Empirical Evidence Research Articles

What Makes a Good Match? Predictors of Quality Mentorship Among Doctoral Students.

Quality mentoring promotes graduate student success. Despite an abundance of practical advice, empirical evidence regarding how to match mentees and mentors to form quality mentoring relationships is lacking. Here, we examine the influence of variables theorized to predict mentorship support and quality in a national sample of 565 science doctoral students from 70 universities in 38 states. Our structural equation modeling results indicate that mentor rank, mentee capital, and the relationship matching mechanism (direct admissions, rotations) were not associated with higher-quality relationships. We found no support for the widely held belief that students whose mentors shared their gender, race, or ethnicity experienced greater mentorship quality. Rather, mentees who shared attitudes, beliefs, and values with their mentor, or whose mentors displayed greater cultural awareness experienced more supportive, higher quality mentoring. Furthermore, these patterns were largely consistent across both mentee and mentor demographic groups. These results highlight the potential benefits of pairing mentees and mentors who share personal and intrinsic qualities rather than demographic or surface-level attributes. Our findings also indicate that graduate students from marginalized backgrounds can be effectively mentored by faculty who are demographically dissimilar if their mentors engage in culturally aware mentorship.

Clarifying the levers of carbon emission reduction in compact cities in China: A multi-sectoral approach

Compact city policies have gained global attention for their potential to combat urban sprawl, conserve suburban open spaces, reduce energy consumption, and cultivate vibrant urban living environments. While these policies are widely believed to contribute to urban low-carbon objectives, empirical evidence has been lacking. This study focuses on the pivotal elements of compact city development, investigating impacts on sectoral urban carbon emissions and uncovering spatial heterogeneity. The research outcomes affirm that density and accessibility indicators exert significant negative influences on carbon intensity for the energy, industrial, household, and transportation sectors. While public transport, despite its fundamental role in compact city theory, does not show effectiveness in reducing urban carbon emissions as expected. The study highlights that as an approach toward achieving urban sustainability under the scope of climate change adaptation, compact city development strategies necessitate a careful balance in their application. Further, we underscore the importance of complementing compact city policies with greener energy strategies to effectively realize low-carbon urban transportation goals.

The Effect of Post-Placental Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices on Decreasing in Uterine Fundus Height in Postpartum SC Mothers

Introduction: Contraception and family planning services are an essential part of reproductive health. Postpartum IUDs in SC postpartum have a much lower expulsion rate than vaginal delivery. Objective: to determine the effect of post-placental intrauterine devices on the decrease in fundus uteri. Methods: Using a correlational analytical research design, the research design used is a prospective cohort with a sample size of 30 for the treatment group and 30 for the control group. Result: It can be concluded that the effect 2 hours after the installation of post-placental IUD is known (p-value = 0.279), which indicates that there is no influence between the variable of post-placental IUD installation of SC delivery mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. The effect of post-placental IUD insertion on the decrease in fundus uteri height in SC postpartum mothers at Karanganyar Regional Hospital on day 3 shows a p-value of 0.262, and it shows that there is no influence between the variable post-placental IUD insertion of SC mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. On day 7, the p-value = 0.008 means that the p-value is smaller than the value of α = 0.05 (p-value < 0.05) and that there is an influence between the variable of post-placental IUD insertion of SC mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. Post-placental IUD is a reference for making birth control choices during the postpartum period without interfering with breast milk. Conclusion: The conclusion does not prove the hypothesis in part because the rapid effect on the decrease in TFU in SC postpartum mothers is only after 7 days from the insertion of the IUD, while at 2 hours of IUD insertion and day 3 of IUD insertion, it does not have a rapid effect on reducing TFU in SC postpartum mothers. implications for the management of maternity women who plan to postpone the next pregnancy and this research can be used as empirical evidence that a post-placental intrauterine device acceptor has the potential to increase uterine contractions and accelerate the decrease in fundus uteri height on day 7.

Beyond Transparency: Unpacking the Financial Effects of Third-Party Environmental Disclosure in China’s Private Sector

This study aims to investigate the impact of third-party environmental information disclosure (EiD) on the corporate financial performance (CFP) of Chinese semiconductor companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2008 to 2022. Utilizing the two-way fixed effects model and method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), the results reveal that for each unit increase in third-party EiD index, there is a corresponding 0.87% increase in investments returns. However, this impact is moderated by the presence of female executives and strengthened by CEO political ties. The findings further identify financial constraints and green subsidies as mediating mechanisms, indicating that while financial constraints can deter third-party EiD adoption, green subsidies can facilitate it. High transparency does not always result in financial gains despite the general benefits. This study contributes to understanding the role of third-party EiD in driving corporate sustainability and provides empirical evidence regarding the financial and operational implications of voluntary engagement of the public in environmental governance. Such findings can inform corporate decision-making and policy formulation, encouraging more firms to participate in environmental regulation initiatives voluntarily.

PROTOCOL: The efficacy of nutritional interventions in reducing childhood/youth aggressive and antisocial behavior: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This is a protocol for a Campbell systematic review of intervention effectiveness. The goal of this systematic review is to answer the following questions based on the available empirical evidence: Are there nutritional interventions (dietary manipulation, fortification or supplementation) that can reduce excessive aggression towards others in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the three intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce antisocial behaviors in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce violent offending in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce non-violent offending in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? What implementation barriers and solutions to these exist in relation to the above nutritional interventions in children/youth?

Value relevance of accounting numbers and sustainability information in Europe: Empirical evidence from nonfinancial companies

Information is considered value relevant when used by financial markets in equity valuation and is reflected in market values. The value relevance of different information, such as accounting numbers, changes according to shifts in investors’ needs. Given the rising importance of environmental and social agendas for policymakers and practitioners, this study examines whether accounting numbers have lost explanatory power and sustainability information has become value relevant. The analysis focuses on 3,025 nonfinancial companies operating in the eurozone from 2005 to 2020. This study makes several contributions to the extant literature. First, analyzing the trend in the value relevance of financial accounting numbers, the results point to an overall decrease in the explanatory power of book values and earnings, particularly for environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-rated companies. However, the results indicate that ESG ratings have not gained value relevance over time. These findings have important implications for policymakers and practitioners. In line with the concept of “double materiality,” implementing ESG agendas will be possible only by redirecting corporate investment decision and increasing awareness of sustainability issues. This paper documents that such a shift has not yet been accomplished, despite the increasing commitment of the European Union to the ESG agenda.

Trust as a Determinant of Green Finance Through Information Sharing and Technological Penetration: Integrating the Moderation of Governance for Sustainable Growth

This study makes the first attempt to evaluate trust as a determinant of green finance as well as the collective effect of trust and green finance on the pillars of sustainable development. It further explores two parallel mediators (information sharing and technological penetration) and the moderation role of good governance in this relationship. The empirical evidence is based on Hayes's process analysis and the following findings were established: (1) Trust has a positive impact on green finance both directly and indirectly through technological penetration; (2) Good governance has a strengthening influence on the link between trust and green finance, particularly when trust levels are low; and (3) Trust and green finance collectively foster sustainable development. Thus, our study emphasizes the need to source funds in a manner that is transparent and digitally accessible. Overall, the result provides empirical support for the need for trustworthy collaborations and funding to drive sustainable development. An important policy implication is to reset the minimum information coverage and technological penetration levels to at least 6.86% and 7.54%, respectively.

Explaining the environmental efficiency capability of energy mix innovation among the Nordic countries

Improving the environmental efficiency performance of energy mix is important to the global carbon neutrality goal. Given this motivation, this study delves into providing more explanation about the role of innovation approaches to coal, oil, and natural gas energy resources in the Nordic economies i.e., Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden during the period 2000 to 2019. To achieve this objective and reach an evidence-based insight for policy formulation, the present study leveraged robust panel econometrics estimators that circumvent cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity issues in the investigated blocs. The empirical evidence shows that economic growth (GDP), coal energy, oil and natural gas contribute to the Nordic economies' environmental degradation in the short- and long-run. Contrarily, innovation via environmental-related patents mitigates environmental degradation, especially in the long run. Furthermore, the interaction models, i.e., applying innovative approaches in the energy mix's consumption, can mitigate carbon emissions across the countries, thus significantly improving environmental sustainability. Specifically, innovative approaches in coal, oil, and natural gas consumption improve environmental sustainability by mitigating carbon emissions, thus delivering respective environmental efficiency improvements of ~94%, ~108%, and ~123%. Additionally, Granger causality evidence further suggests that the examined factors are significant drivers of the environmental indicator. Regarding policy insight, this study affirms that further improvement in energy savings is vital to continuously deploying the conventional energy mix.

Exploring the Relationship Among Service Satisfaction, Motivation and Purchase Intention in Malaysia’s Online Banking

Customer satisfaction plays a vital role in service marketing, especially for online banking, due to the advancement of technology and the ease of online banking transactions. Recent studies have found that consumer motivation is crucial in capturing customer value and trust. Consumer motivation will affect consumer purchase intention. However, the scarcity of empirical evidence has inspired researchers to examine the relationship between consumer motivation, perceived service satisfaction, and purchase intention simultaneously in Malaysian online banking. Thus, the role of service satisfaction as a mediating variable in the relationship between consumer motivation (information influences, consumption patterns, and consumer involvement) and purchase intention was discussed in this paper. Data were collected from 250 online banking users through a self-directed questionnaire. All the data has been analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings confirmed the significant relationship between consumer motivation, perceived service satisfaction, and purchase intention. The results also indicated that perceived service satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between consumer motivation and purchase intention. Managerial implications were provided to guide online banking service providers on effective ways to retain their users through consumer motivation.

Household-level demographic and socio-economic vulnerability in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Central Vietnam

This study adopted the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) method using household-level demographic and socio-economic data to measure the vulnerability of rural households in Central Vietnam to the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that most households suffered from a partial or total loss of employment and a remarkable decrease in household income during the challenging time of the COVID-19 spread. The index scores demonstrated which characteristics and which components were more or less responsible for household-level vulnerability. The findings of the study found that low educational attainment of household heads, low engagement in stable jobs and limited access to the support from local government, grassroots organizations and groups were among the most constructing the vulnerability of the surveyed households to the pandemic.The study suggests that any response and adaptation strategies in short-term or long-term should firstly and ultimately pay special attention to building and enhancing household-level capacities and strengthening local governance so that the households and communities can be more resilient to any disastrous events in the future. It also agreed that the SoVI would be a viable technique in measuring place-based vulnerability and providing empirical evidence for more appropriate responses and prevention measures to crisis and pandemic like COVID-19.

Psychological outcomes in patients with rare cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rare cancers are those that exhibit an incidence of less than six per 100,000 in a year. On average, the five-year relative survival for patients with rare cancers is worse than those with common cancers. The traumatic experience of cancer can be further intensified in patients with rare cancers due to the limited clinical evidence and the lack of empirical evidence for informed decision-making. With rare cancers cumulatively accounting for up to 25% of all cancers, coupled with the rising burden of rare cancers on societies globally, it is necessary to determine the psychological outcomes of patients with rare cancers. This PRISMA-adherent systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023475748) involved a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO for all peer-reviewed English language studies published since 2000 to 30th January 2024 that evaluated the prevalence, incidence and risk of depression, anxiety, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with rare cancers. Two independent reviewers appraised and extracted the summary data from published studies. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression were used for primary analysis. We included 32 studies with 57,470 patients with rare cancers. Meta-analyses indicated a statistically significant increased risk-ratio (RR) of depression (RR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.43-4.77, I2=97%) and anxiety (RR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.27-5.55, I2=92%) in patients with rare cancers compared to healthy controls. We identified a high suicide incidence (315 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI: 162-609, I2=95%), prevalence of depression (17%, 95% CI: 14-22, I2=88%), anxiety (20%, 95% CI: 15-25, I2=96%) and PTSD (18%, 95% CI: 9-32, I2=25%). When compared to patients with common cancer types, suicide incidence, and PTSD prevalence were significantly higher in patients with rare cancers. Systematic review found that having advanced disease, chemotherapy treatment, lower income, and social status were risk factors for negative psychological outcomes. We highlight the need for early identification of psychological maladjustment in patients with rare cancers. Additionally, studies to identify effective interventions are imperative. This study was supported by the National Medical Research Council Transition Award, SingHealth Duke-NUS Oncology Academic Clinical Programme, the Khoo Pilot Collaborative Award, the National Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant-New Investigator Grant, the Terry Fox Grant and the Khoo Bridge Funding Award.

Energy Transition, fossil Fuels, and green Innovations: Paving the way to achieving sustainable development Goals in the United States

The United States, as the world's second-largest polluter, emitted a staggering 4.7 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2020. During the Leaders’ Climate Summit, the US president articulated precise targets for combating climate change, notably a 50 to 52 percent reduction in net CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. Consequently, it becomes imperative to identify the pivotal factors that are driving this intensified dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, it is vibrant to determine the basic causes propelling the intensified interest in meeting SDGs 7 and 13. From this perspective, this study explores the dynamic link between energy transition, fossil fuel energy, green innovation, and economic complexity index on CO2 emissions and ecological footprint in the United States from 1980 to 2020. The dynamic Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) simulations and Frequency Domain Causality (FDC) techniques are applied for long-medium and short-run causal association among the variables. Our empirical evidence shows that energy transition, fossil fuel energy, and economic complexity increase CO2 emissions and ecological footprint. On the other hand, green innovation reduces CO2 emissions and ecological impact only in the long term. The pragmatic outcomes suggest that authorities should inhibit Fossil Fuel Energy, concentrate on energy transitions, and include more renewable sources in the US energy mix. The findings would assist the United States in meeting SDGs 7 and 13.

Hand Written Digit Recognition System

Abstract: This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for the task of handwritten digit recognition, focusing on the extensively studied MNIST dataset. The study delves into the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, considering various aspects such as accuracy, computational efficiency, and robustness. Through an in-depth exploration of the literature and empirical evidence, this paper aims to offer valuable insights into the advancements, challenges, and future directions in the field of handwritten digit recognition.

Assessing the Impact of Seasonal Decomposition on the Time Series Analysis Accuracy: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract: Time series forecasting plays a pivotal role in decision-making across various domains, ranging from finance to healthcare and weather prediction. The accurate prediction of future values in a time series is vital for informed planning and resource allocation. The aim of this study is to explore whether the utilization of seasonal decomposition techniques, such as classical decomposition, X-12-ARIMA, and seasonal decomposition of time series (STL), can improve the effectiveness of time series forecasting models by separating the data into its distinct components, including trend and seasonality. We conduct a comprehensive analysis using real-world time series data, employing popular forecasting models like ARIMA, exponential smoothing, and machine learning-based approaches. By comparing the forecasting accuracy of these models with and without the application of seasonal decomposition techniques, we provide empirical evidence to support the hypothesis. Our research results provide valuable insights into the tangible ad- vantages of integrating seasonal decomposition techniques in time series forecasting, potentially contributing to enhanced decision support systems across diverse application domains.

Unlocking determinants of smart construction: an integrated model of UTAUT2, TTF, and perceived risk for IoT acceptance in AEC industry

PurposeThe Internet of Things (IoT) offers substantial potential for improving efficiency and effectiveness in various applications, notably within the domain of smart construction. Despite its growing adoption within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, its utilization remains limited. Despite efforts made by policymakers, the shift from traditional construction practices to smart construction poses significant challenges. Consequently, this study aims to explore, compare, and prioritize the determinants that impact the acceptance of the IoT among construction practitioners.Design/methodology/approachBased on the integrated model of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), and perceived risk. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 309 construction practitioners in China, and the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate that TTF, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, and perceived risk exert significant influence on construction practitioners’ intention to adopt IoT. Conversely, social influence and habit exhibit no significant impact. Notably, the results unveil the moderating influence of gender on key relationships – specifically, performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit – in relation to the behavioral intention to adopt IoT among construction practitioners. In general, the model explains 71% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt IoT, indicating that the independent constructs influenced 71% of practitioners’ intentions to use IoT.Practical implicationsThese findings provide both theoretical support and empirical evidence, offering valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the critical factors influencing practitioners’ intention to adopt IoT. This knowledge equips them to formulate programs and strategies for promoting effective IoT implementation within the AEC field.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by affirming antecedents and uncovering moderators in IoT adoption. It enhances the existing theoretical frameworks by integrating UTAUT2, TTF, and perceived risk, thereby making a substantial contribution to the advancement of technology adoption research in the AEC sector.

The effect of profitability, liquidity, solvency, and company growth on the acceptance of going concern audit opinions on consumer cyclicals companies listed on the IDX in 2019-2022

This study was conducted to obtain empirical evidence on the influence of profitability, liquidity, solvency, and company growth on the acceptance of going concern audit opinions on consumer cyclycals companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2019-2022. The study was conducted with an associative quantitative approach. The type of data used is secondary data in the form of company financial statements obtained from the official IDX website. There were 64 samples taken by purposive sampling technique. This study used logistic regression analysis techniques. The results showed that the profitability, solvency and growth of the company partially did not affect the acceptance of the going concern audit opinion, while liquidity partially affected the acceptance of the going concern audit opinion and the profitability, liquidity, solvency, and growth of the company simultaneously affected the acceptance of the going concern audit opinion.

AI innovations and financial performance: An examination of patent filings and revenue generation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming indispensable for businesses, offering numerous advantages to compete in today's dynamic market landscape. This study investigates the relationship between AI patent filings and firms' performance in revenue generation from a point of view, aiming to elucidate the impact of AI investments on revenue generation. Leveraging data from The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and employing regression analysis, the research finds a significant correlation between firms with AI patent applications and their generated revenue. The findings underscore the importance of AI investments for financial outcomes and provide valuable empirical evidence for strategic decision-making by businesses and policymakers. Additionally, the methodological approach adopted in the study contributes to the methodological approach available for future research in the field of AI and business performance analysis.

A thematic analysis of interviews reveals how a STEM faculty development program supported the complexity of implementing evidence-based teaching

We sought to identify which aspects of our professional development program, the Consortium for the Advancement of Undergraduate STEM Education (CAUSE), were most useful for the participants. CAUSE was designed to support STEM faculty as they implement evidence-based teaching practices. We interviewed six faculty participants (Fellows) to address two questions: (1) Which aspects of CAUSE were useful for participants? and (2) What factors influenced implementation of evidencebased teaching? We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews by iteratively coding the transcripts and organizing final codes into themes. We found five themes. Two themes addressed the social and educational value CAUSE offered. Fellows valued curated references with empirical evidence of the impact of teaching practices on student learning and valued the strong social support from interacting with a consistent cohort of faculty over time. Three themes identified factors that influenced faculty to implement evidence-based teaching. Fellows explained that class context and their teaching experience or motivation influenced how they implemented teaching practices. A final theme showed Fellows’ strong concern and respect for students as partners in the learning process during their journey of change. Our qualitative analysis of faculty interviews found that change is a complex process that is as varied as the individuals engaging in change.

Is it possible to reconcile the economic and social objectives of companies? A critical perspective

Purpose This paper aims to examine whether reconciling profit maximization and social welfare as two possible aspirations of company is feasible. Design/methodology/approach The possible corporate goals are presented by drawing an arc from purely profit-maximizing organizations via a combination of profit and social objectives to organizations clearly serving social utility. In addition to this sorting principle, the order of the different positions presented also takes into account the number of goals and goal-setters. Findings The primary finding of the study is that none of the business concepts discussed here met the initial expectations as for economic and social objectives. The study points to the need to redefine the purpose of business within a broader social science framework. Research limitations/implications For a critical perspective, this paper considers only those standpoints that emphasize a certain form of social utility beyond profitability resulting from business activity directly or indirectly. Originality/value In addition to revealing the relationship between the two aspirations, the novelty of the paper lies in the attempt to explore through normative critique and empirical evidence the validity of the expectations regarding the goals.

REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES OF PRIYANGU

The chemical components found in plants make them a vital and fundamental component of complementary and alternative medicine. Traditional medicine has made use of plants of the Aglaia genus, the species in the Meliaceae family. the genus Aglaia has more than one hundred. Juss. Aglaia elaeagnoidea In the Western Ghats and other dry regions of India, Benth trees grow in dense, damp woods. Priyangu and chokkala are two of the common names. Rural people use the bark and leaves of this tree, much like they do with other Aglaia species. The Aglaia elaeagnoidea plant's leaves and stem bark are used in Indian medicine, specifically Ayurvedic medicine, to treat a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, tumors, insect repellent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-cancer. Numerous studies have documented the existence of phytoconstituents in plant extracts, providing empirical evidence for the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, and anti-hypertensive effects of plants. This review includes information on Aglaia elaeagnoidea phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.