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The purpose of the study was to isolate the relationship between balance and swing kinematics for collegiate level male golfers. Eight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I golfers completed an eight-week training program targeting improving balance. All golfers were assessed for postural stability and swing kinematics before and after the balance training program. Golfers completed 10 swings with a driver, and swing kinematics were measured using 3D motion capture (Qualisys AB). Postural stability results showed decreases in center-of-pressure (COP) deviation for single leg, eyes closed stance conditions were significant (p<0.05). Changes in Balance Error Scores (BES) were not significant (p>0.05) for any stance condition following training intervention. Range values (maximum-minimum) for club head speed (CHS), club path, and face angle stayed the same or decreased following the training intervention but were not significant (p>0.05). Key positions in the golf swing, including pelvis and torso angles at the top of the swing and impact were unaffected by the balance training (p>0.05). Pearson’s values indicated a low degree of correlation between postural stability and swing kinematic consistency, as measured by variance. While postural stability improved following golf specific balance training, individual swing kinematics and swing kinematics consistency were unaffected. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated consistency in golf swing kinematics as well as the effect of strength and conditioning training, specifically balance training, on the consistency of golf swing kinematics. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Do Tourists Willing to Pay for the Value of Environmental Conservation? A Case of Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs
Research Article
Author(s):
Thalany Kamri, Jati Kasuma, Justina Kutok, Dio Caisar Darma
There is a need to protect the good nature, environment, and the culture of Bidayuh ethnic in the setting of Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs. In order to manage Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs for long term sustainability, the study on economic valuation is necessary. This is to understand the importance of environmental conservation value. This study seeks to determine visitor’s willingness to pay for conservation fees in Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs, at Kota Padawan, Sarawak. The data were obtained from questionnaires handed out to a 330 visitor who visited Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs. The results revealed that the non-Malaysian visitors’ average willingness to pay was RM14.12 per visit and the local visitors’ average willingness to pay was RM5.49 per visit for environmental conservation. The results of this study can benefit the Sarawak Tourism Board to determine the appropriate addition to the entrance fee at Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs. Hence, encouraging appropriate conservation activities to protect the environment and the culture of Bidayuh ethnic. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by determining visitor’s willingness to pay for conservation fees in Annah Rais Longhouse and Hot Springs, at Kota Padawan, Sarawak. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Analysis of the Relationship between the Quality of Presence of Destination through Online Travel Contexts, Attitude, and Intention; Case of Iran
Research Article
Author(s):
Zahed Ghaderi, Rasoul Shahabi, Amir Hossein Qezelbash
Advancing in the Internet and digital breakthroughs in communication tools bring various transformations in tourism industry requiring invasive studies about travel destinations online presence, and tourists online behavior. It is important to investigate and analyze the role of online environment, in general, and tourism online contexts, in particular on the formation of tourists desires and attitude toward the destination in order to manage and provide an appropriate image of the destination. The current study examined how online travel materials affect tourist attitudes and decision- making in visiting a destination. A quantitative research method, using a sample of 456 respondents of international tourists visiting Iran in 2016 was applied. Applying partial least square method, the results showed that the quality of websites, satisfaction, trust, and perceived usefulness have a positive impact on the tourists attitude and destination selection. Furthermore, perceived usefulness of the destination online contexts (DOCs) positively affects the users satisfaction and it also positively affects the continuous intention to use DOCs. Unlike previous researches we also found a positive relationship between design quality and DOCs confirmation. In addition, theoretical and practical implications of the findings were discussed. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by comparing the effects of DOCs on the attitude and intention of two types of tourists (we call them; multi- platform users, and single platform users) which lead in more diagnostic, precise, and realistic results. Moreover, understanding the whole effects of DOCs on tourists travel behavior will help destination managers and practitioners to revise their marketing and promotional strategies to fulfill tourists needs. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
A Systematic Analysis of Laboratory-Guided Diagnosis and Management of Covid-19: Challenges and Recommendations
Research Article
Author(s):
Whelan Shane, Keaney Daniel, Lucey Brigid, Finn Karen
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of patient demographics and laboratory tests encompassing Real Time PCR (RT-qPCR) and serology for SARS-CoV-2 in addition to blood components and clinical blood markers for COVID-19 disease. All relevant literature was included up to 15 July 2020 and multiple studies were analysed in tandem to correlate findings. For RT-qPCR, nasopharyngeal swabs are the most suitable samples based on detection rates by sample, but may require repeat testing. One-week post-symptom onset, serological testing is a more stable marker. Antibody titers have been linked to disease severity. Several clinical blood components and markers have been reported to be prognostically useful; however, care is needed when making interpretation owing to the association between raised levels of these being found for the co-morbidities that predispose to worse prognosis in COVID-19. Challenges in the current study when finding the information presented in this paper suggest the need for a quality assured database that outlines the complete set of results, anonymised patient data for each entry and a set of internationally-agreed guidelines for complete laboratory testing, documentation and open-access reporting. We suggest that such information would be useful to help with patient diagnosis and management, worldwide. Contribution/ Originality
This review compiles a large set of data on the efficacy of different laboratory tests in predicting severity of sequelae post COVID-19 infection and it recommends that anonymized patient results might be added to an international database from the time a pandemic is announced to help with patient management, worldwide. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
The Role of Women in Rural Development in Enugu State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Aguene, Ignatius Nnamdi
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
The study examined the implication of lack of women empowerment and non-membership of organization in rural development in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated whether empowering women economically can increase their participation in rural development and whether women who belong to organizations contribute more to rural development projects more than those who do not belong to organizations. The ex-post survey method was adopted and 17 Local Government Councils in Enugu State were sampled. The respondents include 507 females and 458 males who were purposively selected from the sample areas through a multi-state sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was administered to elicit the desired responses. Data collected were processed through an econometric method that involves descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study showed that women’s rights much more than men’s are routinely ignored and infringed upon at different stages of their lives despite constitutional guarantees. The study found that awareness campaign was the most influential factor motivating women to participate in community development and therefore should be encouraged. The study also found that membership of co-operative societies was a mobilizing factor in community development. Based on these findings, the study recommended amongst others, that women education should be encouraged to empower more women to contribute to rural development in Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the implication of women empowerment and membership of women organizations and cooperatives in rural development in Nigeria. The study provides empirical evidence that empowering women through education and membership of women organizations will enable them contribute more to rural development. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
The Effect of Dust on the Output Performance of Solar Module
Research Article
Author(s):
Amusan, Joseph Abiodun, Muzan, Andrew Imakeh
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
This study investigates the effect of dust on the output performance of a solar module. Two 250W monocrystalline modules (control & dust) were used during the study. The experiment was performed in the University of Port Harcourt, at the Basic Unit in Abuja Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria with longitude 4.903674?N and latitude6.923759?E. The amount of current and voltage generated by both panels, under solar radiation, were recorded using a digital multimeter at an interval of 15minutes between 7am and 4pm for a period of 7days. Measurement data and graphical analyses were used to evaluate the I-V characteristics of the control and dusty modules, and also the amount of output power generated by both modules. The minimum and maximum values of the Cumulative Average Power Output (watt) obtained for the control module were 2156.16W and 5790.655W respectively. While the minimum and maximum values of the Cumulative Average Power Output (watt) obtained for the dusty module were 1743.277W and 4714.068W respectively. The percentage reduction in output power for the solar module with dust typically ranged from 5.92% to 28.78%. The results reveal that dust particle accumulation on the surface of solar module leads to a significant reduction in the current, voltage and amount of output power generated by a solar module which in turn abates its overall performance. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very view studies which have investigated the effect of dust on output performance of solar module. The effect of dust is thus quantified in the geographical location. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Breeding for Weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais Motschulsky) Resistance in Maize (Zea mays L)
Research Article
Author(s):
Stephen Taulu, Davis M. Lungu, Philemon H. Sohati
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
A study was conducted with an overall objective of establishing the determinants of weevil resistance in maize. Field experiments were done at GART using a North Carolina Design II with three replications and also at Nanga research in Mazabuka. Laboratory experiments were conducted at Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Entomology laboratory and University of Zambia, Food Science Department where insect bioassay and the biochemical tests were done respectively. In the insect bioassay grain hardness, grain weight loss, median development period, F1 progeny emergence and the Dobie index of susceptibility indices were measured. Protein and the Phenolic content were determined under the biochemical tests among genotypes. They were highly significant differences in all the twenty seven genotypes evaluated. Results showed that Parental survival accounted for 78.5 % of the total variation, Phenolic content was strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.423***) with grain hardness providing a good measure of resistance accounting for the 10.9 % of the total variation. The study showed the possibility of breeding maize genotypes with an increased resistance and also susceptible lines had a decreasing Phenolic content but increasing Phenolic content resulted in increased resistance. It was therefore concluded that Phenolic content and parental survival can be used as an indirect selection criteria for weevil resistance. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the development of the Host-plant resistance as a pest control method is environmentally safe, economically cheaper method to farmers and most compatible with other components in the Integrated Pest Management initiatives. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
Study of Heavy Metals Variability and their Effect on Plant Growth in Kanzenze River of Upper Akagera Catchment, Rwanda
Agricultural swamps are among the major fruitful and exposed to heavy metals deposition and contributes to ecological concerns. Heavy metals are mainly pollutants to deteriorate water quality and affect plant health through leaching and seepage process from industrial services, anthropogenic activities, erosion and mining activities. The study aimed to assess heavy metals, water quality and their effect on plant growth along Kanzenze Swamp of the Akagera Upper Catchment. The total of Sixteen chemical parameters of water including Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Magnesium hazards, Kelly Index and Soluble Sodium Percent were analyzed and observed values were thereafter compared with international standards values recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Photometric methods and Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer machines were used to detect the heavy metals while analytical. Descriptive analysis and Principal Components Analysis techniques were used to correlate water quality parameters for similarities and dissimilarities through cluster analysis. All statistical analysis were performed by using Statistical Package for Social Science version 22.0. The study findings shows that most water use for irrigation is polluted by heavy metals with maximum values compared to Rwanda national and international permissible standards for irrigation. The heavy metals with highest content included Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Manganese, Cadmium and Chromium. Hence farmers relaying on this water may be disposed to health hazards issues and other environmental concerns. Therefore some effective measures like water treatments are compulsory vital needed to boost the quality of water for irrigation purpose. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated heavy metals variability and their effect on plant growth in Kanzenze river of Upper Akagera Catchment, Rwanda for water quality improvement in irrigation purposes. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Hydrology Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
The Impact of Data Frequency on the Level of Exchange Rate Pass-through to Consumer Prices in Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Babagana Mala Musti
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
This paper investigates the differential impact of data frequency in determining the degree of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to consumer prices in Nigeria. The study used annual and quarterly time-series data for 1986- 2013 period. The paper examined the level of long-run ERPT, the speed of adjustments and short-run ERPT using ARDL model. We found high and statistically significant ERPT in the long-run, which is in contrast with the previous studies on Nigeria. The results using quarterly data revealed incomplete ERPT to consumer prices. This paper shows that studies which use higher frequency data are more likely to get incomplete ERPT in the short-run, even in the context of LDCs. In the long-run, incomplete ERPT subsists with the quarterly data while there is a full ERPT for the annual data. The policy implication is that exchange rate stability plays a crucial role in controlling domestic consumer price inflation in Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by using different data frequencies to determine the degree of ERPT in Nigeria. No previous study on Nigeria assesses the impact of the data frequencies on the ERPT. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 6
International Business Expansion: The Roles of Affiliation and Ownership
Research Article
Author(s):
Roxana Wright
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
The study provides a unique perspective that transcends firm motivations to understand business expansion outcomes, investigating the expansion connection with geography and the characteristics of the companies that pursue it. Specifically, the research evaluates whether selected factors related to the origin and location of expansion, the company’s ownership status and affiliation, and the home and host regions predict a company’s expansion actions as international or domestic. The study uses a random sampling research design and a large sample of instances of company expansion, defined broadly as direct and indirect investments and business development actions. The procedure investigates the phenomenon over the long run, with a focus on prediction. The analysis concludes that affiliation position determines expansion type, with parent companies more likely to pursue international expansion. The paper also offers better understanding of the regions where international business development is more likely, with comparative findings in North America and Europe. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents direct and indirect investments and business development actions based on a large data set, providing a unique perspective on international expansion. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated business expansion in the aggregate and in relation to business group affiliation and ownership status. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 6
Post-Doctoral and Non-Faculty Doctorate Researchers in Engineering Education: Demographics and Funding
Research Article
Author(s):
Kehdinga George Fomunyam
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The driving force behind research in many countries is funding for research and development. The research at postgraduate level is predicated on a core research group championed by one principal investigator which might include staff scientists, postdoctoral appointees, non-faculty doctorate researchers, or graduate students and they play major roles in supporting the day to day duties in a research laboratory in order to gain more knowledge to continue their own independent research careers. In this case study, postgraduate postdoctoral appointees and doctorate holding non-tenure researchers in engineering were the study group and secondary data from National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (2018) was used in this study. From this result, it was noticeable that there were more of postdoctoral appointees in units much more than the other categories. There were more males than females among postdoctoral appointees and non-faculty doctorate researchers in engineering education. Findings reveal that most prominent primary sources of support for postdoctoral appointees are federal and nonfederal domestic. From the primary mechanism of support, research grants were the most available for post-doctoral appointees. This study therefore recommends that there should be more inclusion for females in engineering education and efforts be intensified on increasing funding in postdoctoral engineering education. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by examining the demographics and funding of post-doctoral appointees and non-faculty doctorate researchers in engineering education. Using recent data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, this study exposes the need for increased funding especially for females in several fields of engineering education. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
In-Service and Pre-Service Special Education Teachers’ Perception of NCTM Standards: Implications for Professional Development
Research Article
Author(s):
Emad M. Alghazo, Yazan M. Alghazo
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Special Education teachers face increasing difficulties when teaching students with Mathematical learning disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether special education pre-service and in-service teachers in a university in the Middle East are receiving proper training to deal with students with disabilities in learning mathematics. A 24-item self-developed questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 95 (N=95) special education pre-service and in-service teachers. The analysis of the data revealed that pre-service teachers had not accomplished sufficient competency in any of the NCTM standards that are necessary for providing meaningful and useful learning experiences to their future students. However, the analysis of the data revealed that in-service teachers had sufficient competencies in all NCTM standards. These results help to contribute in informing the design and implementation of teacher education programs. Implications of these findings are further discussed along with recommendations for further development within the teacher education program for special education teachers. Contribution/ Originality
The study documents the current levels of understanding of the NCTM standards among Middle Eastern special education pre-service and in-service teachers. Furthermore, the study draws attention to the needs for professional development programs that adequately prepare special education teachers for teaching mathematics to students with learning disabilities. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
Rethinking Technological Learning Spaces for Effective Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Institutions: A Perspective from South Africa
Research Article
Author(s):
Sunday Olawale Olaniran, Mncedisi Christian Maphalala
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The emergence of learning technology in higher education is an interesting phenomenon that continues to gain acceptance. While South Africa is regarded as one of the leading African nations with quality higher education, there is a need for her tertiary institutions to fortify their technological learning spaces to meet the needs of today’s upwardly-mobile higher education students. This study adopts a single case qualitative study design in the form of a survey to examine the state of technological learning spaces in a comprehensive university. The actual data for the study was collected from eight (8) academic staff in a rural-based university in South Africa. Data were collected through focus group interviews to allow for rich descriptions of the true state of technological space of learning in the institution. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The main variables of technological learning spaces were broken down into sub-themes to address key research issues raised in the study. The findings revealed that though technological facilities such as Wi-Fi internet services, computer laboratory, and Learning Management System (LMS) are available in the institution, some factors are constraining the staff and students from effectively utilizing of these technologies. The study recommends adequate funding/investment, as well as a partnership between the rural based institutions and the universities of technologies in South Africa, as key steps in repositioning the institution’s technological space towards teaching and learning needs of the 21st century higher education students. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to a dialogue about the state of technological learning spaces in rural-based universities, and the need for a paradigm shift for better teaching and learning delivery. It takes the bold initiative to recommend a partnership between rural based institutions and technological universities in South Africa as a synergy. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
Investigating Pedagogical Paradigm Shift in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning in South African Secondary Schools
Research Article
Author(s):
Munyaradzi Sikhakhane, Samantha Govender, Mncedisi Christian Maphalala
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The aim of this study was to examine if any pedagogical paradigm shift has taken place in enhancing authentic teaching and learning in secondary schools. It explored the pedagogical practices currently employed in secondary schools. The theory underpinning the study was the 21st century pedagogy for teaching and learning. A qualitative research design was adopted and data was generated from three secondary schools, consisting of 30 learners through focus group discussion and six teachers using semi-structured interviews. This sample was purposively selected by virtue of having and using digital computer technologies. An observation of 6 lessons was conducted and data was analyzed using an inductive thematic framework. By adopting an interpretivist paradigm, this data was collected using participant observation, as the main data-collection instrument for this study, triangulated with semi-structured teacher-and learner-focus group and interviews. The findings revealed that ‘old’ teacher-centered pedagogies continued unabated as the common instructional style and promoted learner-passiveness. It compromised on active learner-academic performance and making a meaningful significant intellectual achievement. This resulted in production of ‘mediocre’ human capital ill-prepared to face the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) challenges. This article recommends further research in areas pertaining to pedagogical shifts in line with digitalization of the world economy and education. Contribution/ Originality
This study helps to unveil the current pedagogical practices in enabling, and/or constraining, authentic instruction and learner-academic achievements in the wake of the 4IR world of work requirements. It further proposes the new pedagogical framework towards enhancing judicious and contingent guidance on educational practices during the 21st century era’s unforeseen challenges surfacing due to the ever-changing ubiquitous digital technologies pervading socio-economic and educational platforms the world over. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
The Role of Experiential Learning and Engineering Design Process in K-12 Stem Education
Research Article
Author(s):
Nguyen Tien Long, Nguyen Thi Hoang Yen, Nguyen Van Hanh
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The STEM education emphasizes on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with a major focus on engineering design process that engineers require in solving challenges or problems. Kolb's model provides micro-learning activities such as experiencing, sharing and processing, generalizing and applying. Therefore, both Kolb’s model and engineering design process are indispensable in K-12 STEM education. The K-12 STEM curriculum provides and guides students to complete a series of experiential tasks in engineering design process. Kolb's model explains how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are connected and integrated in each task of engineering design, while the engineering design process is an effective pedagogical approach for students to learn how to solve real problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the positive role of Kolb's model and engineering design process in K-12 STEM education from the students’ perspective. The results of experimental research with 32 middle school students showed that a series of experiential tasks in engineering design process are effective activities to cultivate knowledge construction, intrinsic motivation and satisfaction of students, and stimulate students' interest in STEM fields. Contribution/ Originality
The paper is the first logical analysis of the combination of Kolb's experiential learning model and engineering design process in K12-STEM education system. The findings can act as a blueprint for educators to design interdisciplinary K12-STEM curriculum. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
The Challenge of Managing Children with Autism from Fathers’ Perspectives
Research Article
Author(s):
Awatif Hannan Suhaimi, Suziyani Mohamed, Nor Atiqah Satari, Kamariah Abu Bakar, Faridah Yunus
It is widely known that parents of children with autism encounter various challenges in raising their children. Reports related to previous studies indicated that these parents experienced higher stress compared to parents of typical children. However, the study pertaining to fathers of children with autism has not been explored, and it has left a gap in the study of parenting in relation to children with developmental problems, especially autism. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the challenges faced by fathers in managing children with autism. This study used semi-structured interviews as a research tool and sampled five fathers of children with autism between the ages of four and nine years of age. The study was conducted in Langkawi Island, Kedah. The results found that fathers have to cope with challenges from an emotional aspect in accepting and managing children with autism. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is the finding that fathers experience emotional challenges while caring for their children with autism, which is similar to mothers’ experiences reported in past studies. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 09-2020 Issue: 3
Comparative Analysis of Reference Evapotranspiration by Hargreaves and Blaney-Criddle Equations in Semi-Arid Climatic Conditions
Research Article
Author(s):
Muhammad Hafeez, Zia Ahmad Chatha, Alamgir Akhtar Khan, Allah Bakhsh Gulshan, Abdul Basit, Fatima Tahira
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences
There are various equations for calculation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo), but the Penman-Monteith (PM FAO-56) equation has been considered as the standard ETo equation. The key problem of PM FAO-56 equation is that it uses large number of weather parameters like air temperature, wind velocity, humidity and sun radiation as input. These weather parameters are not accessible at all weather stations of the world especially in developing countries. So, ablatives ETo equations like Hargreaves (HG) and Blaney-Criddle (BC) equations are used for estimation of ETo which required very small number of weather parameters that are readily available at most of the weather stations of the world. A research is conducted to compare HG and BC ETo equations for estimation of monthly ETo under semi-arid climatic regions of Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar, Pakistan. The PM FAO-56 ETo equation is considered as reference ETo equation for the assessment of HG ETo and BC ETo equation. The statistical results indicate that HG ETo equation overestimates PM FAO-56 ETo method by 7.91% at Lahore weather station, 5.59 % at Faisalabad weather station and 11.95% at Peshawar weather station. The BC ETo equation overestimates PM FAO-56 ETo equation by 34.345% at Lahore weather station, 28.637% at Faisalabad weather station and 21.44% at Peshawar weather station. The variation of HG ETo equation with PM FAO-56 ETo equation with RMSE of 0.487 mm/day at Lahore weather station, 0.521 mm/day at Faisalabad weather station and 0.985 at Peshawar weather station is noted. The variation of BC ETo equation with PM FAO-56 ETo equation having RMSE of 3.03 at Lahore weather station, 2.58 at Faisalabad weather station and 1.96 at Peshawar weather station is noted. Contribution/ Originality
The objectives of this study is to compare the HG ETo and BC) ETo equations against FAO-56 PM ETo equation in semi-arid climatic conditions. Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
The Brain Drain in Egypt and its Impact on Economic Growth
This study aimed to assess the “brain drain” of Egypt and measure its impact on the country’s economic growth during the period 2000–2018, as well as explore specific policies that Egypt could adopt to reduce the phenomenon of brain drain. The results show there is an inverse relationship between the brain drain variable and gross domestic product (GDP), as an increase in talent migration by 1% leads to a 5.7% decrease in GDP, and this relationship is incredibly important. Capital accumulation positively affects GDP, as a 1% increase in the variable of capital accumulation leads to an increase of 3.2% in GDP, and human capital also positively affects the GDP, as a 1% increase in the human capital variable leads to an increase of 4.4% in GDP. These results are consistent with the economic theory that increased capital leads to an increased rate of economic growth. The study concludes that there are positive and negative effects associated with the brain drain in Egypt. The positive aspects are the increased remittances of workers abroad and the transfer of technology and investments through migrants who continue to have an association with Egypt, while the negative aspects are a decrease in human capital and decreased economic growth and productivity due to the migration of talents. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on the brain drain phenomenon. The study uses new estimation methodology to fill the research gap regarding the impact of brain drain on economic growth; this study is one of few that have investigated the brain drain in Egypt using econometrics methodology. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4
The Influence Factors of School Management in Developing Entrepreneurship Literacy in Vocational Education
Research Article
Author(s):
Amrazi Zakso, Iskandar Agung, Agus Amin Sulistiono
Journal: World Journal of Vocational Education and Training
This paper aims to explain the effect of school management on entrepreneurship and literacy education in vocational secondary education students (Indonesian: SMK). However, school management itself is estimated to be influenced by various factors which are also described in this paper, including: competence of school principals, curriculum development, entrepreneurship training, community participation, and local potential. The research sample was conducted at 14 vocational schools in 7 (seven) provinces in Indonesia, with a sample size of 824 students. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires, interviews, and FGD. In particular, questionnaires were distributed to students who had previously been tested to determine the validity and reliability of the existing questions, using Person and Cronbach Alpha criteria. The research analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the help of the Lisrel 8.70 program. The results showed that school management in entrepreneurship education was influenced by factors or variables of school principal competence, entrepreneurship curriculum, entrepreneurship training, community participation, and local potential. Furthermore, school management influences the management of teacher competence, learning facilities, and the application of entrepreneurship education in developing student entrepreneurial literacy. It is suggested that entrepreneurship education be an element in the vision, commitment and seriousness of school management. On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to the indicators that contribute the strongest value to each of the factors or variables that affect school management, and variables that are influenced by school management. Contribution/ Originality
This paper focuses on analyzing small-sample business survey data. We survey 129 businesses in Nepal, where a majority of businesses express an overwhelmingly positive perception towards microfinance institutions (MFIs). The survey focuses mainly on how businesses perceive the services provided by local MFIs. In order to address the bias in maximum likelihood estimation in the context of small sample size, we utilize Firth’s adjusted maximum likelihood estimation procedure in the application of logistic regression. The results show that it is the borrowing of a loan from an MFI, not the actual business performance, which influences a business owner’s perception towards the role of MFIs in various aspects of rural development. While there is no strong evidence of the MFI loans helping with the actual business performance, and thereby influencing the perceptions, we discuss the potential benefits of owning a business that may be contributing to the positive perceptions towards the institutions with which they are associated. These findings have important implications from the managerial perspective of both MFIs and governing institutions in developing countries. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents how businesses express positive perception towards MFIs because of their membership, not necessarily because they have more favorable business outcomes. Methodologically, the paper uses Firth’s logistic regression to address the bias present in maximum likelihood estimates computed from a small sample, something common in microfinance studies. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2
Abstract