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Listing 140 - 20 of 2806 results.

Psychological Reactions in a Sample from Saudi Arabia During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Research Article
Author(s): Rasis A. Alanazi, Aljawharah Aljubilah
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised many concerns regarding people’s physical and mental health. The aim of the study is to examine the levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Demographic variables were examined (gender, age, educational level, and work) in relation to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. An online survey was sent to individuals who voluntarily participated in the study anonymously, and a total of 531 people were recruited from Saudi Arabian society (355 females, 176 males). Several analyses were used to detect the levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia and results revealed low levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Anxiety levels in females were higher compared to males; educational level was negatively correlated to depression and anxiety; there was a negative correlation between age and the levels of depression and anxiety; and younger participants reported higher levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, students were more likely to suffer from insomnia compared to employees in both public and private sectors, unemployed participants had higher anxiety levels compared to employees; and finally, a statistically significant difference was found between levels of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Predictions for insomnia can be detected from depression and anxiety variables.
Contribution/ Originality
The papers primary contribution is finding the psychological impact of COVID-19 on participants’ mental health and well-being at early stages in Saudi Arabia. The study examined three aspects of mental health – depression, anxiety and insomnia – in relation to participants’ age, gender educational level, and work status. The study examined individuals’ mental well-being during governmental lock down across Saudi in an attempt to better understand the changes on one’s overall mental health.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

CEO Characteristics and Firm Performance: Evidence from Tourism and Financial Firms Listed on Botswana Stock Exchange

Research Article
Author(s): Christian J Mbekomize, Delly M Chatibura, Pritika S Baliyan
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
The paper examined the effect of Chief Executive Officers’ characteristics on the performance of listed tourism and financial firms in Botswana, for the period of 2009 to 2019. The Chief Executive Officers’ gender, tenure, nationality, share ownership, and board directorship were the independent variables while Return on Assets and Return on Equity being proxies of profitability, formed the dependent variables. Firm’s size and leverage were the control variables. Quantitative research design was employed and panel data from annual reports was analysed using correlation and regression techniques. Tenure and share ownership had a significant positive association with Return on Assets while gender, nationality and directorship had a significant negative correlation. No single independent variable had a significant association with Return on Equity. Regression results revealed that nationality had a significant negative effect on Return on Assets while share ownership had significant positive impact. The results of regression also indicate that tenure had a significantly positive influence on Return on Equity. Gender and board directorship of Chief Executive Officers did not appear to have a role in influencing the performance of firms. These results have implications on where firms’ Chief Executive Officers should be sourced, how they should be remunerated and how long they should be kept on the position.
Contribution/ Originality
This is the only study that has investigated the effect of CEOs’ characteristics on firm performance in the financial and tourism sectors in Botswana. The two sectors have been identified as instrumental in driving economic diversification in the country that makes the contribution of this study to literature notable.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 6

Teaching Mathematics through Interdisciplinary Projects: A Case Study of Vietnam

Research Article
Author(s): Nguyen Phuong Chi
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
Integrated or interdisciplinary teaching is an approach that encourages students to synthesize knowledge from more than one discipline in order to solve problems. It focuses on students’ interests, a connection of subjects, use of authentic situations and problem solving techniques. This study aimed to make clear the concept of interdisciplinary teaching, by identifying how different subjects could be integrated in a curriculum and how interdisciplinary work could be developed and organized in mathematics classrooms. By reviewing various literature of the research on the topic of interdisciplinary education, the study synthesized ideas, concepts and models in interdisciplinary teaching. Then the study discussed how to apply the explored theory of interdisciplinary teaching in the Vietnamese mathematics situation. It was found out that projects should be used for interdisciplinary mathematics education. A four-step process to design an interdisciplinary project for Vietnamese mathematics classrooms was proposed. This process proved to be a useful guideline for mathematics teachers to design interdisciplinary projects. Two interdisciplinary projects for Mathematics involving Biology as the second subject were introduced in this study. These are examples of how to construct an interdisciplinary project based on the four-step process. Through these projects, students could know how to integrate skills and knowledge of the two subjects Mathematics and Biology to solve a real life problem.
Contribution/ Originality
This study made clear the concept of interdisciplinary teaching, identified how different subjects can be integrated in a curriculum and how interdisciplinary work can be developed and organized in mathematics classrooms. This is a unique research study to combine interdisciplinary teaching and project based learning in teaching mathematics, for the situation of Vietnam.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Financial Literacy of Young Professionals in the Context of Financial Technology Developments in Mauritius

Research Article
Author(s): Boolaky A., Mauree-Narrainen D., Padachi K
Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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Abstract
The emergence of financial technology (Fintech) has led to an increased need to promote efforts to boost the financial literacy of young professionals, as the financial decision-making process has become more challenging. The specific objectives of this study are to gauge the financial knowledge of young professionals and analyze their attitudes and behavior in regards to the use of Fintech for basic money management, financial planning and investment decisions. The study also aims to analyze the extent to which Fintech is used and its impact on financial literacy levels. The research methodology employs a dual approach. A quantitative study using a survey targets young professionals in the different occupational groups that constitute the Mauritian professional workforce. A regression model is developed to investigate the impact of Fintech usage and demographic factors on financial literacy. The findings reveal significant differences in financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviors attributable to various demographic factors. Furthermore, Fintech usage is limited to the traditional offerings while more innovative Fintech has relatively lower adoption rates. The study has uncovered the positive impact of Fintech usage on financial literacy, opening avenues for rethinking the content and scope of traditional financial education programs.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is that it investigates financial literacy through the lens of Fintech development and its adoption by young Mauritian professionals. Financial education and Fintech are no longer dissociable, as the former provides critical financial decision-making skills while the latter offers emerging financing opportunities.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Towards Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: A Fuzzy Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Organic Fertilizers

Research Article
Author(s): Hammed Adeniyi Salami, Saheed Matemilola, Sulaiman Akorede Fasasi, Musa Opeyemi Ahmed, Ismail Adebayo Adigun, Akeem Adelabu Adeleke, Segun Michael Fashina, Oluwashina Olowosokedile
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

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Abstract
In the quest towards achieving the Zero hunger agenda of the sustainable development goals by 2030, the utilization of organic fertilizers, for soil amendment purposes, has been posited as a feasible alternative for overcoming the negative impacts of inorganic fertilizers. Despite its manifold benefits, the use of untreated and improperly treated organic materials in agricultural production is however capable of introducing toxic metals in the soil-plant systems causing health and agro-environmental impacts. In this study, available organic fertilizers use by Nigerian farmers were selected and analyzed for nutrient values and most importantly, heavy metal contamination. The degree of contamination in each sample was modeled using fuzzy comprehensive assessment. The manure samples possessed optimum nutritional values; the nitrogen, phosphate, and potash contents ranged from 0.91 – 7.44, 0.06 – 1.61, 0.14 – 0.58% respectively. The fuzzy algorithm results categorized all the organic fertilizers as pristine, with a membership degree ranging from 35 to 99%. However, an excessive level of toxic contamination, with a membership function between 3 to 33% was observed. The major contaminants were identified as Zn, Cr, and Cd with an individual contribution of 16, 29, and 33% respectively. Adequate remediation techniques and good management practices that reduce the concentration of heavy metals in the organic fertilizers especially that of Zn, Cr, and Cd, should therefore be promoted among the producers and users of these soil improvers in Nigeria.
Contribution/ Originality
This study adopted fuzzy comprehensive assessment to model the degree of heavy-metal contamination in organic fertilizers that are available to subsistence farmers in Nigeria. The model ranked Cd, Cr, and Zn as the pollutants with the highest contribution to the high level of heavy-metal contamination in the studied organic fertilizers.
Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

The Effectiveness of the Training Model of the Future Teacher in Conditions of Inclusive Education

Research Article
Author(s): Gulsara Berikkhanova, Bibigul Ospanova, Batilya Yermenova, Raushan Zharmukhametova, Nurgul Sultanova, Aizhan Urazbaeva
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
This study aimed at understanding the problems of training teachers who taught children with health disabilities. For this study, students from two universities located in Semey city of Republic of Kazakhstan participated. A few components like motivation, cognition, creativity, and activity, which fulfilled the conditions of inclusive education and were related to future teacher's readiness to work with students of disabilities, were defined and disclosed. Four levels of inclusive competence of students of pedagogical specialties were identified: low, average, above average, and high. In addition, the study also defined the requirements for future teachers working in the conditions of inclusive education. Eventually, a structural and content model of preparing future teacher-psychologist for professional adaptation in an inclusive educational environment was developed and tested. The model included the purpose, approaches, principles, and contained components: target, content, procedural, and evaluative-effective. In the course of experimental work, the effectiveness of the model of preparing future teachers to professional adaptation in inclusive education was proved. The results of the pedagogical experiment indicated the feasibility of introducing the proposed model of preparing a future teacher to professional adaptation in an inclusive education. The study suggests to implement the structural content model in real-life educational setting, to train the teachers preparing for inclusive education. Its implications are for educationists, administrators and teachers who are directly connected with inclusive education
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the theoretical and methodological foundations and developed the methodology for preparing a future teacher-psychologist for professional adaptation in the inclusive educational environment. Such teacher-psychologist would be professionally trained to work with children with mental retardation in an inclusive educational environment.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

The Role of Artificial Intelligence Techniqies in Improving the Behavior and Practices of Faculty Members When Switching to E-Learning in Light of the Covid-19 Crisis

Research Article
Author(s): Shimaa Abdullah Nagro
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
This study investigated the role of e-learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in improving the faculty members’ practices when switching to online education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher employed a descriptive and analytical approach. A questionnaire was used to measure the impact of AI and e-learning on four different themes related to education in Saudi Arabia. The data from 406 respondents suggested a statistically significant (?? 0.05) effect of AI on e-learning. The faculty members strongly agreed that AI and e-learning improved relevant aims of teaching and related practices during the pandemic. Moreover, the influence on practices related to teaching methods during the pandemic was also highly positive. Further, the instructors strongly acknowledged that e-learning and AI ameliorated their teaching practices in general. Finally, the study depicted that e-learning and AI assisted instructors to automate grading and evaluation, ensures the confidentiality of data, and provides easier access to information. The average of the sample responses for all four fields analyzed in the study corresponded to the degree of approval. This study has a paramount importance due to the continuity of education in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of e-learning and artificial intelligence in education in general.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the efficiency of applying AI techniques in e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic. It also investigated the faculty members’ practices to improve teaching methods and quality during the pandemic. The findings could provide insights for universities’ leaders to improve e-learning process.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Teachers Perceptions of Language Fostering in the Context of Physics Teaching in Vietnam

Research Article
Author(s): Le Ngoc Diep, Do Huong Tra
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
Many educational researchers and teachers have agreed that language can be fostered in the context of science teaching. However, the effect of language fostering has depended heavily on teacher's perception. Recognizing the role of teaching (including Physics teaching) in language training will help teachers become conscious while designing teaching activities, contributing to promoting cognitive activities of students. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify teachers’ perceptions to foster language in the context of physics teaching in Northern Vietnam, where many ethnic minority students study for whom Vietnamese is like the second language. A survey was used to collect the data from 64 physics teachers who taught in high schools. The differences in teaching experience and education background of physics teachers toward languages fostering were examined by the independent sample t-test and the one-way ANOVA. The obtained results show that (i) most teachers held a positive view about the importance of language of physics in teaching (ii) There were no statistically significant differences in the importance of language in teaching physics based on the education background of teachers; (iii) The novice teachers held a more positive perception than the experienced ones about the importance and signs of language in the student’s physics learning process. These results would prove to be a valuable source of information for designing physics teaching activities for language fostering in mountainous areas of Vietnam.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the domain of teachers' perception to foster language in the context of physics teaching in mountainous areas of Vietnam. These findings are a useful contribution for researchers who are interested in language acquisition in different contexts and for educational leaders who are looking for reforms in general education.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

EFL Teachers Attitudes towards Professional Development Programs

Research Article
Author(s): Mona Abdullah Alzahrani, Faizah Mohamad Nor
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
Teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) need to improve their knowledge and practices continuously. They need to be involved in professional development programs (PDPs) which help them to remain updated with the new trends in teaching and learning. As their attitudes can influence their participation in PDPs, it is necessary to investigate their views towards these programs. This mixed method study examined the attitudes of EFL university teachers towards PDPs and the factors that affected their attitudes. The data were collected through questionnaire and interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, whereas the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that EFL teachers have positive attitudes towards programs. Furthermore, One-way ANOVA results showed that there were statistically significant differences in EFL teachers’ attitudes towards PDPs based on their training years. Besides, Independent-samples T-test results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in EFL teachers’ attitudes towards PDPs based on their qualifications. According to the study results, it is recommended to evaluate teachers’ attitudes after training programs to help improving these programs to meet their views and needs. Further research could be done using multiple data sources such as teachers’ journal.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of PDPs at higher education level. It is one of the few studies that have investigated factors that might influence EFL teachers’ attitudes towards PDPs. Identifying such factors will enable PDP designers to plan suitable programs that help improving EFL teachers’ knowledge and skills.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Sustainability of Healthy Nutritional Policy Interventions for School Children: A Case Study of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Odisha, India

Research Article
Author(s): Abhisek Mishra
Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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Abstract
School feeding programme has remained a prime tool amongst food interventions in addressing hunger and malnutrition of children. The present study examines the nutritional value contributions of the school feeding programme of India namely Mid-Day Meal scheme in Odisha vis-à-vis provides a cost-benefit analysis for restructuring the programme. The nutritional values in terms of total energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium content were calculated using weekly menu and quantity of food items provided to the school going children. The calculated nutritional values were then compared with the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) provided by Indian Council of Medical Research for children and adolescents. The study finds that with the present menu, Calcium (Ca) and Zinc (Zn) content of the food meets less than 30% of the RDA. Comparatively, the Ca and Zn content is found to be lower on Monday and Thursday when dalma (a local recipe prepared adding vegetables with the pulses) is provided. This is due to the non-availability of guidelines for the preparation of dalma for which schools use pulses and vegetables of their choice and convenience without considering their nutritional potency. The study concludes with the recommendation of restructuring the current menu of using horse gram in place of red gram, and additionally suggests preparing a vegetable curry with the vegetables previously used for making dalma. Moreover, it advocates that the selection of vegetables should be based on their nutrient content.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the nutritional value contributions of the school feeding programme of India namely Mid-Day Meal scheme in Odisha (a backward state) considering varied nutrients.
Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Enriching Tiger Nut Milk with Sodium Caseinate and Xanthan Gum Improves the Physical Stability and Consumer Acceptability

Research Article
Author(s): Nazir Kizzie-Hayford, Jerry Ampofo-Asiama, Susann Zahn, Doris Jaros, Harald Rohm
Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

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Abstract
Tiger nut milk (TNM) shows limited colloidal stability, which affects consumer acceptability in many parts of the world where tiger nut is cultivated. In this study, addition of proteins and hydrocolloids was used for improving the stability, and the impact on physical properties and consumer acceptance is reported. Enriching TNM by 3 g/100 g sodium caseinate and 0.1 g/100 g xanthan gum successfully impeded creaming and serum formation and resulted in a decrease of the instability index from 0.408 ± 0.023 to 0.015 ± 0.00 after applying forced sedimentation at 3000 x g for 2 h. After TNM enrichment, the viscosity of TNM increased from 3.0 ± 0.10 mPa.s to 285 ± 18 mPa.s which remained stable at elevated storage temperature. Flash profiling of TNM resulted in emerging descriptors namely sweet, sediment, watery, raw. Hedonic assessment by 82 consumers showed that plain TNM had the lowest rating concerning particular sensory attributes and acceptance. Enrichment resulted in more viscous, sweet and thick TNM products, leading to higher consumer ratings of attributes and acceptability. Thus, enriching TNM by sodium caseinates and xanthan gum is promising for improving the dispersion stability and consumer acceptance.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature strategies for improving tiger nut milk stability and consumer acceptance. We show that by enrichning with sodium caseinate and xanthan gum, more viscous, sweet, thick and physically stable tiger nut milk products with higher consumer ratings of attributes and acceptability can be achieved.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Impacts of Monetary Policy on Stability of Commercial Banks – Evidence from Vietnam

Research Article
Author(s): Duc Trung Nguyen, Thi Nhu Quynh Nguyen
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
Before 2009, most central banks conducted their monetary policy with the ultimate goals of promoting price stability, economic growth and full employment. However, the 2009 financial crisis demonstrated that these goals are not enough to maintain a stable financial arena. So, aside from those objectives, the objective of financial stability is also of interest to central banks when implementing monetary policy. In this study, the authors explore the influence of monetary policy on the stability of commercial banks in Vietnam – an emerging economy. The study uses the dataset of the Vietnamese commercial banks from 2008 to 2019, applying SGMM estimations and checking their robustness with a Bayesian approach. The results show that, in recent years, the SBV has effectively implemented monetary policy to ensure banks’ stability in Vietnam. In particular, money supply M2 has positively impacted the stability of commercial banks. Also, the results imply that the ratio of loan to total assets, the ratio of cost operating to income operating, as well as CPI, correlate negatively with bank stability. The study did not find any impact of bank size or GDP on bank stability during the research period. Based on these results, the SBV should manage an optimal level of money supply M2 to guarantee efficient economic operations in general and maintain bank stability in particular, and should avoid high inflation.
Contribution/ Originality
The study is one of very few studies to investigate the impact of monetary policy on bank stability in a developing economy like Vietnam, using both traditional methods (e.g., GMM) and modern methods (e.g., Bayesian approach) to make the research results more reliable.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

The Effects of Market and Macroeconomic Uncertainties on Corporate Investment Decisions in Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Jonathan Oniovosa OSOSUAKPOR
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
In this paper, the effect of market and macroeconomic uncertainties on corporate investment decisions was examined using the real option investment theory. Two types of uncertainties were investigated: macroeconomic uncertainties (exchange, interest and inflation rates) and market uncertainty (stock market volatility) while corporate investments were measured as the sum of the changes in capital stock and depreciation. Data were obtained for the period 2005-2019 and the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) estimation technique was employed. The results showed a significant difference between the effects of macroeconomic and market uncertainties on corporate investment decisions. We found that macroeconomic uncertainty of inflation rate has positive relationship with corporate investments, with a coefficient of 0.35071, and interest rate uncertainty (0.15567) and exchange rate uncertainty (-0.07852) were also statistically significant, whereas the linear market uncertainty has a negative value of -0.00173 and the quadratic market uncertainty (0.00520) was statistically insignificant. Therefore, interest rate volatility and inflation expectations are not factors constraining investment growth; however, exchange rate uncertainty exerts a substantial negative influence on corporate investment in Nigeria. Given the findings, the study recommends, among others, an appropriate and stable exchange rate policy that makes for easy business planning and forecasting by rational investors. To achieve a stable exchange rate that would bring about increased investment, the government should implement efficient macroeconomic policies, such as those that minimize the structural rigidities in the economy.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on the effects of market and macroeconomic uncertainties on corporate investment decisions using a Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model. The study establishes that while macroeconomic inflation rate uncertainty positively affects corporate investments, linear and quadratic market uncertainty negatively affect corporate investments.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Automatic Gas Leakage Monitoring System Using MQ-5 Sensor

Research Article
Author(s): Muhammad Ahmad Baballe, Usman Yusuf Magashi, Bello Ibrahim Garko, Abubakar Abdullahi Umar, Yunusa Rabiu Magaji, Munzali Surajo
Journal: Review of Computer Engineering Research

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Abstract
Safety plays a crucial role in today’s world, and an automatic safety system must be employed in environments like institutions, hospitals, homes, factories, and workplaces. One of the precautionary measures that must be taken to avoid the danger associated with gas leaks is to install a gas leak detection system in places that are at risk. This paper presents a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leakage monitoring system. The gas detector MQ-5 used in the design is responsible for measuring the gas that is leaking. An Arduino microcontroller acts as the brain of the whole system, controlling all the components in the design. If the gas sensor detects a gas leak, it will sound an alarm by means of a buzzer and will send SMS messages to the registered mobile numbers with the help of the GSM module. A liquid crystal display is used in the study to display the presence or absence of gas leakage.
Contribution/ Originality
To generate awareness of the security actions individuals can take in their day-to-day life in response to the rise in the outbreak of fire and explosions in the world today.
Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Assessing the Performance and Factors Affecting Industrial Development in Indian States: An Empirical Analysis

Research Article
Author(s): Ajay K. Singh, Sanjeev Kumar
Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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Abstract
This study measures the industrial performance of Indian states using secondary data. It uses value of gross output, gross value added, invested capital, number of factories, gross capital formation, total inputs, total persons engaged, and total emoluments of industries. Next, it examines the factors affecting the gross value added of industries, using state-wise panel data for the period 2003–2018. Linear, log-linear and non-linear regression models are considered to estimate the regression coefficients of total persons engaged, gross capital formation, total inputs, labor productivity, per person emoluments, capital intensity, and credit to industry by scheduled commercial banks, annual population growth, and literacy rate with the gross value added of industries. Among the Indian states, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka make the greatest contributions to industrial development. Labor productivity, annual population growth, literacy rate, total person engaged, credit to industries by scheduled commercial banks, per person emoluments, and gross capital formation positively influence gross value added. Literacy rate, per person emoluments, capital intensity and total inputs display a hill-shaped association with gross value added. Labor productivity, annual population growth, credit to industries by scheduled commercial banks, total persons engaged, and gross capital formation display a linear association with the gross value added of industries in India.
Contribution/ Originality
This study makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature by examining the factors affecting industrial development in Indian states using a concrete empirical model. It provides practical policy implications to increase the industrial growth by strengthening labor productivity, capital intensity, financial support, capital formation and human skills across Indian sates.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

The Impact of Social Knowledge on the Efficiency of the Financial Markets: A Case Study on the Erbil Stock Exchange (ESX)

Research Article
Author(s): Susan Omer Othman Nanakali, Dilshad Aziz Agha, Mustafa Farooq Othman
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the factors that can have an impact on the efficiency of financial markets, and the Erbil Stock Exchange was chosen as a case study. The researchers sought to evaluate the level of social knowledge by concentrating on certain dimensions which have a direct influence on the public’s perspective regarding financial markets – namely religion, culture and economic awareness – and the number of people participating in the sale and purchase of stocks and shares. This study tested the hypotheses by applying some statistical analyses, and the outputs are detailed in the tables, figures and factors. According to the results, the efficiency of the stock market is affected by monthly income, culture and religion, and public experience. It was also found that there is no difference in perspective between men and women regarding investing in the stock market. This is supported by the hypothesis test results, which indicated that there is no correlation between gender and economic awareness, number of participators, culture, and religion. The results of the factor analyses show that there is a significant correlation between religion, culture, economic awareness and the number of people participating and social knowledge, and that these factors significantly affect the efficiency of the stock market.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one very few studies which have investigated efficiency of the stock market by testing some crucial factors. This study highlights the consequences of inefficiency in the market and the consequences of the lack of willingness of investors and the public to invest in the stock market, while the financial market positively reflects the economic and financial improvements in Iraq.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Do Performance-Based Pay and Pay Competitiveness Moderate the Relation Between Lower-Level Employees Total Compensation and Job Satisfaction? Evidence from South Korea

Research Article
Author(s): Jisung Park, Chiho Ok
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
Decades of international multidisciplinary studies have examined how compensation affects employees and organizations, but they neither specify the boundary conditions for employee job satisfaction nor differentiate the effects of pay on job satisfaction of employees at differing tiers within an organization. We explore whether performance-based pay and pay competitiveness moderate the relation between total compensation and job satisfaction among lower-level employees in South Korea. To investigate boundary conditions for that relation, we use performance-based pay and pay competitiveness as variables that tie compensation structure to job satisfaction. Drawing from data for 2,281 employees at 470 South Korean firms, we consider how two variables—incentive compensation and pay competitiveness—influence job satisfaction of lower-level employees. First, we confirmed a positive relationship between compensation and job satisfaction, and second, we found that the relationship is stronger among employees of firms where average compensation is below what is paid elsewhere.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to prior research by extending the existing understanding of the effective management of lower-level employees using compensation practices. More specifically, our findings urge companies to consider compensation structure as a means to improve the impact of pay rises on job satisfaction for lower-level employees.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Does an Exchange-Traded Fund Converge to its Benchmark in the Long Run? Evidence from Ishares MSCI in Asia-Pacific Countries

Research Article
Author(s): Kok-Leong Yap, Wee-Yeap Lau, Izlin Ismail
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
This study examines the linkages between exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their benchmark indices from 2013 to 2019 using iShares MSCI of ten Asia-Pacific countries. Our results show, first, that there is a long-run causality running from the benchmark index to ETFs. These findings imply that ETFs may replicate the performance of the benchmark index over the long run. Second, there is a unidirectional causal relationship from ETFs to the benchmark index in the short run, which indicates that benchmark index prices respond to the short-run changes in the ETF prices when new information is available. Third, there is a significant tracking error between ETFs and the benchmark index. This finding justifies the existence of stock selection and market timing abilities among the ETF managers. Lastly, fund managers add value to the ETFs and generate better than the market returns. This paper provides new evidence to support this new stylized fact of ETFs.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on whether ETFs replicate the performance of the benchmark index in the long run. The findings of long-run relationships between ETFs and benchmark index prices highlight the price discovery role of ETF, which could benefit benchmark index forecasting.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

The Mediating Effects of Key Audit Matters on the Relationship Between Audit Quality and Earnings Management: Evidence from Jordan

Research Article
Author(s): Mohammad Ahmad Alqam, Yaser Mohd Hamshari, Haitham Yousef Ali
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
The relationship between audit quality and earnings management has not been tested with consideration of key audit matters as a mediating variable. This study examined whether audit quality (AQ) decreases earnings management (EM) in shareholding corporations through improving key audit matters (KAMs) in Jordan’s emerging environment. A regression analysis was carried out on a sample that included financial reports and auditor reports of 105 industrial and service shareholdings companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2017 to 2019. The study found a negative relationship between audit quality and earnings management. The results showed that audit quality increases key audit matters, which, in turn, decreases earnings management. Also, the study confirmed the mediating effect of KAMs between audit quality and earnings management. The study confirms the importance of key audit matters to provide more relevant and useful information for the users of financial reports and provides important indications to the regulatory authorities and standards bodies that key audit matters should be given more attention regarding the way that they are presented and disclosed.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that key audit matters - as a mediating variable – affect the relationship between audit quality and earnings management, which was tested in an emerging environment in Jordan.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4

Optimal Consumption and Portfolio Choice: The Impact of Health and Health Risk

Research Article
Author(s): You Du
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of health and health risk on households’ optimal consumption and portfolio allocations over the life cycle. The simulation results show that consumption, savings in bonds, and savings in stocks all increase in health. Compared with poor health households, the healthy households consume 49% higher, invest 27% and 39% more in bonds and in stocks, respectively. The risky portfolio share, which is the ratio of stocks to the total financial assets is positively related with health for most of the lifetime. Regarding the age profile, it demonstrates the same tendency for both health levels: at the very young age, the risky portfolio share is relatively high. Starting from the middle age, this share falls significantly and keeps steady until the end of life. These results emphasize the importance of health and its associated risk in consumption and portfolio decisions. With all other things equal, households’ consumption and investment behaviors are heterogenous across health. It also provides significant policy applications: by promoting health and reducing health risk, it would largely improve households’ well-being: higher consumption, and more savings in financial assets.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which incorporate health and its associated risk into households’ consumption and financial decisions. This paper contributes to a new and growing finance-health literature and finds significant impacts of health and health risk on households’ optimal consumption and portfolio allocations.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2