Abstract: One of the most significant threats to the economy of a nation is the bankruptcy of its banks. This study evaluates the susceptibility of Nigerian banks to failure with a view to identifying ratios and financial data that are sensitive to solvency of the bank. Further, a predictive model is generated to guide all stakeholders in the industry. Thirty quoted banks that had published Annual Reports for the year preceding the consolidation i.e. year 2004 were selected. They were examined for distress using the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Analysis. The model was used to analyze further reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria using published Annual Reports of twenty quoted banks for the year 2008 and 2011. The model can thus be used for future prediction of failure in the Nigerian banking system.
Abstract: Free access for Georgian goods to the EU markets is one of the important factors for Georgia’s economic development, attraction of investments and raising the standard of living. The European Union is the most important trade partner for Georgia. Great experience has been accumulated with respect to removing trade barriers between Georgia and the European Union. Despite it, certain problems still persist.
In the present article, we have reviewed the systems of preferences with the European Union, the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the essence of ongoing reform; we have assessed weak and strong sides of relations established between the European Union and Georgia in this regard; analyzed Georgia’s export and import over the past years; also reviewed the prospect of a unified database; established existing and anticipated positive and negative factors. Based on the analysis, we have provided the relevant recommendations.
Abstract: Knowledge is increasingly recognised in this, the
knowledge era, as a strategic resource, by public sector organisations,
in view of the public sector reform initiatives. People and knowledge
play a vital role in attaining improved organisational performance
and high service quality. Many government departments in the public
sector have started to realise the importance of knowledge
management in streamlining their operations and processes. This
study focused on knowledge management in the public healthcare
service organisations, where the concept of service provider
competitiveness pales to insignificance, considering the huge
challenges emanating from the healthcare and public sector reforms.
Many government departments are faced with challenges of
improving organisational performance and service delivery,
improving accountability, making informed decisions, capturing the
knowledge of the aging workforce, and enhancing partnerships with
stakeholders.
The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge
management practices of the Gauteng Department of Health in South
Africa, in order to understand how knowledge management practices
influence improvement in organisational performance and healthcare
service delivery. This issue is explored through a review of literature
on dominant views on knowledge management and healthcare service
delivery, as well as results of interviews with, and questionnaire
responses from, the general staff of the Gauteng Department of
Health. Web-based questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and
organisational documents were used to collect data. The data were
analysed using both the quantitative and qualitative methods. The
central question investigated was: To what extent can the conditions
required for successful knowledge management be observed, in order
to improve organisational performance and healthcare service
delivery in the Gauteng Department of Health.
The findings showed that the elements of knowledge management
capabilities investigated in this study, namely knowledge creation,
knowledge sharing and knowledge application, have a positive,
significant relationship with all measures of organisational
performance and healthcare service delivery. These findings thus
indicate that by employing knowledge management principles, the
Gauteng Department of Health could improve its ability to achieve its
operational goals and objectives, and solve organisational and
healthcare challenges, thereby improving organisational performance
and enhancing healthcare service delivery in Gauteng.
Abstract: One of the major features of hypermedia learning is its non-linear structure, allowing learners, the opportunity of flexible navigation to accommodate their own needs. Nevertheless, such flexibility can also cause problems such as insufficient navigation and disorientation for some learners, especially those with Field Dependent cognitive styles. As a result students learning performance can be deteriorated and in turn, they can have negative attitudes with hypermedia learning systems. It was suggested that visual elements can be used to compensate dilemmas. However, it is unclear whether these visual elements improve their learning or whether problems still exist. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of students cognitive styles and visual elements on students learning performance and attitudes in hypermedia learning environment. Cognitive Style Analysis (CSA), Learning outcome in terms of pre and post-test, practical task, and Attitude Questionnaire (AQ) were administered to a sample of 60 university students. The findings revealed that FD students preformed equally to those of FI. Also, FD students experienced more disorientation in the hypermedia learning system where they depend a lot on the visual elements for navigation and orientation purposes. Furthermore, they had more positive attitudes towards the visual elements which escape them from experiencing navigation and disorientation dilemmas. In contrast, FI students were more comfortable, did not get disturbed or did not need some of the visual elements in the hypermedia learning system.
Abstract: In the present study the efficiency of Big Bang-Big
Crunch (BB-BC) algorithm is investigated in discrete structural
design optimization. It is shown that a standard version of the BB-BC
algorithm is sometimes unable to produce reasonable solutions to
problems from discrete structural design optimization. Two
reformulations of the algorithm, which are referred to as modified
BB-BC (MBB-BC) and exponential BB-BC (EBB-BC), are
introduced to enhance the capability of the standard algorithm in
locating good solutions for steel truss and frame type structures,
respectively. The performances of the proposed algorithms are
experimented and compared to its standard version as well as some
other algorithms over several practical design examples. In these
examples, steel structures are sized for minimum weight subject to
stress, stability and displacement limitations according to the
provisions of AISC-ASD.
Abstract: There is widespread emphasis on reform in the teaching of introductory statistics at the college level. Underpinning this reform is a consensus among educators and practitioners that traditional curricular materials and pedagogical strategies have not been effective in promoting statistical literacy, a competency that is becoming increasingly necessary for effective decision-making and evidence-based practice. This paper explains the historical context of, and rationale for reform-oriented teaching of introductory statistics (at the college level) in the health, social and behavioral sciences (evidence-based disciplines). A firm understanding and appreciation of the basis for change in pedagogical approach is important, in order to facilitate commitment to reform, consensus building on appropriate strategies, and adoption and maintenance of best practices. In essence, reform-oriented pedagogy, in this context, is a function of the interaction among content, pedagogy, technology, and assessment. The challenge is to create an appropriate balance among these domains.
Abstract: The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is one of the most important methods used to solve many combinatorial optimization problems. Therefore, many researchers have tried to improve the GA by using different methods and operations in order to find the optimal solution within reasonable time. This paper proposes an improved GA (IGA), where the new crossover operation, population reformulates operation, multi mutation operation, partial local optimal mutation operation, and rearrangement operation are used to solve the Traveling Salesman Problem. The proposed IGA was then compared with three GAs, which use different crossover operations and mutations. The results of this comparison show that the IGA can achieve better results for the solutions in a faster time.
Abstract: At present the process of formation of corporate
values in Kazakh universities is under the influence of a whole range
of socio-economic and cultural changes: on the one hand universities
must maintain and transmit traditional cultural values of education,
on the other, to improve quality of service and to involve young
people to science, providing thus own competitiveness. Thus, this
article presents some results of two cycles of sociological research
conducted in 2012 and aimed at identifying possible ways to
popularize science and readiness to participate of youth in given
activities, expectations of young scientists and the prospects of future
development of the Kazakh science.
Abstract: Language Reforms and potential use of ICTs has been a focal area of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Efforts are being accelerated to incorporate fast expanding ICTs to bring qualitative improvement in language instruction in higher education. This paper explores how university teachers are benefitting from ICTs to make their English class effective and what type of problems they face in practicing ICTs during their lectures. An in-depth qualitative study was employed to understand why language teachers tend to use ICTs in their instruction and how they are practicing it. A sample of twenty teachers from five universities located in Islamabad, three from public sector and two from private sector, was selected on non-random (Snowball) sampling basis. An interview with 15 semi-structured items was used as research instruments to collect data. The findings reveal that business English teaching is facilitated and improved through the use of ICTs. The language teachers need special training regarding the practices and implementation of ICTs. It is recommended that initiatives might be taken to equip university language teachers with modern methodology incorporating ICTs as focal area and efforts might be made to remove barriers regarding the training of language teachers and proper usage of ICTs.
Abstract: We consider power system expansion planning under
uncertainty. In our approach, integer programming and stochastic
programming provide a basic framework. We develop a multistage
stochastic programming model in which some of the variables are
restricted to integer values. By utilizing the special property of the
problem, called block separable recourse, the problem is transformed
into a two-stage stochastic program with recourse. The electric power
capacity expansion problem is reformulated as the problem with first
stage integer variables and continuous second stage variables. The
L-shaped algorithm to solve the problem is proposed.
Abstract: Most of the Question Answering systems
composed of three main modules: question processing,
document processing and answer processing. Question
processing module plays an important role in QA systems. If
this module doesn't work properly, it will make problems for
other sections. Moreover answer processing module is an
emerging topic in Question Answering, where these systems
are often required to rank and validate candidate answers.
These techniques aiming at finding short and precise answers
are often based on the semantic classification.
This paper discussed about a new model for question
answering which improved two main modules, question
processing and answer processing.
There are two important components which are the bases
of the question processing. First component is question
classification that specifies types of question and answer.
Second one is reformulation which converts the user's
question into an understandable question by QA system in a
specific domain. Answer processing module, consists of
candidate answer filtering, candidate answer ordering
components and also it has a validation section for interacting
with user. This module makes it more suitable to find exact
answer. In this paper we have described question and answer
processing modules with modeling, implementing and
evaluating the system. System implemented in two versions.
Results show that 'Version No.1' gave correct answer to 70%
of questions (30 correct answers to 50 asked questions) and
'version No.2' gave correct answers to 94% of questions (47
correct answers to 50 asked questions).
Abstract: In accordance with environmental impacts contended in Kyoto Protocol, the study aims to explore the different administrative and non-administrative measurements that industrial countries, such as America, German, Japan, Korea, Holland and British take to face with the increasing Global Warming phenomena. By large, these measurements consist of versatile dimensions, including of education and advocating, economical instruments, research developments and instances, restricted instruments, voluntary contacts, exchangeable permit for carbon-release and public investments. The results of discussion for the study are as follows: both economical impacts as well as reformations for nations that are affected via Kyoto Protocol, and human testifying for variables of global surroundings in the age of Kyoto Protocol.
Abstract: Kazakhstan attaches the great importance to
cooperation with European countries within the framework of
multilateral security organizations such as NATO. Cooperation of
Kazakhstan with the NATO is a prominent aspect of strengthening of
regional security of republic. It covers a wide spectrum of areas, such
as reform of sector of defense and security, military operative
compatibility of armed forces of NATO member-countries and
Kazakhstan, civil emergency planning and scientific cooperation. The
cooperation between Kazakhstan and NATO is based on the mutual
interests of neighboring republics in the region so that the existing
forms of cooperation between Kazakhstan and NATO will not be
negatively perceived both in Asia as well as among CIS countries.
Kazakhstan tailors its participation in the PfP programme through an
annual Individual Partnership Programme, selecting those activities
that will help achieve the goals it has set in the IPAP. Level of
cooperation within the limits of PfP essentially differs on each
republic. Cooperation with Kazakhstan progressed most of all since
has been signed IPAP from the NATO
Abstract: This paper discusses a new model of Islamic code of
ethics for directors. Several corporate scandals and local (example
Transmile and Megan Media) and overseas corporate (example
Parmalat and Enron) collapses show that the current corporate
governance and regulatory reform are unable to prevent these events
from recurring. Arguably, the code of ethics for directors is under
research and the current code of ethics only concentrates on binding
the work of the employee of the organization as a whole, without
specifically putting direct attention to the directors, the group of
people responsible for the performance of the company. This study
used a semi-structured interview survey of well-known Islamic
scholars such as the Mufti to develop the model. It is expected that
the outcome of the research is a comprehensive model of code of
ethics based on the Islamic principles that can be applied and used by
the company to construct a code of ethics for their directors.
Abstract: One of the efficient factors in comprehensive
development of an area is to provide water sources and on the other
hand the appropriate management of them. Population growth and
nourishment security for such a population necessitate the
achievement of constant development besides the reforming of
traditional management in order to increase the profit of sources; In
this case, the constant exploitation of sources for the next generations
will be considered in this program. The achievement of this
development without the consideration and possibility of water
development will be too difficult. Zayanderood basin with 41500
areas in square kilometers contains 7 sub-basins and 20 units of
hydrologic. In this basin area, from the entire environment
descending, just a small part will enter into the river currents and the
rest will be out of efficient usage by various ways. The most
important surface current of this basin is Zayanderood River with
403 kilometers length which is originated from east slopes of Zagros
mount and after draining of this basin area it will enter into
Gaavkhooni pond. The existence of various sources and
consumptions of water in Zayanderood basin, water transfer of the
other basin areas into this basin, of course the contradiction between
the upper and lower beneficiaries, the existence of worthwhile
natural ecosystems such as Gaavkhooni swamp in this basin area and
finally, the drought condition and lack of water in this area all
necessitate the existence of comprehensive management of water
sources in this central basin area of Iran as this method is a kind of
management which considers the development and the management
of water sources as an equilibrant way to increase the economical
and social benefits. In this study, it is tried to survey the network of
surface water sources of basin in upper and lower sections; at the
most, according to the difficulties and deficiencies of an efficient
management of water sources in this basin area, besides the
difficulties of water draining and the destructive phenomenon of
flood-water, the appropriate guidelines according to the region
conditions are presented in order to prevent the deviation of water in
upper sections and development of regions in lower sections of
Zayanderood dam.
Abstract: Question answering (QA) aims at retrieving precise information from a large collection of documents. Most of the Question Answering systems composed of three main modules: question processing, document processing and answer processing. Question processing module plays an important role in QA systems to reformulate questions. Moreover answer processing module is an emerging topic in QA systems, where these systems are often required to rank and validate candidate answers. These techniques aiming at finding short and precise answers are often based on the semantic relations and co-occurrence keywords. This paper discussed about a new model for question answering which improved two main modules, question processing and answer processing which both affect on the evaluation of the system operations. There are two important components which are the bases of the question processing. First component is question classification that specifies types of question and answer. Second one is reformulation which converts the user's question into an understandable question by QA system in a specific domain. The objective of an Answer Validation task is thus to judge the correctness of an answer returned by a QA system, according to the text snippet given to support it. For validating answers we apply candidate answer filtering, candidate answer ranking and also it has a final validation section by user voting. Also this paper described new architecture of question and answer processing modules with modeling, implementing and evaluating the system. The system differs from most question answering systems in its answer validation model. This module makes it more suitable to find exact answer. Results show that, from total 50 asked questions, evaluation of the model, show 92% improving the decision of the system.
Abstract: Since its independence in 1962, Algeria has struggled
to establish an educational system tailored to the needs of the
population it may address. Considering the historical connection with
France, Algeria has always looked at the French language as a
cultural imperative until late in the seventies. After the Arabization
policy of 1971 and the socioeconomic changes taking place
worldwide, the use of English as a communicating vehicle started to
gain more space within globalized Algeria. Consequently, disparities
in the use of French started to fade away at the cross-roads leaving
more space to the teaching of English as a second foreign language.
Moreover, the introduction of the Bologna Process and the
European Credit Transfer System in Higher Education has
necessitated some innovations in the design and development of new
curricula adapted to the socioeconomic market. In this paper, I will
try to highlight the important historical dimensions Algeria has taken
towards the implementation of an English language methodology and
to the status it acquired from second foreign language, to first foreign
language to “the language of knowledge and sciences". I will also
propose new pedagogical perspectives for a better treatment of the
English language in order to encourage independent and autonomous
learning.
Abstract: This work investigated the steady state and dynamic
simulation of a fixed bed industrial naphtha reforming reactors. The
performance of the reactor was investigated using a heterogeneous
model. For process simulation, the differential equations are solved
using the 4th order Runge-Kutta method .The models were validated
against measured process data of an existing naphtha reforming plant.
The results of simulation in terms of components yields and
temperature of the outlet were in good agreement with empirical data.
The simple model displays a useful tool for dynamic simulation,
optimization and control of naphtha reforming.
Abstract: The electric power industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented reform. One of the most exciting and potentially profitable recent developments is increasing usage of artificial intelligence techniques. The intention of this paper is to give an overview of using neural network (NN) techniques in power systems. According to the growth rate of NNs application in some power system subjects, this paper introduce a brief overview in fault diagnosis, security assessment, load forecasting, economic dispatch and harmonic analyzing. Advantages and disadvantages of using NNs in above mentioned subjects and the main challenges in these fields have been explained, too.
Abstract: The paper evaluates the ongoing reform of VAT in the Czech Republic in terms of impacts on individual households. The main objective is to analyse the impact of given changes on individual households. The adopted method is based on the data related to household consumption by individual household quintiles; obtained data are subjected to micro-simulation examining. Results are discussed in terms of vertical tax justice. Results of the analysis reveal that VAT behaves regressively and a sole consolidation of rates at a higher level only increases the regression of this tax in the Czech Republic.