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Investment risk and natural resource potential in "Belt & Road Initiative" countries: A multi-criteria decision-making approach

Hussain J, Zhou K, Guo S, Khan A

Sci Total Environ, 2020 Mar 16;723:137981.
PMID: 32208210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137981

Chinese enterprises that conduct overseas investment projects encounter diverse challenges that emerge from political, economic, social, and environmental risks in the host countries. To better assess the overseas investment risks faced by Chinese enterprises, this study introduced and assessed novel aspects and an indicator system. Moreover, the "Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution" (TOPSIS) method based on entropy weight was performed to generate a comprehensive assessment of China's foreign investment risk and natural resource potential in 63 "Belt & Road Initiative" (BRI) countries. This study aims to encourage Chinese enterprises to devise suitable overseas investment decision-making strategies concerning natural resource potential in host countries. A Geographic Information System (GIS) map was also created to assess the potential risks and opportunities for Chinese enterprises when making investment decisions in host countries. The findings indicate that the majority of countries in Central and Eastern Europe and other BRI countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia, Armenia, and the United Arab Emirates were the most suitable choices for Chinese enterprises engaging in overseas investment. Based on these results, Chinese enterprises could manage and execute BRI projects more effectively to minimise potential risks and maximise their investment benefits.
Effect of cellulose nano fibers and nano clays on the mechanical, morphological, thermal and dynamic mechanical performance of kenaf/epoxy composites

Khan A, Asiri AM, Jawaid M, Saba N, Inamuddin

Carbohydr Polym, 2020 Jul 01;239:116248.
PMID: 32414444 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116248

The aim of the present research work has focused on investigating the effect of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and nano clays (montmorillonite (MMT) & organoclay (OMMT)) at 0.75Wt % on the performance of kenaf/epoxy composites. Mechanical (tensile and flexural) and thermal properties of composites in terms of morphology, thermal stability, weight loss, and dynamic mechanical properties were analyzed. The obtained results revealed that the integration of stiff CNFs as filler enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties, storage and loss modulus while a considerable decrease in Tan δ was realized compared to kenaf/epoxy composites. Enhancement in the properties was observed for OMMT and CNFs composites compared to MMT/kenaf/epoxy composites, which is attributed to the uniform filler distribution and interfacial adhesion between CNFs, OMMT, kenaf and epoxy matrix. The obtained results revealed that OMMT and CNFs based kenaf/epoxy composites can be an efficient alternative for construction applications.
Fulltext A systematic review on extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis from 2009 to 2020: special emphases on treatment outcomes

Shiromwar SS, Khan AH, Chidrawar V

Rev Esp Quimioter, 2023 Feb;36(1):30-44.
PMID: 36503203 DOI: 10.37201/req/029.2022

OBJECTIVE: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has raised a great threat to human health globally, especially in developing countries. The objective of the present study is to collate and contrast the proportions of treatment outcome in the previously published XDR-TB articles.
METHODS: By considering inclusion criteria and search engines, a total of 22 articles were enrolled.
RESULTS: Our findings revealed that the overall favorable treatment outcome was 24.04%. From the cohort of enrolled studies 19.76% (397) and 43.35% (871) patients were cured and died respectively. In 90.9% of enrolled articles, the investigators performed drug-susceptibility testing at the baseline. The overall treatment outcome was improved by the use of new drugs (linezolid, bedaquiline, ciprofloxacin, clofazimine) in the treatment regimen of XDR-TB showing linezolid and bedaquiline better results i.e. 59.44 and 78.88%, respectively. Moreover, use of antiretroviral treatment in XDR-TB patients with HIV infection have not shown any significant difference in the treatment outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: XDR-TB treatment success can be achieved by implying standardized definitions, upgraded diagnostic procedures, and novel drugs.
Assessing the Relationship between Prosocial Behavior and Well-Being: Basic Psychological Need as the Mediator

Li L, Khan A, Rameli MRM

Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ, 2023 Oct 07;13(10):2179-2191.
PMID: 37887154 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13100153

Previous research has established a positive link between prosocial behavior (PB) and psychological well-being. However, limited studies have explored the relationship between PB and well-being (WB), particularly among vocational students. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms, including mediating factors, remain understudied in this context. This study aimed to investigate the association between PB and WB among vocational students while examining the mediating role of basic psychological needs. A sample of 221 vocational students (mean age = 19.68 years, SD = 1.57) completed anonymous questionnaires assessing PB, basic psychological needs, and WB. The results revealed a positive correlation between PB and WB in vocational students (r = 0.22, p < 0.01), with basic psychological needs partially mediating this relationship (β = 0.14, t = 10.85, p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.18, 0.23)). These findings enhance our understanding of the association between PB and vocational students' WB, shed light on the mechanisms involved, and offer insights into promoting the well-being of vocational students.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Stigma and Public Perception about the Causes of Depression and Schizophrenia

Khan T, Hassali M, Tahir H, Khan A

Iran J Public Health, 2011;40(1):50-6.
PMID: 23113054

To evaluate public perceptions towards the causes of depression and schizophrenia and identifications of factors resulting stigma towards mental ill.
Effectiveness of bedaquiline containing all oral longer regimens in treating multidrug/rifampicin resistant tuberculosis in Pakistan

Khan A, Khan AH, Ahmad N, Ghafoor A

J Infect Public Health, 2024 Aug 14;17(9):102522.
PMID: 39173557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102522

BACKGROUND: Despite the introduction of bedaquiline (Bdq) containing all-oral regimens for treating patients with rifampicin resistant/multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in 2019, data on its effectiveness in Pakistan, which has the fifth highest MDR-TB burden, is lacking. This study evaluates treatment outcomes and identifies factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes among MDR/RR-TB patients treated with an all-oral longer treatment regimen (LTR).
METHODS: This retrospective record review included all microbiologically confirmed pulmonary MDR/RR-TB patients treated with an all-oral LTR between August 2019 and February 2021 across nine PMDT centres in Pakistan. Sociodemographic and clinical data were retrieved from the Electronic Nominal Recording and Reporting System. Treatment outcomes, defined by WHO criteria, were analysed using SPSS and multivariate binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes. A p-value 5 drugs (OR:3.12, 95 %CI:1.36-11.64, p = 0.013) were significantly associated with death and treatment failure. Whereas, lung cavitation had statistically significant association with LTFU (OR:2.66, 95 %CI:1.10-7.32, p = 0.045).
CONCLUSION: Treatment success rate (70.3 %) in this study fell below the WHO recommended target success rate (>90 %). Enhanced clinical management, coupled with special attention to patients exhibiting identified risk factors could improve treatment outcomes.
Fulltext Awareness of Hyperlipidemia Among University Students and Staff Member

Rahim AA, Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman A, Aftab RA

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A759.
PMID: 27202775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.249
Fulltext Prevalence and Associated Complication of Acute Kidney Injury Among Dengue Patients

Khan Y, Sarriff A, Khan AH, Adnan AS, Jummat F, Mallhi TH

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A811.
PMID: 27203069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.551
Fulltext Impact of Cigarette and Alcohol Use on Adverse Drug Reactions of Haart Therapy Among HIV/AIDS Patients

Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA, Khan K, Soo CT, Akhtar A

Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A802-3.
PMID: 27203019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.503
Validity and Reliability Analysis of the 'SayangKU' (MyLove) in Intervention for Addressing Adolescents Involved in Free Sex

Ghani FA, Latif AA, Aziz AA, Khan A

J Relig Health, 2015 Aug;54(4):1375-86.
PMID: 25189148 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-014-9935-y

A module entitled 'SayangKU' (MyLove), based on the Islamic perspective, was developed as an instrument to assist adolescents that involved in premarital sexual activity. The module comprises four phases: Love of God (Allah), Love of the Prophet, Love of Oneself, and Love of the Ummah (world). From analysis of Rasch, the value of item reliability was .80 and an individual reliability was .95. Dimensionality value was more than 40 % variance explained by measures, and level of agreement among experts was 86.88 %. The posttest shows the better result from pretest and proves the effectiveness of the module.
Fulltext Effects of wall shear stress on unsteady MHD conjugate flow in a porous medium with ramped wall temperature

Khan A, Khan I, Ali F, Ulhaq S, Shafie S

PLoS One, 2014;9(3):e90280.
PMID: 24621775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090280

This study investigates the effects of an arbitrary wall shear stress on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a Newtonian fluid with conjugate effects of heat and mass transfer. The fluid is considered in a porous medium over a vertical plate with ramped temperature. The influence of thermal radiation in the energy equations is also considered. The coupled partial differential equations governing the flow are solved by using the Laplace transform technique. Exact solutions for velocity and temperature in case of both ramped and constant wall temperature as well as for concentration are obtained. It is found that velocity solutions are more general and can produce a huge number of exact solutions correlative to various fluid motions. Graphical results are provided for various embedded flow parameters and discussed in details.
Fulltext Advanced drug delivery to the lymphatic system: lipid-based nanoformulations

Ali Khan A, Mudassir J, Mohtar N, Darwis Y

Int J Nanomedicine, 2013;8:2733-44.
PMID: 23926431 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S41521

The delivery of drugs and bioactive compounds via the lymphatic system is complex and dependent on the physiological uniqueness of the system. The lymphatic route plays an important role in transporting extracellular fluid to maintain homeostasis and in transferring immune cells to injury sites, and is able to avoid first-pass metabolism, thus acting as a bypass route for compounds with lower bioavailability, ie, those undergoing more hepatic metabolism. The lymphatic route also provides an option for the delivery of therapeutic molecules, such as drugs to treat cancer and human immunodeficiency virus, which can travel through the lymphatic system. Lymphatic imaging is useful in evaluating disease states and treatment plans for progressive diseases of the lymph system. Novel lipid-based nanoformulations, such as solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, have unique characteristics that make them promising candidates for lymphatic delivery. These formulations are superior to colloidal carrier systems because they have controlled release properties and provide better chemical stability for drug molecules. However, multiple factors regulate the lymphatic delivery of drugs. Prior to lymphatic uptake, lipid-based nanoformulations are required to undergo interstitial hindrance that modulates drug delivery. Therefore, uptake and distribution of lipid-based nanoformulations by the lymphatic system depends on factors such as particle size, surface charge, molecular weight, and hydrophobicity. Types of lipid and concentration of the emulsifier are also important factors affecting drug delivery via the lymphatic system. All of these factors can cause changes in intermolecular interactions between the lipid nanoparticle matrix and the incorporated drug, which in turn affects uptake of drug into the lymphatic system. Two lipid-based nanoformulations, ie, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, have been administered via multiple routes (subcutaneous, pulmonary, and intestinal) for targeting of the lymphatic system. This paper provides a detailed review of novel lipid-based nanoformulations and their lymphatic delivery via different routes, as well as the in vivo and in vitro models used to study drug transport in the lymphatic system. Physicochemical properties that influence lymphatic delivery as well as the advantages of lipid-based nanoformulations for lymphatic delivery are also discussed.
Electro polymerized 4-vinyl pyridine on 2B pencil graphite as ionophore for cadmium (II)

Wee Ling JL, Khan A, Saad B, Ab Ghani S

Talanta, 2012 Jan 15;88:477-83.
PMID: 22265529 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.11.018

A new poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) based cadmium (Cd)-ion selective electrode (ISE) was developed. The 4-vinyl pyridine (4VP) was first polymerized electrochemically on the surface of graphite, later characterized by FTIR, SEM/EDX and then optimized as ISE for Cd. At optimal pH 6.4, slope of 27.7±0.8mVdecade(-1), linear concentration range of 1×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-1)M Cd(2+) and limit of detection (S/N=3) of 2.51×10(-8)M were obtained. The ISE was very selective towards Cd(2+), with K(pot)<1×10(-2) in the presence of the usual cations and anions in water samples. Response time and shelf life of less than 1min and 90 days, respectively, were observed. Its application was tested in various types of samples.
A prospective prescription cost analysis of asthma medication. [Abstract]

Khan AH, Aftab RA, Sulaiman SA, Ali I

Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A840.
PMID: 26534490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.373

Objectives: To review patient’s prescriptions and calculate direct cost for the treatment and management of asthma
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional detailed review of 180 prescriptions written by 6 doctors was conducted at respiratory department of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Medication price was confirmed from the hospital formulary. Interview with the key personals were conducted to identify activities of each service provided to asthma patients. This was followed by determination of time taken to complete each activity using stopwatch. The duration was captured 15 times for each for three alternate days and summarized as the mean time (minutes) for each activity. The cost of each employee per single activity was obtained by multiplying the mean time (minute) spent by that employee doing a specific activity by his/her salary per minute
Results: A total of 6 different classes of medications were prescribed to 180 asthma patients. β agonist was the most prescribed class of asthma medication that included Salbutamol 72 (39.8) and albuterol 20 (11) followed by Corticosteroids that included budisonide 59 (32.8%), prednisolone 16 (8.8%) and fluticasone 11 (6.1%). Fifty one (28.3%) units of budisonide/formoterol combination medication were prescribed followed by fluticasone/salmeterol 40 (22.2%). A total of RM 10610.79(USD) medication were prescribed to 180 asthma patients with average cost of RM 59.08 per patient. The combination medication of budisonide/formoterol RM.5253 (USD) made the majority of total cost of asthma medication. Spirometry was performed for all 180 patients at every hospital visit that costed RM 5400.00. The cost of services provided by doctors and nursing staff for 180 asthma patients for single visit was RM 1198.8 and RM 331.2 respectively
Conclusions: Combination medication adds a substantial cost to over all asthma cost. Careful selection of asthma pharmacotherapy can greatly reduce medication cost without compromising on treatment outcomes
Treatment Outcomes Among Hiv/Aids Patients Treated During Haart Therapy At Infectious Disease Clinic

Khan AH, Khan K, Sulaiman SA, Soo CT

Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A869.
PMID: 26534651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.535
Fulltext Heat Transfer in MHD Mixed Convection Flow of a Ferrofluid along a Vertical Channel

Gul A, Khan I, Shafie S, Khalid A, Khan A

PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0141213.
PMID: 26550837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141213

This study investigated heat transfer in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection flow of ferrofluid along a vertical channel. The channel with non-uniform wall temperatures was taken in a vertical direction with transverse magnetic field. Water with nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) was selected as a conventional base fluid. In addition, non-magnetic (Al2O3) aluminium oxide nanoparticles were also used. Comparison between magnetic and magnetite nanoparticles were also conducted. Fluid motion was originated due to buoyancy force together with applied pressure gradient. The problem was modelled in terms of partial differential equations with physical boundary conditions. Analytical solutions were obtained for velocity and temperature. Graphical results were plotted and discussed. It was found that temperature and velocity of ferrofluids depend strongly on viscosity and thermal conductivity together with magnetic field. The results of the present study when compared concurred with published work.
Fulltext Cross-cultural adaptation of the Spence children's anxiety scale in Malaysia

Ahmadi A, Mustaffa MS, Haghdoost A, Khan A, Latif AA

Trends Psychiatry Psychother, 2015 4 11;37(1):37-41.
PMID: 25860565 DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2014-0038

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety among children has increased in recent years. Culturally adapted questionnaires developed to measure the level of anxiety are the best screening instruments for the general population. This study describes the scientific translation and adaptation of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) into the Malay language.
METHOD: The process of scientific translation of this selfreport instrument followed the guidelines of the Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).
RESULTS: The Malay version and its adaptation for a new cultural context are described.
CONCLUSION: The Malay version achieved the aims of the original version and its conceptual and operational equivalence. It may be used as the first Malay instrument to measure anxiety among children in research and in clinical and community settings.
Ultrasonication-assisted synthesis of novel strontium based mixed phase structures for supercapattery devices

Iqbal MZ, Khan A, Numan A, Haider SS, Iqbal J

Ultrason Sonochem, 2019 Dec;59:104736.
PMID: 31473424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.104736

An upsurge in sustainable energy demands has ultimately made supercapattery one of the important choice for energy storage, owing to highly advantageous energy density and long life span. In this work, novel strontium based mixed phased nanostructures were synthesized by using probe sonicator with sonication power 500 W at frequency of 20 kHz. The synthesized material was subsequently calcined at different temperature ranging from 200 to 800 °C. Structural and morphological analysis of the synthesized materials reveals the formation of mixed particle and rod like nanostructures with multiple crystal phases of strontium oxides and carbonates. Crystallinity, grain size and morphology of grown nanomaterials significantly improved with the increase of calcination temperature due to sufficient particle growth and low agglomeration. The electrochemical performance analysis confirms the redox activeness of the Sr-based electrode materials. Material calcined at 600 °C show high specific capacitance of 350 F g-1 and specific capacity of 175 C g-1 at current density of 0.3 A g-1 due to less particle agglomeration, good charge transfer and more contribution of electrochemical active sites for redox reactions. In addition, the developed supercapattery of Sr-based nanomaterials//activated carbon demonstrated high performance with maximum energy density of 21.8 Wh kg-1 and an excellent power density of 2400 W kg-1 for the lower and higher current densities. Furthermore, the supercapattery retain 87% of its capacity after continuous 3000 charge/discharge cycles. The device characteristics were further investigated by analyzing the capacitive and diffusion controlled contributions. The versatile strategy of developing mixed phased nanomaterials pave the way to synthesize other transition metal based nanomaterials with superior electrochemical performance for hybrid energy storage devices.
Fulltext Energy harvesting based routing protocol for underwater sensor networks

Khan A, Khan M, Ahmed S, Abd Rahman MA, Khan M

PLoS One, 2019;14(7):e0219459.
PMID: 31314772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219459

Underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) are ad-hoc networks which are deployed at rivers, seas and oceans to explore and monitor the phenomena such as pollution control, seismic activities and petroleum mining etc. The sensor nodes of UWSNs have limited charging capabilities. UWSNs networks are generally operated under two deployment mechanisms i.e localization and non-localization based. However, in both the mechanisms, balanced energy utilization is a challenging issue. Inefficient usage of energy significantly affects stability period, packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, path loss and throughput of a network. To efficiently utilize and harvest energy, this paper present a novel scheme called EH-ARCUN (Energy Harvesting Analytical approach towards Reliability with Cooperation for UWSNs) based on cooperation with energy harvesting. The scheme employs Amplify-and-Forward (AF) technique at relay nodes for data forwarding and Fixed Combining Ratio (FCR) technique at destination node to select accurate signal. The proposed technique selects relay nodes among its neighbor nodes based on harvested energy level. Most cooperation-based UWSN routing techniques do not exhibit energy harvesting mechanism at the relay nodes. EH-ARCUN deploys piezoelectric energy harvesting at relay nodes to improve the working capabilities of sensors in UWSNs. The proposed scheme is an extension of our previously implemented routing scheme called ARCUN for UWSNs. Performance of the proposed scheme is compared with ARCUN and RACE (Reliability and Adaptive Cooperation for efficient Underwater sensor Networks) schemes in term of stability period, packet delivery ratio, network throughput and path loss. Extensive simulation results show that EH-ARCUN performs better than both previous schemes in terms of the considered parameters.
Resolution of asthmatic symptoms following successful endoscopic resection of tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Hanif Khan A, Faisal M, Mohd Ali R, Abdul Rahaman JA

BMJ Case Rep, 2019 Jan 17;12(1).
PMID: 30659001 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226202

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare tumour of the trachea accounting for up to 0.2% of reported primary lung malignancy. We report a case of a 54-year-old man, ex-smoker, whose presentation mimicked adult onset asthma with cough and wheezing, which did not respond to conventional treatment. He had occasional haemoptysis and weight loss in which CT scan performed for malignancy screening showed a protruding mass in the distal trachea causing endobronchial obstruction. Bronchoscopic intervention was performed to relieve the obstruction that resulted in resolution of asthmatic symptoms. Histological diagnosis confirmed MEC. This case emphasised the importance of a high index of suspicion in an unusual presentation of a common disease and the pivotal role of bronchoscopic intervention in malignant central airway obstruction.

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