Small Board Research Articles

CVC Involvement, Digital Transformation, and Risk-Taking of Investee Companies: Evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of corporate venture capital (CVC) involvement on digital transformation and the risk-taking behavior of investee companies. Based on data on manufacturing companies listed on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) board and the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022, we find that CVC involvement helps boost the risk-taking level of investee companies. This is because CVC promotes corporate digital transformation, which in turn enhances corporate risk-taking. Finally, we show that the promoting effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking is more pronounced for investee companies with a small size and investee companies with a high degree of operating leverage. Our findings provide novel evidence for the effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking in the digital age.

List coloring based algorithm for the Futoshiki puzzle

Given a graph G=(V, E) and a list of available colors L(v) for each vertex v\in V, where L(v) \subseteq {1, 2, ..., k}, List k-Coloring refers to the problem of assigning colors to the vertices of $G$ so that each vertex receives a color from its own list and no two neighboring vertices receive the same color. The decision version of the problem, List k-Coloring, is NP-complete even for bipartite graphs. As an application of list coloring problem we are interested in the Futoshiki Problem. Futoshiki is an NP-complete Latin Square Completion Type Puzzle. Considering Futoshiki puzzle as a constraint satisfaction problem, we first give a list coloring based algorithm for it which is efficient for small boards of fixed size. To thoroughly investigate the efficiency of our algorithm in comparison with a proposed backtracking-based algorithm, we conducted a substantial number of computational experiments at different difficulty levels, considering varying numbers of inequality constraints and given values. Our results from the extensive range of experiments indicate that the list coloring-based algorithm is much more efficient.

Corporate Governance and Financial Performance: Family Firms vs. Non-Family Firms

The essence of a family business captures the distinguishing factors differentiating them from non-family businesses. Among these factors, the constructs of family firms’ managing and governance elements are perceived differently by non-family firms. This is especially important in a developing country such as South Africa (SA) with many governance challenges. The objectives of this study were, first, to identify relationships among financial performance, corporate governance, and ownership concentrations of listed family and non-family businesses in SA. Next, a comparison was made between the different ownership structures. Secondary data were collected using purposive sampling from 2015 to 2019. These data were analysed using panel data analysis and descriptive statistics. The results show that family firms place a greater emphasis on ownership concentration, board size, and board gender diversity, which have a significant relationship with financial performance. Only board size was significant to financial performance for non-family firms. The results indicate that family businesses should appoint female family members as directors on their boards, given the significance of gender-diverse boards for financial performance. Non-family businesses should also consider having smaller boards. Theoretically, this study expands on the literature regarding family businesses in SA. However, the findings cannot be generalised due to a single industry being selected. This study should be replicated in different industries to compare the results.

Analysis of the alleviating effect of accounts receivable pledge financing on financing constraints

This paper examines the relationship between accounts receivable pledge financing and corporate financing constraints, utilizing a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on China's Small and Medium Enterprise Board from 2014 to 2022. The findings reveal that accounts receivable pledge financing serves as an effective means to alleviate financing constraints faced by SMEs. Notably, this relief is more pronounced in regions with a higher concentration of small and medium-sized banks and weaker legal institutional environments. Furthermore, for enterprises with political connections, the financing through accounts receivable pledge exhibits an even stronger bailout effect.

The NCCB Case Example: Reflections on a Successful Fourteen-Year CBPR Partnership

The Newark Community Collaborative Board (NCCB) is in its fourteenth year of operation with nine successful research projects and more than six million dollars in funding. The NCCB began with a community needs assessment in Newark, New Jersey, that led to the subsequent establishment of a community collaborative board (CCB) of consumers, researchers, service providers, and residents committed to advocating for health equity through community engagement and research informed by critical thinking. This paper explores the NCCB’s history and processes that allowed conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR) to reduce inequities related to social determinants of health (SDH). This conceptual manuscript draws on data from NCCB meeting minutes and a group interview with three of the five founding members. We detail the collaborative process used to develop and assess Community Wise, a multilevel, group-based intervention designed to reduce substance use among formerly incarcerated men in Newark, funded by the National Institutes of Health. Review of documentation and interview transcripts revealed the following key ingredients for success: 1) Having a north star; 2) Functional diversity; 3) Challenges as learning opportunities; 4) Board structure and healthy relationships; and 5) Funding and resources. The NCCB has undergone multiple transformations, including a name change to the New Jersey Critical Consciousness Collaborative Board (NJ-3CB), representing its growth from being a small local board to becoming part of a network of community collaborative boards across the United States and a chapter of the global campaign against racism. These and future transitions will help sustain the collaborative journey.

Relationship of ESG scores on firm performance: Moderating roles of board size and CEO duality

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities and the performance of Thai listed firms. The moderating roles of board size and CEO duality on this relationship are also assessed. The ESG score provided by LSEG (formerly Refinitiv) is chosen to measure ESG activities, both as an overall ESG combined scores and as Environment, Social, and Governance pillar scores. Multiple regression analysis is used to test the impact of ESG on firm performance while the PROCESS macro is used to test the moderating effects. Results reveal that the overall ESG combined score demonstrates no statistically significant effect on firm market-based performance. However, it shows the significant effects on firm performance for both the ESG combined score and the Environmental and Social pillar scores when moderated by board size and CEO duality; Governance pillar score exhibits no significant effect. Additionally, it is found that when the CEO operates only as the managing director and small board size and average board size are evident, higher ESG disclosure scores enhance firm performance. However, when the CEO serves as both managing director and chairman of the board of directors, and where there is a large board size, higher ESG disclosure scores diminish firm performance. This study contributes to the ESG literature and encourages companies to enhance their performance by implementing ESG combined activities with good governance policies.

Critically Discuss Whether and How Board Size Affects the Companys Decision-making

The board size affect the decision-making process and the effectiveness of the board (Dwivedi and Jain, 2005). The influence of board size on corporate risk-taking, investment decisions, dividend policy, and innovation remains inconclusive due to varying perspectives based on agency theory, resource dependence theory, and institutional backgrounds. As for firms’ decision-making, the company's goal is to maximize profits, so the company needs to make a series of reasonable decisions to meet the needs and expectations of shareholders in a specific environment . While smaller boards may facilitate risk-taking and investment strategy, larger boards offer diverse skills and experience for better decision-making, dividend expansion, and innovation. However, findings are limited by external factors, sample sizes, data biases, industry specificity, and cross-sectional nature of studies. Future research should consider continuous variables, larger samples, and longitudinal analysis to generalize findings across countries and industries.Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, the company needs to consider how to make decisions in the following directions, such as enterprise risk-taking, investment policy, financing policy, innovation policy and so on. This study mainly analyzes how the size of the board of directors affects the company's decision-making.

Advanced Fire & Gas Detection System

Abstract: This paper presents a cost-effective, user-friendly, and dependable fire and gas detection system leveraging the capabilities of an Arduino microcontroller. The system employs an MQ2 gas sensor module for gas detection and a flame sensor module for fire detection. Upon the detection of either gas or fire, the system initiates an alarm, activates LED indicators, and communicates the situation through a 16x2 LCD display. Furthermore, the system can be configured to issue SMS alerts to specific recipients. Designed for versatile applications, it finds utility in diverse settings, including residential, commercial, and educational environments. It exhibits proficiency in detecting an extensive array of gasses, encompassing methane, propane, and carbon monoxide, while also displaying sensitivity to various flame types, including those generated by wood, paper, and plastic. Installation and upkeep are straightforward, with the Arduino microcontroller and sensor modules easily adaptable to a small breadboard or circuit board. The strategically positioned LCD display and alarm ensure swift notifications to occupants in case of potential hazards. Notably, this system is budget-friendly, with the Arduino microcontroller and sensor modules available at reasonable prices from numerous online and retail suppliers. Rigorous testing has validated its effectiveness in gas and fire detection, establishing it as an invaluable asset for safeguarding lives and property against fire and gas-related risks

Features of nursing practice organization in the geriatric center (boarding house)

In recent decades, interest in gerontology has increased significantly. This is explained by the fact that among the most pressing problems facing the world community is the problem of population aging. As in many developed countries of the world, in Russia the number of people aged 80 years and older is increasing. The sharp aging of the population is the most important problem in the life of any state — that is why there is an urgent need to expand gerontological research. Target. Assessment of the existing system for placing elderly and senile people in a geriatric center (boarding house).Results. The working time costs of nursing staff were studied by conducting photo-timing and interviewing; an analysis of existing problems in the organization of nursing practice was carried out; real ways to improve the quality of life of an elderly person living in a boarding house are outlined. Conclusion. As sociological studies show, small boarding houses are indispensable in rural areas, where they take on the character of temporary institutions (for the autumn-winter period), largely solving the problems of many villagers who do not want to permanently move to boarding houses.

The Relationship between the Dimensions of Quality of Health Services with Inpatient Patient Satisfaction at Mother and Child Hospital X Semarang City

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Patient satisfaction greatly depends on the quality of hospital services since it can guarantee that patients receive efficient, secure, and uniform care. This study's goal was to ascertain how the mother and child hospital X in Semarang City's inpatient patient satisfaction levels relate to various aspects of health care quality. This study uses a cross-sectional research design, a quantitative technique, and analytical analysis. There were 61 inpatients in this study's group. Total sampling was the method employed for sampling in this investigation. There were 61 patients in the study's sample. The four aspects of service quality availability, responsiveness, convenience, and timeliness are the independent variables in this study, and patient satisfaction is the dependent variable. Data collection using questionnaires. Bivariate data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test which was analyzed using the help of SPSS software version 26. There is no relationship between the availability dimension and patient satisfaction (p-value=0.000), there is no relationship between the responsiveness dimension and patient satisfaction (p-value=0.000), there is no relationship between the convenience dimension and patient satisfaction (p-value=0.008) and there is no relationship between the timeliness dimension (p-value=0.016) at the mother and child hospital X Semarang City. The dominant variable that affects patient satisfaction is the perception of the availability dimension (p-value=0.000; OR=20.789; 95% CI =4.083-107.031). It is hoped that hospital management in its services is expected by doctors to be able to provide a sense of empathy to respond to complaints from patients, and doctors can inform the officers on duty regarding visite hours so that patients feel better served. And the midwife or nurse should make a small information board containing information related to the schedule of the officers' work hours.</em></p><p><em> </em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords: Dimensions, Quality of service, Patient satisfaction, Hospital</em></strong>

Construction, observation and knowledge abstraction for go endgames on small boards

A Go endgame database consists of optimal game values and moves for every legal arrangement of no more than S pieces on an N by N board. This paper describes methods for constructing such databases when 1<N≤5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1 < N \\le 5$$\\end{document} and S=N2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$S = N^2$$\\end{document}. When cycles of plies with lengths greater than 4 are encountered, two rules, one allowing cycles and the other disallowing them, are implemented. Observations and knowledge are obtained for these endgames, which may elucidate the fundamental properties of the popular game Go. First, the optimal game values are different when N is even and odd, regardless of whether the repetition of positions is allowed. When N is odd, the first player can occupy the whole board, while this is not the case when N is even. Second, allowing cycles makes the first and second players equal in strength when N is even, whereas the first player always dominates when N is odd. Using the state-of-the-art open-source deep learning Go engine KataGo to correctly solve a given position as an indicator, factors affecting level of difficulty are found, including the distributions of the optimal game values among all legal plies and the cardinality and values of the true optimal plies. A simple formula is designed that works on more than 10% of the positions so that positions with a given level of difficulty can be found with a high probability.

Moderating effect of capital structure on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm value: Evidence from India

While corporate misconducts highlight the need for effective corporate governance mechanisms, the degree to which such mechanisms impact firm value is unsettled in literature. We argue that board-centered mechanisms may appear impeded in isolation, as firm capital structure moderates the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and firm value. We employ fixed effect panel models and GMM estimations on a sample of 306 non-financial Indian firms for 2013–2022 to uncover the standalone effects of capital structure and corporate governance mechanisms, along with their interaction effects, on firm value. Findings identify direct as well as moderating impacts of leverage on firm value for high-levered firms and large board size firms. However, for low-levered firms we find a direct but not moderating impact of leverage. There is no impact of leverage for small board size firms.

Acoustic wave devices based on piezoelectric/ferroelectric thin films for high-frequency communication systems and sensing applications

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) based radio-frequency (RF) filters dominate in handsets markets mainly because they have miniature size so multiple filters can be used but take up very small board area. Besides, due to their inherent advantages, such as low insertion loss, relatively high resonant frequency, and miniature size, their application in the physical and biochemical sensing fields has also gradually expanded. The successful implementation requires specific knowledge of acoustic wave properties, the working mechanisms, material properties, and device design. So, in this review, we survey the SAW and BAW filter technology by discussing the working principles and the comparison between the operation frequency band allocations. In addition, the approaches to enhance the performance including the selection of single crystal/ferroelectric materials for BAW and the structure design optimization for SAW are introduced with discussions for further improvement. Then, flexible SAW and BAW devices are also presented and their new application opportunities in the fields of skin-like electronics and wearable health monitoring devices can be foreseen. Finally, the potential challenges of high frequency, wide bandwidth, miniaturization, and compatibility with the integrated circuits (IC) manufacturing process are overviewed as well.

Maximizing ollie height by optimizing control strategy and skateboard geometry using direct collocation

The ollie is the base aerial human–board maneuver, foundational to most modern skateboarding tricks. We formulate and solve an optimal control problem of a two-dimensional simplified human model and a rigid body skateboard with the objective of maximizing the height of the ollie. Our solution simultaneously discovers realistic human-applied force trajectories and optimal board geometry. We accomplish this with a direct collocation formulation using a null seed initial guess by carefully modeling the discontinuous aspects of board–ground impact and foot–board friction. This leads to efficient and robust solutions that are 10 times more computationally efficient than prior work on similar problems. The solutions show that ollie height can increase 3% by decreasing the wheelbase and that a smaller board with a back-foot-dominated force strategy can give 12% higher ollies. Our model can be used to inform jump strategy and the effects of changes to the essential board geometry.

An Accelerometer-Based Wearable Patch for Robust Respiratory Rate and Wheeze Detection Using Deep Learning.

Wheezing is a critical indicator of various respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current diagnosis relies on subjective lung auscultation by physicians. Enabling this capability via a low-profile, objective wearable device for remote patient monitoring (RPM) could offer pre-emptive, accurate respiratory data to patients. With this goal as our aim, we used a low-profile accelerometer-based wearable system that utilizes deep learning to objectively detect wheezing along with respiration rate using a single sensor. The miniature patch consists of a sensitive wideband MEMS accelerometer and low-noise CMOS interface electronics on a small board, which was then placed on nine conventional lung auscultation sites on the patient's chest walls to capture the pulmonary-induced vibrations (PIVs). A deep learning model was developed and compared with a deterministic time-frequency method to objectively detect wheezing in the PIV signals using data captured from 52 diverse patients with respiratory diseases. The wearable accelerometer patch, paired with the deep learning model, demonstrated high fidelity in capturing and detecting respiratory wheezes and patterns across diverse and pertinent settings. It achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 95%, 96%, and 93%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.99 on the test set-outperforming the deterministic time-frequency approach. Furthermore, the accelerometer patch outperforms the digital stethoscopes in sound analysis while offering immunity to ambient sounds, which not only enhances data quality and performance for computational wheeze detection by a significant margin but also provides a robust sensor solution that can quantify respiration patterns simultaneously.

Does Overtime Matter for Firm Performance: Evidence from Taiwan?

By employing the unique data related to employee overtime complaints about the firms listed in the financial industry of Taiwan Stock Exchange, we explore whether firm performance would be affected by several overtime complaints issues including complaints of maximum working hours exceeded, overtime without pay, and overtime without records. We then reveal the following essential findings. First, the firms with employee overtime complaints would not enhance firm performance. Second, complaints of maximum working hours exceeded would have significant negative impacts on firm performance as compared with firm performance affected by either complaints of overtime without records or complaints of overtime without pay, indicating that employee’s complaints about overtime should not be neglected by enterprises. Third, we still show that the firm with better financial performance such as higher net profit ratio and well-functioned board structure like small board size would have better firm performance.

An Inquiry Into Small Go Boards for Go Beginner Education

This study examines the educational benefits and challenges of using small Go boards to teach beginners. Through a thematic analysis of interviews with 13 experienced Go teachers, it discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and practical strategies for integrating small boards into Go education. It emphasizes how small boards make the game more accessible and less intimidating, promoting a quicker understanding of basic rules and enjoyment in the learning process. While noting great benefits such as increased engagement and simplified teaching, the study also acknowledges challenges like limited strategic development and the lack of teaching materials and guidelines regarding transitioning to the 19x19 board. The research contributes to a better understanding of effective approaches to introducing beginners to the game of Go in a more straightforward and enjoyable manner.

The Impact of Supply Chain Digitalization on Financing Efficiency of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Perspective of Supply Chain Resilience

Unlocking supply-demand bottlenecks, extending chains, supplementing links, and strengthening chains to enhance supply chain resilience are key to improving financing efficiency for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper, based on panel data of all SMEs listed on the Small and Medium Enterprise Board and the Growth Enterprise Board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022, constructs a double-difference model to explore, for the first time, the impact of supply chain digitalization on the financing efficiency of SMEs and its transmission mechanism from the perspective of supply chain resilience. The research findings indicate that supply chain digitalization significantly enhances the financing efficiency of SMEs. Mechanism analysis suggests that supply chain resilience is the key transmission path through which supply chain digitalization enhances financing efficiency for SMEs. By optimizing supply chain dynamic capabilities, including proactive capability, reactive capability, and quality capability, to promote key resource integration such as cost control, fund circulation, and innovation collaboration, SMEs’ financing efficiency is empowered. Further analysis reveals that state-owned enterprises and SMEs in the central and eastern regions of China experience more significant improvements in financing efficiency. The conclusions of this paper provide policy implications for government initiatives to promote supply chain digitalization, ensure industrial chain security, and formulate differentiated policies targeting weak links in the process of supply chain digitalization.

An Assessment on the Influence of Corporate Governance on Financial Performance of Micro-Financing Institutes (MFIs): A Zambian Case Study

The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of on financial performance of MFIs in Zambia. The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of Corporate Governance on financial performance of Micro Financing institutes in Zambia. The study used descriptive approach, where a total of 57 MFI’s representing 94 % participated in the study. Questionnaires were purposively administered to the participants. Data analysis was done through the statistical package for social science (SPSS V26), presented using descriptive and inferential statistic. The findings of the study indicate that: MFIs’ in Zambia are mostly private and equity owned, and they adhere to Corporate Governance policies and have structures which support corporate governance; MFIs’ have a small Board Size, in which the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Controller (CFO) are appointed by the board; most MFIs’ financial statements are not audited but the Corporate Governance in place enhances quality of service, building of trust and confidence to shareholders; all MFI business dealing are legitimate and they operate within the confines of the law. MFIs’ have independent committees which operate with levels of autonomy; MFI in Zambia also have advisory groups in place that are skillful, resourced autonomous, monetary educated, satisfactory and appropriate redressed. The study tested a regression of p= 0.035 &lt; 0.05, hence concluding that exceptional Corporate Governance practices are statistically associated with financial performance of MFIs in Zambia, therefore MFIs regardless of their Size should put up Corporate Governance structures, and ensure adherence of Corporate Governance polices to maximize financial performance

Board Attributes, Risk Management Committee and Survival of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

The dynamics and makeup of a company's board play an important role in determining its success and overall survival. This is due to the crucial role boards play in shaping a company's strategic decisions, risk management, and overall governance. The particular attributes of the board that support long-term company survival, however, are still unknown because research in this area produced contradictory results without taking into account conditions that can strengthen the correlations between the variables. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effect of risk management committee on the relationship between board attributes and survival of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study utilized secondary data extracted from annual reports and accounts of 34 sampled firms for the period from 2011 to 2022. The Generalized Least Square (GLS) regression techniques were used for the analysis. The results show that while board independence and board size were negatively associated with survival, greater board expertise enhances firm survival. Similarly, findings reveal that the existence of a risk management committee (RMC) did not only significantly contribute to survival but also moderates the relationship between board attributes and survival of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends, amongst others, that the shareholders of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria should consider reducing the size of the boards to a more manageable and effective number since smaller boards can make decisions more efficiently and prevent conflicts arising from an overly large board.