Statistical Tools Research Articles

Effect of Household Investment in Human Capital On Economic Development in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of “Household Investment in Human Capital on Economic Development in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State” using health care, poverty reduction and political participation as proxies for development. It made use of primary data collected using the instrument of questionnaire administered to the residents in the area. Statistical tools such as frequency distribution table, percentages and mean were used to present and analyze the data while the chi-square was used to test the formulated hypothesis. The study showed a significant positive effect of household investment in human capital investment on economic development in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. It therefore recommended that households should be granted some tax reliefs to increase their disposable income capability for sustained human capital investment and sustainable economic development. The government is also advised to redouble their investment on infrastructure and the educational sector to support the effort the households.

Are extreme floods on the Danube River becoming more frequent? A case study of Bratislava station

Abstract In this study, strong and extreme flood events were analysed on the basis of long-term daily runoff records of winter and summer floods in the Danube River between 1876 and 2020, using the peaks-over-threshold method. Based on the results, the following conclusions can be made: (1) There is a downward trend in strong winter floods, but it is not statistically significant. Additionally, there is an upward trend in summer floods, but this is not statistically significant. (2) There are statistically significant upward trends in extreme events for both the winter and summer seasons. The results have implications for flood protection and disaster management on the Danube River. Regulation of assets in flood-prone areas is essential for minimising economic damage. Public awareness of increasing extreme summer floods is vital for prevention. This study suggests that effective flood risk analysis requires (i) a local- to regional-scale approach to account for spatial variability and (ii) advanced statistical tools for robust detection of climate extremes and estimation of their occurrence rates.

Can cloud images help in predicting geomagnetic storms?

Solar activity and Cosmic Ray particles are known to have an effect on the formation of structural clouds through changes in temperature. With an increase in solar activity, coronal mass ejection increases, leading to an increase in temperature in the Earth’s atmosphere. The change in temperature is related to the change in cloud formation and rainfall distribution, and hence the change in climate pattern. This prompts us to analyse terrestrial cloud images for robust processing of underlying information or patterns. Geometrical exploration of cloud properties using Multi-Fractal Analysis (MFA) is given preference over standard statistical tools for devising an improved weather prediction platform in the future. For the first time, MFA is reported to be used successfully to analyse cloud properties using images obtained from satellites to predict geomagnetic storms.

Role of Microfinance in Promoting Financial Inclusion and Financial Capability in Rural Areas of Rajasthan

This quantitative study explores the pivotal role of microfinance in fostering financial inclusion and enhancing financial capability in rural areas of Rajasthan. Utilizing a structured questionnaire administered through Google Form, data will be collected from a convenient sample of 480 rural respondents with prior experience in microfinance programs. The study, conducted over a six-month period, incorporates data filtering techniques to ensure the relevance and reliability of responses. Employing the Smart-PLS statistical tool, the research will analyze the relationships between microfinance engagement and financial inclusion and capability variables. The findings aim to provide nuanced insights into the efficacy of microfinance interventions in rural Rajasthan, contributing to both academic discourse and practical implications. The study's policy implications suggest that energy professionals should consider incorporating microfinance strategies to enhance financial inclusion and capability in their sustainable energy initiatives, fostering a holistic approach to rural development.

Discriminant canonical analysis as a tool for genotype traceability testing based on turkey meat and carcass traits.

The present study aims to develop a statistical tool for turkey breed traceability testing based on meat and carcass quality characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed, collecting data from a total of 75 studies approaching meat and carcass attributes of 37 turkey strains and landraces since the late 1960s. A total of 22 meat and carcass traits were considered variables, grouped in the following clusters: carcass dressing traits, muscle fiber properties, pH, colorimetry, water-capacity traits, texture-related attributes, and nutritional composition of the meat. Once the multicollinearity analysis allowed the deletion of redundant variables, cold carcass weight, slaughter weight, muscle fiber diameter, sex-female, carcass/piece weight, meat redness, ashes, pH24, meat lightness, moisture, fat, and water-holding capacity showed explanatory properties in the discriminating analysis (p < 0.05). In addition, strong positive and negative correlations were found among those variables studied. Carcass traits were positively associated, particularly slaughter weight and cold carcass weight (+0.561). Among meat physical traits, pH showed positive correlations with drip loss (+0.490) and pH24 (+0.327), and water-holding capacity was positively associated with cholesterol (+0.434) and negatively associated with collagen (-0.398). According to nutritional traits, fat and ash showed a strong correlation (+0.595), and both were negatively associated with moisture (-0.375 and -0.498, respectively). Strong negative correlations were found as well between meat protein and fat (-0.460) and between collagen and cholesterol (-0.654). Finally, the Mahalanobis distance suggested a clustering pattern based on meat and carcass characteristics that report information about interbreeding and variety proximity. This study establishes a departure point in the development of a tool for breed traceability guaranteeing aimed at enhancing distinguished, local breed-based turkey meat.

The Effect of Financial Performance on Profit Growth in Automotive Companies Listed on IDX

Profit growth has an important role in evaluating the performance of a company, when the development of business entity profits is higher, shareholders tend to be interested in putting their investment because they believe that the company has positive prospects in the future. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of financial performance, namely Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, and Total Asset Turnover on profit growth in Automotive Companies. This type of research used is quantitative using secondary data from Automotive Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2018 to 2022 with a research sample of 31 samples. The analysis technique uses multiple regression analysis with the spss statistical test tool. The results of this study are that Net Profit Margin has a significant positive effect, while other factors such as Current Ratio and Total Asset Turnover do not show a significant effect. However, simultaneously Current Ratio, Net Profit Margin, and Total Asset Turnover affect profit growth.

Marketing Behaviour of Young Chrysanthemum Growers in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: Cultivation of flower crops increases the income of the farmer through diversification of farm and improve their livelihood. The present study aims to analyse the marketing behavior of farm youth and constraints experienced by them in chrysanthemum cultivation.&#x0D; Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was employed in the study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Salem district of Tamil Nadu during 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Salem district of Tamil Nadu was purposively selected as it has highest area under chrysanthemum cultivation. To achieve the objectives of the study, the data was gathered from the 120 young chrysanthemum growers from twelve villages of Salem district. The young chrysanthemum growers were randomly selected and the data has been gathered through personal interview method. The collected data has been tabulated and analyzed with suitable statistical tools like percentage analysis, cumulative frequency and mean score were employed.&#x0D; Results: The findings revealed that chrysanthemum growers sell flowers as soon as it’s harvested (80%) through marketing channel – B (Farmer – Commission agent - Market). They fix price based on demand for the produce (50%) and sell in the nearby market within 5 km (43.33%) based on the market information obtained from relatives and friends (56.67%) with the help of truck (39.17%). While marketing farmer’s spent less on transport (55%) and got paid immediately after sale (60%) with cash (100%). Thus, it was found that nearly three-fourth of the young chrysanthemum growers had medium level of marketing behaviour (86.67%) and high commission charges (Mean score of 2.76) was the severe problematic constraint and problem of irrigation (Mean score of 1.80) was the least problematic constraint experienced by them.&#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the farmers cultivate flower crops due to its high value and ensure reasonable price for the farmers. Since farmers are facing difficulties to continue agriculture because of reduced income and difficulties in marketing, they should be engaged in floriculture sector to increase their income. The untapped potential of the floriculture sector draw youth towards agriculture and ensures providing remunerative price to the small and marginal farmers involved in flower cultivation. Apart from providing income security to farmers, cultivation of flower crops ensures improves the livelihood of farmers by increasing their income.

Magpie: A power evaluation method for differential RNA methylation analysis in N6-methyladenosine sequencing.

Recently, novel biotechnologies to quantify RNA modifications became an increasingly popular choice for researchers who study epitranscriptome. When studying RNA methylations such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), researchers need to make several decisions in its experimental design, especially the sample size and a proper statistical power. Due to the complexity and high-throughput nature of m6A sequencing measurements, methods for power calculation and study design are still currently unavailable. In this work, we propose a statistical power assessment tool, magpie, for power calculation and experimental design for epitranscriptome studies using m6A sequencing data. Our simulation-based power assessment tool will borrow information from real pilot data, and inspect various influential factors including sample size, sequencing depth, effect size, and basal expression ranges. We integrate two modules in magpie: (i) a flexible and realistic simulator module to synthesize m6A sequencing data based on real data; and (ii) a power assessment module to examine a set of comprehensive evaluation metrics.

The CSR perspective: Interplay of technological innovation, ethical leadership and government regulations for sustainable financial performance.

The financial performance of Chinese public and private sector banks is changing over time. There is no stability in the financial performance of Chinese banks which hurts businesses and the market. The purpose of current research was to determine the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on driving the sustainable financial performance of Chinese banks. From methodological perspective, data was collected from 329 banking sector employees from China to partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is employed for data analysis. The research used SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 4 as statistical analysis tools. This research confirmed that achieving sustainability in financial performance for Chinese banks can be achieved with CSR influenced by technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations. This research has statistically confirmed that transformational leadership leading to CSR with technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations can make significant improvements in financial performance. The framework developed by current research is a novel contribution to the literature. The findings of this research improve the literature on the banking sector and advanced performance. Furthermore, this research has highlighted significant ways that can help the banking sector employees to improve their financial performance with sustainability.

Public Sector Employees’ Arrangement and Plans Towards Retirement in Ghana

As a saying goes, if one fails to plan, that individual plans to fail. This well-known saying holds true relative to retirement that formal sector employees experience at a point in their life time. It is also a truism that effective and efficient retirement planning by employees is contingent on the information about retirement they receive. Although myriad of studies have been conducted on retirement experiences of formal sector employees, the specific activities that employees do for their retirement had attracted less research attention. The study aimed to close the gap identified, which is quintessential for the information, education and action of employees, employers, psychologists and counsellors. The study focused on employees of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) in two municipalities. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were adopted to select the employees to participate in the study. To garner the requisite data to achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and used. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. It emerged from the study that the employees’ principal sources of information on retirement are the media, private insurance companies, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), friends and relatives. It also emanated from the study that most of the employees were doing the following for their retirement: investment in shares, bonds, treasury bills and insurance policies; savings and standing orders. Stakeholders of the two services need to do more to help their employees to prepare well for an enhanced livelihood during retirement.

The Impact of IFRS 9 Compliance on Financial Statement Outputs: An Exploratory Study of a Sample of Commercial Banks

The current research aims to adopt Financial Reporting Standards No. (9) using one of the alternatives to accounting measurement (fair value/amortized cost). This approach transforms financial statements into a crucial tool for management to assess financial performance. This application is expected to alter the actual reality of the economic unit, influencing the value of the stock and impacting competitive value in the future. Several statistical tools and equations related to fair value/amortized cost, as outlined in International Accounting Standard 9, were employed. The research yielded several conclusions, with the most significant being that the implementation of the fair value accounting model by the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS9) can lead to results that truly reflect the financial performance and position of the research sample, instilling confidence in the financial statement outputs. After identifying the key conclusions, the research provides various recommendations. Foremost among them is the encouragement for banks to adhere to international financial reporting standards, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS9). This recommendation stems from the evident importance of presenting financial statements in a manner that accurately mirrors their actual reality.

EFFECTIVE MATERIAL MANAGEMENT AND FIRM’S PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated how effective material management (MMGT) affects firm’s productivity in selected aluminum manufacturing firms in Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to ascertain effect of the measures of effective MMGT, namely; Planning Strategy (PS), Material Control Management (MCM) and Work-In-Progress Management (WIPM) on Firm’s Productivity (FP). The respondents' responses were collected using a five (5) likert scale questionnaire. This study's population is 293 people, with a sample size of 169 employees from the selected Aluminium company in Delta State, Nigeria. The questionnaire was coded using an excel spreadsheet, and the respondents' profiles were analysed manually using basic percentage, while descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, and multiple regression used statistical tools in SPSS version 23. The findings showed that there is a substantial positive association between PS, MCM, and WIPM and FP. The study's findings indicate that good MMGT has a positive and significant effect on company productivity in selected Aluminium manufacturing enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria. As a result, the study proposed that Aluminium manufacturing firms adopt a policy framework to promote speedier implementation of material control systems in Nigerian Aluminium production in order to excel and ensure its future, hence increasing organisational efficiency.&#x0D; Keywords: Material, Management, Productivity, Planning, Strategy and Work-In-Progress.

Implementation of mDoE‐methods to a microcarrier‐based expansion processes for mesenchymal stem cells

AbstractThe need for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) has gained increased attention in recent years. In this respect, a well‐designed cell expansion process is needed to efficiently manufacture the required number of cells with the desired product quality. This step is challenging due to the biological complexity of the respective primary cell (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)) and the usage of microcarrier‐based expansion systems. One accelerating approach for process design is model‐assisted Design of Experiments (mDoE) combining mathematical process models and statistical tools. In this study, the mDoE workflow was used for the development of an expansion processes with human immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC‐TERT) and the aim of maximizing cell yield assuming only a limited amount of prior knowledge at a very early stage of development. First, suitable microcarriers for expansion in shake flasks were screened and the differentiation of the cells was proven. Second, initial experiments were performed to generate prior knowledge, which was then used to set up the mathematical model and to estimate the model parameters. Finally, the mDoE was used to determine and evaluate the design space to be performed experimentally. Overall, a cell expansion process using microcarriers in a shake flask culture was successfully implemented and a significant increase in cell yield (up to 6,2‐fold) was achieved compared to literature.

Організація та проведення змагань з армрестлінгу за допомогою програмного забезпечення «ArmRec»

Purpose: to analyze and determine the impact of computerization on the organization and conduct of armwrestling competitions. Material and Methods. The following methods were used in the research: analysis of scientific and methodical literature, documentary sources, publications and Internet resources, programming method. Results: in the course of the research the potential problems and challenges connected with the introduction of computerization in armwrestling were revealed. To achieve the goal, it was determined what functionality modern software should have for conducting and organizing competitions: versatility and compatibility; athlete database; digital passport of the athlete; visualization of information about the competition; integration with television and online broadcasts; statistics of the work of the judging panel; automation of team results calculation and printing of diplomas; export of results to the website; integration with statistical and analytical tools; security and confidentiality. The «ArmRe»c software was developed and implemented in the systematic work of the «Armwrestling Federation of Ukraine». The proposed «ArmRe»c program helped to: visualize pairs and competition schedules; conduct live broadcasts with captions; generate digital passports of athletes; ensure quick printing of diplomas and awards and automatic generation of team results. The implementation of the software for organizing and conducting armwrestling competitions has demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency in all aspects of the competition process. The main advantages of the proposed «ArmRec» program include: optimization of registration and competition management processes; improved interaction with spectators; efficiency in determining results and awarding; increased transparency and fairness. Conclusions. Computerization of the organization and conduct of competitions is a key factor in the development of modern sports, including armwrestling. It not only improves the efficiency and quality of competitions, but also plays an important role in the popularization and development of armwrestling as a sport, meeting the challenges of the digital era and opening up new opportunities for growth and expansion of the audience. Keywords: modern technologies, armwrestling, computerization, organization, competitive activity.

Web Based Environmental Disclosure and Firm Value: Empirical Evidence on Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

The relationship between web based environmental disclosure and value of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria was empirically examined. To determine the relationship between web based environmental disclosure (WED) and firm value, web based environment disclosure was measured using a dichotomous procedure adopted from GRI while firm value on the hand was proxy using price to book value (PBV). The study adopted Ex Post Facto Design and data were collected from the annual reports and accounts of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria for the period ended; 2014-2021. The study used panel least square model as a statistical test tool. The findings of the study show that web based environmental disclosure (WED) has significant and positive effect on value (PBV) of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria at 1% significant level. Thus, the study concludes that web based environmental disclosure ensures firms’ value in Nigeria. Based on this, the study recommended that corporate environmental resource recycling cost should be decreased for better environmental protection which ensures firms value.

On the possibilities of merging additive manufacturing and powder injection molding in the production of metal parts

PurposeThis study aims to enhance merging of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with powder injection molding (PIM). In this way, the prototypes could be 3D-printed and mass production implemented using PIM. Thus, the surface properties and mechanical performance of parts produced using powder/polymer binder feedstocks [material extrusion (MEX) and PIM] were investigated and compared with powder manufacturing based on direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).Design/methodology/approachPIM parts were manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel PIM-quality powder and powder intended for powder bed fusion compounded with a recently developed environmentally benign binder. Rheological data obtained at the relevant temperatures were used to set up the process parameters of injection molding. The tensile and yield strengths as well as the strain at break were determined for PIM sintered parts and compared to those produced using MEX and DMLS. Surface properties were evaluated through a 3D scanner and analyzed with advanced statistical tools.FindingsAdvanced statistical analyses of the surface properties showed the proximity between the surfaces created via PIM and MEX. The tensile and yield strengths, as well as the strain at break, suggested that DMLS provides sintered samples with the highest strength and ductility; however, PIM parts made from environmentally benign feedstock may successfully compete with this manufacturing route.Originality/valueThis study addresses the issues connected to the merging of two environmentally efficient processing routes. The literature survey included has shown that there is so far no study comparing AM and PIM techniques systematically on the fixed part shape and dimensions using advanced statistical tools to derive the proximity of the investigated processing routes.

The Impact of the Fight Against Corruption on Nigeria's Economy: A Case Study of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission

Corruption in Nigeria has long hindered economic development and raised concerns about resource misallocation, reduced foreign direct investment, and eroded public confidence in institutions. Established in 2003, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was tasked with combating economic and financial offenses, including corruption. This study aimed to assess the impact of anti-corruption efforts, particularly the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Nigeria's economy. A survey research design was employed, with data collected through 109 structured questionnaires administered to personnel from various units of the EFCC at the Enugu state branch. Out of the questionnaires distributed, 100 were properly filled out and returned for analysis. Respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0. Descriptive statistical tools, such as simple percentages presented in tables and charts, were used to analyze and interpret the questionnaire data. The study revealed several key findings. Firstly, it emphasized the importance of the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Secondly, it highlighted the positive impact of anti-corruption efforts on the country's economy. Thirdly, it found that the EFCC has been making progress in combating corruption. Lastly, it confirmed that corruption hinders Nigeria's economic development. In conclusion, this study casts a glaring spotlight on the corrosive impact of corruption on Nigeria's economy, translating to staggering losses exceeding $100 billion in GDP. Consequently, the research emphasized the necessity of intensifying anti-corruption efforts. It proposed recommendations to address this issue, including the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies, the improvement of legal frameworks, and the promotion of economic growth as crucial steps towards achieving sustainable

Information and Communication Technology as a Determinant of Organizational Performance: A Study of Banks in Delta/Edo States

This study investigated information and communication technology (ICT) as determinant of organizational performance of selected commercial banks in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design was used and one hundred and eighteen (118) questionnaires were administered to employees of four (4) commercial banks in Delta and Edo States. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, diagnostic and inferential statistical tools. The regression results indicated positive and significant relationship between information and communication technology usage and improvements in organizational performance in areas of enhanced quality of service delivery, productivity, and customers’ base. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that commercial banks should expand the usage of information communication technology tools in their business processes in order to become more competitive and improve service delivery to customers, enhanced productivity and customers’ base. More importantly, commercial banks should strengthen their policies and procedures on information and communication technology targeted at retaining IT staff. Also, commercial banks should ensure an up-to-date training of IT staff to keep them abreast of current trends in the ICT environment.

Reading Proficiency of Grade Two Learners Using Big Books with Historical Content

This experimental research entitled “Reading Proficiency of Grade Two Learners Using Big Books with Historical Content” is a scientific study on the reading proficiency of grade two learners in Banago Elementary School I when using Big Books with Historical Content during the teaching-learning process especially in reading. It mainly utilized mother tongue language, Hiligaynon, as medium of instruction. Forty (40) grade two learners who were equally distributed into two groups, the control group and experimental group with twenty (20) learners, made up the subject-respondents of the study. Data were collected through experimental procedure where the experimental group was exposed to the use of big books with historical content while the control group used the regular big books. Mean, Frequency and Percentage, T-test and Spearman rho were used as statistical tools. Based on the scientific results of this study, a proposed reading enhancement program was crafted to further enhance reading performance of learners benefiting the implementers, teachers, and learners of the program. Findings of the study recommends on the use of big books with historical content to improve reading proficiency levels of primary learners when using Hiligaynon as medium of instruction in assessments and reading remediation. Results further suggested the development of additional localized and indigenized big books with historical content as well as big books across disciplines as supplementary learning materials in the delivery of instruction in Elementary Social Studies and reading remediation in Hiligaynon for Key Stage 1. Implementation of the proposed program in school and division level will be beneficial to the stakeholders, administrators, teachers, and learners in the primary level.

Analyzing the Influence of Product Descriptions, Ratings, and Reviews on Online Consumer Purchasing Decisions

This project aims to find out how the product description, rating, and review affect the purchasing decision of consumers purchasing in online. This project is also meant to identify the awareness of giving review and rating is important and how the product description plays a important role in the purchase decision. A total sample of 169 is taken from the customers. The data have been collected using Structured Questionnaire and google forms from the customers. The customers have been enquired about their demographic profile, purchase patten, about their level of consumption, experience towards the brand, positive and negative impact involved while purchasing through online. For the analysis purpose, statistical tools and techniques like Chi Square, Regression. Keywords: Online Purchasing, Negative Impact, Postive Impact.