Abstract: Fast development of technologies, economic globalization and many other external circumstances stimulate company’s competitiveness. One of the major trends in today’s business is the shift to the exploitation of the Internet and electronic environment for entrepreneurial needs. Latest researches confirm that e-environment provides a range of possibilities and opportunities for companies, especially for micro-, small- and medium-sized companies, which have limited resources. The usage of e-tools raises the effectiveness and the profitability of an organization, as well as its competitiveness.
In the electronic market, as in the classic one, there are factors, such as globalization, development of new technology, price sensitive consumers, Internet, new distribution and communication channels that influence entrepreneurship. As a result of eenvironment development, e-commerce and e-marketing grow as well.
Objective of the paper: To describe and identify factors influencing company’s competitiveness in e-environment.
Research methodology: The authors employ well-established quantitative and qualitative methods of research: grouping, analysis, statistics method, factor analysis in SPSS 20 environment, etc. The theoretical and methodological background of the research is formed by using scientific researches and publications, such as that from mass media and professional literature; statistical information from legal institutions as well as information collected by the authors during the surveying process.
Research result: The authors detected and classified factors influencing competitiveness in e-environment.
In this paper, the authors presented their findings based on theoretical, scientific, and field research. Authors have conducted a research on e-environment utilization among Latvian enterprises.
Abstract: An effective approach for realizing the binary tree structure, representing a combinational logic functionality with enhanced throughput, is discussed in this paper. The optimization in maximum operating frequency was achieved through delay minimization, which in turn was possible by means of reducing the depth of the binary network. The proposed synthesis methodology has been validated by experimentation with FPGA as the target technology. Though our proposal is technology independent, yet the heuristic enables better optimization in throughput even after technology mapping for such Boolean functionality; whose reduced CNF form is associated with a lesser literal cost than its reduced DNF form at the Boolean equation level. For cases otherwise, our method converges to similar results as that of [12]. The practical results obtained for a variety of case studies demonstrate an improvement in the maximum throughput rate for Spartan IIE (XC2S50E-7FT256) and Spartan 3 (XC3S50-4PQ144) FPGA logic families by 10.49% and 13.68% respectively. With respect to the LUTs and IOBUFs required for physical implementation of the requisite non-regenerative logic functionality, the proposed method enabled savings to the tune of 44.35% and 44.67% respectively, over the existing efficient method available in literature [12].
Abstract: High pressure adsorption of carbon dioxide on zeolite
13X was investigated in the pressure range (0 to 4) Mpa and
temperatures 298, 308 and 323K. The data fitting is accomplished
with the Toth, UNILAN, Dubinin-Astakhov and virial adsorption
models which are generally used for micro porous adsorbents such as
zeolites. Comparison with experimental data from the literature
indicated that the virial model would best determine results. These
results may be partly attributed to the flexibility of the virial model
which can accommodate as many constants as the data warrants.
Abstract: This work is focused on the numerical prediction of the fracture resistance of a flat stiffened panel made of the aluminium alloy 2024 T3 under a monotonic traction condition. The performed numerical simulations have been based on the micromechanical Gurson-Tvergaard (GT) model for ductile damage. The applicability of the GT model to this kind of structural problems has been studied and assessed by comparing numerical results, obtained by using the WARP 3D finite element code, with experimental data available in literature. In the sequel a home-made procedure is presented, which aims to increase the residual strength of a cracked stiffened aluminum panel and which is based on the stochastic design improvement (SDI) technique; a whole application example is then given to illustrate the said technique.
Abstract: The appearance management behavior of tanning by gay men is examined through the lens of Impression Formation. The study proposes that body image, self-esteem, and internalized homophobia are connected and affect the motives for engaging in sun, salon, and cosmetic tanning. Motives examined were: to look masculine, to look attractive to (potential) partners, to look attractive in general, to socialize, to meet a peer standard, and for personal satisfaction. Using regression analysis to examine data of 103 gay men who engage in at least one method of tanning, results reveal that components of body image and internalized homophobia–but not self-esteem–are linked to various motives and methods of tanning. These findings support and extend the literature of Impression Formation Theory and provide practitioners in the health and healthrelated fields new avenues to pursue when dealing with diseases related to tanning.
Abstract: Accurate and comprehensive thermodynamic properties of pure and mixture of refrigerants are in demand by both producers and users of these materials. Information about thermodynamic properties is important initially to qualify potential candidates for working fluids in refrigeration machinery. From practical point of view, Refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures are widely used as working fluids in many industrial applications, such as refrigerators, heat pumps, and power plants The present work is devoted to evaluating seven cubic equations of state (EOS) in predicting gas and liquid phase volumetric properties of nine ozone-safe refrigerants both in super and sub-critical regions. The evaluations, in sub-critical region, show that TWU and PR EOS are capable of predicting PVT properties of refrigerants R32 within 2%, R22, R134a, R152a and R143a within 1% and R123, R124, R125, TWU and PR EOS's, from literature data are 0.5% for R22, R32, R152a, R143a, and R125, 1% for R123, R134a, and R141b, and 2% for R124. Moreover, SRK EOS predicts PVT properties of R22, R125, and R123 to within aforementioned errors. The remaining EOS's predicts volumetric properties of this class of fluids with higher errors than those above mentioned which are at most 8%.In general, the results are in favor of the preference of TWU and PR EOS over other remaining EOS's in predicting densities of all mentioned refrigerants in both super and sub critical regions. Typically, this refrigerant is known to offer advantages such as ozone depleting potential equal to zero, Global warming potential equal to 140, and no toxic.
Abstract: This paper considers the integration of assembly
operations and product structure to Cellular Manufacturing System
(CMS) design so that to correct the drawbacks of previous researches
in the literature. For this purpose, a new mathematical model is
developed which dedicates machining and assembly operations to
manufacturing cells while the objective function is to minimize the
intercellular movements resulting due to both of them. A
linearization method is applied to achieve optimum solution through
solving aforementioned nonlinear model by common programming
language such as Lingo. Then, using different examples and
comparing the results, the importance of integrating assembly
considerations is demonstrated.
Abstract: The accomplished study is based on the appointment
and identification of ageing effects and according to this absorption
of moisture of aircraft cabin components over the life-cycle. In the
first step of the study ceiling panels from same age and from the
same aircraft cabin have been examined according to weight changes
depending on the position in the aircraft cabin. In the second step of
the study different aged ceiling panels have been examined
concerning deflection, weight changes and the acoustic sound
transmission loss. To prove the assumption of water absorption
within the study and with the theoretical background from literature
and scientific papers, an older test panel was exposed extreme
thermal conditions (humidity and temperature) within a climate
chamber to show that there is a general ingress of water to cabin
components and that this ingress of water leads to the change of
different mechanical properties.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine and
compare physical fitness values of students engaged in different team
sport branches Totally 60 female, and 60 male athletes, that 20
athletes in each branch which are volleyball, basketball and football
participated the study as a volunteer. The mean ages of female and
male athletes were 21.20 ±1.87 and 21.61 ± 1.61 respectively. Age,
height, body weight, body mass index, flexibility, body fat
percentage, 30m sprint, maximum oxygen consumption capacity
(MaxVO2) and drop jump values were measured. As a result of
measurements, significant differences were found in height, weight,
MaxVO2, shuttle run speed between different sports branches in
female athletes. In male athletes, height, body weight, flexibility,
30m split speed and drop jump values were found significantly
different between sports branches.
As a conclusion and as a literature, it can be said that structure of
body has to be appropriate with the engaged sports branch. Physical
fitness values that required the sports branches can be expressed
clearly by increasing the number of subjects.
Abstract: With deep development of software reuse, componentrelated
technologies have been widely applied in the development of
large-scale complex applications. Component identification (CI) is
one of the primary research problems in software reuse, by analyzing
domain business models to get a set of business components with high
reuse value and good reuse performance to support effective reuse.
Based on the concept and classification of CI, its technical stack is
briefly discussed from four views, i.e., form of input business models,
identification goals, identification strategies, and identification
process. Then various CI methods presented in literatures are
classified into four types, i.e., domain analysis based methods,
cohesion-coupling based clustering methods, CRUD matrix based
methods, and other methods, with the comparisons between these
methods for their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, some
insufficiencies of study on CI are discussed, and the causes are
explained subsequently. Finally, it is concluded with some
significantly promising tendency about research on this problem.
Abstract: This article is an extension and a practical application
approach of Wheeler-s NEBIC theory (Net Enabled Business
Innovation Cycle). NEBIC theory is a new approach in IS research
and can be used for dynamic environment related to new technology.
Firms can follow the market changes rapidly with support of the IT
resources. Flexible firms adapt their market strategies, and respond
more quickly to customers changing behaviors. When every leading
firm in an industry has access to the same IT resources, the way that
these IT resources are managed will determine the competitive
advantages or disadvantages of firm. From Dynamic Capabilities
Perspective and from newly introduced NEBIC theory by Wheeler,
we know that only IT resources cannot deliver customer value but
good configuration of those resources can guarantee customer value
by choosing the right emerging technology, grasping the economic
opportunities through business innovation and growth. We found
evidences in literature that SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) is a
promising emerging technology which can deliver the desired
economic opportunity through modularity, flexibility and loosecoupling.
SOA can also help firms to connect in network which can
open a new window of opportunity to collaborate in innovation and
right kind of outsourcing
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of auction theory
literature. We present a general review on literature of various
auctions and focus ourselves specifically on an English auction. We
are interested in modelling bidder-s behavior in an English auction
environment. And hence, we present an overview of the New Zealand
wool auction followed by a model that would describe a bidder-s
decision making behavior from the New Zealand wool auction. The
mathematical assumptions in an English auction environment are
demonstrated from the perspective of the New Zealand wool auction.
Abstract: In this article an isotropic linear elastic half-space with
a cylindrical cavity of finite length is considered to be under the
effect of a ring shape time-harmonic torsion force applied at an
arbitrary depth on the surface of the cavity. The equation of
equilibrium has been written in a cylindrical coordinate system. By
means of Fourier cosine integral transform, the non-zero
displacement component is obtained in the transformed domain. With
the aid of the inversion theorem of the Fourier cosine integral
transform, the displacement is obtained in the real domain. With the
aid of boundary conditions, the involved boundary value problem for
the fundamental solution is reduced to a generalized Cauchy singular
integral equation. Integral representation of the stress and
displacement are obtained, and it is shown that their degenerated
form to the static problem coincides with existing solutions in the
literature.
Abstract: Green buildings have been commonly cited to be more
expensive than conventional buildings. However, limited research
has been conducted to clearly identify elements that contribute to this
cost differential. The construction cost of buildings can be typically
divided into “hard" costs and “soft" cost elements. Using a review
analysis of existing literature, the study identified six main elements
in green buildings that contribute to the general cost elements that are
“soft" in nature. The six elements found are insurance, developer-s
experience, design cost, certification, commissioning and energy
modeling. Out of the six elements, most literatures have highlighted
the increase in design cost for green design as compared to
conventional design due to additional architectural and engineering
costs, eco-charettes, extra design time, and the further need for a
green consultant. The study concluded that these elements of soft cost
contribute to the green premium or cost differential of green
buildings.
Abstract: In this paper, the issue of pth moment stability of a class of stochastic neural networks with mixed delays is investigated. By establishing two integro-differential inequalities, some new sufficient conditions ensuring pth moment exponential stability are obtained. Compared with some previous publications, our results generalize some earlier works reported in the literature, and remove some strict constraints of time delays and kernel functions. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the main results.
Abstract: Emerging adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 25, as a distinct developmental stage extending from adolescence to young adulthood. The proportions composing the five-factor model are neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. In the literature, there is any study which includes the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits. Therefore, the relationship between emerging adults loneliness and personality traits have to be investigated. This study examines the association between the Big Five personality traits, and loneliness among Turkish emerging adults. A total of 220 emerging adults completed the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the The UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS). Correlation analysis showed that three Big Five personality dimensions which are Neuroticism (positively), and Extraversion and Aggreableness (negatively) are moderately correlated with emerging adults loneliness. Regression analysis shows that Extraversion, Aggreableness and Neuroticism are the most important predictors of emerging adults loneliness. Results can be discussed in the context of emerging adulthood theory.
Abstract: Views on therapists- attraction have influenced the ethical and professional development of the mental health fields. Because the majority of therapist attraction literature (63.6%) has been conducted from a psychoanalytic standpoint, approaches to attraction from feminist perspectives have not been adequately developed. Considering the lack of a feminist voice regarding attraction, this article attempts to offer a feminist perspective on this issue. The purpose of this article is to offer a feminist perspective on the phenomenon of attraction in order to raise awareness about the importance of power inequalities, intersectionalities, contextual variables and the need for action in the field.
Abstract: There are so many databases of various fields of life sciences available online. To find well-used databases, a survey to measure life science database citation frequency in scientific literatures is done. The survey is done by measuring how many scientific literatures which are available on PubMed Central archive cited a specific life science database. This paper presents and discusses the results of the survey.
Abstract: According to the governmental data, the cases of oral
cancers doubled in the past 10 years. This had brought heavy burden to
the patients- family, the society, and the country. The literature
generally evidenced the betel nut contained particular chemicals that
can cause oral cancers. Research in Taiwan had also proofed that 90
percent of oral cancer patients had experience of betel nut chewing. It
is thus important to educate the betel-nut hobbyists to cease such a
hazardous behavior. A program was then organized to establish
several training classes across different areas specific to help ceasing
this particular habit. Purpose of this research was to explore the
attitude and intention toward ceasing betel-nut chewing before and
after attending the training classes. 50 samples were taken from a
ceasing class with average age at 45 years old with high school
education (54%). 74% of the respondents were male in service or
agricultural industries. Experiences in betel-nut chewing were 5-20
years with a dose of 1-20 pieces per day. The data had shown that 60%
of the respondents had cigarette smoking habit, and 30% of the
respondents were concurrently alcoholic dependent. Research results
indicated that the attitude, intentions, and the knowledge on oral
cancers were found significant different between before and after
attendance. This provided evidence for the effectiveness of the training
class. However, we do not perform follow-up after the class.
Noteworthy is the test result also shown that participants who were
drivers as occupation, or habitual smokers or alcoholic dependents
would be less willing to quit the betel-nut chewing. The test results
indicated as well that the educational levels and the type of occupation
may have significant impacts on an individual-s decisions in taking
betel-nut or substance abuse.
Abstract: Recently, genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique have attracted considerable attention among various modern heuristic optimization techniques. The GA has been popular in academia and the industry mainly because of its intuitiveness, ease of implementation, and the ability to effectively solve highly non-linear, mixed integer optimization problems that are typical of complex engineering systems. PSO technique is a relatively recent heuristic search method whose mechanics are inspired by the swarming or collaborative behavior of biological populations. In this paper both PSO and GA optimization are employed for finding stable reduced order models of single-input- single-output large-scale linear systems. Both the techniques guarantee stability of reduced order model if the original high order model is stable. PSO method is based on the minimization of the Integral Squared Error (ISE) between the transient responses of original higher order model and the reduced order model pertaining to a unit step input. Both the methods are illustrated through numerical example from literature and the results are compared with recently published conventional model reduction technique.