bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge Detection Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Paika Er. Vishal , Bhambri Er. Pankaj
Published: February 2019

In this paper a method has been developed for automatic edge detection of an digital image. An edge is made up of those pixels at which there is an abrupt change in the intensity. These pixels are known as edge pixels and are connected to give an edge. In this paper we have developed a mamdanis fuzzy inference system in MATLAB 2008 using fuzzy logic tool box. A smallest possible 2X2 window is used as a scanning mask. Mask slides over the whole image pixel by pixel, first horizontally in topmost horizontal line then after reaching at the end of line, it increments to check the next vertical location and it continues till the whole image is scanned. The FIS built has 4 inputs, each input representing a pixel for 2X2 mask, and 1 output that represents pixel under consideration. The rule editor consists of sixteen fuzzy rules. The results thus obtained are compared with Sobel edge operator and Canny edge operator.
Role of Organizational Flexibility in Enhancing Sustainable Green Management Practices: A Study in Emerging Market Context
Authors: Rauth Bhardwaj Dr. Broto , Deshmukh A.R.
Published: February 2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the variables influencing the role of organizational flexibility in enhancing sustainable organization (SO) by adopting green management practices. The empirical research study identifies the characteristics of internal environment to enhance sustainable green management practices in firmsoperating in an emerging economy, such as India. Design/methodology/approach The authors studied a sample size of 62 firms all over India and measured the internal environment for enhancing sustainable green management practices. In total, 142 responses were collected.Using SPSS tool, the authors measured the impact of these variables on sustainable outcomes.Findings It was found that the critical variables with respect to Indian context included management support, a nd organizational flexibility for developing environmentally sustainable organization.Research limitations/implications Further confirmatory research needs to be conducted to establish the stability of these factors. The results need to be tested on a larger sample size. Moreover, the tool developed needs to be tested for other emerging economy context too for generalization. Practical implications Organizational flexibility would enhance the sustainable capability of the companies to compete by enhancing their competitiveness in emerging economies by adopting green management practices. Therefore, it would be critical to study the role of green management practices in enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the firms operating in the Indian economy. Originality/value Earlier studies have not included two important parameters, including role of organizational flexibility and management support as drivers of sustainable development even in the developed country context. Moreover, the influence of organizational flexibility on green management practices needs to be studied in the context of sustainable development which was missing in the earlier literature.
Sensors and boundary gradient observability of hyperbolic systems
Authors: Zerrik El hassan , Benhadid S. , Rekkab S.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this paper is to study regional gradient observability in a boundary subregion of evolution domain of hyperbolic system. We establish necessary conditions for the sensor structure in order to obtain regional boundary gradient observability. A reconstruction method based on extension of the Hilbert uniqueness method [7] is also developed and leads to a numerical approach successfully illustrated with numerical examples and simulations.
The impact of service quality on Customer satisfaction of Jordan Insurance Companies
Authors: Ahmad Al qudah Dr Kamal , H. Al-beshtawi Dr Sulieman , Atallah Al-Tarawneh Dr. Khaled , Abraheem Shlash Mohammad Dr. Anber , Adel  Abu-Laimon Amr
Published: February 2019

The study aimed to investigate the impact of service quality on Customer satisfaction of Jordan Insurance Companies. The sample for this study consists customers of Jordan insurance companies . These were randomly selected from customers of ALICO insurance company located in in several locations in Jordan. Two hundred and thirty three usable surveys were returned with a response rate of 58.25% . The (SERVQUAL) identifies seven dimensions of service quality: Competence, Credibility, reliability, responsiveness, Assurance, tangibles, Communication.. The study indicates that there was a statistically significant link between seven dimensions service quality and customer satisfaction. The findings of the study have important implications for managers of Jordan Insurance Companies, managers of Jordan Insurance Companies could make Commitment by the offers provided to the customers, so that the advertised offers should match the reality. Great attention to complaints made by customers and considering them seriously by forming specialized committees to respond to these complaints, and W orking on the development of signboards in all centers of the company which include the steps to be followed by customers to receive the service in order to let the customer receives the servicequickly and without errors or delay.
Logistics Mode Selection Model Based on Fuzzy multi-objective Programming
Authors: Zhao Haiyan
Published: February 2019

Logistics mode selection is one of the most important activities of supply chain management. An important way to make competitor advantage is select an optimal Logistics mode for the enterprise. Logistics mode selection is a multi-criterion decision making problem in which criteria have different relative importance. In practice, many input information are known precisely. The fuzzy set theories can be used due to the imprecision of information. In this paper, a fuzzy multi-objective decision-making model which is equivalent to solving crisp model by using max-min approach is developed to handle effectively the vagueness of input data in the process of Logistics mode selection. Also, an additive model taking into account the objectivesâ€™ weights is presented further in the end of this paper.
A comparative approach to image registration methods
Authors: Rathore Gurpreet , Dhir Vijay
Published: February 2019

Image processing methods are possibly able to visualize objects inside the human body. Efficient image processing methods are useful in medical diagnosis, treatment planning and medical research. Medical images are used for medical diagnosis. These images should be geometrically aligned for better observation. Registration is necessary technique to integrate data taken from different measurements. Image Registration is a process of overlaying two or more images that can taken at different times, using different devices, different viewpoints and from different angles in order to have 2D or 3D perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to present comparative approach to various image registration methods. This will be a useful document for researchers to implement alternative image registration methods for specific purpose.
Development Multiple Neuro-Fuzzy System Using Back-propagation Algorithm
Authors: Alshawi Dr. Imad S. , Allamy Haider Khalaf , Khan Dr. Rafiqul Zaman
Published: February 2019

When fuzzy systems are highly nonlinear or include a large number of input variables, the number of fuzzy rules constituting the underlying model is usually large. Dealing with a large-size fuzzy model may face many practical problems in terms of training time, ease of updating, generalizing ability and interpretability. Multiple Fuzzy System (MFS) is one of effective methods to reduce the number of rules, increase the speed to obtain good results. This paper is therefore proposes another approach call Multiple Neuro-Fuzzy System (MNFS) which can further enhance the performance of the MFS approach. The new approach is used Back-propagation algorithm in the learning process. The performance of the proposed approach evaluates and compares with MFS by three experiments on nonlinear functions. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach than MFS with regards to enhancement of the accuracy of the results.
The PESTEL Environment and Its Impact on the Value Created
Authors: Janet Touati
Published: February 2019

Any business lives in a well-defined global environment and conducts its activities in accordance with national and international conditions. However, certain standards of a political, economic, socio-cultural, ecological, technological and legal influence, the behavior of the company. Because, the specific effects of each variable are particularized by a mode and rhythm of intervention. The recourse to Checklists classifying the environmental variables in main categories, as model PESTEL proposes it, facilitates the various company-environment ratios. However, the aforementioned environment is hardly homogeneous, it is protean and its study returns to its decomposition. It is with such an effort of decomposition/differentiation that this paper is delivered. It is here question of the implications of an environmental evaluative approach about the creation of the value.
Factors Determining Employee Retention A Study on Indian Public Sector Unit
Authors: Kumar Naresh , K. Dr. Padma , Kumar Ramesh
Published: February 2019

Employee Retention is a process in which the employees are encouraged to remain with the organization for the maximum period of time or until the completion of the project. With the increasing attrition in organizations especially in Indian Public Sector Organization, it has become a question of study. This paper deals with factors that are affecting the retention of employees in Indian Public Sector Organization and its impact on the Organization. The present paper uses Frequency and Cross-tab methodology for identifying the major factors relating to employee retention. The survey has been conducted in National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) Ramagundam.
A Survey On MOOC Providers For Higher Education
Authors: Malliga Dr. P
Published: February 2019

Online learning has evolved over the years, becoming increasingly accessible and gaining credibility as a learning medium. Universities are reshaping education on the Web by means of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). The learners can access educational content anytime, from anyplace and participatory culture using social networks seems to be the biggest advantage that MOOC has brought to the world of education especially in the higher education arena. MOOC has rapidly developed from a small section of specialist courses to millions of registered users on major online platforms offering hundreds of courses. As MOOC expands, attrition and accreditation is a problem. Though MOOC is expanding very fast, the literature on MOOC research is limited. This paper presents a survey on MOOC providers which aims to capture the state of MOOC, how they evolved and to identify issues and challenges that are important for MOOC providers.
Blue Ocean Marketing-A Promising Strategy
Authors: Unissa.A Barkath , Kumudha Dr.
Published: February 2019

Companies have long engaged in head-to-head competition in search of sustained, profitable growth. They have fought for competitive advantage, battled over market share, and struggled for differentiation. Yet in todays overcrowded industries, competing head-on results in nothing but a bloody red ocean of rivals fighting over a shrinking profit pool. Tomorrows leading companies will succeed not by battling competitors, but by creating blue oceans of uncontested market space ripe for growth. Such strategic moves termed value innovation create powerful leaps in value for both the firm and its buyers rendering rivals obsolete and unleashing new demand.
The Impact of Internal Environment of Working on the firms performance
Authors: Tijani DR. AMARA
Published: February 2019

Research on monetary evaluation of the impact of internal environment on firms performance always remains of importance interest. However, the validity of the results depends on the methods of evaluation and measurement used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degradation of the firms performance as consequence of the following two aspects: occupational accidents and injuries and the pollution of the work environment. The first part of this paper presents a brief review of the theoretical concepts, which illustrate the relationship between the work environment and the firms performance. The fieldwork constitutes the central arguments of the second part. The method used for the evaluation of the health damages. The results obtained stress the importance of the Health and safety issues on the performance of the firm.
Exploratory Study of Most Critical Business Communication Skills
Authors: Verma Deepak , Pande Dr.Neerja
Published: February 2019

It has been observed that business communication plays a crucial role in the corporate world. The corporate executives need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills while performing their job roles, which helps them in reaching a sovereign position in this competitive business environment. The main intendment of this paper is to identify the essential attributes for business communication skills so that B-Schools can develop business communication curriculum and teaching methodology for their students which is most suited to contemporary corporate aspirations and anticipations. For the identification of the most significant attributes on communication skills, we formed an expert panel by taking senior corporate executives from the industry. We selected those attributes which were categorized as critical or important by more than 60% of the panel members. As a result we were able to finalize a list of 41 Business Communication attributes that are valued by the corporate executives. With these findings, B-Schools and their faculty members will have a clear view of the corporate expectation / requirements of business communication skills. Academicians can integrate these attributes and develop the course curriculum accordingly so that it can be benchmarked with corporate expectations. Students can also have a clear cut understanding on what communication skills are required in the corporate world so that they can prepare themselves with the desired attributes.
The Activity-based costing (ABC) in a Public Higher Education Institutions (HEI): Stakeholders perceptions
Authors: Hashim Jamalludin Helmi
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in perceptions, i)  on the usefulness of costing information produced by ABC and the traditional costing system, and ii) between users and preparers. The respondents were selected using disproportionate stratified random sampling method among staff in the biggest public university in Malaysia with a multi-campus university system. Twelve branch campuses across the country. The data was collected using structure postal questionnaires that were distributed to 153 respondents across all of their campuses. The results indicated that respondent perceived the information produced by ABC system as of higher functionality as compared to the traditional costing system information. The finding also showed that there was no significance difference between users and prepares with regards to the quality of ABC system, but users perceived the ABC information is of higher functionality than do the preparers.
Evaluating the performance of Kuwait International Bank "An analytical study of the effects of the convert from the conventional system to the Islamic system "
Authors: Al-Ethawi Ahlam , Rbaiaan Manal Al
Published: February 2019

This research aimed to recognize the extent of reflecting the application of Islamic banking system on the financial performance of banks. It's also helps to find the feasibility sought by the conventional banks by directing to converting to the Islamic system through evaluating the financial performance of the conventional banks before and after its shift; by using the financial indicators and the personal interviews that answered the main question of the research which is;  Is there a difference in the bank's performance before and after the shift from the conventional system to Islamic system? The most important research results were that the pre-preparation of the bank shift plan and the creation of its employees is one of the most important factors in the success of the process. Also the possibility of banks converting in the state of Kuwait is available and enacted with laws that regulate working therein. The financial ratios are also main indicators to identify the performance of the bank. The professional vision of the bank converting experience has also suggested the right decision to turn to the Islamic regime to achieve the desired end of all the technical aspects, including banking, financial and legal ones.
Privacy Factors of Social Network That Effect Users Trust And Confidentiality
Authors: Alkeinay Nader Yahya , Norwawi Norita Md , Wahid Fauziah Abdul , Ismail Roesnita , Mohd Alwi Najwa Hayaati
Published: February 2019

Social network is term used to refer to the social structure that is made up of a set of social actors. The social actors in this case include organizations or individuals. Social networks allow people to interact and socialize as they get to learn and know each other. Through social networking sites, people from different parts of a country or the world also get to meet and interact. However, there have been issues with regards to social network privacy for those who use the internet to use social network sites. This paper will look at some of the factors that affect trust of the users as well as the privacy issues related to social networks (Fernandez, 2009).
Effect of Work Life Balance & Antecedent Variable on Intention to Stay (A Study of Female Employees in High Performing Banks in Jakarta)
Authors: Purba Sylvia
Published: February 2019

This research raised a topic about Work-Life Balance (WLB) and the antecedent variable towards Intention to Stay. This study was conducted on 154 female respondents who worked as bank employees in the best performing banks in Jakarta by purposive sampling method as married women whose have children and has been working more than 3 years. WLB which stated in respondent perception found that is positively influenced towards Intention to Stay, where Management of Dual Role and The Organizational Support Practices is the antecedent variable of WLB. Consequently, Management of Dual Role in fact is not influenced towards Intention to Stay meanwhile The Organizational Support Practices still influenced 10 % of Alpha. The interesting finding in this research known that WLB influenced by Management of Dual Role used house-maid service and The Organizational Support Practices have not touched the support towards Dual Role Women. It is described that the organization has not been supported the WLB issue.
Block Cipher Based Cryptographic Algorithm For Data Security
Authors: Hasan Syed Hamid , Trigui Mohamed Salim , Ali Alquraishee Anser Ghazzaal
Published: February 2019

The process of protecting the accessibility,  reliability, and secrecy of information is called Information security. We see a great increase in accessing of computer databases for stored information. Increasing number of companies are storing individual and business information on computers. Most of this information is not meant for the public eyes and is very sensitive. The following paper discusses the development of a block cipher based cryptographic algorithm that uses the logical gates like XOR and other shifting operations. The results of the experiment prove the algorithm to be efficient and secure.
M-Government: Measuring the Factors that influence Mobile Government Services Acceptance among Bahraini Youth
Authors: Ali Hayat , Sahwan Reem , Shamsaldeen Zainab , Rajulla Nafeesa
Published: February 2019

In recent years, the advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and particularly the rapid changes in mobile technologies have led to the development of new applications. Many governments worldwide have started moving towards Mobile Government (M-Government) as M-government can be a powerful component of the e-government that could facilitate more and better services to the citizens. For a better application of these services, it is important to investigate the factors that influence the intention to use M-government services. Therefore, this study is to investigate the factors that influence the intention to use M-Government services among Bahraini Youth. The theoretical model that was developed by [1] was employed for this purpose. The model is tested through a survey administered to Bahraini Youth. Results suggested Perceived Trust in Technology, Perceived Service Quality, and Perceived Compatibility affect Youth's intention to use M-services. The results also revealed that Ease of Use and Usefulness are antecedents to attitude toward using M-services. This research provides mobile service providers in Kingdom of Bahrain with a practical and communicable checklist of contextual and conditional factors, which are seamlessly integrated, and cover the end users (Youth) perspectives which should be considered as the cornerstone for any M-Government project.
Public Intervention and Open Market System in Health Services
Authors: Aslan M. Hanifi , Golpek Filiz
Published: February 2019

In many economies, a significant proportion of service production is organized within market system. In the market system, the units in this organization base their economic activities on profit and benefit maximization. However, in most parts of service sector, pure competition conditions may not be valid. Health services are different from the goods which are produced and distributed by the open market. While some activities which are within the scope of health services are close to the definition of public, most of them have the characteristics of semipublic goods and services. Considering the importance which the mentioned services have regarding the society with their social benefits and the social costs which they will cause unless they are produced sufficiently, it could be argued that besides the open market, the public should also produce these services. The aim of this study is to present the insufficiency of market system in producing health services and analyze the intervention methods of public in order to compensate the insufficiency.
The Effect of Corporate Life Cycle on Financial Reporting Quality Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Zadband Vahid Khosravi , Omrani Hamed
Published: February 2019

The major purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of corporate life cycle on financial reporting quality of companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange. Therefore, accruals quality and volume of abnormal accruals were utilized as measures to evaluate financial reporting quality. First, the statistical population was separated into firms at growth, maturity and decline stages using variables such as sales growth, dividend per share, capital expenditure and corporate age and then the hypotheses were tested via multiple-variable regression equations and mean comparison test. Results of studying 110 firms (1320 firms-years) during the time period 2002-2013 indicated that degrees of financial reporting quality in different stages of corporate life cycle (growth, maturity and decline) have a significant difference with each other.Â  According to results of mean comparison test, financial reporting quality is at the highest level in maturity stage and at the lowest level in growth stage.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN TQM
Authors: Saeed AlQahtani Jawaher Abdullah , Turky Enaas mushabab , AL-Ghamdi Abdullah Saad AL-Malaise
Published: February 2019

The Field of TQM Total quality Management seeks to have all the functions in an organization integrated. IT has been a favorite subject of research specially in the areas of Service and production. The studies aimed at addressing the topic of continual improvement in the sphere of TQM and its applications. Different researchers had their individual approaches and their researches concluded differently. With this paper we attempt to do a comparative analysis of the research work done by various people in the areas of TQM, its aims, principles, models and applications.
TQM in Small and Big Organizations
Authors: Alotaibi Enaam Faihan Mofreh , Bahssas Dania Mahmoud Ghalib , Hasan Syed Hamid
Published: February 2019

An organizations flexibility, effectiveness and competitiveness can be improved through TQM. We can find a number of organization who have utilized TQM in order to achieve growth and cost effectiveness, we can also find some business that have not been so successful in realizing the benefit of TQM. There has been ample research done on the reason of the failure of TQM implementation in organizations and some of the reason for failure are quoted as: low employee involvement; no support from senior management and scarcity of resources. Whereas there are a number of other factors that have been covered by very few researchers, like lack of proper communication and handling of the transformation brought in the organization, improper training and awareness methods; that lead to failure of TQM in any organization. There were a number of studies done for evaluating the process of successful implementation of TQM in SMB manufacturing companies and this paper would cover such an exercise performed in three small companies. The areas where the implementation bought improvement were Administrative Procedures, Product Quality, Cost effectiveness and employee motivation, and the aspects that were still found to be weak were team building, continual improvement in quality and technical training.
Impact Of Foreign Direct Investment On Indias Exports
Authors: Makkar Dr. Suman
Published: February 2019

Globalization had major impact on overall trade of the Indian economy. The easy going and conservative attitude of the policy makers in India were shaken by the 1990-91 crisis. The New Economic Policy of the nineties aimed at opening up the economy, to encourage free trade and competition and reduce the role of government in foreign trade matters. Restrictions on international trade were removed, foreign investments were allowed and a new Liberalized Exchange Rate Management System (LERMS) was introduced to reap the benefits of competition and counter the disadvantages of an inward looking trade policy. Enabled by increasingly liberal policy frameworks, made possible by technological advances, globalization more and more shapes today's world economy. Global trade and foreign direct investment, the two main drivers of this process have undergone a tremendous change during the last two and a half decades. There have been marked shifts in their flows, destinations, determinants and policies. In this process, developing countries have found their economic activities being increasingly internationalized. FDI by TNCs (Transnational Corporations) now plays a major role in linking may national economies, building an integrated international production system the productive core of the globalized world.
The dynamics of physical properties, seed moisture content, market economics and post harvest management of six bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in the sub Saharan region in Africa
Authors: Kimatu Josphert Ngui , Mutuli Wincaster Makoani , Mbiri Jane Wanja , Mweu Benard , Musimba Nahashon , Akuja Thomas , Nguluu Simon
Published: February 2019

Managing grain moisture content is important because maximum economic return can be achieved by marketing at a certain moisture level of grain. Post-harvest management dictates that grains must be dried to certain levels to avoid development of fungal and insect problems, respiration and germination. However, over drying can also a lead to economic losses. Most farmers are aware of fungal development in moist grains but few are aware that they make less profit by over drying. Moreover, there are also bean varieties which genetically retain more water than others and hence can be safer and have more economic returns compared to others. But, this also should be matched to the rain pattern in a growing region. We compared six varieties of beans (KAT B1, KAT B9, and Kakunzu (KKZ), Rose Coco (GLP2/RCC), Kenya Tamu and KAT X56) grown in the South Eastern region of Kenya and found significant differences in dry moisture content, physical properties and grain weights. The Rose Coco and KAT X56 varieties had the highest moisture content retention but the KKZ variety the lowest. This explained why KKZ is favoured more by famers in arid areas with less rain during fruit maturation.
Lowland Rice Yield as Affected by Straw Incorporation and Inorganic Fertilizer Over Cropping Seasons in Fluvisol
Authors: Koné Brahima , Florent Zadi , Jeremie Gala bi Trazié , Fulgence Akassimadou Edja , Firmin Konan Kouamé , Joachim Traoré Minignan , N’ganzoua Kouamé René , Albert Yao Kouamé
Published: February 2019

Grain yield stabilization of lowland rice over cropping seasons was explored using different compositions of inorganic fertilizers (NPK, NPKCa, NPKMg, NPKZn, NPKCaMg, NPKCaZn and NPKCaMgZn) and straw incorporation (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 tha-1 ). No fertilizer and no straw amended plot was the control in a split-plot design with three replications laid in a Fluvisol of Guinea savanna in Centre Cote d’Ivoire. Three weeks old nursery rice variety NERICA L19 was transplanted. No significant difference of grain yield was observed between the different treatments excluding the highest yields recorded for treatments NPKMg (5.09 tha-1 ), NPKZn (5.15 tha-1 ) and NPKCaéMg (5.31 tha-1 ) compared with 12 (3.95 tha1 ) and 15 tha-1 (4.14 tha-1 ) as straw rates respectively. Grain yield declining trend was more pronounced for mineral fertilizer treatments showing twice greater depressive effect of cropping cycle compared with the straw especially, for treatments characterized by highest grain yield in the first cropping season and similar grain yields were recorded for both sources of nutrient in the third cropping cycle. Of slowness of nutrients releasing by straw, highest grain yield was expected for this soil amender within a longer period of cultivation whereas, unbalance soil micronutrients should be relevant to studious declining yield under inorganic fertilizer effect. Nevertheless, the straw rate of 12 tha-1 supplying 0.58% of NPK as mineral fertilizer equivalent can be recommended for sustaining lowland rice production in the studied agro-ecosystems unless for three cropping seasons.
Refining Dryland Farming Systems as a Means of Enhancing Agrodiversity and Food Security in Eastern Kenya: A review.
Authors: S. N Nguluu , J. Karanja , J.N Kimatu , P.T Gicheru , N. Musimba , E. Njiru , P. Kathuli , H. Nzioki , J. Akuja , B.K. Muli , N.N. Nzombe
Published: February 2019

Drylands which cover one third of the earth’s land surface and almost 80% of Kenya’s land surface are being used to grow dryland crops such as maize, beans, sorghum, millets and livestock. Studies show that refined farming systems can be used in enhancing ecosystem sustainability, through the promotion of species and crop diversity. For example, cropping patterns involving intercropping legumes and cereals have demonstrated varying success in maintenance of crop diversity in the Kenyan drylands showing land equivalent ratios (LER) > 1.0, although such benefits are often lost during low rainfall seasons. Research show that some genotypes can be used to reduce soil erosion, enhance nutrient availability, soil moisture retention, microbial earthworm activities and land use efficiency. Thus critical examination of farming systems for dryland areas suggests that long term multiple effects of the ecosystem, rather than the short term benefits not only increases yields but sustains the life of ecosystems. In this reveiw we submit that monocropping systems should be modified to include varieties that are suitable for different plots in the same site to enhance efficient utilization of underground diversity. In developing farming systems modelling approaches utilizing plant genotypic and epigenetic variations, ecological, edaphic and microbial cycles should be evaluated for dryland ecosystems.
Effects of feeding Isomaltooligosaccharides on the growth performance, carcass traits and immune response of broiler chickens
Authors: Gaafar Khalid M.
Published: February 2019

The research was conducted to study the effect of feeding broiler chickens on diets containing isomaltooligosaccharides on the growth performance, carcass traits and immune response. 90-one day old broiler chicks were used according to completely randomized two treatment groups and one control, 30 birds each. Birds fed ad-libitum on basal starter and grower-finisher diets for 35 day. Diets of treatment`s groups contained 0.5 g/Kg and 1 g/Kg of Isomaltooligosaccharides, while the control group fed on the basal diets without Isomaltooligosaccharides supplementation. Dietary supplementation of broiler chickens with Isomaltooligosaccharides improved body weight, feed conversion, carcass traits, two lymphoid organs weight and log antibody titer against avian flu vaccine. Most of the highest values were for birds fed low levels of Isomaltooligosaccharides. Feed intake decreases as Isomaltooligosaccharides level increases. Dietary supplementation with Isomaltooligosaccharides did not affect the lipids profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL), however the blood VLDL levels decreased with increased levels of Malondialdehyde and Glutathione reductase. Collectively, Dietary supplementation of broiler chickens with 0.5 g/Kg diet of Isomaltooligosaccharides improved growth performance, carcass traits and immune status.
Profitability and Efficiency Analyses of Small Scale Rice processing units in Ngoketunjia Division, North West Region, Cameroon.
Authors: M.J Bime , D.E Fon , S.B Ngalim , J Ongla
Published: February 2019

Rice production and processing over the years has been on an increase with more small holders entering the business. This study on profitability of processing and marketing of small scale rice processors had as objective to analyse the profitability levels of rice processing and marketing by small scale processors, determine the value added to the commodity at each stageÂ  and also identify the constraints faced by these processors. The study used primary data collected using well-structured questionnaire from millers only, miller traders for white/parboiled rice through a multistage sampling technique. Results showed that the net processing income (3,151,201), value added (8,147,456) and efficiency (138) for miller-traders of white rice was highest, followed by miller-traders for parboiled rice and lastly millers only. Results further showed that millers only had Benefit/cost ratio of 0.4 indicating that milling only is not profitable due to small quantities milled, and high fixed cost. Miller-traders for parboiled rice had a benefit/cost ratio of 2.3 implying that their venture is most profitable. Based on the results, it was recommended that millers only should purchase large quantities of paddy to enable them reduce the overhead cost. Also the services of parboilers should reflect in the sales price of parboiled rice so that the parboiling services can be paid for.
Survey and classification of some termites' species in some arid area
Authors: Moawad Dr S.S , Al Barty Amal F , Al- Otabie Noura G
Published: February 2019

The survey results were illustrated that there were eight termites' species which were identified according to shape and structure of soldier head-capsule (namely, Anacanthotermes ochraceus, Heterotermes aethiopicus, Angulitermes arabiae,: Microtermes sp., Amitermes desertrum, Microcerotermes parvulus, Microcerotermes sp. found at arid area in Taif governorate, Saudia Arabia. The most common one was Anacanthotermes ochraceus which was recorded at all investigated area, except, El Hada (west Taif). In addition to three termites species were recorded to first time in Taif governorate, Saudia Arabia (namely, Microcerotermes parvulus, Heterotermes aethiopicus and Angulitermes arabiae).
Design and Simulation of Liftable Crawler Chassis for Combine Harvester
Authors: Bo Jing , Lizhang Xu
Published: February 2019

Aiming at the needs of field operations in different deep mud, a liftable crawler chassis based on the connecting rod arm mechanism was designed, including the chassis upper frame, lifting mechanism, hydraulic cylinder, limit mechanism, left and right walking system. In the ADAMS software, a virtual prototype model of the lifting and lowering chassis is established. The angle variation of the frame on the chassis relative to the ground and the angular velocity and acceleration of each lifting rod were simulated and analyzed. These rules met the chassis lifting adjustment requirements during the harvester operation.
The Von Neumann and Double Slit Paradoxes Lead to a New Schrodinger Wave Mathematics
Authors: Boyd Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

John von Neumann states a paradox. Why does measuring something disrupt the smooth Schrödinger wave, causing it to collapse for no mathematical reason? This paradox is embedded in the double slit experiment. When a dot appears on the target screen, how does that cause the Schrödinger wave to collapse everywhere else, faster than the speed of light? Von Neumann didn’t follow his mathematics to its logical conclusion. If wave function collapse irreversably changes reality, then the math is telling us that the timing and location of that event cannot be at the target screen. An event fitting that description happens only once: at the gun. A gunshot CAN change history. We propose a new mathematics of Schrödinger waves. Zero energy waves from the target screen pass backwards through the double slits and impinge on the gun prior to the gun firing. A particle randomly chooses one to follow backwards. The particle’s choice of wave is proportional to the amplitude squared of that wave at the gun, determined by the superposition of the two waves moving backwards through the two slits. Why follow a wave of zero energy? Because Schrödinger waves convey amplitudes determining the probability density of that path.
Electrodeposited MnO2- Carbon Cloth Supercapacitor Electrode Material for High Power Applications
Authors: Selvaraj Shanthi , Hayakawa Yasuhiro , Ponnusamy S , Ikeda Hiroya , Chellamuthu Muthamizhchelvan
Published: February 2019

Carbon cloth is a promising new material for the electrodes of supercapacitors, owing to their high surface area, flexibility, high conductivity with chemical stability. In this work, MnO2 was electrodeposited on a commercially available post treated carbon cloth. The MnO2 deposited carbon cloth was examined using HRSEM, which reveals the formation of nanosized irregular structure of MnO2 over the carbon cloth. Electrochemical study was performed which revealed the specific capacitance of 483 Fg–1 at a scan rate of 10mVs–1. The fabricated device exhibited good electrochemical performance with energy density of 22WKg–1 at a power density 330KWKg–1. The results were convincing to use this material for high power applications.
Optical Absorption in Incoherent and Coherent States of a Quantum Hall System
Authors: Dickmann Sergey
Published: February 2019

In connection with recent studies of extremely long-living spin-cyclotron excitations (actually magneto-excitons) in a quantum Hall electron gas, we discuss contribution to the light-absorption related to the presence of a magneto-exciton ensemble in this purely electronic system. Since the weakly interacting excitations have to obey the Bose-Einstein statistics, one can expect appearance of a coherent state in the ensemble. A comparative analysis of both incoherent and coherent cases is done. Conditions for a phase transition from the incoherent state to the coherent one are discussed.
What is Heat; The Photon is Heat
Authors: Khumalo Bhekuzulu
Published: February 2019

All photons will burn you. How do we describe photons as having different amounts of energy? This paper illustrates photons do not have different amounts of energies, rather different types of energy. The experiment of 1800 provides enough data to be analyzed because it has that third point to question the idea that photons carry different amounts of energy. This paper argues that all photons have equal amounts of energy just different types of energy. The composition of the energy within a photon depends on the frequency of a photon, a lower frequency photon like those represented by infrared can boil water faster than higher frequency blue light. A higher frequency photon like a gamma particle is stopped by lead. Given the nature that heat is from photons we can start thinking of sophisticated thermometers that give us the quality of heat not just the quantity of heat. It is the atmosphere that gives more evidence around the nature of photons, we can understand the cycle of the photon/ photonic cycle/ electromagnetic cycle, allowing us to ponder on deep philosophical meanings, intelligent life is there for universe to sustain itself, as well as ask the question why we are not burning given the nature of low frequency electromagnetic radiation. And for those vigorously looking for habitable planets out there, the idea of the circumstellar habitable zone must change to accommodate the proper understanding of heat.
Dielectric and Electrical Properties of Poly (?-Caprolactone)/ Organomodified Clay Bionanocomposites Prepared in Open Air by in Situ Polymerization
Authors: Hrichi Soulef , Arous Mourad , Raihane Mustapha , Lahcini Mohamed , Elghoui Hanen , Bouharras F Z. , Kallel Ali
Published: February 2019

Dielectric and electrical properties of bio-nanocomposites based on poly (?-caprolactone) (PCL) with different amounts of organomodified montmorillonite clay (MMT-ODA) were investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the frequency range from 1Hz to 1MHz and in the temperature range from -100 to 25°C. These nanocomposites were prepared by in situ Ring Opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone in open air by using titanium alkoxide as a catalyst. Due to the semicrystalline structure of PCL, the high number of modes and its overlap, the relaxation patterns observed on dielectric spectra were complicated. These relaxation data were modeled using the H-N empirical equation with the contribution of conductivity. The local dynamics of PCL were unaffected by the increase of nano-clay amount, in agreement with the DSC values of glass transition temperature. The PCL/MMT-ODA 3 wt% exhibited the lowest value of dielectric strength, indicating the strongest adhesion between PCL matrix and organo-modified clay. As for PCL/MMT-ODA 5 wt%, the presence of agglomerate made the adhesion between PCL and MMT-ODA very weak. The obtained findings were congruent FTIR and XRD results. The electrical conductivity of PCL was analysed according to the Jonscher’s law. The obtained exponent s values referred to three models corresponding to different temperature ranges.
Effect of Plastic Synthetic Aggregate in the Production of Lightweight Concrete
Authors: MBADIKE ELIVS M. , G.C. EZEOKPUBE
Published: February 2019

In this research work, the effect of plastic synthetic aggregate in the production of lightweight concrete was studied. The plastic synthetic aggregate was used to replace 0-40% of coarse aggregates. A mix proportion of 1:1.8:3.7 with water cement ratio of 0.47 were used. Concrete cubes of 150mmx150mmx150mm of coarse aggregate/plastic synthetic aggregate were cast and cured at 3,7,28,60 and 90 days respectively. At the end of each hydration period, the three concrete cubes for each hydration period were crushed and their average compressive strength recorded. A total of ninety (90) concrete cubes were cast. The result of the compressive strength tests for 5-40% replacement of coarse aggregates with plastic synthetic aggregate ranges from 8.07-36.71N/mm2 as against 24.58-41.21N/mm2 for the control test. The workability for 5-40% replacement of coarse aggregates with plastic synthetic aggregate ranges from 12-61mm as against 8mm for the control test (0% replacement).
Problems Encountered in Femanine Primary School Headship in Marange in Mutare District.
Authors: Chikwature Whatmore , V Oyedele
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the problems faced by female head teachers in the management of primary schools in Marange area in Mutare district in Manicaland province. The mixed method research design was used which incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population in this study were the female head teachers in Marange area in Mutare district, teachers and the Education Officer of Marange area in Mutare district. Marange area in Mutare district has 52 primary schools, of which seven (7) are headed by female head teachers. The researchers used questionnaires and interview guides for collection of data. The interview was targeted for female head teachers and Education Inspector of Marange area in Mutare district. The data that was obtained was both quantitative and qualitative. Majority of the teachers (75.0%) said that their perception towards their head teachers was good. Majority of the teachers (87.5%) noted that psychological traits do not bar the head teachers from performing school duties effectively. All of the teachers noted that the students accorded male and female teachers at the same level of respect. The following conclusions were drawn. Female head teachers are positively viewed by their teachers and students and are approachable since they encourage them to work to attain their goals in schools. Cultural and social barriers do interfere with the management of school affairs. Half (50%) of the head teachers said there was no role conflict between domestic and professional roles while 50% of head teachers felt that there was conflict. On the psychological factors influencing the head teachers’ performance, 87.5% of the teachers said that biological traits did not bar the head teachers from performing school duties. This was because they had a teaching experience, were assertive and aggressive. The study recommended that since female heads were positively viewed strongly by teachers, there is need for them to be given more posts of leadership in primary schools. Thus, female head teachers are effective hence, they are able to achieve the goals of their respective institutions. Although cultural and social barriers may interfere with the management of school affairs, there is need for female heads to be encouraged to achieve leadership positions since they can manage the roles of leaders through mentorship.
A study of aggression among adolescents of Jammu district in relation to Sex, self concept and socioeconomic status.
Authors: Galgotra Mohan
Published: February 2019

The most difficult and challenging area in the sphere of aggression among individuals is that of aggression among adolescents. The research was designed as an initial attempt to assess aggression of adolescent and its relation to sex[i], self concept and socioeconomic status. A sample of Adolescents ranged between 15-17 years was taken randomly from Jammu district of J&K state. . All subjects completed Aggression inventory. Socio economic scale was used to assess the socioeconomic status of the subjects. Self concept scale was used to assess the self concept of adolescents. Three way ANOVA was employed to assess the correlation between aggression, self concept and socioeconomic status. Results provide evidence that aggression has a positive correlation with Sex, self concept and socioeconomic status. Boys show high aggressive behavior in comparison to their female counter parts. Further findings indicate that low socioeconomic students are significantly more aggressive than high socioeconomic status adolescents. Finally results show that low self concept adolescents are highly aggressive in comparison to high self concept adolescents. [i] l