Al-Qanṭara

Music Therapy for Psychological Well-Being of Chinese University Students: A Systematic Review

Xu Yiwei — 2025-01-01

Music has the potential to reduce psychological depression and stress, as well as enhance overall well-being in individuals. This phenomenon has been particularly noted among university students, with a focus on China, where depression rates are notably high. Consequently, non-pharmacological interventions have gained attraction among researchers as promising methods to address mental health concerns in university settings. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of music therapy interventions on mental health and psychological well-being outcomes, specifically among Chinese university students. To achieve this, a thorough search across six databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Following a meticulous synthesis process, nine published articles were deemed eligible for inclusion, all of which centered on the relationship between music therapy and the mental health of university students. The review findings suggest that music therapy positively impacts the mental health of university students, with indications that it possesses soothing and relaxing qualities. Moving forward, it is recommended that future studies focus on providing detailed descriptions of music therapy interventions and tailor music selections better to suit the psychological health needs of university students.

Effective Short-Video Platform Advertising on Chinese Consumers’ Online Purchase Intention

Mengyan Sheng — 2025-01-01

Chinese consumers have been actively involved in the revolutionary shift of digital advertising techniques brought about by the rise of short-video mediums. Given the market dominance of platforms such as Douyin as well as Kuaishou, it is imperative to comprehend the effect of short-form video marketing on the intent to buy something online. The dynamic as well as captivating quality of brief videos offers a special chance to affect customer behavior. In the backdrop of China, the precise mechanisms underlying this influence are still insufficiently understood. Therefore, the goal of this research study is to investigate how Chinese consumers' intentions to make online purchases are affected by short-video channel advertising. The goal of the research is to identify the relationships that influence consumer choices. The quantitative methodology was considered the most suitable strategy for this investigation. The results of the research study showed that bandwagon perception and conventional interactivity had significant effects on online purchase intentions of consumers. Similarly, flow experience had a significant mediating impact on the relationships among bandwagon perception, interactivity, and online purchase intent. However, consumer attitude is influenced by external factors such as political developments, public health emergencies, or financial circumstances. These outside factors have not been considered in the study.

Decoding Consumer Buying Behavior: Key Factors That Drive Purchase Decisions

Mudassir Sajjad — 2025-01-01

Consumer buying behavior is a multifaceted process influenced by psychological, social, and economic factors, as well as brand-related constructs such as brand image, brand association, perceived quality, and brand awareness. This study investigates the complex interplay between these constructs and their collective impact on purchase intention and consumer behavior. Employing a quantitative research design, data was gathered from 500 respondents using a structured survey instrument. Statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), were conducted to validate the hypothesized relationships.

The findings reveal that brand image (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and brand awareness (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) significantly influence purchase intention, with perceived quality (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) and brand association (β = 0.35, p < 0.01) also playing crucial roles. Furthermore, purchase intention mediates the relationship between brand constructs and consumer buying behavior, underscoring its pivotal role in translating brand equity into tangible consumer actions. The demographic analysis highlights the prevalence of younger, educated, and financially stable consumers as key decision-makers, emphasizing the importance of tailoring marketing strategies to this segment.

The study employs a robust methodological framework to ensure the reliability and validity of its findings. The survey instrument demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.80 for all constructs. Model fit indices further validated the proposed relationships, with CFI = 0.95 and RMSEA = 0.05 indicating excellent fit. These results affirm the critical importance of brand management in influencing consumer behavior and provide actionable insights for businesses seeking to enhance their market positioning.

The implications of these findings are significant for both theory and practice. From a theoretical perspective, the study extends existing frameworks, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, by integrating brand-specific constructs. From a practical standpoint, the results offer valuable recommendations for businesses to optimize their branding strategies, foster customer loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. For example, companies should invest in enhancing brand image through targeted marketing campaigns, improving perceived quality via product innovation, and increasing brand awareness through digital engagement and social media.

In addition to offering managerial insights, this study identifies areas for future research. While the cross-sectional design provides a snapshot of consumer behavior, longitudinal studies could explore how these relationships evolve over time. Further, the study’s focus on specific industries limits the generalizability of its findings. Future research could expand to different sectors and geographic regions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior in diverse contexts. Investigating emerging factors such as digital transformation, sustainability, and cultural influences could also enrich the literature and provide deeper insights into the evolving consumer landscape.

In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of understanding consumer behavior to develop effective branding and marketing strategies. By elucidating the relationships between brand constructs, purchase intention, and consumer behavior, the study provides a roadmap for businesses to enhance their competitive advantage in dynamic and competitive markets. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated approach to brand management, leveraging consumer insights to create meaningful connections, foster loyalty, and drive long-term success.

Study and Critical Edition of the Treatise "Tafsīr (mā kāna ʻalá al-Nabīyy) by Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad Altıparmak

Champil Serif Damadoglou — 2025-01-01

This article deals with the study of the scholarly biography of Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad, known as Altıparmak (d:1033 AH). He was one of the most prominent scholars and Sufi personalities in the 17^th century. In this article, the writer aims to examine the exegetical interpretation Altıparmak, conveyed in the exegesis of the thirty-eighth verse of Surat Al-Ahzab, based on the author's original manuscript. This article is significant as it is the first of its kind that deals with this investigation. In this brief exegesis, Altıparmak discussed the issue of the marriage of the Prophet (pbuh), to the mother of believers, Zaynab bint jaḥsh. He explained behind this marriage thus: " there would be no blame on the believers for marrying the ex-wives of their adopted sons after their divorce." It is worth mentioning that this is one of the possible interpretations that crossed the mind of Altıparmak and one of the esoteric meanings he grasped after reading this verse. He read the esoteric interpretation of this noble verse, and the reading by Altıparmak is considered an exploratory and indicative reading aimed at revealing the secrets of meanings and lifting the curtain on the jewels and components of this venerable verse.

Impact of Gender and Attendance on Biochemistry Performance: A Study of BDS Students in Lahore, Pakistan

Dr Qurratulain Rehan (Corresponding Author) — 2025-01-01

The aim of this research was to examine the first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students’ performance in the subject of biochemistry. Its focus was on determining the influence of gender and class attendance on their scores in theory and practical assessments. Methods: For the present study data were collected from 142 BDS students enrolled in a private medical college. The study employed multivariate analysis of variance statistical analysis to assess within-subject (theory vs. practical) and between-subject (gender and attendance) effects on academic performance of BDS students. Moreover, for the identification of the predictors of average marks, multiple regression analysis was employed. Results: MANOVA results showed a distinct pattern of performance within-subject effects, with theory and practical scores showing distinct patterns of performance. Between-subject effects revealed significant differences based on attendance and gender. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between attendance and average marks, with attendance emerging as a strong predictor of academic performance. Not only attendance but gender too emerged as a significant predictor, with female students scoring comparatively higher average marks than male students. Additionally, the study found no significant interaction effects between class attendance and gender, depicting that regular class attendance is beneficial for both male and female students. Conclusion: These findings highlight the important role of attendance in improving academic performance in biochemistry, regardless of gender. Moreover, the need for promoting consistent class attendance should be emphasized for better academic outcomes among dental students.