Abstract: Learner motivation is considered to be an important
component for the Blended e-Learning (BL) Method. BL is an
effective learning method in multiple domains, which opens several
opportunities for its participants to engage in the learning
environment. This research explores the learners’ perspective of BL
according to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). It identifies the
opportunities and challenges for using the BL in Logistics Education
(LE) in Egyptian Higher Education (HE). SDT is approached from
different perspectives within the relationship between Intrinsic
Motivation (IM), Extrinsic Motivation (EM) and Amotivation (AM).
A self-administered face-to-face questionnaire was used to collect
data from learners who were geographically widely spread around
three colleges of International Transport and Logistics (CILTs) at the
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport
(AAST&MT) in Egypt. Six hundred and sixteen undergraduates
responded to a questionnaire survey. Respondents were drawn from
three branches in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said. The data
analysis used was SPSS 22 and AMOS 18.
Abstract: This paper reviews the internal use of blogs and their
potential effectiveness as organisational learning tools. Since the
emergence of the concept of ‘Enterprise 2.0’ there remains a lack of
empirical evidence associated with how organisations are applying
social media tools and whether they are effective towards supporting
organisational learning. Surprisingly, blogs, one of the more
traditional social media tools, still remains under-researched in the
context of ‘Enterprise 2.0’ and organisational learning. The aim of
this paper is to identify the theoretical linkage between blogs and
organisational learning in addition to reviewing prior research on
organisational blogging exploring why this area remains underresearched.
Through a literature review, one of the principal findings
of this paper is that organisational blogs have a mutual compatibility
with the interpretivist aspect of organisational learning. This paper
further advocates that further empirical work in this subject area is
required to substantiate this theoretical assumption.
Abstract: The research conducted in early seventies apparently
assumed the existence of a universal decision model for union
negotiators and furthermore tended to regard financial information as
a ‘neutral’ input into a rational decision making process. However,
research in the eighties began to question the neutrality of financial
information as an input in collective bargaining rather viewing it as a
potentially effective means for controlling the labour force.
Furthermore, this later research also started challenging the simplistic
assumptions relating particularly to union objectives which have
underpinned the earlier search for universal union decision models.
Despite the above developments there seems to be a dearth of studies
in developing countries concerning the use of financial information in
collective bargaining. This paper seeks to begin to remedy this
deficiency. Utilising a case study approach based on two enterprises,
one in the public sector and the other a multinational, the universal
decision model is rejected and it is argued that the decision whether
or not to use financial information is a contingent one and such a
contingency is largely defined by the context and environment in
which both union and management negotiators work. An attempt is
also made to identify the factors constraining as well as promoting
the use of financial information in collective bargaining, these being
regarded as unique to the organisations within which the case studies
are conducted.
Abstract: E-business technologies, whereby business
transactions are conducted remotely using the Internet, present
unique opportunities and challenges for business. E-business
technologies are applicable to a wide range of organizations and
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. There
is an established body of literature about e-business, looking at
definitions, concepts, benefits and challenges. In general, however,
the research focus has been on larger organizations, not SMEs. In an
attempt to redress the balance of research, this paper looks at ebusiness
technologies specifically from a small business perspective.
It seeks to identify the possible barriers that SMEs might face when
considering adoption of the e-business concept and practice as part of
their business process change initiatives and implementation. To
facilitate analysis of these barriers a conceptual framework has been
developed which outlines the key conceptual and practical challenges
of e-business implementation in SMEs. This is developed following a
literature survey comprised of three categories: characteristics of
SMEs, issues of IS/IT use in SMEs and general e-business adoption
and implementation issues. The framework is then empirically
assessed against 7 SMEs who have yet to implement e-business or
whose e-business efforts have been unsatisfactory. Conclusions from
the case studies can be used to verify the framework, and set
parameters for further larger scale empirical investigation.
Abstract: Oases are complex and fragile agro-ecosystems. They
have always existed in environments characterized by an arid climate,
scarcity of rainfall, high temperatures and high evaporation. These
palms have grown up despite the severity of the physical
characteristics thanks to the water's existence and irrigation practice.
The oases are generally spread along non-perennial rivers (wadis),
shallow water table or deep artesian groundwater. However, the
sustainability of oasis system is threatened by water scarcity and
declining of water table levels particularly in arid areas. Located in
the southern east area of Morocco, Tafilalet plain encompasses one of
the largest palm groves in the kingdom. In recent years, this area has
become increasingly threatened by water shortage and has seen a
sharp deterioration under the effect of several combined
anthropogenic and climatic factors. The Bayoud disease, successive
years of drought, Hassan Addakhil dam construction etc are all
factors that have affected both water and phoenicicole heritage of the
area. The objective of this study is to understand the interaction
between qualitative and quantitative degradation of groundwater
resources, and the palm grove dynamics, while reviewing the
assumption that groundwater resources contribute in a direct way to
the conservation of this oasis agroecosystem. A historical analysis
tracing both the oasis dynamics and the groundwater evolution has
been established. Data were collected from satellite images, surveys
with different actors (farmers, Regional Office for Agricultural
Development, Basin agency...). They were complemented by a
synthesis of numerous technical reports in the area. The results
showed that within 40 years, the thickness of the groundwater table
has dropped in 50 %. Along with this, there has been a downsizing of
date palm by 50 %. Areas with higher groundwater level were the
least affected by the downsizing. So we can say that the shallow
groundwater contribute significantly and directly to the water supply
of date palm through its root system, and largely ensures the oasis
ecosystem sustainability.
Abstract: Enterprise Architecture (EA) Implementation
Methodologies have become an important part of EA projects.
Several implementation methodologies have been proposed, as a
theoretical and practical approach, to facilitate and support the
development of EA within an enterprise. A significant question when
facing the starting of EA implementation is deciding which
methodology to utilize. In order to answer this question, a framework
with several criteria is applied in this paper for the comparative
analysis of existing EA implementation methodologies. Five EA
implementation methodologies including: EAP, TOGAF, DODAF,
Gartner, and FEA are selected in order to compare with proposed
framework. The results of the comparison indicate that those
methodologies have not reached a sufficient maturity as whole due to
lack of consideration on requirement management, maintenance,
continuum, and complexities in their process. The framework has
also ability for the evaluation of any kind of EA implementation
methodologies.
Abstract: Comprehensive numerical studies have been carried
out to examine the best aerodynamic performance of subsonic aircraft
at different winglet cant angles using a validated 3D k-ω SST model.
In the parametric analytical studies NACA series of airfoils are
selected. Basic design of the winglet is selected from the literature
and flow features of the entire wing including the winglet tip effects
have been examined with different cant angles varying from 150 to
600 at different angles of attack up to 140. We have observed, among
the cases considered in this study that a case, with 150 cant angle the
aerodynamics performance of the subsonic aircraft during takeoff
was found better up to an angle of attack of 2.80 and further its
performance got diminished at higher angles of attack. Analyses
further revealed that increasing the winglet cant angle from 150 to 600
at higher angles of attack could negate the performance deterioration
and additionally it could enhance the peak CL/CD on the order of
3.5%. The investigated concept of variable-cant-angle winglets
appears to be a promising alternative for improving the aerodynamic
efficiency of aircraft.
Abstract: Forging parts is used to automobiles; because, they have high strength and it is possible to press them into complicated shape. When itis possible to manufacture hollow forging parts, it leads to reduce weightof the automobiles. But, hollow forging parts are confined to axisymmetrical shape. Hollowforging parts that were pressed to complicated shape are expected. Therefore, we forge a blank that aluminum alloy was inserted in stainless steel. After that, we can providecomplex forging parts that are reduced weight,ifit is possible to be melted the aluminum alloy away by using different of melting points.It is necessary to establish heat forging analysis methodon blank consist of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Because,this forging is different from conventional forging and this technology is not confirmed. In this study, we compared forging experiment with numerical analysis on the view point of forming load and shape after forming and establish how to set the material temperaturesof two metals and material property of stainless steel on the analysis method. Consequently, temperature difference of stainless steel and aluminum alloy was obtained by experiment. We got material property of stainless steel on forging experimental by compression tests. We had compared numerical analysis that was used the temperature difference of two metals and the material property of stainless steel on forging experimental with forging experiment. Forging analysis method on blankconsist of two metals was established by result of numerical analysis having agreedwith result of forging experiment.
Abstract: Aim of this work was to study the genetic basis for oil
accumulation in olive fruit via tracking DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol
acyltransferase type-2) gene in three Egyptian Origen Olive cultivars
namely Toffahi, Hamed and Maraki using molecular marker
techniques and bioinformatics tools. Results illustrate that, firstly:
specific genomic band of Maraki cultivars was identified as DGAT2
(Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2) and identical for this gene in
Olea europaea with 100% of similarity. Secondly, differential
genomic band of Maraki cultivars which produced from RAPD
fingerprinting technique reflected predicted distinguished sequence
which identified as DGAT2 (Diacylglycerol acyltransferase type-2)
in Fragaria vesca subsp. Vesca with 76% of sequential similarity.
Third and finally, specific genomic specific band of Hamed cultivars
was identified as two fragments, 1- Olea europaea cultivar Koroneiki
diacylglycerol acyltransferase type 2 mRNA, complete cds with two
matches regions with 99% or 2- Predicted: Fragaria vesca subsp.
vesca diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2-like (LOC101313050),
mRNA with 86 % of similarity.
Abstract: Violet Sr–Al–O:Eu2+ phosphor particles were
synthesized from a metal–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
solution of Sr, Al, Eu, and particulate alumina via spray drying and
sintering in a reducing atmosphere. The crystal structures and emission
properties at 85–300 K were investigated. The composition of the
violet Sr–Al–O:Eu2+ phosphor particles was determined from various
Sr–Al–O:Eu2+ phosphors by their emission properties’ dependence
on temperature. The highly crystalline SrAl12O19:Eu2+ emission phases
were confirmed by their crystallite sizes and the activation energies for
the 4f5d–8S7/2 transition of the Eu2+ ion. These results showed that the
material identification for the violet Sr–Al–O:Eu2+ phosphor was
accomplished by the low-temperature luminescence measurements.
Abstract: Frequency stability of microgrids under islanded
operation attracts particular attention recently. A new cooperative
frequency control strategy based on centralized multi-agent system
(CMAS) is proposed in this study. Based on this strategy, agents sent
data and furthermore each component has its own to center operating
decisions (MGCC).After deciding on the information, they are
returned. Frequency control strategies include primary and secondary
frequency control and disposal of multi-stage load in which this study
will also provide a method and algorithm for load shedding. This
could also be a big problem for the performance of micro-grid in
times of disaster. The simulation results show the promising
performance of the proposed structure of the controller based on
multi agent systems.
Abstract: In today’s era, it is no news that organizations should
demonstrate honest conduct as well as ethical administration.
Therefore, the concept of corporate social responsibility
(subsequently CSR) has created its tag upon the company’s focal
point as well as marketing communications, and will continue in the
future. The importance of CSR has increased in the last decade, and
this concept has attracted global attention. The notion of CSR has
strategic significance for many organizations. However, businesses
are not adapting the activities of CSR that benefit to all of its
stakeholders (including society). The main reason is the practitioners
are unfortunately unable to comprehend its importance; and
therefore, the activities of the CSR are so detached from the business
activities. Hence, it is required to develop an understanding that the
activities of CSR are not only beneficial for the society but it also
benefit to business. This paper focuses on the concept of strategic
CSR, and develops a theoretical framework that will help
practitioners to filter and chose the activities of CSR that are strategic
in nature.
Abstract: This review summarizes the potential of starch
agroindustrial residues as substrate for biohydrogen production.
Types of potential starch agroindustrial residues, recent developments
and bio-processing conditions for biohydrogen production will be
discussed. Biohydrogen is a clean energy source with great potential
to be an alternative fuel, because it releases energy explosively in
heat engines or generates electricity in fuel cells producing water as
only by-product. Anaerobic hydrogen fermentation or dark
fermentation seems to be more favorable, since hydrogen is yielded
at high rates and various organic waste enriched with carbohydrates
as substrate result in low cost for hydrogen production. Abundant
biomass from various industries could be source for biohydrogen
production where combination of waste treatment and energy
production would be an advantage. Carbohydrate-rich nitrogendeficient
solid wastes such as starch residues can be used for
hydrogen production by using suitable bioprocess technologies.
Alternatively, converting biomass into gaseous fuels, such as
biohydrogen is possibly the most efficient way to use these
agroindustrial residues.
Abstract: This paper represents performance of particle swarm
optimisation (PSO) algorithm based integral (I) controller and
proportional-integral controller (PI) for interconnected hydro-thermal
automatic generation control (AGC) with generation rate constraint
(GRC) and Thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) in series with
tie line. The control strategy of TCPS provides active control of
system frequency. Conventional objective function integral square
error (ISE) and another objective function considering square of
derivative of change in frequencies of both areas and change in tie
line power are considered. The aim of designing the objective
function is to suppress oscillation in frequency deviations and change
in tie line power oscillation. The controller parameters are searched
by PSO algorithm by minimising the objective functions. The
dynamic performance of the controllers I and PI, for both the
objective functions, are compared with conventionally optimized I
controller.
Abstract: In this research article a comprehensive investigation
has been carried out to determine the effect of thermal cycle on
temperature dependent process parameters developed during gas
tungsten arc (GTA) welding of high carbon (AISI 1090) steel butt
joints. An experiment based thermal analysis has been performed to
obtain the thermal history. We have focused on different
thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, heat transfer
coefficient and cooling rate. Angular torch model has been utilized to
find out the surface heat flux and its variation along the fusion zone as
well as along the longitudinal direction from fusion boundary. After
welding and formation of weld pool, heat transfer coefficient varies
rapidly in the vicinity of molten weld bead and heat affected zone. To
evaluate the heat transfer coefficient near the fusion line and near the
rear end of the plate (low temperature region), established correlation
has been implemented and has been compared with empirical
correlation which is noted as coupled convective and radiation heat
transfer coefficient. Change in thermal conductivity has been
visualized by analytical model of moving point heat source. Rate of
cooling has been estimated by using 2-dimensional mathematical
expression of cooling rate and it has shown good agreement with
experimental temperature cycle. Thermophysical properties have been
varied randomly within 0 -10s time span.
Abstract: Asphaltic concrete for pavement construction in India
are produced by using crushed stone, gravels etc. as aggregate. In
north-Eastern region of India, there is a scarcity of stone aggregate.
Therefore the road engineers are always in search of an optional
material as aggregate which can replace the regularly used material.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the utilization of
substandard or marginal aggregates in flexible pavement
construction. The investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects
of using lower quality aggregates such as over burnt brick aggregate
on the preparation of asphalt concrete for flexible pavements. The
scope of this work included a review of available literature and
existing data, a laboratory evaluation organized to determine the
effects of marginal aggregates and potential techniques to upgrade
these substandard materials, and a laboratory evaluation of these
upgraded marginal aggregate asphalt mixtures. Over burnt brick
aggregates are water susceptible and can leads to moisture damage.
Moisture damage is the progressive loss of functionality of the
material owing to loss of the adhesion bond between the asphalt
binder and the aggregate surface. Hence zycosoil as an anti striping
additive were evaluated in this study. This study summarizes the
results of the laboratory evaluation carried out to investigate the
properties of asphalt concrete prepared with zycosoil modified over
burnt brick aggregate. Marshall specimen were prepared with stone
aggregate, zycosoil modified stone aggregate, over burnt brick
aggregate and zycosoil modified over burnt brick aggregate. Results
show that addition of zycosoil with stone aggregate increased
stability by 6% and addition of zycosoil with over burnt brick
aggregate increased stability by 30%.
Abstract: Quality control helps industries in improvements of its
product quality and productivity. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is
one of the tools to control the quality of products that turning practice
in bringing a department of industrial engineering process under
control. In this research, the process control of a turning
manufactured at workshops machines. The varying measurements
have been recorded for a number of samples of a rice polished
cylinder obtained from a number of trials with the turning practice.
SPC technique has been adopted by the process is finally brought
under control and process capability is improved.
Abstract: Nanostructured catalysts were successfully prepared
by acidification of diatomite and regeneration of FCC spent catalysts.
The obtained samples were characterized by IR, XRD, SEM, EDX,
MAS-NMR (27Al and 29Si), NH3-TPD and tested in catalytic
pyrolysis of biomass (rice straw). The results showed that the similar
bio-oil yield of 41.4% can be obtained by pyrolysis with catalysts at
450oC as compared to that of the pyrolysis without catalyst at 550oC.
The bio-oil yield reached a maximum of 42.55% at the pyrolysis
temperature of 500oC with catalytic content of 20%. Moreover, by
catalytic pyrolysis, bio-oil quality was better as reflected in higher
ratio of H/C, lower ratio of O/C. This clearly indicated high
application potential of these new nanostructured catalysts in the
production of bio-oil with low oxygenated compounds.
Abstract: The influence of three different types of halloysite
nanotubes (HNTs) with different dimensions, namely as camel lake
(CLA), Jarrahdale (JA) and Matauri Bay (MB), on their reinforcing
ability of ethylene propylene dine monomer (EPDM) were
investigated by varying the HNTs loading (from 0-15 phr).
Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with addition
of all three HNTs, but CLA based nanocomposites exhibited a
significant enhancement compared to the other HNTs. For instance,
tensile properties of EPDM nanocomposites increased by 120%,
256% and 340% for MB, JA and CLA, respectively, with addition of
15 phr of HNTs. This could be due to the higher aspect ratio and
higher surface area of CLA compared to others. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) of nanocomposites at 15 phr of HNT loadings
showed low amounts of pulled-out nanotubes which confirmed the
presence of more embedded nanotubes inside the EPDM matrix, as
well as aggregates within the fracture surface of EPDM/HNT
nanocomposites
Abstract: Pesticides and drugs used in agriculture and veterinary
medicine may end up in aquatic environments and bioaccumulate in
the food chain, thus causing serious problems for fauna and human
health. For determination of the toxic effects of atrazine herbicide on
Caspian kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum larvae, the 96-h LC50 of atrazine
was measured for newly hatched larvae as 18.53 ppm. Toxicity of
atrazine herbicide on Caspian kutum larvae was investigated using
concentrations: 9.25ppm, 4.62 ppm and 2.31 ppm for 7 days.
Comparison of the length, weight and condition factor showed that
no significant differences between atrazine exposed and control
groups. The concentration of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl- in whole
body of larvae in control and atrazine exposure groups were
measured and the results showed that concentrations of all these ions
is higher in atrazine exposure group than control group. It is obvious
from this study that atrazine negatively affects osmoregulation
process and changes ion compositions of the body even at sublethal
concentration and acute exposure but have no effects on growth
parameters of the body.