Correlated Research Articles

Managerial interlocking networks and firm risk spillover: evidence from China

PurposeThis paper examines the effect of managerial interlocking networks (MINs) on firm risk spillover by using a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms.Design/methodology/approachApplying the complex network approach, we build managerial interlocking networks (MINs) and leverage degree centrality to quantify a manager’s network position. To gauge firm risk spillover, we utilize the conditional autoregressive value at risk (CAViaR) model to compute the value-at-risk. Subsequently, we employ ordinary least squares to investigate the influence of MINs on firm risk spillover.FindingsOur research uncovers a direct correlation between a firm risk spillover and the status of network positions within managerial interlocking networks; namely, the more central the position, the greater the risk spillover. This increase is believed to be due to central firms in MINs having greater connectedness and influence. This fosters a similarity in decision-making across different firms through interfirm managerial communication, thus amplifying the risk spillover. Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and Guanxi culture furtherly intensify the effects of MINs. Additional analysis reveals that the impact of MINs on the firm risk spillover is significantly noticeable in non-state-owned enterprises, while good corporate governance diminishes the risk spillover prompted by MINs.Originality/valueOur findings offer fresh insights into the interfirm risk outcome associated with MINs and extend practical guidelines for attenuating firm risk spillover with a view toward mitigating systemic risk.

The South African Statistical Association and its role in science in South Africa

The South African Statistical Association and its role in science in South Africa

The South African Statistical Association and its role in science in South Africa

The South African Statistical Association and its role in science in South Africa

The ‘ideal’ dancer: An investigation into predictors of body image dissatisfaction among male dancers, female dancers and their non-dancing counterparts

Body image dissatisfaction is consistently highlighted as a precursor for eating disorders, arising from several factors. One factor surrounds social expectations of being thin, which can be emphasised in certain physical activities, like dance. Whilst research is available for body image dissatisfaction among female dancers, literature has neglected the male demographic. The present study investigated seven predictors of body image dissatisfaction within male and female dancers, from a variety of genres. The study employed a non-experimental quantitative method, utilising an independent groups correlational design. The role of clothing practices, body ideal internalisation and sociocultural influences were investigated as predictors for body image dissatisfaction. Data from 180 participants (mean age = 23.7, SD = 7.51) was analysed from an online survey. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that the model consisting of all predictors significantly accounted for over 60% of variance in body image dissatisfaction scores within all independent groups. The individual contribution of predictors differed between groups, with clothing practice being the only significant predictor in all four groups. Media pressure was a significant predictor within non-dancer groups only. This research highlights the importance of clothing practices, specifically tight-fitting garments within the dance environment and general population. Future research should investigate potential differences in the predictors between each level of dance.

Invisible learning in the investigative competence of Lima schoolchildren

The present study, developed under a quantitative approach, explanatory scope and causal correlational design, aims to determine the influence of invisible learning on the research competence of high school students in two private schools in the city of Lima, Peru, whose educational models seek to develop autonomous learning and research through discovery learning and experimentation. Two questionnaires were applied to 120 students of the VII cycle of basic education, one to measure the perception regarding invisible learning with 20 items and the other to measure investigative competencies with 21 items; both instruments underwent the corresponding validity and reliability tests before their application. Among the main findings, descriptive results were obtained at a medium level for both variables, the correlations found were significant and moderate, and as for influence, the coefficient of determination R2 yielded a value of 0.13, suggesting that 13% of investigative competence is predicted by invisible learning. These results show that autonomy, the use of digital technologies, metacognition and other aspects that are part of invisible learning prepare students to solve problems of varying complexity, allowing them to face the challenges of contemporary knowledge in an innovative and effective manner.

Optimization of condensing tray shapes for a multi‐effect solar still coupled with parabolic solar collectors for domestic wastewater treatment: A comparative study

AbstractThe issue of water depletion emerged as a life‐threatening problem for the world due to urbanization, groundwater over‐extraction, industrialization, and global warming. Current study aimed to address this issue by proposing a solution to distill wastewater using a multi‐effect solar still. The study optimizes two condensation tray shapes, U and V, based on the yield produced and the temperatures achieved. Two solar still units with four stages of U and V‐shaped trays were connected to a parabolic solar collector. To determine the optimal tray shapes, a rigorous optimization process was carried out using SolidWorks 2020. The optimization process yielded optimum heat flux values of 3.04e01 and 2.84e01 W/m2 for U and V‐shaped trays, respectively. Higher the value of heat flux suggested more energy available for condensation. Which was corroborated by physical findings that the U‐shaped condensation tray was more efficient, producing an average per day yield of 2.519 L/m2 h compared to the V‐shaped tray's yield of 2.041 L/m2 h. The findings provide strong evidence that the U‐shape is a better tray shape for condensation purposes. Maximum yield for both units was observed during the peak temperature time between (13:00–15:00 h), indicating a direct correlation between yield and atmospheric temperature.

Teacher epistemic curiosity: how principal–teacher conversation supports it

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to introduce teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning into the leadership literature and to determine if school principals can support it. The inquiry was organized by the following research question: In what ways can principal–teacher conversations support teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning? The research question guided the review of literature on epistemic curiosity, eventually leading to the leadership practice of transformative leadership conversation (TLC). A hypothesized model on the relationship between TLC and epistemic curiosity for student learning was advanced from research on student and employee curiosity and self-determination theory.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesized model was tested with a correlational research design. Teacher survey data were collected in December 2023 from a random sample of certified public school teachers from a metropolitan area in a southwestern state of the USA. Usable survey responses were received from 2,022 teachers, resulting in a 55% response rate. The hypothesized model was tested with structural equation modeling in AMOS 28 using robust maximum likelihood estimation. The latent models include measurement and structural components.FindingsResults confirm the hypothesized relationships among TLC, need-satisfaction and teacher epistemic curiosity. TLC and need-satisfaction both had strong, direct relationships with teacher epistemic curiosity for student learning. TLC explained approximately 20% of the variance in teacher curiosity and need-satisfaction explained approximately 18%. The combined model accounted for approximately 55% of the variance in teacher epistemic curiosity.Originality/valueThe study emerged from robust evidence on the essential function of curiosity for knowing, learning, performance and life well-being, as well as limited research on social processes that leaders can leverage to stimulate teachers’ motivation to understand how their students learn. Curiosity is an inner energy behind learning; it fuels an innate drive to explore, know, create, design and adapt to our surroundings. Schools and classrooms come to life when teachers and students engage in learning from a place of curiosity, making this motivational resource worthy of leadership attention.

Effect of External Debt On the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya (2008-2022)

This study analyses the impact of external debt on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya for the period 2008-2022. Employing descriptive, correlational, and inferential research designs, the study reviewed data from the Central Bank of Kenya, the World Bank, KNBS, and IMF on a quarterly basis. By employing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, ROE and external debt were further qualified to be stationary at first difference. The results highlighted by the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) analysis indicated a statistically significant negative relationship between external debt and financial performance; the coefficients (-0.8998) confirmed that for every unit of increase in external debt, there would be a decline in ROE by 0.8998 units. The study establishes that external debt has been detrimental to the financial health of Kenyan banks due to the economic pressure it brings to the sector. For this purpose, it suggests that the government should avoid borrowing from external sources, and it has advised the development of measures that encourage overseas investors to invest in the country's banking sector. The policy of attracting FDI can enhance capital availability and alleviate the financial load on banking institutions. Relaxing regulations that restrict foreign investors would pave the way for this and help increase the bank’s performance, thus enhancing long-term economic growth.

Workplace spirituality and its relevance to workplace flourishing

Orientation: Workplace spirituality may previously have been just a new buzzword in the corporate world, but it has now become a topic of serious scientific inquiry, which cannot be ignored or disregarded. The reason for the increased attention given to workplace spirituality in recent years is the positive psychological working environment that it creates for employees.Research purpose: The research established whether workplace spirituality at the individual, work unit and organisational levels influence each other and whether individual spirituality influences workplace flourishing.Motivation for the study: The work and life domains in which employees need to function are not always conducive to their well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to consider to what degree work-related factors such as workplace spirituality influence employees’ flourishing, that is, holistic well-being, in the work context.Research approach/design and method: The study used a deductive approach, employing a correlational cross-sectional research design. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire, resulting in a final sample of 394 respondents.Main findings: The study’s main findings were that individual spirituality impacted emotional well-being. Also, organisational and work unit spirituality influences individual spirituality, and organisational spirituality influences work unit spirituality.Practical/managerial implications: Workplace spirituality should be considered to increase employees’ experience of work-related well-being, expressed as a sense of happiness and contentment and feeling satisfied at work. Furthermore, the spiritual development and growth of spiritual employees should be emphasised.Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to theory development and knowledge creation of the constructs of workplace spirituality and workplace flourishing.

A transformer-based deep learning model for identifying the occurrence of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and predicting blood culture results

BackgroundAcute hematogenous osteomyelitis is the most common form of osteomyelitis in children. In recent years, the incidence of osteomyelitis has been steadily increasing. For pediatric patients, clearly describing their symptoms can be quite challenging, which often necessitates the use of complex diagnostic methods, such as radiology. For those who have been diagnosed, the ability to culture the pathogenic bacteria significantly affects their treatment plan.MethodA total of 634 patients under the age of 18 were included, and the correlation between laboratory indicators and osteomyelitis, as well as several diagnoses often confused with osteomyelitis, was analyzed. Based on this, a Transformer-based deep learning model was developed to identify osteomyelitis patients. Subsequently, the correlation between laboratory indicators and the length of hospital stay for osteomyelitis patients was examined. Finally, the correlation between the successful cultivation of pathogenic bacteria and laboratory indicators in osteomyelitis patients was analyzed, and a deep learning model was established for prediction.ResultThe laboratory indicators of patients are correlated with the presence of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, and the deep learning model developed based on this correlation can effectively identify patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. The laboratory indicators of patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis can partially reflect their length of hospital stay. Although most laboratory indicators lack a direct correlation with the ability to culture pathogenic bacteria in patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, our model can still predict whether the bacteria can be successfully cultured.ConclusionLaboratory indicators, as easily accessible medical information, can identify osteomyelitis in pediatric patients. They can also predict whether pathogenic bacteria can be successfully cultured, regardless of whether the patient has received antibiotics beforehand. This not only simplifies the diagnostic process for pediatricians but also provides a basis for deciding whether to use empirical antibiotic therapy or discontinue treatment for blood cultures.

A Rationally Designed Azobenzene Photoswitch for DNA G‐Quadruplex Regulation in Live Cells

AbstractG‐quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are increasingly acknowledged as promising targets in cancer research, and the development of G4‐specific stabilizing compounds may lay a fundamental foundation in precision medicine for cancer treatment. Here, we propose a light‐responsive G4‐binder for precise modulation of drug activation, providing dynamic and spatiotemporal control over G4‐associated biological processes contributing to cancer cell death. We developed a specialized fluorinated azobenzene (AB) switch equipped with a quinoline unit and a positively charged carboxamide side chain, Q‐Azo4F‐C, designed for targeted binding to G4 structures within cells. Biophysical studies, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, provide insights into the unique coordination modes of the photoswitchable ligand in its trans and cis configurations when interacting with G4s. The observed variations in complexation processes between the two isomeric states in different cancer cell lines manifest in more than 25‐fold reversible cytotoxic activity. Immunostaining conducted with the structure‐specific G4 antibody (BG4), establishes a direct correlation between cytotoxicity and the varying extent of G4 induction regulated by the two isoforms. Finally, we demonstrate the photo‐driven reversible regulation of G4 structures in lung cancer cells by Q‐Azo4F‐C. Our findings highlight the potential of light‐responsive G4‐binders in advancing precision cancer therapy through dynamic control of G4‐mediated pathways.

Mathematical Exploration of Malaria Transmission Dynamics: Insights from Fractional Models and Numerical Simulation

AbstractThis study presents an innovative mathematical model denoted as the fractional SIP(H)–SI(M) model, which aims to analyze and understand the dynamics of malaria transmission and spread. This model is distinguished by incorporating memory effects through fractional differential equations, allowing for a more accurate and realistic analysis of disease spread compared to traditional models. The proposed model is applied to Algeria by estimating its parameters using recent health data (from 2000). The results revealed that the disease‐free equilibrium is stable only when the basic reproduction number is less than one, indicating that controlling the spread of malaria and possibly eradicating it can be achieved by implementing appropriate preventive measures. Simulations also demonstrated a direct correlation between the rate of infection transmission and an increase in the number of infected individuals, highlighting the need for swift action when signs of an outbreak emerge. Based on these findings, a set of preventive measures is recommended, including insecticide spraying programs, widespread distribution of insecticide‐treated bed nets, and implementation of effective treatment protocols for infected individuals. This study also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of health data and updating model parameters to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of preventive measures.

Sense of coherence in students while studying abroad

Background: In the 1970s, medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky developed the concept of salutogenesis, which is the study of health and development focusing on sense of coherence (SOC). Although salutogenesis has been well researched in higher education contexts, the concept has not been studied in depth in intercultural and cross-cultural settings, such as the one provided by semester at sea (SAS), which is a United States (US) study-abroad programme.Aim: The aim was to investigate and compare levels of SOC in students in the SAS study-abroad programme.Setting: The research was conducted during a selected voyage at sea over a period of 106 days.Methods: The authors used a quantitative cross-sectional correlational design and investigated mean score differences in three SOC sub-scale scores measuring meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability. The authors compared US students’ SOC scores to those of students from other countries and compared the scores of women to men. Measurement invariance was firstly established before investigating mean score differences. Data were collected in the form of a survey, using Antonovsky’s 29-item Life Orientation Questionnaire.Results: The study shows that overall scores in meaningfulness were the highest, followed by manageability and comprehensibility, which potentially supports the idea that the motivational component in life of these students is the most important. Finally, women scored higher in meaningfulness than men.Conclusion: The study can provide insights in SOC in students and might provide implications for interventions regarding SOC results across diverse student populations in SAS.Contribution: This article contributes to SOC research in study-abroad programmes.

E-Business Online Experience, Satisfaction and Trust: Basis for Customer Loyalty among Selected SMEs in Bulacan

This research paper investigates the relationship between e-business online experience, satisfaction, and trust as predictors of customer loyalty among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a selected area of Bulacan. Considering the increasing reliance on digital platforms for e-commerce, issues surrounding online security and user privacy have arisen, raising concerns about consumer trust in e-business environments. Employing a quantitative research methodology, the study utilizes a quantitative descriptive and correlational design to measure and identify the mean and standard deviation of online experience, satisfaction, and trust as independent variables, with customer loyalty as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that SMEs in Bulacan have a strongly positive perception of their e-business online experience, particularly highlighting the simplicity, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the websites they use. They appreciate the quality of information provided by these e-business platforms, which facilitates e-purchases through up-to-date content and straightforward transactions. The study also indicates a strong agreement among SMEs regarding the effectiveness of e-business websites in meeting consumer expectations for repeat purchases, while also identifying areas for improvement in online performance features. Moreover, SMEs generally perceive a high level of security regarding e-business platforms, particularly regarding information transmission and electronic payment safety. However, there was a slightly lower perception of user privacy concerns. The regression analysis indicates that both e-business online experience and customer satisfaction are significant predictors of customer loyalty, underscoring the importance of enhancing these aspects to cultivate lasting customer relationships.

Prevalence, Predictors and Reasons for Discharge Against Medical Advice Among Patients With Chronic Disease During COVID-19.

Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is used in healthcare facilities in a situation where patients refuse care or decide to leave the hospital before the treating physician recommends discharge. Previous studies have found DAMA to be prevalent among patients with various chronic conditions. The study had four objectives. The study aimed to investigate: (1) the prevalence of DAMA during COVID-19 (2020-2021) among Jordanian patients with chronic diseases, (2) the association between DAMA and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic diseases, (3) the predictors of DAMA and (4) the reasons behind DAMA at the patient, hospital and environmental levels. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used in the study. A convenience sampling approach was used to collect data from 1576 patients with chronic diseases from 3 private hospitals. The study found that the prevalence rate of DAMA was 33.3%. There was a significant association between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic diseases and DAMA. Health insurance found to be the strongest predictor of DAMA. Finally, the study found that patient, hospital and environmental-related factors had a low impact on DAMA. DAMA is prevalent among patients with chronic diseases in Jordan during COVID-19 pandemic. The current study's findings can serve as an empirical basis for planning and implementing DAMA prevention programs and/or establishing or revising policies for the target population.

The impact of digitalization on CSR commitment: The role of human resource management system and employee autonomy

AbstractAlthough the relationship between digitalization and employees' corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment has been extensively explored in literature, there remains a consensus on how digitalization affects employees' commitment. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between digitalization and CSR commitment. Data from branches of two banks was collected by using a time‐lagged approach, and structural equation modeling was employed to validate the measure and test the hypotheses. The findings indicate a direct correlation between digitalization and the CSR commitment of employees towards their organization. The research demonstrates that such a correlation is contingent upon the Human Resource Management (HRM) system used within the organization and the satisfaction of employees' need for autonomy in the workplace. The study emphasizes the role of work design and HRM practices in the relationship between digitalization and employees' CSR commitment.

Meta-analysis of Genetic Factors Responsible for Syndromic Anorectal Malformations in Children

Aim Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a congenital malformation that affects the anus or rectum area in children with an average age of 4 years. Different types of ARM are observed in males and females, each with distinct characteristics. The malformation is generally detected in the postnatal period, with a mortality rate between 3% and 16%. The study is conducted to understand the clinical significance of the mutation in the genes that are responsible for enhanced incidences of syndromes and their direct correlation with ARM. Methods Meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc statistical software, and we explored a strong association between ARM and syndromes using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In total, 18 syndromes were found with the clinical characteristics of ARM. A maximum number of cases were reported about Currarino syndrome, with the minimum and maximum association of 30% and 100%, respectively. The results obtained for the pooled studies were I2 = 92.85%, P value ≤ .0001, and CI = 91.36-94.08. Conclusion A strong association has been identified between ARM and various congenital syndromes, highlighting the fact that genetic factors play a significant role in its occurrence. This association can help in the early diagnosis of the anomaly so that proper management can be presented at the earliest.

Hubungan antara Gratitude dengan Subjective Well-being Guru Honorer Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) di Kecamatan Koto Tangah Kota Padang

This study aims to explore the connection between gratitude and subjective well-being among honorary special school teachers in Koto Tangah District, Padang City. Special education plays a crucial role in supporting the development of children with special needs, where special school teachers significantly contribute to their educational progress. Many challenges faced by honorary teachers, including an income that does not align with their workload, often lead to stress and fatigue, affecting their subjective well-being. Gratitude is one factor that may positively influence subjective well-being. The study employs a quantitative approach with a correlational design, using a sample of 50 honorary teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert scale and analyzed with the Pearson product-moment correlation test. The findings indicate that: a) the average level of gratitude among honorary special school teachers falls within the low category (42%), followed by moderate (40%) and high categories (18%); b) the average level of subjective well-being among honorary special school teachers is also low (62%), followed by moderate (34%) and high (4%); and c) the correlation analysis shows a Pearson coefficient of 0.740 with a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05, demonstrating a positive and significant relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being. The results suggest that a higher level of gratitude correlates with higher subjective well-being among teachers.

Beyond dialysis: Assessing therapeutic regimen compliance and sleep quality in chronic renal failure patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Saudi Arabia.

Given its potential to impact physical and mental health, sleep quality is one of the most significant clinical outcomes among hemodialysis patients. Patients undergoing hemodialysis are required to adhere to an intricate treatment plan that consists of regular hemodialysis treatments, dietary and fluid restrictions, and a multi-drug regimen. Investigate the relationship between adherence to a therapeutic regimen and sleep quality among chronic renal failure patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. A descriptive correlational research design was followed. The study was conducted at the hemodialysis units in Hafr Albatin City, specifically at Hafr Albatin Central Hospital and King Khaled Hospital, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 100 adult patients was selected for the study. The Hemodialysis Patients Adherence Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were utilized to collect the data in 5 months from September 20, 2023 to February 15, 2024. The study revealed that more than half of the studied patients adhered to the therapeutic regimen, while (46%) did not adhere to it. More than half of the patients had poor sleep quality and were nonadherent to diet and fluid restrictions. Overall adherence score is negatively correlated with the global sleep quality score (r = -0.368, p < 0.001), indicating that poorer sleep quality is associated with lower overall adherence to the therapeutic regimen. While a significant proportion of the patients demonstrated adherence to overall therapeutic regimens, including dialysis sessions and medication intake, there was notable nonadherence to fluid and diet restrictions. Poor sleep quality, prevalent among two-thirds of the participants, correlates negatively with adherence to therapeutic regimens.

Exciton Dissociation and Long‐Lived Delayed Components in High‐Efficiency Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Green Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes

AbstractQuasi‐two‐dimensional (quasi‐2D) perovskites, consisting of multi‐quantum wells (MQWs) separated by organic intercalating cations, exhibit high luminescence efficiency while the photophysical processes involved remain partially obscure due to the uncertainty of the MQWs structure. Herein, a synergetic dual‐additive strategy is adopted to prepare quasi‐2D perovskite films, where 18‐crown‐6 and tris(4‐fluorophenyl)phosphine oxide are utilized to suppress the formation of low‐dimensional perovskites, diminish defect density, and enhance photoluminescence quantum yield to 93.7%. Notably, a long‐lived delayed component, spanning hundreds of microseconds, is identified for the first time in perovskite emitters, which correlates with exciton dissociation and recombination, and the differences in temperature‐dependent radiative lifetime of the delayed components match with the luminescence properties. Finally, benefiting from lower trap density and more efficient energy‐funneling, green PeLEDs treated with dual additives have achieved a high external quantum efficiency of 28.9% and a commendable operating half‐lifetime of 17.8 h at an initial brightness of 500 cd m−2. The observation of the long‐lived delayed components, coupled with insights into exciton dissociation, provides a profound and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental carrier behavior in perovskite emitters and establishes a direct correlation between the properties of perovskite emitters and their photophysical processes.