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Listing 107 - 20 of 2806 results.

Management of The CFA Franc: What are the Fundamentals of the Real Exchange Rate in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)?

Research Article
Author(s): Kwami Ossadzifo Wonyra, Honore Tenakoua
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
Identifying the fundamentals of the real exchange rate of the CFA franc in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) is the main objective of this paper. To achieve this, we used panel data over a period from 1984 to 2014. To achieve this objective, we use the Pooled Mean Group, inspired by the work of Pesaran, Shin, and Smith (1999) with data from secondary sources from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The results obtained show that investment, government spending, trade openness and balance significantly influence the real exchange rate of the long-term CFA franc in WAEMU. With regard to the short-term relationship, the results show that only productivity and the trade balance are the fundamentals that significantly influence the real exchange rate of the CFA franc. It is then necessary to find a solution to this extroversion of WAEMU economies, which solution would be the promotion of the import substitution policy. A policy should be put in place to enable our economies to benefit from trade liberalization. This involves promoting exports of high value-added products in order to improve the external position of economies and to address the instability of commodity prices on which developing country exporters of primary goods depend.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by Identifying the fundamentals of the real exchange rate of the CFA franc in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Evaluating the Model of Demand for Money in Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Fasipe, Temidayo B., Wasiu A. Yusuf
Journal: Financial Risk and Management Reviews

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Abstract
In Nigeria, demand for money is frequently affected by factors that regularly experience shocks in the economy. Therefore, regular adjustment and reforms are done to monetary policy which creates a lot of uncertainties in the market. This paper therefore examined the demand for money (narrow money, M1) in Nigeria, using quarterly time series data from 2006 to 2018, the study attempted multiple OLS regression analysis and ARDL. The result found out that money demand function cannot be appropriately estimated by OLS estimation technique due to the presence of the lagged value of both the dependent and independent variables. Although, the no long run relationship among the variables but the result indicates that M1 is largely influenced by inflation, exchange rate, MPR (Monetary Policy Rate), and savings as well as real GDP to some extent; particularly in the short run. It was observed from the analysis that economic units in Nigeria are shedding more of cash assets (Naira) as inflation increases while stocking up on foreign cash and assets (dollar and foreign denominated assets) as shown by the positive-related exchange rate.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the demand for money (narrow money, M1) in Nigeria and using quarterly time series data from 2006 to 2018, the study attempted multiple OLS regression analysis and ARDL.
Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Intellectual Property Rights, Human Capital and Innovation in Emerging and Developing Countries

Research Article
Author(s): Kamilia Loukil
Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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Abstract
The innovation literature suggests that the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is a key determinant of innovation. Recent studies suggest that IPR protection stimulates innovation only under certain conditions. In this paper, we suppose that IPR have a positive impact on technological innovation only in countries with high levels of human capital. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights, human capital and technological innovation in the context of emerging and developing countries. To measure innovation, we use the number of patents granted to inventors in a country by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. IPR variable is the Ginarte and Park index, while the stock of human capital is measured by the percentage of the total enrollment among the school-aged population over 15 at the tertiary level. Panel Threshold Regression is applied to data of 46 developing countries for the period 1980-2009. The estimation results provide evidence for the existence of nonlinear relationship between intellectual property rights and innovation depending on human capital’s initial level.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the relationship between intellectual property rights, human capital and technological innovation in emerging and developing countries.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1

Entrepreneurship Training for Mitigating Unemployment in Nigeria: How have the Tertiary Institutions Fared?

Research Article
Author(s): Rosemary I. Eneji, E. N. Nwbagbara, Kati, George Kati
Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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Abstract
The increasing unemployment in Nigeria is one of the social problems contributing to abject poverty, crime and other civil vices plaguing the country today. Although the public and private sectors have made some efforts in addressing the problem, available current statistics show that both sectors lack the capacity to solely employ the entire manpower base of the country. Considering the potential of entrepreneurial training for reducing unemployment, the Nigerian government through the National Universities Commission (NUC) introduced entrepreneurial education as a compulsory course in various higher institutions. In this study, we aimed to ascertain the extent to which these institutions have implemented entrepreneurial education for mitigating unemployment in Nigeria, using the University of Calabar as a case study. A combination of structured questionnaires, titled students’ Opinion Questionnaire and review of extant literatures and theoretical framework, was used for the study. The resulting data showed that the tertiary institutions have not significantly contributed to mitigating unemployment through entrepreneurial education, judging from the low students’ acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, their limited exposure to business opportunities and difficulty in sourcing funds to ensure utilization of any acquired skills after graduation.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that that the tertiary institutions have not significantly contributed to mitigating unemployment through entrepreneurial education, judging from the low students’ acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, their limited exposure to business opportunities and difficulty in sourcing funds to ensure utilization of any acquired skills after graduation.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1

Evaluation of Organic Substrates for Outdoor Cultivation of Pleurotus Tuber-Regium

Research Article
Author(s): Adedokun, Olutayo M., Friday, Juliet N.
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology

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Abstract
Pleurotus tuber-regium is a unique mushroom with a lot of benefits. Yield of the mushroom was evaluated when cultivated outdoor on agricultural beds different substrates (treatments) in order to assess the effect of the substrates. Four substrates used were topsoil, a mixture of topsoil and sawdust (2kg), a mixture of topsoil and poultry droppings (2kg), and a mixture of topsoil, poultry droppings (2kg) and sawdust (2kg). The design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Results showed that mixture of topsoil and sawdust had the highest mean dry weight 3.54±0.29 for first flush while the least was 2.57±0.45gm for topsoil. For the second flush, the highest mean dry weight of 1.56±0.37 was for mixture of topsoil and sawdust while the least, 0.58±0.31gm was for topsoil, poultry droppings and sawdust. Results for dry weight of fruiting bodies, indicated that only the mixture of Topsoil & Poultry droppings and Topsoil, Poultry droppings & Sawdust had no significant difference (P>0.05), for first flush; there was significant difference between other treatments. Results for second flush had no significant difference (P>0.05) between Topsoil and Topsoil & Sawdust treatments; there was significant difference (P<0.05), between other treatments. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the stipe girth, pileus diameter and wet weight for all the treatments for both flushes. Significant difference between treatments varied for stipe height. The mixture of topsoil and sawdust substrate is recommended for the outdoor cultivation of Pleurotus tuber-regium. These findings are discussed.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of Pleurotus tuber-regium and investigates its yield outdoor. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated outdoor cultivation of the mushroom. Its primary contribution is that Pleurotus tuber-regium could be cultivated outdoor on agricultural beds, using mixture of topsoil and some organic substrates.
Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Determination of Microbiological Quality of White Cheeses Marketed in Afyonkarahisar

Research Article
Author(s): Recep Kara, Ulas Acaroz, Zeki Gurler, Zeyneb Sadigzade Zengin, Ali Soylu
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
Cheese is a dairy product with a high nutritional value, a unique flavor, aroma, a long shelf life, and a very different variety. Cheese may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms which may pose a risk to public health during the raw material procurement and production stages. This study investigated the microbiological quality of 60 white cheese samples, marketed in Afyonkarahisar province. The mean levels of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, Esherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and yeast-mold were determined as 2,1x105, 1,4x104, 2,1x103, 4,5x102, 4,1x102 and 3,8x103 CFU/g, respectively. Also, Escherichia coli was found in 10% (6/60) of the samples between the level of 102-105. Consequently, the microbiological quality was found to be insufficient in some of the samples examined. Therefore, it is recommended to take necessary hygienic measures in raw material supply. In addition, necessary precautions should be taken in all stages of cheese production and attention should be paid to the personnel and equipment hygiene.
Contribution/ Originality
This study investigated the microbiological quality of 60 white cheese samples, marketed in Afyonkarahisar province.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

The New Model for Teaching Collaboration between Universities and Enterprises: In the Case of Vietnam

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

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Abstract
The current collaboration between universities-enterprises in Vietnam has faced various challenges especially in its teaching model and motivation system. We find that Vietnamese enterprises have minimal interest in engaging in both short and long-term collaborations. Likewise, universities are struggling to set up a sustainable collaboration system which will attract enterprises. To overcome these challenges, this paper aims to propose a new model for teaching collaborations between universities and enterprises, based on the lean thinking approach and a sustainably developed partnership. Data collected from questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to analyze the conventional teaching model and current situation of the university-enterprise collaboration. Based on this data, we proposed a new model. A transparent benefit allocation scheme and synchronized teaching philosophies and methodologies are critical preconditions for the successful teaching collaboration between universities and enterprises. Finally, we confirmed the feasibility of the new model through a successful case study. This research may also be used as reference and consideration for other developing countries.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of teaching collaboration between universities-enterprises in Vietnam. The model’s primary contributions were its findings of the preconditions for the successful collaboration which are the transparent allocation benefit system and synchronized teaching philosophies and methodologies based on society’s demands.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Effect of Intergenerational Debt Burden on Economic Growth in Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Ben Etim Udoh, Kelvin-Iloafu Lovlyn Ekeowa, Ilo Sylvester Okechukwu, Obiora-OkafoChinedu Afamefuna, Nwonye Ada-John Cordelia
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
An equitable proportion of government borrowing from internal and external creditors exerts a positive and significant impact on the economy. When the funds borrowed are used for unproductive investment without sufficient marginal returns to service the debts, debt becomes burdensome reduceing all the indicators of economic growth. This study uses quarterly data from 2006 to 2018 to investigate the effect of intergenerational debt burden on economic growth in Nigeria, testing the hypothesis with the ARDL model to estimate the longand short-term cause- effect relationship. The findings reveal that borrowed funds are habitually used in Nigeria to pay salaries and allowances, resulting in debt overhang and intergenerational debt burden. The impact of debts to other creditors is significant on economic growth and human capital development, but negative by multilateral and bilateral creditors. The negative effect is probably because of the poor management and investment of the funds borrowed into unproductive ventures. The results show long-term cointegration, while the speed with which the disequilibrium, caused by the mismanagement of borrowed funds in earlier years, returns to long-term equilibrium is 26% in the current year, according to the error correction coefficient. Thus, Barro’s provocative Hypothesis is valid in the long term and Lerner’s view in the short term for Nigeria.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by in three ways: (i) adopting quarterly data on money supply (M3), multilateral creditors/debt, bilateral creditors/debt, other creditors/debt, and government expenditure on social and community services as moderating variables; (ii) using first-logical analysis by conducting a range of pretests to determine the appropriate estimation model and estimation diagnostic analyses to ensure the Gauss–Markov assumptions for unbiased estimation are satisfied, forming the basis for a reliable analysis; and (iii) adopting the ARDL model to examine the long- and short-term effects of the intergenerational debt burden on economic growth in Nigeria, as well as Barro’s provocative hypothesis and Lerner’s view.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Determinants of Transparency in Financial Management on Local Government Websites: Evidence from Indonesia

Research Article
Author(s): Nuryani ., Amrie Firmansyah
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
This study aimed to examine the determinants of transparency in financial management on local government websites in Indonesia. The level of transparency was measured at each stage of local government finance: planning, implementation, and reporting and accountability, using internal, local government characteristics, and external, community conditions, factors of influence. The internal factor was represented by local government size, expenditure, and dependence, while community welfare was adopted for the external factor. The study was designed as quantitative research based on a multiple linear regression model. The study sample of 424 observations was selected from the district/city governments in Java that met the criteria of having an official and accessible website, as well as completes financial data from 2013 to 2016. The results suggested that the average level of transparency in financial management on these local government websites over the four-year period was 24.76%. In addition, both the size and expenditure of the selected local governments were positively associated with their transparency levels, while no association was shown with the levels of both dependence and community welfare. The conclusions drawn offer suggestions on how central government can encourage regional financial transparency in their policies and for local governments in increasing their commitment to implementing transparency.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the current literature on transparency in regional financial management by covering more than one fiscal year—2013 to 2016—and illustrating how local government size and expenditure play a role in increasing the level of transparency.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Tamil Primary School Teachers Understanding on Constructing HOTS Items in Mathematics

Research Article
Author(s): Thavamani Alagan, S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam, Arsaythamby Veloo
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
Many studies indicate that it is crucial for teachers to understand the levels of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) questions and how to construct HOTS Mathematics items in order to teach effectively and constructively in classrooms. The objective of this study was to investigate Tamil Primary school teachers' understanding (from cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) of the construction of HOTS Mathematics items based on their teaching experiences. This quantitative study employed descriptive research design. The sample of this study consists of 254 Mathematics teachers from Tamil Primary schools in three states in Malaysia. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting the sample. The researchers used an adapted survey questionnaire to measure teachers' understanding on constructing HOTS Mathematics items based on three constructs namely cognitive, affective and behavioral. Findings of this study indicate that teachers with high and average experience in teaching Mathematics have significantly better understanding (in terms of cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) in constructing HOTS Mathematic items compared with teachers who have low experience. In terms of pedagogical implications, the findings of this study suggests that senior teachers should conduct more workshops and training for teachers with less experience to convey their experiences and skills. In terms of practical implications.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that teachers' with high and average experience in teaching Mathematics have significantly better understanding (in terms of cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects) in constructing HOTS Mathematic items compared with teachers who have low experience. As such, this paper has crucial pedagogical implications.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Theorising the Itinerant Curriculum as the Pathway to Relevance in African Higher Education in the Era of the Fourth Industrual Revolution

Research Article
Author(s): Kehdinga George Fomunyam
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The current era of the fourth industrial revolution combines digital, physical, and biological knowledge in ways never seen before. This revolution has resulted in disruptive technologies and trends, such as robotics, internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI) . The African continent is still behind with preparations for its future, through relevant unique educational practices for its populace in this era. This is because very little has changed in the curriculum content of African education, and post colonial education in Africa is essentially a colonial legacy. The curriculum is still designed after western models and paradigms, which have little or no relevance to life in Africa. This paper records the epistemological evisceration of African-centered intellectual traditions in formal education as a major cause of this challenge. Proposing the introduction of an itinerant curriculum in the African higher education sector as a viable solution to this epistemicide, this paper first argues that all bodies of knowledge(western and indigenous) are valid and significant, and should therefore be infused together without one placed as superior over the other. The study concludes that curriculum should reflect the intrinsic value of African culture, language, customs, and practices. The integration of all bodies of knowledge is the hallmark of an itinerant curriculum, should support the inclusion of a wider diversity of knowledge in curriculum theory, and practice.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper documents the epistemological evisceration of African-centered intellectual traditions in formal education as a major cause of Africa lagging behind in the current industrial revolution. This study further proposes the introduction of an itinerant curriculum in the African higher education sector as a viable solution to this epistemicide.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Evaluating the Effectiveness of CAPM and APT for Risk Measuring and Assets Pricing

Research Article
Author(s): Fahim Afzal, Pan Haiying
Journal: Financial Risk and Management Reviews

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Abstract
Persistent with the problem of quantifying the risk associated with securities, this study examines the applicability and validity of Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) while evaluating the stock prices and returns of listed companies in the Pakistan stock exchange. While examining the applicability of CAPM and APT, this study considers the stock return of top ten sectors listed in stock exchange from the period of 2014 to 2019. The result shows that the application of APT for risk estimations may not be showing satisfactory results from the observed data. On average, the p-value is more than 30% for all factors which should be less than 5%. Therefore, in order to compare the application of methods and find out the stock risk, it can be concluded that CAPM approach is more reliable than APT. Thus, it is suggested to adopt the CAPM approach to estimate the realistic stock returns. Additionally, the investor can also consider different indigenous and exogenous economic factors according for calculating market risk and maximizing the return.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature in a way to show that CAPM is still a valid tool to estimate the return in Pakistani capital market, which implies that the market risk can better be estimated by the companies. Investors must consider the market index performance for realistic stock return rather to follow other economic indicators.
Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Analysis of the Link between CO2 Outflows, Energy Utilization, and Economic Development in a Developing Country: Evidence from Republic of Congo

Research Article
Author(s): Jean Baptiste Bernard Pea-Assounga, Hongxing Yao, Philip Agyei Peprah, Shaibu Ali
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

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Abstract
Developing countries play a number one role in international green-economic development as key holders of green products, and services. Nonetheless, these countries are not sufficiently concerned within the debates on expansion policies, due to their crucial implication in worldwide feasible development. This research aims to analyze the relationship between CO2 outflows, energy utilization, and economic development in the Republic of Congo as well as the presence of a causative link between the factors by applying the Vector Autoregressive model, including as additional proxies’ variables gross-fixed-capital-formation, and rural population. The data cover the period 1985-2018 using cointegration and causality techniques as a methodological approach. The Granger causality test outcomes of cointegrated variables showed that there is one-way Granger causality running from real GDP to Energy utilization, and running from dioxide outflows to real income as well as two–way causative link between Energy utilization and CO2 outflows in Congo. The results also display a bidirectional causal link between the rural population and Energy utilization. Overall evidence confirms that the practice of energy conservancy approach may lead to a significant and negative effect on economic development.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by using modern econometric time series approaches to examine the nexus between CO2 outflows, energy utilization and economic development. The findings showed that the governments should invest in renewable energy to cut-off CO2 emissions.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Innovation Strategy and Sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in South East Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Onyeizugbe Chinedu Uzochukwu, Orogbu Lilian Obiageli, Nwankwo Obianuju Uche, Onuzulike Nkechi
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
The current challenges and competition facing micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria today which is as a result of innovation has become a threat to the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Therefore this study seeks to determine the extent to which innovation strategy can sustain MSMES in South East, Nigeria. The specific objective is to identify the extent of relationship that exists between disruptive innovation and business value contribution of MSMES in South East Nigeria. The study was guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The correlational survey design was adopted. The study was anchored on Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory (1885-1972).The population of the study was 1544 MSMES and 317 were sampled. The data used was primary data collected through structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between disruptive innovation and business value contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in South East Nigeria. The study recommends among others that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises should ensure that their employees are competent so as to measure to the innovative changes in the industry.
Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes in the existing literature by establishing how innovation strategy impacts on the sustainability of MSMEs in South East Nigeria.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2020 Issue: 2

Do Derivative Instruments Increase Firm Risk for Indonesia Non-Financial Companies?

Research Article
Author(s): Amrie Firmansyah, Wiwik Utami, Haryono Umar, Susi Dwi Mulyani
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
This study aims to examine the effect of derivative instruments on firm risk. This study employs stock return volatility as total risk and idiosyncratic volatility as unsystematic risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value depending on the underlying value of other variables, which can be categorized into assets and liabilities. This study employed a quantitative method using multiple linear regression. The sample is all non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2017. Data used in this study are panel data sourced from www.idx.co.id and www.finance.yahoo.com. The sample selection in this study used a purposive sampling method with a total sample of 246 observations. The results of this study suggest that derivative instruments are positively associated with firm risk, both total risk and unsystematic risk. The Indonesian Investors consider that the ownership derivatives by companies lead to uncertain conditions in the future. The results of this study prove that ownership of derivative instruments by companies in developing countries is closely related to corporate risk.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to complete the works of literature on examining firms risk both total risk and unsystematic risk. Also, this study illustrates the ownership of derivatives by companies in one developing country.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2020 Issue: 2

Corporate Governance and Firm Risk: Evidence from Malaysian Shariah Compliance Companies

Research Article
Author(s): Aida Maria Ismail, Cik Rabiah Ismail, Saliza Sulaiman, Dalila Daud
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
The financial scandals that have hit financial markets and caused significant losses to investors have mainly been attributed to some defects in corporate governance systems. Hence, good corporate governance practices are ensured through several structures and mechanisms that merge the conflicting interests of managers, in one side, and shareholders and other stakeholders, in the other, toward the value maximization of the firm. Apart from this, the study focuses on the relationship between corporate governance and firm risk in Malaysia. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the corporate governance (CG) mechanisms (board independence, board size, existence of audit and nomination/remuneration committees, CEO duality, and independence of board committees) that influence firm’s risk measured by cost of equity capital. The study provides several literatures on CG mechanisms, agency theory, and CAPM in order to achieve the objective designed for this particular research. In order to answer the research question and objective, this study employs a quantitative method (secondary data). The sample consists of 302 firms from Public Listed Companies traded in Bursa Malaysia which are practicing shariah compliance in Islamic Capital Market (ICM) from 2013 until 2016. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 including descriptive statistics, correlation matrix as well as regression analysis to examine whether higher governance quality is associated with a lower cost of equity capital. The findings showed a mixed result between CG mechanisms associated with firm risk. However, the result is consistent with prior literatures in line with corporate governance and risk.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by investigating the corporate governance (CG) mechanisms that influence firm’s risk measured by cost of equity capital.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

The Canary Platform for the Reduction of School Absenteeism

Research Article
Author(s): David Perez-Jorge, Jorge Ruiz-Ruiz, Maria del Carmen Rodriguez-Jimenez, Eva Arino-Mateo
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
In 2012, the Canaries School Council (CSC) and the Canary Federation of Municipalities (FECAM) decided to investigate the level of school absenteeism in the Canary Islands. They therefore with the Ministry of Education Canary Islands Government about holding a conference for municipal technical teams on addressing this problem, which is particularly worrying in the Canary Islands. Following a needs analysis, the Canary Platform for the Reduction of Absenteeism was developed, comprising three web pages: i) a social network, for communication and cooperation between municipal technical teams; ii) a repository, for resources, such as protocols, documents, articles, communications, available to download; and iii) Moodle, for offering a 125-hour university course for the technical teams. The Canary Platform for the Reduction of Absenteeism operated between March 2013 and September 2018, beginning with 292 technicians from all the Canarian municipalities and, subsequently extending to other institutions, such as island councils, secondary school teachers, educational and psycho-pedagogical guidance teams, and local police. The level of use of, number of visits to, and number of downloads from the website during the first stage were much higher than the second, when despite not being updated, demand continued, especially for the standardized protocol for school absenteeism. These results proved that municipal teams need technical support, supervision, and guidance.
Contribution/ Originality
The article reviews the most significant conceptualizations of school absenteeism in the research literature. In addition, a systematic review of the laws in the 17 Autonomous Communities and 2 Autonomous Cities in Spain, taking into account different indicators, was conducted. The resulting proposal for controlling school absenteeism has proved to be relevant and of interest to all social and educational stakeholders.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Design and Analysis of Compact Microstrip Circular Resonator with Slotted in Ground Plane as a Grain Moisture Sensor

Research Article
Author(s): Sweety Jain, Vandana Vikas Thakare
Journal: Review of Information Engineering and Applications

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Abstract
The circular microstrip resonator (CMR) as a moisture sensor was analyzed for detecting the moisture content in grains. The design was proposed with the help of CST software at operating frequency 11.5GHz on X-Band. The size of the sensor was 13mm×13mm. The substrate was used FR4 with relative permittivity, thickness and loss tangent were 4.4, 1.676, and 0.001 respectively. The reflection coefficient was found -27.58dB at operating microwave frequency 11.5GHz, satisfied the condition (?-10dB). The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was found 1.27 at selected frequency 11.5GHz, also satisfied the condition (VSWR? 2). The proposed design satisfied all the parameters and this design can be developed and determined actual moisture content (AMC), predicted moisture content (PMC) and mean relative error (MRE), when MRE will be find near to zero then sensor will be more accurate. Hence, it can be said that this sensor will be detect the moisture content (MC) in grains.
Contribution/ Originality
The circular microstrip resonator (CMR) as a moisture sensor was analyzed for detecting the moisture content in grains.
Computer Sciences » Review of Information Engineering and Applications » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Petrographic Study of Some Paleoproterozoic Sedimentary Rocks in the Chagupana and Tarkwa Areas of Ghana

Research Article
Author(s): Blestmond A. Brako, Gordon Foli, Chiri Amedjoe, Simon K.Y. Gawu
Journal: International Journal of Geography and Geology

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Abstract
This study geologically compares conglomerate and sandstone units in the Chagupana area of the Upper West Region and the Kawere conglomerate and Kawere-Huni-Banket sandstone units in the Tarkwa area of the Western Region in Ghana. Some work in the area has over time proposed that rocks from the two areas as similar based on only field relations, hence the need for more detailed work for re-classification. Macro and microscopic studies of the composition, mineralogy and texture of the rock types reveal that the conglomerates in both areas are metamorphic-clast units, greenish-grey, polymictic, foliated and texturally immature. Compositionally and mineralogically, Chagupana conglomerate is matrix-supported and immature, while Kawere conglomerate is clast-supported and mature; these constraint similarities between the conglomerates to only composition. The sandstones from both areas have similar mineralogical compositions, but with decreasing feldspar in the order of Chagupana>Huni>Kawere>Banket. Texturally, all the sandstones are sub-mature, well-indurated and angular-rounded; except the Huni sandstone, which is fine to medium-grained, while the other sandstones are medium-coarse-grained. Based on the feldspar contents, the Chagupana, Huni, Banket and Kawere sandstones classify as greywacke, feldspathic arenite, sub-litharenite and sub-feldspathic-feldspathic arenite, respectively. The greywacke and sandstones have the same cementing materials as quartz, sericite and chlorite. Concluding, the Chagupana rocks are not entirely the same as those from the Tarkwaian Group, probably due to differences in provenance.
Contribution/ Originality
This study uses petrographic and structural investigations to unravel the puzzle of the Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the Chagupana area of the Upper West Region as being part, or not, of the Tarkwaian Group in the Tarkwa area of Ghana.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Geography and Geology » Month: 01-2020 Issue: 1

Effects of Osmotic Dehydrated and Ultrasound Pre-Treated Orange Peel on Dye Removal

Research Article
Author(s): Jia Jun Poon, Mei Ching Tan, Chin Hong Geow
Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research

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Abstract
In this study, the adsorption performance of orange peel with osmotic dehydration (OD) and ultrasound (US) were studied. The efficiency of the osmotic dehydration pre-treated orange peel at different sucrose concentration (20 – 60 °Brix) in dye adsorption with several conditions of initial dye concentration (20 – 60 mg/L) and dosage (0.05 – 0.15g) was studied and compared with untreated adsorbent. The optimum concentration of the hypertonic solution was 20 °Brix (OD-20) which gave the higher adsorption efficiency compared with the control and other concentration of hypertonic solution. The adsorption efficiency of OD-20+US pre-treated orange peel on 20 mg/L dye concentration with 150 mg of dosage was 6.14% and 19.32% higher than OD-20 and untreated orange peel respectively. Furthermore, OD-20+US also increases the desorption efficiency by 5.81% and 13.37% when compared with OD-20 and untreated orange peel respectively. With OD-20, the number of active pore availability increases due removal of moisture content by sucrose particles and US able to create microscopic channels in porous materials to enhance the moisture removal and captures of dye ions.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that combination of ultrasound and osmotic dehydration treatments has positive impact on the preparation of adsorbent. It is able to generate the adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and reusability by introducing the treatments.
Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1