Lack of Maternal Social Capital Increases the Likelihood of Harsh Parenting

Does low maternal social capital increase the likelihood of parents using harsh parenting behaviors? We analyzed random digit dial telephone survey data from 661 female primary caregivers across Colorado. Positive reports of the use of either physically or psychologically harsh parenting methods were classified as harsh parenting. Absence of social capital was assessed within the family and the community; lack of social capital within the family was measured in terms of an absence of support from a partner and an additional caregiver. Absence of social capital within the community was measured as lack of interpersonal resources from neighbors and religious activities. Nearly 30% admitted to one or more physically harsh parenting behaviors in the prior year, and 85.8% reported at least one psychologically harsh parenting behavior. Lower levels of neighborhood connectedness were associated with physically harsh parenting (odds ratio = 1.50). Conflict between partners (odd ratio = 2.50) and the absence of an additional caregiver (odds ratio = 1.88) increased psychologically harsh parenting. One practical implication is that mental health and medical providers should help new parents value, access, or develop social networks within the community to prevent children from experiencing harsh parenting.

Hydrogen Peroxide Imbibition Following Cold Stratification Promotes Seed Germination Rate and Uniformity in Peach cv. GF305

(1) Background: Peach cv. GF305 is commonly used in breeding programs due to its susceptibility to numerous viruses. In this study, we aimed to achieve a methodology for rapid and uniform seed germination of peach cv. GF305 in order to obtain vigorous seedlings; (2) Methods: A combination of cold stratification and H2O2 imbibition was tested on peach seeds with or without endocarp. In addition, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione as well as the hormone profile in seedling roots and shoots were determined; (3) Results: We found that H2O2 imbibition of peach seeds without endocarp after 8 weeks of stratification increased germination rate and resulted in seedlings displaying good vegetative growth. The H2O2 imbibition also affected the levels of ascorbate, glutathione, and the phytohormones abscisic acid and jasmonic acid in peach seedlings; (4) Conclusions: Although stratification periods of 12 weeks have been previously established as being appropriate for this cultivar, we have been able to reduce this stratification time by up to 4 weeks, which may have practical implication in peach nurseries.

The COVID-19 Outbreak and Risk–Return Spillovers between Main and SME Stock Markets in the MENA Region

This study investigates return and asymmetric volatility spillovers and dynamic correlations between the main and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Egypt for the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Return and volatility spillovers are modelled using a VAR-asymmetric BEKK–GARCH (1,1) model, while a VAR-asymmetric DCC–GARCH (1,1) model is employed to model the dynamic conditional correlations between these markets, which are then used to determine and explore portfolio design and hedging implications. The results show that while bidirectional return spillovers between the main and SME stock markets are limited to Saudi Arabia, shock and volatility spillovers have different characteristics and dynamics in both main–SME market pairs. In addition, the dynamic correlations between the main and SME markets are mostly positive and have notably increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that adding SME stocks to a main stock portfolio enhances its risk-adjusted return, especially during tranquil market phases. One practical implication of our results is that the development of SME stock markets can indirectly contribute to economic development via the main market channel and provide an avenue for portfolio diversification and risk management.

Library Websites During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to impact the business environment in different ways. The current paper presents how the university and research library websites in Tanzania responded to the changes in the working environment and style following the outbreak of COVID-19. This study employed a content analysis method to collect and analyse data from academic and research library websites in Tanzania. This study focuses on how library websites in Tanzania were used to update and connect library users with relevant information resources and services during the outbreak of the COVID-19. The findings show that 12 of the 24 library websites had the opening and closing hours, two university library websites had information related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 and 12 had no information related to the outbreak of the COVID-19. This study has an important practical implication for the academic and research librarians on the effective use of library websites for information sharing and communication.

Brand image mediation of product quality and electronic word of mouth on purchase decision

The practical implication that can be given from the findings of this study is that this study can be used as a basic model to evaluate the Samsung smartphone company's strategy for product quality, eWOM, brand image, and consumer purchase decisions. Based on the results of statistical analysis, that product quality and eWOM directly or indirectly through brand image affect consumer purchase decisions. This can be a reference for Samsung company management in making strategies to improve purchase decisions by maintaining product quality, eWOM, and brand image of Samsung smartphones. The practical implication that can be given from the findings of this study is that this study can be used as a basic model to evaluate the Samsung smartphone company's strategy for product quality, eWOM, brand image, and consumer purchase decisions. Based on the results of statistical analysis, that product quality and eWOM directly or indirectly through brand image affect consumer purchase decisions. This can be a reference for Samsung company management in making strategies to improve purchase decisions by maintaining product quality, eWOM, and brand image of Samsung smartphones. that product quality and eWOM directly or indirectly through brand image affect consumer purchase decisions.

Effect of Nucleant Particle Agglomeration on Grain Size

Solute accumulation/depletion in the liquid around a growing solid particle during the solidification of metallic melts creates a constitutionally supercooled (CS) zone that has a significant effect on the final solidified grain structure. In this paper, we introduce two mechanisms related to the CS zone that affect grain size: one is the grain initiation free zone (GIFZ) that describes the inability of nucleant particles located in the CS zone for grain initiation and the other is re-melting (RM) of solid particles due to overlap of CS zones. Based on these two mechanisms, we have systematically analysed the effect of nucleant particle agglomeration on grain size. We found that nucleant particle agglomeration has a significant effect on grain size and is responsible for the discrepancy between theoretically predicted grain size and the experimental data. In addition, our numerical analysis suggests that under normal solidification conditions relevant to industrial practice solid particle re-melting has little effect on grain size and thus may be ignored during theoretical analysis. A practical implication from this work is that significant grain refinement can be achieved by dispersing the nucleant particles in the melt prior to solidification.

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Value During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this chapter, the authors have investigated the effect of CSR on firm value during the pandemic. They used the event study technique and noted that an engagement in the CSR activities increases the stock returns to the hospitality firms during a pandemic crisis. The results showed that the hospitality firms that showed a better stock market performance during the pandemic invested in CSR activities. This would indicate a theoretical application and practical implication on their business duties towards the society, and any future research in CSR would allow them to successfully handle a critical disaster like this pandemic in the future.

Effectiveness of internal audit in local governments: The moderating role of internal and external auditors’ relations

Research on the internal audit function is relevant for improving the quality of governance in organizations. The internal auditor is an important element of government management in the context of realizing good governance by providing quality and effective audit results. The aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing (determinants) the effectiveness of the internal audit function in Indonesian local government organizations. The research samples were 137 respondents. This study used primary data in the form of a questionnaire. The hypothesis testing technique used Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The results of statistical tests showed that independence, competence, and management support could increase the effectiveness of the internal audit function. However, this cooperative relationship does not moderate the influence of competence and management support on the effectiveness of internal audit. The practical implication of this study is that in order to increase the effectiveness of internal audit, internal auditors must uphold an attitude of independence, objectivity and freedom from conflicts of interest in carrying out their professional responsibilities. The practical value of this study also shows that to increase the effectiveness of public sector internal audit, internal and external auditors must increase cooperation to improve the effectiveness of internal audit, especially in discussion activities between internal and external auditors, communication between internal and external auditors, and activities to share working papers between internal and external auditors.

The Moderating Role of Gender on Pathos and Logos in Online Shopping Behavior

Many research studies and observations have made it evident that there exists a difference between the shopping behavior of the male and female. The objective of this research paper is to explore the moderation effect of gender on the influence of pathos & logos in online shopping. Pathos can be explained as the emotional quotient in the purchasing behavior whereas Logos can be understood as the logic behind purchasing a particular product. Structural Equation Modeling is used for the final analysis and interpretation of the formulated hypothesis. The three approaches used are Chi-square Difference, Pairwise Parameter Comparisons & Nested Model Comparisons to know the moderating role of gender on the relationship between pathos & logos in online shopping. The findings of this research conclude that females are more governed by emotions, which is a complex buying behavior. The practical implication of this research paper is beneficial not only for the customers who frequently purchase the goods online but also for the e-commerce companies who are in the online trading business.

EXAMINATION OF DIGITAL AND NON-DIGITAL FACTORS ON PERCEPTION OF MOBILE BANKING CUSTOMERS: A CASE OF DEVELOPING ECONOMY

The purpose of current study is to examine perception of mobile banking customers about digital and non-digital factors in Pakistan. The population of current study consists of current and future users of mobile baking in Pakistan. In this study, mobile banking usage is considered as dependent variable and seven variables (5-digital & 2-non-digital) have been selected as independent variables. The SPSS version 16 was used to analyse and report the data collected through an administrative questionnaire. The results of current study indicated that non-digital factors (Need of service and service quality) has insignificant relationship with perception of the mobile banking customers. Also, results indicated a significant relationship between digital factors (Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, relative advantage, trust and security) with perception of mobile banking customers. As a practical implication of the study, current study facilitate banking sector to facilitate their customers and retain their customer base. Banks used these results to identify the social norms of their banking customers and link them with mobile banking technology to facilitate them.