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1 – 10 of 36Kanza Abid, Zafar Iqbal Shams, Muhammad Suleman Tahir and Arif Zubair
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and buffalo's milk of two major cities, Karachi and Gujranwala, Pakistan to estimate metal intake by humans from this source.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 48 milk samples from 2 cities were drawn from animals' udder to avoid contamination. Each sample was digested with nitric acid at 105 oC (degree Celsius) on a pre-heated electric hot plate to investigate the metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy (flame type). Air-acetylene technique analyzed chromium, cadmium and lead, and the hydride method analyzed arsenic in the milk samples.
Findings
The results revealed the highest mean lead concentration (19.65 ± 43.86 ppb) in the milk samples, followed by chromium (2.10 ± 2.33 ppb) and arsenic (0.48 ± 0.73 ppb). Cadmium was not detected in any sample, assuming cadmium's occurrence was below the detection level. The concentrations of all the metals in the samples of the two cities do not differ statistically. Lead concentrations in the buffalo's milk were higher than in cow's milk (p < 0.05). However, the concentrations of arsenic and chromium between buffalo's and cow's milk do not differ statistically. The present study reveals a lower level of metals in the milk than those conducted elsewhere. The mean concentrations of all the metals met the World Health Organization's (WHO) safety guidelines (1993).
Research limitations/implications
Although cadmium causes toxicity in the human body, cadmium could not be measured because cadmium's concentration was below the detection level, which is 1 ppb.
Practical implications
This study will help reduce the toxic metals in our environment, and the sources of heavy metals, particularly from the industrial sector could be identified. The feed and water consumed by the milking animals could be carefully used for feeding them.
Social implications
This study will help reduce the diseases and malfunction of human organs and organ systems since these heavy metals cause toxicity and carcinogenicity in humans. Arsenic and chromium cause cancer while lead causes encephalopathy (a brain disease).
Originality/value
The study reports heavy metal concentrations in the two attributes of four independent variables of raw milk samples that were scarcely reported from Pakistan.
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Razi's theory has an axiological and epistemological relevance that ethical values are established on knowledge model which is developed by interactive preferences between polity…
Abstract
Razi's theory has an axiological and epistemological relevance that ethical values are established on knowledge model which is developed by interactive preferences between polity and the value system. The point of departure for the understanding of the differences of Razi's human needs theory vis‐a‐vis the contemporary ideas are the metaphysical principle that underlies the notion of the theory. By means of this principle we come to understand the place of human being in the universe, his function and purpose in life and his final destination, therefore his needs and motivations. Thus an economic system based on Razi's human needs theory is an ethico‐economy which tilts neither toward socialism nor laissez‐faire capitalism. The notion of need can be interpreted as a reaction against allegedly value‐free or value‐neutral approaches in the social sciences. In this sense, the work of Razi can be most usefully seen as part of those ethical ideas which he invoked in the 12th century. Razi's writing on ethics that very closely related to philosophy is much less well known. Yet it is essential in an attempt to evaluate his contribution to the development of Islamic thought. The scope of his writings is remarkable, ranging from his early analyses of theological and legal controversies in the eastern part of the Muslim world, through a book on Qur'anic Exegesis and ethics; from medical sciences to his sustained polemic on credology and philosophy. In short, his writings embrace diversity of areas, from theology to philosophy, from natural to applied sciences including chemistry, astronomy and medicine. In his writings, he succeeded in proving his claim that excellence and perfection of man are not realized by means of bodily sensual pleasure. Rather, it is realized instead, by means of knowledge, power and excellent manners. This paper gives an account of the relevancies of knowledge‐based world view in the light of Razi's view of human needs. In dealing with this topic, two questions are explored: (1) what is his view of human needs? and, (2) what is the relevance of his view to ethics and economics?
Véra-Line Montreuil, Martin Lauzier and Stéphane Gagnon
The purpose of this paper is to provide a portrait of the main managerial and organizational determinants of organizational capability to innovate (OCI). Despite its importance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a portrait of the main managerial and organizational determinants of organizational capability to innovate (OCI). Despite its importance, research on the subject seems limited, and little attempt has been made, over the years, to offer an in-depth and simultaneous analysis of these particular determinants, as well as an exploration of the underlying and complex mechanisms explaining their relationships to OCI.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of articles published between 1991 and 2018 was conducted in ProQuest (ABI/INFORM Collection) and Scopus databases. A total of 64 articles were selected and analysed through the use of a coding grid.
Findings
Results highlight five key OCI determinants, namely: leadership, support, communication, culture, and learning. By using the dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) as a framework, this research suggests ways to better understand the dynamic action of these determinants as well as their contributions to OCI. Findings also suggest that OCI should be defined at the confluence of three perspectives (human, procedural and environmental aspects) to embrace the multiple facets of this complex construct. Proposals for future research are provided on how OCI can be better examined.
Originality/value
This research helps to understand the five core determinants through an integrated and holistic view and represents the first attempt to systematically analyse the scientific literature on OCI through the DCT lens.
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Rosylin Bt Mohd Yusof, Akhmad Affandi Mahfudz, Ahmad Suki Che Mohamed Arif and Nor Hayati Ahmad
This paper aims to propose a new pricing alternative called Rental Rate Index (RR-I) that captures the true value of property to be used by Islamic banks in Musharakah Mutanaqisah…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a new pricing alternative called Rental Rate Index (RR-I) that captures the true value of property to be used by Islamic banks in Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MM) contract for home financing.
Design/methodology/approach
By formulating a profit rate based on Rental Index (RI) and House Price Index (HPI), the proposed rate eliminates conventional profit rate benchmarking, and, at the same time, suggests a fair, equitable and sustainable financing. This new RR-I (measured by RPI/HPI) enables computerization of the MM system in home financing to be easily implemented. A financial simulation is developed to demonstrate the feasibility of this newly proposed rate.
Findings
This newly proposed RR-I is found to be more stable, having less fluctuations, resilient to macroeconomic conditions and yet comparable to the conventional interest rates, without depending on them. It can also be regarded as a rate that is fair and sustainable to both the customer and the bank, as it measures the actual rate of return to both parties in MM contract.
Research limitations/implications
The paper confines one contract, namely, MM, as it is claimed to be more Shariah-compliant than others.
Practical implications
The finding also sheds some light on the recommendation by Bank Negara Malaysia, which is to consider RR that is more indicative of the actual rental price while taking into account the competitiveness of the product. (BNM, 2007).
Social implications
This paper wreaks customer patronage in selecting the contract of home financing.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to resolve the issue of benchmarking RR to the conventional interest rate in the MM contract. Studies conducted on this issue via simulation approach are meager.
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Muhammad Sholihin, Catur Sugiyanto and Akhmad Akbar Susamto
This paper aims to systematically review the concept of homo Islamicus discussed in the existing literature. The second objective is to offer a set of criticisms of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to systematically review the concept of homo Islamicus discussed in the existing literature. The second objective is to offer a set of criticisms of the descriptions of homo Islamicus.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper prespecified eligibility criteria are applied to select articles that are indexed in Scopus and ProQuest, or published by two major publishers, ScienceDirect and Emerald, or appear on ResearchGate. A set of books related to homo Islamicus was also used as secondary sources to support the selected articles. As a result, this paper systematically reviews 53 articles and four books to synthesize the homo Islamicus.
Findings
There are four notions of homo Islamicus: Firstly, homo Islamicus as the kind of economic agent that is required to achieve Islamic economic objectives. Secondly, homo Islamicus as a defining factor that makes the difference between Islamic and conventional economics. Thirdly, homo Islamicus as an economic agent whose characteristics are something Islamic economics aims to realize. Lastly, homo Islamicus as an economic agent representing the fundamental assumption in Islamic economics.
Practical implications
Mapping homo Islamicus can be helpful for future researchers to conduct analyses related to homo Islamicus, especially in the context of empirical studies of the existence of homo Islamicus in economic reality. This literature review can help other researchers to understand the development of literature related to homo Islamicus.
Originality/value
This paper seems to be the first to systematically identify, select and synthesize the description of homo Islamicus in the literature.
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Muhammad Zubair Alam, Shazia Kousar, Nyla Shafqat and Aiza Shabbir
This paper aims to explore the way tacit knowledge (TK) sharing occurred among automotive workshop (AW) employees. Challenges and drivers of TK sharing (TKS), including stakes of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the way tacit knowledge (TK) sharing occurred among automotive workshop (AW) employees. Challenges and drivers of TK sharing (TKS), including stakes of experienced employees that hinder the smooth transfer of TK, have been explored.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews have been conducted with experienced technicians using open-ended questions to gain deep insights on the issue of TKS. Data coding has been done for thematic analysis to extract themes.
Findings
This study explains the way TK is shared and transferred among employees in the AW sector. Various drivers and challenges in the smooth transfer of TK have been found. Various stakes of employees in the sharing of TK have been explored.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explored stakes of experienced employees in TKS by exploring challenges in the TKS process among employees. Automotive repair is a complicated technical job that integrates various trade persons for the successful execution of jobs for customer satisfaction. TK is a core value and a sensitive issue among employees, which makes the job of researchers challenging, resulting scarcity of literature on this vital issue.
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This study aims to examine the impact of smart talent management (STM) on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is mediated by providing an adoption…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of smart talent management (STM) on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is mediated by providing an adoption innovation climate, and to verify the moderate power of adoption motivational culture on STM and SMEs performance (SMEsP).
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative methodology was adopted through an online survey questionnaire to collect data from SMEs listed in Chambers of Commerce and Industry located in Jordan, the United Arab of Emirates and Kind Saudi Arabia in the Middle East region. Responses were collected from 163 firms out of 568, representing a 28.7% response rate. The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results of this study fail to support the view that STM has a positive and significant effect on SMEs’ performance, as well as the adoption of motivational culture strengthened the relationship between STM and SMEsP. In addition, the adoption of motivational culture strengthened the relationship between STM and SMEs’ performance.
Originality/value
This research extends the application of cognitive social theory, whereby STM functions as a value-adding activity within SMEs. This research extends the application of cognitive social theory, where STM functions as a value-adding activity within SMEs.
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Asif Ur Rehman, Burak Karakas, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Berkan Başaran, Rashid Ur Rehman, Mertcan Kirac, Marwan Khraisheh, Metin Uymaz Salamci and Rahmi Ünal
For metal additive manufacturing, metallic powders are usually produced by vacuum induction gas atomization (VIGA) through the breakup of liquid metal into tiny droplets by gas…
Abstract
Purpose
For metal additive manufacturing, metallic powders are usually produced by vacuum induction gas atomization (VIGA) through the breakup of liquid metal into tiny droplets by gas jets. VIGA is considered a cost-effective technique to prepare feedstock. In VIGA, the quality and the morphology of the produced particles are mainly controlled by the gas pressure used during powder production, keeping the setup configuration constant.
Design/methodology/approach
In VIGA process for metallic additive manufacturing feedstock preparation, the quality and morphology of the powder particles are mainly controlled by the gas pressure used during powder production.
Findings
In this study, Inconel-625 feedstock was produced using a supersonic nozzle in a close-coupled gas atomization apparatus. Powder size distribution (PSD) was studied by varying the gas pressure.
Originality/value
The nonmonotonic but deterministic relationships were observed between gas pressure and PSD. It was found that the maximum 15–45 µm percentage PSD, equivalent to 84%, was achieved at 29 bar Argon gas pressure, which is suitable for the LPBF process. Following on, the produced powder particles were used to print tensile test specimens via LPBF along XY- and ZX-orientations by using laser power = 475 W, laser scanning speed = 800 mm/s, powder layer thickness = 50 µm and hatch distance = 100 µm. The yield and tensile strengths were 9.45% and 13% higher than the ZX direction, while the samples printed in ZX direction resulted in 26.79% more elongation compared to XY-orientation.
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Ibrahim Abiodun Oladapo and Asmak Ab Rahman
This paper aims to examine the basic determinant factors of human development using the theory of Maqasid al Shari’ah (TMS). It also identifies relevant demographic variables that…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the basic determinant factors of human development using the theory of Maqasid al Shari’ah (TMS). It also identifies relevant demographic variables that may likely moderate the relationship among the identified factors.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth review of the TMS and human capital theory literature was conducted, with a specific attention on their impact to human development.
Findings
The extensive review of the relevant literature shows that human development is not only determined by education, health, income, human rights and social justice but also influenced by some demographic variables like educational attainment and gender composition.
Originality/value
This paper is a novel attempt whereby an extensive review on the factors of human development is conducted using TMS and identifying the narrowness in the existing framework. The paper will help researchers to better their understanding in this context. It will also provide the policymakers with adequate information on the important factors of human development with the aim to chart a comprehensive policy direction.
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Wahaj Ahmed Khan, Syed Tehseen Jawaid and Imtiaz Arif
This paper aims to determine the preferable destinations of money laundered from Pakistan by using the Walker’s Gravity Model and to estimate the amount of money laundered through…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine the preferable destinations of money laundered from Pakistan by using the Walker’s Gravity Model and to estimate the amount of money laundered through 156 countries. The research aims to facilitate policymakers and regulators to provide more efficient guidelines to counter the problem of money laundering.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a descriptive and quantitative approach. This study uses the Walker’s Gravity Model updated by Unger et al. (2006) to measure money laundering in Pakistan; Walker’s Gravity Model was first developed by John Walker in 1994.
Findings
The results indicate that Pakistani money launderers preferred countries having large financial sectors and political stability to hide their illegal money. In addition, the study estimates the amount of money laundered and shows that Pakistan has lost bulk of funds.
Research limitations/implications
The major limitation is the non-availability of reliable data as the activity is hidden. Reliable data is either not available officially or scattered. Available data only reflect aspects that are reported. Non-availability of statistics for all years and countries resulted in the omission of some countries.
Practical implications
The study helps legislators and policymakers, including the Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission Pakistan, and other regulators, including law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, in formulating effective policies, regulations and internal control.
Originality/value
The study helps to identify the need of estimating the amount of money laundered to fight the problem effectively. Very few efforts have made to determine the size and the amount of money laundered, and this is the first study to determine the amount of money flowing out of Pakistan with the purpose of laundering.
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