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Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among young adults and athletes in the last few years. Despite their popularity, little research has substantiated the claims of the positive effects on physical performance of popular energy drinks. Most current research focuses on caffeine alone, but does not often look at how mixing it with other psychoactive substances might alter its effects. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the alterations of gait tasks after consumption of three popular energy drinks on young healthy adults. Methods: Fifteen women and five men were recruited, screened, and signed informed consent to participate in this study. All participants were healthy young adults with no apparent comorbidities that might have been impacted by the consumption of energy drinks. Motion analysis was conducted using Movement Lab TM sensors placed at key anatomical points. Subjects were asked for two bouts of gait tasks pre-energy drink consumption, and then repeat the same tasks after energy drink consumption. Results: There were no significant modifications in gait, however, observable trends were detected in postural gait parameters following the consumption of a Rockstar energy drink. Conclusion: We infer that the trends observed could be attributed to the specific key ingredients used in Rockstar and might have caused gait deviations post consumption. Further studies should focus on Rockstar alone and its specific key ingredients of caffeine, guarana, ginseng, and milk thistle to determine their influence on gait deviations. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding gait adaptations to diverse energy drinks or energy drinks ingredients in healthy young adults. Particularly, this research identified trends towards gait variations that could be associated to the different ingredients in energy drinks and the interactions of these ingredients with caffeine. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Real-Time Car Parking System Using Arduino Control
In the ongoing examination of metropolitan areas, the increment in population produces high vehicle density on roads. Consequently, this prompts irritating issue for the drivers to leave their vehicles as it is hard to discover a leaving space. This paper introduces web based automatic smart parking system for vehicles. In this paper we have proposed a system which can easily manage parking system through networks of different sensors. This system can easily find a parking space and check whether the user parked the vehicle or not. In addition, this system can create unlimited locations and add slots to these locations. This is multi-user parking system where a single application can work for multiple locations. This parking system will improve the probability of successful parking and minimizes the waiting time of user. Moreover, this parking management system will encourage users to track parking slots and make the parking process a hassle-free experience. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing IoT literature that uses devices to provide a better parking system. This study investigated IoT with web-based applications and finds the slots for the user with direction provided on screen using map view. This Study shows the documentation of the real time parking system. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Competency-Based Reward System in Project-Based Organization: Empirical Study from Tunisia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
The traditional reward system (RS) based on the job description and salary scales is often unable to cope with changes in the business environment: market globalization, technological development, and organizational changes. In this context, the project-based organization (PBO) must adopt new RSs that encourage employees to have responsibility and autonomy in their jobs and define their professional lifestyle. The present work aimed to identify the challenges of a competency-based reward system (CBRS) in PBO. To this end, we carried out a qualitative study based on 31 semi-structured interviews with Tunisian project managers. The results showed that RS must fund the development of the project actor, emphasizing their current and potential competencies rather than rewarding past performance. In addition, RS may be a substantial risk in PBO when there is a significant gap between employees’ salaries. Improper distribution of rewards can negatively affect the motivation of project team members and encourage unproductive functioning within the organization. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by identifying the challenges of a competency-based reward system (CBRS) in PBO. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 6
Moderating Role of Gender in the Impact of E-Learning Quality on Students Satisfaction and Performance During Covid-19 Pandemic
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
This paper aims to examine the impact of E-learning quality on students' satisfaction and performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of gender as a moderating variable. A descriptive and inferential approach was used where a specially designed questionnaire was distributed on a simple random sample of students enrolled in Public Security Training City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered from 352 respondents. The multiple regression analysis was used to justify the proposed hypotheses. The study found that E-learning system quality and E-learning service quality positively impacted student satisfaction, which made a significant and positive impact on student performance. Moreover, gender played a moderating role in the relationship between E-learning system quality, E-learning service quality, and student satisfaction. Finally, it was found that the relationship between all variables during COVID-19 was stronger than relationships that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated relationships between E-learning system quality, E-learning service quality, and student satisfaction in the public security sector where new policies and regulations have been applied as a part of Saudi vision (2030), including women participation in this sector. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 4
The Effects of Economic Factors on Sustainable Community-Based Tourism in Upper Northeast Thailand
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
This research aimed to study the effects of economic factors on the success of sustainable tourism development in communities in Upper Northeast Thailand, as well as to study the indicators of success for sustainable tourism development in communities in the area. A questionnaire was used to collect 400 samples from four provinces: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom. Quota sampling was used to ensure 100 samples per province along with convenience sampling. Exploration factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were carried out. The results revealed that the economic factors affected the success of sustainable tourism development in the communities, which was measured by the indicators of community-based tourism (CBT) in all five dimensions. The indicators in the dimension of sustainable tourism management had the greatest influence on sustainable tourism development. The results suggest that the concerned agencies should set economic motivation policies and should educate about quality community management and development to help expand the economy in the communities in order to create income, generate employment, and increase the standard of living for people in the communities. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is the finding that economic factors enable the promotion of sustainable tourism development in comunities and function as a tool for tourism economics and policy making in the development of tourism at the macro level. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3
Local Peoples Perspectives on Religious Tourism: A Research in Demre District of Antalya
Like other industries, tourism and travel industry has been affected too much from global COVID-19 pandemic. The negative effects of pandemic can be easily seen in all tourism types starting from 3S (sea, sand, sun) tourism to religious tourism. According to World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) around 300 million tourists move internationally in religious tourism market. This study aimed to determine the perspectives of the local people living in Demre on religious tourism and to find out whether the local people living in the district were aware of the potential of religious tourism in the district. It also aimed to reveal whether there was a difference between the demographic characteristics of the local people and their perspectives on religious tourism. As a result of the logistic regression analysis conducted within the scope of the research, it was observed that people with high income levels and those working as managers had a low perspective on religious tourism. Contribution/ Originality
The study aimed to determine the perspectives of the local people living in Demre on religious tourism and to find out whether the local people living in the district were aware of the potential of religious tourism in the district. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Identifying Opportunities for Tourism Cluster Development in Rural Communities
This work aims to identify economic opportunities for future tourism cluster development in tourism-dependent regions using the case of Taos County, New Mexico. The work analyzes the composition of local tourism economic activities of Taos County by quantifying how concentrated the tourism sector is in the county compared to the United States and the State of New Mexico from 2011 to 2019. The author analyzed data from the New Mexico Department of Tourism’s state and county tourism economic impact reports, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the U.S. Census Bureau using location quotients analysis. Results show that Taos has no high-performing, rising, high-potential tourism-related industry, despite the tourism sector providing a steady economic base for the community. The traveler accommodation industry, which is more concentrated in Taos than the state and the nation, is trending downwards. The arts, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and retail hold the potential for strength in the future, potentially contributing more to the county’s tourism economic base. The implication is that practitioners should work with groups of businesses in the tourism cluster instead of individual businesses to address their shared critical needs. Contribution/ Originality
A community may have a strong concentration of tourism-related jobs and visitor spending; however, industry gaps may exist. For the first time, this work assesses how well the group of industries within a tourism cluster is doing in terms of their visitor spending growth and sustainability and identifies opportunities for future cluster development. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Intelligent Systems for the Internet of Things: Essence, Perspectives and Problems
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
This article outlines the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things describes a network of physical objects, i.e., the “thing” including sensors, software, and other technologies for connection and data sharing with other devices and systems over the Internet. In other words, IoT is a relatively new technology enabling many “smart” devices to get connected, to analyze, process, and transfer data to each other and connect to a network. The article clarifies the essence of intelligent systems for the Internet of Things, and analyzes the most popular software for the IoT platform. It studies high-level systems for IoT and analyzes available literature in this field. It highlights most advanced IoT software of 2021. The article also identifies the prospects and challenges of intelligent systems for the Internet of Things. The creation of new intelligent systems for IoT and the development of technology will greatly contribute to the development of economy. Contribution/ Originality
This analyzes the most popular software for the IoT platform. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Psychological Reactions in a Sample from Saudi Arabia During the Covid-19 Pandemic
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):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
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):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
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
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):
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences
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):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
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):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
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):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
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):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
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):
Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research
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
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):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
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
Abstract