Assessing equity of access: a needs index for digital health stations in Queensland, Australia.

ABSTRACT Considering the global challenge of artificial multiplication of biocontrol agents in managing agricultural pests, our study attempted to develop an amenable, cost-effective multiplication technique for two indigenously identified parasitoids, Trichogramma chilonis and Trichogramma evanescens, on locally available host wax moth (Galleria mellonella) eggs in varied temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C) and humidity regimes (55, 65, and 75%), following a completely randomised design with three repetitions. According to the three-way ANOVA, the individual and combined effects of two factors, temperature and humidity, differed significantly for most of the studied variables, except for the factor of parasitoids. Maximum adult emergence was achieved at 25°C with 65% relative humidity for both species, T. chilonis and T. evanescens. A combination of 25°C with 65% RH turned out to be the optimal abiotic conditions for most of the variables, such as parasitoid longevity, fecundity, egg mortality, and male–female ratio. Notably, no statistical variation was recorded between 25°C and 30°C alongside 65% and 75% RH. Correlation analysis demonstrated that temperature had a significant positive relation with all variables, while cubic regression indicated that increased temperature up to a certain point accelerated the adult emergence rate and egg parasitising rate, explaining 76.3% and 71.6% variability, respectively. Principal component analysis identified fecundity and oviposition period as key variables accounting for the maximum variance. Additionally, a three-variable contour depicted a significant positive relation between egg emergence rate and egg parasitising rate (0.84**). Thus, the research findings paved the way for parasitoid mass rearing at low investment, facilitating sustainable, eco-efficient management of lepidopteran agricultural pests.

This research paper exploring the impact of how teachers effectively provide feedback to increase student motivation and academic performance of students. Feedback refers as a knowledge and inputs from an individual; as an instructor, partner, leader, peer, or any other person’s concert and performance. Teacher feedback is one of the most significant teaching strategies because of its highlights valuable impacts and convenience for practically apply in the classroom. The research will seek to improve the way of feedback delivery to enhancing the motivation level of students and increase students’ academic performance. Data were gathered using a quantitative research design by use of structured questionnaire that was collected from 101 university students. The data were analyzed using the t-test and correlation analysis as descriptive statistical methods. The results indicate a positive significant relationship between the teacher feedback that highlights the importance of teachers’ feedback and students’ motivation to improve their academic performance of students. The findings suggest that teacher feedback is powerful tool help in enhance students’ motivation through constructive feedback, immediate evaluation, and examining learning gaps in students, which eventually lead to improved academic performance.

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the interplay between dividend policy and capital structure decisions within the distinct institutional framework of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) non-financial firms. It seeks to resolve conflicting empirical evidence by examining how regional characteristics—such as market opacity and ownership concentration—reshape standard financial theories. Design/methodology/approach Leveraging an unbalanced panel of 1,396 firm-year observations (2012–2022) across six GCC countries, the analysis employs fixed effects and System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimators. This dual approach controls for unobserved heterogeneity and rigorously addresses endogeneity concerns prevalent in dynamic financial modeling. The study further tests the moderating role of profitability to identify conditional effects on leverage decisions. Findings Empirical evidence reveals a positive significant relationship between dividend payout ratios and leverage, contradicting the Pecking Order Theory typically observed in developed economies. Instead, the results support Signaling Theory, suggesting that in low-transparency markets, concurrent high dividends and debt signal managerial confidence. However, moderation analysis indicates a nuanced boundary condition: High-profitability firms tend to reduce leverage when paying dividends, whereas low-profitability firms exhibit a weaker relationship, relying more on external debt to sustain payouts. Originality/value This research advances corporate finance literature in three specific ways. First, it validates Signaling Theory within an emerging market context characterized by information asymmetry, challenging the universal dominance of Pecking Order assumptions. Second, it uniquely identifies profitability as a critical moderator that reverses the dividend–leverage nexus, offering a granular view of financial behavior often overlooked in regional studies. Third, by applying System GMM to a comprehensive GCC dataset, the study provides robust causal inferences that address endogeneity issues frequently ignored in prior regional finance literature.

Background: Attachment style refers to the bonding styles that individuals pick up as children and use in their adult relationships. They are usually assumed to have their roots in the kind of care a child received during their early years. A mix of our feelings (such as emotions and life satisfaction) and our functioning (such as interpersonal relationships, self-control, purpose in life, and independence) can be referred to as mental wellbeing. The authors hypothesized that individuals with a more secure attachment style would experience better mental wellbeing compared to the insecure attachment styles. Objectives: To find out the differences in the individuals who have Secure, Preoccupied, Dismissive or Fearful Attachment Styles and their mental well being and to find out the differences between the Gender (Males & Females) on the mental wellbeing of the university students. Method: The sample comprised of 60 University students in the age range of 18 to 25 years. The participants completed the questionnaires of Relationship Scales Questionnaire developed by Griffin & Bartholomew (1994), and Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) developed in 2007 by an expert panel consisting of members from psychiatry, social science and public health. Firstly, evaluation of Mean and Standard Deviation, have been done; secondly, the Univariate Analysis of Variance ANOVA has been incorporated to determine the relationship between Attachment Styles, Gender and its interaction effect on the mental well being. Furthermore, ttest for Equality of Means were done to reveal the significant difference of mean scores between the male and the female group involved in the study. Results: The findings suggest that there exists a positive significant difference between Attachment Styles and Mental Well – being whereas no significant difference exists between Mental Well – being among the male and the female group. Conclusions: There exists a positive significant relationship between Attachment styles and Mental Well – being, whereas no significant difference occurs in the Mental Well – being between Males and Females group respectively.

This study explored the role of Financial Technologies (FinTech) in enhancing internal control effectiveness at Indo Zambia Bank, Lusaka, Zambia. The study utilized a convergent parallel mixed method design where 140 staff surveys were used, as well as qualitative interviews of ten key informants who were selected based on the compliance, internal audit, risk management, and digital operations departments. Three FinTech constructs were also studied automated monitoring systems, artificial intelligence-based fraud detection tools, and digital transaction platforms, and each of them was evaluated in terms of correlation with internal control effectiveness in terms of procedural efficiency, reporting reliability, and regulatory compliance. Results showed that there were weak yet statistically significant positive relations between FinTech adoption and internal control effectiveness (r=0.195 to r=0.291), which point to the fact that technology in itself is not enough to help control systems to their full extent. There was generally a positive perception of staff about procedural efficiency and automated reporting, though there were still gaps in proactive fraud prevention and cybersecurity preparedness, and back-office integration. The conclusion of the study is that the role of FinTech in the effectiveness of internal control is conditional depending on the governance structures, staff competency, vendor management and regulatory alignment. The paper suggests that the Indo Zambia Bank should focus on integrating back-office FinTech, enhancing proactive fraud detection, enforcing systematic governance and cybersecurity education, and enhancing oversight of the vendors. The results provide empirical research on the literature of digital banking governance in the developing economies and present feasible advice to management and policymakers.

Deposit money banks offer a variety of services in addition to safekeeping money and other valuables and making them readily available to the owners who need them. Despite these enormous responsibilities, the sector has been plagued by issues such as financial irregularities, a lack of objective internal audit control, internal auditor independence in relation to reporting channels, insider dealings, and excessive loan losses as they relate to the financial performance of Nigeria's commercial banks. This study, therefore, examine the relationship between internal audit and financial performance of deposits money banks in Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto research design whereby data were sourced mainly from the audited annual financial reports of selected Nigerian deposit money banks listed on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Group for the period 2016 to 2023. The population of the study consisted of twenty-four (24) Nigerian deposit money banks listed on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Group as at December, 2023. The sample size of twelve (12) deposit money banks was arrived at using purposive sampling technique whereby deposit money banks which have their annual report and accounts readily accessible for the study period were selected. Analytical techniques used in the study consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) on the relationship that exists between internal audit practices and financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria showed that internal audit size shows a strong positive correlation with return on asset (r=0.822). The study established a positive significant relationship between internal audit practices and financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that internal auditors should maintain neutrality and avoid personal biases during audits.

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between psychological capital, compassion, and rumination levels among special education teachers and the effect of these variables on psychological capital. Based on this objective, 189 special education teachers working in the field of special education in the province of Konya were included in the study. The research design was developed as a correlational survey model. The Personal Information Form, Positive Psychological Capital Scale, Rumination Responses Scale, and Compassion Scale were used in order to collect data for the study. The scales were administered to the participants via Google Forms, and data analysis was performed using the SPSS 27 software package. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized in order to determine the relationships between variables; linear regression analysis was used to determine the effect of compassion and rumination on psychological capital. The findings indicate that compassion levels have a positive significant relationship with positive psychological capital, while rumination has a negative significant relationship. Regression analysis revealed that positive psychological capital is significantly predicted by the variables of compassion and rumination. In the epilogue of the study, the findings obtained from the research are discussed in the light of the literature and recommendations are presented.

Salinity and nutrient driven shifts in diatom dominance along the Tamil Nadu coast during the northeast monsoon.

Global flood risk dynamics and their coupling with sustainable development goals (2000-2024).

Peach leaf curl aphid Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach) is one of the most destructive pests of peach during the early stages of flowering in Lower Shiwaliks of the North Western Himalayas. Keeping in view the economic importance of this pest the present study was conducted to monitor the incidence of B. helichrysi from February to April in the orchards of Una and Amb block, Distt. Una, Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed that mean aphid population for the year 2018, 2019 and 2020 was 111.3, 123.5 and 127.1/10 leaves, respectively which indicated the gradual increase that over the years the pest incidence has increased. The highest mean aphid population was recorded during March (218.58/10 leaves) followed by February (96.52/10 leaves) and declined in the month of April (52.85/10 leaves). A significant positive relation of aphid population was recorded with the relative humidity during 2018, 2019 and 2020. Significantly positive correlation of aphid population with maximum temperature was observed during the month of February (0.580), whereas correlation was significantly negative in the month of April (–0.850). Significantly negative correlation with minimum temperature (–0.692) in the month of April was also observed. The correlation with RThe results clearly indicate that the temperature and RH plays crucial role in the build up of aphid population on peach plants.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, effective management accounting practices have emerged as critical components in driving financial performance. The study objective was to determine the relationship between management accounting practices and financial performance of KTDA owned factories in Gusii region. The study was anchored on resource based, agency, goal setting and market singling theories. Positivism research philosophy and descriptive research design was adopted. The study targeted a population of 309 which comprised of; managers, departmental heads, accountants and directors. A sample of 249 respondents was drawn from the target population using stratified sampling. Secondary data was obtained from published and audited annual financial reports for the period of six years 2019-2024. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical methods like mean, frequencies, percentages and standard deviation while inferential statistical methods were applied by use of correlation, simple, multiple and hierarchical regression analysis and the results were presented in tables. The study found that: through creation of cost drivers KTDA factories were more accurate in estimating costs, budget evaluation committee must appraise all Budget items before they are approved, target costing was used to encourage efficient use of materials, benchmarking was adopted as a process of increasing their market share. It was concluded that Activity-based costing had a positive moderate significant relationship with financial performance. Budgeting as a practice had a negative, weak and insignificant relationship with financial performance, Target costing had a positive weak and insignificant correlation with financial performance. Benchmarking practice indicated a positive moderate and significant relationship with financial performance. The study recommended that qualified technicians or professionals to be hired and employment of new technology in order to enhance the ability to identify cost gaps in the process of cost setting, factory management should use budgets effectively as a cost control tool, qualified professionals to be hired in order to enhance the ability to identify cost gaps in the process of cost setting. Factories should aim at producing quality products in order to remain competitive in the market and sound policies which are data driven intervention and addressing quality standards instead of political rhetoric.

The current study explored the role of peer influence and social media addiction on offending tendencies among university students. A correlational research design was used. The sample of 80 university students (male=40, female= 40) with the age range 18-25 years was collected from different universities of Islamabad. The research main objective was to find the role of peer influence and social media addiction on offending tendencies among university students. Index of peer pressure scale, Bergen social media addiction and TCU criminal thinking scale were used for measuring the study variables. Results suggested significant correlation between study variables. A positive correlation is found between peer influences and social media addiction on offending tendencies among university student. The correlational analysis revealed that significant positive relation between Peer Pressure, Bergen Social Media Addiction scale, justification and personal irresponsibility.

[Purpose] This study analyzed whether managers of companies that experienced a sharpcrash in stock prices actively engaged in ESG activities to enhance their credibility in thecapital market. A stock price crash occurs when bad news concealed within the company bymanagement and then temporarily exposed to the capital market, causing the stock price tofall sharply. Such a sharp decline in stock prices can damage a company’s reputation andnegatively impact its value. Consequently, managers will be motivated to restore the brokentrust with stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether companies utilizeESG activities as a strategic tool for sustainable growth. [Methodology] This study analyzed companies listed on the stock market between 2011and 2023. Using ESG ratings as a proxy for ESG activity, we assumed that companies withhigh ESG ratings actively engaged in ESG activities. Furthermore, we used company－specificweekly stock returns to determine the stock price crash variable. We then performed aregression analysis to examine the association between stock price crash and ESG ratings. [Findings] The analysis results confirmed a significant positive relation between stock pricecrash and ESG ratings. This indicates that companies that experienced stock price crashreceived higher ESG ratings. Furthermore, companies that experienced stock price ceashmaintained or improved their ESG ratings in the subsequent period compared to the previousperiod. Conversely, changes in individual ratings did not show statistically significant results. [Implications] This study differentiates itself from prior research that analyzed the determinantsof stock price crash by focusing on the post－sudden perspective. The findings hold academicsignificance in that ESG can act as a lagging adjustment variable, rather than an antecedentfactor. Furthermore, this study holds practical significance in that it demonstrates that ESG canserve as a tool for corporate risk management.

Purpose: to investigate the nature, intensity and frequency of the main subjective manifestations of digital accommodative asthenopia online, to determine their relationship with basic ophthalmoergonomic indicators. Design and research methods. The online screening study was conducted on 1310 students (average age 21.5 ± 0.1 years; 75.3 % of respondents were female, 24.7 % were male). The psychometric scale used contained 25 items from 5 questions reflecting the main symptoms of accommodative asthenopia, as well as ophthalmoergonomic questions. Results and discussion. The average work experience with mobile screen devices (MSD) was 10.29 ± 0.1 years. At the same time, the average daily duration, as well as the one-time duration of using the digital television, varied widely up to 1 hour and more than 6 hours. The average distance from the eyes to the screen was 36.0 ± 0.5 cm (from 5 to 120 cm). Complaints of varying intensity and nature were expressed by 74.6 % of respondents, with the maximum rating of “constantly” and “very strong” in the percentage of respondents: difficulty focusing at a distance (5.6 % and 5.7 % of respondents, respectively), eye strain when looking at the screen — 2.3 % and 2.7 %, fogginess and blurriness — 1.7 % and 1.2 % of respondents. There were no significant correlation between the length of use of devices and complaints of accommodation problems among the respondents surveyed. A positive weak but significant relationship was found between the indicators “duration of using the digital optics and digital electronic devices per session” and “duration of using the digital optics and digital electronic devices during the day” with complaints of strain when fixing the gaze on the screen, as well as with blurred vision and problems focusing into the distance. The absence of a significant correlation between the length of use of devices and accommodative complaints may indicate the inclusion of some kind of stable, reliable mechanisms of accommodation compensation by the type of long-term adaptation, masking the subjective manifestations of the digital accommodative asthenopia. On the contrary, complaints of accommodative asthenopia associated with the duration of use per session or during the day reflect urgent, “emergency” compensation mechanisms and are manifested more clearly in the form of corresponding complaints of visual discomfort. Conclusion. A conclusion is made about the adequacy and effectiveness of the methodological approach using a multidimensional scale in on-line mode for analyzing the subjective manifestations of digital accommodative asthenopia. The data confirm the important role of ophthalmoergonomic factors in the formation of digital accommodative asthenopia in information technology users.

Phubbing is a behavior in which individuals engage with their smartphones while in face-to-face communication, exhibiting a dismissive attitude toward the person they are interacting with. This behavior is considered neglectful, rude, and disrespectful. Various underlying social behavioral tendencies may contribute to this conduct. In recent years, emerging technologies, social media, and communication platforms have led individuals to exhibit social behavioral tendencies such as the fear of missing out (FoMO), the fear of being without a mobile phone (Nomophobia), and the fear of being without an internet connection (Netlessphobia). This study aims to examine the predictive power of FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia on Phubbing, which is regarded as unacceptable behavior in social settings. In this research, we employed a predictive correlational design, one of the quantitative research methods. 301 university students (79 male, 222 female) participated in the study. Findings indicated a moderate positive significant relationship between Phubbing and FoMO, a moderate-to-high positive considerable relationship between Phubbing and Nomophobia, and a moderate-to-high positive significant relationship between Phubbing and Netlessphobia. Moreover, we found students' behaviors related to Netlessphobia and Nomophobia to be predictors of Phubbing. However, FoMO behaviors did not significantly predict Phubbing. Based on the study results, we provided suggestions for preventive and intervention-based practices and future research.

The goal of this study was to empirically examine the role of resilience on difficulties with emotion regulation in the experience of trauma. We aimed to investigate whether trait resilience can act as a moderator on the direct relation between trauma and emotion regulation. Further, we were interested in understanding whether trait resilience acts as a buffer against difficulties with emotion regulation and maladaptive behaviors. We used data from a sample of undergraduate students (n = 3,181) to conduct multiple linear regressions estimating the relations between trauma and emotion regulation and how resilience might moderate this relation. Our analyses unexpectedly found a lack of a moderating effect of resilience on emotion regulation and trauma, highlighting a gap in current research. Analyses confirmed a significant positive relation between trauma and difficulties in emotion regulation and a significant negative relation between resilience and difficulties with emotion regulation. Interestingly, our hypotheses failed to support a significant moderating effect of resilience on the relation between trauma and difficulties with emotion regulation. More specifically, the trauma and resilience interaction term was not statistically significant. Results suggest that the ability to positively modulate environmental and internal emotional responses are limited when levels of resilience are low. Importantly, these findings indicate resilience does not buffer against traumatic experiences and that it positively predicts a lack of emotional awareness in the wake of trauma, indicating a need for further research.

This study examined the effect of leadership styles on project implementation at Back to the Bible Truth Evangelistic Mission (BBT) in Uganda, The study focused on autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire approaches. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the effect of autocratic leadership, to establish the effect of democratic leadership, and to examine the effect of laissez-faire leadership on project implementation. A descriptive and correlational research design was adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 103 staff members, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a positive moderate significant associative relationship between Autocratic leadership and Project implementation at BBT mission (r = 0.412, Sig= 0.000). The adjusted R square value 0.159, implies that 15.9% of project implementation at BBT Mission, is influenced by Autocratic Leadership, the remaining 84.1% of project implementation being explained by other factors. This therefore means that there is a relationship between Autocratic leadership and Project implementation at BBT mission. The study concludes that autocratic leadership can improve efficiency, ensure accountability, and support the timely completion of tasks. However, this comes at the expense of employee morale, creativity, and meaningful participation. While autocratic practices are effective in environments requiring strict oversight and clear task direction, relying exclusively on this style may limit long-term project sustainability in mission-driven nonprofit organisations. Therefore, integrating task-focused control with participatory and inclusive leadership approaches is crucial for enhancing both project outcomes and staff engagement. The study recommends that BBT management balance autocratic authority with participatory practices to enhance staff motivation, creativity, and engagement.

Over the past two decades the word that was common term in all managers’ vocabulary was “budgets”. Budget is perhaps the most chosen course of action by the management and staff across all sectors in the institution. Management at all levels within the public, private sector has used the word budget as their shield or excuse when confronted or challenged about any decision. It is not uncommon to hear variations of the phrases “the budget does not permit”, or it’s not in the approved budget” all because of the budget compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of budgetary system on local government performance using Bosso Local Government as a case point. In order to achieve this objective, survey design was adopted and the population of study comprises of 660 staff of Bosso Local Government. Agency theory was used as theoretical framework. Taro Yamane formula employed used to determine the sample size of 249. Stratified sampling technique was used as the sampling methods. Questionnaire was adopted for data collection and interview. Data collected were tested and analyzed using Chi-square test, frequency distribution and percentage analysis. The Chi-square calculated value of 415 showed a positive significant relationship between budgetary implementation and the development of Bosso local government. It was concluded that this study has provided empirical evidences that budget contributes immensely to organizational growth and development of Bosso local government. Thus, the study recommended that once a budget passes review, it should immediately go to the implementation which involves the release and actual disbursement for funds for the specified functions and projects. The programming of fund disbursement should be the duty of work and financial plan and request of allotment.

Background Hypertension is a major contributor to global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that reduced hand grip strength (HGS)might be linked to elevated blood pressure and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.Anthropometric measures like body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) have been recognized as potential markers of cardiometabolic risk. However, the combined influence of body size parameters, muscle strength, and hypertension in the rural Indian population remains underexplored. Objective Aiming to fill the research gap, the study's objective was to compare anthropometric parameters and handgrip strength between hypertensive and normotensive adults residing in rural central India and to evaluate their associations withhypertension. Methods This comparative, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at a rural medical college of central India. The study sample consisted of 100 participants divided into 50 cases (hypertensive) and 50 age- and sex-matched controls (normotensive). Standardized protocols were followed while measuring HGS and anthropometric data. Maximum and mean HGS assessed by the grip force transducer were compared between the groups. Blood pressure measurements were recorded before and after the handgrip exercise protocol. Differences between groups were analyzed using the independent samples Student's t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate associations between HGS, WHtR, and blood pressure. Results The mean age of 50 controls was 48.90 ± 10.68 years, and that of 50 hypertensives was 49.33 ± 10.97 years. There was no significant difference in height and weight between hypertensive cases and normotensive controls. WHtR was found to be significantly higher in hypertensive individuals (0.587 ± 0.11 vs. 0.49 ± 0.10, p = 0.0067), suggesting an association between central adiposity and hypertension. Hypertensive participants showed significantly (p < 0.001) lower mean HGS (58.32 ± 14.19 N) and maximum HGS (215.26 ± 58.95 N) compared to normotensive controls (77.25 ± 20.64 N and 335.06 ± 113.22 N, respectively). A statistically significant, strong negative correlation (r = -0.32, p = 0.020) was seen between maximum HGS and WHtR, and a statistically significant positive relation (r = 0.24, p = 0.044) between maximum HGS and heart rate. Conclusion The study aimed to reveal the inter-relationships of body size parameters like WHtR,muscle grip strength, and hypertension. The patients had significantly lower mean HGS and maximum HGS values as compared to normotensive controls and a higher WHtR, which underpins the role of muscle function and central adiposity in cardiovascular risk assessment and screening.