Gerges, Fawas A. The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Book review

Cleft Lip and Palate Literature Review Compilation

poster abstractThe purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the cleft lip or palate procedure with a focus on human anatomy and physiology. Cleft lip and palate are the most common facial malformations and occur in 1 newborn in 2500 live births. Through a thorough analysis of journal articles and viable sources one can grasp an introductory understanding of cleft palate including the history, anatomy, causes, procedure, and post-operation lifestyle with cleft palate. Although the problem is genetic and embryological in nature, anatomy is relevant as the complications stem from oropharyngeal muscles inserting on structural bones, impacting neurovascular areas of the mouth, leading to a complex deformity. The topic was subdivided to cover all areas relevant to the review. The sources used were primarily from journal articles such as PubMed, books, and other online published data. Overall the topic is closely related to medicine and dentistry while incorporating basic anatomical concepts

Information technology and cost efficiency in Malaysian banking industry

It is argued that information technology can increase cost efficiency of banks by offering opportunities to substitute across inputs into production – for example, to substitute computer technology and information networks for labor. Hence, the transition to a knowledge-based financial sector would lead to banks becoming more competitive, more cost effective and better able in managing risks. As such, those banks that failed to make this transition are less able to compete as they lack the capability to innovate and face higher delivery costs. The main objectives of this paper are to determine the impact of IT on banking efficiency and its economies of scale using a sample of Malaysian banks. To achieve these objectives, stochastic cost frontier method is employed to estimate bank efficiency and panel data approach were used to examine the impact of IT on bank efficiency. The results indicate that the impact of IT on bank efficiency increases with increase in bank size, hence further supporting the process of bank mergers that are currently undertaken in the Malaysian banking industry

Optimization of material delivery time analysis by using Visual Basic for applications in Excel

[EN] In small and medium enterprises, huge numbers of reports are prepared regarding the procurement, planning, production etc on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. If the interval between preparation of same report is longer then there is the greater probability that employee can forget the procedure of preparing the report; thus it is beneficial to automate these types of reports especially when there is no cost required for automation. In the same way, material delivery analysis is a kind of report which is prepared on monthly basis and as per the employees` feedback they usually forget some of the steps of report formation; therefore, there was the chance of mistake at the end of employee. Therefore, this report was automated for to minimize the chance of error and report preparation time. All the manual tasks were enlisted and were programmed for automation by the help of VBA macros. For the execution of macros, userform was designed in visual basic editor (in MS excel) consisted on four command buttons and macros were called on command buttons` click. On pressing ‘ctrl + q’ userform used to appear on the screen. Furthermore, the comparison of old and automated methods was conducted to reflect the best suitable method. The report used to take 1.55 minutes to be made manually. Comparison of time of both methods of report formation indicated that suggested method took 70.86% less time as compared to the old method of preparing material delivery time analysis report.Authors of present research paper (representing the automation of one the routine reports) want to thank the concerned employee of ABC Company at its purchase department for his generous cooperation in the automation period of the report.Khan, MA.; Kalwar, MA.; Chaudhry, AK. (2021). Optimization of material delivery time analysis by using Visual Basic for applications in Excel. 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Automation of the Process of Reporting the Compliance of the Production Plan with Its Execution Based on Integration of SAP ERP System In Connection With Excel Spreadsheet and VBA Application. Digitalization of Supply Chains. https://doi.org/10.17270/b.m.978-83-66017-86-3Belchior Junior, A., Bruel, R.N., Andrade, D.A., Sabundjian, G., Macedo, L.A., Angelo, G., … Conti, T.N. (2011). Development of a Vba Macro-Based Spreadsheet Application for Relap5 Data Post-Processing. In International Nuclear Atlantic Conference (pp. 978-85).Bernard, M., Dwi Minarti, E., & Hutajulu, M. (2018). Constructing Student's Mathematical Understanding Skills and Self Confidence: Math Game with Visual Basic Application for Microsoft Excel in Learning Phytagoras at Junior High School. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(3.2), 732-736. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.2.18738Blattner, D.E., & Valrico, F. (2007). Automatic Report Generation. United States.Blayney, P.J., & Sun, Z. (2019). Using Excel and Excel VBA for Preliminary Analysis in Big Data Research. In Managerial Perspectives on Intelligent Big Data Analytics. IGI Global (pp. 110-136). https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7277-0.ch007Chatvichiencha, S. (2015). Enhancing Computational Thinking by Excel-VBA Based Problem Solving. In The 2nd International Conference on Innovation in Education (pp. 284-290).Chaudhry, A.K., Kalwar, M.A., Khan, M.A., & Shaikh, S.A. (2021). Improving the Efficiency of Small Management Information System by Using VBA. International Journal of Science and Engineering Investigations, 10(111), 7-13.Cirujano, J., & Zhu, Z. (2013). Automatic reporting for manpower resources. Proceedings, Annual Conference - Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, 1(January), 710-719.Ding, H.L., Qi, K.Y., Zhao, X.L., & Xu, G.F. (2017). Tibetan Typographical Specifications and Technical Realization Based on Word VBA. 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Optimization of Procurement & Purchase Order Process in Foot Wear Industry by Using VBA in Ms Excel. International Journal of Business Education and Management Studies, 5(2), 80-100. Retrieved from https://www.ijbems.com/doc/IJBEMS-124.pdf [Accessed December 2020].Kalwar, M.A., Khan, M.A., & Malik, A.J. (2020). Formulation of Mathematical Model for Maximization of Profit: Case of Leather Fotowear Company. International Research Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 1(1), 54-70.Kalwar, M.A., Khan, M.A., & Shaikh, S.A. (2020). Analysis of Driving Anger: Case Study of Mehran UET, Jamshoro. International Research Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 1(1), 13-37.Kalwar, M.A., Khan, M.A., Shaikh, S.A., Salam, A., Memon, M.S., & Khaskheli, S.A. (2020). Aggressive Driving Behavior: A Case Study of Mehran UET,. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Dubai, (pp. 2350-2359). Dubai, UAE. Retrieved from http://www.ieomsociety.org/ieom2020/papers/175.pdf [Accessed December 2020].Kalwar, M.A., Khaskheli, S.A., Khan, M.A., Siddiqui, A.A., & Gopang, M.A. (2018). Comfortable Waiting Time of Patients at the OPD with Varying Demographics. Industrial Engineering Letters, 8(2), 20-27. Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234685697.pdf [Accessed December 2020].Kalwar, M.A., Mari, S.I., Memon, M.S., Tanwari, A., & Siddiqui, A.A. (2020). Simulation Based Approach for Improving Outpatient Clinic Operations. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 39(1), 153-170. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.2001.15Kalwar, M.A., Marri, H.B., & Khan, M.A. (2021). Performance Improvement of Sale Order Detail Preparation by Using Visual Basic for Applications: A Case Study of Footwear Industry. International Journal of Business Education and Management Studies, 3(1), 1-22.Kalwar, M.A., Shaikh, shakeel A., & Khan, M.A. (2020). Optimization of Target Calculation Method for Leather Skiving and Stamping: Case of Leather Footwear Industry. International Journal of Education and Management Studies, 7(1), 15-30.Kalwar, M.A., Shaikh, shakeel A., & Khan, M.A. (2021). Statistical Analysis of Driving Impatience Among Vehicle Drivers: A Case Study. International Journal of Education and Management Studies, 2(1), 1-32.Khaskheli, S.A., Kalwar, M.A., Siddiqui, A.A., Nagar, M.A. K., & Wadho, T.H. (2018). Impatience Among Drivers With Varying Demographics. In Professional Trends in Industrial and Systems Engineering (pp. 465-469). UET, Peshawar.Khaskheli, S.A., Marri, H.B., Nebhwani, M., Khan, M.A., & Ahmed, M. (2020). Compartive Study of Queuing Systems of Medical Out Patient Departments of Two Public Hospitals. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (Vol. 1913, pp. 2702-2720). Dubai, UAE. 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Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 21(3), 530-538. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.20498Porter, D., & Stretcher, R. (2012). Automating Markowitz Optimizations Using VBA. Journal of Instructional Techniques in Finance, 4(1), 9-16.Sato, K., & Yokoyama, R. (2001). Teaching Aid for Remote Sensing and Map Imagery Analysis Using Excel Spreadsheet and VBA. In 22nd Asian Conference on Remote Sensing. Retrieved from http://www.crisp.nus.edu.sg/~acrs2001/pdf/015venka.pdf [Accessed December 2020].Walkenbach, J. (2013). Microsoft Excel VBA Programmining.Walkenbach, J. (2015). Controling Program Flow and Making Decisions. In 3rd (Ed.), Excel VBA Programming For Dummies (p. 153).Wettlaufer, G.J. (2010). Merlin.Net Automation of External Reports Verification Process. California Polytechnic State University. https://doi.org/10.1558/jsrnc.v4il.24Yan, Q., & Wan, Y. (2017). Using the special font and VBA program to make bill of materials in the transmission line engineering. 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Analytical Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Diabetes Prevention Program and Weight Watchers as media to prevent Type II Diabetes via Weight Loss in Different Age Categories

poster abstractType II Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not utilize insulin properly and causes detrimental symptoms such as glucose build up in the blood, overflown into the urine and passed out of the body without fulfilling the body’s main source of fuel. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a multi-center clinical research study aimed to discover modest weight loss methods compared to oral medication (Glucophage) which prevents diabetes. Subsequently, the Health Information and Translational Sciences department at Indiana University School of Medicine uses Weight Watchers, a weight loss program, for participants at risk for Type II Diabetes (pre-diabetic) to monitor their weight and glucose levels. Both programs are investigating ways to justify the same hypothesis using different methods. Both studies aspire to determine the most affective ways for people to lose weight in order to prevent Type II Diabetes. The DPP was an efficacy trial to establish a correlation between weight loss and the risk of Type II Diabetes. Although the DPP successfully proved their hypothesis, the Weight Watchers study provides another approach in the mission of diabetes prevention. By analyzing six months of archived physical measurements data for the Diabetes Prevention Program study and the Weight Watchers study, one can determine how affective each program is in preventing weight loss depending on the age classification. The age groups are compared in fifteen-year intervals for both programs. Although both programs are successful in their mission, the conclusion of which program is more affective is still under continued study

FORMULATION, EVALUATION, AND IN VIVO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA GRANULES

Objective: Consumption of crude natural products like plants and herbs for mitigation or treatment of illnesses usually accompanied with inconsistent therapeutic effects because of poor solubility and low bioavailability of active phytochemical(s) in addition to product instability. To overcome all of above mentioned drawback ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaf was formulated as standardised solid dosage form. Methods: Different types of materials as an adsorbent, surfactant and other necessary excipients were tested to be use in formulation of Moringa granules utilising wet granulation method. The formulated Moringa granules was then evaluated for organoleptic properties and physical characteristics, in vitro dissolution test, compatibility, drug content, heavy metal tests and microbial limit tests. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory against Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and anti-arthritic activity against CFA-induced arthritis were also assessed. Results: 95% ethanol extract of M. oleifera leaves was successfully formulated as standardised granules for oral administration utilising simple and low-cost techniques. Dissolution rate for the marker compounds was increased by an average of 1.076 fold. Animal groups given the prepared Moringa granules showed an improvement in the anti-inflammatory activity and the anti-arthritic activity compared to animal groups given crude extract at the same dose level. Additionally, all the treatment groups showed a significant difference at P<0.05 and P<0.01 compared to control group. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this work was the first to use gum Arabic in the formulation of a standardised botanical pharmaceutical dosage form of M. oleifera crude extract. Additionally, formulation of Moringa granules apparently improves the drug release profile and bioactivity compare to Crude Moringa extract

Information tehnology and cost efficiency in Malaysian banking industry

It is argued that information technology can increase cost efficiency of banks by offering opportunities to substitute across inputs into production – for example, to substitute computer technology and information networks for labor. Hence, the transition to a knowledge-based financial sector would lead to banks becoming more competitive, more cost effective and better able in managing risks. As such, those banks that failed to make this transition are less able to compete as they lack the capability to innovate and face higher delivery costs. The main objectives of this paper are to determine the impact of IT on banking efficiency and its economies of scale using a sample of Malaysian banks. To achieve these objectives, stochastic cost frontier method is employed to estimate bank efficiency and panel data approach were used to examine the impact of IT on bank efficiency. The results indicate that the impact of IT on bank efficiency increases with increase in bank size, hence further supporting the process of bank mergers that are currently undertaken in the Malaysian banking industry

Adoption of JMM practices – A key to performance improvement of a local automotive industry

It is imperative for a manufacturing company all over the world to constantly look for ways to increase productivity and at the same time to lower cost to secure a competitive position. It is recognized that practices associated with Japanese Manufacturing Management (JMM) can yield a superior competitive advantage in terms of productivity, quality and provide overall successful business performance. This paper discusses the transfer of the best practices of the JMM locally and analyses the impact of adoption and adaptation of the management system as an in-depth case study conducted in a Malaysian automotive company. This study is to identify what are the changes in terms of the philosophy and practices undertaken by the company and ascertain the impact of the JMM on its manufacturing and financial performances. The elements of business performance from the viewpoint of manufacturing are based on safety, Parts Per Million (PPM), in-line Defect per Unit (DPU), First Time Quality (FTQ), cycle time, productivity, efficiency and stock level. The results show a positive impact to the automotive plant manufacturing performance. For example, safety index has reduced to 0 major accident occurrences. The PPM and In-line DPU have improved by 98% and 91% respectively whereas the FTQ has improved by 167%. Cycle time has reduced from 20 to 6 minutes and productivity increased up to 43% whilst the efficiency reached at 99.9%. The stock level was reduced from half month to 3 days after the adoption of the JMM. The revenue has increased up to 92%, the percentage of expenses has reduced from 11.04% to 3.06% giving an improvement of 72% whilst the net profit has increased from 5.33% to 8.15%. The Return of Asset (RoA) and Return of Equity (RoE) also showed slight improvement despite the effects from the restructuring exercise, Tsunami calamity and fluctuation in Japanese exchange rate

How and when does leader knowledge hiding trickle down the organisational hierarchy in the tourism context? A team-level analysis

This research aims to extend the literature on knowledge hiding and tourism by integrating the theoretical frameworks of social exchange and social learning. Employee knowledge hiding has scarcely been examined in the tourism literature while leader knowledge hiding has not been analysed at all. Recognising that knowledge hiding can seriously undermine the ability of employees to offer innovative customer service and that leaders’ knowledge hiding may trigger knowledge hiding chain reactions among tourism employees, this study attempts to fill this gap. Utilising multi-source, multi-timed and multi-level data, we hypothesise a multi-level mediation wherein leader knowledge hiding trickles down to employee knowledge hiding, which, in turn, negatively affects team organisational citizenship behaviour and positively affects team interpersonal deviance. The “trickle-down” effect of leader knowledge hiding to employee knowledge hiding is then positively moderated by perceived organisational politics, which amplifies this relationship. Relevant theoretical and managerial implications are presented.publishedVersio

Determinants affecting customer intention to use chatbots in the banking sector

The study aims to analyze the factors that influence customers’ inclination to utilize chatbots in banking services. The paper employed the technology acceptance model and utilized structural equation modeling to examine the factors affecting consumers’ willingness to embrace chatbot services. The survey evaluated various determinants, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, privacy concerns, and customer satisfaction. Data were collected from 250 bank customers in the Bombay region of India through an online survey employing a random sampling method. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS AMOS. This study identifies the aspects of chatbot technology in the banking sector, such as user interface, content, security, and convenience, that influence customers’ decisions to adopt this innovative technology. The results of the analysis revealed path coefficients indicating a significant relationship between information security and perceived usefulness (β = 0.286; p = 0.005) and between perceived usefulness and intention to use (β = 0.489; p < 0.001). Additionally, the path coefficients for design, security, and facilitating conditions were β = 0.281, β = 0.193, and β = 0.136, respectively, all of which held nearly equal significance in the study. The inter-correlations among the variables ranged from 0.346 to 0.854 and were statistically significant. In the banking sector, customers’ intention to use chatbots is influenced by convenience, efficiency, trust, and personalized experiences. Customers are more likely to embrace chatbots when they provide seamless support and tailored solutions, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. AcknowledgmentThis study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2023/R/1445)