Role of Charismatic Leadership and Technology Self-Efficacy in HRIS Use Behavior: A Conceptual Study

The current study claims that the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Use Behavior, plays a salient role in utilizing the information technology as intended. Thus, organizations investing in information technology are in dire requirement of developing and implementing the effective interventions. The purpose of this is to optimize information technology adoption and its maximum usage among the HRIS users. The existing knowledge base in HRIS Use Behavior hardly addresses the relationship of Charismatic Leadership and Technology Self-Efficacy in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The current study has developed an ‘integrative conceptual model’ contributing a theoretical extension of the UTAUT model, which fills he identified theoretical gaps, grounded on UTAUT, Charismatic Leadership theory, and the Social Cognitive Theory. The salient feature of this study is that it conceptualizes and introduces two constructs: 1) Technology Self-Efficacy and 2) Charismatic Leadership, in extending a validated information system Use Behavior or ‘explanatory model’ as a theoretical contribution. This concept paper argues that the Charismatic Leadership and Technology Self-Efficacy have a positive relationship among the UTAUT model's HRIS Use Behavior-related variables. However, it can be integrated towards arriving at a ‘coherent conceptual model’ to be researched and validated. This particular study has developed a ‘coherent conceptual framework’ in studying the phenomenon of HRIS Use Behavior. Furthermore, it studies the role of Charismatic Leadership and Technology Self-Efficacy in affecting the psychological aspect of the end users of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS

Challenges in Applying the DCF Method for Investment Property Valuation in Sri Lanka: Insights from a Delphi Study

This study aimed to identify the challenges of implementing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation method for investment properties in Sri Lanka. Through a mixed methodological approach involving the Delphi technique and structured interviews, insights were gathered from industry valuation experts via two Delphi rounds. The study's key findings were derived from the consensus reached among these experts, focusing on data- and valuer-bound factors. One of the primary challenges identified in the Sri Lankan context is the lack of training, which significantly hinders the knowledge and understanding required for implementing the DCF method effectively. Other significant hurdles included obtaining relevant data and accurately determining the discount rate. Imperfections in available data, the absence of a centralized digital data system, and challenges associated with increasing cash flows and market uncertainties also hindered the adoption of the DCF method in Sri Lanka. This study contributes to the existing DCF literature and provides valuable insights for practitioners and future researchers in the field of property valuation in Sri Lanka

Isolation and Characterization of Plant growth-promoting Endophyticdiazotrophic Bacteria from Sri Lankan Rice Cultivars and Rapid Screening for their effect on Plant Growth Promotion

The present study was conducted to isolate and identify endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria in two Sri Lankan rice (Oryza Sativa L.) varieties; Suwandel and Bg 358 and to evaluate their potential to promote rice plant growth. A total of 15 putative endophyticdiazotrophic bacterial isolates were obtained from shoots and roots of Suwandel and Bg 358 rice varieties out of which 7 isolates were selected based on their ability to produce IAA and phosphate solubilization. According to the morphological characters and biochemical tests, these bacteria were identified belong to genera Bacillus (IN003, IN006, and IN007), Klebsiella (IN008 and IN018), Pantoea (IN009), and Enterobacter (IN015). All selected bacterial isolates produced IAA (7.1µmgl-1 to 30.9 µ mgl-1) in the tryptophan supplemented medium. Five out of seven bacterial isolates (IN006, IN007, IN008, IN015, and IN018) were able to solubilize inorganic phosphate on Pikovskaya\u27s agar medium. Rice seeds (Suwandel variety) treated with these endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria with plant growth-promoting ability showed significantly enhanced shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root fresh weight compared to the uninoculated control. Plant inoculation experiment indicated that Enterobacter sp. (IN015) was most effective in rice plant growth promotion among seven bacterial isolates tested. These results strongly suggest that endophyticdiazotrophic bacteria characterized in this study could be successfully used to promote rice plant growth

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON RAPID AND COST EFFECTIVE PROPAGATION METHODS AND INITIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEDICINAL PLANT Phyllanthus debilis KLIN EX WILLD (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd. (Sinhala - Elapitawakka) is a widely used annual herbused in Ayurvedic medicine. The main objective of this study was to develop simple andcost effective propagation methods and growth media for initial establishment of P.debilis.The experimental design was a completely randomized design. Fresh fruit samples at fourdifferent stages (light green, dark green, blackish green and brownish yellow) of maturitywere used to determine the best maturity stage that gives the highest percentage. Seedsobtained from blackish green fruits gave the highest percentage germination (92 %) whengrown on wet filter paper. Percentage of seed germination in dark green and brownishyellow fruits on wet filter paper were 26 % and 65 % respectively and 22 % and 12 %respectively when coir dust: sand (1: I) medium was used. Seeds obtained from light greenfruits did not germinate. Upper and lower stem cuttings of P. debi/is showed very lowpercentage success 2 % and 7 % respectively. Seed moisture content was determined usingfour seed samples (n = 100) dried at 103·C for 17 hours. The average moisture content of aseed was 15 ± 1 %. Hence it can be regarded as an "intermediate" seed type. The seed.viability was tested at weekly intervals for nine weeks. The highest percentage ofgermination (82 %) was observed in one-week-old seeds. Seed viability decreasedgradually over the nine-week period and none of the seeds germinated after nine weeks ofstorage. Nine different potting media were tested for the initial establishment of P. debi/is.Plants grown (n = 20) in the medium comprising top soil: compost: sand (1: I: I)performed well in terms of plant height, leaf number and root collar diameter than in theother potting media.Financial Assistance provided by Sri Lanka Conservation and Sustainable Use ofMedicinal Plants Project is gratefully acknowledged.

Statistical model to predict contour elevation using shuttle radar topographic mission digital elevation data

This study is based on two geographical datasets, namely, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) elevation and contour elevation. The SRTM data is available for all locations in Sri Lanka. It follows the shape of the actual ground but not the actual elevation of the surface. This is due to errors introduced during processing. The contour data is obtained from the actual ground survey data of contour maps and using ArcGIS software. The survey data is more reliable, but more expensive. Since it does not contain ground level variations, Sri Lanka does not have contour elevations at all locations. Measuring contour elevation for all locations is a costly procedure. Therefore, finding a method to evaluate the approximated value of contour elevation with a less costly method is essential. Thus the objective of this study is to find a statistical model to predict the contour elevation based on SRTM data. Both types of data are available only for four locations: Paddhiruppu, Kegalle, Badulla, and Katharagama, in Sri Lanka. According to the geography of Sri Lanka, three clusters are distinguishable by elevation. These are the Central Highlands, the Plains, and the Coastal belt. Since the data used in this study are for four different locations and these locations fall into three different clusters, three regression models are fitted for each cluster and the models are validated. Multiple, linear regression analysis is used to fit the models. The t- test is used to test the significance of parameters while the F- test is used to test the significance of the overall model. Residual analysis is carried out to test the normality, homoscedasticity and auto correlation of the residuals. The goodness of the fitted model is evaluated by the coefficient of determination 2 R . Approximately 99% of the variation is explained by the fitted models and 82% by the validated model. Thus, if the SRTM data value is known, by choosing the appropriate model based on its cluster, the approximated contour elevation could be predicted

Meta-analysis of cognitive behaviour therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of hypochondriasis: Implications for trial design

Background: Classification of hypochondriasis as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) has generated new heuristics for treatment of this common, chronic and disabling disorder. Standard treatment involves cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but no meta-analysis has so far considered hypochondriasis as a structured diagnosis or assessed the role of medication. A clearer understanding of the relative effectiveness of these interventions and identification of clinically relevant factors moderating the treatment response is needed for clinical guideline development. Methods: The current systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions for hypochondriasis was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020185768) and follows PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases until July 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for patients diagnosed with hypochondriasis (or historical diagnostic equivalents). We assessed aspects of study quality using: the CONSORT Checklist for evaluation of RCTs, the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, researcher allegiance and treatment fidelity. The primary outcome was improvement in hypochondriasis symptoms, comparing intervention and control groups at trial endpoint. Moderator variables were assessed using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results: Searches identified 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (N = 1405); 12 included CBT (N = 1212) and three included SSRI (N = 193) arms as the experimental intervention. Random effects meta-analysis yielded a moderate-to-large effect size for CBT versus all controls (g = −0.70 [95% CI -0.99 to −0.41], k = 18, I2 = 81.1%). Funnel plot asymmetry indicated possible publication bias and two potentially missing trials, reducing the effect size (g = −0.60 [95% CI -0.88 to −0.32]). Subgroup analysis showed that choice of control significantly moderated effect size, with those in CBT vs. wait-list (g = −1.32 [95% CI -1.75 to −0.90], k = 7, I2 = 0%) being double those of CBT vs. psychological or pharmacological placebo controls (g = −0.58 [95% CI -0.95 to −0.22], k = 7, I2 = 82%). Analysis of studies directly comparing CBT and SSRIs found a numerical, but not statistical advantage for SSRIs (g = 0.21 [95% CI -0.46 to 0.87], k = 2, I2 = 58.34%) and a modest effect size emerged for SSRIs vs. pill placebo (g = −0.29 [95% CI -0.57 to −0.01], k = 3, I2 = 0%). Most studies (11/13) were rated as high on potential researcher allegiance bias in favour of CBT. Meta-regressions revealed that effect sizes were larger in younger participants, and smaller in better quality and more recent RCTs and those with greater CBT fidelity. Conclusion: CBT and SSRIs are effective in the acute treatment of hypochondriasis, with some indication that intervention at a younger age produces better outcomes for CBT. In the case of CBT, effect sizes appear to have been significantly inflated by the use of wait list controls, and researcher allegiance bias. We recommend that a definitive, adequately controlled trial, designed with respect to the methodological issues raised in this meta-analysis, is needed to determine the magnitude effects for CBT and SSRIs with confidence and the long-term effect of treatments, to inform mental health service provision for this overlooked patient group

Characteristics of a tunneling quantum-dot infrared photodetector operating at room temperature

We report high-temperature (240–300 K)(240–300K) operation of a tunneling quantum-dot infrared photodetector. The device displays two-color characteristics with photoresponse peaks at ∼ 6 μm∼6μm and 17 μm17μm. The extremely low dark current density of 1.55 A/cm21.55A∕cm2 at 300 K300K for 1 V1V bias is made possible by the tunnel filter. For the 17 μm17μm absorption, the measured peak responsivity is 0.16 A/W0.16A∕W (300 K)(300K) for a bias of 2 V2V and the specific detectivity D*D* is 1.5×107 cm Hz1/2/W1.5×107cmHz1∕2∕W (280 K)(280K) for a bias of 1 V1V. Excellent performance characteristics are also measured for the 6 μm6μm photoresponse.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87841/2/191106_1.pd

Terahertz detection with tunneling quantum dot intersublevel photodetector

The characteristics of a tunnel quantum dot intersublevel photodetector, designed for the absorption of terahertz radiation, are described. The absorption region consists of self-organized In0.6Al0.4As/GaAsIn0.6Al0.4As∕GaAs quantum dots with tailored electronic properties. Devices exhibit spectral response from 20 to 75 μm20to75μm ( ∼ 4 THz)(∼4THz) with peak at ∼ 50 μm∼50μm. The peak responsivity and specific detectivity of the device are 0.45 A/W0.45A∕W and 108 cm Hz1/2/W108cmHz1∕2∕W, respectively, at 4.6 K4.6K for an applied bias of 1 V1V. Response to terahertz radiation is observed up to 150 K150K.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87819/2/031117_1.pd

Сравнение расхода топлива и уровня выбросов при обычной и гибридных конфигурациях трансмиссий c учетом циклов движения и степени гибридизации

Hybrid electric powertrains in automotive applications aim to improve emissions and fuel economy with respect to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Variety of design scenarios need to be addressed in designing a hybrid electric vehicle to achieve desired design objectives such as fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. The work in this paper presents an analysis of the design objectives for an automobile powertrain with respect to different design scenarios, i. e. target drive cycle and degree of hybridization. Toward these ends, four powertrain configuration models (i. e. internal combustion engine, series, parallel and complex hybrid powertrain configurations) of a small vehicle (motorized three-wheeler) are developed using Model Advisor software and simulated with varied drive cycles and degrees of hybridization. Firstly, the impact of vehicle power control strategy and operational characteristics of the different powertrain configurations are investigated with respect to exhaust gas emissions and fuel consumption. Secondly, the drive cycles are scaled according to kinetic intensity and the relationship between fuel consumption and drive cycles is assessed. Thirdly, three fuel consumption models are developed so that fuel consumption values for a real-world drive cycle may be predicted in regard to each powertrain configuration. The results show that when compared with a conventional powertrain fuel consumption is lower in hybrid vehicles. This work led to the surprisingly result showing higher CO emission levels with hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, fuel consumption of all four powertrains showed a strong correlation with kinetic intensity values of selected drive cycles. It was found that with varied drive cycles the average fuel advantage for each was: series 23 %, parallel 21 %, and complex hybrids 33 %, compared to an IC engine powertrain. The study reveals that performance of hybrid configurations vary significantly with drive cycle and degree of hybridization. The paper also suggests future areas of study

The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152782/1/em22311_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152782/2/em22311.pd