Understanding Islam: Development, Economics and Finance

In this paper, the foundational rules governing human, economic and financial development in Islam, as understood from the Quran and from the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), are summarized. These rules pave the path to development as the basis of institutional structure, which in turn, underpin the path of economic and social progress. The essential elements in the life of a Muslim—the unity of creation, freedom and freedom of choice, economic and human development, economic system and financial practice—are developed

Enhanced mechanism of thermoelectric performance of Bi2Se3 using density functional theory

Good thermoelectric performance is being sought to face major problems related to energy, especially in the concern of the usage of energy on environmental impact. In this work, we investigate the underlying mechanism to enhance the thermoelectric performance of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) by employing density functional theory (DFT) followed by the Boltzmann transport equation under relaxation time approximation. The structural, electronic, and thermoelectric properties were calculated and analyzed. From the analysis of combined results of thermoelectric properties and electronic properties as the function of the Fermi level, we found that the power factor of Bi2Se3 is improved by increasing electrical conductivity that contributed by the large density of states and light effective mass of charge carriers. The figure of merit, on the other hand, is enhanced by increasing Seebeck coefficient that contributed by heavy effective mass and decreasing thermal conductivity that contributed by low density of states. We also found that both power factor and figure of merit can be improved through n-type doping at 300 K and p-type doping at higher temperature (400 K and 500 K)

Formative research and development of an evidence-based communication strategy: the introduction of Vi typhoid fever vaccine among school-aged children in Karachi, Pakistan

The authors conducted formative research (a) to identify stakeholders\u27 concerns related to typhoid fever and the need for disease information and (b) to develop a communication strategy to inform stakeholders and address their concerns and motivate for support of a school-based vaccination program in Pakistan. Data were collected during interactive and semi-structured focus group discussions and interviews, followed by a qualitative analysis and multidisciplinary consultative process to identify an effective social mobilization strategy comprised of relevant media channels and messages. The authors conducted 14 focus group discussions with the parents of school-aged children and their teachers, and 13 individual interviews with school, religious, and political leaders. Parents thought that typhoid fever was a dangerous disease, but were unsure of their children\u27s risk. They were interested in vaccination and were comfortable with a school-based vaccination if conducted under the supervision of trained and qualified staff. Teachers and leaders needed information on typhoid fever, the vaccine, procedures, and sponsors of the vaccination program. Meetings were considered the best form of information dissemination, followed by printed materials and mass media. This study shows how qualitative research findings can be translated into an effective social mobilization and communication approach. The findings of the research indicated the importance of increasing awareness of typhoid fever and the benefits of vaccination against the disease. Identification and dissemination of relevant, community-based disease and vaccination information will increase demand and use of vaccination