Statistical Tools Research Articles

Optimizing mechanical properties of virgin and recycled PLA components using Anova and neural networks

The increasing demand for polymers in additive manufacturing (AM) has led to a significant increase in plastic waste, with over 300 million metric tons used in recent years. This research article explores the use of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) as a biodegradable thermoplastic recycled material for 3D printed components, comparing its properties with virgin PLA and discussing solutions for variation and mechanical features improvement. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely used additive manufacturing process that allows for the creation of three-dimensional objects by depositing molten material layer by layer. This study investigates the impact of infill density, layer thickness, and raster angle for recycled 3D printing material, focusing on their dimensions and their influence on processing efficiency. This research paper aims to investigate the mechanical effects of recycled 3d printed components which are printed by using FDM with the combination of different process parameters compared with virgin PLA. From results optimal process parameters are found to enhancing quality and performance of recycled 3D printed components. Later results are compared by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) as a statistical tool and also with ANN technique, which minimizes error deviation.

Comparative Analysis of Private and Public Mutual Funds: A Performance Evaluation

Abstract: The mutual fund industry is a popular investment avenue that offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities. The industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with investors seeking to maximize their returns and reduce risk. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of private and public mutual funds in terms of their performance. The study aims to evaluate the risk-adjusted returns, expense ratios, fund size, asset allocation, and other relevant factors of both private and public mutual funds to determine which type of fund offers better performance. To conduct the analysis, a sample of four private and four public mutual funds was randomly selected, and their performance was evaluated using various performance metrics such as Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, and Jensen's alpha. The data was analyzed using statistical tools such as U test, t-test, and regression analysis. The study found that private sector mutual funds performed comparatively better than public sector mutual funds in terms of risk-adjusted returns, expense ratios, and asset allocation. Private sector mutual funds had higher Sharpe ratios and Treynor ratios compared to public sector mutual funds, indicating that they generated higher returns per unit of risk taken. Private sector mutual funds also had lower expense ratios, indicating that they charged lower fees to investors. In terms of asset allocation, private sector mutual funds had a higher allocation towards equity securities compared to public sector mutual funds, which had a higher allocation towards debt securities. The study also identified significant differences in the investment strategies, portfolio management, and investor base of private and public mutual funds. Private sector mutual funds had a more aggressive investment strategy, with a higher allocation towards equity securities, whereas public sector mutual funds had a more conservative investment strategy, with a higher allocation towards debt securities. Private sector mutual funds were also found to be more actively managed compared to public sector mutual funds. Private sector mutual funds had a higher percentage of assets under management from retail investors, while public sector mutual funds had a higher percentage of assets under management from institutional investors. The study provides valuable insights to investors, fund managers, and policymakers regarding the performance of private and public mutual funds. The findings suggest that investors may benefit from investing in private sector mutual funds due to their higher risk-adjusted returns, lower expense ratios, and higher allocation towards equity securities. Fund managers may also benefit from the study by gaining insights into the investment strategies and portfolio management practices of private and public mutual funds. Policymakers may use the study to design policies that promote the growth and development of the mutual fund industry. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on mutual funds by providing a comprehensive comparative analysis of private and public mutual funds in terms of their performance. The study adds to our understanding of the factors that affect the performance of mutual funds and provides insights into the investment strategies and portfolio management practices of private and public mutual funds.

Badminton Teaching Modes and Students’ Academic Performance: Basis for Teaching and Learning Approaches

This study aimed to determine the assessment of the application of mixed teaching mode in badminton teaching as perceived by the freshmen and sophomore students in selected universities in China. It utilized the descriptive comparative -correlational research design in the conduct of the study. To ensure the valid and systematic presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data the following statistical tools were obtained: frequency count and percentage, weighted mean, ranking, P value and t-test/ Analysis of Variance for independent samples, Pearson’s r Correlation Analysis. Results of the study revealed that the diverse modalities for teaching badminton are necessary for effective badminton instruction however these modalities may not currently be optimized for student learning. There is a wide range of perceptions and preferences among the respondents on the different teaching modalities. The average academic performance of the respondents is categorized as medium. The diversity in opinions underscores the importance of offering flexibility and choices in teaching modalities to cater to the preferences and learning styles of students. The relationship between teaching methods (face-to-face, blended, hybrid, and pure online) and students’ academic performance is multifaceted. It depends on various factors, including student characteristics, instructor quality, resource availability and motivation.

A Review - Factors Affecting on Time, Cost and Quality of Construction

Abstract: The primary goal of this study is to assess and explore time, cost, and quality management within the construction industry. The purpose of the study is to identify factors that impact time, cost, and quality management in construction projects. Quality stands out as a crucial aspect of all projects, and the success of construction projects hinges significantly on the performance of quality. However, accomplishing this objective is undeniably a challenging task. This study specifically investigates the factors that influence the control of cost and time in construction projects. The aim is to propose recommendations that can assist stakeholders in achieving enhanced cost and time performance in construction projects. The study acknowledges the intricate nature of balancing these key elements and strives to contribute valuable insights for improving overall project outcomes in the construction industry. This study is limited to the perspective of an appropriate sample of professionals in the construction industry. The data collection method involves the use of questionnaires and interviews, which will be subject to descriptive statistical analysis utilizing percentages, mean scores, and frequency of collected data. The primary factors influencing time, cost, and quality in a construction project were identified as planned and scheduled deficiencies, fraudulent methods, kickbacks, and the absence of clear evaluation standards. The research aims to scrutinize the factors that have both positive and adverse effects on construction projects. The study recommends that the construction team work diligently to ensure effective management of time, cost, and quality in construction projects. The objective of this study is to analyze how those involved in project teams perceive time, cost, and quality management on construction projects. Conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are made regarding time, cost, and quality management estimates for construction projects. In the construction industry, the concept of risk management is a less popular technique. There are three main stages in the systematic approach to risk management in the construction industry. A questionnaire, developed based on identified factors, was used to gather the opinions of construction experts. Quality is a critical aspect of any project, especially in construction. The success of construction projects is largely determined by the quality of work. Unfortunately, the construction industry is facing quality issues that result in ineffective and inefficient projects, leading to cost overruns, delays, and excessive rework. To address this issue, a research study was conducted to examine the factors that have positive and negative impacts on construction projects. A questionnaire was developed to gather feedback from construction experts, and statistical analysis tools such as chisquare and weighted mean method (WMM) were used to rank the significance of these factors. The definition of quality can vary depending on the perspective of those defining it. Some see it as meeting specific requirements, while others view it as delivering value for the price paid. For construction companies, quality is about satisfying customers and fulfilling their needs while staying within budget. Quality is an important factor in construction projects, as it can lead to cost overruns and delays. Quality control (QC) and quality assurance systems are established to meet specific requirements. In the construction industry, QC can be seen as achieving client satisfaction, managing costs, and allowing enough time to achieve the desired level of quality. An international standard organization (ISO) has developed a quality assurance system to improve quality and address quality-related issues. The ISO 9001 series has been created to apply to all types of organizations.

Transportation management practices and Performance of Electoral Systems in Kenya.

Elections are becoming democracy’s bedrock. Even before the great development of African states were created, antagonists attempted to corrupt, undermine, or otherwise disrupt democracy by seeking to subvert elections. The threats on the electoral process are as old as the vote itself: from adversarial governments, terrorist organizations, strikers for the Boss Tweed vote, people who try to wreak havoc hence the survival of democracy demands for the protection of elections. As a consequence, after the 90s Election Administration in African nations, the tendency of some individuals to impede elections has not changed, mentioning a number of electoral fraud cases in the history of African States. In recent years, some of the tactics of such attempts to overthrow democracy have become distinct. Attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in digital networks today improve conventional approaches and have become an increasingly successful strategy. Therefore, the study sought to determine the relationship between transportation management practices and Performance of Electoral Systems in Kenya.The research design that was used in this study was an exploratory research design. The population for this study consisted of 373 Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CS/CEO), Deputy Commission Secretary (DCS), Directors, Managers, County Election Managers, and Constituency Election Coordinators within 290 constituencies of Kenya's August 2017 election. A total of 373 respondents were used as the sample size for the study. Data was used as primary and secondary. While self-administered questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect primary data, the study reviewed the previous evaluation reports to seek the secondary data on performance of election systems in Kenya. The data was collected and then analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results of this study benefited policy makers, managers, administrators, citizens all whole, researchers, consultants, scholars, and trainers involved in election administration. This study tested the null hypotheses that transportation management practices had no significant relationship in the performance of electoral systems in Kenya. Pragmatism paradigm approach and mixed method research were adopted in this study. The questionnaire tested both validity and reliability. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyze the collected data with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. Multiple regression and correlation analysis were carried out. The results revealed a positive correlation (R = 0.712) between transportation management practices and electoral system performance, with approximately 50.7% of the variance explained by transportation management practices. The consequences of these findings are relevant for electoral authorities and policymakers that aim to improve the dependability, participation rate, uniformity, and trustworthiness of election systems through the use of strategic transportation management practices. The study recommends key strategies to enhance the performance of Kenyan electoral systems through improved Transportation Management Practices. It suggests adopting advanced route optimization software for efficient delivery of voting materials, emphasizing GPS tracking and real-time monitoring. Comprehensive inspections before departure are urged to identify and rectify potential issues. Rigorous security protocols, including background checks, sealed containers, and security escorts, are proposed to address Transportation Security concerns. For Reverse Logistics, a meticulously designed plan is recommended for systematic collection, packaging, and timely pickup of materials post-election. Thorough examination and authentication of returned materials are crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability. Proper maintenance of equipment is emphasized to guarantee optimal functionality for future electoral processes.

Practical Status of Effective Educational Planning and Teachers’ Performance in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at assessing the status of effective educational planning and staff performance in some selected schools in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Two research questions were established to achieve the objectives of the study. A descriptive-survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of all Public Secondary Schools in Gusau Metropolis of Zamfara State, having a total of 24 public secondary schools with 670 teachers. A total number of 12 public secondary schools and 225 in-service teachers were sampled to serve as participants in this study using simple random sampling technique. The sample size was determined using Morgan and Krejcie (1971) table of determining sample size. For the purpose of data collection, two (2) self-structured questionnaires were constructed on a 4-point Likert’s Scale with 29 constructs. The data analysis was made using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics tools. The results revealed that, the status of effective educational planning in public schools in Zamfara State was found at a ‘High Extent’ with statistical value of (M=4.56, SD=3.95). Similarly, the status of staff performance in public schools in Zamfara State was found at a ‘High Extent’ with statistical value of (M=3.69, SD=2.61). Based findings, in order to maintain the high level of the effectiveness of educational planning in Nigeria, the Federal, State, and Local, and Governments as well as other relevant international and local organizations should put hands on deck in employing more professional planners and deploy them to the ministries and agencies for effective planning of education

DETERMINANTS OF SERVICE QUALITY FACTORS AND PARENT SATISFACTION IN CHILDCARE CENTRE


 
 
 
 This study delves into the intricate dynamics of Malaysian childcare centres, focusing specifically on the elements that contribute to service quality and, ultimately, parental satisfaction. The research seeks to understand the underlying connections and impacts of various factors on parent satisfaction, excluding the aspect of educational leadership. With potential adverse outcomes from poor service quality, such as suboptimal child development and parental stress, this study aims to identify the key factors that enhance service experiences in early childhood settings. Adopting a quantitative approach, the study utilizes a causal research design to explore the relationships between various service quality elements and parent satisfaction. A comprehensive survey method was employed, offering a cross- sectional snapshot of opinions from parents with children in Malaysian childcare services. The study's design ensures precision in testing hypotheses, with findings analysed using advanced statistical tools like SPSS and PLS-SEM. The hypothesis testing reveals interesting insights. It shows the rejection of certain assumed direct impacts of basic facilities, curriculum, and program structure on parent satisfaction. However, other factors emerged as significant in shaping parental perceptions. Notably, the study found that specific service quality factors, particularly in the domain of student interactions, play a crucial role in determining parent satisfaction. The research methodology included a pilot study in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, for preliminary validation of the survey instruments. Purposive sampling selected 318 parents from various childcare centres, ensuring a relevant and focused sample. The findings indicate that while some service quality aspects may not directly influence parent satisfaction, others are crucial. The study’s implications are significant for policy and practice in early childhood education, emphasizing the enhancement of specific service quality factors as a strategy to uplift parent satisfaction in Malaysian childcare centres. This research adds an important dimension to the understanding of service quality and parent satisfaction in the context of early childhood education.
 
 
 

A Causal Analysis of Locus of Control on Self Transcendence

Viktor Frankl (1965) postulated that a pivotal aspect of human existence resides in the concept of Self Transcendence, encapsulating a directed attention “beyond the self”. This phenomenon entails diverse avenues for realization. Present research endeavors to explore distinct manifestations of Locus of Control categorized into two types namely Internal and External as predictors of Self Transcendence. A study encompassing 218 adults aged between 18 and 30 from Surat, Gujarat were undertaken for this purpose. The measurement instruments utilized were the Levenson Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale and Reed’s Self Transcendence Scale, employed to assess Locus of Control and Self Transcendence respectively. Data collection employed a combination of Convenience and Snowball sampling techniques. Analysis encompassed statistical tools including Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation coefficient, and Regression analysis, facilitated by SPSS software. This study posits that there will be a statistically significant prediction of Self Transcendence as a consequence of types of Locus of Control. The findings supported the hypothesis.

Investigating the overlap of machine learning algorithms in the final results of RNA-seq analysis on gene expression estimation

Advances in computer science in combination with the next-generation sequencing have introduced a new era in biology, enabling advanced state-of-the-art analysis of complex biological data. Bioinformatics is evolving as a union field between computer Science and biology, enabling the representation, storage, management, analysis and exploration of many types of data with a plethora of machine learning algorithms and computing tools. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to detect differentially expressed genes between different types of cancer and showing the existence overlap to final results from RNA-sequencing analysis. The datasets were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information resource. Specifically, dataset GSE68086 which corresponds to PMID:200,068,086. This dataset consists of 171 blood platelet samples collected from patients with six different tumors and healthy individuals. All steps for RNA-sequencing analysis (preprocessing, read alignment, transcriptome reconstruction, expression quantification and differential expression analysis) were followed. Machine Learning- based Random Forest and Gradient Boosting algorithms were applied to predict significant genes. The Rstudio statistical tool was used for the analysis.

MetaCerberus: distributed highly parallelized HMM-based processing for robust functional annotation across the tree of life.

MetaCerberus is a massively parallel, fast, low memory, scalable annotation tool for inference gene function across genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus provides an elusive HMM/HMMER-based tool at a rapid scale with low memory. It offers scalable gene elucidation to major public databases, including KEGG (KO), COGs, CAZy, FOAM, and specific databases for viruses, including VOGs and PHROGs, from single genomes to metacommunities. MetaCerberus is 1.3× as fast on a single node than eggNOG-mapper v2 on 5× less memory using an exclusively HMM/HMMER mode. In a direct comparison, MetaCerberus provides better annotation of viruses, phages, and archaeal viruses than DRAM, Prokka, or InterProScan. MetaCerberus annotates more KOs across domains when compared to DRAM, with a 186× smaller database, and with 63× less memory. MetaCerberus is fully integrated for automatic analysis of statistics and pathways using differential statistic tools (i.e. DESeq2 and edgeR), pathway enrichment (GAGE R), and pathview R. MetaCerberus provides a novel tool for unlocking the biosphere across the tree of life at scale. MetaCerberus is written in Python and distributed under a BSD-3 license. The source code of MetaCerberus is freely available at https://github.com/raw-lab/metacerberus compatible with Python 3 and works on both Mac OS X and Linux. MetaCerberus can also be easily installed using bioconda: mamba create -n metacerberus -c bioconda -c conda-forge metacerberus.

Pattern of E. histolytica infection and its correlates among patients in a general practice clinic: A four-year retrospective evaluation

Background: Overcrowding, poor hygiene and scarcity of portable water are common features of population growth in a resource poor nation especially with rising cost of living from inflation. This is the often the state of many underdeveloped nations such as Nigeria. Such environments encourage the spread of communicable diseases. This study assess the pattern, trend, and at-risk population of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), implicated in intestinal Amoebiasis in South-South Nigeria. Method: This retrospective study was conducted using hospital data obtained from the laboratory department of a general hospital clinic in Warri and covered a period of four years from January 2015 - December 2018. The record of 4,169 laboratory results of stool samples examined by direct smear and concentration technique, were recovered from a designed computer database. Trend of infection over the period as well as variations in distribution patterns between sex, age and seasons were determined using appropriate statistical tools. Results: Out of the 4,169 stool samples 365 (8.8%) had E. histolytica with decreasing trend of infection from 2015 – 2018 as 135 of 1210 (11%); 118 of 1114 (10.6%); 57 of 792 (7.2%); 55 of 1053 (5.2%) respectively. Prevalence of infections was higher in females, 57.5% (95CI%, 51.7-59.7, n= 210) than males (n=155, 42.5%, 95%CI, 40.3-48.6). The prevalence of infections was highest among Age brackets 1-5years, 6-15 years and 35+ years; but lowest in the 26-35 years with peak season of infections at first and last quarters of each year. Conclusions: Children are more vulnerable to E. histolytica infestation and the dry seasons of the year place them at risk. This information underscores the need for local surveillance to evaluate the effectiveness of control and preventive health measures with a view of reducing the prevalence and morbidity of parasitic infections in our locality.

Is the Existing Hydropower Development Policy, 2001 Investment Friendly?

Nepal is endowed with an abundance of hydro resources. Its gross hydropower potential is estimated to be 83,290 MW technically. Out of which, 42,133 MW is ascertained as economically exploitable. However, in the span of 112 years, only around 2,900 MW is harnessed. It is obvious that the development of hydropower is a public policy-related matter. Previous studies exhibit several complications in hydropower development policy, 2001 such as private sector participation in electricity trade, lack of one window system, term of project, hedging mechanisms, foreign direct investment, and so forth. In this regard, this study aims to investigate its efficiency and effectiveness through quantitative research design. Herein, for the sake of empirical research three independent variables namely, Financial Incentives Sufficiency (FIS), Return on Investment Sufficiency (RoIS), and Market Access Sufficiency (MAS), and one dependent variable namely, Investment Friendliness (IF) was dealt. To collect the opinion of respondents a set of questionnaires comprising 11 questions was developed and approached to 108 informants from 25 diverse sectors of the hydro-industry. Herein, deductive reasoning was persuaded. For analyzing data, statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, standard deviation, factor analysis, Chi-Square tests, Mann Whitney "U" test, and Kruskal-Wallis "H" test were computed. Based on empirical analysis this study concludes that the hydropower development policy, of 2001 is investment-friendly. However, the study manifested a number of rooms that were to be addressed as changing the expectations of investors. On this ground, the findings of this study will be applicable with a view to formulating a more investment-friendly hydropower policy in the future.

Quantitative Research Design and Sample Trends: A Systematic Examination of Emerging Paradigms and Best Practices

Research design and sampling are pivotal in scientific research, shaping methodology and ensuring the credibility and validity of findings, necessitating clear and focused attention from researchers. Based on the above statement the study was focused on underlining the research design's basic terms and sample in order for researchers to be reliable in their research. The study used PRISMA to select the sample of documents. 30 major studies were used to explain the research objectives. The study covers only four types of research design i.e. Descriptive, Developmental, Experimental, and Casual Comparative. Results highlight the four research designs that aim to answer, words to be concerned with during objective setting, statistical tools, data visualization, words to be selected during hypothesis setting based on tools, and the minimum number of samples required depending on various tools. The research concludes that the choice of effective research design terms is pivotal. In statistical analysis, hypothesis wording directs research, with terminology so depending on the tools appropriate words need to be selected. Researchers need to make sure that the minimum sample size is right. However, larger samples improve the stability and accuracy of results. This study contributes by explaining essential research design terminology on sample selection, and their influence on statistical analysis, providing researchers with a clear guide to improve credibility and validity in their work.

Effect of the anode material, applied current and reactor configuration on the atenolol toxicity during an electrooxidation process

Atenolol (ATL) is a beta-blocker pharmaceutical product which is excreted mainly unchanged and may represent a long-term risk for organisms present in the sea and in fresh water. Due to its low biodegradation rate, electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) can be used to remove this compound. In this work, ATL ecotoxicity was analyzed in the presence of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), which is widely used as supporting electrolyte in EAOPs. Ecotoxicity values were expressed as the pollutant concentration that leads to a 50% inhibition of the root elongation of Lactuca sativa seeds in relation to the control (EC50(5 days)). The obtained values for ATL showed an EC50(5 days) of 1377 mg L−1 towards Lactuca sativa. When Na2SO4 was added, the toxicity of the sample increased but no synergy was detected between both compounds. With 2 g L−1 Na2SO4, ATL showed an EC50(5 days) of 972 mg L−1; and with 4 g L−1 Na2SO4 and higher concentrations, EC50 value for ATL was 0 mg L−1. Statistical tools were used to obtain the zones of the [ATL]-[Na2SO4] plane which are toxic towards Lactuca sativa.Solutions containing ATL and Na2SO4 were treated by electrooxidation. Two anode materials (a boron-doped diamond electrode and a microporous Sb-doped SnO2 ceramic one); three operation currents (0.4, 0.6 and 1 A); and two reactor configurations (one-compartment reactor and two-compartment reactor separated by a cation exchange membrane) were used. Lactuca sativa seeds and Vibrio fischeri bacterium tests were employed to evaluate the toxicity of the solutions before and after applying the electrooxidation process. In all the tests, the ecotoxicity of the treated sample increased. This fact is owing to the persulfate presence in the solution due to the sulfate electrochemical oxidation. Nevertheless, none of the final samples were toxic towards Vibrio fischeri because ecotoxicity values were lower than 10 TU; and, in the case of the one-compartment reactor, practically all of them were also non-toxic towards Lactuca sativa. The toxicity of the treated samples increased when using the two-compartment reactor in the presence of the BDD anode, and when the operation current was increased. This is attributed to the highest formation of persulfates. Amongst all the tests performed in this work, the lowest toxicity value (i.e., 3 TU) together with the complete mineralization and degradation degrees was achieved with the two-compartment reactor using the BDD anode and operating at 0.6 A.

The Influence of Materialism and Store Atmosphere on Compulsive Buying With The Mediating Variable of Fashion Interest (Study on Consumers of Kosshe Boutique Pontianak)

This research aims to examine the relationship between materialism and store atmosphere on compulsive buying where fashion interest is the mediating variable. The approach used in this research is quantitative research. This research is included in descriptive research with a survey method. The type of research used in this research is causal associative research. The population in this research is consumers of Kosshe Boutique Pontianak who have made purchases at least 2 times in the last 6 months and are female, with a sample of 200 respondents. Sampling in this research used a non-probability sampling method in the form of purposive sampling. The collected data was then analyzed using the Structural Equation Model with the SmartPLS statistical application tool version 3.9.3. The results of data analysis show that materialism has a significant effect on compulsive buying, store atmosphere has a significant effect on compulsive buying, materialism has a significant effect on fashion interest, store atmosphere has a significant effect on fashion interest and fashion interest is not significant on compulsive buying. The results of the mediation role test were not significant.
 Keywords : Materialism: Store Atmosphere; Fashion Interest; Compulsive Buying

DEMYSTIFYING LEADERSHIP: A HOLISTIC ANALYSIS OF ITS ROLE, INCLUDING DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN E-COMMERCE IN SMES IN AD DAKHILIYAH GOVERNORATE, OMAN

This quantitative study with a sample of 375 participants from small and medium enterprises (SME) in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman examines the impact of transformational and transactional leadership styles on E-commerce adoption (ECA). A multi-group (MGA) analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of demographic factors on ECA through leadership styles. Using statistical analyses via SPSS and SmartPLS 4, the study shows significant gender differences in the influence of leadership styles on ECA. In addition, comparisons were made with two other demographic factors — age and leadership position. However, caution should be exercised when generalising beyond the study's focus on the Ad Dakhiliyah region. Despite a comprehensive investigation, the age factor shows an insignificant difference in the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on ECA. This study makes an important contribution to the understanding of leadership dynamics in the digital age in Omani SMEs, highlighting the gender nuances. The integration of robust research models and statistical tools enhances methodological rigour and provides practitioners and future researchers with nuanced perspectives on leadership and technology adoption in the Ad Dakhiliyah region and in the broader context of Omani SMEs.
 Keywords: Leadership Style, E-commerce Adoption, Technology Adoption, Gender, SME, Oman, SmartPLS.

Efficient and sustainable tandem annulation-decarboxylation reaction using ecocatalysis

Substituted cyclohexenones are well-known building blocks for the synthesis of numerous natural products and bioactive compounds. Despite their widespread use, they are prepared under conditions that are not compatible with the principles of green chemistry. Here the synthesis of substituted cyclohexenones was revisited using a tandem annulation-decarboxylation strategy, in an eco-friendly process without compromising on efficiency. To meet this challenge, environmental catalysts, named ecocatalysts®, which derived from biomass wastes were used. Under microwave activation, ecocatalysis assisted by statistical tools led to excellent yields, as well as remarkable green metrics for the whole synthetic process, which both exceeded those previously reported. The reaction was scaled-up allowing the recycling assessment of the best ecocatalysts®. The reaction was also extended to other substrates. The catalytically active species within the best ecocatalyst® was identified through extensive characterisation by MP-AES, XRPD, SEM, XPS and solid-state NMR, allowing to depict a mechanism confirmed by DFT calculations.

Combined green analytical principles and quality by design for ultraperformance liquid chromatography analytical method development, the characterization and in-silico toxicity prediction of Ixazomib degradation products using mass spectrometry

Ixazomib citrate (IC) is the first oral selective proteosome inhibitor for treating multiple myeloma. IC is prone to degradation due to its oxidative deboronation and the amide bond, affecting patient health, drug quality, and efficacy. The stability of IC is crucial during drug development as it guides the inherent stability of the molecule, its degradation pathways, packing materials, and formulation development. Following the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q1A (R2) and Q1B, a stability study were performed for both solution and solid-state stress studies. Under oxidative and alkaline conditions, 3 degradation products (DPs) were identified, separated, and method-validated according to ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. From the Design Expert statistical tool, the Central Composite Design was used to optimize the final analytical method conditions, where the p-values for the model are < 0.05%. Green analytical chemistry has significantly reduced the use of hazardous organic solvents without losing chromatographic performance. The green separation and quantification of DPs and IC on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) using an Inert-Sustain C8 (50×3.0) mm 2.0 µm column with gradient elution using 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and ethanol at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and detection at 230 nm. The results of green assessment tools like GAPI, AGREE, and Analytical eco-scale found that the method is excellent for the greenness of utilizing ethanol as a solvent, shorter runtime, and lesser waste. The method was validated as per ICH Q2 guidelines, and the results found it is sensitive, precise, accurate, robust, and linear for its intended use. The method is suitable for quantifying IC and its DPs from 2.0 to 150 µg/mL with R2 values of 0.9996 with a detection limit of 1.0 µg/mL. The plausible degradation structures and pathways of DPs were outlined using tandem mass spectra employed on LC-QTOF-MS/MS in both ESI positive and negative modes. The mechanistic explanation for establishing DPs was explained in detail. The ADMET Predictor™ software predicted the physicochemical and ADMET properties. The toxicity profile reveals that DP2 and DP3 are teratogenic, while D1 and D3 show phospholipidosis.

Effects of banditry security risk on livelihood of cattle herders in Katsina State, Nigeria

Livestock enterprise is an important source of livelihood to many people in Nigeria. Vulnerability of livestock business to insecurity risk is a major threat to the livelihood of stakeholders in the livestock value chain (cattle herders and marketers). Insecurity risk among livestock herders has a ripple effect in the economy of Nigeria. Empirical information is scanty for the clarification and development in security risk control model especially with the emergence of banditry in Nigeria. This study broadly examines the effect of insecurity risk on the livelihood of livestock herders in Katsina State, Nigeria. Primary data obtained with the use of structured questionnaire from randomly selected 200 respondents were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tools (mean, frequency distribution table, probability and multiple regression). The result shows that the probability of banditry attack was 20%. The major benefit derivable from livestock business by herders is income generation. The major cause of banditry insecurity was unresolved conflict between farmers and herdsmen (100%), unemployment/deliberate negative tendency of bandits to climb wealth ladder (93.5%) and corruption among government officials (93%). Test of hypothesis indicates that all the insecurity indicators (cattle rustling, theft, kidnapping and tax imposition) negatively and significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected livelihood capital (asset) (income savings and herd size). There are sufficient evidence to conclude that livelihood capital of cattle herders is worst hit by banditry insecurity risk in Katsina State, Nigeria. It was recommended that government should adopt amnesty policy of disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation of repentant bandits. This study has expanded the frontier of literature of the ripple effects of banditry insecurity on cattle value chain and implications for policy options.

Estimating phenotypic stability for relevant yield and quality traits in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using AMMI analysis

The presence of strong G x E (genotype by environment interaction) is a major hurdle for selecting superior genotypes when genotypes are placed into new and unfamiliar production systems. Genotype or cultivar (s) with high yield potential and having less adaptability and stability to particular environment is never a suitable choice for a breeder and farmer particularly. Purposefully, four successive seasons were chosen to enumerate the phenotypic stability of 27 French bean genotypes for yield and quality traits by involving modern statistical tools like AMMI (Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction), GGE [G + (G x E)] and cluster analysis. AMMI analysis of variance witnessed magnitude of G, E and G x E was 81.94%, 11.58% and 6.48% of the total variation respectively. The IPCA I (Interaction Principal Component Axes) was contributed with 55.44%, 73.60%, 71.81%, 81.69% and 72.16% G x E variations of days to 50% flowering, pod length, number of pods per plant, average pod weight and pod yield respectively. For qualitative traits i.e., protein content (mg/100g FW), total soluble solids (%) and total phenol content (mg GAE/g FW) the involvement of IPCA I to total genotype by environment interaction variations were 89.55%, 96.07% and 66.52% respectively. The AMMI biplot revealed French bean genotypes viz., IC632961, Arka Sukomal, IIHR-PV-29, IIHR-PV-30 having low AMMI stability value and higher mean value for relevant yield and quality traits in both late kharif and rabi as two mega-environments. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant higher contribution of pod yield associated traits towards total variations and positive correlation between them. The 27 French bean genotypes formed five groups as per Euclidean distance and the clustering revealed the nature of diversity of French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, IIHR-B-PV-24, Arka Sukomal, Arka Arjun, Ayoka and Phalguni in response to changing environments and can be utilized in future breeding programme. The study revealed pole type French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, Arka Sukomal and bush type French bean genotypes viz., IIHR-B-PV-29, IIHR-B-PV-30 could be promising for utilization in future breeding programmes for the concerned traits.