Abstract: This study attempts to investigate the relationship
between internal CSR practices and organizational commitment
based on the social exchange theory (SET). Specifically, we examine
the impact of five dimensions of internal CSR practices on
organizational commitment: health and safety, human rights, training
and education, work life balance and workplace diversity. The
proposed model was tested on a sample of 336 frontline employees
within the banking sector in Jordan. Results showed that all internal
CSR dimensions are significantly and positively related to affective
and normative commitment. In addition, the findings of this study
indicate that all internal CSR dimensions did not have a significant
relationship with continuance commitment. Limitations of the study,
directions for future research, and implications of the findings are
discussed.
Abstract: The contribution is dealing with the influence of high speed parameters on the quality of machined surface. In general the principle of high speed cutting lies in achieving faster machine times with concurrent increase in accuracy and quality of the machined areas in largely irregular, mathematically hard to define shapes. High speed machining is a highly effective method of machining with the following goals: increasing of machining productivity, increasing of quality of the machined surface, improving of machining economy, improving of ecological aspects of machining. This article is based on an experiment performed by the Department of Machining and Assembly of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of VŠBTechnical University of Ostrava.
Abstract: The migration-environment nexus has gained increased interest from the social research field over the last years. While straightly connected to human security issues, this theme has pervaded through the media to the public sphere. Therefore, it is important to observe how did the discussions over environmentally induced migrations develop from the scientific basis to the media attention, passing through some political voices, and in which ways might these messages be interpreted within the broader public discourses. To achieve this purpose, the analysis of the press entries between 2004 and 2010 in three of the main Portuguese newspapers shall be presented, specially reflecting upon the events, protagonists, topics, geographical attributions and terms/expressions used to define those who migrate due to environmental degradation or disasters.
Abstract: A large section of the society in Urban India is unable
to afford a basic dwelling unit. Housing shortage due to the rising unafforability makes it logical to consider alternative technologies more seriously for their application How far do these alternative
technologies match up with the conventional techniques? How do these integrate with the present-day need for urban amenities and
facilities? Are the owners of bamboo dwellings, for instance, a part of
the mainstream housing sector, having the same rights and privileges
as those enjoyed by other property owners? Will they have access to loans for building, improving, renovating or repairing their
dwellings? Why do we still hesitate to build a bamboo house for ourselves? Is our policy framework and political resolve in place, to
welcome such alternative technologies? It is time we found these answers, in order to explore the reasons for large-scale nonacceptance,
of a technology proven for its worthiness.
Abstract: There have been many games developing simulation
of soccer games. Many of these games have been designed with
highly realistic features to attract more users. Many have also
incorporated better artificial intelligent (AI) similar to that in a real
soccer game. One of the challenging issues in a soccer game is the
cooperation, coordination and negotiation among distributed agents
in a multi-agent system. This paper focuses on the incorporation of
multi-agent technique in a soccer game domain. The better the
cooperation of a multi-agent team, the more intelligent the game will
be. Thus, past studies were done on the robotic soccer game because
of the better multi-agent system implementation. From this study, a
better approach and technique of multi-agent behavior could be
select to improve the author-s 2D online soccer game.
Abstract: This study discusses the effect of uncertainty on
production levels of a petrochemical complex. Uncertainly or
variations in some model parameters, such as prices, supply and
demand of materials, can affect the optimality or the efficiency of any
chemical process. For any petrochemical complex with many plants,
there are many sources of uncertainty and frequent variations which
require more attention. Many optimization approaches are proposed
in the literature to incorporate uncertainty within the model in order
to obtain a robust solution. In this work, a stability analysis approach
is applied to a deterministic LP model of a petrochemical complex
consists of ten plants to investigate the effect of such variations on
the obtained optimal production levels. The proposed approach can
determinate the allowable variation ranges of some parameters,
mainly objective or RHS coefficients, before the system lose its
optimality. Parameters with relatively narrow range of variations, i.e.
stability limits, are classified as sensitive parameters or constraints
that need accurate estimate or intensive monitoring. These stability
limits offer easy-to-use information to the decision maker and help in
understanding the interaction between some model parameters and
deciding when the system need to be re-optimize. The study shows
that maximum production of ethylene and the prices of intermediate
products are the most sensitive factors that affect the stability of the
optimum solution
Abstract: In the present paper, we present a modification of the
New Iterative Method (NIM) proposed by Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari
[J. Math. Anal. Appl. 2006;316:753–763] and use it for solving
systems of nonlinear functional equations. This modification yields
a series with faster convergence. Illustrative examples are presented
to demonstrate the method.
Abstract: This paper discusses a qualitative simulator QRiOM
that uses Qualitative Reasoning (QR) technique, and a process-based
ontology to model, simulate and explain the behaviour of selected
organic reactions. Learning organic reactions requires the application
of domain knowledge at intuitive level, which is difficult to be
programmed using traditional approach. The main objective of
QRiOM is to help learners gain a better understanding of the
fundamental organic reaction concepts, and to improve their
conceptual comprehension on the subject by analyzing the multiple
forms of explanation generated by the software. This paper focuses
on the generation of explanation based on causal theories to explicate
various phenomena in the chemistry subject. QRiOM has been tested
with three classes problems related to organic chemistry, with
encouraging results. This paper also presents the results of
preliminary evaluation of QRiOM that reveal its explanation
capability and usefulness.
Abstract: This paper gives a study about forging solution to
deploy the fixed wireless access (FWA) in the band 3300-3400MHz
instead of 3400-3600MHz to eschew the harmful interference
between from the FWA towards fixed satellite services receiver
presented in this band. The impact of FWA services toward the FSS
and the boundaries of spectrum emission mask had been considered
to calculate the possible Guard band required in this case. In
addition, supplementary separation distance added to improve the
coexistence between the two adjacent bands. Simulation had been
done using Matlab software base on ITU models reliance on the most
popular specification used for the tropical weather countries. Review
the current problem of interference between two systems and some
mitigation techniques which adopted in Malaysia as a case study is a
part of this research.
Abstract: Cost contribution arrangements (CCAs) and Cost
sharing agreements (CCAs) belong to the tools of modern finance
management. Costs spend by associated enterprises on developing
producing or obtaining assets, services or rights (in general -
benefits) are used for tax optimizing too. The main purpose of joint
research and development, producing or obtaining benefits is to
lower these costs as much as possible or to maximize the benefits. In
this article is mentioned the problematic of transfer pricing and arm's
length principle with connection of CCAs, CSAs. Next, there is
mentioned how to settle participation shares of the total cost and
benefits contributions with respect to the OECD Transfer pricing for
MNEs Guidelines and with respect to other significant regulations.
Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between different dimensions of customer relationship management and innovation capabilities in Melli Bank of Iran. Five dimensions of CRM include information sharing, customer involvement, long-term partnership, joint problem solving and technology-based CRM are selected to measure their relationship with innovation capabilities including innovation in product, innovation in process, innovation in administrative affairs, innovation in marketing, and finally innovation in services. Research findings indicate that there is significant relationship between CRM dimensions and innovation capabilities in Melli bank of Iran.
Abstract: An experiment of vented gas explosions involving two
different cylinder vessel volumes (0.2 and 0.0065 m3) was reported,
with equivalence ratio (Φ) ranged from 0.3 to 1.6. Both vessels were
closed at the rear end and fitted at the other side with a circular
orifice plate that gives a constant vent coefficient (K =Av/V2/3) of
16.4. It was shown that end ignition gives higher overpressures than
central ignition, even though most of the published work on venting
uses central ignition. For propane and ethylene, it is found that rich
mixtures gave the highest overpressures and these mixtures are not
considered in current vent design guidance; which the guideline is
based on mixtures giving the maximum flame temperature. A strong
influence of the vessel volume at constant K was found for methane,
propane, ethylene and hydrogen-air explosions. It can be concluded
that self- acceleration of the flame, which is dependent on the
distance of a flame from the ignition and the ‘suction’ at the vent
opening are significant factors affecting the vent flow during
explosion development in vented gas explosion. This additional
volume influence on vented explosions is not taken into account in
the current vent design guidance.
Abstract: In this paper methodology to exploit creeping wave
for body area network BAN communication reliability are described.
Creeping wave propagation effects are visualized & analyzed.
During this work Dipole, IA antennas various antennas were
redesigned using existing designs and their propagation
characteristics were verified for optimum performance when used on
BANs. These antennas were then applied on body shapes-including
rectangular, spherical and cylindrical so that all the effects of actual
human body can be taken nearly into account. Parametric simulation
scheme was devised so that on Body channel characterization can be
visualized at front, curved and back region. In the next phase
multiple inputs multiple output MIMO scheme was introduced where
virtual antennas were used in order to diminish the effects of
antennas on the propagation of waves. Results were, extracted and
analyzed at different heights. Finally based on comparative
measurement and analysis it was concluded that on body propagation
can be exploited to gain spatial diversity.
Abstract: Congestion control is one of the fundamental issues in computer networks. Without proper congestion control mechanisms there is the possibility of inefficient utilization of resources, ultimately leading to network collapse. Hence congestion control is an effort to adapt the performance of a network to changes in the traffic load without adversely affecting users perceived utilities. AIMD (Additive Increase Multiplicative Decrease) is the best algorithm among the set of liner algorithms because it reflects good efficiency as well as good fairness. Our control model is based on the assumption of the original AIMD algorithm; we show that both efficiency and fairness of AIMD can be improved. We call our approach is New AIMD. We present experimental results with TCP that match the expectation of our theoretical analysis.
Abstract: Bionanotechnology deals with nanoscopic interactions between nanostructured materials and biological systems. Polymer nanocomposites with optimized biological activity have attracted great attention. Nanoclay is considered as reinforcing nanofiller in manufacturing of high performance nanocomposites. In current study, organomodified-nanoclay with negatively charged silicate layers was incorporated into biomedical grade silicone rubber. Nanoparticle loading has been tailored to enhance cell behavior. Addition of nanoparticles led to improved mechanical properties of substrate with enhanced strength and stiffness while no toxic effects was observed. Results indicated improved viability and proliferation of cells by addition of nanofillers. The improved mechanical properties of the matrix result in proper cell response through adjustment and arrangement of cytoskeletal fibers. Results can be applied in tissue engineering when enhanced substrates are required for improvement of cell behavior for in vivo applications.
Abstract: The present work describes a computational study of
aerodynamic characteristics of GLC305 airfoil clean and with 16.7
min ice shape (rime 212) and 22.5 min ice shape (glaze 944).The
performance of turbulence models SA, Kε, Kω Std, and Kω SST
model are observed against experimental flow fields at different
Mach numbers 0.12, 0.21, 0.28 in a range of Reynolds numbers
3x106, 6x106, and 10.5x106 on clean and iced aircraft airfoil
GLC305. Numerical predictions include lift, drag and pitching
moment coefficients at different Mach numbers and at different angle
of attacks were done. Accuracy of solutions with respect to the
effects of turbulence models, variation of Mach number, initial
conditions, grid resolution and grid spacing near the wall made the
study much sensitive. Navier Stokes equation based computational
technique is used. Results are very close to the experimental results.
It has seen that SA and SST models are more efficient than Kε and
Kω standard in under study problem.
Abstract: To increase the maximum span of cable-stayed
bridges, Uwe Starossek has developed a modified statical system.
The basic idea of this new concept is the use of pairs of inclined
pylon legs that spread out longitudinally from the foundation base or
from the girder level.
Spread-pylon cable-stayed bridge has distinct advantage like
reduction of sag of cables and oscillation of cable during earthquake
over traditional cable-stayed bridges. Spread-pylon also improves
seismic performance of deck during strong ground motion.
Abstract: The use of technology is increasingly adopted to
support flexible learning in Higher Education institutions. The
adoption of more sophisticated technologies offers a broad range of
facilities for communication and resource sharing, thereby creating a
flexible learning environment that facilitates and even encourages
students not to physically attend classes. However this emerging
trend seems to contradict class attendance requirements within
universities, inevitably leading to a dilemma between amending
traditional regulations and creating new policies for the higher
education institutions. This study presents an investigation into
student engagement in a technology enhanced/driven flexible
environment along with its relationship to attainment. We propose an
approach to modelling engagement from different perspectives in
terms of indicators and then consider what impact these indicators
have on student academic performance. We have carried out a case
study on the relation between attendance and attainment in a flexible
environment. Although our preliminary results show attendance is
quantitatively correlated with successful student development and
learning outcomes, our results also indicate there is a cohort that did
not follow such a pattern. Nevertheless the preliminary results could
provide an insight into pilot studies in the wider deployment of new
technology to support flexible learning.
Abstract: The aim of the article is extending and developing
econometrics and network structure based methods which are able to
distinguish price manipulation in Tehran stock exchange. The
principal goal of the present study is to offer model for
approximating price manipulation in Tehran stock exchange. In order
to do so by applying separation method a sample consisting of 397
companies accepted at Tehran stock exchange were selected and
information related to their price and volume of trades during years
2001 until 2009 were collected and then through performing runs
test, skewness test and duration correlative test the selected
companies were divided into 2 sets of manipulated and non
manipulated companies. In the next stage by investigating
cumulative return process and volume of trades in manipulated
companies, the date of starting price manipulation was specified and
in this way the logit model, artificial neural network, multiple
discriminant analysis and by using information related to size of
company, clarity of information, ratio of P/E and liquidity of stock
one year prior price manipulation; a model for forecasting price
manipulation of stocks of companies present in Tehran stock
exchange were designed. At the end the power of forecasting models
were studied by using data of test set. Whereas the power of
forecasting logit model for test set was 92.1%, for artificial neural
network was 94.1% and multi audit analysis model was 90.2%;
therefore all of the 3 aforesaid models has high power to forecast
price manipulation and there is no considerable difference among
forecasting power of these 3 models.
Abstract: Clustering is one of an interesting data mining topics
that can be applied in many fields. Recently, the problem of cluster
analysis is formulated as a problem of nonsmooth, nonconvex optimization,
and an algorithm for solving the cluster analysis problem
based on nonsmooth optimization techniques is developed. This
optimization problem has a number of characteristics that make it
challenging: it has many local minimum, the optimization variables
can be either continuous or categorical, and there are no exact
analytical derivatives. In this study we show how to apply a particular
class of optimization methods known as pattern search methods
to address these challenges. These methods do not explicitly use
derivatives, an important feature that has not been addressed in
previous studies. Results of numerical experiments are presented
which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.