scholarly journals The impact of climate changes on water level of Qinghai Lake in China over the past 50 years

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 532-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bu-Li Cui ◽  
Xiao-Yan Li
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
River Runoff ◽  
Lake Level ◽  
Qinghai Lake ◽  
P Value ◽  
Annual Variations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Negative Role ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Runoff Factor

Understanding the variation regularity of lake level and the potential driver factors can provide insights into lake conservation and management. In this study, inter- and inner-annual variations of lake level in Qinghai Lake during the period 1961–2012 were analyzed to determine whether climatic factor or runoff factor were responsible for the variations. The results showed that lake level decreased significantly during the period 1961–2004 at a rate of −7.6 cm/yr, while increasing significantly during the period 2004–2012 at a rate of 14 cm/yr, and all were significant at a p value of <0.01. Lake level was most sensitive to climate and river runoff. Precipitation and river runoff had directly positive effects on lake level, but inverse evaporation and wind speed played a significantly negative role on lake level. The relative contributions of influencing factors in the Southeast Asian monsoon (SEAM) and the westerly circulation periods on annual lake level variations were approximately 49.8% and 27.8%, respectively. The relative contributions of temperature, precipitation, evaporation, and wind speed on lake level variation were approximately 13.8%, 36.3%, 27.1%, and 18.4%, respectively. In general, the annual lake level was primarily influenced by precipitation and evaporation of the SEAM period.

Income Diversification and Bank Efficiency in Vietnam

2017 ◽  
pp. 52-67
Author(s):  
Sang Nguyen Minh
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Commercial Banking ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Income Diversification ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

This study uses the DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) method to estimate the technical efficiency index of 34 Vietnamese commercial banks in the period 2007-2015, and then it analyzes the impact of income diversification on the operational efficiency of Vietnamese commercial banks through a censored regression model - the Tobit regression model. Research results indicate that income diversification has positive effects on the operational efficiency of Vietnamese commercial banks in the research period. Based on study results, in this research some recommendations forpolicy are given to enhance the operational efficiency of Vietnam’s commercial banking system.

Impact of Digitalization on Service Work in Knowledge-Intensive Business Services: An Empirical Study in Tax Consultancies

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-222
Author(s):  
Philipp K. Görs ◽  
Henning Hummert ◽  
Anne Traum ◽  
Friedemann W. Nerdinger
Keyword(s):  
Work Engagement ◽  
Service Work ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Business Services ◽  
Knowledge Intensive Business Services ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Special Case

Digitalization is a megatrend, but there is relatively little knowledge about its consequences for service work in general and specifically in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). We studied the impact of digitalization on psychological consequences for employees in tax consultancies as a special case of KIBS. We compare two tax consulting jobs with very different job demands, those of tax consultants (TCs) and assistant tax consultants (ATCs). The results show that the extent of digitalization at the workplace level for ATCs correlates significantly positively with their job satisfaction. For TCs, the same variable correlates positively with their work engagement. These positive effects of digitalization are mediated in the case of ATCs by the impact on important job characteristics. In the case of TCs, which already have very good working conditions, the impact is mediated by the positive effect on self-efficacy. Theoretical and practical consequences of these results are discussed.

The effect of brain vitalization activity on dementia incidence in elderly at Budi Luhur Nursing Home of Yogyakarta, Kasongan, Bantul

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Firstyono Miftahul Aziz ◽  
Suratini Suratini
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sampling System ◽  
Randomized Sampling ◽  
Care For The Elderly ◽  
Dementia Incidence ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact

For some people, dementia is considered as a disease that is common in elderly, regardless the impact of dementia. Taking care for the elderly with dementia brings stress for the family. It can cause and increase the family burden. Brain vitalization gymnastics is one of the methods to improve memory. The study aims to investigate the effect of brain vitalization activity on dementia incidence in elderly at Budi Luhur Nursing Home of Yogyakarta. The study used Quasi Experimental with Pretest-Posttest control group and randomized sampling system. The samples were taken randomly as many as 26 respondents and were divided into two groups namely 13 respondents of experimental group and 13 respondents of control group. The statistical test used Wilcoxon Match Pairs Test. The result showed that Wilcoxon Match pairs test obtained p value 0,003, which is smaller than 0,005. There is an effect of brain vitalization activity on dementia incidence in elderly at Budi Luhur Nursing Home of Yogyakarta

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE CAN INFLUENCE THE AGRICULTURE IN UKRAINE: A REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Maidanovych ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Resource Saving ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Average Annual Temperature ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this work is to review and analyze the main results of modern research on the impact of climate change on the agro-sphere of Ukraine. Results. Analysis of research has shown that the effects of climate change on the agro-sphere are already being felt today and will continue in the future. The observed climate changes in recent decades have already significantly affected the shift in the northern direction of all agro-climatic zones of Europe, including Ukraine. From the point of view of productivity of the agro-sphere of Ukraine, climate change will have both positive and negative consequences. The positives include: improving the conditions of formation and reducing the harvesting time of crop yields; the possibility of effective introduction of late varieties (hybrids), which require more thermal resources; improving the conditions for overwintering crops; increase the efficiency of fertilizer application. Model estimates of the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Ukraine mainly indicate the positive effects of global warming on yields in the medium term, but with an increase in the average annual temperature by 2 ° C above normal, grain yields are expected to decrease. The negative consequences of the impact of climate change on the agrosphere include: increased drought during the growing season; acceleration of humus decomposition in soils; deterioration of soil moisture in the southern regions; deterioration of grain quality and failure to ensure full vernalization of grain; increase in the number of pests, the spread of pathogens of plants and weeds due to favorable conditions for their overwintering; increase in wind and water erosion of the soil caused by an increase in droughts and extreme rainfall; increasing risks of freezing of winter crops due to lack of stable snow cover. Conclusions. Resource-saving agricultural technologies are of particular importance in the context of climate change. They include technologies such as no-till, strip-till, ridge-till, which make it possible to partially store and accumulate mulch on the soil surface, reduce the speed of the surface layer of air and contribute to better preservation of moisture accumulated during the autumn-winter period. And in determining the most effective ways and mechanisms to reduce weather risks for Ukrainian farmers, it is necessary to take into account the world practice of climate-smart technologies.

INFLUENCE OF GREENHOUSE SHADING AND DIFFERENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ALLEVIATING HEAT STRESS, IMPROVING PLANT NUTRIENTS STATUS, FLOWERING GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1014
Author(s):  
Sulaiman & Sadiq
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Reproductive Growth ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Nutrition Programs ◽  
The Impact

The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to evaluate the impact of the shading and various nutrition programs on mitigating heat stress, reducing the use of chemical minerals, improving the reproductive growth and yield of tomato plant. Split-plot within Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in this study. Shading factor was allocated in the main plots and the nutrition programs distributed randomly in the subplots. Results indicate that shading resulted in the decrease of daytime temperature by 5.7˚C as an average for both seasons; thus a significant increasing was found in leaf contents of macro nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium), and micro nutrients (Iron, Zinc and Boron), except the Iron content in 2018 growing season. Furthermore, shading improved significantly the reproductive growth and tomato yield. Among the plant nutrition programs, the integrated nutrient management (INM) including the application of organic substances, bio inoculum of AMF and 50% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers; lead to the enhancement of nutrients content, reproductive characteristics and plant yield. Generally, combination of both shading and INM showed positive effects on plants nutrient status and persisting balance on tomato flowering growth and fruits yield.

Delegation of Responsibilities: A Leadership Tool for Subordinates’ Competence Development in Selected Organisations in Ibadan Metropolis

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Ayodeji Omolawal
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Survey Research ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Competence Development ◽  
P Value ◽  
Important Ingredient ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Organisational Climate ◽  
Qualitative Approaches

Delegation of responsibilities constitutes a very important ingredient of good leadership in organisations and is critical to competence development of workers. However, experience shows that many leaders are unwilling to delegate responsibilities to their subordinates for a number of reasons. This study was therefore designed to investigate delegation of responsibilities as a tool for competence development of subordinates in selected organisations in Ibadan metropolis. The study, anchored on Elkem’s model, was descriptive and adopted survey research design with a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It was conducted on 206 respondents randomly selected from 20 public and private organisations in Ibadan. Questionnaire and IDI were instruments of data collection, while the data collected were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study showed that respondents perceived delegation of responsibilities as a vital tool for developing, equipping and motivating subordinates; and that it had positive effects on subordinates’ performance (X2 = 11.14, p-value = 0.001). The study also revealed that lack of confidence in subordinates (79%), level of skill and competence (66%), organisational climate (68%) and bureaucracy (58%) were barriers to delegation of responsibilities. Delegation of responsibilities is a cost-free way of enhancing competence development of subordinates in organisations, and should therefore, be encouraged among leaders irrespective of their levels.

The impact of SPY angiography on intraoperative decision making and outcomes for post-mastectomy reconstruction

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Skin Necrosis ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Flap Necrosis ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Impact

Objective: While the use of intraoperative laser angiography (SPY) is increasing in mastectomy patients, its impact in the operating room to change the type of reconstruction performed has not been well described. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether SPY angiography influences post-mastectomy reconstruction decisions and outcomes. Methods and materials: A retrospective analysis of mastectomy patients with reconstruction at a single institution was performed from 2015-2017.All patients underwent intraoperative SPY after mastectomy but prior to reconstruction. SPY results were defined as ‘good’, ‘questionable’, ‘bad’, or ‘had skin excised’. Complications within 60 days of surgery were compared between those whose SPY results did not change the type of reconstruction done versus those who did. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were entered into multivariable logistic regression models if significant at the univariate level. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 267 mastectomies were identified, 42 underwent a change in the type of planned reconstruction due to intraoperative SPY results. Of the 42 breasts that underwent a change in reconstruction, 6 had a ‘good’ SPY result, 10 ‘questionable’, 25 ‘bad’, and 2 ‘had areas excised’ (p<0.01). After multivariable analysis, predictors of skin necrosis included patients with ‘questionable’ SPY results (p<0.01, OR: 8.1, 95%CI: 2.06 – 32.2) and smokers (p<0.01, OR:5.7, 95%CI: 1.5 – 21.2). Predictors of any complication included a change in reconstruction (p<0.05, OR:4.5, 95%CI: 1.4-14.9) and ‘questionable’ SPY result (p<0.01, OR: 4.4, 95%CI: 1.6-14.9). Conclusion: SPY angiography results strongly influence intraoperative surgical decisions regarding the type of reconstruction performed. Patients most at risk for flap necrosis and complication post-mastectomy are those with questionable SPY results.

The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on Barrier Function in Human Skin: Molecular Mechanisms and Topical Therapeutics

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (40) ◽  
pp. 5503-5511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alhasaniah ◽  
Michael J. Sherratt ◽  
Catherine A. O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transepidermal Water Loss ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Epidermal Barrier ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
The Impact

A competent epidermal barrier is crucial for terrestrial mammals. This barrier must keep in water and prevent entry of noxious stimuli. Most importantly, the epidermis must also be a barrier to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sunlight. Currently, the effects of ultraviolet radiation on epidermal barrier function are poorly understood. However, studies in mice and more limited work in humans suggest that the epidermal barrier becomes more permeable, as measured by increased transepidermal water loss, in response UVR, at doses sufficiently high to induce erythema. The mechanisms may include disturbance in the organisation of lipids in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) and reduction in tight junction function in the granular layer (the first living layer of the skin). By contrast, suberythemal doses of UVR appear to have positive effects on epidermal barrier function. Topical sunscreens have direct and indirect protective effects on the barrier through their ability to block UV and also due to their moisturising or occlusive effects, which trap water in the skin, respectively. Some topical agents such as specific botanical extracts have been shown to prevent the loss of water associated with high doses of UVR. In this review, we discuss the current literature and suggest that the biology of UVR-induced barrier dysfunction, and the use of topical products to protect the barrier, are areas worthy of further investigation.

The Impact of Mobile Phone Technology in Bridging the Gaps in The Health Care Service Delivery in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi County. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Ndwiga
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
P Value ◽  
Delivery Of Healthcare ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION: The Kenyan constitution seeks to guarantee every citizen the right to quality healthcare services. Quite often this delivery is hampered by geographical location, socio-economic statuses among other factors. The country has a high mobile phone penetration rate. Digitalization of the healthcare sector is a vital aspect that contributes to effective delivery of care services. This study set out to assess the impact of mobile technology in closing the gaps within the health care service delivery. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of mobile phone technology in bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery in Kenya with a focus on Nairobi, Kibera informal settlements. Hypothesis testing using P-value of 0.05 also showed that use of mobile phone technology positively impacted the delivery of healthcare services. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of mobile phone technology in bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery in Kenya with a focus on Nairobi, Kibera informal settlements. Hypothesis testing using P-value of 0.05 also showed that use of mobile phone technology positively impacted the delivery of healthcare services. METHODS The target population were patients visiting Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic in Kibera informal settlements. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Purposive and simple random sampling method was used to select the study sample of 210 participants and 3 healthcare providers. Data were collected using survey questionnaire that was provider-administered and Data were analyzed using SPSS version. RESULTS The characteristics of the respondents were general (mean age, education level, social economic status) to only patients who visited the clinics for HIV tests and other related services such as going for ARVs. The main findings showed that 66.12% of the respondents (14.29% strongly agreed + 55.24% agreed) that the use of mobile phone technology improved their access to healthcare services. Using chi square, there was a statistical difference due to the positive impact of mobile technology on healthcare delivery (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study findings showed that 66.12% of the respondents agreed that the use of mobile phone technology and SMS improved their access to healthcare services. The results hypothesis also proved that use of mobile phone technology positively impacts the delivery of healthcare services.

Impact of firm’s specific factors on audit fee of quoted consumer goods firms

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Wasiu Ajani Musa ◽  
Ramat Titilayo Salman ◽  
Ibrahim Olayiwola Amoo ◽  
Muhammed Lawal Subair
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Goods ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Audit Fees ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
P Value ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Ifrs Adoption ◽  
Audit Fee ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The Impact

Greater pricing presume on audit service has been put by the regulations of the auditing and accounting practices for the disclosure of audit fees, since audit fee is directly related to audit quality. However, the audit fees perceived by the client is often different from the amount charged by the auditors. Hence, this study investigated the impact of firm-specific characteristics on audit fees of quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria using a purposive sampling technique. Secondary data were obtained from annual reports of the companies for the period from 2009-2016. The empirical result from Breusch-Pagan Lagrange Multiplier Test (BP-LM) produced a chi-square value of 13.94 with p-value of 0.0001 indicating that pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) will not be appropriate for the study. The Hausman test showed a chi-square of 23.55 with a p-value of 0.001 indicating that the null hypothesis is strongly rejected. Thus, the only estimate from the fixed effect model was interpreted to explain the relationship between firm-specific characteristics and audit fees of quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The result revealed that auditee size, auditee risk, auditee profitability and IFRS adoption are the firm specific characteristics that impact on audit fees with only auditee size and IFRS adoption being positively related to audit fees while the other factors are negatively related to audit fees. Based on this finding, this study concluded that the firm’s specific factors are the major drivers of audit fees in Nigeria consumer goods firms. This study recommends among others that companies should implement corporate governance principles that address issues relating to board independence and committee sizes to guide activities in the consumer goods sector since profitability behave negatively with audit fees.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document