In the present work, a series of butyl methacrylate/1-hexene copolymers were synthesized, and their efficiency as viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and shear stabilizers of lube oil was investigated. The effect of 1-hexene molar ratio, type, and concentration of Lewis acids on the incorporation of 1-hexene into the copolymer backbone was investigated. The successful synthesis of the copolymers was confirmed through FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results obtained from quantitative 1H NMR and GPC revealed that an increase in the molar ratio of 1-hexene to butyl methacrylate, along with concentration of Lewis acids led to an increase in 1-hexene incorporation and a reduction in Mn and Ð. Similar trends were observed when the Lewis acid changed from AlCl3 to organometallic acids. The maximum 1-hexene incorporation (26.4%) was achieved for sample BHY3, with a [1-hexene/BMA] ratio of 4 mol% and a [Yb(OTf)3/BMA] ratio of 2.5 mol%. Evaluation of the synthesized copolymers as lube oil additives demonstrated that the viscosity index was more significantly influenced by samples with higher molecular weight. Sample BHA13 represents maximum VI of 137. The copolymer containing Yb(OTf)3 as a catalyst exhibited superior efficiency as a pour point depressant. Furthermore, sample BHY3 showed the lowest shear stability index (6.4).
This paper examines the effect of governance in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Specifically, this study investigates (i) the interacting impact of government efficiency, regulatory quality, and the rule of law alongside other socioeconomic variables to determine foreign capital inflow (FCI) based on each economic SSA bloc; and (ii) the characteristic drivers of FCI, impacting economic growth in the SSA countries. Descriptive statistics, static models, least square dummy variables (LSDVs) and the dynamic system general method of moment (GMM) were employed as the study’s estimating techniques. Based on the result of the LSDV, food security and the rule of law significantly impact FCI in the sub-economic blocs in the region. Only six countries across the four economic blocs responded to food security and the rule of law in the model. The dynamic system-GMM provided evidence of five socioeconomic variables and three governance variables contributing to FCI. The findings revealed (i) regulatory quality and the rule of law are governance variables that significantly impacted FCI; and (ii) food security failed to significantly impact FCI in the SSA region. However, inflation, life expectancy, the human capital index, exchange rate and gross domestic product (GDP) growth impacted FCI significantly. In the aggregate, inflation, regulatory quality, exchange rate and the human capital index exhibited positive relationships, while other variables such as life expectancy, government effectiveness and the rule of law appeared significant but inversely impacted FCI in the SSA region. The key policy implication recommendation from this study is that a good legal framework could moderate the flow of foreign capital in favour of growth as it creates a strong foundation for sustainable economic development in the region.
This study aimed to measure the impact of implementing mechanisms of accounting data governance, represented by International Accounting Standards, internal auditing, external auditing, audit committees, disclosure and transparency, and performance evaluation, on the quality of financial reporting data for the commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, totaling (15) banks. To achieve the objectives of this study, a descriptive-analytical approach was adopted by developing a questionnaire to collect the primary data measuring the study variables. The questionnaire was distributed to employees in the financial and control departments of these banks, with a total of (375) respondents from the total study population of (733) individuals. Appropriate statistical methods were used to analyze the data, test hypotheses, and the results of this study revealed a strong positive impact of five variables of accounting data governance mechanisms on achieving the quality of financial reporting data. These variables are ranked from highest to lowest in terms of the strength of impact and correlation with the quality of financial reports: disclosure and transparency, external auditing, International Accounting Standards, internal auditing, and audit committees. However, there was no impact of the performance evaluation governance variable on achieving the quality of financial reporting data. These results call on the management of commercial banks in the study to commit to the objective implementation of the requirements of accounting data governance mechanisms as stipulated by international professional assemblies.
Nawacita work program of Indonesian Governance aims to actualize a golden Indonesia by 2045 by accelerating development and human resources. However, the Indonesian people face several difficult problems of their own. Several strategic policies have been put into place in Indonesia to promote fair development and lessen regional differences. These policies include macroeconomic management, economic deregulation, the development of new resources economically, the maritime economy, and productivity enhancement. The Nawacita program’s reflection in addressing regional imbalances in Indonesian regencies and cities is covered in this report. This study employs quantitative and bibliographic techniques along with political economic analysis methodologies to investigate in-depth and information. The study’s findings indicate that although differences between Indonesia’s districts and cities are gradually narrowing, the country’s GDP per capita is still below the global average. Most of the strategic measures put in place by the Indonesian Governance have not resulted in the anticipated expansion of the economy. Nonetheless, in current period of government, connectivity in enhancing productivity across regions through Indonesia centric development is a primary objective to ease accessibility between areas, which has frequently been disregarded. particularly in the Papua region, which has not exactly developed and been left behind. According to the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis’s findings, increasing productivity is a task that needs to be finished right now to lessen regional differences in Indonesia.
The study explores the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological capital, and work engagement among educators in the Makhado Municipality. The primary aim was to assess how authentic leadership influences educators’ psychological capital and examine how psychological capital impacts work engagement. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a survey-based approach to collect data from a sample of educators across 15 primary schools within the Makhado Municipality. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the data and test the relationships between authentic leadership, psychological capital, and work engagement. Results indicate that authentic leadership has a significant positive influence on the psychological capital of educators. In turn, psychological Capital was found to have a strong positive impact on work engagement, suggesting that educators who perceive their leaders as authentic are more likely to experience higher levels of psychological well-being and engagement in their work. This study contributes to the literature on leadership and educator well-being by demonstrating the value of authentic leadership in promoting a supportive work environment that enhances educators’ psychological capital and engagement. The educational management and policy implications emphasize the need for leadership development programs that foster authentic leadership behaviors to improve educator performance and overall school effectiveness.
Orientation: Rewards are integral to keeping employees happy, efficient and engaged in their work. Thus, the engagement of academic staff within higher education institutions has become a top priority for organisational productivity and competitiveness. Research purpose: This study investigated the impact of total rewards on work engagement among the academic staff at a South African higher education institution. Motivation for the study: Engagement of academic staff is vital as higher education institutions are influential in the country’s development. Literature, however, has shown that most studies on total rewards and work engagement focus on sectors such as financial institutions, the mining industry and others. However, few reports have been on total rewards and work engagement in higher education. Research design, approach and method: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design, following a quantitative approach. From a population of 100 academic staff, 74 respondents responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Main findings: The results show a positive relationship between two dimensions of total rewards (work-home integration and quality work environment) and work engagement. However, no relationship was found between base pay, benefits, performance and career management, and work engagement. From the five dimensions of total rewards, a quality work environment was the only significant predictor of work engagement. Contribution: The study provides theoretical contributions through new literature and possible recommendations. The study may guide management in developing a rewards strategy that can promote staff work engagement.
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