Supergravity inflation on a brane

We discuss supergravity inflation in braneworld cosmology for the class of potentials $V(\phi)=\alpha \phi^n\rm{exp}(-\beta^m \phi^m)$ with $m=1,~2$. These minimal SUGRA models evade the $\eta$ problem due to a broken shift symmetry and can easily accommodate the observational constraints. Models with smaller $n$ are preferred while models with larger $n$ are out of the $2\sigma$ region. Remarkably, the field excursions required for $60$ $e$-foldings stay sub-planckian $\Delta\phi <1$.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure

A Missing Link Between Job Autonomy and Unethical Behavior

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically address a surprising omission in literature by proposing a cognitive mechanism that sanctions individual-level unethical behaviors. This secondary literature-based qualitative study fills a theoretical gap by employing an extensive review of substantive empirical and theoretical literature of the last 15 years. However, those who consider their moral identity necessary for their self-concept are less likely to behave unethically. This proposed process, along with the path suggested by previous studies, in which individuals are having job autonomy feel unconstrained by rules before engaging in unethical behaviors. So, it proposes an underlying cognitive mechanism between job autonomy and unethical behavior. This study implies that it clarifies job autonomy’s role in promoting the negative outcome of employees’ unethical behaviors and informs organizational policymakers about the importance of satisfying the need for job autonomy.JEL Classification: D23, M12, M51, O15How to Cite:Ahmed, A., Shamsi, A. F., & Aziz, M. (2020). A Missing Link Between Job Autonomy and Unethical Behavior. Etikonomi: Jurnal Ekonomi, 19(1), 95 – 118. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v19i1.12391

Performance Comparison of DSR and AODV Routing Protocols for Soft Delay Deadlines in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network

Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network (WMSN) is a collection of the vast amount of different types of sensors like camera sensor, video and scalar sensors which are involved in retrieving multimedia data from the large environment. The real-time sending of video and audio content to the destination before a strict playout deadline has been necessary for multimedia environment. Otherwise, it will be dropped at the destination. In WMSN sending real time multimedia data with soft play deadlines is a challenging task to solve this challenge, routing protocols play an important role in WMSN. Routing demands of multimedia content of WMSNs need to be perfect routing protocols to optimize path selection and guarantee communication. This paper presents a performance comparison between two reactive routing protocols; namely AODV and DSR, with soft delay deadlines and efficient utilization of resources in WMSN. The objective is to assess the real-time behavior of these two protocols upon sending multimedia content. Here, we evaluate the performance with respect to the use of these matrices like latency, Average jitter, Average delay and throughput and factors includes are CBR and multimedia traffic with varying packet size and bandwidth. DSR perform better as compared to AODV routing protocol since it discovers the routes more efficiently. AODV is better in term of Jitter than DSR. NS-2 simulator tool used for the purpose of this comparison

Outcomes of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital with COVID-19

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has caused a disastrous world health crisis. The patients with renal disease, particularly those who are receiving regular dialysis therapy have elevated risk of COVID-19 infection-associated complications as well as poor prognosis including enhanced risk of hospital admission, mechanical ventilation and mortality.Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the outcomes of patients on maintenance dialysis admitted to a tertiary care hospital with COVID-19.Material and Methods: This retrospective study was performed in a Tertiary Care Hospital from March 2020 to August 2020. A total of 44 patients were included in the study. Data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using the computer software SPSS 24.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical data while mean+SD was calculated for quantitative data.Results: Among 44 patients, 63.6% were males and the mean age was 46.86+12.413 years. Mean number of dialysis were 3.57+2.214. The mean ferritin level was 2067.05+788.412 ng/ml and mean C-reactive protein level was 111.59+32.998 mg/L. Among these patients, 65.9% were discharged and 34.1% patients expired.Conclusion: Study concluded that elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as ferritin and CRP are found among patients on maintenance dialysis with COVID-19

Formal Finance Usage and Innovative SMEs: Evidence from ASEAN Countries

This paper provides evidence on the likelihood of formal finance usage among innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in ASEAN countries. To this end, the SMEs are classified into four categories, namely non-innovators and product, process, and product-and-process innovator SMEs. Subsequently, a propensity score weighting (PSW) analysis is performed to adjust for diversity existing across innovative SMEs. The resulting propensity scores are further used to perform the causal effect analysis based on the average treatment effect (ATE) approach, which measures the likelihood of formal finance usage among different types of innovative SMEs. Our ATE results reveal that SMEs simultaneously engaged in product and process innovation show a higher likelihood of using formal finance than non-innovators. However, formal finance usage of SMEs perusing only product/service or process innovation is not any different from non-innovators. Furthermore, our pairwise analysis shows that product and process innovators also exhibit a higher likelihood of formal finance usage than product/service or process innovators. Besides, younger and medium-size product and process innovating SMEs are more likely to use formal finance. These results are robust for different subsamples and firm- and country-level controls

Outcome of early cholecystectomy compared to percutaneous drainage of gallbladder and delayed cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis : systematic review and meta-analysis

Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Acknowledgement With thanks to Helen Fulbright, PhD, MA, PGDip LIS, BA (Hons), MCLIP, Information Specialist, Royal College of Surgeons of England Library and Archives Team, for conducting the literature searches.Peer reviewedPublisher PD