Influence Of Macro Research Articles

Influence of macro forms on the assessment of laboratory research results

Influence of macro forms on the assessment of laboratory research results

Workaholism in higher education. An exploration of the cognitive, emotional, motivational, and behavioural elements

ABSTRACT An increasing body of work has found higher education to be a challenging and stressful environment. Meanwhile, research on workaholism, characterised by an uncontrollable urge to work excessively, has been gaining momentum. However, few studies have explored its impact within higher education. This study addressed this gap by conducting 27 semi-structured interviews with academics in the greater Dublin region, exploring the micro, meso, and macro-level factors influencing workaholism. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the study examined workaholism in higher education, unpacking Clark, Smith, and Haynes ([2020]. “The Multidimensional Workaholism Scale: Linking the Conceptualization and Measurement of Workaholism.” Journal of Applied Psychology 105 (11): 1281–1307.) recent definition of workaholism as a multidimensional construct comprising motivation, cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Twelve participants displayed tendencies of excessive working and constant thoughts about work, driven by negative feelings when not working. These tendencies were rooted in motivations to gain control and build a personal brand. All elements of workaholism have micro, meso, and macro influences, understood through a transdisciplinary lens. As a result, this study calls for responsible, sustainable management within higher education to avoid the negative impacts of workaholism on academics, students, and institutions.

Challenges encountered by SMMEs in accessing bank credit: a case of Vhembe District Municipality

Policymakers and scholars universally accept and recognize the influence of small, macro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) on stimulating economic growth and job creation. To succeed and prosper, SMMEs need to establish a sound financial management function; therefore, it is vital to investigate the financial challenges these firms are experiencing. The objective of this paper was, to investigate possible challenges that SMMEs experience when applying for credit from banks. The study sought to answer the main research question - ‘What challenges are encountered by SMMEs when applying for credit from banks? The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. The population used in this research was derived from SMMEs and banking officials in the Vhembe District Municipality area. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 10 research participants. An interview guide was used to gather data from the participants; the data was analyzed using Atlas.ti. The results indicated that most SMMEs in the Vhembe district are not adequately supported, especially in the areas of financial resources, as well as in financial literacy skills and expertise. Specifically, this study identified that the credit application challenges faced by SMMEs are related to - lack of collateral security, lack of financial application education, complex bank credit access regulations, non-satisfaction of banks’ qualifying criteria, as well as stringent credit system, and documentation requirements.

Finally … the team! Navigating obstacles in girls’ access to football

ABSTRACT The article provides educational and pedagogical insights to strengthen the inclusiveness of girls who decide to participate in a female football team. The article presents a bottom-up content analysis to explore the experiences of Italian girls gaining access to women’s football, identifying four key phases: (1) informal football experiences; (2) the search for a female team; (3) parental resistance; and (4) joining a female team. In informal football matches, girls face discriminatory attitudes from boys, but affirm their equality by showcasing their playing skills. At the exo-system level, girls face challenges finding local girls’ teams due to geographical distance. Such obstacle forces some of them to join male teams. The girls also encounter parental resistance rooted in stereotypical views of women's bodies and cultural ideals about suitable sports for women. Some girls overcome these challenges, expressing their passion and feelings to their parents, while others are met with less favorable outcomes. Joining a female team is finally described as being symbolic of support and solidarity among the girls, marking a significant and positive change in their overall football experience. The study highlights the interconnected influence of macro, meso, and microystems shaping girls’ access to football.

From macro to micro: Bioinspired designs for tougher ceramics

Ceramic materials, while strong, often lack flexibility and energy absorption. Inspired by tough natural structures like nacre, toughening strategies have shown significant potential in ceramic materials. This study investigates the static and cyclic flexural properties (i.e., energy absorption, stiffness, and strength) of the bioinspired ceramic-polymer composites, particularly concerning the influence of macro and micro patterns. Using a subtractive manufacturing platform enabled by ultra-short pulsed picosecond lasers, we engrave a range of macro and micro patterns onto alumina tiles, mimicking natural armor designs. The composites are then fabricated by stacking laser-engraved tiles with an interlayer of Surlyn®, a commercial monomer. The results demonstrate that the static/cyclic performance and toughening mechanisms are closely linked to the lasered bioinspired surface patterns and stacking sequence. Specific macro architectures and stacking sequences led to significantly increased energy absorption (up to 85%) through mechanisms like crack deflection and plastic deformation of the soft phase. Micro patterns, on the other hand, improved the ceramic's strength (up to 140%) by influencing how the materials interact at the interface. This research not only advances our understanding of bioinspired armor but also paves the way for a new generation of ceramic composites with superior properties, targeting applications in defense (aerospace and vehicle armor) and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Influence of Soil Macro- and Microelements on the Growth and Development of Fish

Influence of Soil Macro- and Microelements on the Growth and Development of Fish

The Effect of Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Variables on the Profitability of Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia

This study aims to determine the influence of macro and microeconomic variables on the profitability of Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia. The sample determination in this study used purposive sampling techniques and produced seven samples of Sharia Commercial Banks used in this study. The dependent variables used consist of inflation, interest rates, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Non-Performing Financing (NPF), Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), and Operating Expense to Operating Income (OEOI). The data analysis method used is panel data regression with e-views software version 12. The results of this study show that interest rate, GDP, and OEOI variables partially have a significant effect on the profitability of Sharia Commercial Banks, while inflation, NPF, and FDR variables partially do not have a significant effect on the profitability of Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia in 2017-2021. Meanwhile, based on the results of simultaneous tests, it was found that the variables of inflation, interest rates, GDP, NPF, FDR, and OEOI had a significant effect on the profitability of Sharia Commercial Banking 2017-2021.

Predisposing risk factors for cleft lip and palate in an Amazonian population by focusing on nutritional factors: A case-control study

BackgroundOrofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common congenital malformation of the craniofacial skeleton. Attempts have been made to correlate the components of maternal diet as triggers for the development or prevention of OFC. ObjectiveTo analyze nutritional status as a predictive factor for the development of cleft lip and palate in an Amazonian population. MethodsA total of 152 mothers within 3 months of delivery were interviewed for comparison: 51 mothers of children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) (study group) and 101 mothers of children without OFC (control group). A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess maternal nutrition and to analyze the influence of macro- and micronutrients on the possible predisposition or protection for CLP. ResultsThe study group showed higher percentage of lipid intake than did the control group (p = 0.01). Among the participants with no family history of OFC, the study group had a higher percentage of lipid intake (p = 0.002) and lower vegetable intake (p = 0.037). Maternal micronutrient intake among the participants with a positive family history was lower in the study group for vitamins B2 (p = 0.03), B5 (p = 0.036), E (p = 0.03), and folate (p = 0.022). ConclusionsNutritional analysis indicated that higher maternal lipid intake increased the likelihood of having offsprings with nonsyndromic CLP. Moreover, families with a history of OFC and low maternal folate intake showed heightened risk of nonsyndromic CLP in their offsprings.

Credit card loss forecasting: Some lessons from COVID

AbstractModels developed by banks to forecast losses in their credit card portfolios have generally performed poorly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in 2020, when large forecast errors were observed at many banks. In this study, we attempt to understand the source of this error and explore ways to improve model fit. We use account‐level monthly performance data from the largest credit card banks in the U.S. between 2008 and 2018 to build models that mimic the typical model design employed by large banks to forecast credit card losses. We then fit these on data from 2019 to 2021. We find that COVID‐period model errors can be reduced significantly through two simple modifications: (1) including measures of the macroeconomic environment beyond indicators of the labor market, which served as the primary macro drivers used in many pre‐pandemic models and (2) adjusting macro drivers to capture persistent/sustained changes, as opposed to temporary volatility in these variables. These model improvements, we find, can be achieved without a significant reduction in model performance for the pre‐COVID period, including the Great Recession. Moreover, in broadening the set of macro influences and capturing sustained changes, we believe models can be made more robust to future downturns, which may bear little resemblance to past recessions.

Does Capital Structure Affect Profitability of Listed Ghanaian Firms?

ABSTRACT: Capital structure is one of the crucial decisions managers must make that can affect a firm's short-term and long-term value maximization prospects. Though extant studies have shown capital structure significantly affects profits, researchers have struggled to find an optimal mix of capital structure ideal for value maximization due to the influence of macro and micro factors. There is therefore the need for this to be properly studied contextually. Building on the Pecking Order Theory, this study examines the capital structure effects on profitability from a short-term, long-term, and total debt financing perspective on listed Ghanaian firms between 2003 and 2013. An unbalanced panel data of 23 listed manufacturing and service firms that are listed on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange are subjected to robust maximum likelihood heteroskedastic linear estimation models. Three main regressions that are run explain the short-term debt, long-term debt and total debt effect on firm profitability. The results show that short-term debt exhibits a positive effect on return on equity (ROE), whilst the relationship reverses for long-term debt, indicating that short-term financing was beneficial to firms rather than long-term financing. Also, total debt exhibited a negative and non-significant effect on return on equity. The author also found that firm liquidity exhibited a more pronounced positive effect on profitability for firms with short-term debt than long-term debt. Financial risk negatively affected the returns of only firms with short-term debt. Market share had a pronounced positive effect on ROE across firms whilst firm age exhibited a less pronounced positive effect on firm profits. Firm size and growth had increasing profit effects but was not significant in the dataset. Financial risk also negatively affected profits, but this was only significant in firms with short-term debt structures. This study finds that managers need to adopt more short-term debt financing rather than long-term financing as the former leads to more profits. There is a need for policymakers to develop long-term debt financing structures to compete in the Ghanaian debt market. It is also recommended that managers exercise due care when supplementing equity capital with debt.

Inclusion for LGBTQ talent: a practice theory approach

PurposeThere is an emerging interest in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) inclusion among researchers and practitioners. However, the interplay of macro-, meso- and micro-level factors that influence the behavior of various agencies, systems, structures and practices in different national, cultural and social contexts still needs to be researched. This paper aims to examine how organizations meaningfully engage with the marginalized and underrepresented workforce, especially the LGBTQ community, to promote diversity and inclusion through comprehensive policies and practices, thereby developing a sustainable inclusivity culture.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a practice theory lens and using a case study design, including multilevel interviews with 28 different stakeholders, this study examines how organizations institutionalize LGBTQ inclusion practices in an emerging market context with a historically low acceptance of the LGBTQ community.Findings Findings indicate that macro influences, such as regulatory, societal and market pressures and adopting international standards and norms, impact meso-level structures and practices. At the organizational level, leadership evangelism and workforce allyship serve as relational mechanisms for institutionalizing LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Furthermore, collaboration, partnerships and enabling systems and processes provide the structural frameworks within which organizations build an LGBTQ-inclusive culture. Lastly, at the micro level, cisgender allyship and the LGBTQ micro work environments provide the necessary psychological safety to build trust for authentic LGBTQ self-expressions. This study also indicates that organizations evolve their LGBTQ inclusion practices along a trajectory, with multiple external and internal forces that work simultaneously and recursively to shape HRM policies and practices for building an inclusive culture.Originality/valueThis study addresses the significant gaps in diversity and inclusivity research on LGBTQ employees and contributes to the literature in three significant ways. First, this study examines the diversity management mechanisms at the organizational level and explicates their interplay at the micro, meso and macro levels to create congruence, both internally and externally, for engaging with LGBTQ talent. Second, this study adopts a practice theory lens to examine the behavior of various actors, their agencies, the “flow” of underlying and emerging structures and processes, the continuous interplay between structure and action and how they enable inclusive culture for the LGBTQ community as a whole. Last, it addresses the call by diversity researchers for context-specific multilevel research design, including qualitative research, focusing on national, cultural and institutional contexts, where socio-organizational and historical factors and interactions among them shape diversity practices. Much of the literature on LGBTQ inclusion has, thus far, been within the Western context. By examining the emergence of inclusion practices in emerging markets like India, this study contributes to diversity and inclusion research.

Integration of financing and macroeconomic shock in Islamic banking in Indonesia

Purpose – This study analyzes the relationship between Islamic banking financing and macroeconomic variables as well as its response to key economic variables.Methodology – The research design uses quantitative analysis with Islamic banking panel data for the period 2019-2022 with monthly data, and the study used the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM).Findings – Non Performing Financing (NPF) and Inflation negatively impact Islamic banking financing. Meanwhile, Third Party Funds (Dana Pihak Ketiga, DPK), Net Operating Margin (NOM), Return on Assets (ROA), Equivalent Rate of Musyarakah (ERPMUSY), and BI rates have a positive direction of significance for Islamic banking financing. In the Granger causality test, the interaction between the variables was unidirectional. While Islamic banking financing responds to shocks, many financings respond negatively to the shocks that occur.Implications – Islamic Financing responds significantly in a negative direction as a result of the shocks that occur in each variable and based on long-term estimates. Therefore, Islamic banking needs to supervise and resolve the internal influence of each bank, as well as the macro influence that can be felt in the long term on Islamic banking financing.Originality – This research integrates Islamic banking finance in Indonesia and examines how internal and macro variables can influence the financing disbursed to Islamic banking in Indonesia. This study also examines shocks between variables and tests the Granger causality between variables. Islamic banking needs to pay attention to many factors to minimize bad financing or lack of interest in applying for financing.

Granite Crushing Screenings as a Component Factor in the Concrete Structure Formation. Part II: Experimental Studies of Structure-forming Potential

The paper considers the results of experimental studies of the individual and joint influence of macro-, meso- and micro-nanofractions of granite crushing screenings on the processes of structure formation and properties of cement concrete. It has been established that in the processes of formation of the structure of fine-grained concrete and the potential for resistance to its destruction, all fractions of stone crushing screenings perform their specific functions as a component factor. Macro-sized (crushed stone) grains of screening of the 5–10 mm fraction form a macro-scale frame of the addition system, which perceives force load with the accumulation of loading energy and braking of main cracks. Sand mesoparticles of fraction 0.16–5 mm fill the intergranular space of the system for adding macroparticles with dissipation of external loading energy in the matrix material. The microfraction of granite crushing screenings (the fraction is <0.16 mm), along with the effect of replacing the volume of cement stone, exhibits physical and chemical activity in the phase formation of hydrate compounds. It is shown that in the initial screening of granite crushing, the structure-forming role of its particles is not manifested effectively enough, the main reason for which is the “excess” of sand fractions, which push apart the grains of macrofractions and increase the water demand of the concrete mixture. Traditional methods of enriching screenings do not solve this problem. The principle of conditioning screenings by saturating them with macro- and micro-sized fractions is discussed. Based on this principle, a technology for mechanical processing of screenings has been developed to produce a “line” of products for targeted use in the building materials and products industry. The introduction of such technology will significantly increase the efficiency of construction and technological recycling of stone crushing screenings through maximum use of the structure-forming potential of their polydisperse composition.

Effect of hybrid polypropylene fibers on mechanical and shrinkage behavior of alkali-activated slag concrete

The growing global demand for cement in construction led to an increase in environmental concerns from the carbon dioxide gas release associated with its production. To foster the acceptance of other alternatives, such as alkali-activated slag (AAS) systems, mitigation of their main drawbacks, notably high shrinkage, is imperative. This study explores the influence of macro and micro polypropylene (PP) fiber hybridization in AAS concrete. Seven mixes with different fiber volume fractions (VF) of macro and hybrid fibers, in addition to a control mix, were investigated. Three macro-PP fiber mixes had fiber VFs of 0.3 %, 0.6 %, and 0.9 %. The other three hybrid PP fiber mixes were like macro fiber mixes with the addition of 0.1 % microfibers. The influence of PP fiber hybridization was explored concerning flowability, static elastic modulus, compressive, splitting tensile, and 3-point flexural strength and compared to control and macro-PP fiber mixes. Additionally, Shrinkage was measured for control and optimum fiber mixes. The results showed that the hybridization of PP fibers led to reductions in shrinkage up to 15 % compared to the control mix, while macro-PP fibers reached a maximum reduction of 6 %. Furthermore, the study evaluates the applicability of various literature and current code guidelines for predicting elastic modulus and tensile strength with the experimental results. ACI 318 could provide relatively accurate predictions in terms of splitting tensile and flexural strengths. Apart from that, with some exceptions, other codes and proposed equations in the literature were inadequate in providing satisfactory predictions.

Lower Intakes of Key Nutrients Are Associated with More School and Workplace Absenteeism in US Children and Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2003-2008.

The influence of individual macro- and micronutrients on absenteeism in the United States is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether nutritional status or nutrient intake were associated with absenteeism from school and work due to illness or injury. Data from NHANES 2003-2008 were used to assess nutrient intake from food and food plus supplements, nutritional biomarker levels, and school and work absenteeism per year in children and adults. Negative binomial regression models were used to predict mean days of missed work per year and to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of absenteeism by nutrient biomarker status. Of 7429 children, 77% reported missing school days (mean 4.0 days). Of 8252 adults, 51% reported missing work days (mean 4.9 days). Children and adults who reported more absent days had a significantly lower intake of protein and several essential micronutrients from the diet. When nutrients from supplements were included, this negative association was retained for protein, selenium, choline, and DHA in children and for protein, selenium, vitamin K, choline, potassium, fiber, octadecatrienoic acid, and lycopene in adults. Future studies are needed to ascertain whether dietary interventions, such as access to healthier food options and/or dietary supplements, can reduce absenteeism.

The effects of institutions, firm-level factors and rational decision-making on entrepreneurial behaviors of MSMEs: lessons and opportunities for transition communities

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of regulatory, normative and cultural cognitive institutions and firm and individual factors on entrepreneurial behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing the quantitative research method, the authors collected data from 316 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kosovo, a transition economy, through a cross-sectional research design. The authors performed exploratory factor analyses, correlation and regression analyses on the data using SPSS 26 and STATA software.FindingsThe research findings indicate that, within transition economies, normative and cultural-cognitive institutions have a positive impact on entrepreneurial behaviors. The authors could not determine the effect of regulatory institutions on entrepreneurial behavior. The authors also discovered that young firms are more inclined toward entrepreneurial behavior than older firms, and micro firms display a stronger entrepreneurial behavior than small firms. Furthermore, family businesses showed a greater tendency for entrepreneurial behavior than nonfamily firms. Interestingly, when the rational decision-making interacts with regulatory institutions, the effect on entrepreneurial behavior is negative.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employed a cross-sectional approach to investigate the influence of macro, meso, and micro-level factors on entrepreneurial behavior within a transitioning community across three industries. Future studies could replicate these findings within comparable institutional contexts, employing longitudinal studies that include additional variables beyond those considered in our present study.Practical implicationsConsidering the importance of MSMEs for a country’s economic and sustainable development, the authors provide some policy implications. The authors recommend managers carefully evaluate the information gathered while they decide and also increase their capabilities concerning digitalization, which is crucial for their firm’s survival, growth and sustainable competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature and shows and analyses entrepreneurial behavior at institutional (macro), firm-level factors (meso) and managers' rational decision-making (micro), providing evidence from a transition community.

Sustainable agriculture: Influence of macro - and micro - nutrient levels, mixture and humic acid on growth and quality parameters of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment entitled “Sustainable agriculture: Influence of macro- and micro-nutrient levels, mixture and humic acid on growth and quality parameters of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at Agricultural farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab during the kharif season of 2020-2021. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications each. The treatments were as follows-T0:Control (Recommended dose of fertilizer; RDF), T1: RDF+ soil application of MM 10 kg/ha at 30 DAS, T2: RDF+ foliar application of MM 1% at 30 DAS, T3: RDF+ seed priming with MM 1% before sowing, T4: 75% RDF+ soil application of MM 10 kg/ha at 30 DAS, T5: 75% RDF+ foliar application of MM 1% at 30 DAS, T6: 75% RDF+ seed priming with MM 1% before sowing, T7: T4+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS, T8: T5+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS, T9: T6 + humic acid 1% at 30 DAS. Among the various treatments, T8 exhibited higher growth attributes after 30 DAS, including plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll index, CGR, RGR and NAR. Additionally, maize treated with T5+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS showed improved quality in terms of protein contents in both grain and stover.

Toward a dynamic understanding of multilevel influences on organizational strategy

Although organizational strategy has been increasingly examined from a multilevel perspective, there has been little work on the dynamics by which micro and macro influences are temporally interrelated: How do multilevel influences develop organizational strategy over time? Drawing on a longitudinal case study of the diamond industry, this article advances a multilevel process model of organizational strategy, unpacking the mechanisms by which strategy is contextually driven. In doing so, this article advances three specific contributions. First, we show how the magnitude and prominence of multilevel influences on organizational strategy can vary significantly over time, laying bare when micro and macro contexts matter most. Second, we demonstrate how the strategic impact of micro and macro contexts depends largely on the interplay between both system levels, highlighting how a combined understanding of both is crucial for making sense of how strategy trajectories evolve. Finally, we extend the methodological toolbox that multilevel scholars can draw on by advancing a dynamic case-based approach, allowing researchers focusing on multilevel strategy to enrich their qualitative inquiries with time as a critical factor.

Identity development and practices in the Kano Kantin Kwari business community in Nigeria

Many studies on African communities tend to address how identities are embedded in peoples’ practices and cultures. However, little attention has been paid to the indigenous business communities in the African continent, particularly in Nigeria. The study is thus concerned with addressing this research gap from an interdisciplinary perspective using ‘community of practice’ (CoP) and ‘acts-of-identity’ frameworks to explore how participants develop, practise and negotiate identity in the Kano Kantin Kwari business community, Nigeria. Using qualitative ethnographic methods, five focus groups and 18 individual participants were selected through snowball sampling. The findings obtained offer social and pedagogical implications and reveal the significance of sociocultural, sociohistorical and sociopsychological backgrounds in projecting, focusing and diffusing identities. For the most part, macro influences and micro practices determined members’ negotiation of their identities. Despite the ethnographic fieldworker’s constraints, this study provides implications for similar under-represented and muffled communities as it reveals how identity – as an ongoing phenomenon – is socially constructed, developed and practised.

Canadian cannabis education resources to support youth health literacy: A scoping review and environmental scan.

The 2018 legalisation of cannabis in Canada sparked concern and conversation about the potential negative impacts of youth cannabis use. It is clear that young people are already engaging in cannabis use for a variety of reasons; therefore, youth cannabis education is desirable to promote harm reduction and reduce the risk of adverse physical and mental health outcomes. To identify and categorise Canadian cannabis education resources using a social-ecological approach informed by the youth health literacy framework, considering multiple factors at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels that influence health literacy and impact behaviour. In line with scoping review methodology, database searches and an environmental scan of materials were completed. Specific inclusion criteria were identified to encompass all Canadian cannabis education resources directed towards young people aged 9-18 years and adults in contact with youth. A total of 60 resources were identified and categorised using the youth health literacy framework in terms of their focus on (1) micro influences (resources for youth); (2) meso influences (resources for teachers, parents, mentors); and (3) macro influences (resources for indigenous communities and medical professionals). While many resources were identified, issues exist with the accessibility, quality and multicultural considerations of such resources, warranting the development of comprehensive, evidence-based and harm reduction-focused cannabis education for youth.