Aspects Of Performance Research Articles

Emotional intelligence as an antecedent of employees’ job outcomes through knowledge sharing in IT-ITeS firms

PurposeJob performance literature has evolved to address the aspects of performance thinking where knowledge sharing (KS) and emotions on the job are considered important. This study evaluates the influence of emotional intelligence (EI), mediated through KS, on job outcomes measured as job performance (JP) and job satisfaction (JS).Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling methods are used to investigate the degree of influence of EI on job outcomes through KS. The data for analysis has been collected from 227 project managers at Information Technology-Information Technology Enabled Services (IT-ITeS) firms.FindingsThe findings suggest that the EI has a positive and significant effect on KS. This implies that employees with high EI scores are more involved in the KS behavior. Furthermore, the findings suggest that KS partially mediates the relationship between EI and JP, and it fully mediates the relationship between EI and JS.Research limitations/implicationsFor KS, the answer lies in the recruitment and retention of emotionally intelligent persons rather than investing only in information technology. The study enhances the literature on knowledge management, sharing and EI.Practical implicationsThe proposed research model suggests a successful infusion of KS within IT-ITeS firms. Knowing the EI of employees and, accordingly, changing their behavior towards sharing knowledge is probably a distinctive, most efficacious and essential strategy for augmenting job outcomes.Originality/valueThe study establishes the role of KS in translating the impact of EI on JP and JS. Furthermore, it contributes a novel framework of KS behavior.

The structure of knowledge about the concept of derivative – a study investigating a process-object framework

Different process-object frameworks have been used to describe the structure and sequence of acquisition of knowledge about mathematical concepts in the sense that operational (i.e. process-related) knowledge should be acquired before structural (i.e. object-related) knowledge. This approach has previously been used to investigate the structure of knowledge about the concept of derivative from a qualitative perspective. In this article, we apply a process-object framework to investigate the acquisition of knowledge about the concept of derivative quantitatively. Data was collected from N = 176 grade 10/11 students in Germany using a test instrument that has been specifically developed to measure operational and structural knowledge about the concept of derivative. In a second study, interviews were conducted with a selected subsample of the same students to ensure the validity of the test and the compatibility of our items to the theoretical model. Our results show that knowledge about the concept of derivative can be seen as psychometrically two-dimensional reflecting operational and structural aspects of knowledge. Additionally, our results indicate that a majority of students might only have acquired pseudostructural knowledge about the concept of derivative. Lastly, implications for research specifically for the role of prior knowledge are discussed.

Operations, financing and performance of paraguayan MSMEs in times of crisis: an analysis in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

In addition to the health impact, as well as the impact on the economic aspects and everything related to sales and jobs, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major influence on the operational aspects of businesses, largely due to issues related to access to financing, which resulted in variations in overall business performance. The objective of this research was to analyze how the pandemic impacted the operations and access to finance of MSMEs and its influence on their performance. For this study, the case of Paraguayan MSMEs was taken, and a total of 360 managers and/or owners of this type of companies, belonging to the industrial, commercial and service sectors, participated in the study. The quantitative method was used through the application of a digital survey sent via email and messaging networks, during the first half of 2021. Quantitative data analysis was performed by applying tests such as Pearson's Chi-square and analysis of variance. The most relevant results (on a rating scale from 1 to 5) related to operations, indicate that companies were forced to modify their product and service offerings (3.47), in addition to lowering sales prices (3.31) and implementing other adaptation activities (3.21). Regarding access to financing, it was observed that 40.3% of the MSMEs participating in the study that have requested financing obtained it under the same conditions as the previous year, while 19.9% indicated that they obtained financing, but under worse conditions, and 36.4% have not been able to access credit. With regard to performance, significant differences were found among the MSMEs, taking into account the sector to which they belong. Differences in performance were observed among those offering higher quality products (industrial sector with 3.81), those with more efficient internal processes (services sector with 3.55), and those with more satisfied clients (industrial sector with 3.96). The results indicate that Paraguayan MSMEs were able to adapt and keep their businesses operating with a certain level of success during the crisis, despite the fact that many of them were unable to access sources of financing or did so under unfavorable conditions.

Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays in power energy systems with emphasis on the discreteness of variables: Comprehensive comparisons

The challenge related to the coordination of overcurrent relays in a looped network, which is a highly constrained problem, is to find a more optimum solution and at the same time there is no miscoordination. In this problem, the utilized optimization algorithm has a direct effect on finding a more optimal solution. High exploration particle swarm optimization (HEPSO) algorithm, which utilizes multi-crossover mechanism of the genetic algorithm and the bee colony mechanism to increase the exploration capability, has been selected to solve the coordination problem. To validate the HEPSO algorithm, a new algorithm called turbulent flow of water-based optimization (TFWO) is also used, and their results are compared. A new approach to discretization of variables is presented, which prevents miscoordination in the relays coordination. It is a realistic assumption for all relay types, especially digital relays, in preventing miscoordination. Also, the outage of sub-transmission transformers is considered for determining pickup current, which is a practical aspect of power systems operation. The obtained results are compared with the results of other algorithms and methods such as metaheuristic, mathematical and analytical, and hybrid methods. The efficiency of the selected algorithm is proven through comprehensive comparisons. The results show more optimum solutions while there is no miscoordination. Finally, the performance of the selected algorithm and the proposed approaches are tested on IEEE 14 and 30-bus test systems. Since these test systems are large enough, the number of problem variables will increase significantly, effectively validating the power and robustness of the selected algorithm to tackle this complex and constrained problem. The outage of transformers in determining pickup currents had been implemented in this section.

Analyzing Economic Resilience of Rural Tourism in Indonesia Using Synthetic Composite Index

Research Originality: This study used a new method, namely the Adjusted Mazziotta-Pareto Index (AMPI) to measure and categorize economic resilience using clustering analysis. In addition, the innovative method had not been previously applied to tourism resilience in Indonesia, making this study the first to measure tourism village resilience.Research Objectives: This study aimed to analyze economic resilience of tourism village destinations in Indonesia from 2019 to 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Methods: The procedures were carried out using a quantitative method to determine resilience index of tourism village in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were obtained from form management documents as well as 24 tourism villages across Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara Provinces. Empirical Results: The results showed that the majority of villages were significantly impacted in the initial year of COVID-19, but were able to recover, demonstrating strong capacity and performance in recovering from the pandemic shock. In addition, economic aspects of capacity and performance showed high adaptability after the pandemic, indicating relative resilience to the shock. Implications: The results of this study could inform policies to enhance tourism village resilience in Indonesia. JEL Classification: O18, Z32, Z38How to Cite:Ariyani, N., & Fauzi, A. (2024). Analyzing Economic Resilience of Rural Tourism in Indonesia Using Synthetic Composite Index. Etikonomi, 23(2), 415 – 432. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i2.33355.

面向印尼学生的“听说+读写”高效教学模式探析

<p>In response to the actual needs of Indonesian students in learning Chinese,Sekolah Tinggi Bahasa Harapan Bersama in Pontianak and the College of Chinese Language and Culture of Jinan University have cooperated to open an efficient teaching model of "listening, speaking + reading and writing", in order to quickly improve students' Chinese use ability in a short period of time. This study intends to compare the efficient model with the traditional Indonesian undergraduate teaching model from the aspects of curriculum setting, teaching content, teaching methods and teaching strategies, so as to better meet the needs of different learners. In terms of curriculum setting, the efficient mode adopts the concept of "small steps and fast walking", and the course type is streamlined into two categories: "listening and speaking" and "reading and writing". In terms of teaching content, the study aims to analyze the differences in the content learned by comparing the number of new words taught in one semester and the difficulty level of the two modes. In terms of teaching methods and strategies, the teaching model of "listening, speaking + reading and writing" proposes teaching strategies including "language 'use' for middle school", 'increasing input' and 'running in small steps'". On the basis of teaching practice, this paper evaluates the practical effect of the effective teaching mode of "listening, speaking + reading and writing" for Indonesian students from the aspects of Chinese proficiency test scores, daily homework and activity performance, and then reflects on and improves the teaching practice.</p>

The Impact of MOOC Performance and Mediating Effect of Satisfaction with Instructor and Enjoyment of Interaction on Online Learning Self-Efficacy in China

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of MOOC performance (independent variable) on online learning self-efficacy (dependent variable). In this study, well-established scales with proven high reliability were selected to measure MOOC quality, satisfaction with instructor, enjoyment of interaction, and online learning self-efficacy. We used correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation effects test and the survey findings confirmed that all three aspects of MOOC performance (instruction quality 0.143**, interaction quality 0.262***, and system quality 0.593***) had a positive influence on online learning self-efficacy. Additionally, we delved into how MOOC performance affected online learning self-efficacy, considering the mediating roles of satisfaction with instructor and interaction enjoyment. The results indicated that both satisfaction with instructor and interaction enjoyment partially mediated the relationship between two dimensions of MOOC performance —system quality (0.041* and 0.050**) and interaction quality (0.075*** and 0.081***)— and online learning self-efficacy. Notably, the connection between instruction quality and online learning efficacy was entirely mediated by satisfaction with instructor (0.062**) and enjoyment of interaction (0.032**). This study’s observations underscored the crucial role of MOOC performance in enhancing online learning experiences and creating an environment characterized by enjoyable interactions and strong instructor acceptance. For limitations, the future research could increase the sample size and explored further over a larger geographic area.

Gewohnheit und Erziehung. Zur Rolle von habitude und coutume bei Montaigne, Fénelon, Du Marsais und Madame de Maintenon

Abstract This paper examines the role of habit and custom in educational writings from 16th- to 18th-century France. Authors like Michel de Montaigne, François de Fénelon, César Chesneau Du Marsais and Madame de Maintenon highly recognize the importance of habit and custom (habitude, coutume) for the education of children. Yet, their opinions diverge with regard to the consequences and the educational functions of habit and custom. In a first step (section 2), I will outline some major positions on the relationship between coutume/habitude and education in Montaigne’s Essais (1580/88), Fénelon’s Traité sur l’éducation des filles (1687) and Du Marsais’ article on „Éducation“ in the Encyclopédie (1755). Two further sections are devoted to Madame de Maintenon and her Conversations (or Loisirs, posth. 1757): in section 3, I will focus on the importance of habit and habituation in Madame de Maintenon’s practical education of girls in the Maison royale de Saint Louis in Saint-Cyr, a school that Maintenon founded for poor noble girls. In this context, special attention will be paid to the performative and theatrical aspects of her educational concept. In the last part (section 4), I examine the role attributed to habit and custom in the text of the Conversations. I will argue that this role, which is strongly linked to the idea of toughening up girls for a future life as a good mère de famille, may be explained by both the historical context of the French 17th century and Madame de Maintenon’s personal experiences.

Analisis dan Perancangan Usaha Pembukaan Cabang Baru pada Konveksi XYZ di Kota Bandung

Konveksi specific industry or agency. The problem with convection piling up and not making convection operational activities efficient. The aim of this study is to consider market aspects, technical aspects and financial aspects. By carrying out this feasibility analysis, convection can find out what needs to be prepared and know what risks will occur in order to avoid or minimize existing risks in the longer term. This financial aspect approach uses calculations of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Profitability Index (PI). The benefit of the proposed design results is that it can estimate the size of market demand for the opening of a new branch of XYZ Convection in Bandung City, namely 8,513 pcs in 2025, it can design the technical and operational aspects of opening a new branch of XYZ Convection in Bandung City by determining an investment of IDR 153,738,772, it can measure the financial feasibility of opening a new branch of Konveksi sensitivity of four variables, including sensitivity to decreasing demand levels, decreasing product selling prices, decreasing, increasing raw material costs, and increasing direct labor and indirect labor costs. Can identify the risks of opening a new branch of Konveksi XYZ in Bandung City with a percentage of 4.9%, and for entrepreneurs, it can be used as a consideration in making decisions in the business of opening a new branch of Konveksi. Based on the results of a feasibility study carried out taking into account market aspects, technical aspects and financial aspects, opening a new branch at XYZ Convection in Bandung City is feasible.

The Role of Human Factors, Ergonomics, and 3D Modeling When Evaluating Incidents Involving Micromobility Devices: An E-Scooter Fall Case Study

Micromobility devices—encompassing a range of lightweight devices such as bicycles, pedal-assist bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, and electronic skateboards—are promising as a complement to existing modes of travel. Human factors and ergonomics professionals can leverage available technology, education, and experience to assess aspects of human behavior, perception, expectations, performance, and kinematics when interacting with micromobility devices. This study discusses the application of Human Factors and 3D modeling when assessing micromobility devices during real-world incident investigations and showcases various tools that can be used for these types of assessments. This article outlines an incident case study involving an operator-owned e-scooter purchased from the manufacturer.

Perception of Implementing a Green Building Rating System for Energy Savings in Nigeria’s Construction Projects Industry

A green building rating system is an evaluation tool that assesses a building's environmental performance throughout its life cycle. It includes criteria addressing various aspects of design, construction, and operation. This study reviews existing research on green building rating systems, aiming to establish their applicability for energy saving in Nigeria, identify obstacles to implementation, and determine the necessary factors for successful adoption. The study is analytical, relying on secondary data sources such as published articles, books, and websites. Additionally, the paper highlights the potential benefits for Nigeria in developing its own green building rating system. By doing so, Nigeria can align with global efforts to create sustainable built environments and develop effective strategies for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The study recommends awareness programs, educational talks, and government policies to promote the implementation of green building rating systems in Nigeria based on the analysis conducted.

Does Green Finance Development Enhance the Sustainability Performance of China’s Energy Companies?

The achievement of China’s “dual-carbon” standard has been devoted to the green transformation and the sustainable growth of energy firms, both of which can be financed by the growth of green financing. This study aims to investigate how the development level of green finance influences the sustainable development performance of listed energy companies in China. It seeks to delve into the underlying mechanisms connecting green finance with financing constraints and, subsequently, with sustainability performance, as well as exploring the relationship between green finance and green total factor productivity in relation to sustainability performance. Additionally, this study will provide strategies and recommendations to enhance the sustainable development capabilities of energy enterprises. This study empirically evaluates the four aspects of sustainable development performance: economic, social, environmental, and innovative performance—as well as its mechanism of action using the fixed-effects pattern with two ways and the mediated-effects pattern using unbalanced panel data from Chinese-listed energy firms spanning from 2011 to 2020. The study discovered that (1) energy firms’ performance in sustainable development is greatly enhanced by the progression of green finance; (2) the advancement of green finance effectively boosts the sustainable development performance of energy companies by reducing financing constraints and enhancing green total factor productivity; (3) a more distinct relationship is evident between the extent of green financing development and the performance of sustainable development within state-owned enterprises. While green finance development has a stronger role in innovative performance for larger energy firms, it has a noticeable proactive impact on the economic, social, and environmental performance of smaller energy enterprises. Based on the study’s findings, this paper presents recommendations for the enhancement of green financing policies and the sustainable enhancement of energy enterprises in China.

The Educational Digital Ecosystem: A MICMAC Decomposition of the Reciprocal Influences Between Technological Platforms and Evaluation Methods

This study focuses on analyzing the interactions between technological platforms and evaluation methods in the educational digital ecosystem. The main objective is to identify the key variables that influence this environment and offer recommendations to improve the online educational experience. This is an exploratory study with a mixed approach, using the MICMAC technique to analyze the influence and dependence of the identified variables. The results reveal the importance of aspects such as the quality of content and technological infrastructure, as well as the need to improve usability and interactivity in online educational platforms. The conclusions highlight the complexity and interdependence of variables in the educational digital ecosystem, underlining the importance of addressing a variety of technical, operational, and pedagogical aspects to promote effective learning in the digital era.

Wearable Fall Detectors Based on Low Power Transmission Systems: A Systematic Review

Early attention to individuals who suffer falls is a critical aspect when determining the consequences of such accidents, which are among the leading causes of mortality and disability in older adults. For this reason and considering the high number of older adults living alone, the development of automatic fall alerting systems has garnered significant research attention over the past decade. A key element for deploying a fall detection system (FDS) based on wearables is the wireless transmission method employed to transmit the medical alarms. In this regard, the vast majority of prototypes in the related literature utilize short-range technologies, such as Bluetooth, which must be complemented by the existence of a gateway device (e.g., a smartphone). In other studies, standards like Wi-Fi or 3G communications are proposed, which offer greater range but come with high power consumption, which can be unsuitable for most wearables, and higher service fees. In addition, they require reliable radio coverage, which is not always guaranteed in all application scenarios. An interesting alternative to these standards is Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, which minimize both energy consumption and hardware costs while maximizing transmission range. This article provides a comprehensive search and review of that works in the literature that have implemented and evaluated wearable FDSs utilizing LPWAN interfaces to transmit alarms. The review systematically examines these proposals, considering various operational aspects and identifying key areas that have not yet been adequately addressed for the viable implementation of such detectors.

Enhancing TFET performance through gate length optimization and doping control in phosphorene nanoribbons

In this study, the performance of armchair phosphorene nanoribbons (APNRs) tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) is compared to that of conventional Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) based on the self-consistent solution of the Poisson and Schrödinger equation within the non-equilibrium Green's Function formalism and a tight-binding Hamiltonian. As channel length decreases, undesirable consequences such as increased OFF-current and sub-threshold swing can affect MOSFETs' performance. The study thoroughly investigates various aspects of TFET performance, including the impact of channel length, gate length, and doping on parameters like ON-current, OFF-current, the ON-/OFF-current ratio, and sub-threshold swing. An important finding of this research relates to the influence of source and drain doping. We demonstrate that fine-tuning impurity levels directly affects phosphorene nanoribbon TFET (PTFET) performance. The article also investigates the impact of gate length on PTFET performance. New transistor configurations with different gate lengths are proposed in this research. The study shows that optimizing gate length can significantly reduce OFF-current. Furthermore, the combined impact of gate length and doping concentration on PTFET performance is investigated. Through the strategic extension of the gate length towards the drain side and precise adjustments in doping levels, notable improvements in subthreshold swings, ON-current, and the ON-/OFF-current ratio can be realized.

The Effect of External Distractions on Simulated Laparoscopic Performance.

Background: Surgeons are exposed to unavoidable distractions while operating. Distractions can cause stress, and stress can impair cognition and motor skills to the detriment of surgeon performance. This study assessed the impact of distractions on surgeon stress levels and surgeon performance during simulated laparoscopic tasks. Methods: Twelve surgical trainees completed a peg-thread transfer task three times on a laparoscopic simulator in a neutral environment. Six trainees then completed the task three more times in an environment overlain with distractions commonly found in the operating theatre. Six others completed three more tasks in a neutral environment. Stress was measured by recording heart rate and by assessing responses to the NASA Task Load Index. Performance was measured using instrument tracking metrics and time to complete the task. Results: The distracted participants reported significantly higher effort, frustration, and physical demand than the neutral group, as measured by the NASA Task Load Index, (P = .001, .031, and .044, respectively). The neutral group completed their final task significantly faster compared with baseline (P = .049), while the distracted group failed to show this improvement. The distracted group showed higher hand discordance, suggesting reduced ambidexterity. Conclusion: Distraction negatively impacted some aspects of performance and resulted in subjective increased stress. In future, simulation may have a role in "stress inoculation," enabling surgeons to maintain performance, despite distractions.

The impact of brain functional connectivity on skill and physical performance in soccer players: A resting state fMRI study

ObjectiveIdentifying connections between various aspects of physical performance, motor skills, and cognitive abilities with the brain connectivity networks is essential for determining important brain regions associated with soccer performance. This study aimed to carry out the relationship between soccer-specific parameters and resting-state functional connectivity in soccer players. Materials and methodsTwenty-five soccer players (Vo2max; 50.68 ± 3.76 ml/min/kg) were participated voluntarily. The study encompassed a comprehensive assessment, including measures of physical performance, skill performance, and executive function (design fluency). Each participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) also allowing for the acquisition of data. The Linear regression were conducted between sport-specific parameters and functional connectivity values. ResultsOur findings revealed a significant positive correlation between agility and linear sprinting with the dorsal attention network (DAN). Conversely, the aerobic fitness parameter demonstrated exhibited a significant negative correlation with the DMN. Skill performance (speed dribbling, passing, shooting) displayed a significant positive correlation with both sensorimotor network (SMN), and DAN. Moreover, design fluency test displayed a significant positive correlation with the DMN. Notably, IPSL and IPSR nodes within the DAN consistently demonstrated the highest degree of centrality across various sports parameters. ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship among physical performance, skill proficiency, and executive function, as they relate to the functional connectivity of specific neural networks in soccer players. The outcomes establish a foundational understanding for future exploration and potential applications in sports science, and cognitive neuroscience in order to improve soccer performance.

Digitalization in action sports: blessing or curse?

PurposeThis study aims to identify how the use of digital technology for performance and commercial aspects of action sports can both create and destruct value.Design/methodology/approachExploratory research based on 30 interviews with coaches, athletes, judges, federations, fans and sponsoring organizations from Europe, across five action sport disciplines that are included in the Olympic program.FindingsValue creation of digital technology use related to the performance aspect of action sports fall into two categories: performance enhancement and performance evaluation. Value creation related to the commercialization aspect of action sports relate to specific technologies, in particular a video streaming and a centralized data and engagement platform, as well as to possibilities for betting and making sponsoring more measurable. Notably, such value creation opportunities are also accompanied by possible value destruction, as they interfere with the ethos of action sports (i.e. the unique nature and special culture).Originality/valueDrawing from service-dominant logic and adopting the value creation/destruction lens, this paper is the first to study how digitalization in the areas of performance and commercialization may further intensify tensions related to the ethos of action sports. Our approach is inclusive in terms of the types of digital technologies, action sport disciplines and stakeholders considered.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on profitability performance and maqashid sharia performance in Islamic commercial banks in the ASEAN region

The outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 has caused a crisis in various sectors, including the economic sector. In fact, its impact on the performance of Islamic banks in the ASEAN region is currently still unknown. Therefore, this study aims to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of COVID-19 on profitability performance and maqashid sharia performance in Islamic banks in the ASEAN region. Profitability performance is measured by return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). The number of observations from this study was 202 with a sample of 30 Islamic commercial banks in the ASEAN region in 2015–2021. The data analysis technique used is EViews 12. The results show that COVID-19 has no significant effect on profitability performance in Islamic banks, whether measured by ROE or ROA. On the other hand, COVID-19 has a significant effect on reducing the maqashid sharia performance. In addition, company size has been proven to positively affect profitability performance and maqashid sharia performance in Islamic banks before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating expense ratio (OER) has been proven to affect ROE and ROA, whereas FDR and non-performing financing (NPF) have been proven to only affect ROA. OER influences promoting welfare, while FDR and NPF influence establishing justice. The study results confirm the ability of Islamic banks to generate profits amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They also confirm the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on three aspects of maqashid sharia performance.

Evaluating the Role of Mortar Composition on the Cyclic Behavior of Unreinforced Masonry Shear Walls.

The mechanical behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) shear walls under in-plane cyclic loading is crucial for assessing their seismic performance. Although masonry structures have been extensively studied, the specific influence of varying lime content in cement-lime mortars on the cyclic behavior of URM walls has not been adequately explored. This study addresses this gap by experimentally evaluating the effects of three mortar mixes with increasing lime content, 1:0:5, 1:1:6, and 1:2:9 (cement:lime:sand, by volume), on the cyclic performance of brick URM walls. Nine single-leaf wall specimens 900 mm × 900 mm were constructed and subjected to combined vertical compression and horizontal cyclic loading. Key parameters such as drift capacity, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were measured. The results indicated that the inclusion of lime leads to a moderate improvement in drift capacity and ductility of the walls, with the 1:1:6 mix showing the highest lateral capacity (0.55 MPa), drift at cracking (0.08%), and drift at peak capacity (0.31%). Stiffness degradation and energy dissipation were found to be comparable across all mortar types. These findings suggest that partial substitution of cement with lime can enhance certain aspects of masonry performance. Further research is recommended to optimize mortar compositions for unreinforced masonry applications.