Big Effect Research Articles

Beyond Simple vs Complex: Exploring the Nuanced and Unexpected Effects of Spatial Environmental Complexity on Mating Patterns and Female Fecundity.

The features of the physical environment set the stage upon which sexual selection operates, and consequently can have a significant impact on variation in realized individual fitness, and influence a population's evolutionary trajectory. This phenomenon has been explored empirically in several studies using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) which have found that changing the spatial complexity of the mating environment influenced male-female interaction dynamics, (re)mating rates and realized female fecundities. However, these studies did not explore mating patterns, which can dramatically alter the genetic composition of the next generation, and frequently only compared a single, small "simple" environment to a single larger "complex" environment. While these studies have shown that broadly changing the characteristics of the environment can have big effects on reproductive dynamics, the plasticity of this outcome to more subtle changes has not been extensively explored. Our study set out to compare patterns of mating and courtship between large- and small-bodied males and females, and female fecundities in both a simple environment and two distinctly different spatially-complex environments. We found that realized offspring production patterns differed dramatically between all three environments, indicating that the effects of increasing spatial complexity on mating outcomes are sensitive to the specific type of environmental complexity. Furthermore, we observed female fecundities were higher for flies in both complex environments compared those in the simple environment, supporting its role as a mediator of sexual conflict. Together, these results show that the union of gametes within a population can be greatly influenced by the specific spatial features of the environment and that while some outcomes of increased environmental complexity are likely generalizable, other phenomena like mating patterns and courtship rates may vary from one complex environment to another.

Exploring the Effects of Mathematics Laboratory Usage on students’ Skills Development: A Case of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Musanze District, Rwanda

The aim of this study was to explore how the use of mathematics laboratories affects the development of mathematics skills in learners from selected public secondary schools in Musanze District, Rwanda. Adopting constructivism theory, the study utilized a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, respectively. The study randomly sampled 348 learners and 16 mathematics teachers from the targeted population of 2679 participants. In relation to students' standardized test scores and teacher assessments, the analysis examined the frequency of lab use, lab activities, resource quality, and teacher training. Findings from quantitative data revealed positive correlations between lab usage and skill development across all measures. The frequency of lab use and teacher training were particularly strong predictors of improved performance. The results show that how often teachers use the lab (B =.122, p <.001) and their training and support (B =.150, p =.010) have a big effect on their evaluations, which means that these things have a positive effect on evaluations. In contrast, the types of lab activities and the quality of lab resources have no significant impact. These findings suggest that enhancing lab use frequency and providing robust training and support for teachers are crucial for improving teacher assessments. Interview results show that hands-on activities significantly boost critical thinking and the real-world application of mathematical concepts. From classroom observations, the study revealed remarkable discrepancies in student participation and resource availability between day and boarding schools. The findings suggest that the school administration should incorporate lab activities into the curriculum, enhance the frequency of lab use, and facilitate continuous teacher training by providing sufficient resources. Teachers should integrate engaging lab activities to strengthen theoretical concepts and encourage active learning. Students are urged to actively participate in lab sessions and look for help when necessary. These results help us understand how mathematics laboratories can improve learning outcomes in Rwandan secondary schools.

Retraction Note: Application of big data classification effects based on neural network in video English course and relevant optimization suggestions

Retraction Note: Application of big data classification effects based on neural network in video English course and relevant optimization suggestions

Exploring the impact of auditor industry specialization on income smoothing

Since the late 1970s’ reform and opening-up, China’s economy has achieved remarkable success, maintaining an average annual GDP growth of 9.7% from 1978 to 2006. In 2007, China achieved a GDP of 3.38 trillion USD, surpassing Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy, and by the second quarter of 2010, it had become the second-largest economy globally. These developments have attracted international investors’ attention to Chinese equities. However, China’s poor reputation for corporate governance may deter investors, despite their positive outlook on China’s economy. Corporate managers in China are known to engage in income smoothing, taking actions to dampen fluctuations in their firms’ publicly reported net income. In 2004, the OECD proposed that a strong disclosure regime promoting real transparency can help attract capital and maintain confidence in the capital market, with income smoothing being a key concern for both institutional and individual investors. This study investigates how auditor industry specialization (AIS) affects income smoothing behavior in Chinese listed companies. Using a sample of 27,208 firm-year observations from 2006 to 2018 collected from the Taiwan Economic Journal Database, the results indicate that AIS is negatively related to managers’ income smoothing behavior, underscoring the importance of industry expertise in mitigating such practices. Additionally, an independent t-test highlights the difference between Big Four and non-Big Four auditors in influencing client companies’ income smoothing behaviors. The study further demonstrates the significant moderating effect of Big Four auditors on the relationship between accounting firms with top industry expertise and client companies’ income smoothing, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Chinese market. This study verifies the suppressive effect of AIS on firms’ income smoothing and indirectly suggests that governments (or the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CICPA) should regularly disclose accounting firms/auditors with industry expertise publicly. This regime can help global investors make informed investment decisions.

Highly-efficient low-cost polarization-sensitive organic photodetectors based on laminated self-assembly planar and bulk heterojunctions

To overcome the severe problems arising from the insufficient light absorption of ultrathin self-assembly active layers and the high cost use of atomic force deposition (ALD)-grown low-leakage-current transport layers, we successfully developed a low-cost, simple and facile strategy of floating-film transfer and multilayer lamination (FFTML) for constructing highly-efficient ALD-free broadband polarization-sensitive organic photodetectors (OPDs) with the two commonly used structures of donor/acceptor planar heterojunction (PHJ) and donor:acceptor multilayer bulk heterojunction (BHJ). It was found that the PHJ-based polarization-sensitive OPD by FFTML possesses a low dark current due to the high carrier injection barrier, indicating it is more suitable to be applied in low polarized light detection scenarios. In contrast, the BHJ-based device by FFTML has a higher spectral responsivity in the whole wavelength due to more photo-excitons transferred to the donor:acceptor interface and dissociated into photoexcited carrirers. Furthermore, the film thickness, which is tuned by increasing lamination number of BHJ layers, has a big effect on the polarization-sensitive photodetection performance. The polarization-sensitive 4-BHJ OPD by FFTML finally achieved a high specific detectivity of 8.33 × 1010 Jones, which was much higher than 2.72 × 1010 Jones for the 2-BHJ device at 0 V. This work demonstrates that layer-by-layer lamination of self-assembly films can effectively improve the polarized-light detection performance, contributing significantly to the rapid development of the field.

The distribution of public service spending

Abstract In 2019–20, a total of £509 billion [22.5% of gross domestic product (GDP)] was spent on providing public services and infrastructure in the UK. Unlike spending on cash benefits, the primary aim of this spending is not redistribution. But spending on this scale does have big distributional effects—even before considering impacts of services on other dimensions of inequality, such as educational, health and labour market outcomes. There has been a long tradition of analysis of how public service spending is distributed across the population in the UK. This commentary has three main aims: first, to explain the key conceptual and methodological issues involved in such analysis, second, to set out what we know about the distribution of spending on major public services and how and why this changed over time, and third, to identify key lessons for policy and avenues for future research.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE DRIVERS: ANALYSING THE IMPACT ON ONLINE BUYING BEHAVIOUR OF UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES IN PUNJAB

Many businesses are using social networking sites to try to change how people behave, but not many studies have looked into how these tactics influence the online purchasing habits of university workers throughout India. Therefore, this study examines the impact of social media marketing on the online shopping habits of university staff in Punjab. It focuses on how different demographics factors affect how often and how much people buy. Despite extensive research on the general impact of social media on buyer behaviour, the effects on Indian university workers have received less attention. This gap highlights the need for more focused research to enhance the effectiveness of marketing plans and understand the impact of social media on this specific group of individuals. The research employed quantitative methods, polling 673 workers from several universities in Punjab and analysing the data through multiple regression and other statistical techniques. We looked at major factors such as age, gender, ease of shopping, competitive price, number of choices, response to ads, and yearly income. The results show that gender, how simple it is to buy something, and income have a big effect on how people buy things online. Average age, price competition, number of options, and ad engagement have less impact. These results indicate that marketing strategies that prioritize ease of purchase and cater to specific gender and class groups are likely to yield better results.

The Influence of Work Communication and Work Discipline on Employee Performance at PT. Asahi Denso

Work communication is the main door for the flow of all ideas, ideas, problems and can even lead to innovation in work efficiency. Then work discipline is an important element in the world of work to maintain stability or a conducive work atmosphere. These two variables certainly have a role in maintaining employee performance in the company. This research method uses quantitative survey research with variables of work communication, work discipline and employee performance. The research location is at PT Asahi Denso Indonesia. Data analysis uses regression testing on variables. The results of research on work communication and work discipline have a significant simultaneous effect on employee performance. Furthermore, work communication has no effect on employee performance, while work discipline actually has a big effect on employee performance.

Articulating a model to enhance the effect of e-HRM on sustainable competitive advantage

Purpose: This paper articulates a model that maximizes the use of e-HRM to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. It examines the indirect effects of e-HRM use on sustainable competitive advantage, through job satisfaction, employee performance, and perceived organizational politics. Design/methodology/approach: A survey approach was used to collect data from 30 organizations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study sample. The SPSS PROCESS Macro for running mediation analysis was used to analyze data. Findings: The findings show the indirect effect of e-HRM on sustainable competitive advantage through job satisfaction, employee performance, and perceived organizational politics. Job satisfaction has the biggest effect on achieving strategic outcomes. For organizational excellence, e-HRM use should complement other HRM practices. Practical implications: Management should pay attention to employee outcomes during the implementation of e-HRM. This study broadens the scope of the interaction between e-HRM use and sustainable competitive advantage. This study was conducted in a developing economy and demonstrated that the effects of e-HRM use on sustainable competitive advantage are not limited to developed economies. Originality/value: This study is one of the pioneering efforts to develop a model that maximizes organizational outcomes in developing countries. In addition, this study contributes to the understanding of intervening variables necessary to enhance information technology’s potential within the HR function.

How Up-to-date Employees are on the Environment and How that Affects Green Human Resource Management

he goal of this learning was to look at the green HRM methods used in Bangladesh's clothing industry and how they affect employees' green behavior at work and in their free time. This study looked at how workers' knowledge of the environment affected the connection among green HRM performs and the green things they did at effort and in their individual survives. A administered by oneself questionnaire poll was used to gather the data. 270 managers and supervisors from Bangladeshi clothing makers took part in the poll. Moderated regression study was used to examine the study model that was proposed. The study found that green HRM practices made employees more environmental friendly at workplace and in their individual lives. These benefits were positive and statistically significant. The results show that things employees do to be green, both inside and outside of work, are probably a result of what they've learned and experienced at work. Green HRM methods had a bigger effect on workers who cared about the environment, as shown by the fact that knowing about the environment lessened the effects on green behavior at work and in their free time (Biemans, 2013). The study's results give policymakers and HR experts ideas for how to get workers to behave in ways that are better for the environment. This will help to improve environmental performance. Contribution/Originality: This study not only fills in a gap in the research, but it also adds to it by looking into how green HRM performs influencing workers' green behavior at work and outside of work.

Analysis and Statistical Assessment of Liquefaction Potential Using SPT-N Approach in Bhandara Region Maharashtra: Implications for Infrastructure Development

The Bhandara area in Maharashtra, India, has a lot of earthquakes, so its liquefaction potential needs to be studied in detail to help with building infrastructure. This research uses the Standard Penetration Test (SPT-N) method to check how easily the dirt in the area can become liquefied. When SPT-N numbers are added to soil qualities and seismic factors, they are used to figure out how likely it is that the ground will liquefy when it is loaded with earthquake energy. Different types of dirt and different levels are more or less likely to liquefy, according to the results. The makeup of the soil, the level of the groundwater table, and the history of earthquakes are some of the most important things that affect the liquefaction potential. The study finds places where there is a high risk of liquefaction that are also expected to have big building projects. These results make it clear how important it is to include liquefaction mitigating measures when designing and building roads, houses, and other important infrastructure to make sure it is safe and strong. The study also gives a plan for future earthquake risk ratings in the area, showing how important it is to keep an eye on and update records of soil data and earthquakes. Using the SPT-N method along with current geotechnical and earthquake analysis methods, this study gives a full picture of the area's liquefaction risk. The results have big effects on the growth of infrastructure because they help engineers and managers make smart choices about how to lower risks, improve design, and make infrastructure in the Bhandara region last longer and be safer. In the larger field of geotechnical engineering and crisis preparation, this study adds to it by showing how important specific studies are for building strong infrastructure in areas that are prone to earthquakes.

Effect of Cutting Speed and Feed per Tooth on the Trimmed Surface Roughness and Tool Wear During Milling of CFRP: Aerostructural Part

The machining quality plays a pivotal role in determining the service life of components. In this context, the primary focus of the experimental investigation is centered on the impact of cutting conditions during edge trimming of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) material. The ultimate objective of this experiment is to pinpoint the most effective machining parameters, specifically the cutting speed, Vc and the feed per tooth, fz, to minimize damages during the edge trimming process using actual aerostructural sample components composed of CFRP material. Furthermore, the study took into account the issue of tool wear on cutting tools. The Design of Experiment (DoE) technique, specifically the Taguchi L9 orthogonal arrays method, was used to conduct this research. It was shown that the feed per tooth, fz, and the cutting speed, Vc, had the biggest effects on the trimmed surface quality as the longitudinal surface roughness increased. It was demonstrated that the fracture of the pyramidal tooltips in router-type tools happened more frequently at higher cutting speeds, Vc. The optimal machining parameters for minimizing damages during CFRP edge trimming were the combination of the feed per tooth, fz at 0.05 mm and cutting speed, Vc at 50 m/min. The most significant element influencing the tool’s wear was the cutting speed, Vc.

МЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА СВЕРХВЫСОКОПРОЧНОГО ФИБРОБЕТОНА С РАЗЛИЧНЫМ ВИДОМ СТАЛЬНОЙ ФИБРЫ

The article examines the influence of steel fiber type and volumetric content on the mechanical properties of UHPFRC. Five fiber types were used: corrugated 15/0.3 and 22/0.3 mm, straight 13/0.3 and 13/0.2 mm, and hooked-end 30/0.5 mm. The fiber volume content ranged from 0 to 3%. During the experimental studies, compressive strength, flexural strength, as well as the flexural fracture energy were determined. It has been discovered that an increase in the volumetric content of steel fiber results in an enhancement of all the properties under consideration, irrespective of the type of fiber. The fiber has the biggest effect on the bending fracture energy and the least on the compressive strength. Linear relationships between the mechanical characteristics of UHPFRC and the fiber factor were established, which reflects the volumetric content, length, and diameter of an individual fiber. The slope angle of the approximating lines of the “compressive strength-fiber factor” and “flexural strength-fiber factor” relationships takes on different values depending on the type of fiber used. The highest slope angle is found for corrugated fiber. It was discovered that there is a threshold value of the fiber factor, upon reaching which the steel fiber leads to an increase in the flexural strength of the UHPFRC. According to a generalized quality criterion it has been determined that corrugated fiber with dimensions of 22/0.3 mm is the optimal substitute for straight fiber 13/0.2 mm, which is widely utilized for the production of Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Enhancing Early Mathematical Skills Through Math Games

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of game-based mathematical activities on the development of preschool children's mathematical skills. A total of 54 children, aged between 60-72 months, participated in the research, with 26 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group, using a semi-experimental model with a pre-test post-test control group design. The children in the experimental group designed their own mathematical games with the guidance and support of their parents. Subsequently, they introduced these games to their classmates and played them together in their classrooms. Data were collected through the Revised Early Numeracy Test and focus group interviews. The findings have shown that the intervention significantly improved the children's mathematical skills. The initial score difference in mathematical skills favoring the control group was closed after the intervention. In addition, a significant increase with a big effect size in mathematical skill scores was observed in the experimental group children. It was also revealed that children in the experimental group enjoyed the mathematical activities and expressed their willingness to participate again. The findings were discussed, taking into account the role of game-based mathematical activities and parental support in the development of early math skills.

Unveiling Effective CSCL Constructs for STEM Education in Malaysia and Indonesia

The acquisition of knowledge and skills in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) plays a crucial role in fostering the development of future innovators. These subjects are critical for creating future thinkers. Additionally, it is important to note that there are a lot of job openings in the STEM fields, and this trend is expected to keep growing. However, students don’t seem to be as motivated to study in STEM fields or work in STEM fields. One teaching method that is becoming more popular is computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). This is because it can have a big effect on how people learn, especially in STEM subjects. It is very important to set up a CSCL learning environment for STEM schooling right away. However, that there isn’t a good framework and there aren’t many widely used design methods in this area. Without a question, there is a strong need to learn more about design methodologies in the areas of collaborative and technology-enhanced learning to come up with simple methods for CSCL. Because of this, the goal of this study is to investigate the conceptual parts of CSCL methods in STEM education. This will be used to make CSCL educational methods that are good especially for STEM education. STEM academics in Malaysia and Indonesia were surveyed using questionnaires to find the most important parts of CSCL strategies in STEM education, and the results were analysed using the Fuzzy Delphi Method. The results give us a list of CSCL settings used in schools, which can be used as a guide for creating and using CSCL strategies in STEM education.

The Effects of Homogeneous Grouping on Gifted Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Homogeneous grouping strategies are among the basic interventions for gifted education. Although the academic advantages of these interventions have been frequently documented, concerns about their possible psycho-social negative effects can sometimes lead to cautious approaches to their implementation. In this regard, the main objective of the present study was determined as examining the relationship between homogeneous grouping strategies and the academic and psycho-social characteristics of gifted students. Method: The current study is a systematic literature review. Empirical resources investigating the effects of grouping strategies implemented in the formal education processes of gifted students were included in the study. Either gifted students of compulsory education age (primary, secondary, and high school) or gifted individuals whose experiences at compulsory education age were focused on were the participants of the included studies. Eighteen studies identified in line with the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic literature review. The effects of homogeneous grouping were examined under the themes of academic effects and psycho-social effects. Findings: The findings of the systematic literature review demonstrate that implementing homogeneous grouping strategies in gifted education has academically positive but psycho-socially complex (positive and/or negative or neutral) effects. Discussion: The fact that educational arrangements for characteristics that differentiate gifted students from their peers are associated with positive academic outcomes is consistent with the relevant literature. The psycho-social effects of the homogeneous grouping of gifted students are usually related to self-concept, and most of the research findings included are consistent with the big fish-little pond effect.

Slippery sequences stall the 26S proteasome at multiple points along the translocation pathway.

In eukaryotes, the ubiquitin-proteasome system is responsible for intracellular protein degradation. Proteins tagged with ubiquitin are recognized by ubiquitin receptors on the 19S regulatory particle (RP) of the 26S proteasome, unfolded, routed through the translocation channel of the RP, and are then degraded in the 20S core particle (CP). Aromatic paddles on the pore-1 loops of the RP's Rpt subunits grip the substrate and pull folded domains into the channel, thereby unfolding them. The sequence that the aromatic paddles grip while unfolding a substrate is therefore expected to influence the extent of unfolding, and low complexity sequences have been shown to interfere with grip. However, the detailed spatial requirements for grip while unfolding proteins, particularly from the N-terminus, remain unknown. We determined how the location of glycine-rich tracts relative to a folded domain impairs unfolding. We find that, in contrast to a previous report, inserting glycine-rich sequences closer to the folded domain reduced unfolding ability more than positioning them further away. Locations that have the biggest effect on unfolding map onto the regions where the aromatic paddles are predicted to interact with the substrate. Effects on unfolding from locations up to 67 amino acids away from the folded domain suggest that there are additional interactions between the substrate and the proteasome beyond the aromatic paddles that facilitate translocation of the substrate. In sum, this study deepens understanding of the mechanical interactions within the substrate channel by mapping the spacing of interactions between the substrate and the proteasome during unfolding.

Cellulase-assisted refining in a paperboard mill: Avoided emissions from energy savings. A case study of a Finnish paperboard mill

The 2023 being on its way to be the warmest year in the 174-year global surface temperature history it is becoming more and more evident how crucial it is to break the linkage between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions.The pulp and paper industry is highly energy intensive industry sector. It is the fourth largest industrial energy user and currently produces approximately 1.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While the demand for paper and paperboard products keeps rising, it is essential for the industry to find energy efficient solutions for reducing the environmental impact of the pulp and paper products. 80% of the progress in energy efficiency in Finnish paper mills is due to improved technology and more optimal operational modes. Optimizing existing processes has bigger effect on energy efficiency than closing old and starting new paper mills.Pulp refining is one of the most energy intense steps in the paperboard production, representing 15%–18% of the total energy consumption of a paper mill. The effect of a commercial cellulase enzyme product was evaluated for energy savings and avoided emissions in the refining process of a paperboard mill. Data from a paperboard line using Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (BSKP) from a separate pulp mill was provided by a Finnish paperboard mill containing production runs both with and without commercial cellulase product ECOPULP® R. Data was collected from the mill automation system to evaluate and compare a refining capacity restricted run and a run that was not refining capacity restricted.Analysis of the data showed a reduction of refining energy by approximately 16%–17% when the cellulase enzyme was used. This corresponds to 2 kg of CO2 emissions avoided per tonne of pulp refined when calculated using the Finnish average electricity emissions intensity in 2022. Use of the cellulase enzyme enabled the refining results that could not have been reached with the bare mechanical refining capacity of the mill.Cellulases can be efficient processing aids in pulp refining. The reduction of required mechanical refining and electrical power to run the refiners to achieve the required freeness can significantly affect the carbon footprint of the paperboard products, whereas the negative impact of emissions from enzyme production is negligible. Reduction of CO2 emissions is especially significant in the areas where the electricity mix used for the production is based heavily on fossil fuels.

Tail connectedness between category-specific policy uncertainty, sovereign debt risk, and stock volatility during a high inflation period

Greece has experienced high inflation, increased fiscal deficit and debt in recent years, and whether the Greek sovereign debt crisis will resurrect has triggered widespread discussion. This study explores the tail connectedness between category-specific economic policy uncertainty (EPUs), sovereign debt risk (SR), and stock volatility in Greece using a connectedness method based on the quantile VAR model. The findings show that (i) The total connectedness index (TCI) features a U-shaped structure that varies with the conditional quantiles of variables, demonstrating that the spillover effect under extreme conditions for variables is greater than under normal conditions; (ii) Under different market conditions, we observe an apparent heterogeneity in the magnitude of category-specific EPUs' effects on the SR; (iii) The Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic both have a bigger effect on the TCI than other periods; (iv) SR has shifted from being a net spillover receiver in the median and left tail to a net spillover transmitter in the right tail.

When personalities collide: examining the impact of consumer and brand personalities’ interplay on brand hate development

PurposeThis study aims to propose and test an appraisal theory-based framework that depicts the impact of negatively valenced brand personality dimensions on brand hate development and the resultant outcomes of non-purchase intention and anti-brand actions. The study also delineates the moderation effect of Big Five consumer personality traits on brand personality-brand hate relationship.Design/methodology/approachAn international sample of 370 brand haters was collected and analysed with partial least square-based structural equation modelling.FindingsBoth negatively valenced brand personality dimensions of responsibility and activity are significant predictors of brand hate in consumers, and this brand hate leads to outcomes of anti-brand actions and non-purchase intention of consumers. Moderation analysis delineates that the consumer personality trait of neuroticism significantly moderates the relationship between both brand personality dimensions and brand hate. The study also established the importance of national culture in defining consumers’ behavioural intentions.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel appraisal theory-based integrated framework to understand the relationship between cognition of brand personality, brand hate emotional state and behavioural actions of consumers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider the impact of these personality dimensions on brand hate development while assessing the interaction effect of consumer and brand personality dimensions on brand hate development.