Purchase decision in e-commerce: utilising celebrity endorsement, advertising appeal, and e-word of mouth

Marketing has now adopted technologies in the attempt to increase brand recognition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies suffer, yet many even reap more profits, such as e-commerce. The purpose of this research is to figure out whether Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth have influence towards customer’s Purchase Decision in one of popular e-commerce in Indonesia called Bukalapak. Through the non-probability sampling type, particularly purposive sampling approach, one hundred respondents are taken as samples. The method in this research is descriptive and causal, and the research type is quantitative research. The data analysis methods used are descriptive statistics, coefficient of correlation, coefficient of determination, linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing through T-Test and F-Test. The T-test shows that Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth partially influence the Purchase Decision. The F-Test result shows that all independent variables simultaneously influence Purchase Decision. Out of all, Celebrity Endorsement has the biggest influence on Purchase Decision. The value of coefficient of determination obtained is as much as 80.6% indicating that the customer’s Purchase Decision in Bukalapak is explained by Celebrity Endorsement, Advertising Appeal, and Electronic Word of Mouth. The recommendation given is to ensure the company uses talented and well-known celebrity endorsers, design attractive and unique advertisement, and maintain satisfactory performance to encourage complimentary reviews on its platform.

L L

Morphological and chemical traits associated with resistance against spotted pod borer, maruca vitrata in pigeonpea

Host plant resistance is an important tool for minimizing the losses in pigeonpea due to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata, which is the most threatening hidden pest of pigeonpea crop. Experiment was carried out to study the morphological and chemical traits in pigeonpea associated with expression of resistance to M. vitrata and their incidence in different sowing dates. The incidence of M. vitrata varied significantly among different sowing dates. Crop sown on D2 (1st week of July) resulted in maximum pod infestation by M. vitrata (13.1%). Minimum pod infestation (2.3%) and (2.9%) was recorded in D4 (3rd week of July) and D1 (3rd week of June) sown crop, respectively. Among different varieties, AL-201 registered lowest pod infestation (4.3%) as compared to Pusa-992 (7.9%). The non-glandular (type A), and glandular (type B) pod trichome density of top, middle and lower canopy of the plant and the pod wall thickness was responsible for the resistance to M. vitrata. Whereas, non-glandular (type C) pod trichomes, pod length, seed width and number of seeds per pod were associated with the susceptibility to spotted pod borer. Expression of resistance to M. vitrata pod infestation was associated with low amounts of crude protein and total soluble sugar and higher amount of fat content, phenol content and tannin content of seed as well as pod wall

DR. BABU LAL JAT Dr. babu lal jat

Application of mixed hydrotropy in spectrophotometric analysis of frusemide in different formulations

The present study describes the use of an aqueous solution containing a blend of hydrotropic solubilizing agents (mixed hydrotropic substance’s solution) as a successful solvent system utilizing the concept of mixed hydrotropy for spectrophotometric analytical estimation of various conventional formulations as well as novel drug delivery systems. Frusemide, a poorly water-soluble drug, was estimated by application of mixed hydrotropic solubilization method. There was more than 15-fold enhancement in aqueous solubility of frusemide in a solution of blend of hydrotropic agents which consisted of 30% urea, 13.6% sodium acetate and 11.8% sodium citrate. This solvent mixture was employed to solubilize the drug from the fine powder of tablet formulations as well as the niosomes of frusemide. The selected λmax for spectrophotometric estimation was 333 nm. The hydrotropic agents used in the analysis and additives used in the manufacture of tablets and preparation of niosomes did not interfere in the analysis. Statistical data proved the accuracy, reproducibility and precision of the proposed method. The results suggested that proposed method is new, rapid, simple, accurate, and reproducible as well as employed aqueous solvent instead of organic solvents in estimation of drug from the dosage forms.

Archana Mehrotra Archana mehrotra

Correlation of vitamin d with glycemic control and body mass index in patients with type ii diabetes mellitus

Vitamin D deficiency and its effect have attracted a considerable research interest due to its relation to glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, sensitivity and synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus aged between 35 - 65 years and investigating their relations with glycemic control and obesity. The study included 74 Libyan patients with known history of type II diabetes mellitus (33 males and 41 females). Serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and vitamin D levels were biochemically estimated in these patients. Further, body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all the diabetic patients (weight in kilogram per height in meter square). The mean level of plasma glucose level was 150.58 ± 63.82 mg/dl (mean ± SD). The mean of HbA1c level was 7.90 ± 8.48% (mean ± SD). The mean level of vitamin D was 22.7 5 ± 14.97 ng/ml. The mean of BMI was 26.55 ± 4.10 Kg per m2. The findings showed that 58.10% of the cases had vitamin D deficiency (Out of which 24.24% were males and 85.36% were females). This study showed statistical significance differences in glucose, HbA1c, vitamin D and BMI between male and female patients. Moreover, elderly ages for both sexes had adverse effects on vitamin D status. Vitamin D levels have negatively been correlated with levels of glucose, HbA1c and BMI. It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency has an adverse effect on glucose homeostasis in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and this can be a contributor risk factor in complications of type II diabetes mellitus development in Libyan patients.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

"awareness and knowledge about refractive errors and strabismus in south indian population

Background: To assess the awareness, knowledge about refractive errors and strabismus among the general public in southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge on refractive errors and strabismus done as part of knowledge, attitude and practices study (KAP). Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults- ≥16 years. Having heard of refractive error and strabismus was defined as awareness and having knowledge of the type of error for which spectacles were worn, was considered as knowledge. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. Statistical package SPSS (version 19) was used for analysis to calculate logistic regression and odds ratios for gender, age, education and urban-rural areas. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey with females 47.4%. 581 subjects (74.3%) were aware of refractive error. 690 subjects (88.2%) were aware of squint. With multiple logistic regression about awareness of refractive error to various variables, subjects who were educated 11th class to degree had a higher awareness (OR: 2.40; CI: 1.25-4.60). With multiple logistic regression about awareness of squint to various variables, females had a higher awareness of squint (OR: 1.98; CI: 1.19-3.31). Conclusions: Awareness of squint and refractive error was high among the general public, but the knowledge of it was limited.

srinivasa reddy pallerla Srinivasa reddy pallerla

Virtual reality–based biofeedback and guided meditation in rheumatology: a pilot study

Objective As technology continues to improve, it plays an increasingly vital role in the practice of medicine. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the implementation of virtual reality (VR) in a rheumatology clinic as a platform to administer guided meditation and biofeedback as a means of reducing chronic pain. Methods Twenty participants were recruited from a rheumatology clinic. These participants included adults with physician-diagnosed autoimmune disorders who were on a stable regimen of medication and had a score of at least 5 on the pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for a minimum of 4 days during the prior 30 days. VAS, part of most composite outcome measurements in rheumatology, is an instrument used to assess pain that consists of a straight line with the endpoints ranging from “no pain at all” and “pain as bad as it could be.” Patients were randomized into two groups that differed in the order in which they experienced the two VR modules. One module consisted of a guided meditation (GM) environment, whereas the other module consisted of a respiratory biofeedback (BFD) environment. Data on pain and anxiety levels were gathered before, during, and after the two modules. Results The three most common diagnoses among participants were rheumatoid arthiritis (RA), lupus, and fibromyalgia. There was a significant reduction in VAS scores after BFD and GM (P values = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). There was a significant reduction in Facial Anxiety Scale after the GM compared with the BFD (P values = 0.02 and 0.08, respectively). Conclusion This novel study demonstrated that VR could be a feasible solution for the management of pain and anxiety in rheumatology patients. Further trials with varying treatment exposures and durations are required to solidify the viability of VR as a treatment option in rheumatology clinics

Ben Spielberg Ben spielberg

A review on parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease, first described by James Parkinson in 1817, is a neurodegenerative ailment resulting from the damage of nerve cells in the brain. It is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with an estimated prevalence of 31 to 328 per 100,000 people worldwide. It is estimated that more than 1 percent of the population over age 65 are afflicted with Parkinson’s disease; incidence and prevalence increase with age. There are numerous unanswered questions regarding the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease. Worsening mobility, causing problems with activities of daily living, pain and communication problems due to rigidity of facial muscles, are the main reasons of their decreasing quality of life. This study is focused on the role of psychological variables, which could be associated with quality of life in PD patients. After their identification a discussion about opportunities of improvement patient’s quality of life can be opened. Current drug therapies for human PD with Levodopa or various dopamine receptor agonists offer symptomatic relief and appear to have little effect on the neurodegenerative process. More than 50% of patients with PD treated over 5 years with Levodopa will develop complications such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesia’s. In this scenario, slowing the progression of PD through neuroprotective or restorative therapy is a major focus of research. From a pharmacologic standpoint, current strategies involve interrupting the cascade of biochemical events that leads to death of dopaminergic cells. The significance of many indigenous medicinal plants and their phytoconstitutents in the management of Parkinsonism with minimal side effect profile arise in this context

Zeenath Banu Zeenath banu

Dietary replacement of fish meal with soybean meal for the optimal growth of juvenile milkfish, chanos chanos (forsskal, 1775) in seawater tanks

The core of the current study is to find out a different source of diet that stimulates better growth rate and low-cost feed for commercial fish milkfish Chanos chanos. This study was to assess the impact of partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal in the diet of juvenile milkfish, Chanos chanos (initial weight 25 ± 0.6 g). The juveniles were fed with two types of isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein). Plant protein source diet (D1) comprised of soybean meal 45% and 10% fish meal, while animal protein source diet (D2) contained fish meal 25% and soybean meal 30%. The trial was conducted with two replications for 60 days. Fish juveniles (10 each) were stocked in outdoor fiberglass seawater tanks (5000 Liters). Results revealed that final weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly lower in fish fed D2 diet. Fish fed D1 had better feed efficiency, weight gain (21.88 ± 1.9 g), and SGR (1.05 ± 0.3), while D2 had a lower growth rate, WG (18.71 ± 2.3 g) and SGR (0.93 ± 0.2). The maximum growth rate found on plant diet which is significantly higher weight gain than D2. In D2 feed conversion ratio (0.54 ± 0.21) was significantly higher (P≤0.05). Condition factor among both treatments did not differ significantly (P≥0.05). The survival rate remained constant (100%) in both treatments. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that 45% soybean meal with addition of 10% fishmeal (40% protein) is more effective than 30% soybean meal with addition of 25% fish meal to the omnivorous milkfish for aquaculture.

Imtiaz kashani

Simulation and experimental investigation on active solar coffee dryer

Abstract __ Considering the size and relevance of coffee industry to the Ethiopian economy this work presents the design, prototype development, analytical and numerical simulation as well as experimental investigation on an active solar coffee dryer. The solar collector and dryer system configuration has been optimized for minimal pressure drop by incorporating guide vanes and minimizing flow separation tendency using numerical simulation on ANSYS. The effect of air mass flow rate on optimal depth of collector, temperature rise and pressure drop were characterized including the effect of variation in solar insolation using CFD approach. By comparing different dryer configurations based on pressure drop and air flow uniformity, a new dryer configuration prototype was developed. In addition, thermal performance of the solar air heater was evaluated experimentally at three different airflow rates on a collector with corrugated absorber plate and another collector with flat absorber plate. High collector outlet temperature and efficiency were observed in a collector with corrugated absorber plate. The effect of depth of grain, moisture content on wet basis, airflow rate and humidity of air were explored for parametric sensitivity vis-à-vis drying time. Within 5 hours, coffee bean dried from 29% moisture content to 12.3% on a clear sunny day and within 7hours from 19% moisture content to 11.1% on a partially overcast day. Average thermal efficiency of the dryer was found to be 50.5% for clear sunshine day and 36.9% for partial overcast day. A good agreement has been observed between the experimental results and the CFD temperature rise predicted output with a deviation of 7.5%. Analytically predicted drying time compared with experimentally measured drying time within a 12.9% deviation. The cost -to-benefit analysis with a comparative assessment on traditional mode of coffee drying has been done and the payback period is found to be 1.03 years with significant benefits.

Tefera Abera Tefera abera

Equity and equality in higher education-india calling…

Abstract Higher education in India is always a socio-political way and a powerful engine of social mobility. It adds to the benefits to society as more people earning Higher Education credentials. It is proven that college graduates earn more. They are less likely to be unemployed. They are more likely to vote, more likely to volunteer, and more likely to maintain good health. India as a Globalised and developing nation has been little systematically progressing on the educational front since its independence. The government is making progress in reaching out to all the classes of its society. The improvement in the country’s economic front has resulted in the upscaling of communication technology. The advent of the internet, have vastly leveraged the promotion of education across all verticals. But at the same time, the idea of Equity and Equality needs to be redefined in the present context of the newly established notion of ‘Inclusivity’. This paper deliberates on the various ideas and approaches of Higher Education in India on ‘Inclusivity’ in general and Equity and Equality in particular.

Dr. Preeti oza Dr. preeti oza

Sorghum bicolor-based supplement reduces oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines to mitigate rotenone-induced parkinsonian-like motor dysfunctions in rats

Parkinson’s disease is a common movement disorder associated primarily with oxidative stress-mediated degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Earlier studies showed that Sorghum bicolor-based supplement (SbS) exhibited antioxidant and neuroprotective activities and might likely rescue the death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. This study examined the effect of SbS on rotenone-induced Parkinsonian-like motor deficits in rats and the involvement of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Rats were divided into six groups and treated orally with sunflower oil (vehicle-control), rotenone (2.5 mg/kg) alone or in combination with each dose of SbS (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and levodopa-carbidopa (10 mg/kg) on an alternate day for 28 days. The changes in motor functions were evaluated on day 28 and the brain concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) were determined. Rotenone caused motor deficits by impaired locomotor activity in the open field test and induced catalepsy in the bar test, which were attenuated by SbS. Rats pretreated with SbS had reduced brain levels of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to rotenone controls. SbS mitigated rotenone-induced depletion of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes in the rat brain. The results suggest that SbS ameliorated rotenone-induced Parkinsonian-like motor dysfunctions by reducing neuronal oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Security issues in cloud computing and its countermeasures

Cloud computing is a technology of delivering resources such as hardware, software (virtual too) and bandwidth over the network to the consumers worldwide. All the services are requested and accessed through a web browser or web service. The main advantage that cloud is provided to the nation worldwide is that it is not so easily affordable to one and all. Multi-conglomerate companies invest a lot of money on the cloud and let people access it for a smaller cost and even free at the lowest level of the consumer chain. In this paper we address to the problems that the cloud technology faces and how it can be overcome.

Pavan m Pavan m

Global supply chain management - automotive industry

This paper explores the topic of supply chain management using case studies of companies from the automotive industry. Focus is given to the manner in which supply chain strategies in the automotive industry are designed and implemented, and how automotive companies configure their supply chains through collaboration, lean principles and agility. The paper also explores how advanced technologies, notably Big Data analytics and the Internet of Things, are utilised in the automotive industry to maintain a competitive advantage. Key findings made in the discussion are that success in supply chain management is greatly enhanced if firms seek to integrate the different components making up the supply chain. Additionally, the collaboration between entities fosters trust, which is a vital ingredient in the application of lean principles. The automotive industry shows that companies should pursue flexibility and efficiency, which are captured in the notions of agility and leanness, respectively. The paper identifies collaboration and advanced technologies as two critical sources of sustainable competitive advantages to organisations primarily in reference to supply chain management.

Mohamed Sorogy Mohamed sorogy

Public knowledge, attitudes and practices related to eye diseases in southern indian population

Background: This study was conducted to determine the level of the public knowledge, attitudes and practices related to common eye diseases in the southern Indian population. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices related to eye diseases. Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults >16 years based on, estimated awareness of cataract 70%, assuming an expected rate of 85%, design effect of 1.5, margin of error 4% with 95% confidence interval with 25% from urban areas and 75% from rural areas. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. SPSS (version 19) used for analysis. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey, with females 47.4%. Awareness of major eye diseases for cataract 81.5%, glaucoma 47.8%, refractive error 74.3%, squint 89.0%, diabetic retinopathy 65.0% and age-related macular degeneration 36.7% respectively. 41.8% subjects reported wearing glasses either for distance, near or for both. Of the 777 subjects only 294 people underwent an eye examination by an ophthalmologist in the last two years (37.8%). 57.5% subjects had knowledge of the nearest eye care facility within five kilometers of their residence. Electronic media were the major source of information on eye health. Conclusions: Though the awareness levels of common eye diseases were quite high, the knowledge of cataract (10.4%) was poor. There is a need to increase the level of awareness for eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

srinivasa reddy pallerla Srinivasa reddy pallerla

Budget impact analysis of alternative strategies for initiating antiretroviral therapy in nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently made recommendations for treating all Human Immunodeficency Virus (HIV/AIDS) patients irrespective of their immune status. This issue poses challenges to lower-middle-income countries like Nigeria due to resource limitations. This study performed a budget impact analysis (BIA) of different strategies for the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. A dynamic cohort budget impact model was used to compare two initiation arms (CD4 < 350> 500 cells/ml), with CD4 > 500 cells/ml representing the 2015 WHO guidelines for initiation of ART. Outcomes were hospitalization costs, new infection transmission, and overall budget impact. Key inputs included HIV prevalence in Nigeria, ART access and costs, hospitalization rates and costs, ART uptake trends, and transmission rates. Sensitivity analysis empolyed Monte Carlo simulations to assess the impact of selected parameters. At the end of year five, applying the 2015 WHO guidelines reduced new HIV transmissions by 87.0%, preventing 77,000 infections. Hospitalization cost reductions saved $1.12 million. Overall budget impacts were $718 million for immediate initiation versus $903 million for deferred initiation, yielding $184 million in savings. Monte Carlo simulations showed reduced transmission as the main driver of savings. Prioritizing early treatment initiation espoused by the 2015 WHO guidelines maximize resource efficiency, reduces long-term healthcare costs, and accelerate progress toward epidemic control targets. The findings strongly support the adoption and sustained implementation of the 2015 WHO guidelines for immediate ART initiation. It has public health and economic benefits.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Secured scheduling techniques of network resource management in vehicular communication networks

Scheduling is the need of every project. Without scheduling, projects don’t fulfill time constraints, go over spending plan. It is a process utilized by teams to organize and structure their resources so the tasks they need to complete are scheduled based on availability and capability. This process is more beneficial if it is required to allocate and assign task to the resources without allocating their schedules. This paper reviews different types of network scheduling techniques, which are used to schedule a task. These techniques are very effective and help us to preplan the whole scheduling process

Vartika agarwal Vartika agarwal

Detection of antibodies to h5 and h9 subtypes of influenza viruses in wild birds in zaria, nigeria

Avian influenza has impacted negatively on poultry production in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the status of avian influenza virus (AIV) antibodies in wild birds to provide early warning of an outbreak. One hundred and forty-six sera from five different species of wild birds were tested for antibodies to avian influenza A viruses (H5 and H9) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. An overall seroprevalence of 3.4% (5/146) was recorded in the study area. Seroprevalence of 6.67% (2/30) was recorded in speckled pigeons (Columba guinea) and Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) respectively and 3.33% (1/30) in Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). No antibodies were detected in laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis) and African silver bill (Euodice cantans). The serological detection of AIV subtypes H5 and H9 by HI showed the exposure of these birds to the two subtypes. The result from this study indicates evidence of the presence of H5 and H9 AI viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance of influenza A involving wild birds’ population and H5 as well as H9 subtype is recommended. This is necessary in order to know the actual status of these strains in the poultry population in Nigeria in view of their zoonotic and economic importance.

Bitrus Inuwa Bitrus inuwa

Choleretic and cholagogic effects of anti-cholelithiatic plants

A large number of people suffer from gallstones worldwide, and this problem is now increasing significantly due to malnutrition, changes in living lifestyle, lack of exercise and conditions, i.e. industrialization. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries due to their cultural acceptability, efficacy, safety and fewer side effects than modern synthetic medicines. This review aims to gather information on the plants utilized in various parts of society against gallstones. The information provided is beneficial for ordinary people and the scientific community for further phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological studies, which may lead to the discovery of new, more effective and safer medicines for gallstones.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Strategic management - concept of strategy

The strategy is a means of establishing the organisation's purpose in terms of priorities for resource allocation, action programs and long term objectives (Grant 2005). Chandler (1962) defines strategy as determining the primary long-term goals of an organisation, the adoption of courses of action, and the allocation of necessary resources. Besides, the strategy also focuses on allocating resources in relation to the organisation and its environment (Schendel & Hatten 1972). The strategy also pertains to the top management's decisions pertaining to its scope and the future direction. Such strategy covers an action plan on the organisation's future, commitments to specific products, services, and the markets.

Zamzam Abdelazim Zamzam abdelazim

Managing risk in business - abacus ltd employee

In this report, Abacus Ltd employee will offer his client guidelines, another organisation trying to comprehend risk management. Abacus gives a scope of business consultancy administrations to their clients which assist them with developing their business. Abacus's new client wants all individuals from the senior group to comprehend risk management in business and the various kinds of danger (Aven and Renn, 2010).

Zamzam Abdelazim Zamzam abdelazim

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