The effect of corporate image, customer perceived value, relationship quality and switching intention among Islamic banking customers in Malaysia / Nor Hashima Hashim, Sharifah Latifah Syed A. Kadir

Considerable attention is now given to the concept of relationships between service providers and their customers due to the rapid changing marketing environment and in particular the retail banking sector. The switching behavior phenomena are worth investigating because by assessing switching intentions service providers can implement defensive or offensive marketing strategies for their customers. This study develops and empirically tests for examination of the relationships among corporate image, customer perceived value, relationship quality and switching intention in an Islamic retail banking context. The model is tested using structural equation modeling analysis approach. The conceptual model allows Islamic banking service providers to determine which among the two factors impact switching intention, enabling Islamic service providers to determine appropriate strategies to reduce defection among their bank customers

Transformers Improvement and Environment Conservation by Using Synthetic Esters in Egypt

Distribution transformer (DT) is a crucial component in power systems as it exchanges energies between different voltage levels or between utility grid and DC microgrids. Nevertheless, the operation of an oil-immersed DT is limited by the thermal and electrical capabilities of the internal insulating liquid. This paper aims to raise the efficiency of distribution transformers and preserve the environment by using a biodegradable insulating liquid instead of the conventional mineral insulating oil (MIO). This work examines the Egyptian case, where a real distribution network located in middle Egypt is selected as a pilot project. Study and analysis of the status que of the insulation system inside DTs are done with the aid of fault-tree analysis. The deficiency of the insulation system is confirmed by conducting an electronic survey of 100 expert participants. The most appropriate solution among three different alternatives is confirmed using the weighting and ranking method. The best choice suitable for the selected area is the substitution of MIO by synthetic ester (SE). The technical and environmental advantages achieved by the presented solution are discussed. The feasibility studies have proven that the solution is positively acceptable in all aspects. An execution plan is established for the application of proposed solution on the selected Egyptian distribution network.Science Foundation IrelandUCD Energy Institut

Translation and validation of Malay version 5-items brief illness perception questionnaire, BIP-Q5 towards COVID-19 among Malaysian nurses

Introduction: Currently, own individual perception is recognized as one of the important factors in the prevention of disease, including coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Given the massive impact of COVID-19 on all population’s life, including nurses as one of the main health services providers in the country, this study aims to translate and validate the Malay Version 5-Items Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, BIP-Q5 towards COVID-19 among Malaysian nurses. Materials and Methods: Forward and backward translations and pretesting of the BIP-Q5 to Malay were conducted among nurses, subject matter experts, and language professionals. The validations process was elicited through an online cross-sectional study involving 56 nurses based on a ~10:1 subject-to-items ratio sample size estimations. Results: The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed one best component with eigenvalues more than one, confirming the questionnaire’s original version. There are five items within the single component, and all are with weightage of over 43%. The scree plot supported the findings, which showed that at least one factors are suitable to be retained. The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.7 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.659. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was 0.655, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity p-value was <0.001. Conclusion: This study showed that the translated Malay Version 5-Items Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, BIP-Q5 has a good psychometric property, and is a valid and reliable tool to be used to measure illness perceptions towards COVID-19 among Malaysian nurses

Aluminium interdigitated electrode with 5.0 μm gap for electrolytic scooting

The goal of the research project is to design, fabricate, and characterize an extremely sensitive biosensor for use in healthcare. Using AutoCAD software, a novel IDE pattern with a 5 µm finger gap was created. Conventional photolithography and regular CMOS technology were used in the fabrication process. A 3D nano profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-power microscopy (HPM), and low-power microscopy (LPM) were used to physically characterize the manufactured IDE. Chemical testing was done using several pH buffer solutions, and electrical validation was performed using I-V measurements. The Al IDE was produced, with a tolerance of 0.1 µm between the fabricated IDEs and the design mask. Electrical measurements verified the flawless fabrication of the IDE, and the device's repeatability was validated by the outcomes of comparable IDE samples. For each pH buffer solution, a modest additional volume of 2 µl was used to quantitatively detect slight current fluctuations in the microampere range. Through pH calibration for advanced applications in the realm of chemical sensors using an amperometric method, this research study has verified the chemical behavior of the IDE

Prevalence and associated factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy: A population based study in rural Bangladesh

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Few studies have examined the associated factors of antepartum depressive and anxiety symptoms (ADS and AAS) in low-income countries, yet the World Health Organization identifies depressive disorders as the second leading cause of global disease burden by 2020. There is a paucity of research on mental disorders and their predictors among pregnant women in Bangladesh. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and explore the associated factors in a cross-section of rural Bangladeshi pregnant women.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study used cross-sectional data originating from a rural community-based prospective cohort study of 720 randomly selected women in their third trimester of pregnancy from a district of Bangladesh. The validated Bangla version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure ADS, and a trait anxiety inventory to assess general anxiety symptoms. Background information was collected using a structured questionnaire at the respondents' homes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Prevalence of ADS was 18% and AAS 29%. Women's literacy (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.95), poor partner relationship (OR 2.23, 95% CI 3.37-3.62), forced sex (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.01-3.75), physical violence by spouse (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.02-2.80), and previous depression (OR 4.62 95% CI 2.72-7.85) were found to be associated with ADS. The associated factors of AAS were illiteracy, poor household economy, lack of practical support, physical partner violence, violence during pregnancy, and interaction between poor household economy and poor partner relationship.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Depressive and anxiety symptoms are found to occur commonly during pregnancy in Bangladesh, drawing attention to a need to screen for depression and anxiety during antenatal care. Policies aimed at encouraging practical support during pregnancy, reducing gender-based violence, supporting women with poor partner relationships, and identifying previous depression may ameliorate the potentially harmful consequences of antepartum depression and anxiety for the women and their family, particularly children.</p

Low birth weight in offspring of women with depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy: results from a population based study in Bangladesh

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is a high prevalence of antepartum depression and low birth weight (LBW) in Bangladesh. In high- and low-income countries, prior evidence linking maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms with infant LBW is conflicting. There is no research on the association between maternal mental disorders and LBW in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the independent effect of maternal antepartum depressive and anxiety symptoms on infant LBW among women in a rural district of Bangladesh.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A population-based sample of 720 pregnant women from two rural subdistricts was assessed for symptoms of antepartum depression, using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and antepartum anxiety, using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and followed for 6-8 months postpartum. Infant birth weight of 583 (81%) singleton live babies born at term (≥37 weeks of pregnancy) was measured within 48 hours of delivery. Baseline data provided socioeconomic, anthropometric, reproductive, obstetric, and social support information. Trained female interviewers carried out structured interviews. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent-sample <it>t </it>tests were done as descriptive statistics, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of LBW.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After adjusting for potential confounders, depressive (OR = 2.24; 95% CI 1.37-3.68) and anxiety (OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.30-3.25) symptoms were significantly associated with LBW (≤2.5 kg). Poverty, maternal malnutrition, and support during pregnancy were also associated with LBW.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study provides evidence that maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy predict the LBW of newborns and replicates results found in other South Asian countries. Policies aimed at the detection and effective management of depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy may reduce the burden on mothers and also act as an important measure in the prevention of LBW among offspring in Bangladesh.</p

Women-focused development intervention reduces delays in accessing emergency obstetric care in urban slums in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recognizing the burden of maternal mortality in urban slums, in 2007 BRAC (formally known as Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) has established a woman-focused development intervention, Manoshi (the Bangla abbreviation of mother, neonate and child), in urban slums of Bangladesh. The intervention emphasizes strengthening the continuum of maternal, newborn and child care through community, delivery centre (DC) and timely referral of the obstetric complications to the emergency obstetric care (EmOC) facilities. This study aimed to assess whether Manoshi DCs reduces delays in accessing EmOC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2008 to January 2009 in the slums of Dhaka city among 450 obstetric complicated cases referred either from DCs of Manoshi or from their home to the EmOC facilities. Trained female interviewers interviewed at their homestead with structured questionnaire. <it>Pearson's </it>chi-square test, <it>t</it>-test and Mann-Whitney test were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The median time for making the decision to seek care was significantly longer among women who were referred from home than referred from DCs (9.7 hours vs. 5.0 hours, p < 0.001). The median time to reach a facility and to receive treatment was found to be similar in both groups. Time taken to decide to seek care was significantly shorter in the case of life-threatening complications among those who were referred from DC than home (0.9 hours vs.2.3 hours, p = 0.002). Financial assistance from Manoshi significantly reduced the first delay in accessing EmOC services for life-threatening complications referred from DC (p = 0.006). Reasons for first delay include fear of medical intervention, inability to judge maternal condition, traditional beliefs and financial constraints. Role of gender was found to be an important issue in decision making. First delay was significantly higher among elderly women, multiparity, non life-threatening complications and who were not involved in income-generating activities.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Manoshi program reduces the first delay for life-threatening conditions but not non-life-threatening complications even though providing financial assistance. Programme should give more emphasis on raising awareness through couple/family-based education about maternal complications and dispel fear of clinical care to accelerate seeking EmOC.</p

Single Parenting and Child Behavior Problems in Kindergarten

Two waves of data from a sample of 89 poor and near-poor single black mothers and their preschool children were used to study the influences of parenting stress, physical discipline practices, and nonresident fathers’ relations with their children on behavior problems in kindergarten. The results indicate that higher levels of parent stress, more frequent spanking, and less frequent father–child contact at time 1 were associated with increased teacher-reported behavior problems at time 2. In addition, more frequent contact between nonresident biological fathers and their children moderated the negative effect of harsh discipline by mothers on subsequent child behavior problems. Specifically, when contact with the father was low, maternal spanking resulted in elevated levels of behavior problems; with average contact, this negative effect of spanking was muted; and with high contact, spanking was not associated with increased behavior problems in kindergarten. The implications of these findings for future research and policy are discussed

The James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Twenty-six years ago a small committee report, building on earlier studies, expounded a compelling and poetic vision for the future of astronomy, calling for an infrared-optimized space telescope with an aperture of at least $4m$. With the support of their governments in the US, Europe, and Canada, 20,000 people realized that vision as the $6.5m$ James Webb Space Telescope. A generation of astronomers will celebrate their accomplishments for the life of the mission, potentially as long as 20 years, and beyond. This report and the scientific discoveries that follow are extended thank-you notes to the 20,000 team members. The telescope is working perfectly, with much better image quality than expected. In this and accompanying papers, we give a brief history, describe the observatory, outline its objectives and current observing program, and discuss the inventions and people who made it possible. We cite detailed reports on the design and the measured performance on orbit.Comment: Accepted by PASP for the special issue on The James Webb Space Telescope Overview, 29 pages, 4 figure