Applying the third-party logistics concept to improve business profitability: a study of the manufacturing industry in the uk

This dissertation aimed to critically investigate how UK manufacturing companies can employ 3PL services to enhance business profitability. A simple, cross-sectional sequential mixed methods research methodology was implemented with the qualitative phase being used to explain the findings of the quantitative phase, which was performed first. Data for the quantitative period were collected using an online questionnaire that was designed and administered through a Google survey (N= 416). At the same time, semi-structured interviews were performed via Zoom calls with senior executives and managers of UK manufacturing firms (N= 5). Descriptive statistics, a one-sample t-test, and stepwise regression were used for quantitative data analysis using SPSS while manual analysis of interview data was performed in Microsoft Excel. The results showed that transportation and fleet management were the services that UK manufacturing companies outsourced to the most significant extent while clearing and forward and inventory management were the services that were outsourced to the lowest degree. The reasons behind this trend included the level of risk involved in outsourcing a particular service, availability of 3PL providers offering the outsourcing service, and the cost involved. In terms of feasibility, all items were scored highly, although increased operational flexibility and significant reduction of operational costs ranked highest. Finally, the stepwise regression test revealed four statistically significant models with an overall prediction power of 20.1% on business profitability. The statistically significant predictor variables were a reduction of operational costs, increased operational flexibility, reduced fixed asset costs, and the gaining of external resources from 3PL service providers.

Mohamed Sorogy Mohamed sorogy

Standardization of crude drugs: a precise review

Standardization of crude drugs is a code of conduct and an essential need of the time. Substitution and adulteration now become a widespread practice, which makes the global crude drug market unsafe for crude drugs depending on the world population. Moreover, crude drug evaluation is not easy because numerous influential factors affect the bio-efficacy and reproducibility of therapeutic effects. The broad spectrum of standardization ensures the correct substance in the proper amount for desired therapeutic effects. It also provides all possible careful measures taken from collection and manufacturing to drug dispensing for clinical application. The authors have tried to cover precise tools for crude drug standardization in the present review.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Starr–edwards ball caged mechanical heart valves’ reverberations – need for a phoenix of analysis with a critical mindset

The mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a caged ball has been around for 60 years. It has since experienced changes and adjustments. The Starr–Edwards (SE) valve was a pioneer and was taken out of clinical use in the late 2000s. SE is reportedly close to or has reached the age of 50, according to numerous sources from around the globe. The author’s observations and review of the literature about thrombogenicity, pannus formation, left ventricular outflow tract obstructions, and infective endocarditis in the SE valves, which were reportedly higher before its clinical ending, were only an overestimation and were not supported by scientific data. However, it was less discussed in the article, along with potential benefits. The main reasons for its demise were its obtrusive size and unattractive shape. There have been several successful implantations of these valves in Asian nations and reports of fewer primary failures and unexpected cardiac fatalities. Therefore, there is a need for extensive data gathering, documentation, and more recent studies on these valves to prepare for a prospective revival of use with newer research, mainly when long-term durability is considered.

Karishma Karishma

Financial literacy education: implication on the economic and social life of the teacher in ghana

Financial literacy education is a lifelong asset that every individual needs to function and fit well in modern-day society. It provides the financially savvy better decision making, best investment alternatives and family wellbeing. Unfortunately, most consumers especially in this part of our world appear relatively less active and less confident in participating meaningfully in the financial sector due to a lack of knowledge about the complex nature of financial products and services and indeed the risk that goes with them. As a contribution in addressing this problem, this study looked at financial literacy education and its implication on the economic and social life of the teacher in the Upper East Region of Ghana. With a descriptive survey design, 118 participants responded to questionnaires. Results showed low levels of financial literacy among participants which can negatively affect their daily financial management. It is therefore definite that the financially literate has the advantage to undertake prudent alternative investment decisions and is able to make informed retirement planning. Being financially illiterate adversely affects one’s life in relation to the culture of savings, expenditure pattern, investment decisions and budgeting skills, making the individual economically insecure. The study has policy frontier implications; policymakers in the financial sector, governments, non-governmental organisations and equity owners are encouraged to come to the aid of consumers, especially teachers, by way of introducing professional teacher development programmes specifically tailored at uplifting their financial literacy knowledge and skills.

Juabin matey

Sero-prevalence of salmonella typhi antibodies among adult residents of some selected rural communities of abia and enugu states, southeast nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background: Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) antibodies may be considered as biomarkers of typhoid fever, a severe febrile systemic illness caused by an invasive Gram-negative Bacterium S. typhi. Worldwide, about 21-26.9 million cases of typhoid fever and 200 000-215 000 deaths, occur annually. Between 2003 and 2005, statistics have shown a rising trend in the incidence of typhoid fever in Abia and Enugu States. The aim of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of S. typhi antibodies in some rural communities of Abia and Enugu States as proxy indicators of prevalence typhoid fever (TF) in the two states. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the sero-prevalence of S. typhi antibodies in ten rural communities of Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State and Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State using 421 (200 in Abia and 221 in Enugu) blood samples for the Widal test to determine the titres of these antibodies. Results: In the Abia communities the mean sero-prevalence of S. typhi antibodies was 68.2%, while in Enugu it was 87.1%. Between the two states, difference in the sero-prevalence of S. typhi antibodies was significant (p=0.03). Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of S. typhi antibodies was higher (87.1%) in the Enugu communities, compared to the Abia communities (68.2%). To reduce the incidence and prevalence of TF in the communities, access to safe domestic water, improved sanitation and good food hygiene needs to be improved. Health-seeking behaviour also needs improvement.

Emmanuel umegbolu

“the person with maximum knowledge will win the race”: conceptualizing knowledge in microbusinesses

The concept of knowledge and the process of knowledge sharing in ethnic minority microbusinesses remain neglected in contemporary debates even if their role for economic development is recognized. Drawing on a culturalist view, we explore how knowledge is defined and shared in a local niche market. Thematic analysis of semistructured qualitative interviews with 32 owner managers and 11 employee-managers reveals that, contrary to studies on larger firms, local knowledge creation and sharing narrowly based on ethnic strengths are valuable sources of competitive advantage. Our study has implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in exploring, supporting, and integrating ethnic minority microbusinesses.

Muhibul haq

Bronchial asthma exacerbation due to unusual complication

A 15-year-old girl with asthma presented to the emergency department with a sudden worsening of her shortness of breath overnight. For the past two days, she had been suffering from mild dyspnea, a low-grade fever, a productive cough with sputum, and mild pleuritic chest pain. Upon examination, her vital signs were recorded as follows: temperature: 38.2°C, blood pressure: 112/68 mm Hg, pulse rate: 131 beats per minute, respiratory rate: 25 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation: 84% while breathing room air. Chest auscultation indicated diminished breath sounds in the right lower lung zone accompanied by wheezing.

Karishma Karishma

Analgesic and antiinflammatory potential of verbesina encelioides in rodents

Verbesina encelioides, a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, is commonly known as golden crownbeard or cowpen daisy. Despite its widespread use, scientific validation of its therapeutic potential, particularly its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, remains limited. Our study is designed to comprehensively evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts from various parts (leaves, stems, flowers, and roots) of V. encelioides in animal models. Acute toxicity, antinociceptive effects (heat plate and tail flick tests), and anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenan-induced inflammation) were tested in Swiss albino mice and Wistar albino rats. The acute toxicity assay showed no adverse effects in mice up to 1000 mg/kg, a highly encouraging result. In analgesic studies, V. encelioides extracts showed dose-dependent increases in reaction times similar to aspirin. Different extracts had different effects on paw edema in anti-inflammatory testing; some at first increased inflammation but eventually showed significant decreases, especially at higher dosages. These results offer a positive perspective on V. encelioides' possible medicinal use. These results provide a positive perspective on Verbesina encelioides' possible therapeutic use. The results imply that extracts from the plant, which are abundant in bioactive substances such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, may have applications in treating pain and inflammation. These results highlight the plant's medicinal potential and suggest that more research and development could help address pain and inflammation naturally.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Digital literacy for sustainable development cutting-edge technology of viksit bharat 2047

India holds a crucial place in the worldwide leadership of sustainable development since it is the largest democracy in the world and has one of the nations with the greatest economic growth. With innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability at its core, Viksit Bharat @2047 symbolizes India's ambition to become a fully developed country by the century of its independence. Emerging technologies are increasing productivity, boosting global competitiveness, and spurring innovation in various industries. By providing tailored financial assistance & investment suggestions, artificial intelligence-powered chatbots & robo-advisors are democratizing the provision of financial planning services. Decentralized finance (DeFi) systems and other blockchain-based solutions are simplifying trade finance procedures, lowering operating costs, and facilitating safe and transparent cross-border transactions. This chapter examines how innovation and technology are essential to achieving this lofty goal. It provides a thorough examination of India's contemporary digital infrastructure, the country's ascent in international innovation rankings, & the use of cutting-edge technologies including biotechnology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and space research. The story highlights government programs such as Start-up India, Digital India, and the National AI & Green Hydrogen Missions. Furthermore, the story underscores the importance of inclusive growth, which encompasses youth empowerment, women-led innovation, and rural digitization. Alongside strategic advice, issues like cybersecurity concerns, low investment in research and growth, and the digital divide are also discussed. India is positioned to emerge as a worldwide leader in technology, not simply a consumer, by cultivating a strong innovation ecosystem and utilizing partnerships between university, industry, and the private sector. This chapter provides a comprehensive plan for a tech-powered, inclusive, and sustainable Viksit Bharat before 2047. Higher education is one of the areas that must use developing technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 (the Developed India 2047). Outside of higher education, artificial intelligence influences technology and economic progress. Young minds will realize this transformative vision as soon as they actively interact with AI. AI literacy empowers students in higher education to investigate, produce, and innovate. Students may do research, find solutions to real-world issues, and alter the course of history as they learn AI.

Dr. Awadhesh Singh Gautam Dr. awadhesh singh gautam

Sales management - enhance the effective selling of items to clients

In this summary, the ideas used by the sales management to enhance the effective Selling of items to clients are addressed in detail. Overall, the report focuses on sales management, describing how the Marks and Spencer organisation's sales can be enhanced through the adoption of appropriate strategies and approaches that would aid in improving sales in the face of increasing market competition. The company modifies ongoing sales management techniques as well as sales organisation factors in an order to promote and retain competitiveness, highlight the significance of the sales organisation, and the necessity of such modifications appears to be stronger in the contemporary business environment.

Zamzam Abdelazim Zamzam abdelazim

Knowledge, attitude, and usage of hyoscine n-butylbromide in the management of labor among medical practitioners in nigeria

Background: Hyoscine N-butylbromide (HBB; Buscopan) is commonly used in obstetric practice to accelerate labor and facilitate cervical dilation, yet variability in knowledge, attitude, and clinical usage persists among practitioners. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns of HBB among medical practitioners at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and April 2025 among 102 medical practitioners directly involved in labor care at ABSUTH. A structured, self-administered questionnaire, validated through expert review and pilot testing (Cronbach’s α = 0.78), was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Pearson correlations, were performed using SPSS v. 25.0. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 102 respondents, 93.1% had heard of HBB, and 70.6% correctly identified it as an antispasmodic. While 69.6% recognized its primary mechanism as cervical relaxation, 48% were aware of contraindications. The majority agreed that it is effective (mean = 4.12) and improves maternal outcomes (mean = 4.01). About 85.3% had administered it during labor, mostly in the active phase (64.7%), with the intravenous route being most preferred (56.9%). Statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge and attitude (χ² = 18.442, p = 0.001), specialty and frequency of use (χ² = 12.695, p = 0.048), and formal training with dosage knowledge (χ² = 15.210, p = 0.002). Knowledge, attitude, and usage scores were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Conclusions: While the majority of practitioners at ABSUTH are familiar with and frequently use HBB in labor management, knowledge gaps and variations in practice remain. Strengthening formal training and incorporating standardized protocols could improve evidence-based usage and maternal outcomes.

Karishma Karishma

Management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis – a review of updates from the past decade

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute-pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is an important etiology of acute pancreatitis (AP). The treatment includes general management of AP with bowel rest, analgesia, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Specific treatment of HTG-AP focuses on reducing serum triglyceride (TG) levels. Various modalities have been used, including heparin infusion, insulin infusion, plasmapheresis, and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). However, the extent to which TG reduction translates into a clinical response remains unclear. This review highlights the emerging evidence on the management of HTG-AP. Insulin therapy and plasmapheresis remain treatment options to reduce TG. DFPP is an emerging treatment modality to reduce TG levels in patients with AP. However, to what extent this translates into a better clinical response is yet to be answered in large and prospective study designs.

Karishma Karishma

Social big data: a twitter text mining approach to the communication of universities during the lebanese protests

Since October 17, 2019, Lebanon has experienced unprecedented popular protests, demanding the departure of the entire political class, accused of being gangrened by corruption. Country paralyzed, institutions closed for more than two weeks, the eyes are turned to universities that have closed their doors but whose community (teachers and students) actively participate in the national jump. This study explores the use of social media by universities in Lebanon during the national revolution using social big data technology on Twitter in comparison to the national usage of twitter. Important information was collected, analyzed and visualized using the R language.

Katia raya

Wireless sensing element network-based pet location observation system for domestic situations

Pets need special care and tracking system to track their path in case of lost. Due to our busy life style, this task is not simple as it used to be. The aim of this work is to design and implement smart pet house and tracking system. The objective of this paper is to allow pets owners to automate simple things like monitoring and tracking of the path of pets. Also lighting, feeding and air-conditioning controls. The proposed work addresses the implementation and analysis of a wireless sensor networks based pet location monitoring system for domestic scenarios. These systems describes, finding the path of lost pet using fitbit flex scale device and also using GPS tracker. Pet begin moving before you get a GPS signal, the tracker will calculate distance using steps and stride length as described above until a GPS signal is found.

Dr H Shaheen Dr h shaheen

Mastering the art of efficient literature reviews: a practical guide for medical professionals and students

The exponential growth of biomedical literature presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a significant challenge for medical professionals and students. Conducting a thorough yet efficient literature review is a fundamental skill, essential for evidence-based practice (EBP), research, education, and scholarly writing. However, navigating this vast information landscape effectively remains a common hurdle. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to conducting efficient and rigorous literature reviews tailored to the needs of medical professionals and students. It focuses on practical strategies, critical appraisal techniques, synthesis methods, and leveraging technology to optimize the process while maintaining scientific integrity. A narrative review methodology was employed, synthesizing established principles and methods from evidence-based medicine, information science, and academic writing. Key sources include guidelines from major medical libraries, EBP resources, and authoritative texts on research methodology and critical appraisal. The review outlines a structured approach encompassing: defining a focused question using frameworks like Participants; Intervention/Exposure; Comparison; and Outcome (PICO/PECO); developing and executing a systematic search strategy across multiple databases; efficient screening and selection of relevant literature; critical appraisal of study quality and relevance; effective synthesis of findings (narrative, thematic, or tabular); clear and concise writing; and strategies for maintaining currency. Emphasis is placed on leveraging technology (reference managers, databases, and AI tools) cautiously and avoiding common pitfalls, such as scope creep and uncritical acceptance of findings. A life-long experience that the academic writer learns through life, and yet may fall into them easily. An efficient literature review is not merely about speed, but about systematic rigor, critical thinking, and strategic use of resources. By adopting the structured, technology-enhanced, and critically appraised approach outlined, medical professionals and students can navigate the literature effectively, saving valuable time while producing high-quality, evidence-informed outputs for clinical practice, research, and education.

Karishma Karishma

Physico-chemical analysis of rhizospheric soil of maize (zea mays l.) and its effects on maize disease incidence (in vivo) in karnataka

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF RHIZOSPHERIC SOIL OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND ITS EFFECTS ON MAIZE DISEASE INCIDENCE (IN VIVO) IN KARNATAKA

Veerabhadraswamy AL Veerabhadraswamy al

Dexamethasone versus dexmedetomidine as adjuvants in ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block for hallux valgus surgery: a mono-centric retrospective comparative study

Background and Aim: Ultrasound popliteal sciatic nerve block (UPSNB) is commonly performed in foot and ankle surgery. This study aims to assess the use of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants in UPSNB for hallux valgus (HV) surgery, comparing their efficacy in producing motor and sensory block and controlling postoperative pain. The adverse event rate was also evaluated. Methods: This mono-centric retrospective study included 62 adult patients undergoing HV surgery: 30 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group 1), whereas 32 patients received lidocaine 2% 200 mg, ropivacaine 0.5% 50 mg, and dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/Kg (Group 2). At first, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated after 48 hours. The other outcomes were time to motor block regression, evaluation of the first analgesic drug intake, analgesic effect, adverse effects (hemodynamic disorders, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)) and patient satisfaction. The continuous data were analyzed with student’s t-test and the continuous one with χ2. Statistical significance was set at a p-value lower than 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found in VAS after 48 hours (4.5 ± 1.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.621) to motor block regression (18.9 ± 6.0 vs 18.7 ± 6, p = 0.922). The number of patients that took their first analgesic drug in the first 48 h (p = 0.947 at 6 hours; p = 0.421 at 12 hours; p = 0.122 at 24 hours and p = 0.333 at 48 hours) were not significant. A low and similar incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic disorders was recorded in both groups (hypotension p = 0.593; bradycardia p = 0.881). Neither PONV nor other complication was found. Patients in Group 1 reported a lower degree of interference with sleep (p = 0.001), less interference with daily activities (P = 0.002) and with the affective sphere (P = 0.015) along with a more satisfactory postoperative pain management (p < 0.001) as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the duration of motor and sensory blockade between patients in both groups. Additionally, both groups showed good pain control with a low rate of adverse effects, even if there was no clinical difference between the groups. However, patients who received dexamethasone reported experiencing less interference with their sleep, daily activities and overall emotional well-being, and overall pain control.

Dario Cirillo Dario cirillo

Whatsapp- messenger fever on students

WhatsApp is mobile application which allows exchange of messages, videos, audio’s and images via Smartphone. The increased use of IM on phones has turned to be goldmine for mobile and computer age. This paper focuses on understanding experimental viewpoint about the intensity, usage of whatsapp messenger and its impact on the academic performance of students in institutions. Instead of fast communication and enhancing effective flow of information and idea sharing among students, whatsapp has actually impacted in some pessimistic performance of students. For instance it takes up much of the students study time resulting in procrastination related issues , destroys students’ linguistic skills, leads to lack of concentration during lectures, results in difficulty in balancing online activities (whatsapp) and intellectual preparation and distracts learner from completing their assignments and adhering to their private studies time table. It is very userfriendly and easy to get initiated. Simply enter the telephone number of the device into the app. It then sorts through the contacts (with your permission) on the phone to figure out who else also has the app already installed. Users can then invite more contacts or go ahead and start sending messages to the ones that the app discovered. Brian Acton and Jan Koum (2009) invented Whatsapp messenger for easy and fast communication and distribution of multimedia messaging. Whatsapp is one of the trend and fashion in technology that is commonly used on specific mobile phones and computers. Since the Smartphones became popular, many messaging services were launched but Whatsapp has become widespread among them. The service is available free for one year and later user has to pay very less annual amount. Besides all, this Application is highly fanatic and can create a great impact on regular users, and apart from that it can leave a trace that becomes difficult to control and cure. With whatsapp messenger, communication through mobile phones has become easier, faster and cheaper. It is less expensive as compared to the normal phone messaging. An individual can chat with friends and family overseas through whatsapp without having to incur global SMS charges.

Sunita Singh Sunita singh

Attitude towards wearing face mask increases vulnerability of men over women and the risk of covid-19 pandemic spread in jos-south metropolis, plateau state, nigeria

Background Covid-19 pandemic has hit many countries and put the majority of the public health system to test globally. Mandatory use of face mask was among policies set by the government to contain the spread of the novel disease. But citizens’ attitudes and compliance with these policies are important in controlling the pandemic. We assessed gender-based compliance to Covid-19 protocol (use of face mask) in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods Perception regarding Covid-19 and the use of face masks were assessed among participants using a questionnaire-based survey. In a cross-sectional study, ninety (n=90) questionnaires were administered to willing participants directly. A Chi-square test was used to determine the descriptive analysis of all responses, P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result Out of 90 participants, 55.6% (50/90) were male and 44.4%(40/90) were female. Forty-two (84%) males deny the existence of the pandemic while in females, 14 (35%) deny that Covid-19 exist. Thirty-seven (74%) of the male respondents do not comply with to use of the face mask and use a single face mask multiple times without decontamination. In females, 28 (70%) comply with the use of the face mask. Unlike the men, 20 (50%) of the females always decontaminate the face mask. The middle-aged adult (26-45 years) uses the face mask more than the young (18-25 years). There was a significant association of gender in relation to the perception of Covid-19 and the use of facemask (p< 0.05). Conclusion Male respondents showed an irresponsible attitude complying to Covid-19 protocol than the females, therefore, enlisting them as a risk factor for the continued spread of the virus. We recommend that public health awareness and campaigns should focus and employ greater influence on men and young adults in their compliance with the preventive protocols.

Bitrus Inuwa Bitrus inuwa

Efficacy of probiotic and herbal chewing gums on salivary ph in 6-11 years age group children: a randomised clinical tria

Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, doubleblind, multiple arm parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded with the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc Bonferroni’s test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH, after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.

DR. NEETI TATIYA Dr. neeti tatiya

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