Moderator Variables Research Articles

Unlocking heirloom diversity: a pathway to bridging global challenges in modern apple cultivation

Reports indicate that climate changes will result in the extinction of a significant percentage of plant species even though many of these species contributed to crucial genetic traits that led to the development of domestic crops. In the past, the diversified range of plant species, varieties, and agricultural practices allowed agriculture production and local food systems to tolerate moderate climate variability. Today, industrial farming relies on very limited genetic diversity for commercial production. Narrowing the genetic base leads to higher susceptibility to environmental changes and diseases.Heirloom cultivars survived climate variations and extreme conditions but were abandoned in favor of a handful of commercial cultivars that dominate the food industry and fit the standards of the global food system. From a climate change perspective, it would be important to conserve heirloom cultivars to preserve biodiversity and make greater genetic diversity available to farming, which will lead to resilience and adaptation.

The Moderating Effect of Politically Connected Boards on The Relationship Between Board Characteristics and Earnings Management

This research aims to test the effect of board characteristics on earnings management. Politically connected boards serve as a moderation variable that affects the relationship of board ownership to earnings management. This research used a quantitative approach and panel regression analysis method. The population of this research used data from companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) from 2016 to 2020. The study used a sample of 357 companies. The results revealed that board ownership, board financial expertise, board tenure, politically connected boards, leverage, and board nationality had no significant impact on earnings management. Meanwhile, both firm age and firm size had a significant influence on earnings management practice.

The Role Of Managerial Ownership In The Relationship Of Debt Policy To Shareholder Value In Financial Companies In Indonesia

This study aims to determine the effect of debt policy on shareholder value with managerial ownership as a moderation variable. The research sample used financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2019-2022. The analysis method uses multiple regression tests and MRA (Moderator Regression Analysis) tests. The results of this study show that debt policy proxied by DAR has a positive effect on shareholder value, managerial ownership has a negative effect on shareholder value and managerial ownership is proven to moderate the relationship of debt policy to shareholder value. Debt policy proxied by DER has no effect on shareholder value, and managerial ownership also has no effect on debt policy.

Rainfall Dynamics and Trend in Central Nigeria for Thirty-Four Years (1986-2019)

A statistical study of rainfall dynamics and trend in central Nigeria for thirty-four (34) years (1986-2019) has been carried out. The data were obtained from the website of Nigerian Meteorological Agency., Abuja, Nigeria. We used the ET-SCI classification of rainfall rainy season. We found that total rainfall variability ranges between moderate variability in Gombe and high variability in Benin City. Variability in the frequency of rainfall during the period varies between zero variability in Jos and moderate variability at Benin City. In general, the variability in total and seasonal rainfall, and rainfall frequency appears to be dependent on latitude. Rainfall trend analysis shows that seasonal rainfall rises monotonically in all seasons except R99p season.

Mineral resource extraction and resource sustainability: Policy initiatives for agriculture, economy, energy, and the environment

The depletion of minerals is a growing problem that significantly impacts the availability of natural resources. Mineral resource extraction plays a vital role in the global economy, providing essential raw materials for various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment. The extraction of minerals is critical to sustainability, but it does come with risks and challenges, such as environmental degradation. This paper examines the nexus of mineral resource extraction and sustainability in China from 1971 to 2019, using GDP per capita, fossil fuel energy consumption, and CO2 emissions as moderator variables. The result explains that mineral depletion, agriculture value-added, and economic growth are positively associated with natural resources. At the same time, fossil fuel energy consumption and CO2 emissions are negatively related to natural resources. Overall, policy initiatives focusing on mineral resource extraction and resource sustainability are necessary to ensure the long-term health of agriculture, economy, energy, and the environment. By instituting regulations and incentives that support sustainable practices, we can provide the responsible use of mineral resources and preserve the domain. By investing in research and development, China can ensure the continued availability of mineral resources while promoting sustainable energy sources and protecting the environment.

PENGARUH JUMLAH PENDUDUK DAN PDRB TERHADAP KEMISKINAN: ZAKAT SEBAGAI MODERASI

Analyzing the impact of population and GRDP on poverty in DKI Jakarta with Zakat as a moderating variable. The research method is a quantitative method with a saturated sample, that is, all members of the population are used as samples. The data source is secondary data with a panel model. The data analysis technique used is multiple regression with moderation variables and using the SPSS application. There is an effect of population on poverty rate; there is an effect of GRDP on poverty rate; zakat cannot moderate the effect of population on poverty rate; zakat cannot moderate the effect of GRDP on poverty rate.

Peran Current Ratio dalam Memoderasi Pengaruh Debt to Equity Ratio Terhadap Return on Equity pada Bank Syariah Indonesia

As the fastest growing banking companies, Bank Syariah Indonesia needs to monitor financial ratios, such as current ratio (CR) and debt to equity ratio (DER) to measure financial performance and stability. This research focuses on how the CR affects the relationship between DER and RoE to provides an overview of the capital structure and liquidity policies that affect the profitability of Islamic banks. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method with secondary data on time series from 2021 to 2023, taken from the financial statements of PT. Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk. Data processing is carried out with SPSS version 26, involving regression analysis, coefficient of determination, and hypothesis testing. To test the hypothesis, this study applied Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) to multiple linear regression, with moderation variables to regulate the interaction between independent and dependent variables. This research shows that in Bank Syariah Indonesia, there is no significant correlation between DER and RoE. That is, high DER does not necessarily mean greater profitability. This has an impact on management decisions related to capital structure and investment. In addition, the CR does not have a significant impact on the relationship between DER and RoE, indicating that moderation by CR does not allow revenue optimization.

Determinant Of Investment Decision With Growth Opportunity As Moderation Variable: Study On Sub-Sector Textile And Garmen Companies Listed On The Indonesian Stock Exchange

An investment decision is a plan to invest in one or more assets in hopes of generating future returns. Investment decisions aim to obtain profits in the future with a certain level of risk and can maximize the prosperity of the owners (shareholders). The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of capital structure, liquidity, profitability, and company size on investment decisions with growth opportunities as moderation variables in textile and garment sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research was conducted on textile and garment sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a sample of 14 companies using saturated sampling techniques. Financial statement data is collected from the Indonesia Stock Exchange website and the websites of the companies sampled. The collected data is then analyzed with Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results showed that capital structure has no effect on investment decisions, liquidity has no effect on investment decisions, profitability has a negative effect on investment decisions, company size has no effect on investment decisions, growth opportunities moderate the relationship of capital structure and profitability on investment decisions and growth opportunities cannot moderate the relationship between liquidity and company size on decisions investment. 
 Keywords: Investment Decision, Capital Structure, Liquidity, Profitability, Firm Size

A longitudinal study of rotating shift type and attention performance of acute and critical care nurses with chronotype as moderator variable.

To investigate whether chronotype is a moderator variable that also interacts with shift type and whether they jointly influence the attention performance of nurses working in acute and critical care units. We adopted a longitudinal research design focusing on nurses working rotating shifts in the emergency room and intensive care units at a medical center. A total of 40 complete samples were obtained. Data analysis was conducted using the generalized estimating equations in SAS 9.4. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 26.35 (2.12) years. After controlling for age, gender, and sleep duration, an interaction effect was discovered between a specific chronotype and shift type; that is, the interaction effect between chronotype and shift type was only significant when comparing late-types working the night shift with early- and intermediate-types working the night shift (B = -18.81, P = .011). The least squares means of the mean reaction time of the interaction effects between the 2 chronotype groups and the 3 shift types found that the mean reaction time of late-types working the night shift was 11.31ms (P = .044) slower compared with working the day shift. The chronotype is a moderator variable between shift type and mean reaction time, such that matching the chronotype of nurses in acute and critical care units with the appropriate shift type improved their mean reaction time. It is hoped that the results of this study could serve as a reference for acute and critical care nurses when scheduling their shifts.

Physical practice, mental practice or both: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Introduction: Previous research has reached positive conclusions regarding the effects of mental practice on performance and learning of a motor skill. The purpose of this study was to use the aggregate data meta-analytic approach to assess the impact of physical practice (PP), mental practice (MP), and the combination of both on acquisition, retention, and transfer tests in motor skill performance. Methodology: Twenty-seven studies published up to 2022 were included by searching six databases. Random effects model using the standardized mean difference effect size (ES) was used to pool results. Results: A total of 42 ES, were calculated and separated into pairwise comparisons for acquisition, retention, and transfer phase. In the acquisition phase, it was found that MP was more effective than no practice (ES=0.508; n=25; CI=0.29,0.72), PP was more effective than no practice (ES=1.78; n=15; CI=0.97,2.60), CP was more effective than no practice (ES=1.16; n=12; CI=0.57,1.75), PP was more effective than MP (ES=-1.16; n=23; CI=-1.88,-0.45), PP had similar results as CP (ES=-0.01; n=16; CI=-0.31,0.28), and CP was more effective than MP (ES=0.61; n=12; CI=0.17,1.04). In the retention phase, it was found that MP was more effective than no practice (ES=1.11; n=5; CI=0.44,1.79), PP was more effective than no practice (ES=1.03; n=4; CI=0.08, 1.99), PP was more effective than MP (ES=-1.29; n=9; CI=-3.12,0.54), PP had similar results as CP (ES=0.16; n=8; CI=-0.29,0.63), CP had similar results as MP (ES=-0.06; n=3; CI=-1.22,1.09). In the transfer phase, it was found that MP was more effective than no practice (ES=1.12; n=5; CI=0.01,1.59), PP had similar results as no practice (ES=0.41; n=5; CI=-0.02,0.85), and PP was more effective than MP (ES=0.50; n=6; CI=0.12,0.87). Age, skill level, type of mental practice, total of sessions, and type of skill were considered as possible moderator variables. Conclusions: Mental practice does not replace physical practice, however, under some conditions, physical practice can be complemented with mental practice.

Customer pressure and environmental stewardship: The moderator role of perceived benefit by managers.

Nowadays, environmental issues and cleaner products are interest to many customers, considering whether to buy or continue using a product. This will affect the perception, attitude of upper managers in the process of strategic choices and operational management behavior. This study is based on the Upper Echelon Theory, research under the influence of customer pressure to attitude toward the environmental, decision choices for cleaner production strategies, implementation of environmental management accounting towards achieving green competitive advantage of Vietnamese manufacturing enterprises. In addition, the role of two moderator variables: (1) perceived benefit of cleaner production strategies and (2) perceived benefit of environmental management accounting in the research model is also considered. This study surveyed 234 CEOs of Vietnamese manufacturing enterprises. This study employed PLS-SEM, version 3 for data analysis. Results have shown that all relationships are statistically significant. Moderator variables have a statistically significant and positive impact in relationships in which they play a moderator role. This study helps CEOs realize the importance of producing products that are customer-oriented, environmentally friendly, and the implementation of environmental management accounting will have a strong impact on achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.

Determinants of Goods/Services Procurement Fraud with Performance Accountability as Moderation in Central Lombok Regency Government

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of competence and opportunity, as well as organizational commitment to PBJ fraud, directly or with performance accountability as a moderation variable. The study was conducted on a sample of goods and services procurement actors in Central Lombok Regency, with as many as 120 respondents. Data analysis was done using SmartPLS. The results showed the correlation of variables in Goods/Services Procurement Fraud (PBJ) with the principles of agency theory and the fraud triangle. The competence of PBJ implementers has a negative influence on PBJ fraud, in line with agency theory, which emphasizes the importance of highly competent individuals in reducing opportunities for unethical behavior in public agencies. Strong organizational commitment also shows a negative influence on PBJ fraud, confirming agency principles that emphasize adherence to procurement processes. On the other hand, the finding that opportunity has a positive effect on PBJ fraud is in line with the fraud triangle theory, which highlights that opportunity in the procurement system can facilitate fraudulent practices. The role of performance accountability that strengthens the influence of competence and commitment to PBJ fraud is in line with the fraud triangle theory, affirming the importance of accountability in controlling fraud opportunities. These findings consistently support the principles of agency theory and the fraud triangle in the context of the procurement of goods and services in the public sector.

Flood risk and climate change: A disconnect between homeowners’ awareness and mitigating actions?

Based on two surveys among Dutch homeowners, we find evidence for a disconnect between flood risk awareness and intentions to mitigate climate change. In terms of awareness, we find that owners of at-risk properties are 9.8 percentage points more likely to see floods as the main threat to their home. However, at-risk owners are also 4.6 percentage points less likely to consider improving their property’s energy efficiency. Trust in flood protection turns out to be a moderator variable. In particular, at-risk owners with high levels of trust are less likely to consider improving energy efficiency than at-risk owners with low levels of trust in flood protection. We discuss implications for climate risk communication.

Teachers' judgment accuracy: A replication check by psychometric meta-analysis.

Teachers' judgment accuracy is a core competency in their daily business. Due to its importance, several meta-analyses have estimated how accurately teachers judge students' academic achievements by measuring teachers' judgment accuracy (i.e., the correlation between teachers' judgments of students' academic abilities and students' scores on achievement tests). In our study, we considered previous meta-analyses and updated these databases and the analytic combination of data using a psychometric meta-analysis to explain variations in results across studies. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering aggregation and publication bias as well as correcting for the most important artifacts (e.g., sampling and measurement error), but also that most studies fail to report the data needed for conducting a meta-analysis according to current best practices. We find that previous reviews have underestimated teachers' judgment accuracy and overestimated the variance in estimates of teachers' judgment accuracy across studies because at least 10% of this variance may be associated with common artifacts. We conclude that ignoring artifacts, as in classical meta-analysis, may lead one to erroneously conclude that moderator variables, instead of artifacts, explain any variation. We describe how online data repositories could improve the scientific process and the potential for using psychometric meta-analysis to synthesize results and assess replicability.

Mechanisms of Workplace Spirituality on Employee Innovative Performance

Abstract In the context of the knowledge economy, innovation is the source of sustainable development of enterprises. Compared with traditional motivational factors, intrinsic spirituality attributes are more capable of driving employees to enhance innovation performance. The article introduces workplace spirituality into the field of innovation management, explores the mechanism of workplace spirituality on employees’ innovation performance, and constructs a theoretical model with thriving at work and role breadth self-efficacy as mediator variables and viewpoint selection as moderator variables. In this study, based on 522 valid questionnaires from 72 firms, the relationships of the variables in the theoretical framework were empirically examined using structural equation modeling. The test results showed that (1) workplace spirituality positively predicted employees’ innovative performance; (2) thriving at work and role breadth self-efficacy both partially mediated the relationship between workplace spirituality and innovative performance; and (3) perspective-taking played a significant positive moderating role in the relationships between thriving at work and innovative performance, and role breadth self-efficacy and innovative performance, and perspective-taking positively moderated the mediating effects of thriving at work and role breadth self-efficacy.

The Intersection of Technology and Health Economics: Innovations and Challenges

Purpose This review investigates the intersection of technology and health economics, focusing on the impact of various health technologies on cost-effectiveness, healthcare efficiency, and patient outcomes. The study also examines the challenges related to affordability, equitable access, and sustainability within healthcare systems. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate both the cost-effectiveness of technologies and the impact of policies related to health technologies. Specifically, a random-effects model was applied to pool data from multiple studies (2013–2023) on the cost-effectiveness of technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostics, advanced imaging, and personalized medicine. Studies were selected based on relevance, research design (e.g., randomized controlled trials and cohort studies), and the availability of quantitative data. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for each technology, and heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I² statistic. This method allowed for a quantitative synthesis of data, adjusting for variability between studies. Cost–benefit analysis and policy evaluation were conducted to assess the economic impact of technology-related policies such as telemedicine subsidies, AI regulations, and electronic health record (EHR) incentives. This included calculating benefit-cost ratios (BCR), net present value (NPV), and performing scenario planning to explore the best and worst-case outcomes of policy implementation. Main Findings The random-effects model identified telemedicine as the most cost-effective technology, with an ICER of $4,500/QALY and low variability (I² = 25%), demonstrating consistent value across various settings, particularly in underserved areas. AI-powered diagnostics had an ICER of $7,800/QALY with moderate variability (I² = 45%), indicating that its cost-effectiveness depends on the disease treated and healthcare context. Advanced imaging techniques ($15,000/QALY) and personalized medicine ($20,000/QALY) exhibited higher costs and greater heterogeneity (I² = 65% and 70%, respectively), signaling concerns over technology creep and inconsistent economic benefits. The policy analysis found that telemedicine subsidies were the most economically favorable, with a BCR of 1.8 and an NPV of $25 million, though challenges such as broadband infrastructure and provider training were identified. Policies regulating AI had a lower BCR of 1.2, reflecting the challenges of governing rapidly evolving technologies, while EHR incentives demonstrated a BCR of 1.5, with challenges related to data privacy and high upfront costs. Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of evidence-based policies in guiding the adoption and diffusion of health technologies. There is a critical need for continuous evaluation of cost-effectiveness and the development of policies that address both the economic and ethical challenges posed by technological advancements. Policymakers must focus on ensuring equitable access to these technologies, particularly in underserved areas, to promote a sustainable and efficient healthcare system.

Understanding the olfactory role in post-COVID cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to examine if long-term OD is common in post-COVID condition, and the relationship between olfaction, cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and disease duration in these patients. This study included 121 participants with post-COVID condition and 51 healthy controls (HC). A comprehensive neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric assessment was conducted, encompassing various domains, including general cognition, processing speed, verbal fluency, attention, verbal memory, visual memory, visuoconstructive ability, visuospatial ability, abstraction, executive functions, anxious-depressive symptoms, general health perception, fatigue level, sleep quality, and olfaction. Statistical analyses were carried out to understand the relationship of OD with cognition, and its role as moderator variable. In total, 25% of the post-covid patients had a reduced smell capacity, while only 9.3% of HC presented OD. Post-COVID patients had statistically significantly worse cognitive performance and clinical status than HC. Verbal fluency (AUC = 0.85, p < 0.001), and attention (AUC = 0.82, p < 0.001) were the variables that best discriminate between groups. OD seemed to be a moderator between fatigue and cognition, and between disease duration and attention (β = -0.04; p = 0.014). The study highlights marked cognitive and neuropsychiatric sequelae in individuals post-COVID relative to HC. Olfactory impairment exhibits correlations with both cognitive performance and general health. Olfaction emerges as a potential prognostic marker owing to its moderating influence on disease severity indicators.

Perceived Stress, Depression and Anxiety in the Spouses of Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant public health issue in India, where alcohol consumption is discouraged but often practiced excessively. In our country, with an emphasis on the family system, the spouses of individuals with alcohol dependence are also affected in many ways. The patients and their spouses are bound to affect each other, as spouses are usually the primary caregivers. Aim: To study the impact of AUD on the spouses of affected individuals, focusing on perceived stress, depression and anxiety. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 spouses of patients with AUD who visited the Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) the Department of Psychiatry, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, a tertiary hospital in the Chennai suburban area over a period of two months. Data were collected between November 2021 and December 2021 using a socio-demographic proforma to record age, education, employment and the ages of children, among other factors. Assessment tools used included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for assessing depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Independent t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for comparison. Results: The average age of the participants was 42.1±11.7 years, with moderate variability. Most participants were educated (81%), employed (84%) and residing in nuclear families (76%). The study revealed moderate levels of perceived stress (24.2), variable anxiety (19.2) and varying degrees of depression (16.4) among the spouses. Employed individuals had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores compared to non employed individuals. The correlations indicated positive associations between stress, anxiety and depression. Anxiety was positively correlated with the ages of male children (r=0.244, p=0.016) and female children (r=0.363, p=0.002). Similarly, depression was correlated with the ages of male children (r=0.258, p=0.011) and female children (r=0.292, p=0.014). Conclusion: The present study underscores the substantial impact of AUD on spouses, highlighting notable levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Employment status has emerged as a crucial factor influencing mental health outcomes.

The development and validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of selinexor and its application in Chinese multiple myeloma patients.

Selinexor is a nuclear exportin-1 (XPO1) inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients. However, sustained use of selinexor may result in some undesirable consequences. Furthermore, selinexor has moderate inter-patient variability. Herein, we developed an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring selinexor levels in human plasma ranging from 1 to 1000 ng mL-1. Furthermore, the developed approach was validated in accordance with FDA criteria. The established approach demonstrated inter-day and intra-day precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, of less than 8%, with accuracies of less than 6%, expressed as relative error. The results showed that the protein depletion was quite complete for selinexor extraction, with recoveries ranging from 85.89 to 108.38%. The validated method facilitates the quantitation of selinexor in multiple myeloma patients. The selinexor plasma concentration exhibits obvious inter-patient' variability after administration. Thus, it is necessary to make a personalized prescription through therapeutic drug monitoring. Furthermore, the change in platelet counts before and after selinexor treatment was shown to be related to the plasma concentration at 3 h after administration, which provides the basis for therapeutic drug monitoring sampling time points and a method for predicting the occurrence of thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, the developed method can be used for the quantification of the plasma concentration of selinexor, and it is of great significance to conduct therapeutic drug monitoring for patients taking selinexor in order to enhance therapeutic effects and prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions.

Diversity and genetic structure of yellow passion fruit in Boyacá-Colombia using microsatellite DNA markers.

The Yellow passion fruit belongs to the Passifloraceae family with great economic, nutritional and social importance in Colombia. It presents a great phenotypic and genotypic diversity, which has not yet been explored or used in genetic improvement programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 84 cultivars of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa from nine farms in the municipality of Miraflores, Boyacá, using eight microsatellite markers (SSR). On the basis of this information, estimates of genetic diversity parameters, molecular variance analysis (AMOVA), genetic distances, and cluster of cultivars were obtained. Low levels of genetic differentiation between cultivars were observed in the Bayesian analysis using Structure software, as well as the absence of correlation between genetic and geographic distances. The observed heterozygosity (0.50) was greater than the expected heterozygosity (0.43), suggesting a significant number of heterozygous individuals. The number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 4, with a mean 2.88. In general, SSR were classified as informative (0.36). The average value of the Shannon Index was 0.71, which shows moderate variability in this cultivar. AMOVA showed higher diversity within cultivars (98%). The gene flow (Nm=28.4) was moderate, this can be explained by the flow of pollen between the different cultivars, the reproduction system of the species, self-incompatibility and the introduction of genotypes from other sites by farmers. The genetic diversity identified in this study is sufficient to initiate breeding programs aimed at identifying cultivars with higher yields.