Moderator Variables Research Articles

Physical Activity, Sleep and Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for college students in Iraq<b></b>

This study demonstrates the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and health-related quality of life among college students, reporting gender differences in levels of physical activity and sleep.The sample comprised four hundred twenty male and female students from the University of Baghdad's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. Three questionnaires were finished to gauge the quality of life concerning health, sleep, and physical activity. Stepwise regression, independent t-tests, and descriptive statistics were used to examine the data.The overall sample's health-related quality of life was strongly predicted by sleep characteristics and vigorous physical activity, according to the results (F = 0.017, p = 0.000). There was no significant correlation found between any level of physical activity and health-related quality of life for females. Still, vigorous and moderate physical activity variables significantly predicted health-related quality of life in males when examined by gender (t = 6.837, df = 309.115, p <.05).Vigorous physical activity and good sleep are beneficial for helping college students improve health-related quality of life, but this benefit may vary by gender.

The moderating effect of income inequality in fiscal policy efficiency: The case of Central and Eastern Europe

AbstractOne of the objectives of fiscal policy is to ensure a fair income distribution. In the literature there is no consensus on the income inequality – fiscal policy nexus. Unlike previous studies, this paper contributes to the literature by quantifying the moderating effect of income inequality in total tax revenues and gross national expenditures which are defined as fiscal policy tools. With the help of two moderator variables (income inequality*total tax revenues, and income inequality*gross national expenditures), the impact of income inequality and fiscal policy tools on economic growth are tested for 20 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries from 1990 to 2019. Diagnostic tests are also carried out on the series before long-term relationships are determined. Our analysis finds that the inequality-growth relationship is negative, the moderator variable defined as income inequality * total tax revenues decreases the strength of the relationship, and the moderator variable defined as income inequality * gross national expenditures increases the strength of the relationship.

The prevalence of gambling problems in prison populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The overall prevalence of gambling problems across prison populations is currently unknown. The objective of the present study was therefore to quantitatively synthetize prevalence estimates of gambling problems in prison populations using a random effects meta-analytic model and to investigate if the estimates were moderated by time frame, cut-off levels, and sample size. To be included the studies had to report original data on the prevalence of gambling problems in a prison sample and to be written in a European language, whereas data based on abstracts or qualitative reports were excluded. The search ended on December 1, 2023 and were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, Embase, Google Scholar, Grey Literature Report, and GreyNet. Risk of bias was assessed with a standardized 10-item measure for epidemiological studies. A total of 26 studies comprising 9,491 participants were included. The vast majority of the participants were males. The most commonly used instrument for assessment of gambling problems was the South Oaks Gambling Screen. The pooled random-effects gambling problems prevalence estimate was 30.8% (95% CI = 25.1-37.3). The meta-regression analysis showed that none of the three moderator variables (criteria, timeframe, sample size) were related to the gambling problems prevalence. Common limitations of the included studies entailed not being representative nationally or for the target population, lack of randomization, and low response rate. The meta-analysis was restricted to studies published in a European language. Overall, the studies show that 1 in 3 prisoners has gambling problems and suggests that more emphasis on relevant prevention and treatment is warranted for this population. The study was funded by the Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research and pre-registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023390552).

Analysis of rainfall and temperature variabilities in Sidama regional state, Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to examine local-scale fluctuation in precipitation and temperature in selected districts of Sidama regional state. Specifically, it focuses on three districts—Hawassa Zuriya, Wonsho, and Hula—using precipitation and temperature records obtained from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) database which covers the period from 1981 to 2022. Various statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, as well as coefficient of variation was employed to detect fluctuation. For trend detection, the Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope tests were also employed. Observations revealed that the average yearly precipitation spatially varied from 1331 mm in Hula, followed by 1275 mm in Wonsho, and 1013 mm at Hawassa Zuriya. Rainfall was bimodal which 53% rains in Kiremt and 33% in Belg season respectively. Annual rainfall show relatively low variability (<20%) for Hula and Wonsho districts, and moderate variability (CV˃20%) for Hawassa Zuriya respectively. The findings also revealed noticeable rising tendencies (p < 0.05) for average temperature across all three agroecosystems over the years under consideration with the highest slope at Hawassa Zuriya (0.038 °C/year), followed by Hula (0.031 °C/year), and Wonsho (0.022 °C/year) respectively.Moreover, both temperature and rainfall exhibited spatial and inter-annual variability. The results of this study necessitate farmers for systematic planning and implementing location specific crop calendar in the context of fluctuating climatic settings. Policy-makers as well as development practitioners can also utilize the finding to better devise and execute plans for adapting and minimizing the effects of climate change.

Determinants of Accountability for Financial Management of Non-Profit Organizations in Indonesia with the Internal Control and Supervision Environment as Moderation Variables

This study aims to examine the determinants of financial management accountability in non-profit organizations. Utilizing a quantitative methodology employing Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis, the study assessed 14 hypotheses, relying on coefficient values and significance levels for hypothesis validation. While the choice of analysis model and rationale behind its selection were not explicitly elucidated, the study ensured rigor through pilot testing of the questionnaire to establish validity and reliability. From 140 distributed questionnaires, 87 were returned, and 79 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The findings suggest a significant positive influence of transparency, fund type, financial statement presentation, and accessibility on financial management accountability. Additionally, internal control factors such as transparency, fund types, financial statement presentation, accessibility, and internal supervision underscore the importance of these elements in bolstering accountability. However, it is noteworthy that the direct impact of the control environment on financial management accountability was not observed within the study's context. While the identification and operationalization of the studied variables were not extensively detailed, it is acknowledged that the relatively small sample size and the focus solely on non-profit organizations in Indonesia may constrain the generalizability of the findings. Nonetheless, this research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing accountability practices in NGO financial management, potentially benefiting stakeholders and contributing to the existing literature on financial management, particularly within the realm of non-profit entities.

Do Intellectual Capital in the Relationship between Governance and Corporate Financial Performance, Strengthening or Weakening?

This study aims to identify and analyze the role of intellectual capital as a moderating variable in the relationship between governance and firm financial performance. Using panel data regression, this study analyses 412 observation units from 103 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2018-2021. The results show that, partially, both governance and intellectual capital have no significant effect on financial performance. However, when the governance variable has interacted with intellectual capital and a moderation test is conducted, it is found that the interaction variable has a significant effect on financial performance with a positive coefficient. This indicates that intellectual capital acts as a pure moderator variable of the positive effect of governance on financial performance. This result implies that in the absence of high intellectual capital, governance proves to be inefficient in its efforts to improve the firm's financial performance

The general attitudes towards artificial intelligence (GAAIS): A meta-analytic reliability generalization study

This study aims to generalize the reliability of the GAAIS, which is known to perform valid and reliable measurements, is frequently used in the literature, aims to measure one of today's popular topics, and is one of the first examples developed in the field. Within the meta-analytic reliability generalization study, moderator analyses were also conducted on some categorical and continuous variables. Cronbach's α values for the overall scale and the positive and negative subscales, and McDonald's ω coefficients for positive and negative subscales were generalized. Google Scholar, WOS, Taylor &amp;amp; Francis, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases were searched to obtain primary studies. As a result of the screening, 132 studies were found, and these studies were reviewed according to the inclusion criteria. Reliability coefficients obtained from 19 studies that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. While meta-analytic reliability generalization was performed according to the random effects model, moderator analyses were performed according to the mixed effect model based on both categorical variables and continuous variables. As a result of the research pooled, Cronbach's α was 0.881, 0.828, and 0.863 for total, the negative, and positive subscales respectively. Also, McDonald's ω was 0.873 and 0.923 for negative and positive subscales respectively. It was found that there were no significant differences between the reliability coefficients for all categorical variables. On the other hand, all continuous moderator variables (mean age, standard deviation age, and rate of female) had a significant effect.

Spatiotemporal trends and variability of rainfall across agro-ecologies in East Guji Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Distribution and trends of rainfall reveal spatial and temporal variability that have a paramount effect on the life and livelihood of small-holder farmers. This study aimed to analyze spatial variability and temporal trends of rainfall distribution across the three Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of East Guji. Time series gridded daily rainfall data (1990–2020) were collected from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institution. Different descriptive statistics, trend tests: Man Kendal and Sen’s slope estimator, Inverse Distance Weighted Index and Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) was used in the study. The finding demonstrated that altitude and rainfall decrease as one advances from the western (highland) to the eastern (lowland) direction in the study area where the highest rainfall was recorded in Solemo (highland) and the least in Negele (lowland).The study showed that as altitude increases annual rainfall also increases and rainfall variability decreases. Similarly the mean length of the growing season declines as one advance from the highlands to the lowlands. The PCI of the lowlands, midlands, and highlands AEZs was 19%, 17%, and 12% respectively. The PCI showed that those highlands had moderately concentrated rainfall but both lowlands, and midlands, had an irregular distribution of rainfall. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicated that highland areas had moderate variability in rainfall in all seasons except winter. In contrast, the low and midlands had shown high variability of rainfall (&gt;30%) in all seasons. From a seasonal perspective, both CV and PCI revealed that the winter season showed more variability than others. Moreover, a significant increasing trend of annual rainfall was observed in the highlands AEZs (Bore 15.3mm/year and Solemo14.6mm/year), lowland AEZs (Chembe 10.9mm/year, Dawa 8mm/year and Bitata 7.8mm/year) as well as midland AEZs (Kercha 14.5mm/year) at a significant level of 5%. Therefore, strategies should be designed to use additional water resources for irrigation; and provide short-cycle grown and drought-resistant crops in the rest of the midlands and lowlands AEZs.

How leader-member exchange affects work outcomes in small-and-medium enterprises?

Orientation: Employees with a collectivistic culture want the closeness and support of their leaders. How leader-member exchange (LMX), perceived organisational support (POS), job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) influence each other still requires in-depth research because there are differences between the results of previous studies.Research purpose: This study examined the relationship model of LMX and POS as antecedent, mediator and moderator variables on work outcomes such as JS and OC in small- and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a collectivistic culture and high-power distance.Motivation for the study: Leadership in SMEs gets less attention because of its role in managing and carrying out operational activities.Research approach/design and method: Data were collected from 427 employees using questionnaires with purposive sampling, which was tested for validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group SEM were used to test the relationship model.Main findings: The results of testing four relationship models proved that the LMX relationship did not directly affect JS and OC but was mediated by POS. LMX can also be a mediator and moderator of the relationship model.Practical/managerial implications: This study emphasises the need to minimise the differences between in-group and out-group in the leaders-followers relationship to improve employee performance. Leaders must expand the range of their relationships with followers to improve work outcomes.Contribution/value-add: This study examined LMX as an important predictor of work outcomes with clearer mechanisms. LMX cannot be a predictor if employees do not feel the leader’s support as a representative of the organisation.

The effect of socio-scientific issues-based intervention studies on scientific literacy: a meta-analysis study

ABSTRACT Given little research using meta-analysis for SSI-based interventions and their limitations (e.g. data selection and analysis processes), further study is needed to validate previous findings and provide a broader sense of the effectiveness of SSI-based interventions in promoting scientific literacy. Therefore, this study aimed to meta-analytically investigate the effect of SSI-based intervention studies on students’ scientific literacy. Several keyword patterns were searched for various databases (e.g. ERIC, Springer Link, and Taylor & Francis) to elicit related papers. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the current meta-analysis handled 32 intervention (experimental) studies (k = 33) that implemented SSI-based interventions to improve students’ scientific literacy. The findings showed that the overall effect size for the random-effects model was found to be 1.018, which falls into the large effect. This means that SSI-based intervention studies are more effective in improving students’ scientific literacy than traditional or regular instruction. The findings of moderator variables (educational level, type of intervention, and implementation duration) revealed that only implementation duration is a significant moderator to estimate the students’ scientific literacy along with SSI-based intervention studies. It is recommended that future studies qualitatively examine the design and implementation procedures of SSI-based interventions with extreme values.

Linking undergraduates’ future work self and employability: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundThe career intentions of students play a crucial role in shaping the growth of the hospitality and tourism industry. Previous research underlines the significance of future work self in predicting outcomes related to one’s career. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the precise ways, timing, and conditions under which the future work self of undergraduate students can enhance their employability.MethodsThis paper aims to address the existing research gap by employing career construction theory and self-determination theory to propose a moderated mediation model—i.e., career exploration serves as a mediator and job market knowledge functions as a moderator in the relationship between future work self and employability. We conducted two independent studies (i.e., an experimental study and a time-lagged field study) to test the proposed model. Specifically, in Study 1 we employed an experimental research design to recruit 61 students majoring in tourism management to participate. They were randomly assigned to two scenarios (future work self: high vs. low), and we manipulated different levels of future work self by means of scenario descriptions. In Study 2, we used the time-lagged research design to collect data via submitting questionnaires among 253 Chinese undergraduates who majored in hospitality and tourism at a university in the middle area of China.ResultsThe results indicate a positive correlation between undergraduates’ future work self and their employability. Furthermore, this relationship is mediated by a mediator of career exploration. It is important to note that this mediating relationship is also contingent upon the moderator variable of undergraduates’ job market knowledge when considering the impact of career exploration on employability.ConclusionThe findings contribute to enriching the current understanding of the positive effects of future work self on undergraduates’ desirable outcomes in employability.

A meta-analysis of technology-delivered literacy instruction for elementary students

Technology to support student learning has become increasingly prevalent in schools and homes during the last few decades. Several recent reviews have examined aspects of technology-based literacy instruction, but they have not focused on the full array of literacy skills that can be addressed during technology-delivered instruction for elementary students, nor have they utilized meta-analytic methods to rigorously examine effects of such instruction. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to describe and evaluate recent research on technology-delivered literacy instruction for students in Grades K-5. A total of 53 experimental or quasi-experimental studies were analyzed. Results demonstrated a statistically significant main effect of instruction on norm- or criterion-referenced literacy outcomes (g = 0.24, p < .001), indicating that elementary students are likely to benefit from technology-delivered literacy instruction. Although the effects of several moderator variables representing study, participant, instruction, and outcome characteristics were explored, analyses revealed no statistically significant moderators of effects of instruction. Overall, findings indicate that further research on technology-based literacy instruction is needed to determine what works for whom and under what conditions.

Do ethnic, migration‐based, and regional language varieties put applicants at a disadvantage? A meta‐analysis of biases in personnel selection

AbstractThis meta‐analysis examined biases in personnel selection owing to applicants' use of non‐standard language such as ethnic and migration‐based language varieties or regional dialects. The analysis summarized the results of 22 studies with a total N of 3615 raters that compared applicants with an accent or dialect with applicants speaking standard language. The primary studies used different standard and non‐standard languages and assessed different dependent variables related to hiring decisions in job interviews. The k = 109 effect sizes (Hedges' g) were assigned to the dependent variables of competence, warmth, and hirability. Non‐standard speakers were rated as less competent (δ = −0.70), less warm (δ = −0.17), and less hirable (δ = −0.51) compared to standard speakers. Thus, at the same level of competence, non‐standard speakers are rated lower than standard speakers and might, therefore, be disadvantaged in personnel selection contexts. We also considered several potential moderator variables (e.g., applicants' specific language variety, raters' own use of non‐standard language, and raters' background) but only found rather limited support for them. Furthermore, publication bias had only limited effects. Practical implications for personnel selection are discussed.

Measuring automobile service quality with the European customer satisfaction index model (ECSI): the moderating effect of trust

PurposeIn this study, the service quality of an automobile authorized service center was investigated based on the European Customer Satisfaction Index (ECSI) model. The ECSI model includes image, customer expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, customer complaints and customer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, an attempt was made to improve the ESCI model by adding the trust factor as a moderating variable. After an extensive literature review, measurement questions were developed to best represent the factors in the research model. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the fit of the research model and test the hypotheses.FindingsAs a result of the analysis, only one of the 13 hypotheses tested was not supported. According to the results of hypothesis testing, the highest effect was found in the relationship between customer satisfaction customer complaints, customer expectations and perceived quality. In addition, customer expectations affect customer satisfaction indirectly rather than directly. In this case, customer expectations, perceived value and perceived quality influence customer satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe customer satisfaction quality index score of the authorized automobile service whose service quality was measured was calculated as 72.75. Although customers were generally satisfied with the authorized service, their expectations were not fully met.Originality/valueIn the study, an attempt was made to improve the ECSI model by adding a trust factor. Trust, which was added to the model as a moderator variable, fit the model. As a result, it was revealed that trust has an increasing regulatory effect on the relationship between perceived quality and customer satisfaction.

Drip irrigation in Bengaluru: evaluating gender’s moderating effect on the intention to adopt drip irrigation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the intention to adopt drip irrigation in Bengaluru, India, in the year 2022, by applying the Technology Acceptance Model and incorporating gender as a moderator variable. We gathered responses from 280 farm households. The results reveal an opportunity to increase widespread adoption. The constructs ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and ‘Perceived Ease of Use’ have a statistically significant influence on ‘Intention to Use’, while gender moderates these relationships. The results highlight potential pathways for strategic interventions, policy-making, and technology dissemination advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes in the United States and Canada: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAn understanding of the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women is essential at local, national and international level so that appropriate health care interventions can be planned, financed and delivered.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of primary research reporting the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Canada or the United States were carried out according to Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Four electronic databases were systematically searched in June 2023 to identify articles that reported gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence using universal screening in pregnant women from eligible general population samples. Estimates were combined using a random effects model, and the effects of moderator variables analysed.ResultsThere were 36 separate samples of women or deliveries (total sample size 1,550,917). Overall mean prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.7–8.3); 13.7% (95% CI: 10.7–17.3) in studies using a one-step screening strategy, and 5.2% (95% CI: 4.4–6.1) in those using a two-step strategy. Heterogeneity in technical methods between studies produced differences in estimates, as did different diagnostic thresholds used.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis suggests a slightly higher prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Canada and the United States, compared to Europe, but highlights the need for standardised protocols for estimating gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence.

Does culture moderate the innovation input–output relationship? A two-stage configurational analysis

PurposeThis study analyses configurations of national culture as boundary conditions of countries’ national systems of innovation (NSI). Drawing from the NSI approach, we argue that culture’s role is that of a contingency factor shaping the relationship between investments in innovation and national innovation outputs.Design/methodology/approachWe assessed the moderation effect of national culture through a systematic, two-stage approach using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), which allows the analysis of changes induced by the moderator variables. Analyses were conducted with a diverse sample of 61 countries over a period spanning 12 years, from 2011 to 2022.FindingsFindings reveal that investments in innovation, but not individual cultural dimensions, is a necessary condition for high innovation outputs. Furthermore, several configurations of cultural dimensions were identified as moderators of the relationship between investments in innovation and innovation outputs.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into cross-national innovation research by exposing the role of cultural configurations, rather than just individual cultural dimensions, as boundary conditions involved in the achievement of high levels of innovation.

Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Productivity through Knowledge Management Infrastructure: A Case of Construction Industry

This study rigorously investigates the influence of knowledge management infrastructures (KMI) on employees’ job satisfaction (JS) within the Iranian construction sector. It specifically investigates how structural, cultural, and technological facets of KMIs affect this satisfaction. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, utilizing established measurement tools from Gold et al. for KMIs and Hackman and Oldham for JS. The empirical Information was gathered via a survey distributed to stratified random sample of 150 employees and managers from five diverse construction firms in Iran. Examining the collected data with the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, the study presents nuanced insights. It identifies that while cultural and technological infrastructures of KMIs significantly contribute to JS, the structural infrastructure does not exhibit a similar impact. Additionally, demographic factors such as age and professional experience were found to be non-contributory in the dynamics between KMIs and JS. However, gender and educational background emerged as significant moderating variables. Remarkably, employees with advanced academic qualifications reported higher satisfaction, likely due to the alignment of specialized knowledge with their professional roles. This research contributes to the current knowledge base by outlining the distinct components of KMIs that bolster JS in the construction industry, thereby offering a targeted framework for industry practitioners and policymakers to enhance employee well-being and organizational efficiency.

Is the Jigsaw Model Still Relevant for Improving Mathematical Ability? Meta-Analysis Studies

The Jigsaw learning model focuses on student activities in learning in general and also has an influence on students' mathematical abilities, but there are also some that do not have a significant influence. This research attempts to answer how much influence the Jigsaw model has based on the desired categorical variables. Therefore, meta-analysis research is needed to provide comprehensive and in-depth conclusions about the application of the Jigsaw model to students' mathematical abilities. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) is used to evaluate a property's value based on comparisons to similar properties in the same area. Data was obtained from Publish or Perish (PoP) with a total of 500 articles from 2010 to 2023 with the Google Scholar database. The number of journals that meet the requirements and will be analyzed is 30 sample articles with a total of 1252 students. The moderator variables in this study consider country, education level, sample size and publication source. Based on research findings, the Jigsaw model has a significant influence on numeracy skills (P-value 0.05), with an effect size of 1.146 which is classified as very high based on fixed effects and a standard error of 0.045. The research results show that the Jigsaw model is still relevant for improving students' mathematical abilities, especially at the elementary school level. This meta-analysis study reveals that there is no difference in the results of implementing the Jigsaw model on students' mathematical abilities in all country categories.

Analysis of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Retention Ratio, and Leverage Impacts on Stock Returns with Company Value as a Moderation Variable

Efforts to enhance company performance through adherence to corporate governance principles are demonstrated in the company's comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosures. In evaluating these disclosures, it is imperative to weigh the impact of leverage and retention ratio. The survey conducted by Globescan and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding the importance of these factors among typical companies in Indonesia. Hence, this study examined the ESG, retention ratio, and leverage impacts on stock returns with company value as a moderation variable. The samples of this study comprised 14 financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange within the timeframe of 2018-2022. Data for the analysis were extracted from the IDX website and the official websites of the respective companies. Employing Eviews 9 software, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to unravel insights into the relationships under scrutiny. The discerned outcomes unveiled that neither ESG nor leverage significantly impacted stock returns. In contrast, the retention ratio emerged as a potent factor with a noteworthy influence. The company value could moderate the ESG and the retention ratio impacts on stock returns, yet it proved ineffective in moderating the leverage impact on stock returns.