bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the existence of the resolvent and separability of a class of the Korteweg-de Vriese type linear singular operators
Authors:   Taraz Regional University named after M.Kh. Dulaty, Muratbekov М.B. , Suleimbekova A.O. ,   L.N. Gumilyev Eurasian National University
Published: April 2021

Partial differential equations of the third order are the basis of mathematical models of many phenomena and processes, such as the phenomenon of energy transfer of hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate molecules along protein molecules in the form of solitary waves, i.e. solitons, the process of transferring soil moisture in the aeration zone, taking into account its movement against the moisture potential. In particular, this class includes the nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation, which is the main equation of modern mathematical physics. It is known that various problems have been studied for the Korteweg-de Vries equation and many fundamental results obtained. In this paper, issues about the existence of a resolvent and separability (maximum smoothness of solutions) of a class of linear singular operators of the Korteweg-de Vries type in the case of an unbounded domain with strongly increasing coefficients are investigated.
On construction of a field of forces along given trajectories in the presence of random perturbations
Authors:   Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Tleubergenov M.I. ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Vassilina G.K. ,   Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling,   Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications named after G.Daukeev, Tuzelbaeva G.A. ,   Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a force field is constructed along a given integral manifold in the presence of random perturbing forces. In this case, two types of integral manifolds are considered separately: 1) trajectories that depend on generalized coordinates and do not depend on generalized velocities, and 2) trajectories that depend on both generalized coordinates and generalized velocities. The construction of the force field is carried out in the class of second-order stochastic Ito differential equations. It is assumed that the functions in the right-hand sides of the equation must be continuous in time and satisfy the Lipschitz condition in generalized coordinates and generalized velocities. Also this functions satisfy the condition for linear growth in generalized coordinates and generalized velocities.These assumptions ensure the existence and uniqueness up to stochastic equivalence of the solution to the Cauchy problem of the constructed equations in the phase space, which is a strictly Markov process continuous with probability 1. To solve the two posed problems, stochastic differential equations of perturbed motion with respect to the integral manifold are constructed. Moreover, in the case when the trajectories depend on generalized coordinates and do not depend on generalized velocities, the second order equations of perturbed motion are constructed, and in the case when the trajectories depend on both generalized coordinates and generalized velocities, the first order equations of perturbed motion are constructed. And further, in both cases by Erugin’s method necessary and sufficient conditions for solving the posed problems are derived.
The Impact of Dragon Boating on Fatigue for Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Denny Margaret
Published: April 2021

Background: Fatigue following treatment for breast cancer has a profound impact on quality of life. Dragon boating is known to be beneficial because of its networking and social function. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of dragon boating on fatigue and health related quality of life. Intervention/Methods: Individual and Family Self-Management Theory guided the study. The methodology was a multiple point cohort panel design. Data were collected from breast cancer survivors (n=26) to measure fatigue, quality of life and upper arm functioning at the beginning of the racing season timepoint 1 (T1), midway through the programme, timepoint 2 (T2), and at the end of the dragon boat season, timepoint 3 (T3). Results: Fatigue levels fell significantly between T1and T2 (p<.033) and from T2 to T3 (p<.048). Similarly, upper limb functioning improved from T1 to T2 (p<.002), but showed no significant change between T2 andT3 (p<.58). Fatigue was significantly related to quality of life at each time point. Conclusion: While this was a small scale study, the findings suggest that dragon boating appears to have beneficial effects on well-being including reduction of fatigue, which impacts on health related quality of life for women post breast cancer. Implications for Practice: This study confirms the benefits of dragon boating in upper limb functioning and reduction of fatigue. Health care professionals could advise cancer survivors on the benefits of dragon boating exercise, post cancer treatment.
Historical Context of Behavioral Economics
Authors: Rehman Tansif
Published: April 2021

Behavioral economics, at broad level, superimpose many areas including Psychology and Economics. Behavioral economics by all means enhances the explanatory power of Economics as it provides it with a ﬁrm and more rational psychological basis. During the previous 20 years, many studies have explored different aspects of behavioral economics leading to introduction of the respective principles that pertain to human behavior. This article intends to provide an introduction to behavioral economics in its historical context. It also investigates the gaps that lie in the broad spectrum of behavioral economics.
A Case Study on the Effect of Spirituality on Reducing Stress and Grief Caused by COVID-19
Authors: Pourhosein Reza
Published: April 2021

Introduction: At the beginning of 2020, the Corona Virus created a major pandemic in the world that was associated with death in all countries. In addition to the many crises caused by this pandemic, a variety of mental disorders also emerged. One of the most common disorders in the acute phase of the disease was Stress and Depression in patients as well as the general population. During this time, many protocols have been proposed for managing stress and depression. In this study, the effect of Spirituality and Religious Behavior on reducing depression caused by grief and stress has been studied. Presentation Case: Our case is a 45-year-old Iranian Muslim woman who witnessed the death of her husband at the beginning of the Corona pandemic, and she herself suffered from Covid 19. She has been quarantined and under treatment for three months. During this time, she was alone and could not even attend his wife's funeral and mourning. Due to quarantine, others did not contact him and only contacted him by phone. This person is a believer, has high spirituality and performs religious behaviors carefully, and believes that deep belief in God, spirituality, and performing religious behaviors can make suffering easier. Conclusion: Through an in-depth and semi-structured interview with a phenomenological approach, it was found that she was able to overcome the stress caused by the Corona pandemic and Covid 19 and also the depression caused by mourning her husband by relying on deep religious beliefs. And keep yourself consistent in life. It was also concluded that if there were no religious beliefs and spirituality in this person, he could not overcome the stress of illness and grief of her husband divine worldview can increase spirituality and the power of compromise in the face of suffering.
Efficacy of local treatments in Prurigo Pigmentosa after Bariatric surgery
Authors: Almuhaimeed Mezoun
Published: April 2021

A 22-year-old single female presented to primary care Wazarat Health Center at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, with a 3 weeks history of itchy erythematous papules and vesicles and papulo-vesicles over the neck, chest, and upper back and face, which started 4 to 5 days after bariatric surgery. The patient on daily multivitamin supplements, vitamin D (50,000 IU, weekly / 2 months). The patient has lost 4kg since the operation, family history of atopy was positive regarding the mother physical examination shows erythematous papules and vesicles and papulo-vesicles over the neck with crust, chest, and upper back, Based on medical history and clinical presentation a provisional diagnosis was Prurigo Pigmentosa. The patient was prescribed topical mometasone furoate cream (BID for one week). Two -week follow-up showed improvement of the eruption. The course of the disease was shorter than usual in such cases the patient response to treatment was reactive to the topical mometasone without taking the oral minocyline, which major of such cases need in the late course of the disease The patient starts to improve within 2 weeks compared to others who need an average of 6 weeks to improve in such cases
Integrated Salmonella control in Turkey Production
Authors: S Kilroy
Published: April 2021

In recent years, an increase of fattening turkey flocks positive for Salmonella spp. was noted in the European Union. Considering these latest trends, there is a high need to increase knowledge on specific risk factors for fattening turkey flocks in conjunction with successful control measures to combat Salmonella infections on farm. Here, we report a commercial turkey fattening farm that was found positive for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium for two consecutive batches. By means of the Food Safety Program, a risk assessment developed by Elanco (Antwerpen, Belgium) and a farm walk, a Food Safety Index was generated, highlighting specific risk factors. Consequently, an action plan was set up, leading to a favorable increase in the Food Safety Index from 45% to 67%. Among others, vaccinating fattening turkeys was an important control measure. Monitoring of the Salmonella status of the batches was performed by sampling paper coming from the transport boxes at day of arrival and boot sock samples at the age of 14 weeks. Finally neck skin samples were taken at the slaughterhouse. Uptake of the vaccine was evaluated by sampling of the caeca and taking cloacal swabs 24 hours after first and second vaccination, respectively. Results coming from the analysis of the caeca indicate that vaccination at day one was efficient. Analysis of the cloacal swabs taken after second vaccination was inconclusive. Cooperatively, these actions improved the overall biosecurity of the farm as shown by the negative Salmonella stat us of the boot sock and neck skin samples in the third batch.
Has World War III begun?
Authors: Gurevitz Michael
Published: April 2021

The continuous struggle on resources and economical control has developed into a frightening conflict between China and the US. In an attempt to restrain the Chinese thrive and increasing possession over world economy, the US imposed restrictions on Chinese commerce and interests, a step that has proven risky considering the Chinese unexpected ״retaliation״.
Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings as Predictors of Osteomyelitis in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Gill Veenu
Published: April 2021

Background: The gold standard for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis is histopathology combined with positive bone cultures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often used to aide diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. The purpose of the study was to examine the association of MRI findings with, and their sensitivity and specificity in identifying osteomyelitis as proven by bone histopathology and bone culture in routine clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with bone specimens obtained by biopsy or at resection for suspected osteomyelitis during 2010-2014 at an academic medical center in New York City. We used bivariate analysis to compare findings of patients who did or did not have osteomyelitis confirmed on histopathology (Analysis 1) and those who had either bone histopathology demonstrating osteomyelitis, positive bone cultures or both or who had neither (Analysis 2). Results: We identified 103 patients with an MRI in the week prior to bone biopsy or bone resection. In Analysis 1, 52 (50.5%) of 103 patients had osteomyelitis confirmed on histopathology. In Analysis 2, 72 (70%) patients had proven osteomyelitis. These groups with and without osteomyelitis did not differ significantly with respect to the frequency of marrow edema, cortical erosions, decreased T1 signal or increased T2 signal in either analysis and the sensitivity and specificity of MRI findings for detecting osteomyelitis was lower than reported in prior studies. Conclusions: Based on the above results, clinicians should be aware that the sensitivity and specificity of MRI findings for histologic and microbiologic osteomyelitis may be less in real world practice than is reported in formal studies.
Traumatic Panniculitis-the Spectrum
Authors: Naschitz Jochanan
Published: April 2021

Panniculitis, when induced by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites, presents as indurated subcutaneous nodules or plaques. The clinical picture may vary, but the context makes usually the diagnosis easy. Three case histories from our department illustrate the spectrum of traumatic panniculitis: subcutaneous nodules at injection sites, a large subcutaneous mass disproportionate to mild trauma, and, at the other end of the spectrum, severe adipose tissue necrosis with liquefied fat discharging through surface wounds. Traumatic panniculitis is self-limiting and only requires symptomatic treatment.
Multiple Carcinoma injuries of squamous cells and Queratoacantoma on vitiligo patient
Authors: Gifoni Débora
Published: April 2021

Vitiligo patients undergo a destruction of melanocytes. The melanin reduction inflicts as a risk factor for the development of skin neoplasia. Cases of malignant nonmelanocytic tumors and melanoma within the vitiligo patients is rare and isolated. This study reports the multiple injuries of the squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma within the intense vitiligo affected areas.
Moth-Eaten Essential Syphilitic Alopecia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Pudjiati Satiti
Published: April 2021

Hair loss is rare to be reported as sole manifestation of secondary syphilis. Syphilitic alopecia consists of symptomatic syphilitic alopecia that presents with other secondary syphilis manifestation, and essential syphilitic alopecia which can be patchy ("moth-eaten" type), diffuse, or combination without other manifestations of secondary syphilis. Here we report a case of secondary syphilis in patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that present with moth-eaten alopecia as a sole manifestation. A 35-year-old male with HIV complained hair loss on his scalp and eyebrows. Physical examination showed non scarring moth-eaten alopecia on his scalp and lossof lateral third of his eyebrows without other lesions. Serological test for syphilis was positive. He was treated with 2.4 millions unit of benzathine penicillin G (BPG), single dose intramuscular injection. Six months after injection, patient showed clinical and serological improvement. Syphilitic alopecia cannot be ruled out in patients with non scarring hair loss with unclear etiology. Serological tests are recommended especially for patients with history of high risk sexual behaviour.
Study of infectious diarrheas, in Transylvania-Romania
Authors: Deac Liana
Published: April 2021

“Diarrhea” is an alteration in a normal bowel movement characterized by an increase in the water content, volume, or frequency of stools. Acute diarrhea of infec­tious etiology, often referred to as gastroenteri­tis and is typically associated with clinical signs and symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, abdomi­nal pain and cramps, bloating, flatulence, fever, passage of bloody stools, tenesmus, and fecal ur­gency. Infectious diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is the diarrhea we have also found out, during a large 3 yeas study 2017-2020 in Transylvania – Romania. 3577 number of cases were transmitted during this time by the 12 territory sanitary polices, to the Epidemiology Department from the Public Health Center Cluj. These were mostly diagnosed by the territorial family doctors in the region and more then 20%, have need hospitalization, for several days, because of the mentioned disease disorders 3 children died during this time, because of severe complications. The detected infectious microbial etiology, were determined in authorized laboratories, in which it was identified: Shigella spp, Salmonella spp Campylobacter spp, and Yersinia spp or Rotavirus Giardia, and Fungi species. Most number of cases appeared in children, followed by elderly or adult people, as quantified number of determination. In light of these data, acute diarrheal illness had to be considered a major public health issue against which control efforts are needed. Public health surveillance and response in the field of infectious acute diarrhea include obligatory strategies of infection control.
Incidentally Found Aorto-Pulmonary Middle Mediastinal Hypervascular Mass on Pulmonary CT Angiography in a Covid 19 patient
Authors: Erok Berrin
Published: April 2021

Paragangliomas (PGs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from paraganglia, clusters of neuroendocrine cells scattered throughout the body. Mediastinal paragangliomas represent less than 2% of all paragangliomas and less than 0.3 % of the mediastinal tumors. These tumors may secrete catecholamines, however in up to 50% of cases they are nonfunctional and are diagnosed incidentaly or with symptoms of mass effcet to the adjacent structures. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypervascular mediastinal masses. The typical radiological features are very guiding in the diagnosis and the management of the patient. We aimed to present a case of a hypervascular middle mediastinal mass incidentally found in a 69 year old woman and diagnosed with aortopulmonary nonfunctional PG radiologically.
Development and Psychosocial Support to Trainee Teachers by Mentors During Teaching Practice in Zimbabwe
Authors: Madzore Rosemary
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT Facilitation of career development and provision of psychosocial support to trainee teachers during teaching practice can be a challenge. The interpretive paradigm and the qualitative approach and case study research design were employed in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select 27 participants which included 6 mentors, 15 trainee teachers and 5 college lecturers. Data were obtained through face to face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The study revealed that mentors performed both career development and psychosocial support roles during teaching practice. It emerged that there was lack of qualified school mentors resulting in inadequate provision of career development and psychosocial support. The participants indicated that, mentors and trainee teachers encountered various challenges which hindered the effectiveness of the mentorship programme including financial constraints. The study also recommended a mentorship policy that fuses global and national trends and considering alternative mentorship models from secondary teacher-training colleges in Zimbabwe.
DENTAL AND PERIODONTAL HEALTH IN BREAST CANCER WOMEN IN ADJUVANT HORMONE THERAPY
Authors: Pezzotti Federica
Published: April 2021

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess oral hygiene in a wide cohort (n=122) of BC patients, thus showing a possible correlation between bone health, vitamin D status, and oral health in BC women undergoing tamoxifen or AI treatment. Our findings showed that BC women had high prevalence of osteopenia/ osteoporosis, hypovitaminosis D, and a very high prevalence of mild/moderate periodontitis and low oro-dental care. This study might be a starting point for future works investigating the correlation between BC, osteoporosis and oral health to define a patient- oriented multidisciplinary management.
Quantum Entanglement Nature of Relativity of Angular Momentum and Inertia of Rotating Bodies
Authors: Lagutin Boris
Published: April 2021

In this experimental paper (preprint), the author analyzes how relativity of angular momentum and of inertia of rotating bodies may work physically (not mathematically). For example, all bodies, including astronauts, inside the International Space Station, have colossal moments of Inertia and colossal angular momentums which are physical properties of rotating bodies. These physical properties both depend on radii of rotation. All orbital trajectories have very large radii of rotation. However, the astronauts can easily move any bodies inside the International Space Station despite their colossal angular momentums and colossal moments of Inertia. The astronauts' capability to overcome the colossal inertial resistance of the bodies in the International Space Station is explained by relativity of angular momentum and of moment of Inertia. The relativity of the momentum and of the inertia of the bodies inside the International Space Station is just a statement. However, it is unclear how such relativity may work physically. Namely, it is not explained what exactly physically happens with the astronauts' bodies and other bodies so that the astronauts can easily move themselves and other bodies inside the International Space Station. An experiment described in this paper is aimed to understand what happens with not only astronauts' bodies but also other bodies which rotate relatively to each other. Notice that making mathematical manipulations like canceling out variables, for example a variable symbolizing a rotational radius, in physical equations does not remove such physical properties as angular momentum and moment of Inertia.
Expectations of Zimbabwean Teachers and School Heads Regarding Forms of Professional Development Approaches Applied by Supervisors
Authors: Mahere Stephen M.
Published: April 2021

The study sought to investigate forms of instructional supervisory assistance and professional development approaches teachers expect to receive from their supervisors. The investigation employed a mixed methods research design. The study population comprised all teachers and heads in schools in Harare and Mashonaland Central Provinces. It was conducted in 628 schools: 298 in Harare, and 330 schools in the predominantly rural Mashonaland Central Province. Harare being the largest city was specifically selected as a typical urban province; while Mashonaland Central, with many responsible authorities, was specifically chosen to represent predominantly rural province. The population was stratified according to province and position of would-be respondents. The required random sample was taken from each stratum. Sample size was 741 teachers and school heads randomly selected as follows: 373 from Harare and 368 from Mashonaland Central. Data were collected through questionnaires in which respondents indicated their expectations. Findings revealed that teachers expected the following forms of assistance from supervisors: making greater use of multi-sensory visual teaching aids; caring for needs of talented learners; evaluation of teacher’s own teaching competence, and conducting a good lesson. Both school heads and teachers viewed as effective supervisory approaches, participatory ones in which teachers jointly-planned and organized with supervisors. Major challenges faced by schools included shortage of time, inadequate teaching and learning resources, negative attitudes and low teacher morale. The study recommends that education Supervisors embrace these expectations and employ more participatory approaches.
DRAWINGS TO LEARN SCIENCE: SOME REFLECTIONS
Authors: Locatelli Solange W.
Published: April 2021

Teacher needs to reinvent himself or herself all the time, proposing activities in the classroom that enable students to build and reconstruct knowledge. Particularly in science, this knowledge is mediated through scientific models, often inaccessible to students’ understanding. For the comprehension of a chemical reaction, for example, the student is invited to imagine how the interactions between the particles would be, the atomic rearrangement, totally abstract thought and based on models, often expressed by visualizations, that need to be constantly constructed and reviewed by students. However, how to revise these abstract concepts? What strategies could be used? The answer to these questions is complex, but we would like to propose a reflection on the use of drawings, as a possibility, among so many existing ones.
EXAMINATION OF SYSTEM OF TRANSITION TO UPPER-SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM LOWER-SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TERMS OF STUDENT, CLASS, AND SCHOOL LEVEL VARIABLES
Authors: Ertem Hasan Yücel
Published: April 2021

Central exams which are reflection of structure of education systems determine many schooling processes. Especially, scores coming from these exams are indicators for student performance. Transition to upper-secondary school from lower-secondary school is based on “System of Transition to Upper-Secondary Schools” (LGS). The current study aimed to examine the relationship between scores on System of Transition to High Schools (LGS) and student, classroom, and school level variables. The design of the study is a correlational research. The random sample consisted of 731 students from 47 classrooms in the 15 lower-secondary schools. Secondary data coming from educational institutions via school information form were analyzed by Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM). School success score as a student-level variable, experience of a class teacher as a classroom-level variable, and a number of exam branch teachers, and a number of teachers assigned in support and training courses as school-level variables predicted significantly students’ performance in LGS. Considering the results of the current study, activities for professional development of teachers is recommended urgently to increase performance of the students. Keywords: educational policy, HLM, student performance, teacher experience, transition to upper-secondary school
Relación entre el Módulo de Elasticidad Global y Local en Elementos Estructurales de Populus Deltoides ‘Australiano 129/60’ y ‘Stoneville 67’ Cultivados en Argentina
Authors: Guillaumet Alfredo Aníbal , Manavella Roberto Daniel , Filippetti María Cecilia , Meyer Lía Caren
Published: April 2021

En este trabajo se compara el valor del módulo de elasticidad local obtenido experimentalmente con el determinado a partir del módulo de elasticidad global de acuerdo a tres criterios reconocidos internacionalmente (UNE-EN 384 2016, INTI-CIRSOC 2016 y Danzler et al. 2008). El programa experimental se desarrolló de acuerdo a normas europeas sobre 396 elementos estructurales de madera aserrada de Populus deltoides, clones ‘Australiano 129/60’ y ‘Stoneville 67’, cultivados en el delta del río Paraná en Argentina. Se confirmó la alta correlación entre el módulo de elasticidad local y el módulo de elasticidad global. Se constató la incidencia que, en la relación entre ambos módulos, tiene la exigencia normativa de ubicar los mayores defectos en el tercio central al ensayar las piezas.  La determinación a partir del módulo de elasticidad global presentó resultados menores a los experimentales con una aproximación superior al 95%.
AULA INVERTIDA: percepciones de docentes y alumnos.
Authors: Maurel María Del Carmen , Albarenga Joaquín Hernán , Teruel Alonso Melina Anahí
Published: April 2021

La metodología de clase invertida es una de las opciones que actualmente se utiliza para mejorar el rendimiento académico de los alumnos y mantener la motivación en las actividades propuestas. El trabajo presenta los resultados obtenidos en una encuesta a docentes y a alumnos que permite conocer la percepción que los mismos tienen sobre la aplicación de la misma y si la implementación de ésta permite la generación de competencias. Principalmente puede mencionarse como resultados que tanto alumnos como docentes conocen de la metodología, que los docentes están dispuestos a capacitarse sobre nuevas herramientas para poder llevar a cabo la implementación o mejorarla. Se aprecia una disparidad en reconocer que la adopción de la clase invertida puede propiciar la generación de competencias, en este punto debería verificarse que se esté implementando correctamente la metodología y que los alumnos conozcan la forma que se llevará a cabo.
Studying the Intermetallic Compounds in the Microstructure of the 8006 Aluminum Alloy Sheets and Foils
Authors: Talebi Mohammad , Bakhtiari Hamid , Bakhtiari Zahra
Published: April 2021

This research studies the microstructure of the 8006 alloys (AlFeMn), which is transformed into sheets and foils with different thicknesses during rolling. The 8006 alloys are mostly manufactured through a two roller casting process. The microstructure of the sheets produced by this method is fine and suitable. The chemical formula of the alloy includes 1.2%-2% Fe, 0.3%-1% Mn and a maximum of 0.3% Si. The experiments confirm the presence of iron, manganese, and silicon compounds in the 8006 alloy structure during casting and rolling. A scanning electron microscopy and EDS analysis were employed to examine the intermetallic compounds, and it was determined that the particles in the intermetallic compounds of AlFeMn in foils are smaller than the particles of these compounds in sheets.
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour and the Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment: A Study of Private Universities
Authors: Sofiah Kadar Khan  , Mumtaz Ali Memon  , Alex Cheing  , Hiram Ting
Published: April 2021

This study aims to perpetuate the investigation of organizational commitment and its mediating role as it is one of the most crucial components in understanding organizational behaviour. A total of 324 samples were collected from the academics of 20 private universities in Malaysia. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS3.0 was used to perform the latent variable analysis. The results indicate transformational leadership, organizational culture, and organizational justice are the significant predictors of organizational commitment, and organizational commitment, in turn, is found to be a strong predictor of organizational citizenship behaviour. Moreover, the results of mediating analysis highlight that organizational commitment significantly mediates the hypothesized relationship. The implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are proposed.
Factors Influencing Financial Planning for Marriage amongst Young Malaysian Couples
Authors: Joyce Hwee-Nga Koe  , Ken Kyid Yeoh
Published: April 2021

Financial planning for marriage contributes to happier, more satisfying and longer-lasting unions. However, there is increasing evidence that young Malaysian couples are burdened by excessive debts and have a tendency to overspend on their wedding. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the current study investigates key factors — financial literacy, attitude towards money, attitude towards debt, financial goals and social influence — that are likely to influence the degree of financial planning for marriage undertaken by married and soon-to-be-married couples. The study also examines the mediating role of financial literacy on the relationships between the aforementioned key factors and financial planning for marriage. The study collected data from a sample of 201 respondents recruited via purposive sampling and used a bootstrapped partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach for data analysis. The results showed that (i) financial literacy positively influences financial planning for marriage; (ii) attitude towards money, financial goals and social influence positively influence both financial literacy and financial planning for marriage; (iii) attitude towards debt has a negative influence on financial planning for marriage but no influence on financial literacy; and (iv) financial literacy has a mediating effect. The findings highlight the importance of financial counselling, education as well as discipline in bringing about successful marriages.
The Role of Technical Innovation and Development of Industrial Sector in Korean International Business
Authors: Ali Mohammed Khalel Al-Shawaf  , Tahira Yasmin
Published: April 2021

With the pace of development and competitiveness, innovation plays an important role to capture the market share. Various countries have effective strategies to enhance Research and Development (R&D) and exchange value added products in international market. So, based on this the aim of this research is to examine the role of R&D, industrial design and charges for intellectual property in innovative exports in South Korean economy. Time series data for the period 1998 to 2017, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) models are used to determine the dynamic interrelationship among the study variables. In summary, the overall results show that there is co-integration rank of in both trace test and value test at 1% significance level. Moreover, OLS and GMM findings depict that there is significant and positive coefficient for ID & RD which represent that they have positive impact on HT. Whereas, the IP displays a negative and significant relationship with high technology exports accordingly. Lastly, the diagnostic tests show that model is stable for the study time period and result is reliable. The current study also suggests some policy implications which can enhance innovative export products of South Korea while enhancing R&D.
Inhibitors of Talent Retention in UAE Public Healthcare
Authors: Shamsa Al Mheiri  , Fauzia Jabeen  , Salam Abdallah
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to identify and rank factors that impact talent retention in the public healthcare sector in the United Arab Emirates. The study employs Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology to rank factors affecting talent retention. Our AHP model features 6 criteria and 19 sub-criteria extrapolated from the literature. Data collection occurred through interviews with 18 employees, arranged into three groups: administrators, medical staff, and medical researchers from UAE-based public healthcare units. Collected data were interpreted and a priority vector assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion. It was found that recognition was the most important factor for retaining employees from the view of administrators. Career development and succession plan has the highest priority factor for medical staff. For researchers, sustainable practices were the most important factor for employee retentions. The paper suggests that differentiating retention strategies from one sample group to the other based on their profession helps policymakers and strategic HR planners deal with different pools of talent. The paper covers groups from the UAE public healthcare sector, offering material for further comparative studies with private sector, other service sectors, or from the healthcare sector in other regions. Employee retention in the UAE public healthcare sector is becoming a challenge, since the private sector often provides better employment opportunities. This paper provides a number of priority-ranked motivating factors based on different specialisms, to help employee retention.
Household Debt and Country Economic Growth: Does a Magic Threshold Exist?
Authors: Siti Nurazira Mohd Daud  , Jan M Podivinsky  , Khairunnisa Abd Samad
Published: April 2021

Average household debt has now surpassed the level of 2008, which signals an increase in systemic risk and thereby the fragility of the financial system. This paper investigates the effect of household debt on 24 countries’ economic growth. In addition, we also examine whether a tipping point of debt exists. By employing the threshold method, we found that the impact of household debt on a country’s economic growth is negative. Because the relationship between debt and growth is a monotonically non-increasing function, we do not find a magic threshold of debt.
Can Customer Relationship Management Create Customer Agility and Superior Firms’ Performance?
Authors: Vu Minh Ngo  , Hieu Minh Vu
Published: April 2021

The growing importance of Customer relationship management (CRM) and agility in any business are universally accepted and extensively investigated in different disciplines. However, lacking empirical evidence for the suggested theoretical framework of agility and their interrelationships with CRM and superior’s financial performance hinders its application in the practices. Thus, this study attempted to address this issue by drawing on the Resource-Advantage theory of sustainable competitive advantages to examine a mechanism through which CRM implementation can generate sustainable competitive and achieve superior financial performance using the Vietnamese tourism industry context. The framework was tested on data collected from 231 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings suggested that different types of CRM processes do not equally influence customer agility, and not all attributes of customer agility exert positive impacts on firms’ performance as well. Also, CRM performance measurement systems were found to moderate these effects positively and substantially. Several practical implications were also derived from the research findings.
Revealing the Behavior Intention of Tech-Savvy Generation Z to Use Electronic Wallet Usage: A Theory of Planned Behavior Based Measurement
Authors: Satria Fadil Persada  , Irfandy Dalimunte  , Reny Nadlifatin  , Bobby Ardiansyah Miraja  , Anak Agung Ngurah Perwira Redi  , Yogi Tri Prasetyo  , Jacky Chin  , Shu-Chiang Lin
Published: April 2021

Tech-savvy Generation Z will dominate the global population. Thus, in order to stay competitive, it is essential for a business that targets this demographic to understand this generation’s characteristics. The present research measured the behavioral nature of Generation Z in using the electronic wallet (e-wallet). Specifically, the present research highlighted online and in-store transactions. The measurement in this research was done by using the famous Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. A multivariate analysis with Structural Equation Model (SEM) was conducted, and six hypotheses were proposed. A questionnaire was used as the instrument development to gather the data needed for the purpose of this study; 155 respondents participated. The result showed that the TPB model was appropriate in revealing the Generation Z intention on e-wallet’s usage. Statistical findings and practical perspectives were also discussed in this paper. E-wallet providers can use the result derived from this study to develops their marketing strategies.
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Employees’ Performance Appraisal in Private Hospitals in Malaysia
Authors: Mandy Kim-Man Mok  , Yeen-Yie Leong
Published: April 2021

Many organizations conduct performance appraisal to evaluate their employees’ productivity and performance. Effective performance appraisal leads to accurate reviews and thereafter some compensation for the employees who have performed and contributed to their organizations. An effective performance appraisal process is necessary to ensure accurate performance appraisal outcomes. In year 2016, the number of private hospitals in Malaysia is recorded higher than the public hospitals where 216 as compared to 153 (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2013). Seeing that the healthcare standards demand is high in the private sectors, it is crucial to align employees’ standard of performance with the organizational standards, especially through effective performance appraisal which able to keep track of employees’ performance standard. This study examines the factors affect the effectiveness of employees’ performance appraisal in private hospitals in Malaysia. The factors are performance appraisal process which included planning, controlling and decision making, level of trust, perceived fairness and level of communication. Research questionnaires were distributed to selected private hospitals’ employees to get the relevant data. Data collected were further analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software to find out the results. The results show that only two factors which are performance appraisal process and perceived fairness have significant effect on effectiveness of performance appraisal. The results of the study can be implied by the human resource managers to improve on the significant factors that can affect the performance appraisal system.Keywords: Performance Appraisal, Trust, Perceived Fairness, Communication, Employees.
What Do Consumers Like to See in a Cause-Related Marketing Campaign Board?
Authors: Kay-Tze Hong  , Siew-Imm Ng  , Raja Nerina Raja Yusof  , Shivee Ranjanee Kaliappan
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to discover elements or contents of a Cause-Related Marketing (CRM) campaign’s communication board that may attract consumers to participate in the CRM program. This study focuses on the design of a CRM campaign communication board exclusively based on the perceptions of Malaysian consumers in the hypermarket context. Besides that, this study also identifies social causes applicable for hypermarkets in Malaysia. Employing a qualitative approach, the data in this study were obtained through focus group interviews and were analysed using a content analysis method. The study has identified seven themes that Malaysian consumers would like to see in a communication board, which were hypermarket initiative, communication, tagline and logos, timeframe, types of support (funds handled by NGOs), company-cause fit, and CRM products that are not limited to local products. These elements, if incorporated into a CRM communication board, will appeal to Malaysian consumers. The findings provide insights into the study of CRM communication board content that appeals to hypermarket consumers in Malaysia. This study also contributed to the CRM literature by exploring the applicability of a fairly new social cause (e.g. supporting underprivileged individuals) that can be championed and supported by the hypermarket. This research also offers practical implications for hypermarket managers. Hypermarkets can incorporate the seven elements (hypermarket initiative, communication, tagline and logos, timeframe, types of support, company-cause fit, and CRM products that are not limited to local products) while designing a CRM communication board.
Gravity Model: A Bibliometric Analysis and Detailed Overview
Authors: Ismail Metin  , Gencay Tepe
Published: April 2021

Originating from Newton’s gravitational theory which was posed in 1687; the concept of gravity equation was primarily used by Tinbergen in the field of international trade analysis in 1962. After Tinbergen, Pöyhönen, Linnemann, Anderson, Santos and Tenreyro, Bergstrand and Egger, Deardorff and also Wooldridge developed the theory of gravity. And gravity model has become progressively well-liked in the academic publications. The aim of this study is to determine the literature belonging to the years between 1980 which is the starting point for “gravity” related studies’ being published on Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus and 2020 to execute a bibliometric review of this literature. Thereby, it targets to supply a perspective concerning the nature of the studies executed on the subject of gravity model, so as to point out the lack of the bibliometric analysis-using studies on the field of international trade. In this study, we collected the data between 1980-2020 from Scopus and Web of Science database and analysed using the Gephi, Vosviewer and R Studio programmes in order to be used in our bibliometric analysis. The results showed that U.S.A., Germany and China are the countries which have the highest number of publications in this field, and the journals with the highest number of publications are “World Economy”, “Journal of International Economics” and “Review of International Economics”. The fact that three programmes have been simultaneously used in the study is demonstrative of the originality of the paper.
The Relationship between Soft Skills Training and Development, Human Resource Outcome and Firm Performance
Authors: Bee-Lan Lok  , Ming-Yu Cheng  , Chee-Keong Choong
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of soft skills training and development on human resource outcome and firm performance. Data were collected from 199 manufacturers in Malaysia using questionnaire survey method and analysed using ‘structural equation modelling’ methodology. The results indicated that the relationship between soft skills training and development and firm performance is fully mediated by the human resource outcomes. This study highlights the indirect contribution of soft skills training and development on firm performance via its impacts on human resource outcome.
Board of Directors Effectiveness, Voluntary Integrated Reporting and Cost of Equity: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Mira Falatifah  , Ancella Anitawati Hermawan
Published: April 2021

This study aims to examine the effect of the board of directors effectiveness on the level of integrated reporting disclosure. The study also examined the effect of the level of disclosure on integrated reporting on cost of equity. Further, examine the effect of the board of directors effectiveness on cost of equity through the level of disclosure of integrated reporting. Board of directors effectiveness which is a corporate governance structure can be seen from the components of independence, activity, size and competence. Hypothesis testing is carried out by using a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) model of 373 observations (firm-year) with the sample taken from more than 20 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries where the companies listed on The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) during the period 2015-2017. The results of this study evidence that the level of integrated reporting disclosure has an effect on reducing the company cost of equity. However, the result for the influence of the board of directors effectiveness are still mixed. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of the board of directors does not affect the level of integrated reporting disclosure. And there is no significant influence between board of directors effectiveness, level of integrated reporting disclosure and cost of equity. Perhaps one of the factors for this lack of influence is that the sample data in this study are companies that are still voluntarily disclosing their integrated reporting so that the board of directors still does not feel pressured to disclose integrated reporting. And in the end it cannot yet be seen in relation to the decrease in equity costs.
Abnormal Related Party Transactions, Political Connection, and Firm Value: Evidence from Indonesian Firms
Authors: Supatmi Supatmi  , Sutrisno Sutrisno  , Erwin Saraswati  , Bambang Purnomosidhi
Published: April 2021

This study aims to examine the effect of abnormal related party transactions (RPTs) on firm value and to investigate political connections as a moderator of the causal relationship. Our sample is 450 Indonesian firms listed at the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period of 2014–2017 with a total of 1,724 firm-year observations. Based on the panel data regression test, our results demonstrate that abnormal RPTs, especially account receivables-related RPTs and account payables-related RPTs, decrease firm value. Further, the results empirically show that political connections negatively affect firm value. Political connections strengthen the effects of abnormal non-account receivable RPT assets and abnormal non-account payable RPT liabilities on firm value. Our findings imply that agency theory explains the impacts of political connections of Indonesian firms better than resource dependence theory.