Moving from one academic environment to another and relocating to a new country to study is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. International students who decide to pursue studies in a foreign country have to overcome the challenges that are related to their adjustment experiences. They are required to deal with the differences between their own cultural values, norms and customs, and those of their hosts. Facing with academic challenges are no exception for the international students. To understand these students’ adjustment problems, this study explored the adjustment experiences of twelfth international undergraduate students, using individual interviews in one of the public universities in Malaysia. The findings revealed three main themes: adjustment problems, used sources to get help for personal issues, and used of student services provided by university. Specifically, adjustment problems included academic stress, cultural differences, language challenges, food, facilities, time management, and social integration. Used sources to get help for personal issues were friends, family, academic advisor, and office of international education. Meanwhile, used of student services provided by university were from office of international education, student organizations, and sports cubs. In particular, coping with academic stress, English language challenges, and unsatisfactory facilities provided by the university seemed to be significant challenges in the international students’ context. Adjustment to academic demands tended to present the greatest difficulty for international students. Most of international students preferred to seek help from friends rather than family to solve personal issues. The results of this study may be used to help international students better prepare for Malaysia undergraduate education. Future research, using a larger sample and additional variables brought out through the quantitative data, would shed more light on this process. Recommendation and implications for counselors, advisors, academicians, administrators, and others working with international students are discussed.
The purpose of this study was to examine determinants that influence online shopping behavior. This study focuses on the motivation and concern factors, which affect Malaysian Internet users’ shopping behavior. A total of 370 completed questionnaires were analyzed using path analysis to identify direct and indirect effects on online shopping intention. Samples were selected using convenience sampling technique among students from the states of Selangor. Path analysis was employed to achieve the objective of the study. The results of the study showed that the self-efficacy and trust related to concern factors had higher direct effect on online shopping intention whereas motivation factors include convenience, prices and wider selection had higher indirect effect on the online shopping intention through the attitude toward online shopping.
The purpose of this article is to study the prediction corrosion rates of closed-loop oscillating heat-pipe with check valves (CLOHP/CV). The CLOHP/CV used was made of copper tube with an inner diameter of 2.03 mm. The CLOHP/CV tested over a period of 3000 hour at working temperatures of 200°C and working fluids (water, ethanol). The concentrations and corrosion rates of inner copper tube were employed to analyze the data. It was found from experiments that the concentrations of copper particle and corrosion rates were inversely proportional to time. The results were then compared with those taken in standard copper tubes. And the concentration of copper particle in the amount of ethanol as working fluid at duration of testing was 3000 hour found that the copper tube had the most corrosive concentration was 0.408590 mg while water as working fluid had the corrosive concentration was 0.002136 mg which they were relationship in logarithmic function. And the corrosion rates would be the relation of equations of the corrosion rates with the duration time of testing in the relationship for polynomial function which the corrosion rates used ethanol as working fluid was more than water as working fluid caused the corrosion rates of 3000 hour were about 9.09×10-9 and 1.74×10-6 mm/y respectively.
The purpose of this research was on the basis of nursing staff to examine the relationship between four dimensions, viewpoint of CRM, Relationship between Patient-Nurse, Job Satisfaction of nursing staff and medical treatment satisfaction. According to previous references and the suggestions from experts, the research has set 5 dimensions that included Tangible, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy; otherwise, Job satisfaction was divided into two dimensions, internal and external satisfaction. The questionnaire of the research was designed by these dimensions; furthermore, used Regression Analysis to validate the general structure of the research. Viewpoint of CRM and nursing staff’s job satisfaction had obvious influence on the Patient-Nurse relationship and satisfaction of patients’ medical service. Carries out hospital CRM and the nursing staff job of satisfaction promotion.
This study examines the relationship between the internal corporate governance mechanism related to the audit committee characteristics and the performance of the Saudi companies listed in the Saudi stock exchange (TADAWL) in 2010, excluding financial companies. The statistical results of the study confirmed the positive significant effect of audit committee reviews of internal audit proposal variable on ROA and Tobin’s Q as measures of firm performance. While the effect of the extents of audit committee reviews of the results of internal audit activities on ROA was found to be positively significant, the effect of the same variable on Tobin’s Q was not supported by the results of the study. However, Audit Committees independence (ACIND), audit committee meetings (ACMEET), Audit Committees’ Shareholdings (ACOWN) and audit committee meeting with the chief internal auditor (ACIAM) are found to be insignificantly related to both accounting and market performance measures.
The rapid growth of Internet shopping has led to increasing interest in how to inspire customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction in Malaysia. By using TAM and TRA as the theoretical base, this study aims to investigate the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment on customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction. SPSS and SmartPLS (M3) are used as the main analytical tool. 395 respondents participated in the study and empirical results indicated that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively impacted customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction. Several implications, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research are outlined.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a great heterogeneity in the clinical course, neuroradiological images lesions. \nThe major research question addressed is to identify correlations between electrophysiological parameters, obtained by tensiomyographic testing and evoked potential in patients with MS, and prediction the gait rehabilitation.\nThe group of patients consisted of 40 MS patients without clinically detectable gait disorders. The neurophysiological assessment methods represented by visual evoked potentials (VEP) and tensiomyography (TMG).\nWe find that there is a parallel evolution between neuro-muscular parameters reflecting intramuscular conduction and P100 wave evolution. At anterior tibial muscle (TA) the pathognomonic P100 wave for MS, due to the latency increase, is directly correlated with increased levels of Dm and decreased Tc values. Regarding the back of the calf muscle group, we did analyze the results for each of the twins, medial Gm and lateral Gl. We can observe both in Gm and TA the same significant correlation between Tc, Dm on the one hand and P100 wave, more evident for Dm. These analyses revealed the most important and most significant parameters to support the diagnosis, revealing modifications at the limit of clinical expression and the progress of patients.
Having an efficient supply chain has always been a challenge for managers. One of the most important factors affecting the efficiency of the supply chain is the bullwhip effect. This effect influences the whole profitability of the supply chain and the first step to control the bullwhip effect is to measure it. Researchers have referred to different methods to measure the bullwhip effect, but if the data is incomplete, inconsistent, uncertain or unclear, then it is impossible to use them. In this paper, we create a model which uses Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). The flexibility of the proposed model allow managers to estimate the bullwhip effect which enable them to take action reduce this effect.
Fuel Efficiency regarding weight of the automobile is a major issue. To reduce the weight of the vehicle and to satisfy the safety of the automobile is a challenging task. Bumper is one of the main parts which are used as protection for passengers from front and rear collisions. In this study, the most important variables like material and impact conditions are studied for analysis of the bumper beam in order to improve the crashworthiness during collision. The Low velocity impact testing is simulated using LS DYNA at a speed of 4 kmph. This speed is according to regulations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, FMVSS 208- Occupant Crash Protection, whereby the purpose and scope of this standard specifies requirements to afford impact protection for passengers. In this research, the various bumper materials like Steel, Aluminum, Glass Mat Thermoplastics (GMT), Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) and Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (LFRT)were selected for the crash performance of front bumper beam using Finite Element Analysis. These materials were studied by impact modeling to determine the Kinetic Energy, displacement and impact force. The selected materials are compared to each other for the design parameters like shape, material and impact condition. Simulation is done using Finite Element Analysis software, LS DYNA. The results shows LFRT bumper can reduce the impact of collision with higher performance and was suggested to replace Steel, Aluminum, GMT and SMC. The impact duration for LFRT was the shortest compared to Steel, Aluminum, GMT and SMC.
Facility Layout Design (FLD) problems are concerned with the arrangement of a number of facilities in a given space to satisfy an objective function; for example, minimizing total interaction. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been used in order to extract the necessary information for selection the optimal layout and arrangement of a number of facilities. In order to eliminate the inconsistency caused by using different frontier facets to calculate efficiency, common set of weights\' DEA models have been developed, under which a group of DMUs can be ranked for a specific period.A new approach to determine the optimal distribution of process facilities based on the common set of weights DEA model is presented in this paper.
An online retailer deals with both Internet-based information systems and marketing activities. Based on DeLone and McLean’s updated information systems success model in 2003, this study focuses on the integrative approach by considering information system and services marketing areas, and examines the relationship between website quality dimensions (system quality, information quality, and service quality) and customer satisfaction. Data from a survey of 395 customers of online travel websites were used to test the new research model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural model also was analyzed to examine the associations hypothesized in the research model. The analytical results showed that system quality, information quality, and service quality are important antecedents of customer satisfaction.
Abstract: Previous models of work force fatigue were developed on very few variables. In most of these models, we are facing some variables related to physical fatigue. The main problem in using these models is in the lack of attention to mental and nervous factors of the work force. Therefore, it seems necessary for the new models to make use of the factors which affect the physical and nervous fatigues. In this research, we have decided to interview the experts in a big service company (i.e. Telecommunication Company). Thirty highly educated and experienced people were selected for the interview. After the interview and the analysis of the views and the suggestions, a questionnaire was designed and distributed. Next, responses were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the models which are designed on the basis of physical and nervous factors are more sensitive and more efficient, which can lead to the productivity of the work force.\n\nKeyword; Nervous Fatigue; Workforce Productivity; Physical Fatigue; Modeling
In this paper a theoretical analysis of electromagnetic field of Synchronized Induction Turbine Generator (SITG) is presented. A method to get wide range of slip variation for this generator of high power (over 200-235 MVA) is presented, avoiding the eddy current losses in massive rotor
Recent years wars show that enemy in war situations doesn\'t fetter to any criteria or international laws. So cities and their habitats will also threat as the main objectives. Today, the countries which experienced the demolition and destroyed caused by war, have an especial attention to passive defense, for maintaining of their national capital and vital recourses, and take high level considerations in defense strategies. It is obvious the passive defense considerations in urban planning and design, has a large effect in reducing damage of cities. It also can reduce loss of life and property, while leading to increase threshold of citizen resistance in attack situations and facilitate city crisis management. At this time, urban shelters have an important role in people protection against enemy attack and consider as an effective security measure.\nIn fact, contemplating appropriate considerations about urban shelters is essential for safe living during the military and nonmilitary threats (unexpected phenomenon). This is so serious for countries which have an important strategic and sensitive location and also be covetous of expansionist powers.\nThis article discus about following passive defense considerations in urban shelters designing and planning, also tries to reduce damaging these sorts of urban uses against enemy threats by using design and planning strategies.
Abstract\n\nThe research is the first to confirm the pathogenicity of Marasmiellus palmivorus on oil palm fruits, seeds, seedlings. Pathogenicity studies were conducted on the oil palm fruits in the laboratory and on germinated seeds and seedlings. The results confirmed the pathogenicity of M. palmivorus as the causal agent for bunch rot disease on oil palm in West Malaysia. Interesting observations were made to suggest this fungus to be a potential pathogen with no limitations on the plant parts being infected. This study confirmed dikaryotic mycelia of isolates were capable of entering susceptible palms when given optimum conditions for infectivity to occur. The disease was found to be spread also by root contact with the inocula. Isolates from coconut were shown to have the ability to cause the disease on oil palm. Coconut isolates (C3, C4 and C5) showed significant (P < 0.05) disease incidence and severity and appeared to be more aggressive than oil palm isolates. This observation is a new finding on the capability of the species to cause disease in the seeds and roots of oil palm seedlings besides causing bunch rot. The results were confirmed and supported by histopathological examination of oil palm root tissues. The presence of fungal hyphae were confirmed in all infected root tissues. The information obtained from this study provided new knowledge on the pathogenicity of M. palmivorus isolates on oil palm fruits.
In this paper, the problem of shape preserving positive surface data visualization has been discussed. The visualization has been made in such a way where it presents a smooth, visually pleasant and interactive view of positive surface. An attempt has been made to extend the rational cubic function to a partially bi-cubic blended rational function (Coons patches). Twelve free parameters are used in its description. Out of these free parameters, four are constrained to preserve the positivity of data and remaining eight are left free for designer to refine the positive surface as desired. Moreover, the scheme under discussion is C1, simple, local, computationally economical and time saving as compared to existing schemes.
This paper studies the problem of guaranteed cost control for a class of delayed neural networks. The time delay is a continuous function belonging to a given interval, but not necessary to be differentiable. A cost function is considered as a nonlinear performance measure for the closed-loop system. The stabilizing controllers to be designed must satisfy some exponential stability constraints on the closed-loop poles. By constructing a set of argumented Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals combined with Newton-Leibniz formula, a guaranteed cost controller is designed via memoryless state feedback control and new sufficient conditions for the existence of the guaranteed cost state-feedback for the system are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained result.
The present paper deals with the approximate analytic solution for sequential fractional differential\nequation in sense of Riemann-Liouville fractional operators for time and Srivastava-Owa fractional\noperators for space. Here we introduce a method of homotopy perturbation for two operators to obtain the\napproximate solutions. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are established and applications are imposed.
Abstract\n The present study aims to introduce and investigate Kandovan Village, located in East Azarbaijan Province, and Meymand Village, located in Kerman Province, with regard to tourism opportunities and potentials. The significance of this type of architecture is the use of natural rocks as a suitable bed for creating certain spaces that are in accord with human needs. The interaction between human being and the harsh and tough nature in which the man makes his shelter and house distinguishes this type of architecture with other forms. This research is a descriptive-analytic study on two cases of troglodytic architecture. The data are collected from valid sources and documents as well as the opinions of experts in this field. The results of this research could be used in tourism development process and related planning in these two cases (i.e. Kandovan Village and Meymand Village). It aims to offer suggestions for having maximum efficiency in order to achieve objectives related to development of tourism and tourists attraction in the process of quality and quantity development. \nKeywords: troglodytic architecture, tourism development, Kandovan Village, Meymand Village
