Abstract: Maize constitutes a major agrarian production for use
by the vast population but despite its economic importance; it has not
been produced to meet the economic needs of the country. Achieving
optimum yield in maize can meaningfully be supported by land
suitability analysis in order to guarantee self-sufficiency for future
production optimization. This study examines land suitability for
maize production through the analysis of the physicochemical
variations in soil properties and other land attributes over space using
a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework.
Physicochemical parameters of importance selected include slope,
landuse, physical and chemical properties of the soil, and climatic
variables. Landsat imagery was used to categorize the landuse,
Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapping (SRTM) generated the slope and
soil samples were analyzed for its physical and chemical components.
Suitability was categorized into highly, moderately and marginally
suitable based on Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
classification, using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
technique of GIS. This result can be used by small scale farmers for
efficient decision making in the allocation of land for maize
production.
Abstract: Established objective and subjective preconditions for
entrepreneurship, forming the business organically related whole, are
the necessary condition of successful entrepreneurial activities.
Objective preconditions for entrepreneurship are developed by
market economy that should stimulate entrepreneurship by allowing
the use of economic opportunities for all those who want to do
business in respective field while providing guarantees to all owners
and creating a stable business environment for entrepreneurs.
Subjective preconditions of entrepreneurship are formed primarily by
personal characteristics of the entrepreneur. These are his properties,
abilities, skills, physiological and psychological preconditions which
may be inherited, inborn or sequentially developed and obtained
during his life on the basis of education and influences of
surrounding environment. The paper is dealing with issues of
objective and subjective preconditions for entrepreneurship and
provides their analysis in view of the current situation in Slovakia. It
presents risks of the business environment in Slovakia that the Slovak
managers considered the most significant in 2014 and defines the
dominant attributes of the entrepreneur in the current business
environment in Slovakia.
Abstract: Wind energy offers a significant advantage such as no
fuel costs and no emissions from generation. However, wind energy
sources are variable and non-dispatchable. The utility grid is able to
accommodate the variability of wind in smaller proportion along with
the daily load. However, at high penetration levels, the variability can
severely impact the utility reserve requirements and the cost
associated with it. In this paper the impact of wind energy is
evaluated in detail in formulating the total utility cost. The objective
is to minimize the overall cost of generation while ensuring the
proper management of the load. Overall cost includes the curtailment
cost, reserve cost and the reliability cost, as well as any other penalty
imposed by the regulatory authority. Different levels of wind
penetrations are explored and the cost impacts are evaluated. As the
penetration level increases significantly, the reliability becomes a
critical question to be answered. Here we increase the penetration
from the wind yet keep the reliability factor within the acceptable
limit provided by NERC. This paper uses an economic dispatch (ED)
model to incorporate wind generation into the power grid. Power
system costs are analyzed at various wind penetration levels using
Linear Programming. The goal of this study is show how the
increases in wind generation will affect power system economics.
Abstract: Living today in turbulent business environment forces
companies to distinguish from each other, securing sustainable
competitive growth and competitive advantage. The best possible
solution is to invest (effort and financial resources) within
companies’ different practices of human resource management
(HRM), more specifically in employees’ knowledge, skills and
abilities. Applying this approach companies will create enviable level
of human capital securing its economic growth. Employees become
human capital for their employers at the moment when they
contribute with their own knowledge and abilities in creating material
and non-material value of the company. The main aim of this
research is to explore the relations between human capital
investments and business excellence of Croatian companies.
Furthermore, the differences in the level of human capital
investments with regard to several companies’ characteristics (e.g.
size of the company, ownership and type of the industry) are
investigated.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the possibility of crime
prevention through CCTV by analyzing the appropriateness of the
CCTV location, whether it is installed in the hotspot of crime-prone
areas, and exploring the crime prevention effect and transition effect.
The real crime and CCTV locations of case city were converted into
the spatial data by using GIS. The data was analyzed by hotspot
analysis and weighted displacement quotient (WDQ). As study
methods, it analyzed existing relevant studies for identifying the trends
of CCTV and crime studies based on big data from 1800 to 2014 and
understanding the relation between CCTV and crime. Second, it
investigated the current situation of nationwide CCTVs and analyzed
the guidelines of CCTV installation and operation to draw attention to
the problems and indicating points of CCTV use. Third, it investigated
the crime occurrence in case areas and the current situation of CCTV
installation in the spatial aspects, and analyzed the appropriateness and
effectiveness of CCTV installation to suggest a rational installation of
CCTV and the strategic direction of crime prevention. The results
demonstrate that there was no significant effect in the installation of
CCTV on crime prevention in the case area. This indicates that CCTV
should be installed and managed in a more scientific way reflecting
local crime situations. In terms of CCTV, the methods of spatial
analysis such as GIS, which can evaluate the installation effect, and the
methods of economic analysis like cost-benefit analysis should be
developed. In addition, these methods should be distributed to local
governments across the nation for the appropriate installation of
CCTV and operation. This study intended to find a design guideline of
the optimum CCTV installation. In this regard, this study is
meaningful in that it will contribute to the creation of a safe city.
Abstract: As the economies of other countries in the
Mediterranean Basin, the tourism sector in our country has a high
denominator in economics. Tourism businesses, which are building
blocks of tourism, sector faces with a variety of problems during their
activities. These problems faced make business efficiency and
competition conditions of the businesses difficult. Most of the
problems faced by the tourism businesses and the information of
consumers about consumers’ rights were used in this study, which is
conducted to determine the problems of tourism businesses in the
Central Anatolia Region. It is aimed to contribute the awareness of
staff and executives working at tourism sector and to attract attention
of businesses active concurrently with tourism sector and legislators.
Abstract: This research was conducted in the Mae Sot
Watershed where located in the Moei River Basin at the Upper
Salween River Basin in Tak Province, Thailand. The Mae Sot
Municipality is the largest urban area in Tak Province and situated in
the midstream of the Mae Sot Watershed. It usually faces flash flood
problem after heavy rain due to poor flood management has been
reported since economic rapidly bloom up in recent years. Its
catchment can be classified as ungauged basin with lack of rainfall
data and no any stream gaging station was reported. It was attached
by most severely flood events in 2013 as the worst studied case for
all those communities in this municipality. Moreover, other problems
are also faced in this watershed, such shortage water supply for
domestic consumption and agriculture utilizations including a
deterioration of water quality and landslide as well. The research
aimed to increase capability building and strengthening the
participation of those local community leaders and related agencies to
conduct better water management in urban area was started by mean
of the data collection and illustration of the appropriated application
of some short period rainfall forecasting model as they aim for better
flood relief plan and management through the hydrologic model
system and river analysis system programs. The authors intended to
apply the global rainfall data via the integrated data viewer (IDV)
program from the Unidata with the aim for rainfall forecasting in a
short period of 7-10 days in advance during rainy season instead of
real time record. The IDV product can be present in an advance
period of rainfall with time step of 3-6 hours was introduced to the
communities. The result can be used as input data to the hydrologic
modeling system model (HEC-HMS) for synthesizing flood
hydrographs and use for flood forecasting as well. The authors
applied the river analysis system model (HEC-RAS) to present flood
flow behaviors in the reach of the Mae Sot stream via the downtown
of the Mae Sot City as flood extents as the water surface level at
every cross-sectional profiles of the stream. Both models of HMS and
RAS were tested in 2013 with observed rainfall and inflow-outflow
data from the Mae Sot Dam. The result of HMS showed fit to the
observed data at the dam and applied at upstream boundary discharge
to RAS in order to simulate flood extents and tested in the field, and
the result found satisfying. The product of rainfall from IDV was fair
while compared with observed data. However, it is an appropriate
tool to use in the ungauged catchment to use with flood hydrograph
and river analysis models for future efficient flood relief plan and
management.
Abstract: This article discusses issues related to the System of
Innovation: Comparing economies of Brazil and South Africa.
Having as this study aimed at comparing the Innovation System of
the countries mentioned. Then briefly describe the process of Venture
Capital and present the industry innovation in Brazil and South
Africa. The methodological approach described in this article is
descriptive and the approach is qualitative, taking as a basis
secondary data relating to research articles. The main results are
related to the different forms of financing of Venture Capital used by
countries compared, in addition to the training and economic policy.
And finally, it was highlighted the importance of implementation of
policy reforms for the Brazil and Africa in the innovation process.
Abstract: The effects of basil and/or chamomile seed
supplementation on the growth of Hubbard broiler chicks were
evaluated. The antioxidant effects of these supplements were also
assessed. 120 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into
four equal groups. The control group (group 1) was fed a basal diet
(BD) without supplementation. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the BD
supplemented with 10g basil, 10g chamomile, and 5g basil plus 5g
chamomile per kg of food, respectively. Basil supplementation alone
or in combination with chamomile non-significantly (P≥0.05)
increased final body weight (3.2% and 0.3%, respectively) and
weight gain (3.5% and 3.6%, respectively) over the experimental
period. Chamomile supplementation alone non-significantly (P≥0.05)
reduced final body weight and weight gain over the experimental
period by 1.7% and 1.7%, respectively. In comparison to the control
group, herbal seed supplementation reduced feed intake and
improved the feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios. In
general, basil seed supplementation stimulated chicken growth and
improved the feed efficiency more effectively than chamomile seed
supplementation. The antioxidant activities of basil and/or chamomile
supplementation were examined in the thymus, bursa, and spleen. In
chickens that received supplements, the level of malondialdehyde
was significantly decreased, whereas the activities of glutathione,
superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly increased
(P
Abstract: Comparisons of financial development across
countries are central to answering many of the questions on factors
leading to economic development. For this reason this study analyzes
the implications of financial system’s development on country’s
economic development. The aim of the article: to analyze the impact
of financial system’s development on economic development. The
following research methods were used: systemic, logical and
comparative analysis of scientific literature, analysis of statistical
data, time series model (Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)
Model). The empirical results suggest about positive short and long
term effect of stock market development on GDP per capita.
Abstract: The research studies the behaviors based on
sufficiency economy philosophy at individual and community
levelsas well as the satisfaction of the urban community leaders by
collecting data with purposive sampling technique. For in-depth
interviews with 26 urban community leaders, the result shows that
the urban community leaders have good knowledge and
understanding about sufficiency economy philosophy. Especially in
terms of money spending, they must consider the need for living and
be economical. The activities in the community or society should not
take advantage of the others as well as colleagues. At present, most of
the urban community leaders live in sufficient way. They often spend
time with public service, but many families are dealing with debt.
Many communities have some political conflict and high family
allowances because of living in the urban communities with rapid
social and economic changes. However, there are many communities
that leaders have applied their wisdom in development for their
people by gathering and grouping the professionals to form activities
such as making chilli sauce, textile organization, making artificial
flowers to worship the sanctity. The most prominent group is the foot
massage business in Wat Pracha Rabue Tham. This professional
group is supported continuously by the government. One of the
factors in terms of satisfaction used for evaluating community leaders
is the customary administration in brotherly, interdependent way
rather than using the absolute power or controlling power, but using
the roles of leader to perform the activities with their people intently,
determinedly and having public mind for people.
Abstract: This paper examines how “Zakat” provides fair
income redistribution and aids the struggle against poverty. Providing
fair income redistribution and combating poverty constitutes some of
the fundamental tasks performed by countries all over the world.
Each country seeks a solution for these problems according to their
political, economic and administrative styles through applying
various economic and financial policies. The same situation can be
handled via “zakat” association in Islam. Nowadays, we observe
different versions of “zakat” in developed countries. Applications
such as negative income tax denote merely a different form of
“zakat” that is being applied almost in the same way but under
changed names. However, the minimum values to donate under zakat
(e.g. 85 gr. gold and 40 animals) get altered and various amounts are
put into practice. It might be named as negative income tax instead of
zakat, nonetheless, these applications are based on the Holy Koran
and the hadith released 1400 years ago. Besides, considering the
savage and slavery in the world at those times, we might easily
recognize the true value of the zakat being applied for the first time
then in the Islamic system. Through zakat, governments are able to
transfer incomes to the poor as a means of enabling them achieve the
minimum standard of living required. With regards to who benefits
from the Zakat, an objective and fair criteria was used to determine
who benefits from the zakat contrary to the notion that it was based
on peoples’ own choices. Since the zakat is obligatory, the transfers
do not get forwarded directly but via the government and get
distributed, which requires vast governmental organizations. Through
the application of Zakat, reduced levels of poverty can be achieved
and also ensure the fair income redistribution.
Abstract: The restrained construction zoning, an important part
in the urban master plan, is a necessary planning tool to control the city
sprawl, to guarantee the reservation implementation of the various
types of protective elements, and to realize the storage of the essential
urban spatial resources. Simultaneously, owing to the diverse
constitutes of restrained construction area and the various stakeholders
involved in, its planning requires an overall consideration of all
elements from the perspective of coordination+, balance and
practicability to deal with the problems and conflicts in this process.
Taking Yangzijin Ecological Restrained Construction Area in
Yangzhou as an example, this study analyzes all the potential actors,
agencies and stakeholders in this restrained construction area, as well
as the relevant conflicts between each other. Besides, this study tries to
build up a planning procedure based on the framework of governance
theory, and proposes a possible planning method that combines
"rigidity" and "flexibility" to protect the ecological limitation
boundary, to take every interest into account, and to promote economic
development in a harmonious society.
Abstract: Load modeling is one of the central functions in
power systems operations. Electricity cannot be stored, which means
that for electric utility, the estimate of the future demand is necessary
in managing the production and purchasing in an economically
reasonable way. A majority of the recently reported approaches are
based on neural network. The attraction of the methods lies in the
assumption that neural networks are able to learn properties of the
load. However, the development of the methods is not finished, and
the lack of comparative results on different model variations is a
problem. This paper presents a new approach in order to predict the
Tunisia daily peak load. The proposed method employs a
computational intelligence scheme based on the Fuzzy neural
network (FNN) and support vector regression (SVR). Experimental
results obtained indicate that our proposed FNN-SVR technique gives
significantly good prediction accuracy compared to some classical
techniques.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to perform experimental
modal analysis (EMA) of reinforced concrete (RC) square slabs.
EMA is the process of determining the modal parameters (Natural
Frequencies, damping factors, modal vectors) of a structure from a
set of frequency response functions FRFs (curve fitting). Although,
experimental modal analysis (or modal testing) has grown steadily in
popularity since the advent of the digital FFT spectrum analyzer in
the early 1970’s, studying all types of members and materials using
such method have not yet been well documented. Therefore, in this
work, experimental tests were conducted on RC square slab
specimens of dimensions 600mm x 600mmx 40mm. Experimental
analysis was based on freely supported boundary condition.
Moreover, impact testing as a fast and economical means of finding
the modes of vibration of a structure was used during the
experiments. In addition, Pico Scope 6 device and MATLAB
software were used to acquire data, analyze and plot Frequency
Response Function (FRF). The experimental natural frequencies
which were extracted from measurements exhibit good agreement
with analytical predictions. It is showed that EMA method can be
usefully employed to investigate the dynamic behavior of RC slabs.
Abstract: Generally the natural environment is made up of air,
water and soil. The release of emission of industrial waste into
anyone of the components of the environment causes pollution.
Industrial pollution significantly threatens the inherent right of
people, to the enjoyment of a safe and secure environment. The aim
of this paper is to assess the effect of environmental pollution and
health risks of residents living near Ewekoro cement factory. The
research made use of IKONOS imagery for Geographical
Information System (GIS) to buffer and extract buildings that are less
than 1km to the factory, within 1km to 5km and above 5km to the
factory. Also questionnaire was used to elicit information on the
socio-economic factors, effect of environmental pollution on
residents and measures adopted to control industrial pollution on the
residents. Findings show that most buildings that fall between less
than 1km and 1km to 5km to the factory have high health risk in the
study area. The study recommended total relocation for the residents
of the study area to reduce health risk problems.
Abstract: Arising problems of countries’ public finances, social
and demographic changes motivate scientific and policy debates on
public spending size, structure and efficiency in order to meet the
changing needs of society and business. The concept of sustainable
development poses new challenges for scientists and policy-makers
in the field of public finance. This paper focuses on the investigation
of the relationship between government expenditure and country’s
economic development in the context of sustainable development.
Empirical analysis focuses on the data of the European Union (except
Croatia and Luxemburg) countries. The study covers 2003 – 2012
years, using annual cross-sectional data. Summarizing the research
results, it can be stated that governments should pay more attention to
the needs that ensure sustainable development in the long-run when
formulating public expenditure policy, particularly in the field of
environment protection.
Abstract: The concept of urban transformation came about
through interventions aimed at bringing socially and economically
problematic areas of cities into use. The issue of urban transformation
arose frequently during the post-2000 period in particular, and legal
regulations on this matter were also developed in Turkey. Urban
transformation project would be a focal point for the formation of the
city in the near future. Izmir, which is third largest city of Turkey, is
an important trade and port city. But, assessment of the current
situation shows that, the majority of existing residential areas was
formed with squatters and unplanned settlements in Izmir city center.
Therefore an important part of these areas have significant problems
in terms of the quality of life, safety and environmental quality. In
this study, the central policies in Turkey and local policies in Đzmir
about urban transformation will be considered. In addition, urban
renewal projects that are being implemented in Izmir were discussed
and suggestions will be developed in accordance with this policy.
Abstract: Since columns are the most important elements of the
structures, failure of one column in a critical location can cause a
progressive collapse. In this respect, the repair and strengthening of
columns is a very important subject to reduce the building failure and
to keep the columns capacity. Twenty columns with different
parameters is tested and analysis. Eleven typical confined reinforced
concrete (RC) columns with different types of techniques are
assessment. And also, four confined concrete columns with plastic
tube (PVC) are tested with and with four paralleling tested of
unconfined plain concrete. The techniques of confined RC columns
are mortar strengthening, Steel rings strengthening, FRP
strengthening. Moreover, the technique of confined plain concrete
(PC) column is used PVC tubes. The columns are tested under
uniaxial compressive loads studied the effect of confinement on the
structural behavior of circular RC columns. Test results for each
column are presented in the form of crack patterns, stress-strain
curves. Test results show that confining of the RC columns using
different techniques of strengthening results significant improvement
of the general behavior of the columns and can used in construction.
And also, tested confined PC columns with PVC tubes results shown
that the confined PC with PVC tubes can be used in economical
building. The theoretical model for predicted column capacity is
founded with experimental factor depends on the confined techniques
used and the strain reduction.
Abstract: Iran has several potential for using renewable
energies, so use them could significantly contribute to energy supply.
The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential of the country
and select the appropriate DG technologies with consideration the
potential and primary energy resources in the regions. In this context,
hybrid energy systems proportionate with the potential of different
regions will be determined based on technical, economic, and
environmental aspect. In the following the proposed structure will be
optimized in terms of size and cost. DG technologies used in this
project include photovoltaic system, wind turbine, diesel generator
and battery bank. The HOMER software is applied for choosing the
appropriate structure and the optimization of system sizing. The
results have been analyzed in terms of technical and economic. The
performance and the cost of each project demonstrate the appropriate
structure of hybrid energy system in that region.