance and to assess how elevated temperature affects leaf physiological and morphological parameters of fine rice at seedling stage. A 2‐year‐controlled pot experiment was carried out to evaluate how different Basmati rice varieties respond to heat stress. The experiment was carried out at the Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2022 and 2023. The design of experiment was completely randomised design (CRD) with split treatment structure and four replications. Plant morphology, leaf temperature, chlorophyll contents, relative cell injury and relative water contents were evaluated for both experimental years. Heat stress significantly affected all morphological and physiological attributes such as chlorophyll contents, relative water contents and relative cell injury across different varieties. There was variation in the behaviour of different varieties under stress conditions as compared to no heat, but from the results it was very clear that Kisan Basmati and PK‐1121 Aromatic constantly showed poor performance under both conditions for all the recorded parameters. However, in almost each parameter evaluated, Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 exhibited Superior thermo tolerance and better performance. On the basis of observed morphological and physiological attributes, Kisan and PK‐1121 Aromatic Basmati were graded as sensitive varieties, while Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 showed tolerance to heat stress as compared to other varieties. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to the sensitivity or tolerance observed in these varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a major global health concern, is a chronic metabolic disorder. Bioactive compounds sourced from numerous marine natural products recently have drawn attention as novel therapeutic approaches. Considering these chemicals and their role in cellular redox modulation by involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway, the current study attempts to highlight their anti-diabetic effects and the molecular mechanisms involved. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage are linked to most human pathologies specifically DM. The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is a key defense mechanism developed by the cells to combat ROS burst. Marine natural compounds have strong pharmacological potential in triggering cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms by declining oxidative damage and inflammation linked to DM. How marine natural products potentially alleviate DM specifically type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its related issues is especially focused on. The literature was thoroughly analyzed to open a discussion about specific marine compounds and their well-established anti-diabetic effects to elucidate possible therapeutic applications. Furthermore, opportunities and the pros and cons of using these marine bioactive compounds as complementary treatment for DM are also discussed. The diverse characteristics of marine natural products, specifically with regard to redox control, offer promising opportunities for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and the extensive use of social media have transformed how students engage with educational materials and interact with their peers. Collaborative learning (CL) platforms, empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, have gained popularity due to their potential to enhance learning outcomes and provide personalised educational experiences. This research examines the effects of generative AI (ChatGPT‐4) and social media use on young students' academic performance and psychological well‐being, focusing on CL. The study conceptual framework was examined based on a sample of 441 Chinese university students. The statistical technique PLS‐SEM is put into practice to measure the structural framework of academic performance and psychological well‐being. The findings of this study show that generative AI (ChatGPT‐4) and social media positively influence young students' academic performance and psychological well‐being. Additionally, the results of this research study show that CL positively mediates between social media, academic performance and psychological well‐being. Conversely, it negatively mediates the association between generative AI (ChatGPT‐4), academic performance (AP), and psychological well‐being. The findings can facilitate a better understanding of the implications of technologies in the educational context and subsequently aid in formulating evidence‐based strategies to optimise their impact on students's academic success and well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, in higher education presents numerous opportunities and challenges. The use of GAI technologies in various fields, including education, has accelerated as technology develops. The widely used language model ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has become progressively more important, especially in the field of education. This study employs the technology acceptance model to investigate the factors influencing the employment of ChatGPT within the higher education sector of Pakistan. This study employed the PLS‐SEM method for probing data collected from 368 Pakistani university students. The findings indicate that ChatGPT trust positively mediates the affiliation between ChatGPT self‐efficacy, ChatGPT actual use, ChatGPT use for information and ChatGPT use for interaction. Further, ChatGPT usefulness and ChatGPT ease of use significantly moderate the association between ChatGPT self‐efficacy and ChatGPT trust. Educators must encourage students to use ChatGPT safely to preserve their critical thinking, problem‐solving abilities and creativity during assessments. This study contributes to understanding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT that are used in educational settings and provides insights for administrators and policymakers aiming to implement these technologies effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pakistan reported 1.57 million COVID-19 cases between 2020 and 2022, based on approximately 30.6 million SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests conducted. This study utilized data from one of the largest in-country testing facilities, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan, to explore gender and age-related in RT-PCR testing patterns. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test data extracted from AKUH clinical laboratory records between February 2020 and February 2022. Gender and age distributions were examined in the context of testing patterns across the period. Multivariate regression models assessed independent associations between COVID-19 positivity and key variables. Results: We reviewed 470,249 RT-PCR tests, finding that most tests were in those aged 21–40 years (48.1%). Overall, COVID-19 test positivity was 20.6%. In all, 57.7% were performed for males, predominant amongst those tested across all age groups and waves. Females had significantly lower odds of testing positive for COVID-19 (OR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9-1.0). However, when adjusted for gender, age and pandemic phases, the positivity rates between males and females were the same. The odds of a positive result increased significantly with age; individuals aged > 80 years had 2.5 times higher odds of testing positive than those aged 0–10 years (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 2.3–2.7). Conclusions: The analysis indicates a consistent male dominance in COVID-19 testing, with higher positivity rates in older age groups. Our study highlight the importance of examining demographic characteristics in disease associated data especially, representation of females amongst cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research investigated the impact of selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) supplemented in sunflower meal (SM)-based diets on digestibility, mineral absorption, and growth performance of Catla catla. Se-NPs were added to seven test meals in varying amounts (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mgkg− 1). A total of 315 fish were evenly allocated three replicate tanks, with 15 fish per tank, and given diets equivalent to (5%) of their wet biomass daily for a period of 90 days. Results: The test diet (T-D) supplemented with 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs yielded remarkable results, including a significant increase in mean weight gain (14 g), an impressive average weight gain percentage (208%), a 100% survival rate, with no mortality observed and the highest specific growth rate (1.25). Moreover, 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs (T-D-IV) demonstrated superior nutritional digestibility (CP, 76%; CF, 79% and GE, 74%). Additionally, the diet 1.5 mgkg− 1 Se-NPs showed enhanced mineral absorption (K, P, Ca, Na, Zn, Cu and Fe) than other diets. Conclusion: It was practically proven that the growth indices, nutrient absorption, and mineral status of C. catla were significantly improved by Se-NPs supplemented SM-based diets, with the optimum level of supplementation being 1.5 mgkg− 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is an important staple crop not only in Pakistan but all over the globe. Although the area dedicated to wheat cultivation expands annually, the quantity of wheat harvested is declining due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Global wheat production and output have suffered as a result of the drought, which is largely driven by a lack of water and environmental factors. Organic fertilizers have been shown to reduce the severity of drought. The current research was conducted in semi-arid climates to mitigate the negative effects of drought on wheat during its critical tillering (DTS), flowering (DFS), and grain filling (DGFS) stages through the application of three different abscisic acid treatments: ABA0 (0 mgL−1) control, ABA1 (100 mgL−1) and ABA2 (200 mgL−1). Wheat growth and yield characteristics were severely harmed by drought stress across all critical development stages, with the DGFS stage being particularly vulnerable and leading to a considerable loss in yield. Plant height was increased by 24.25%, the number of fertile tillers by 25.66%, spike length by 17.24%, the number of spikelets per spike by 16.68%, grain count per spike by 11.98%, thousand-grain weight by 14.34%, grain yield by 26.93% and biological yield by 14.55% when abscisic acid (ABA) was applied instead of the control treatment. Moreover, ABA2 increased the more physiological indices (water use efficiency (36.12%), stomatal conductance (44.23%), chlorophyll a (24.5%), chlorophyll b (29.8%), transpiration rate (23.03%), photosynthetic rate (24.84%), electrolyte leakage (− 38.76%) hydrogen peroxide (− 18.09%) superoxide dismutase (15.3%), catalase (20.8%), peroxidase (− 18.09%), and malondialdehyde (− 13.7%)) of drought-stressed wheat as compared to other treatments. In the case of N, P, and K contents in grain were maximally improved with the application of ABA2. Through the use of principal component analysis, we were able to correlate our results across scales and provide an explanation for the observed effects of ABA on wheat growth and production under arid conditions. Overall, ABA application at a rate of 200 mgL−1 is an effective technique to boost wheat grain output by mitigating the negative effects of drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]