Knowledge is inarguably a valuable asset of an organization; nevertheless to acquire such asset relies heavily on knowledge sharing within the organization. Though many theories have been proposed and studied to implement knowledge management in organizations, yet an applicational model integrating various modern principles in practice is still understudied. This paper introduces an integrated model in which incorporates the news group, knowledge forum, knowledge asset and knowledge application process as means to receive organizational knowledge, and to employ hybrid e-learning and knowledge search to retrieve organizational knowledge. The case study selected a part of an international certification body, who is also a council member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), experienced in organizing and applying knowledge systematically. Through the validation of knowledge value added (KVA) method, the proposed knowledge integration model is found to provide a set of brand new, fully operational system for sharing knowledge in an organization.
Abstract\nIn this research, the performance of inflation targeting strategy was analyzed by using the least square technique in the regression model under the economic circumstances in Turkey. The results of this research can be summarized as follows: i) Inflation targeting regime has a weak positive effect on inflation rate performance. ii) There is no significant relationship between inflation targeting regime and growth rate iii) There is a positive but a weak relationship between inflation targeting regime and exchange rate perfomance iv) Inflation targeting regime has a strong positive effect on nominal interest rate performance. Overall, these results support the argument in literature that “inflation targeting affects macroeconomic performance positively” with the exception of growth rate.
As the electrical industry restructures many of the traditional algorithms for controlling generating units, they need either modification or replacement. In the past, utilities had to produce power to satisfy their customers with the objective to minimize costs and actual demand/reserve were met. But it is not necessary in a restructured system. The main objective of restructured system is to maximize its own profit without the responsibility of satisfying the forecasted demand. The Profit Based Unit Commitment (PBUC) is a highly dimensional mixed-integer optimization problem, which might be very difficult to solve. Hence integrating Optimization Technique Gradient Search (GS), Logistic Regression (LR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach is introduced in this paper considering power and reserve generating in order to receive the maximum profit in three and ten unit system by considering the softer demand. Also this method gives an idea regarding how much power and reserve should be sold in markets. The proposed approach has been tested on a power system with 3 and 10 generating units. Simulation results of the proposed approach have been compared with the existing methods. It is observed that the proposed algorithm provides maximum profit compared to existing methods.
This paper presents the design of one wheel air suspension model with an optimal controller. Two degrees of freedom quarter car model of a passive suspension system with actuator is considered for this analysis. The controller design involves selection of proper gain values. The controller action controls the valve actuator, it results to rattle space reduced and vehicle body acceleration and improved road holding. The vertical accelerations were required to be minimized for the model by optimization. Different types of PID controller design will be presented and their implementation will also be discussed. The performance of the PID controller is evaluated for active suspension system and compared with the passive suspension system.
This paper presents a study of the resistance to chloride penetration of concrete containing ground bottom ash (GBA). Lignite coal bottom ash from Mae Moh power plant in Thailand was ground until the particle size retained on a sieve No. 325 less than 5% by weight. The chloride penetration of concretes was investigated using the rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) and the immersion test with 0.1 N of silver nitrate solution. Three sets of different mix proportioning were prepared with water to binder ratio (w/b) of 0.80, 0.62 and 0.48. Ordinary Portland cement is partially replaced by ground bottom ash at 10, 20, 30, and 40% by weight of binder. Compressive strength and chloride penetration were determined at the ages of 28, 60, and 90 days. Experimental results indicated that the resistance to chloride penetration depended on water to binder ratios and percent replacement of ground bottom ash. Concretes with higher percentages of ground bottom ash and lower water to binder ratio exhibit improved chloride penetration resistance. The results confirmed that concrete containing ground bottom ash could be used for chloride penetration resistance.
With the ageing of population and social changes, more and more older people are living in nursing homes in Malaysia. Yet there is still a dearth of research on institutional living arrangement among older Malaysians. This paper aims to examine the effects of quality of service, and number of daily activities on the life satisfaction of older persons living in nursing homes to provide some inputs for service providers to improve their services to cater to the needs of the residents. A survey was carried out in 2010 to solicit information from 173 residents of 24 nursing homes in the Klang Valley, the administrative, commercial and industrial hub of Malaysia. The finding shows that seven independent variables, age, sex, education, marital status, health status, quality of service, and daily activity participation, accounted for 22.6% of the variation in the life satisfaction. Quality of service is the most important predictor in the life satisfaction of residents, and hence it is crucial to have quality service in the nursing homes. Having recreational activities in the homes is also one of the ways to enrich the life of residents in nursing homes.
The security requirements in the industrial world incite an ever deeper understanding of the behaviour and the fracture of polymeric materials used as structural parts of the passenger compartment. Fracture mechanics concepts are used to characterize the toughness of poly-venylidene fluoride pipe materials (PVDF). In order to achieve this objective, the propagation of semi-elliptical cracks under internal pressure is analyzed using numerical modelling methods in order to study the degree of damage in the equipment under internal pressure during the crack propagation. Different locations of semi-elliptical cracks are considered in the pipe. To take into account operating conditions, the effects of strain rate of PVDF are studied. The finite element method based on the computation of the J integral was used to analyze the fracture behaviour of these structures. The results obtained show that the crack propagation depends on the crack geometry and loading conditions.
The 20th century was the age of an industry-based economy. The 21st century is the age of a knowledge-based economy. In a knowledge-based economy, knowledge is a new factor in the production of wealth in comparison with other tangible and physical assets.\nThe purpose of this research is to identify and rank different aspects of knowledge management based on the Hicks model using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique at one of the most prestigious universities in Iran. This model has four main criteria of knowledge: creation, distribution, storage, and application as well as 17 sub-criteria.\nThe Chi 2 correlation tests indicated a positive and meaningful correlation between the four above-mentioned criteria and knowledge management implementation. The Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique indicated that there is a “need for new and updated information and knowledge” and “sharing or distribution of knowledge”.
This study reveals the role of line manager in implementing human resource practices in an organization. Basically, line manger role is devolved to line human resource responsibilities. Due to, the changes in structure and culture of organization and need for developmental activities in organizations, line manger is contributing a lot in learning and development of employees. The role of line manger in executing HR responsibilities is an area of research from a decade. The aim of this study is to generally provide an insight to line manger as HR Manager and specifically their collaborative work for the benefit of organization through win-win strategy. As, organizational value can be increased by focusing on vision, here the interests of line as well as staff manager are same. Therefore, duties and responsibilities of both are streamlined to achieve ultimate goals of organization. Moreover, this study elaborates HR-Line partnership and benefits that are being enjoyed by both HR manager and line manager as discussed. Authors have tried to develop a conceptual framework, elaborating effect of devolved line manger role on areas such as learning and development, organizational development, decision making, understanding of individual and organizational need and effective resolution of workplace problems through line manager. All these factors are being positively affected by line manger involvement in HR activities that in turn enhances organizational effectiveness and performance. This study is qualitative and in-depth review of previous studies that has lead to development of conceptual framework. Authors have concluded model as devolved HR role of line manger is drastically increasing and is playing a vital role in learning, developing and coaching of employees. HR line Partnership is actually win-win relationship giving benefits to both parties resulting in organizational effectiveness. Some areas, such as; employee increase learning and development, increased decision making, organizational development, effective resolution of workplace problems are areas that are positively influenced by devolved HR roles. Performance of organizations increases due to devolved line manger HR responsibilities.
Reservoir sedimentation can result in loss of reservoir useful storage capacity, reducing the useful life of dams. Thus, when designing a reservoir, sufficient sediment storage capacity in the reservoir should be provided to ensure that sediment accumulation will not impair the reservoir functions during the useful operational-economic life of the project. However, an important issue with estimating reservoir sedimentation and accumulation is dealing with the uncertainty involved in reservoir sedimentation. In this paper, the basic factors influencing the density of sediments deposited in the reservoirs have been discussed, and uncertainties in reservoir sedimentation have been determined using Delta method. Further the case of Kenny reservoir in the White River Basin at northwestern Colorado was selected to determine the density of deposits in the reservoir and the coefficient of variation. The results of this investigation have been indicated that in the case of Kenny Reservoir the uncertainty of density of sediments accumulated expressed by the coefficient of variation is about 10% for a period of 15 years of reservoir operation.
Abstract\n\nIn the wake of the urbanization growth in recent decades in Iran, especially in Talesh, creating business centers for living and as recreation space needs due to reduced leisure hours, has become one of the most important issues. Note that the review process, especially in commercial centers in Iran and especially in Talesh can be seen that the principles and criteria’s always in design centers, causing a favorable environment for business is referred is taken away. \nThe changing nature of the business centers of commercial operation of these facilities must meet the needs of consumers are motivated and looking to buy, sometimes comfortable, sometimes follow leisure time and recreation, and sometimes both are seeking to achieve these goals, attention to issues of social, humanitarian cultural, graphics are important in environmental psychology is that it requires the utilization of knowledge. \nThus, according to research being done with Talesh and commercial centers in the effort, and psychological aspects of human needs rarely associated with this approach that led to the creation of attractive and responsive space needs to be addressed, is referred. in this paper tried to explain the process of establishing business centers in the city\'s problems in Talesh, with the base of the pyramid Maslow\'s needs, psychological needs are being studied and effective in the know \"attitude\" in shaping behavior, guidelines for deployment of the suitable form, color, graphics, is the most important factors that shape individual behavior in these centers, are caused to the environment has suggested that the performance is appropriate.
In this paper we have developed a least-squares minimization method to estimate the depth of a buried conducting sphere using electromagnetic induction (EMI) data. This approach is basically based on the solving a set of algebraic linear equations to estimate the depth of sphere embedded in an insulating media. In electromagnetic induction method the transmitter coil produces the incident magnetic and electric fields that obey the Maxwell’s equations. In the receiver coil the received response is created in two modes. Eddy-current mode ( ) derived from the perfectly conductor placed in the shallow depth and another mode called current-channeling response ( ) which depends on the conductivity of the medium. As expected, these responses differ depending on the direction of the incident field related to the receiver coil’s axis. In our case the transmitter coil’s axis is parallel to the ground surface and only the eddy current response is measured in the receiver coil. The validity of this new method is demonstrated through studying and analyzing synthetic EMI anomalies, using simulated data generated from a known model with different random error components and a known statistical distribution.
In this paper, authors aimed to help engineers to select the best material for hi-rise structures. There are several rules and facts which should be considered to select the best material for a hi-rise building. Considering all of them in a case is not a simple problem. For an engineer, decision about the problem seems to be subjective and based on previous experience and knowledge. The authors attempted to develop a knowledge base to solve this problem.\nIn order to achieve the purpose, a fuzzy inference system is implemented and the engine is optimized to produce the best outputs. Outputs of the system are presented to a group of structural engineers to analyze the acceptability. Parameters of the systems are selected to achieve the most suited acceptances. \nThe result of this research is a fuzzy inference system which helps engineers to select the most appropriate material for hi-rise structures. The system can serve as an engineer assistant. \nThe knowledge engineering implemented in this paper is unique and this is the first time that is presented in the form of rules which form the rule-base.
Abstract\nIn order to study the effect of different levels of irrigation and nitrogen on some physiological traits of signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia), a study was carried out in greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashad, Iran in 2012 on the basis of a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The main plot was irrigation interval at three levels of 2, 4 and 6 days and the sub-plot was N fertilization at three levels of 0, 15 and 30 g. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of irrigation interval was not significant on chlorophyll index, stomatal conductance and leaf area. N fertilization level significantly influenced total leaf area, but its effect was not significant on chlorophyll index and stomatal conductance, so that the increase in N fertilization level significantly increased total leaf area by 3.8%. So, it is recommended to use irrigation interval of 2 days and 30 g N fertilization to achieve the highest level of the studied physiological traits.
In the present paper, the fuel spray has been modeled at a constant speed, DI diesel engine with varied fuel injection pressures (from 275 to 1000 bars). The main objective includes investigating the effect of injection pressures on the engine performance. The results show that the optimum fuel injection pressure is between 650 - 850 bars. At this optimized pressure the thermal efficiency, indicated power, Nox, and soot grow up. The changes in fuel injection time for six states of 6-BTDC, TDC, 3-ATDC and 5.5-ATDC have been investigated. The combustion analysis shows that, the ignition delay has lower emission at higher injection pressures. An improved spray model is used to simulate the spray and combustion processes of diesel with early and late injection timings. It is concluded that the use of early injection provides lower soot but higher NOx emissions than the late injection.
Abstract\nA study of the wet condition has been conducted in Peninsular Malaysia based on Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) for various time aggregates, i.e. one-week (SPI-1), three-week (SPI-3) and six-week (SPI-6). The consideration of different time aggregate is due to its application in various sectors. This study uses weekly amount of rainfall data compiled from 75 rain-gauge stations for the period of 33 years; 1975 – 2007. Markov Chain method is applied to determine the degree of wet-proneness and the expected return period of wet/dry conditions. The results showed that the wet-proneness values decreases as the time aggregates considered increases. On the other hand, the values for average and maximum for duration and severity of wet condition increase with higher time aggregate. In general, the eastern region is found to consistently experience the highest values for wet-proneness index and expected return period of wet compared to other regions.\nKeywords: Standard Precipitation Index, time aggregates, wet-proneness
The scope of this research is investigation of repeated blood transfusion effects on recipients. For this purpose, hematological and serum biochemical alteration is investigated to determine clinical research. Ten sheep selected for experiments, half of them were donor and others were recipient. The results of cross match test show donor\'s blood is compatible with the recipient`s blood. The blood transfusions were performed during three consecutive days (each day 250 ml). Every 24 hours for 5 times the blood sampling of recipients was performed and complete blood count and other parameters was measured. According to the data, repeated blood transfusion (750 ml transfusion in three consecutive days) is not accompanied with clinical reaction. So cross match test is not essential between donor and recipient. However it should be noted that immune system of recipients is stimulated and the risk of dangerous reactions exist in the next transfusions.
Mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a mobile, dynamic, temporary, and non-infrastructure network of nodes. Organization and topology of MANET change frequently due random movement of nodes. MANET may work independently or may be part of the Internet. Major challenges of MANETs are multihop, mobility, scalability, bandwidth, and battery power constraints etc. MANET uses routing protocols in order to establish and maintain routes for the exchange of data between hosts which have no direct link. Until now, many routing protocols have been developed for MANETs. This paper examines the performance of OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing) and DYMO (Dynamic MANET Ondemand) routing protocols on the basis of two performance metrics namely normalized routing load (NRL) and packet delivery ratio (PDR). Results show that OLSR outperforms DYMO in terms of NRL. Increasing topological area, speed, and number of nodes increases NRL while increasing pause time improves NRL of both protocols. With respect to PDR, DYMO outperforms OLSR. Increasing area, mobility speed and number of nodes decreases PDR while increasing pause time improves PDR of both protocols.
The leadership styles of the managers in the official system form the basis of the performance and the behaviors of the managers. This article tries to identify the effective variables and the type of the style of the managers in the official system. The method of the research is descriptive and correlative analysis and the method of data collection is a questionnaire and library method. The results of the research show that factors such as the motivation of fulfillment and the manager\'s task-orientedness affect on the style of the leadership of the managers, but variables such as working power, mental desire of the employees, the manager\'s relation-orientedness, the member-manager relation and the nature of the tasks are not verified in the research. It means in the whole offices of Zanjan Province, these variables are not considered as the variables effective in the leadership style of the managers. And another result of the research is that the leadership style is confirmed as a work- and task-oriented factor in the related population in the study conducted.
Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of C. rupicolum extracts. \nMethod: The stembark of C. rupicolum was extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol, consecutively by using soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial activity was carried out using disc diffusion method followed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) determination. Next, the antioxidant activity was conducted using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay and β-carotene bleaching assays. \nResults: The antimicrobial activity revealed that methanol extract exhibited the strongest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus with the MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL, while ethyl acetate extract showed the strongest inhibition against Candida tropicalis with the MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL. In DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, the methanol extract showed high antioxidant activity with IC50 of 0.02 mg/mL. In β-carotene bleaching assay, n-hexane extract showed high antioxidant activity (74 %). \nConclusion: The results showed that the extracts from C. rupicolum exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The objective of this study is to examine the antecedents of organizational commitment of academic staff in Malaysia. The study identified intrinsic motivation and job autonomy as important dimensions to improve academic staff commitment within institutions. A cross-sectional study based on proportionate stratified sampling technique was employed, with a total of 203 respondents from two private universities selected. Various assumptions test were conducted such as normality test, outliers and multi-collinearity tests. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that intrinsic motivation and job autonomy significantly contributes to organizational commitment and its three dimensions: affective, continuance and normative commitment. Intrinsic motivation and job autonomy were significant predictors to the organizational commitment model. Based on the outcome of the study, it is recommended that Heads of Departments, Deans of Faculties and Human Resources Personnel provide useful training and workshop to enhance academic staff skills and knowledge. Through these acts, it is hoped that improvement can be seen in the academic staff organizational commitment and subsequently improve institution performance and reputation.
In today’s ultra competitive world, there is no firm which can keep its existence without paying attention to its customer’s needs and desires and also without gaining their satisfaction. Aviation industry is not excluded from this as one of the most competitive sections. Nowadays, services’ quality has turned into a key tool for achieving competitive difference and loyalty development. The key to improvement of services ‘quality is first the evaluation of the current quality situation of the firm and then the presentation of services-related solutions for promoting the customer’s satisfaction. This study works on the Mahan firm’s (Iran) quality assessment based on SERVQUAL model and finally, considering its impact on satisfaction and behavioral tendencies through a conceptual model. The conceptual model has been depicted by using the SEM model and some hypotheses are represented on the basis of the aforementioned conceptual model. We used a two-part questionnaire for mining data from 399 Iranian passengers who at least, have had two interval flights within the past two years. The data was analyzed by utilizing Statistical Software, LISREL. The results show that there is a gap between customer’s perception and expectations in every aspect of SERVQUAL model and despite of the partial satisfaction of passengers from services, the intention to repurchase is low which indicates the absence of customer’s absolute loyalty.
Empowerment of rural women is one of the important issues in developing countries. Rural women are an integral part of the rural society. ICT can be a powerful catalyst for political and social empowerment of women. While ICTs have benefited rural women by way of access to new information and new employment opportunities, women still face a number of constraints in accessing ICTs. This paper explores the challenges and requirements in the application of ICTs in empowerment of rural women in Marvdasht Township of Fars province in Iran. The statistical population of this research included 1301 of rural women in central sector of Marvdasht Township which, 83 of them were selected by Cochran\'s Formula through a proportional stratified sampling. A questionnaire was developed to collect data. Validity of the questionnaire confirmed by experts and reliability was measured by using Cronbach alph coefficient and 79% was estimated by the SPSS17 software. Based on the results, the rate of empowerment of rural women was in moderate level (65.1%). The results also indicated that illiteracy and low literacy of rural women and lack of constraction of content in local language were determined the most important challenges of application of ICTs and access to service and support ICTs and supply of specialists staff were determined the most important requirements of application of ICTs in rural women’s empowerment. And finally present short suggestion.\n\nKeywords: Empowerment, Information and communication technologies, Rural women
Network Simulator version 2 (NS-2) is one of the most popular open source network simulators that is widely used by network researcher community. NS-2 is built using C++ and OTcl (object-oriented tool command language) programming language. Tcl (tool command language) is the language used to create network topology, setup a simulation scenario and run an experiment. NS-2 generates a trace file during the simulation experiment. The trace file contains all network events that can be used to calculate network performance metrics such as throughput, goodput, jitter. However, the trace file is hard to be analyzed by itself. Therefore, researchers write a script using awk or perl for extracting useful info from the trace file then use GnuPlot or Xgraph to present the extracted data. As a result, researchers spend much time for post processing phase. This paper introduces Java-Based NS-2 Analyzer (JDNA) as a tool for analyzing NS-2 trace files. JDNA enables researcher to extract and plot information quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, it has the ability to visualize more than one trace file simultaneously as well as supports all NS-2 trace file formats. In addition, JDNA will help researchers to focus on the development of new algorithms or protocols rather than spending time on post processing of data. Finally, JDNA has been validated to ensure it has been coded correctly and operate in accordance with its specifications, then its performance has been compared to Jtrana and trace graph. Results show a significant performance improvement of JDNA in contrast to other analyzers.
The emerging technology in agricultural research has changed the scenario for crop management. The precision farming concept is emphasized in parallel with the essential technology used in agriculture. The tools such as variable rate technology (VRT) seem compulsory for decision making purpose. Thus, this study carried out to develop a rapid mapping system as a new tool for nitrogen (N) fertilizer application based on soil electrical conductivity data. The result from this study proves the merit of the developed system in terms of its performance and its reliability. The total nitrogen map produced via this system shows to be reliable for use in the site-specific application for best management practices. The optimum N fertilizer application recommended through the variability map proves to increase the rice yield up to 30%. The findings of this study show that applying nutrients at optimal rates and at the right place with the assistance of technology is feasible to achieve high yield and high efficiency of nutrient use by the crop. The use of this mapping system as a basis of measuring the soil nutrient variability proved to be a good technique for the farmers for better management of paddy fields.
In 2006, Chang and Lee [C. C. Chang, J. S. Lee, “An anonymous voting mechanism based on the key exchange protocol”, Computers and Security vol. 25, 2006, pp. 307-314], proposed an e-voting protocol in which every voter must have a pair of public/private keys and some transmissions for setting session keys. In this paper, we propose an improvement over Chang and Lee’s scheme such that the need of keys for voters is obviated and the number of servers and transmissions is decreased and it makes the proposed scheme more efficient in large scale electronic voting systems. Moreover, conspiracy between authorities can no longer violate privacy of voters. We further show This attack fails in our proposed scheme.
Several studies have emerged on examination misconduct in Nigeria, but 'e-cheating' habit of students, a new form of examination fraud is yet to be given adequate attention in the literature. This study is provoked to address this problem not only in the country but also in academic scholarship. Using three selected Universities samples, the study examines methods which students are using in engaging ICTs to perpetuate examination misconduct. Relying on raw data of one hundred and ninetynine (199) students retrieved, the study attempted to uncover if a significant difference exists in echeating habit between ICT-compliant students and other students in rubrics not science-oriented. It equally tried to discover if there is a significant difference in e-cheatng habit between male and female students. Drawing on the recorded data in each institution, the study reported five ICT tools associated with examination misconduct. Using chi-square (X2) to test the hypotheses, the study reported a significant difference between ICT-complinat students and other students in rubrics not scienceoriented. Finally, it revealed a significant difference in e-cheating habit between male and female students.
This article presents a new algorithm which is a modified version of the elite ant system (EAS) algorithm. The new version mixed with insert and swap algorithms utilizes an effective criterion for escaping from the local optimum points. In contrast to the classical EAC algorithms, the proposed algorithm (PA) uses only a global updating, which will increase pheromone on the edges of the best (i.e. the shortest) route and will at the same time decrease the amount of pheromone on the edges of the worst (i.e. the longest) route. In order to assess the efficiency of the new algorithm, some standard traveling salesman problems (TSPs) were studied and their results were compared with classical EAC and other well-known meta-heuristic algorithms. The results indicate that the PA been able to improve the efficiency of the algorithms in all instances and it is competitive with other algorithms.
Rapid growth in the information and communication technology has increased the demand for equipment in data centers. However, this is not followed by the expansion of space. The increase in high density data center equipment gives impact to the increase heat dissipation. Cooling system in a data center consumes the highest power utilization after the IT equipment. The optimization of performance of the cooling system will give significant benefit for energy efficiency. The objective of the study is to show the importance of numerical simulation in order to find the optimum arrangement of racks in data centers. Optimization could be achieved by the arrangement of racks position and improvement in the cooling system and airflow management. Models and simulation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are developed for the room and equipment of data center where the effect to temperature profiles will be observed. A case study of data center design in Kuala Lumpur with 30 racks of equipment and combination of raised floor cooling and spot cooling was carried out. Results of CFD simulation show the problems arose in data center cooling and improvement was suggested to improve the distribution of cooling and reduction of hot spots.
Implementing Information Technology/ Information system (IT/IS) become the major concern of every industry around the world. The benefit of its application is undeniable, encouraging every organisation to invest in the technology. However, researches conducted revealed high failure rates occured which became a serious concern to all. Much have been written about the critical success factors (CSFs) for IT/IS implementation. But none have highlighted the major reasons for the failure, which is people issue. People are the foundation of every organisation and can determine the success and failure of IT/IS implementation. More attention should be given to this issue in an effort to reduce the failure rates. In regards to this matter, this research paper identified the CSFs focusing on this people issue. Literature findings listed 21 factors that contribute to the success of IT/IS implementation across industries. These factors were then grouped into 4 categories; skills, behaviour, management and mind-set. Four construction organisations were selected to test the existence of the factors identified. Semi-structured interviews were employed as they offer sufficient flexibility to ensure that all relevant factors are covered. Several key issues contributing to successful implementations of IT/IS are identified. Findings reported in this research paper will benefits the construction organisations by giving them a clearer understanding on CSFs in implementing IT/IS, maximising the probability to success and also serve as a guideline for future planning.
This paper will look into total innovation for a lean and cutting-edge approach in handlings and feeding of materials from upstream to production, specifically the focus more towards electrical and electronic manufacturing. This study will help to provide a framework of effective materials management practices for the practicing managers. The proposed framework of this study can be used to address current problems of inventory management among manufacturers by identifying the effective methods and models of inventory management. The study would also help inventory managers to understand the determinants of effective inventory managements as well as to establish a model that will enable business organization to keep optimum level of inventory which will lead to profitable business growth along with trustworthy relationship with suppliers and manufacturers. The first author having more than fifteen years experience in the manufacturing industry before joining the academic institution.
The major purpose of this study was to examine the role of integrated crop management in sustainable agriculture. The total population of study was all 118 agricultural experts in the Tehran province. The data was collected by using questionnaire through using interview method. The findings of this study indicated regression analysis revealed that application of legumes in crop rotation, application of genetically modified crops, using mechanical methods, attending educational classes and application of green fertilizers were significant factors. These results have important policy implications for policy makers in Iran. Integrated crop management may have a particularly important part to play in the sustainable agriculture of Iran.\nKeywords: Sustainable Agriculture, ICM Management, Iran
Abstract\nRelatively high molecular mass of naphthalene cause it is hard to biodegradation also the biological methods require long time for filtering pollutants. In this paper two methods of ozonation and aeration was used to remove water-soluble naphthalene. Different concentrations of naphthalene in solution, placed under conditions of variable PH, different time and different amounts of ozonation and aeration. The ANOVA results showed that there are significant differences between the two methods naphthalene removal under ozonation were obtained 55% and were obtained in aerated 37%. Optimal conditions for removal of naphthalene in an acidic environment with PH 5 with increased contact time to 15 minutes and the amount of ozonation and aeration was obtained 3 lit / min. The results also indicate that ozone is a much more efficient method to remove high concentrations of naphthalene solution from the water source.\nKeywords: Naphthalene soluble, Biological methods, Ozonation, Aeration
The purpose of this research is comparing Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process weighting method that are two famous criteria weighting method.\nTo achieve the mentioned purposes, we had identified the attribute that contribute to performance of the contractors in project based organizations; next we had weighted mentioned attribute by two scenarios (Analytical Hierarchy Process and fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process method). Extracted weights from first method were revised by expert judgments. Finally we had compared AHP and FAHP with revised weights by Spearman correlation hypothesis. \nFinding of this research reveals that AHP weighting method is more reliable rather than FAHP. The next research finding is that significant and weak relationship between weights of AHP and revised methods and there is significant and positive relationship between AHP and FAHP criteria\'s weights.\nBased on research finding we must suspect in weighting methods by MADM logic. To gain better result; it’s a good idea the extracted weights be revised by expert judgments. \nThis paper tries to assist scholar in assessment of which MADM(AHP) problems solving scenario (AHP or fuzzy AHP) is more accurate and reliable.