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Listing 131 - 20 of 2806 results.

Testing the Validity of Arbitrage Pricing Theory: A Study on Dhaka Stock Exchange Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Syed Mohammad Khaled Rahman, Priyanka Mazumder
Journal: Financial Risk and Management Reviews

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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to test the validity of Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) of Bangladesh. Secondary data has been used which was composed of observable macroeconomic and stock market variables. Study period was from January 2013 to October 2018, making a total of 70 monthly observations. Study found that interest rate and exchange rate has significant influence but market capitalization and tax rate have insignificant impact on return of DS-30 index. Except exchange rate, other three variables were negatively related with DS-30 index return. 1% increases in exchange rate results 0. 993% increase in stock prices while 1% increases in interest rate results 0. 486% decrease in stock prices and vice-versa. Strong negative correlation was seen between interest rate and stock index return. APT have failed to fully explain the change of DS-30 index return due to presence of two insignificant explanatory variables. This research has practical implications on stock market participants as investors’ optimal strategy largely influenced by precision of asset pricing models. This research has also policy implications for Securities & Exchange Commission, government, and other regulators as findings of the study will assist them to develop more efficient capital market.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of asset pricing model by judging its reliability in Bangladeshi capital market. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the validity of Arbitrage Pricing Theory in Dhaka Stock Exchange with the help of index of blue chip companies.
Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1

Creative Leadership and its Relationship to Thinking Styles among Saudi University Leaders

Research Article
Author(s): Fozyah S. Alshammri, Abdullah K. Alenezi
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The present research paper aims to identify the level of creative leadership among university leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and its relationship to their thinking styles. It also reveals the differences between the level of creative leadership and thinking styles according to university type (public or private) and gender. Moreover, it adopted the analytical descriptive method. The sample comprised (60) university leaders. The field data was collected using the creative leadership scale and thinking styles scale. The results indicated a high level of creative leadership among educational university leaders in Riyadh. In terms of the thinking styles, the realist, pragmatist, idealistic, analyst, and synthesis were ranked first, second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences between the mean ranks of the participants on the flexibility domain according to university type (public or private) favoring educational leaders in public universities. There were no statistically significant differences among the other domains and total score of the creative leadership scale, as well as among the total score and domains of thinking styles scale according to university type (public or private) and gender.
Contribution/ Originality
Creative leadership is the basis of creativity. No creative environment can be found under a leadership that does not believe in development. Moreover, thinking styles build personality and develop confronting life situations. Therefore, the present study can promote higher education institutions as creative leadership among university leaders enhances thinking styles.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis and its Effects on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows during the Postpartum Period in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Research Article
Author(s): Jean Baptiste Twagirayezu, Vestine Musanayire, Lydia Murerwa, Mohamed Moctar Mouliom Mouiche, Jean Nepomuscene Hakizimana, Pascal Nyabinwa
Journal: International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research

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Abstract
Mastitis is one of the most important diseases affecting production and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCMA) and its effects on reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows. In a cross-sectional survey, sample cows (n = 200) within their 10-40 days in milk from smallholder farms (n = 159) were selected and tested for SCMA using California Mastitis Test. They were classified into two groups: cows with SCMA (SCMA group, n = 101) and cows without SCMA (WSCMA group, n = 99). Reproductive performance including calving-to-first-oestrus interval (CFOI), calving-to-first service interval (CFSI), calving-to-conception interval (CCI), cows that remained non-pregnant, postpartum anoestrus, and total number of services per conception were recorded for 150 days in milk. The overall prevalence of SCMA recorded was 50.5%. The mean number of days for CFOI was significantly longer (p<0.05) in cows with SCMA (87.6±4.8 days) than in cows WSCMA (72.5±4.3 days). The mean days for CFSI was significantly longer (p<0.05) in cows with SCMA (97.2±5.6 days) than in cows WSCMA (78.9±4.9 days). The difference between the CCI of the SCMA positive cows (107.8±7.4 days) and that of the negative ones (62.5±4.5 days) was statistically significant (p<0.001). Cows with SCMA required more breeding services (p<0.05) to conceive (1.9±0.1 services) than cows WSCMA (1.2±0.1 services). Results indicate that SCMA had significant negative effect on fertility performance. Therefore, improving management interventions to prevent and control SCMA is essential for reducing its adverse effects in dairy cows.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the occurrence of subclinical mastitis and its effects on subsequent reproductive performance of zero-grazed dairy cows under existing smallholder farming conditions. The study has also contributed to the existing literatures concerning mastitis infections in dairy cows.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Understanding Vocational Business Students Sustainability Consciousness

Research Article
Author(s): Na Liu, Xin Liu
Journal: World Journal of Vocational Education and Training

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Abstract
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing vocational business students’ sustainability consciousness. We surveyed 1,007 business students in a vocational college in China. We found that although both formal class learning and informal learning outside the classroom were positively related to students’ sustainability consciousness, formal class learning was more influential than the latter. Female vocational business students tended to have a higher level of sustainability consciousness than male students did. Second-year vocational business students tended to have a higher level of sustainability consciousness than first-year students did. Our study not only contributes to the prior literature but also provides implications for improving sustainability education in vocational colleges.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring factors that influence vocational business students' sustainability consciousness using a survey study.
Arts and Education » World Journal of Vocational Education and Training » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Mathematical Proficiency and Preservice Classroom Teachers Instructional Performance

Research Article
Author(s): Awad Faek Altarawneh, Saida Tawfiq Marei
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mathematical proficiency level of the Hashemite University female students in teaching mathematics during practicum program. The study sample consisted of (41) female classroom teacher students at the second semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The study adopted the descriptive approach. The data were collected using observation protocol; the validity and reliability of the protocol were checked and proved acceptable. Lessons were videotaped, in addition to written notes. Study findings revealed that the teaching performance level in math proficiency was generally weak. Moreover, the teaching performance level in both conceptual understanding and productive disposition was medium; while the level of performance in procedural fluency, strategic competence, and adaptive reasoning was weak. The findings also show that there was a positive moderate correlation between academic achievement and performance level. They also revealed that there were statistically significant differences in math proficiency at the significant level (? = 0.05) attributed to academic achievement.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of few studies which have investigated the mathematical proficiency through practical education program at the university. It will provide useful insights to stakeholders and educational policy makers to reconsider and developing the teaching and practical education plan for students of the class teacher specialization in Jordan.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Alleviating Climate Change Effect using Environmentally Friendly Process to Preserve Wood against Biodeteriaorating Agent

Research Article
Author(s): Adebawo F.G., Adegoke O.A., Ajala O.O., Adelusi E. A.
Journal: Journal of Forests

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Abstract
Human generated climate change caused by deforestation is one of the serious issues’ humanity is facing recently. Due to the effect of diminishing forest resources on climate change, it becomes indispensable to preserve the limited wood resources using eco-friendly preservation methods. Thus, this study aimed at modification of Triplochiton scleroxylon wood, with a view to increasing its durability. Sixty clear wood blocks, each with dimension of 20x20x60 mm were obtained from Triplochiton scleroxylon. After conditioning, the wood blocks were placed in a bioreactor containing acetic anhydride and acetylated at 120 ºC for a varying time of 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes, whereas the unmodified blocks were used as control. The moisture content and weight percent gain (WPG) of the wood blocks were assessed using standard procedures. The acetylated wood was characterised by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy. Wood blocks were exposed to termites in termite colony for 12 weeks. Analysis of variance was used to analyse the data at ? 0.05. The WPG varied from 10.4% (60 minutes) to 22.7% (300 minutes). The durability of the acetylated wood was enhanced with the percentage weight loss ranging from 30.20±3.20 to 3.46±0.54. However, all treatments proved to be effective over control (44.32±6.3%).
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the chemical modification of Triplochiton scleroxylon to increase its durability against biodeterioration. In order to mitigate the effect of climate change caused by deforestation, limited wood resources must be preserved using environmentally friendly processes.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Possible Technological Innovations for Industry 4.0 Practice in Furniture Industry of Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Dewan Sabbir Ahammed Rayhan, Farid Ahmad
Journal: Review of Industrial Engineering Letters

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Abstract
The Furniture Industry of Bangladesh has grown from the cotton industry in the early '90s. It comprises 71034 firms of which 81 are medium-scale factories and 70953 are micro and small scale factories. Both local and global remarkable rapid growth of the furniture industry has made this sector a profitable investment sector. This giant export market is dominated by China and Malaysia because of their technological innovations, up-gradation, and rapid technology transfer mechanisms to meet the requirements of industry 4.0. To catch this big furniture export market, Bangladeshi furniture manufacturers need to be updated by innovations and technologies with industrial revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). This study tries to find out some possible technological innovations for furniture manufacturers of Bangladesh for upgrading with industrial revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0), such as composite raw materials development, digital manufacturing, jointer machine, additive manufacturing technology, and 3D printing technology, etc. As technology transfer (TT) mechanism stimulates the innovation activities, this paper also shows a partially true modified technology transfer (MTT) model for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and large companies. Moreover, some existing technologies and pieces of machinery of Bangladeshi furniture manufacturers are illustrated with their applications.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper depicts existing technologies and pieces of machinery used by furniture manufacturers of Bangladesh. This study aims to illustrate some possible technological innovations as well as a modified technology transfer (MTT) model that can be employed soon age of industry 4.0 by the furniture industry of Bangladesh.
Engineering » Review of Industrial Engineering Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

The Impact of a High/Low Fulcrum Rotating Balance Platform on Standing Postural Stability in Healthy Young Adults

Research Article
Author(s): Martin G. Rosario, Carley Bowman, Abigail Versemann, Daniel Heistand
Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
Back or lower limb pathology may interfere with standing balance. Knowing the impact of high and low fulcrum balance platforms on tracking rotational activities could tailor stability training interventions. Purpose: To determine the influence of a low and high fulcrum balance platform combined with tracking tasks on postural sway while standing. Method: Twenty-five participants performed seven activities at two difficulty levels. The total sway area and medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) sway direction, velocity, and distance were measured during balance activities with various tracking platforms with a fixed middle fulcrum. Results: MANOVA revealed that postural sway area (m^2/s^4) with a high fulcrum decreased in front to back, rear twist, and front twist (p = 0.05) balance activities. The Mean velocity (m/s) analysis showed that tasks with a high fulcrum elicited slower velocities in the ML direction than those with low fulcrum activity (p < 0.05). Velocity also had more significant differences between tasks than any other variable (p < or =.05). Sway on the high fulcrum platform showed a longer length or distance in the AP direction (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Young, healthy adults, adjusted to more challenging balance tasks, such as when BoS is elevated, or rotational perturbations are added, by increasing sway velocity in the ML direction and sway distance in the AP direction. Clinicians and researchers should consider the height of the balance platforms and add rotation disturbances to increase the balance system's demands on different populations and pathologies.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding the detailed postural adaptation of young, healthy adults on a rotating balance platform. These adaptations will provide a stepping stone to establish targeted intervention in a population with balance impairments.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Identifying Mentor Teachers Roles and Perceptions in Pre-Service Teachers Teaching Practicum: The Use of a Mentoring Model

Research Article
Author(s): Phang Biao Li, Badariah Binti Sani, Nur Aizuri Binti Md Azmin
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
Mentor teachers need to play and perform their roles constantly when mentoring pre-service teachers in teaching practicum. Despite the plentiful literature on teaching practicum in the Malaysian context, research on mentor teachers’ roles played is still sparse. This research thus sets to investigate the roles played by the mentor teachers and explore their perceptions of the roles played. To investigate the roles played and explore the perceptions of roles by the mentor teachers, a sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used. A Five Factor Mentoring Model was employed and we recruited 124 mentor teachers using snowballing technique to fill in a questionnaire with seven mentor teachers to partake an interview. Findings show that the mentor teachers perceive themselves as playing their roles to a great extent and believe they have contributed greatly when mentoring pre-service teachers. While results are positive, further research is required to compare the responses between pre-service teachers and mentor teachers to determine the extent of truth on the roles played.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes and enriches the existing literature of mentoring pre-service teachers during their teaching practicum. Pre-service teachers get to experience professional development when mentoring roles are articulated and informed to mentor teachers. The study emphasized the necessity of all mentoring roles as a key to aid pre-service teachers to go through teaching practicum in the Malaysian context.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Employee Creative Behaviour: A Predictive Study of Perceived Relational Injustice and Workplace Ostracism among Public Sector Workers

Research Article
Author(s): Oguegbe, Tochukwu Matthew, Okonkwo, Kizito Ifunanya, Nwankwo, Anthony E.
Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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Abstract
The global pandemic and its concomitant effects on global economy has adversely impeded workplace creativity and workplace effectiveness especially in Africa. The present study examined perceived relational injustice and workplace ostracism as predictors of employee creative behaviour in the public sector. Participants in the study were one hundred and forty-six (146) employees drawn from public sector. They consist of 85 female and 61 male. The age of the participants range from 27 to 57 years with age mean of 41.55 and standard deviation of 7.14. Simple random sampling and accidental sampling technique were used to select the participants. The Employee’s Creative Behaviour Scale, Perceived Relational Injustice Scale and Workplace Ostracism were used for the data generation. The study adopted correlational design and Hierarchical Multiple-Linear Regression statistics as appropriate statistics for analyses of the data. Findings indicated that no significant prediction between perceived interpersonal of perceived relational injustice and employee creative behaviour at (F2, 143), ?= .11, t = 1.24, p>.05. Perceived information of perceived relational injustice on the other hand, significantly predicted employee creative behaviour at (F2, 143), ?=.19, t = 2.23, p<.05. Furthermore, work ostracism significantly predicted employee creative behaviour at (F1, 142), ?= .53, t = 6.03, p<.05. Therefore, it was recommended that hoarding of information and ignoring members’ effort in organisations should be avoided to enable the public sector experience growth and productivity.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature in the area of creative behavior of employees in the public sector through the understanding of basic workplace psychological determinants like perceived injustice and workplace ostracism in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Money Supply & Growth Nexus: Evidence from Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Onipede, Samuel F, Afiemo, Oghenekaro O, Nduka, Kodili N., Apinran, Martins O
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
The study focused on the dynamic impact of the broader money supply (M3) on economic growth (proxied by Purchasing Manager Index) in Nigeria between 2010M1 and 2018M12. The study investigated the long and the short-run relationship between the selected macroeconomics variables including broad money supply (M3); consumer price Index (CPI); Oil price (OIL), external reserves (Rev) and economic growth using, the Autoregressive Distributed lag (ARDL) method. The findings from the study indicate that in the long-run, the relationship between the broad money supply and economic growth is not only significant statistically but also positive in compliance with theory. The error correction coefficient -0.38072 is statistically different from zero and negative in line with a priori expectation. The result shows that deviation from equilibrium between economic growth as proxied by PMI and other predictors is recovered at an average speed of about 38% monthly in the long-term. The implication here is that the Central Bank of Nigeria is encouraged to maintain a steady rate in the growth of its monetary aggregates, in such a way that is consistent with economic growth. This, of course, is to serve as a complementary policy measure to government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
Contribution/ Originality
This study is adding to the existing literature on the subject matter in Nigeria by deploying a new data on the broader money supply, M3 that was recently introduced in the country. The work is around the first study to investigate the role of M3 on growth in Nigeria with Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Is Foreign Direct Investment the Way Forward for Manufacturing Sector Renaissance in Nigeria?

Research Article
Author(s): Ndibe, Beatrice C., Ojiula, Uchemefuna Ben, Asalu, Emmanuel N.
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
The study was an attempt to investigate the relationship between foreign direct investments (FDI) and the manufacturing sector contribution to GDP in Nigeria. Specific objectives included finding out the direction of causality between FDI and the growth of the manufacturing sector; and establishing the relationship between FDI net inflows and manufacturing sector contribution to GDP. To achieve the objectives, two research questions and hypotheses were formulated. Secondary data sourced from World Bank Development Indicators were used. The Granger causality model and linear regression model were employed to test the hypotheses. The empirical implementation of the model made use of macro-economic data covering the period of 30 years (1990-2019). The result showed that there is a unidirectional causality from FDI to manufacturing sector contribution to GDP. This implies that manufacturing sector contribution to GDP was not as a result of FDI inflows to Nigeria. Further findings revealed a statistically no significant linear relationship between FDI net inflows and manufacturing sector contribution to GDP in Nigeria. The implication of the study is that the little contribution made by the manufacturing sector in Nigeria is not as a result of FDI net inflows, hence there is need for government and policy makers to consider policy options that will attract FDI to the manufacturing sector.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literatures on foreign direct investments and manufacturing sector performance in Nigeria in a highly unstable business environment. Its analysis reveals the need for policy makers to rethink existing business investment policies in Nigeria in order to harness the potentials of the manufacturing sector.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 04-2021 Issue: 4

Online Learning Challenges Affecting Students of English in an EFL Context During Covid-19 Pandemic

Research Article
Author(s): Dima Hijazi, Amal AlNatour
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The sudden and rapid changes in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a shift in the educational methods used in educational facilities. Challenges faced by both students and lecturers have led to a quality difference in the education provided. This study was carried out on students who joined EFL English-99 and English-101 courses that enforced online learning during the 2019/2020 summer semester at Yarmouk University. A quantitative approach was used to answer the question of this study: What are the online learning challenges faced by English language students in an EFL context during COVID-19 Pandemic? A questionnaire of 52 items was sent online to 1,200 students to find the causes of the quality change. The items aimed to determine the effect on the student experience of the following challenges: infrastructure, computer skills, coordination, teaching methods, motivation & willingness, assessment methods and social aspects. The results showed the severity of the challenges as following: teaching methods, social aspects, infrastructure, computer skills and coordination all showed a high degree of challenge, and assessment methods, motivation & willingness came with a moderate degree of challenge. The researchers recommend conducting further research to determine solutions for the challenges faced by students in an EFL context in the online learning environment.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of few studies which have investigated the challenges affecting students when using completely online education in emergency situations. It will contribute to encourage academicians and authorities to find solutions to eliminate such challenges while maintaining a high-quality education via adopting productive online education practices.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2

Penicillium and Aspergillus Species Characterization: Adaptation to Environmental Factors and Sensitivity to Aqueous Medicinal Plants Extracts

Research Article
Author(s): Abdulnabi Abbdul Ameer Matrood, Abdelhak Rhouma
Journal: Review of Plant Studies

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Abstract
In this study, nine fungal species belonging to genus Aspergillus (6) and Penicillium (3), which were found on whiteflies cadavers adults collected from cucumber cultivation fields in Basra Iraq, are characterized regarding mycelial growth rate at different culture media, pH levels and temperature degrees, and their sensitivity under in vitro assay to aqueous extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Mentha arvensis and Allium sativum at different concentrations. Aspergillus and Penicillium species showed a wide range of tolerance to different culture media, pH levels and temperature degrees which decrease significantly there mycelial growth rate, although no of these parameters were able to inhibit them completely. This study has demonstrated further information on conditions favoring mycelial growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium species (at pH 6 and temperature between 25 and 30°C). In sensitivity assays, all tested species were susceptible to the aqueous extracts. The mycelial growth inhibition was significantly higher with the high concentrations of aqueous extract. The aqueous M. arvensis extracts at 150 mg/mL succeed to decrease the mycelial growth of A. parasiticus (82.5%) and A. fumigatus (81.67%). It appears that the growth rates of A. parasiticus (94.17%) and A. fumigatus (93.38%) was significantly inhibited by the aqueous A. sativum extracts at 150 mg/mL. A. fumigatus (80.83%) and A. parasiticus (76.67%) were high significantly inhibited by the aqueous extracts of O. sanctum at 150 mg/mL. The response of Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. to natural situations and aqueous extracts is important to understand their behaviour and to predict fungal spoilage on crops fruits.
Contribution/ Originality
This study documents the evaluation of the aqueous extracts efficacy of Ocimum sanctum, Mentha arvensis and Allium sativum against Aspergillus and Penicillium species and their sensitivity to culture media, pH and temperature under laboratory conditions.
Agricultural Sciences » Review of Plant Studies » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Institutional Advancement as a Reaction to the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Tourism City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Research Article
Author(s): Slawomir Wroblewski, Ian Patterson, Pavel Nartov
Journal: Journal of Tourism Management Research

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Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan and by adopting an institutional approach, to generate solutions that might contribute to the future development of the tourism and hospitality industries. A computer-based survey was developed and administered online using the Google Forms platform. The survey consisted of the following questions: (1) reactions to the pandemic’s influence on tourism (2) short-term recovery plans (3) long-term challenges, and (4) demographic characteristics of respondents. Surveys were distributed to email addresses of over 150 tourism managers and employees in Uzbekistan in June, 2020. A final total of 77 responses were found acceptable for analysis. Findings identified a number of institutions used as a response to the pandemic: additional state support for entrepreneurs, webinars, new investment projects, post-crisis measures, actions aimed at improving the product, and marketing campaigns to promote the tourism product. Several initiatives were instituted by Samarkand Regional Government including support for entrepreneurs and small business owners through start-up investment projects. However, overall, a lack of trust was shown between the tourism owners/providers and regional government with the majority of owners preferring to solve their own problems that were created as a result of the pandemic.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper uses an institutional framework for the analysis of the tourism industry in Samarkand, Uzbekistan which is unique and different from other current mainstream approaches. In addition it suggests solutions about how governments can use tourism as a major tool for the ‘start-up’ of the economy after COVID-19.
Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1

Analysis of Synergies in Indian Corporate M&A Deals: A Logit Regression Approach

Research Article
Author(s): Anjala Kalsie, Neha Singh
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
A firm's financial attributes play an essential part in the merger decision. The present paper attempts to improve the existing literature on assessing M&A activity in Indian corporate. The primary objective is to analyse 1) When synergies are gained, payment is made in cash, 2) When synergies are gained, M&A activity takes place in the related industries. The paper has analysed 20 major M&A deals which took place between 2010 and 2015 for the Indian Corporates. The data includes three year pre-merger , year of merger and three year post merger i.e. a total of seven year data for each deal has been used in the study effectively from 2007 to 2018. Random Effect Logit Regression has been applied to estimate the relationship. The major results derived from the analysis suggest that EBITDA has statistically significant relation with payment dummy as well as Industry relatedness. Statistically significant results have also been observed for Free Cash flow. Asset Turnover has also shown to have a significant relationship with relatedness of industry in our model. The results supports both the hypothesis of the study i.e. “When synergies are gained, cash mode of payment is preferred.” and “When synergies are gained, mergers & acquisition in related industry sector are preferred”.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated how the mode of payment in Merger and Acquisition(M&A) strategy is impacted by the synergies gained in the major M&A deals for Indian Corporates over the period from 2010 to 2015.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

The Impact of Fundamental Factors on the Share Price of Micro-Sized Nasdaq Listed Technology Companies

Research Article
Author(s): Simon Rafaqat, Sahil Rafaqat, Saoul Rafaqat, Dawood Rafaqat
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
The paper aims to examine the impact of fundamental factors on the share price of the companies in the sector of technology. Therefore, the study has selected eighteen micro-size technology companies listed in NASDAQ with a market capitalization between $50 million and $300 million. The data have been obtained from these companies’ annual reports, NASDAQ, and SEC ranging from 2015 to 2019. The study evaluates the influence of firm size, earning per share, debt equity ratio, current ratio, operating cash flow ratio, return on equity, assets turnover ratio, return on assets, and the net profit margin on the share price of the selected companies. Moreover, the study uses multiple regression analysis, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation test to find the effect of predictor variables on the share price. The results show that the operating cash flow ratio has a positive insignificant effect while debt equity ratio, net profit margin, and return on equity have a negative insignificant impact on the share price. However, return on assets, earning per share, and firm size have a positive significant relationship with share price, whereas the current ratio and the asset turnover ratio have a negative significant relationship with the share price. In conclusion, although the variables have a more negative insignificant effect than the positive insignificant impact on the share price, the variables have a more positive significant effect than a negative significant influence. Overall, the fundamental factors collectively have a significant impact on the share price of the experimented companies.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the effect of the fundamental factors on the share price of the eighteen micro-size technology companies listed in NASDAQ over the period from 2015 to 2019.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

On the OCC Announcement Allowing US Banks to Use Stablecoins and the Immediate Impact on Cryptocurrency Valuations

Research Article
Author(s): Mark Schaub
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
On January 4, 2021 the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a major regulator of financial institutions in the United States, announced that federally chartered banks and thrifts were now allowed to utilize stablecoins as payment instruments. Much research and many discussions have revolved around policies of governments worldwide in how to handle the new cryptocurrency phenomenon. The purpose of this short study was to observe the valuation impact of that announcement on the three largest cryptocurrencies and two others. Research findings show the altcoins with valuations not tied to the dollar had substantial increases in value while the stablecoins, which the announcement specified are now allowed to be used by banks, changed very little. Specifically, Bitcoin and Etherium increased over 20% in value within 5 days of the announcement while the stablecoins Tether and USDCoin changed in value by no more than 0.10% for the same event window. This shows that stablecoins lived up to their name even though they were promoted as an acceptable payment system in the US.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing cryptocurrency and event-study literature by examining the impact of an announcement by a major banking regulator in the United States upon the valuation of popular cryptocurrencies. Despite being plugged as acceptable payment methods in the US, stablecoins had no significant changes in value.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Reliability of Morphological Characters in Identification of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Varieties in Ex-Situ Conditions

Research Article
Author(s): Fathi Ben Amar, Hana Souabni, Olfa Saddoud-Debbabi, Mohamed Ali Triki
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

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Abstract
The study of the morphological characters of olive fruit and endocarp was carried out for 48 varieties planted in the collection of Boughrara (Sfax, Tunisia) and was compared to their characterization in the Tunisian catalog in their centers of origin. The study interested 8 characters for the fruit and 7 characters for the endocarp. The similarity rate was 73.3% for fruit characters and 64.6% for endocarp characters and eight characters of the two organs had similarity rates greater than 70%, particularly the weight, the apex shape and the presence of the nipple. Most varieties had similar identification for a total number of characters between 8 to 14 characters. The data revealed that the fruit contributed with 5 to 6 characters in the similarity of the varieties in the two databases against 4 to 5 characters for the endocarp. The results obtained showed a relatively strong discriminating power of the morphological characters in the identification of the different olive varieties in-situ and ex-situ conditions with an advantage for the fruit characters.
Contribution/ Originality
In the present work, we used morphological characterization in situ conditions compared to in-situ conditions for 48 olive varieties. The comparison of endocarp and fruit characters allowed to see how much is the importance of these characters in the characterization of varieties in different environments.
Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2

Sustainable Energy in Nigeria: An Integrated Women-Friendly Energy Supply Approach

Research Article
Author(s): Eze, C.N., Aduba, C.C., Arazu, V.A., Ughamba, K.T.
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

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Abstract
Sustainable energy is at the center of pursuit of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Gender inequality, fueled by religious and cultural beliefs, has hampered the achievement of sustainable energy supply in Nigeria. Women, who are major consumers of energy, are largely excluded from energy production due to a relative deficiency in technical training. The paper focuses on integrating women in sustainable energy supply in Nigeria through the adoption of women-friendly energy production methods such as biogas production. The importance of installing household biogas plants in rural communities, providing relevant technical training for women, as well as cheap labor for servicing the biogas plants, and establishing accessible markets for sale of excess biogas were discussed. The economic potentials of well-packaged biogas feedstock, and bio-slurry (a by-product of biogas production) were highlighted to portray the win-win characteristics of biogas production.
Contribution/ Originality
This review exposes the energy crisis in Nigeria as an effect of non-integration of women in energy production/supply systems, and proposed a woman-friendly energy resource that is capable of supporting a sustainable environmentally friendly energy supply in Nigeria.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2