Statistical Significant Influence Research Articles

Non-standard Working Practices and Nurses’ Job Performance: Experience from Public Hospitals in Tanzania

Non-standard working practices are common among nurses because they spend more time directly caring for patients than other healthcare professionals. Thus, nurses’ performance is impacted by how work is organized, whereas various component of the working practice may lead to a decrease in performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of non-standard working practices on performance of nurses in public hospitals in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on assessing the influence of schedule variation, schedule uncertainty, and schedule intensity on performance of nurses in Tanzanian public hospitals. The study adopted descriptive survey research design using qualitative and quantitative methods. Stratified random sampling technique was used, whereas a sample size of 381 nurses was randomly chosen from a target population of 404. Quantitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis technique whereas qualitative data were analyzed by the use of multiple linear regression, one-way Analysis of Variance, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation. Qualitative data were entered, coded and analyzed using summative content analysis and presented in percentages, in tables, figures and charts. Correlation analysis was used to test the direction of relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable. Multiple regressions were used to test whether schedule variation, schedule uncertainty, and schedule intensity had any influence on nurses’ performance. The study established that schedule variation, schedule uncertainty, and schedule intensity contributed negatively to nurses’ performance. Furthermore, the study approved all three study hypothesis as it was found that all schedule variation, schedule uncertainty and schedule intensity had significant statistical influence on job performance of nurses. The study concluded that exposure to non-standard working practices were common among nurses in public hospitals in Tanzania. Further, the study concluded that nurses in the study area were more affected by schedule variation and schedule uncertainty. The study recommended the adoption of strategies aimed at minimizing the effects non-standard schedules to promote nurses’ performance.

How ocean beach recreational quality fits with safety issues? An analysis of risky behaviours in France

Beaches are highly attractive environments providing a wealth of recreational services. However, many people drown unintentionally on beaches worldwide. In the face of these dangers, the establishment of supervised swimming areas remains one of the most effective preventive measures. Despite the risk of drowning, many beachgoers choose to recreate outside supervised areas or at unpatrolled beaches. Based on a representative survey of 240 beachgoers living in the south-west of France, we combine variable clustering method and logistic regressions to predict risky location choices. Surfers, anglers and beachgoers who practice beach sports are more likely to go outside the lifeguard supervised areas at patrolled beaches than those who do not. Collecting shells or having a picnic also encourages people to go to unsafe places more often. Individuals who do not like facilities are more likely to go to unpatrolled beaches. Neither gender nor the distance travelled to recreate at the beach has any significant statistical influence in the models. Two types of information seeking behaviours can be identified. Individuals who like waves and collect marine and weather information before going to the beach are more likely than others to bath outside of patrolled areas. In comparison, those who do not like waves do not necessarily seek to improve their knowledge base on the subject, but instead look for more detailed information on supervision/lifesaving patrols. These results highlight the need for a broader beach safety perspective with stronger interactions between lifeguards, beachgoers, and designers of recreational facilities. Management implicationsIn this study, we demonstrated how preferences regarding outdoor recreation and beach recreational quality indirectly cause beachgoers to expose themselves to danger. It's therefore necessary to design recreational facilities that encourage people to remain in supervised, patrolled areas. It is also important to build a comprehensive beach safety perspective that includes lifeguards', recreational facilities designers' as well as beachgoers' representations and practices. On unpatrolled beaches, the time needed for rescuers to arrive may be delayed. Surfers and anglers who go to unpatrolled beaches more often than others could act as by stander rescuers if properly trained. The results underline the need to rethink widespread communication and prevention policy design. The findings show that people who declared themselves informed about marine weather conditions before coming to the beach are more likely than others to bathe outside supervised areas.

A longitudinal study on organic food continuance behavior of Generation Y and Generation Z: can health consciousness moderate the decision?

PurposeThis study examines the organic food continuance behavior (OFCB) of young (Generations Y and Z) Bangladeshi consumers as a part of green consumption for sustainable development. Based on the extended “Theory of Planned Behavior” (TPB), this study investigates the reasons for continuing organic food (OF) consumption. This research aims to create a model highlighting the characteristics influencing Bangladeshi consumers to continue eating OFs while considering the moderating role of health consciousness during the COVID-19 health crisis (CHC).Design/methodology/approachThis is a longitudinal study, the first phase of which was conducted in 2020, whereas the second phase of data collection is completed on December 31, 2021. Thus, a longitudinal research design (N = 196) was used to investigate whether TPB element have the same impact over the period of time in two data collection phases. It also attempted to reveal if there is any change in the level of influences of Knowledge of organic food health benefit (HAK), and health consciousness on OFCB. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants of Generations Y and Z. Partial least square structural equation modeling validates the proposed research model.FindingsResearch results of phase two ensure that out of the five direct hypotheses related to social norm (SNRM), attitude (ATD), perceived behavioral control (PBRC), HAK and CHC, four (ATD, PBRC, HAK and CHC) significantly influence OFCB of Bangladeshi consumers. SNRM has no significant statistical influence on OFCB. On the other hand, all the direct hypotheses, including SNRM, were accepted during the first phase of the study. Hence, when people begin eating OF and recognize the health benefits, their firm behavioral control ensures that what others think has no significant influence on OFCB.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the data for this study came from those born after 1980, commonly known as Generations Y and Z. Thus, including more data from different age groups may result in different research conclusions. The survey contains a large proportion (62%) of respondents with an income of less than BDT 40,000 per month, a price-sensitive demographic in Bangladesh. The price of OF was not included in this study though price sensitivity may have impacted the study’s findings.Practical implicationsThis research used one moderating and four exogenous variables to determine Bangladeshi consumers’ OFCB. HAK and PBRC are proven to be the strongest determinants. Though health consciousness, Knowledge and self-control are essential, Bangladeshi citizens’ awareness of OF and sustainable consumption is still far below compared to other countries. Consequently, this study urges policymakers to raise health awareness through various social efforts.Social implicationsThe Bangladesh government has various initiatives to encourage sustainable development, including promoting OF consumption. Increased OF consumption will increase demand, resulting in an enormous need for organic production. This phenomenon will benefit society as bio-fertilizers are ecologically benign, resolving soil fertility issues and reducing disease risks while enhancing nutritional content. This study can serve as the foundation for developing a plan to boost the consumption of OFs, which can have a beneficial social impact.Originality/valueSince no longitudinal study to explain the continuance of OFs has been observed in Bangladesh, this research uniquely contributes to predicting sustainable consumption behavior.

Are we using the right cut-offs to obtain maximum information from Ki-67 in patients with early breast cancer?

e12567 Background: Ki-67 is one of the most critical prognostic proliferation markers in breast cancer, used on a large scale by oncologists to select treatment options. This study aimed to validate Ki-67 as a prognostic marker and establish the optimal Ki67 cut-offs for stratifying patient prognosis and treatment decisions. Methods: Medical files of 582 consecutive patients with early breast cancer (stage IB-IIIA) who underwent surgery as a first treatment in our institution between 2005-2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Values of Ki-67 were divided into 5 categories: 0-9%, 10-19%, 20-29%, 30-39%, and more than 40%. Results: Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests showed that the patient’s age (yrs) at diagnostic, Ki-67 (in %), tumor size (in mm), estrogen and progesterone receptors abundance (%), exhibit normal distributions (p < 0.05). Median age at diagnosis was 54.8 (± 11.5) years and mean Ki-67 of 25.5 ± 16.5 and a median value of 20. Stage distribution was: stage IB 5.5%, IC 12%, IIA 46.6%, IIB 20.4%, IIIA 15.5%. The mean tumor dimension at diagnosis was 21.3 mm. After a median follow-up of 48 months (6-118), estimated disease-free survival rates (DFS) for all patients at 3 and 5 years were 92% and 79%. Disease-free survival rates at 5 years was 96% for patients with Ki-67 0-9%, 90% for patients with Ki-67 10-19%, 80% for patients with Ki-67 20-29%, 75% for patients with Ki-67 30-39%, and 72% for patients with Ki-67 more than 40%. The difference between the median DFS and each ki67 category was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Using the fit of mixture method, we identify a new cut-off of 29% that negatively predicts DSF for patients (HR = 4.51 95% CI = 1.69-12.04, p = 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficients (p < 0.05) for Ki-67 and DFS, age, ER%, PR%, p53, and tumor size were -0.110, -0.096, -0.139, -0.136, 0.301, and 0.175, respectively. Moreover, DFS was also negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with the patient’s age (-0.106) and tumor size (-0.180). Though the correlation coefficients were small, they oriented the creation of linear models of DFS as a dependent variable and Ki-67, tumor size, and age. DFS has a statistically significant dependence only on the first two variables (standardized coefficients -0.103, p = 0.045 and -0.161, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Ki-67 is a strong prognostic factor in early breast cancer patients. New Ki-67 cut-off levels that may be used in clinical practice were identified. In addition, multivariate analysis showed a significant statistical influence of other factors, such as Ki67 and tumor size. Such correlations can be the basis of a scoring system for progression risk.

Influence of logical-incremental strategy implementation style on performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya

This research study sought to determine how the logical-incremental strategy implementation style, andeach of its three constructs (goal clarity, employee commitment and continuous steady improvements),influenced the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. This research study employedthe positivism research philosophy and a descriptive research design. The multistage sampling method(homogenous purposive sampling, stratified random sampling and simple random sampling) wasapplied to draw 327 middle-level managers from the target population. Using linear regressionanalysis, this research study established that the logical-incremental strategy implementation stylepositively and significantly influenced the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya.Further, this research study found that goal clarity, employee commitment and continuous steadyimprovements positively and significantly influenced the financial performance of commercial statecorporations in Kenya (p < 0.05). In addition, the present study established that goal clarity andcontinuous steady improvements had a positive and significant influence on the customer satisfactionof commercial state corporations in Kenya (p < 0.05), but employee commitment had no statisticallysignificant influence on customer satisfaction (p > 0.05). This study concludes that adoption of thelogical-incremental strategy implementation style enhances the performance of commercial statecorporations in Kenya, and therefore, recommends that in order to achieve enhanced performance, themanagement of commercial state corporations should ensure that strategic objectives are clear, thatemployees are committed, and that the organization continuously improves its processes andprocedures in order to enhance organizational effectiveness.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, ACHIEVEMENT GOALS, AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A STUDY WITH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF ACCOUNTING SCIENCES

This study analyzed the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI), adherence to the Achievement Goals Theory (AGT), and academic performance of undergraduate’s students of Accounting Sciences from a Federal Higher Education Institution in Rio Grande do Sul. It was carried out through a survey by an electronic questionnaire, sent to the emails and social media of Accounting Science students enrolled in March of 2020, resulting in a sample with 99 completed surveys. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between EI and adherence to the AGT. However, in this study, in general, it was not possible to observe a significant statistical influence (p ≥ 0.05) that the level of EI and adherence to the AGT influence the average academic performance. The findings contribute to the previous literature on emotional intelligence, as well theoretical and practical contributions to teaching and the accounting profession. Regarding the practical contributions to teaching and the accounting profession, the assistance to teachers, coordinators and educational institutions is highlighted to observe that the environment outside the classroom influences the levels of emotional intelligence, objectives, and academic performance of the students, in addition to helping teachers understand which interaction method can be used in the teaching-learning process, according to the students' emotional intelligence level. Based on the systematic analysis of the literature, we believe this is the first work that aims to assess the relationship between academic performance, level of EI, and adherence to AGT in undergraduate Accounting Sciences students in Brazil, which gives the study an unprecedented character.

Validation of a TAM Technology Acceptance Model in Dominican University Students

In the context of the virtualization of university education due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we conducted a study to establish the determinants of the intention to use the virtual classroom, following a theoretical model based on the Technology Acceptance Model modified by Park (2009) and including the factors Attitude, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease, Virtual Self-Efficacy, Subjective Norm and Accessibility of the system. The sample consisted of 1260 self-selected students from 13 Dominican universities. To check the validity and reliability of the measurement instrument, we performed a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, which determined that the System Accessibility factor had to be eliminated because it was based on a single item that did not have discriminatory validity. One item was eliminated from the Subjective Norm factor to bring it to an acceptable reliability. In general, the validity of the instrument was sustained, but its fit indices with the theoretical model could be improved. With the Multiple Mediation Analysis, we were able to verify that the Subjective Norm, the social factor, was the factor with the most significant statistical influence on the Intention to Use the virtual classroom, both directly and indirectly. Indirectly, the Subjective Norm was mediated by Perceived Usefulness and Attitude. The other factor that had a significant influence, both directly and indirectly, on Intention to Use was Virtual Self-efficacy. Indirectly, this Self-efficacy was mediated by Perceived Ease, Perceived Usefulness and Attitude.

The influence of the implant-abutment complex on marginal bone and peri-implant conditions: A retrospective study.

PURPOSEThe design of the implant-abutment complex is thought to be responsible for marginal bone loss (MBL) and might affect the condition of the peri-implant tissues. This the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the implant-abutment complex on MBL and the peri-implant tissues in partially edentulous patients treated with dental implants and determine the most advantageous design.MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of ninety-one endosseous implants with different designs of implant-abutment complex [tissue level-TL (n = 30), platform switch-PS (n = 18), and platform match-PM (n = 43)] were reviewed for MBL, Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Bleeding on Probing (BoP). MBL was calculated for first year of the insertion and the following years.RESULTSThe median MBL for the PM implants (2.66 ± 1.67 mm; n = 43) in the first year was significantly higher than those for the other types (P =.033). The lowest rate of MBL (0.61 ± 0.44 mm; n = 18) was observed with PS implants (P =.000). The position of the crown-abutment border showed a statisticallysignificant influence (P =.019) and a negative correlation (r=−0.395) on MBL. BoP was found significantly higher in PM implants (P =.006). The lowest BoP scores were detected in PS implants, but the difference was not significant (P =.523). The relation between PPD and connection type revealed no statistically significant influence (P >.05).CONCLUSIONWithin the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that PS implants seem to show better peri-implant soft tissue conditions and cause less MBL.

Assessment of postoperative risk of complications on inguinal hernioplasty and its relation to risk factors.

INTRODUCTION Abdominal wall hernias are a highly prevalent pathology, considering that 55 percent of the world population is affected by this disease at some point in their lives. As a large part of these patients present comorbidities, it is important to correlate the incidence of complications with the presence of previous pathologies. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the presence of comorbidities in patients submitted to inguinal hernioplasty increases the risk of acute and chronic complications in the postoperative period, as well as to explain which of these prior diseases present a greater association with the incidence of complications. METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out through the retrospective analysis of 313 medical records of patients submitted to open inguinal hernioplasty surgery between March and June 2017 at the General Surgery Service of the Cruz Vermelha Hospital - Paraná Branch, located in the City of Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brasil. RESULTS Of the 313 cases studied, the most prevalent comorbidities were: 107 patients with hypertension (34.19%), 52 smokers (16.61%), 30 cases with diabetes (9.58%), 14 with hypothyroidism (4,47%) and 10 with COPD (3.19%). Regarding the total of the sample evaluated, 130 patients (41.53%) did not present any comorbidity. When evaluating the complications, there were 49 cases (15.65%) of complications in the early postoperative period and 9 cases (2.88%) of chronic complications. The comorbidities that presented significant statistical influence (p <0.05) on the incidence of acute complications were hypertension (p = 0.02927) and smoking (p = 0.03196). CONCLUSION It is important to note the presence of acute postoperative complications of inguinal hernioplasty in patients who have hypertension or smoke, high prevalence diseases.

Influence of Blanching Time on Moisture, Sugars, Protein, and Processing Recovery of Sweet Corn Kernels

The objective of this work is to determine the influence of blanching time on moisture content, sugars, protein, and processing recovery (degree of cut corn) of sweet corn kernels. Sweetcorn cobs of the Jubilee variety were blanched in the water at the temperature 85 °C during the period of 2, 4, 6, and 8 min. Non-blanched cobs were used as control samples. Blanched cobs were made subject to a mechanical process of cutting-off the kernels. It was stated that the blanching time has significant statistical influence on the content of moisture, sugars, and protein in kernel as well as on the quantity of the cut-off kernel mass.

Morse taper implant macrodesign, loading protocol and site of installation – retrospective study of 5,601 implants

Abstract Introduction The long-term implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation monitoring is extremely important in evaluating parameters that could interfere in the success of the treatment. Objective To evaluate the influence of macrodesign (shape of the body and apex), length and diameter, insertion torque, site of installation as well as the loading protocol, on long-term survival rates. Material and method The data obtained was from the medical records of rehabilitated patients who had had at least one Morse taper implant surgery done at ILAPEO School between 2006 -2012. Incomplete medical records, from which it would have been impossible to extract all data essential to complete the study, were excluded. Result A total of 1,142 patient’s medical records comprised the sample; documenting the progress of 5,601 implants, done in both jaws and mandibles. The final survival rate was 98.31%, over an average time of 37.54 months. The type of implant most used was cylindrical (70.33%). The mean installation torque most evidenced in the study was between 41 and 50 Ncm. A logistical regression analysis showed that none of the following variables, site of installation, body and apex shape designs and length, had any significant statistical influence on implant loss. Torque increase and diameter influenced implant loss while immediate loading favored implant maintenance. Conclusion It can be concluded that Morse taper implants present a long-term survival rate that can be lowered by excessive torque, as well as by the diameter of the implant.

Atmospheric corrosion of low carbon steel in a coastal zone of Ecuador: Anomalous behavior of chloride deposition versus distance from the sea

Atmospheric corrosion of low carbon steel exposed in a coastal tropical zone of Manabí, Ecuador, was determined. Specimens were exposed at six outdoor exposure sites located at different distances from the sea. The atmosphere is classified as coastal. Wind speed threshold for an increase in chloride deposition rate was determined. The behavior of chloride deposition rate versus distance from the sea is anomalous due to the presence of an estuary. Corrosion by weight loss was evaluated up to 1 year of exposure. Only a slight difference in atmospheric corrosion rate is noticed between wet and dry periods. Chloride deposition interaction with RH–temperature complex and with wind speed shows significant statistical influence on atmospheric corrosion of low carbon steel. Corrosivity category of the atmosphere high (C4) is the most predominant classification level in the zone. Prediction indicates corrosivity category high (C4) will remain up to 20 years of exposure. Different morphologies of corrosion products were identified by SEM. Lepidocrocite, goethite, magnetite, and akaganeite are the main crystalline phases determined by XRD. Protective ability index previously proposed for rust layers is not useful to apply in coastal sites.

Exposure assessment of Portuguese infants to Aflatoxin M1 in breast milk and maternal social-demographical and food consumption determinants

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that have toxic effects on both humans and animals. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) which can be transmitted to newborns via breast milk, is a hydrolyzed metabolite of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that is ingested along with contaminated food. AFM1 is classified as “possibly carcinogenic agent for Human” (group 2B IARC). Despite the potential hazard of AFM1 to breastfed babies, there is a lack of studies of exposure evaluation in Europe and a complete absence of reports in Portugal.The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of AFM1 in maternal milk and the degree of exposure of infants to this toxin. The correlation between the concentration of AFM1 and basic socio-demographic factors and the consumption of certain categories of food was also aimed. Thus 67 milk samples from nursing mothers living in Portugal were collected, between 2015 and 2016, and analyzed using a competitive commercial ELISA kit, in order to determine the presence of AFM1.Twenty-two samples (32.8%) contained levels of AFM1 above the detection limit (5 ng/L), ranging between 5.1 and 10.6 ng/L (7.4 ± 1.9 ng/L). In the observed exposure pattern, AFM1-positive milk samples were associated with summer collection, lower mother's educational level, early lactation phase and the maternal consumption of rice and chocolate. No other studied determinants, whether socio-demographic (age, weight, height, number of children, characteristics of breastfeeding, the infants' weight) or dietary (frequency of food consumption) showed a significant statistical influence. Assessment of AFM1 estimated daily intake (EDI) revealed a higher exposure of younger babies (<7 kg; EDI 1.06 ng/kg b.w./day) in relation to older ones (≥7 kg; 0.86 ng/kg b.w./day), and the proposed value of TDI (0.2 ng/kg b.w.).Thus the results of this study suggest the need to reinforce surveillance of AFB1 occurrence in food, as a protective and control measure, not only for adults, but ultimately for lactating infants exposed through maternal breast milk. Although AFM1 presents an inferior carcinogenic potency, it is noteworthy that when compared with adults, infants feature a lower capacity of carcinogen biotransformation, a fairly restricted diet and a higher consumption in relation to body weight.

The influence of satisfaction on customer retention in mobile phone market

This study examines the determinants of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the Peruvian mobile phone market. Based in a survey to 1259 customers, Multinomial Logit and GSEM estimations show how determinants of customer satisfaction can be assessed when satisfaction is measured through ordered categorical data. The results confirm that in mobile phone market Customer Satisfaction influences strongly on Customer Loyalty, and in turn Loyalty is an important determinant of Customer Retention. In contrast with previous literature, this study identified the differentiated influence of diverse factors on positive and negative customer satisfaction categories. Indeed while results show that quality of service assessments made by customers had a significant impact on both negative and positive customer satisfaction categories; assessments of other service attributes like customer care, information on tariffs and plans and billing clarity, only showed a significant statistical influence on positive categories of customer satisfaction. Similar asymmetrical results were found with regard to other economic, socioeconomic and geographical determinants of customer decisions. As well, an analog effect is also observed in the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, where only positive satisfaction assessments helps to explain the loyalty of users. Finally, results show that while satisfaction can be identified as a powerful cause of CR, switching barriers did not deter more demanding customers to switch to alternative carriers, suggesting that recent pro-competition regulatory reforms implemented in Peru contributed to reduce these barriers to competition in mobile markets.

Influence of the Cobb 500 hybrid parent age and egg storage period on incubation parameters

Main goal of this research was to determine the influence of Cobb 500 hybrid broiler parent age (BPA) and egg storage (ES) period, the impact of egg maturity on egg fertilization and chick hatching, as well as on embryonal mortality of chicks during incubation period. There were three phases of production cycle, three different ages of broiler parents 25, 41 and 58 weeks (BPA25, BPA41, BPA 58). The eggs there were differentiated according to storage time: eggs stored up to 7 days and eggs stored over 7 days (ES&lt;7; ES&gt;7). Using the random sample method, 1.050 eggs were chosen (total number of chosen eggs was 6.300), with the aim to determine above mentioned reproductive parameters, one day old chick weight and relative share of chick weight in total egg weight were determined. Age of broiler parents had the highest influence on egg fertility as the highest number of fertilized eggs was recorded during the middle of production cycle (BPA41 = 97.05%), then at the beginning of the cycle (BPA25 = 96.09%), and lowest number of fertilized eggs was during the last phase of the cycle (BPA58 = 93.00%). The storage period of the eggs did not have any influence on egg fertility. However, the age of broiler parents and storage period had significant influence on hatching, therefore it influenced embryonal mortality during incubation period. Without considering the storage period, the lowest embryo mortality was detected with eggs that originated from BPA41 - 13.05%, eggs that originated from BPA58 had significantly higher embryo mortality rate 15.87%, and the highest mortality rate was noted with eggs that originated from BPA25 16.93%. However, extended storage period for the eggs or egg maturity (ES&lt;7 and ES&gt;7) had influence on total embryonal mortality rate in all three phases of the production cycle. Moreover, broiler parent age had statistically significant influence on increase of egg weight (P&lt;0.001) and hatched chick weight (P&lt;0.001), while the relative share of chick weight in total egg weight was decreased, therefore storage period in all three phases of production cycle had negative influence on chick percent, with increase of storage time of the egg, relative share of chick weight in total egg weight decreased, especially during start BPA25 and end BPA58 phase of the production cycle (P&lt;0.001).

Do regulatory standards help align CEO compensation and banks performance association?

This study aims to assess the impact of APS 510 standard on CEO remuneration-performance association in Australian Authorized deposits taking institutions (ADIs). Using panel data GLS and dynamic GMM estimation models, a key objective of this research is to investigate the role of regulatory standards on the empirical association between executive compensation and firm performance. The research uses data from 45 listed Australian financial institutions for the period 2004-2015. We observe no statistically significant evidence to show that CEO cash bonus is excessive in banking sector as claimed by various financial press and business media. Further analyses reveal the differing but substantial functions of APS 510 in shaping the association between a firm’s CEO short-term incentives and corporate performance depending on the nature and characteristics of the firm (ADIs vs non-ADIs). As the regulatory standard is legally binding for all ADIs and not necessarily for non-ADI companies, CEO’s annual variable remuneration for the ADI category is somehow lower. This implies that the standard plays a critical role in reducing the level of CEO short-term incentives in the ADI group of firms. Empirical results show no significant statistical influence of the standard in shaping the relationship between CEO long-term incentive and market based performance of the Australian banking system. Our findings here are consistent with prior studies in developed countries such as the US. Policy-wise, we conclude that regulators should encourage corporate board of firms to increase long-term incentives in CEO remuneration in order to align managements’ actions and shareholders interest of enhancing firm value.

Theoretical and experimental study of aluminum foils and paraffin wax mixtures as thermal energy storage material

This study analyzes the effect of increased thermal conductivity in energy storage, using paraffin wax with 8% w/w of aluminum foils, obtained from waste materials. Three configurations previously not published of the aluminum foil were tested: stripes, horizontal perforated disks and vertical perforated foils. The aluminum foils doubled the thermal conductivity, achieving values of 0.63 W/mK, without significant statistical influence of the metallic configuration inside this material. Solidification time depended on the configuration of the aluminum foils, where differences of up to 38% were detected between horizontal perforated disks and stripes. The equations for the solidification process were numerically solved in Matlab using the finite volume method, finding good agreement for the simulated output air temperature when compared with experimental values (relative error <10 %). Later, a thermal energy accumulator was designed and assessed, which consisted of 12 cans with paraffin wax, using the horizontal perforated disks configuration. The energy stored by the phase change material was removed with air velocities between 0.5 − 1.5 m/s, reaching efficiencies close to 90% for the maximum air velocity.

Does corporate governance affect Australian banks' performance?

Worldwide, recent corporate collapses have added to the insecurity of financial markets, triggering regulatory responses. This study provides empirical evidence of the relationship between corporate governance and the efficiency of Australian banks between 1999 and 2013, using two-stage double-bootstrap data envelopment analysis. Of the five corporate governance factors considered, we find board size and committee meetings have robustly significant and positive effects on efficiency. We also find evidence of improvements in overall industry efficiency following the 2003 introduction of the Principles of Good Corporate Governance, but not of any statistically-significant influence of the GFC.

Hydraulic performance of a modified constructed wetland system through a CFD-based approach

Low-cost household technologies, as horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands, are important to address water and sanitation needs in the Asia-Pacific region in a more integrated and sustainable manner, and a better understanding of these technologies would benefit their engineering design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of a modified constructed wetland system (EvaTAC) were undertaken to determine empirical effects of geometric and flow parameters on the hydraulic performance and the effluent pollutant fraction. The CFD model was validated by comparing the computed residence time distribution (RTD) with experimental results. RTD functions were then used to quantify hydraulic indexes: short-circuiting, mixing, and moment. The EvaTAC is composed of an evapotranspiration and treatment chamber (CEvaT) and a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSF-CW). For the CEvaT, length and the interaction between length and flow rate were the most important factors for the hydraulic efficiency. For the effluent pollutant fraction, the most important factor was flow rate. For the HSSF-CW, the strongest influence on the hydraulic efficiency was the length. Baffles and the interaction between length and baffles also had significant statistical influence on the hydraulic efficiency. Furthermore, the results showed that flow rate, length, and the interaction between flow rate and length influenced the effluent pollutant fraction significantly. Finally, a poor correlation between hydraulic indexes and effluent pollutant fraction was obtained, indicating that the hydraulic indexes are not good predictors of the effluent pollutant fraction.

스포츠 계열 전공 대학생의 학업적 자기효능감, 결과기대 및 학과적응의 인과관계

본 연구는 스포츠 계열 전공 대학생의 학업적 자기효능감, 결과기대 및 학과적응의 인과관계를 검증하는데 그 목적이 있다. 이러한 연구목적을 달성하기 위하여 스포츠 계열 전공 대학생 514명을 무작위추출 표집방법으로 추출하였으며 설문조사를 실시하여 분석하였다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS v18.0과 AMOSS v20.0을 이용하여 확인적요인북석, 상관관계분석, 경로분석을 실시한 결과는 다음과 같다. 학업적 자기효능감은 결과기대에, 학업적 자기효능감 및 이에 의한 결과기대는 학과적응에 통계적으로 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 학업적 자기효능감과 학과적응의 관계에서 결과기대의 간접효과도 통계적으로 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과로 스포츠 계열 전공 대학생의 학과적응을 높이기 위해 결과기대를 높이도록 하는 것이 중요하다고 사료된다. The main purpose of this study is to verify cause-and-effect relationship between the influential level of the academic self-efficacy, the expectation for academic outcome and the adaptation to the department for students majoring in sports. To meet the purpose, the survey was conducted with a random sample 514 students who are a major in sports and analyzed. The gathered data is analyzed through the confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and path analysis using SPSS v18.0 and AMOSS v20.0. The result are as follows; The study shows that the academic self-efficacy had a statistically-significant influence on the academic self-efficacy as well as the expectation for academic outcome and had a good influence to students on the adaptation to the department. Moreover, the relationship between the academic self-efficacy and the adaptation to the department shows that even though the academic outcome expectation had indirect effects, it turned out to have a positive influence in statistically. As the conclusion of this study, it is more important to increase the academic outcome expectation to raise the department adaptation for the students who are a major in sports.