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Vocal Hygiene Training and Mental Well-being in Higher Education Faculty in Pakistan: A pilot Quasi-experimental Study
Full text linkUniversity professors are at elevated risk of voice disorders due to sustained, high-intensity vocal demands, which may undermine teaching effectiveness and psychological health. Although vocal hygiene programs are recognized for improving vocal function, their potential impact on mental well-being in higher education faculty remains underexplored. This study examined the effectiveness of a structured vocal hygiene training program on vocal quality and mental health outcomes among professors, with subgroup analysis for pre-existing voice difficulties. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was used with 17 full-time faculty members (experimental n = 8, control n = 9). The intervention consisted of three weekly 30-minute sessions covering vocal physiology, recognition of abusive behaviors, and preventive strategies. Outcomes included self-rated vocal quality, listener-rated voice assessments, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–12 (DASS-12) scores. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey-B, and Cohen’s d effect sizes. No overall group differences were observed in self-rated vocal quality (p = .16). However, professors with pre-existing difficulties in the experimental group improved significantly (gain = +4.00), while those without difficulties declined (gain = −3.00; p = .05). Listener ratings indicated deterioration only in the control subgroup with difficulties (78% preferred pretest recordings, p < .001). Mental health outcomes showed the strongest improvements in the experimental subgroup with difficulties, with large reductions in depression (Δ= −5.6, d = 1.00), anxiety (Δ= −4.5, d = 0.97), stress (Δ= −6.4, d = 1.07), and total DASS-12 scores (Δ= −16.5, d = 1.81). No statistically significant overall group differences were observed.Targeted vocal hygiene training provided substantial benefits for faculty with existing voice problems, improving both vocal quality and psychological well-being. Incorporating vocal health education into faculty development may reduce occupational voice disorders and strengthen resilience in higher education
Implementing Strengths-Based Approaches for Furthering Career Construction: Validation of the Academic Version of the Values in Action Character Strengths Scale for Assessing University Students’ Adaptability
Full text linkThis research demonstrated the validation and application of the Character Strengths Scale for University Students (CSSUS)—a new measure for assessing adaptability. The research was based on three studies (n = 372; n = 368; n = 378) of Pakistani undergraduate students. In Study 1, EFA indicated a four-factor structure of the CSSUS. In Study 2, because of the strong correlations between the factors, the first-order CFA model was compared with a unidimensional model, second-order model, and bi-factor model. Results indicated that as compared to the three competing models, the first-order CFA model had the best fit. The four factors demonstrated appropriate convergent validity and tests of divergent validity indicated that each was distinct from the other. The factors showed adequate concurrent validity as each was related to proactive personality, core self-evaluations, and well-being. The factors also showed adequate internal consistency reliability. In Study 3, the academic virtues added unique variance to career adaptability above and beyond gender, age, personality traits, and domain-general character virtues, suggesting incremental validity of the scale. Finally, a strengths-based application of the CSSUS indicated that optimism may offer a pathway forward to enable university students to apply the four academic virtues to augment career adaptability
Web-Based E-Procurement Development in Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD): An R&D Approach
Full text linkThis study presents the design, development, and evaluation of a web-based e-procurement system tailored to the institutional needs of a Regional-Owned Enterprise (BUMD), with a case implementation at PDAM Tirta Kahuripan. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) methodology and assessed using ISO/IEC 25010 standards, the system integrates six core procurement modules—e-Planning, e-Budgeting, e-Preparation, e-Sourcing, e-Contracting, and e-Inventory—alongside a Vendor Management System (VMS) to enhance procurement transparency and supplier accountability. System testing involved both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Functionality and reliability achieved perfect scores (100%), usability scored 79 based on a System Usability Scale (SUS) survey completed by 20 procurement personnel, and maintainability recorded a moderate index of 82.85 based on PHP Metrics analysis. Efficiency testing using GTMetrix resulted in a Grade C, indicating areas for performance optimization. These findings demonstrate that the system is both technically robust and operationally relevant, offering a replicable model for digital procurement reform in decentralized public institutions. The study contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge across software engineering, public sector management, and procurement governance, with implications for future integration, scalability, and policy adoption in similar institutional contexts
Combating Transnational Drug Trafficking: A Focus on Pakistan's Challenges and Countermeasures
Full text linkFor decades, scholars have grappled with precisely defining Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). Reuter and Rubinstein cautioned back in the 1970s that pinpointing TOC would inevitably be the weak point in any investigation into cross-border illicit conduct. TOC involves numerous activities from drug and human trafficking to money laundering, insider trading, and corruption and spans across different actors, including agent provocateurs, operating in multiple countries. While recent laws have been enacted to criminalize these various acts, the sheer breadth of TOC makes it an exceptionally challenging subject to address. TOC generates between 2.2 trillion per year. and thus considered as a danger to international security due to its" explosive and destabilizing repercussions" potential. TOC poses a significant threat to both direct and indirect peace, as well as cultural peace. It jeopardizes human rights, world peace, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Academics and researchers are unable to convey knowledge about TOC because it is covert and hidden, and because it is related to elites. The industry of transnational organized crime especially drug trafficking; the largest facet of TOC (occupies 30-35% of Transnational Criminal activities) is one that is always adapting to new markets and developing new types. It is an illicit enterprise that cuts across all boundaries; cultural, social, linguistic, and geographic. This corporation does not recognize any borders or standards because it operates outside of them. This article explores the multifaceted ramifications of this illicit trade on Pakistan's internal socio-economic and political fabric, and how these vulnerabilities are, in turn, reflected in and contribute to a detrimental international image. Drawing on a comprehensive review of existing literature and reports, researchers argue that drug trafficking extends far beyond a mere law enforcement issue, deeply eroding governance, fueling corruption, and exacerbating internal security threats
Teachers and Parents’ Views on the Holistic Development of Preschoolers in Islamabad, Pakistan
Full text linkThis study examines the concept and practice of early childhood education (ECE) in a rural setting in Islamabad in Pakistan. The research takes into consideration various aspects that influence the development of children, including; their previous experience in learning programs, awareness of parents about education programs, and the impact of social and political conditions. It is primarily concerned with language, thinking, and social development of children. The participants were 25 in number and were recruited on verbal consent. The results indicate that social and political situations, and low knowledge of holistic development only have minor influence on the actual development of children. ECE, which works with children aged between eight andbirth years old, also helps the kids to be ready to join school by enhancing their emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development. Another area addressed by the research is the influence of school curriculum, teaching materials, and the role played by parents in influencing the learning of the children. The study, undertaken under the Federal Directorate of Education in Islamabad, employed interviews, surveys and classroom observations with teachers, parents and school officials. The findings illustrate why policymakers must come up with early education initiatives that would be responsive to local cultures, social, and economic realities. Policy modification to suit the local requirements can enhance access, quality and overall development of children in rural Islamabad
Physical Fitness and Depression Among Older People: The Differences Between Elderly Women Living in Community and Institutionalized
Full text linkReduced fitness strength is one of the risk factors of depression occurred in elderly. The prevalence of depression in the nursing home population is very high compared to community-dwelling population. The aim of this study is to measure physical fitness performance of elderly women living in community compared to elderly women living in institutionalized, depression rate of elderly women living in community compared to elderly women living in institutionalized, and the relationship between physical fitness and depression among the community-dwelling elderly women and institutionalized elderly women. A total of 71 female aged 60 years above participated, 58 from the community, 8 from elderly home, and 5 from nursing home. Cross-sectional and correlation study were designed. Senior fitness test and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)-Short Form were used. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test (p>0.05), Independent Sample T-tests (p<0.05), and Spearman correlation. Results of the study showed that the institutionalized elderly women have poorer physical fitness performance compared to community-dwelling elderly women, while depression rate of elderly women in community are lower than the depression rate of elderly women in the institution. The elderly women in community-dwelling group GDS are negatively correlated with chair sit and reach test, whilst elderly women in institutionalized group GDS is negatively correlated with 30-sec arm curl. It was concluded that greater upper limb strength reduce depression in institutionalized elderly women and greater lower limb flexibility reduce depression in community-dwelling elderly women. In summary, depression rate of institutionalized elderly women was proved to be higher than the community-dwelling elderly women
Factors Influencing Malaysia Multi Level Marketing Distributors Acceptance of Digital Business Platform: A Moderating Effect of Gender
Full text linkThis study investigates the factors influencing Malaysian Multilevel Marketing (MLM) distributors' acceptance of digital business platforms (BDPs), with a focus on the moderating effect of gender in the post-COVID-19 era. Grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a research model was developed to examine key determinants of behavioral intention (BI) to adopt BDPs. Both, offline and online survey methods were deployed to collect data. A total of 318 useful responses were returned by MLM distributors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM for inferential statistics. The findings revealed that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived trust, and perceived product attributes were statistically significant and positively influenced BI. Gender was found to significantly moderate the relationship between perceived product attributes and BI, while no significant moderating effects were observed for other variables. This study contributes to the academic literature by proposing and validating a novel research model for understanding BDP adoption in the MLM context. It offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers, providing guidance on promoting digital platform adoption in the post-pandemic business environment
Influence of Social Media Marketing on Online Purchase Intention of Smartphone Buyers in the Maharashtra State of India
Full text linkWith the rise of social media, everyone can become a content creator in today's interconnected world. So, participation in social media affects consumers' propensity to buy. Nevertheless, this study is necessary since the engagement of social media greatly influences purchasing decisions, and this shift in communication poses new possibilities and problems for organizations. The main aim of this research was to determine the effects of using social media marketing, which could ultimately lead to an evaluation of the online purchase intention of people in the Maharashtra state of India who are interested in purchasing a smartphone. The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact that social media marketing activities (interaction, accessibility, social influence, and cost-efficient) through the mediating role of electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) have on the likelihood that smartphone purchasers in the Maharashtra state of India will make an online purchase. The study used a quantitative research design and a non-probability convenience sampling technique to achieve its empirical objectives. A total of 384 surveys were administered in order to compile the results. For descriptive statistics, we utilized SPSS version 23.0 and for inferential statistics, we used Smart PLS version 4.1.0. Results from the data analysis revealed positive significant relationship between interaction, accessibility, social influence, and cost-efficient and purchase intention of smartphone online buyers who use social media through the mediating role of electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM). The study's findings indicate that it is advisable for the business to integrate social media marketing into its comprehensive strategy, establish and oversee online communities to engage with current and prospective customers, and implement advertising and promotional campaigns on social media platforms. Furthermore, the study's limitations and possible directions for further research were highlighted
Unveiling The Essence of Healthcare Staff Training, Staff Performance, and Patient Satisfaction in the Healthcare Sector of Pakistan
Full text linkWell-trained healthcare staff are essential for meeting patient needs and improving satisfaction. In Pakistan, challenges such as disease burden, limited resources, and population growth underscore the urgency of workforce development. A shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates care disparities and patient dissatisfaction. This investigation was conducted at Allied Hospital, the largest public- sector hospital in Faisalabad Division, affiliated with Faisalabad Medical University. The study employed a purposive sampling technique and a cross-sectional design for data collection. A total of 348 valid questionnaires were completed and analyzed, achieving an impressive response rate of approximately 72%. Data analysis was performed by using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), with mediation effects examined through the Baron & Kenny (1998) four-step approach. The findings confirm that healthcare staff training (HST) significantly enhances both staff performance (SP) and patient satisfaction (PS). A well-trained workforce improves service quality, thereby fostering greater patient satisfaction. Additionally, staff performance partially mediates the relationship between HST and PS, underscoring its critical role in the healthcare sector. Aligned with Human Capital Theory, these results emphasize that investing in staff development strengthens human capital, leading to improved organizational efficiency and patient care. Healthcare institutions must prioritize continuous training and performance management to ensure sustainable advancements in service delivery and patient satisfaction
A Measure for Assessing Academic Virtues and Strengths in the University Setting: Construction and Initial Examination of Structure and Correlates
Full text linkThis research demonstrates the construction and preliminary examination of the structure of a domain-specific measure, namely the Character Strengths Scale for University Students (CSSUS). Reflecting the use of the 24 Values in Action (VIA) strengths in the study domain, the CSSUS likely adds greater specificity to the findings pertinent for devising and implementing meaningful strategies for furthering academic development, student learning, and well-being in higher education. Derived from best practices, the item generation process of the CSSUS was based on four steps: (1) identification of the domain, (2) item generation, (3) content validity, and (4) field pre-testing of the items of the CSSUS. The initial examination of the factors of the CSSUS was based on a sample of 540 undergraduate and graduate students studying in Lahore, Pakistan. Results provided evidence of a four-factor structure of the CSSUS. Furthermore, the CSSUS and its subscales were positively related to academic achievement and the measures of satisfaction with life, positivity, and student self-efficacy. In addition, the CSSUS and its subscales were negatively related to the measure of academic burnout. The correlations provided evidence of the concurrent criterion-related validity of the scale. Moreover, female students reported higher levels of love and spirituality, whereas male students higher levels of leadership, creativity, and bravery. Also, there was no significant difference in the use of academic virtues with regard to gender, level of education (undergraduate and graduate), study discipline (agricultural sciences, humanities, health sciences, and engineering technology), type of university (public and private), and level of academic performance (low, medium, and high). The theoretical contribution and practice implications of the results are discussed. Limitations of the study and prospects for future research are also discussed