bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
François COMBARNOUS and Eric ROUGIER (eds.). The Diversity of Emerging Capitalisms: Globalization, Institutional Convergence and Experimentation, London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017, 462 p.
Authors: Nicole Sindzingre Alice
Published: July 2019

Cet ouvrage constitue une contribution originale à la littérature sur les systèmes institutionnels ainsi qu’à celle sur les « variétés de capitalisme ». Fondé sur la comparison d’un échantillon de pays émergents et de pays en développement, il contribue également à la littérature sur le « capitalisme comparatif ». L’une de ses principales conclusions est de montrer la diversité des options institutionnelles qui peuvent conduire au développement. Classification JEL : O11; O57; P51
Fronde 2.0. Les députés français sur Twitter
Authors: Écormier-Nocca Florence , Louis-Sidois Charles
Published: July 2019

Résumé Cette note de recherche s’intéresse à l’individualisation des députés français, que nous définissons comme la mobilisation par les parlementaires d’un positionnement dissident et singulier au détriment des ressources fournies par leur parti. Nous appréhendons cette individualisation à travers la discipline de vote à l’Assemblée nationale durant la XIV e législature et les positionnements idéologiques des députés-candidats sur Twitter durant la campagne électorale de 2017. À l’inverse de la littérature récente, nous montrons que l’individualisation reste limitée, la dissidence pouvant s’expliquer par des logiques collectives de recomposition des partis, qui demeurent les facteurs structurants dans l’explication des positionnements des députés.
Portfolio Optimization and Asset Allocation With Metaheuristics
Authors: Ray Jhuma , Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Bhupendro Singh N.
Published: July 2019

Portfolio optimization stands to be an issue of finding an optimal allocation of wealth to place within the obtainable assets. Markowitz stated the problem to be structured as dual-objective mean-risk optimization, pointing the best trade-off solutions within a portfolio between risks which is measured by variance and mean. Thus the major intention was nothing else than hunting for optimum distribution of wealth over a specific amount of assets by diminishing risk and maximizing returns of a portfolio. Value-at-risk, expected shortfall, and semi-variance measures prove to be complex for measuring risk, for maximization of skewness, liquidity, dividends by added objective functions, cardinality constraints, quantity constraints, minimum transaction lots, class constraints in real-world constraints all of which are incorporated in modern portfolio selection models, furnish numerous optimization challenges. The emerging portfolio optimization issue turns out to be extremely tough to be handled with exact approaches because it exhibits nonlinearities, discontinuities and high-dimensional, efficient boundaries. Because of these attributes, a number of researchers got motivated in researching the usage of metaheuristics, which stand to be effective measures for finding near optimal solutions for tough optimization issues in an adequate computational time frame. This review report serves as a short note on portfolio optimization field with the usage of Metaheuristics and finally states that how multi-objective metaheuristics prove to be efficient in dealing with portfolio selection problems with complex measures of risk defining non-convex, non-differential objective functions.
Gender Inequality in Work Organizations
Authors: Aktepe Safak Oz
Published: July 2019

In this chapter, the author aims to present, through a review of literature, that the gender equality assumption of the human resource management (HRM) approach is not taken for granted. It seems there exist two sides of the same coin, one representing the HRM approach and the other representing the gendered approach to HRM practices. This chapter reviews HRM practices in work organizations as the potential facilitator of gender inequalities in organizations. In addition, the contentious function of HRM practices in maintaining gender inequalities within work organizations is reviewed. In spite of knowing the implication of HRM practices on being a gender-diverse organization, there remain few studies on the relationship between HRM practices and gender inequality in work organizations. Such research will add a different perspective to HRM practices and contribute to the awareness related to the gendered nature of organizations and their organizational practices.
The Effects of Values and Gender Role Perceptions on Attitudes Towards Women Managers
Authors: Tan Basak Ucanok
Published: July 2019

One of the key drivers of the development of societies over the past century has been the shift in women's social and economic position. Women have since been increasingly moving into the labor market, into employment, and into work organizations. According to the 2017 ILO report, women's overall labor participation is estimated to be 49.4%, and this rate increases to 53% for the East European countries. Even though women's participation in the labor force and in the front-line managerial positions is increasing, we are still far from achieving gender equality. Apart from the participation of women, a number of other issues remain to be tackled such as the under-representation of women in decision-making positions, the gender pay gap, and male-dominated work cultures. This chapter explores the effects of values and gender role perceptions on attitudes towards women managers.
Women-Founded Start-Ups
Authors: Kalafatoğlu Yaprak
Published: July 2019

The number of women-owned businesses has increased in the last several years. This chapter begins with the theoretical background of women entrepreneurship, its history, and its influencing factors. The rate of women-owned enterprises is lower than men's in most countries. Women-owned enterprises are characterized by their small size and a business segment with less monetary value. Women in developing countries face additional challenges due to limited resources and cultural barriers. Therefore, the discussion follows issues faced by these women. The role of culture and a cross-cultural comparison are presented to gain a thorough understanding. The chapter includes a qualitative study and concludes with a brief outlook.
African Women in Leadership
Authors: Lituchy Terri R. , Galperin Bella L. , Melyoki Lemayon , Senaji Thomas , Punnett Betty Jane
Published: July 2019

This chapter considers African women's participation in leadership and their views on effective leadership. The literature suggests that African women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, although participation rates are increasing. African women are well represented as entrepreneurs, in the less profitable informal sector, and are increasingly found in political spheres. The LEAD research shows men and women holding similar views regarding effective leadership. Preliminary results suggest that traditional views about leadership, which held women back, may be changing. This is a positive development, as society will benefit from the leadership skills of women. Efforts by African governments to mandate percentages of women in leadership positions may have an effect on government as well as business. Africa, however, is a large continent with parts of its population residing in rural areas where traditions continue. Consequently, more research is needed to understand developments regarding the involvement of women in leadership to inform policy and influence practice.
End of Occupational Segregation in the Nursing Profession
Authors: Kılıçaslan-Gökoğlu Selcen , Öztürk Engin Bağış
Published: July 2019

This chapter focuses on how female nurses make sense of their occupations as the perception of their profession changes from gender-biased to gender-neutral. Nursing is one of those rare professions with occupational segregation in favor of females, but one that is changing as more males enter the profession. While there are many occupational segregation studies to explain male and female nurses' perspectives, research on how female nurses reconsider their views about the profession is scarce. Therefore, this chapter will address this change for females by utilizing a conceptual analysis, specifically the cognitive sense-making perspective. Referring to the phases of the cognitive sense-making (ecological change, enactment, selection, and retention), this chapter examines how the meaning of the nursing profession and the meaning of work in general is changing for females.
Automatic Knowledge Acquisition in the Form of Fuzzy Rules From Cases for Solving Classification Problem
Authors: Avdeenko Tatiana Vladimirovna
Published: July 2019

The authors consider an approach to automatic knowledge acquisition through machine learning on the basis of integrating the two basic reasoning methods – case-based reasoning and rule-based reasoning. Case-based reasoning allows using high-performance database technology for storing and accumulating cases, while rule-based reasoning is the most developed technology for creating declarative knowledge base on the basis of strong logical approach. This allows realizing the transformation of the spiral of knowledge, leading to continuous improvement of the knowledge quality in the management system. In the chapter, they propose one method of obtaining rules from cases based on fuzzy logic. Here the method is considered for solving classification problem, but it also can be applied for solving regression problem. The research shows acceptable accuracy of cases classification even for small training samples. At the same time, smoother (quadratic) membership functions show on average classification accuracy.
Gender Relations in the Black Church
Authors: Bragg Cynthia B.
Published: July 2019

This chapter examines the lived experiences of women in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and presents a model for partnership in leadership with clerics and churchwomen. The model is based on the premise of the visionary founder and “Chief Apostle” of this denomination. Histories of churchwomen in this organization portray them as staunch supporters of ministries in the church. Women in leadership roles were defined by the founder as overseers—a term suggesting honorary prestige to women that was equal to clerical positions in the church. Following the death of the founder, however, churchwomen encountered barriers to leadership positions which lowered their status and authority thus impacting their inclusion, agency, and voice in matters of church leadership and governance.
Body Image and Emotional Well Being Among Gay and Heterosexual Religious Young Men
Authors: Fisherman Shraga
Published: July 2019

This chapter attempts to create a close-up picture of the society of Orthodox Jewish men in regard to their levels of religiosity and sexual identity. The author examines BI, emotional wellbeing, and the connection between them, among three groups of religious Israeli young men: Modern Orthodox (MO) heterosexual men, Modern Orthodox gay men (MOG), and ultra-Orthodox heterosexual men (UO). The findings pose an extremely important challenge to educators in Israel. The young men answered two questionnaires: SWLS and the Body Image Questionnaire. The BI and wellbeing scores for the MOGs were significantly lower than for the MOs and UO. The correlations between BI and wellbeing were different in each group: there was no significant correlation among the MO, among the MOGs there was a negative, medium, and significant correlation, and among the UO there was a positive, high, and significant correlation. These differences were explained by social and educational trends.
Circular, Smart, and Connected Cities
Authors: Sertyesilisik Begum
Published: July 2019

Majority of the humanity is living in the cities. Cities have adverse environmental impact. Their environmental footprints need to be reduced. As the world's living conditions deteriorate, the survival of the humanity depends on the precautions taken. These precautions can include sustainable living styles, new technologies, and circular economy principles. Furthermore, climate change caused disasters can have adverse consequences as they can be deadly and as they can result in economic loss. The cities need to be resilient so that disasters adverse consequences can be reduced and the post-disaster phase rescue and recovery processes can be effectively carried out. Circular, smart and connected cities based on the new technologies such as big data, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Internet of Things (IoT) can contribute to the cities' sustainability and resilience performance. This chapter aims to investigate the roles of big data, IoT, ICT, as well as circular, connected and smart cities in enhancing sustainability and resilience of the cities. With this aim, based on the literature review, this chapter covers: need for, pillars of and aspects of smart, sustainable, circular, and resilient cities as well as ways for transforming the cities into smart, sustainable, circular, and resilient ones. This chapter can be beneficial to the researchers, academics, construction professionals, and policy makers.Keywords: Disaster; Internet of Things; Information and Communication Technology; Smart Cities; Big Data; Resilience; Building Information Modelling; Circular Cities; Circular Economy
Smart Microbial Sources Management for Treatment
Authors: Farraji Hossein , Mojiri Amin , Yusoff Mohd Suffian
Published: July 2019

Overpopulation and industrialization are the major sources of wastewater in human society and water resources. Food production industries and municipal solid waste are the root origin of wastewaters containing palm oil mill effluent and municipal landfill leachate. Traditional treatment method for such highly polluted wastewaters cannot meet environmental discharge. Finding an advanced and smart decontamination process for these types of polluted wastewater could be considered as a capable method for suitable adaptation with overpopulation in current condition and future coming decades. This chapter illustrates critical points through the application of traditional treatment techniques such as acclimatization in palm oil mill effluent and municipal landfill leachate as the most straightly polluted agro-industrial effluent.
SUE TESOL for Indigenous Critical Praxis
Authors: Feraria Paulette Joyce
Published: July 2019

In English-Colonized Caribbean and other English-based vernacular-influenced speech settings, the issues faced by practitioners in teaching English are not about whose English but more about which method? This preoccupation with the notion of an appropriate ESL methodology has stifled the growth of teacher-constructed methods. This chapter departs from teachers' call for clichéd ESL/EFL method towards teachers' envisioning and implementation of innovations for targeting, attaining, and sustaining the use of English inside and outside the classroom. The findings are indicating that when these innovations in the use of English are constructed and centered on what schools and students excel in, there is room for the creation of an alternative to method and the growth of an indigenous pedagogy for sustaining the use of English in TESOL in vernacular speech settings.
Communication Matters
Authors: Mihăeş Lorena Clara , Dimitriu Anda
Published: July 2019

The chapter deals with the potential of smartphones for the ESP class, which is currently taught within a communicative framework at the University of Bucharest. The study begins from a survey conducted among non-philological students, with a view to assessing their opinion on the acceptance of MALL. As the findings confirmed, the instructors' general observation that students would welcome a mobile-integrated course. The first part of this chapter exemplifies how the smartphone can enhance both productive and receptive skills. It provides within concrete scenarios various recommendations of specific applications, methods, or videos to be incorporated in the class, as well as the advantages such enterprises may bring. The last part establishes some general directions for using the smartphone to improve individual types of skills. The chapter concludes that, while receptive skills mainly benefit from mobile technology in terms of efficiency and ease of use, productive skills allow deeper changes in the pedagogical paradigm, thus offering fertile ground for MALL.
Popular Culture and English Language Teaching
Authors: Delevante Georgette M.
Published: July 2019

Traditionally, the application of methods pedagogy has been limited and ineffective in capturing the imagination of today's students. Students have echoed, especially in a globalized and technologically-driven world that traditional content based on existing curriculum is irrelevant and inapplicable to their lived experiences. As a result, the paradigm shift offered by post-methods pedagogy is one which empowered teacher autonomy and provides a meaningful context in which popular culture represents a bridge rather than a barrier between the student's world, of which popular culture plays an important part, and the English language classroom. By creating synergies thematically and historically with popular music, film, and social media, a bridge to providing a fresh perspective to traditional content is explored.
Cooperative Learning as a Strategy for Self-Directed Learning in Blended-Distance Learning Environments
Authors: Bosch Chantelle , Laubscher Dorothy Joy
Published: July 2019

Self-directed learning (SDL) is an essential component for the success of distance learning students. Technology serves as a suitable tool to enable cooperative learning (CL), a strategy that can be used to enhance SDL. The aim of this chapter is to report on literature relating to CL as a strategy for SDL in a blended-distance environment. The research question is: How does cooperative learning as an SDL strategy feature in a blended-distance learning context? A systematic literature review was performed using suitably selected key words in various databases. The selection criteria included academic publications in the last decade, relating to higher education, various research methods, and in any content area. This chapter concludes that studies involving the use of CL to promote SDL particularly in a blended-distance environment feature sparsely in the literature. Conflicting ideas on the use of terminology is problematic and further research is suggested.
Towards an Ideal Framework of Education Support Services for Learners With Special Education Needs at Basic Education Level in Lesotho
Authors: Mosia Paseka Andrew
Published: July 2019

This chapter explores a suitable model within which an efficient education support can be developed to promote inclusive education in Lesotho. It highlights the gaps and challenges in the policy framework of the Ministry of Education and Training which have bearing on education support. In 2009 the Ministry developed the Curriculum and Assessment Policy. In order to realize the ideals of the curriculum which include the need for learners to work efficiently, independently, use technology, and communicate efficiently, the Ministry develops work plans that operationalize the ideals. In this regard, the current policy and practice contexts must be evaluated for the extent to which they enhance or impede education support of learners facing barriers to learning and development.
Emotional Elements in Learning Platforms in Open and Distributed Environments
Authors: Makewa Lazarus Ndiku
Published: July 2019

E-learning is viewed as an innovative approach for delivering quality-designed, learner-centered, interactive, and facilitated learning environments to all, anywhere, any moment by putting in use the skills, knowledge, and resources of diverse technologies together with other teaching and learning resources suited for open, and distributed learning environments. Success story in an e-learning system involves a clear process regarding planning, designing, developing, evaluating, and implementing online learning courses where interaction is actively encouraged and facilitated. Emotional experiences can easily provide multiple challenges to students' online and classroom engagement and academic performance. For example, academic fears have wide-ranging effects, affecting strategy use, classroom and/or online performance, and subject choice. This chapter will therefore discuss emotional elements and their impacts in learning platforms in open and distributed environments.
Responsive Open Learning Environment in a Higher Education Institution
Authors: Kaban Aysegul Liman , Adiguzel Tufan , Özaydın Müge Nur
Published: July 2019

We have started to hear more and more about responsive open learning environments (ROLEs). They are the next generation of personal learning environments (PLEs). PLEs are based on the basic aggregation of existing content and services mainly using Web 2.0 technologies. ROLEs are mutating lifelong learning by introducing a new infrastructure to a world while dealing with existing learning management systems, institutions, and technologies, and these systems have test-beds. In this chapter, the authors describe first experiences utilizing ROLEs at Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul. The results of the study showed the readiness of the technology for large-scale trials and the benefits for the students leading to new insights in the design of ROLEs for more informal learning situations.
Plastic Pollution and Its Effect on the Environment
Authors: Biswal Trinath , Kar Pravin Kumar
Published: July 2019

Chlorinated plastics releases harmful chemicals and toxic substances into the surrounding soil, which can then seep into ground water or other surrounding surface water bodies in the form of a black thick liquid known as leachate causing sever water pollution. This water, if used as drinking water, causes serious harm to both plants and animals. Many advanced polymer composites used in various fields can leach into water forming hurdles. Plastic pollution is potentially poisonous to animals, which can then affect human food supplies. Plastic materials contain a number and variety of chemicals that are carcinogenic and mutagenic in nature. The five R's (recycle, reuse, reduce, remove, and refuse) can control the plastic pollution in our environment. This chapter explores plastic pollution and its effect on the environment.
Environmental and Health Implications of Plastic Pollution
Authors: Ahmed Toqeer , Sipra Hassaan Fayyaz Khan
Published: July 2019

Plastic pollution is one of the prime and alarming issues in developing countries that has vast environmental and human health impacts which need to be addressed as a priority. Unfortunately, limited work has been done on the topic, especially on air and water pollution due to plastics in Pakistan. Informal solid waste management is being done by municipalities, which is not adequate, and the problem will increase with the upsurge in population and industrialization. There is a need to address the knowledge gap and improvements in the existing conditions to manage the issue of plastic pollution separately. In this chapter, causes; impacts of plastic pollution both on human and environmental health, plastic industries, and legislative context; and best practices to manage plastic pollution along with some important recommendations are discussed. It is expected the data presented may help the managers, environmental scientists, and policymakers to manage the problem of plastic pollution.
Plastic Pollution and the Ecological Impact on the Aquatic Ecosystem
Authors: Sofi Irfan Rashid , Manzoor Javid , Bhat Rayees Ahmad , Munvar Rafiya
Published: July 2019

Plastic pollution in the environment is currently receiving worldwide attention. Improper dumping of disused or abandoned plastic wastes leads to contamination of the environment. Contamination by bulk plastics and plastic debris is currently the one of the most serious problems in aquatic ecosystems. In particular, small-scale plastic debris such as microplastics and nanoplastics has become a leading contributor to the pollution of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Over 300 million tons of plastic is produced annually, and around 75% of all marine litter is plastic. Plastic litter is widespread in aquatic ecosystems and comes from a variety of sources. The abundance of plastics, combined with their small size and subsequent association with plankton in the water column, allows for direct ingestion by aquatic biota at different trophic levels.
Bisphenol A and Phthalates Exhibit Similar Toxicogenomics and Health Effects
Authors: Hassan Sumaya , Ali Rohaya , Shah Durdana , Sajjad Nasreena , Qadir Jasfeeda
Published: July 2019

Bisphenol A and phthalates are most frequently detected organic pollutants found in our surroundings because of their regular use as plasticizers in daily use polymeric products. BPA is used in manufacturing baby feeding bottles, water pipes, canned food linings, and food packaging materials. Phthalates are used in polyvinyl chloride products including clothing, toys, medical devices, and food packaging. These chemicals are not bound to the matrix and leach out into the surroundings on slight change in the environment, like alteration in pH, temperature, and pressure. Humans are continuously exposed to these chemicals through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion when the leachates enter food, drinks, air, water, or soil. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) revealed that Bisphenol A has 1932 interactions with genes/proteins and few frequently used phthalates (DEHP, MEHP, DBP, BBP, and MBP) showed 484 gene/protein interactions. Similar toxicogenomics and adverse effects of Bisphenol A and phthalates on human health are attributed to their 89 common interacting genes/proteins.
Environmental Phthalate Exposure in Relation to Reproductive Outcomes and Other Health Endpoints in Humans
Authors: Badroo Irfan Ashraf , Khanday Ashiq Hussain , Ali Zainab Kalimuddin , Badroo Suriya Ashraf
Published: July 2019

Phthalates are a group of manmade chemicals which may be regarded as heroes having profound application in industries belongs to dieters of 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid). They are mainly used as plasticizer. Phthalates may be of high and low molecular weight, and have find their existence in the manufacturing of various products that are of daily use to humans and pose threat to non-occupational humans besides of those working in the industries where phthalate based products are manufactured. Phthalates are now widely used and therefore it is difficult to avoid their exposure; thus, its adverse effects are very certain. The literature present revealed that phthalate exposure has made alteration both to females and males, like reproductive alterations: including damaging the sperm quality, semen concentration and sperm DNA, breast cancer in females, AGD, endocrine disruption. The phthalate exposure has been shown to alter the behavior, which is an indication of nervous system damage. Phthalate exposure has been revealed to affect the respiration. Phthalate after exposure has been found to get metabolized in various end points and their detection by various techniques has made an insight towards understanding the mechanism of phthalates toxicity. Phthalates both of low and high molecular weight have found their way to fauna and created a mess with the physiology of animals or humans. Thus, precaution is better, as said prevention is better than cure. The suggestive remedy for phthalate exposure is to make less use of products that contain phthalate material, more importantly during pregnancy and developmental stage of infants. Utmost care has been taken in regard to the literature cited. The data included in this chapter has been taken from those research articles with indexing of Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus as for authenticity, and also using the Web of Science Database, which provides interactive citation.
Solid Waste Management and Its Impact on the Environment
Authors: Srivastava Ruchi
Published: July 2019

Solid waste consists of household waste, construction and demolition debris, sanitation residue, and waste from streets. This garbage is generated mainly from residential and commercial complexes. With rising urbanization and change in lifestyle and food habits, the amount of solid waste has been increasing rapidly and its composition changing. Solid waste throws back a light on the culture that produces it and affects the health of the people and the environment surrounding it. Globally, people are discarding growing quantities of waste, and its composition is more complex than ever before, as plastic and electronic consumer products diffuse. Solid wastes are hazards as they adversely affect the living as well as nonliving components of the environment. Advanced and new methods of disposal of solid waste such as pyrolysis, pulverization, incineration, and development of sanitary landfills, etc. are used to solve the problem of managing solid waste. Dumping and burning waste is not acceptable practice from environment and health perspective.
Plastic Pollution and Its Management in the Age of Globalization With Special Reference to India
Authors: Rehman Summia , Parray Bilal Ahmad
Published: July 2019

Globalization as a process has undeniably been involved in an ever-increasing mobility of both men and material. The ever-increasing mobility and free flow of goods, which also include plastic-made commodities, has turned globalization into a severe cause of plastic pollution for developing countries like India. Consequently, in India, consciously or unconsciously, the large-scale consumption of plastic items has potentially opened its gates for plastic pollution. By taking the aspect of free flow of plastic items into consideration, a process perceived as an integral part of globalization, this chapter explores globalization as a prime cause of plastic pollution in India. Further, this chapter locates the need to view globalization and its free flow of plastic commodities critically, so as to manage the menace of plastic pollution in India.
Offline vs. Online Quality Dimension
Authors: Silvestri Cecilia , Rapiti Eleonora , Piccarozzi Michela
Published: July 2019

The study examines the nature and the strength of the relationship between shopping mall attractiveness, in the form of offline and online quality dimensions and customer loyalty. A survey was conducted on consumers of a shopping mall in Viterbo, Italy. In particular, this study aims to meet two objectives: (1) to identify, through factor analysis, offline and online shopping mall quality dimensions and (2) to analyze, through multiple regression models, the relationship between offline and online quality dimensions and customer loyalty. The regression models showed that both offline and online the quality dimensions have positive effect on customer loyalty. More precisely, all quality factors have a positive effect on loyalty, excluding internet browsing. This result contributed to the existing literature in understanding the importance of shopping mall attractiveness to develop customer loyalty.
Tools and Techniques Used for Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Sachdeva Geeta
Published: July 2019

Continuing to fulfill the requirements and needs of today's customer is a perplexing job for all the corporations. There have been a number of strategies developed to engage with customers, but few considerations have been paid to string them together in generating well-developed relationships. For of this reason companies are moving towards customer relationship management (CRM) to execute reliable strategies in engaging with customers. CRM emphasizes aiding companies thoroughly to manage the procedures involved in upholding good relationships with customers. This chapter discussed various strategies and examined case studies that adopted different techniques to engage with customers.
Empirical Study of Single Platform E-Payment in South East Asia
Authors: Lai P. C. , Toh Evelyn B. H. , Alkhrabsheh Abdullah Abbas
Published: July 2019

Freedom, choice, and simplicity brought about by the e-commerce and technologies are creating the next internet and mobile wave. The single platform e-payment interactions have emerged in the consumer-centric world. The combination of evolving business drivers, globalization, downsizing, changing customer demands, and the evolution of enabling technology is constructing the customer-centric e-payment solutions. In this chapter, the authors discuss and analyze the e-commerce payment systems with the focus on single platform e-payment. This chapter presents an empirical study of e-payment systems and the implications of the findings on e-payment systems in Southeast Asia. Marketing and management personnel of the e-payment organizations will be able to utilize the study information for developing products and services that encourage the usage of single platform e-payment.
A Qualitative Insight Into the Personal Factors Impacting Online Impulse Behavior
Authors: Kumar Harish , Garg Ruchi , Kumar Payal , Chhikara Ritu
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the chapter is to have a deeper understanding of impulse buying and find out the different personal factors that affect the impulse behavior of the consumer in the online context. Phenomenology methodology was used by conducting 12 in-depth interviews with Gen Y as the main respondents. The interview transcripts were analyzed through the method of thematic analysis. This study found that factors such as sudden urge to buy, haptics, risk factors, persuasion, convenience, monotony and boredom, and trust were the dominant personal factors. These factors act as the triggers for consumers to make impulse purchase decisions. This study differentiates the personal and market-oriented factors and broaden the understanding of impulse buying behavior. The findings will enable the marketers to make effective strategies and help the business organizations to increase their revenues.
Flood Frequency Analysis Using Bayesian Paradigm
Authors: Ahmad Ishfaq , Khan Alam Zeb , Baig Mirza Barjees , Almanjahie Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2019

At-site flood frequency analysis (FFA) of extreme hydrological events under Bayesian paradigm has been carried out and compared with frequentist paradigm of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The main objective of this chapter is to identify the best approach between Bayesian and frequentist one for at-site FFA. As a case study, the data of only two stations were used, Kotri and Rasul, and Bayesian and MLE approaches were implemented. Most commonly used tests were applied for checking initial assumptions. Goodness of fit (GOF) tests were used to identify the best model, which indicated that the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution appeared to be best fitted for both stations. Under Bayesian paradigm, quantile estimates are constructed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation method for their respective returned periods and non-exceedance probabilities. For MCMC simulations, as compared to other sampler, the M-H sampling technique was used to generate a large number of parameters. The analysis indicated that the standard errors of the parameters' estimates and ultimately the quantiles' estimates using Bayesian methods remained less as compared to maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), which shows the superiority of Bayesian methods over conventional ones in this study. Further, the safety amendments under two techniques were also calculated, which also show the robustness of Bayesian method over MLE. The outcomes of these analyses can be used in the selection of better design criteria for water resources management, particularly in flood mitigation.
Hydrologic Modeling Using SWAT
Authors: Moumen Zineb , Nabih Soumaya , Elhassnaoui Ismail , Lahrach Abderrahim
Published: July 2019

The Innaoune Watershed represents an important hydric potential of the oriental part of Morocco. However, the basin exhibits a set of hydrologic drawbacks, such as floods, erosion, and pollution. This chapter is focused on flood forecast study. In order to help managers and decision makers to adopt the appropriate land management strategies for protecting the population from flood damages, the study of the hydrological behavior and quantification of water yield are paramount. According to this perspective, the main goal of this chapter is to test the ability of the SWAT model to simulate and reproduce the hydrological behavior of the upstream of Innaouene Watershed. The output of the model could be used to map, delineate, and forecast the floods expansion for a particular rainfall event. SWAT was performed on a daily time step from 2004 to 2012 for calibration and 2012 to 2014 for validation. The model accuracy was evaluated by measuring the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient and R2.
A Comprehensive Review of Access Control Mechanism Based on Attribute Based Encryption Scheme for Cloud Computing
Authors: Bhajantri Lokesh B. , Mujawar Tabassum N.
Published: July 2019

Cloud computing is the most prevailing paradigm, which provides computing resources and services over the Internet. Due to immense development in services provided by cloud computing, the trend to share large-scale and confidential data on cloud has been increased. Though cloud computing provides many benefits, ensuring security of the data stored in cloud is the biggest challenge. The security concern about the data becomes main barrier for adoption of cloud. One of the important security aspects is fine grained access control mechanism. The most widely used and efficient access control scheme for cloud computing is Attribute Based Encryption (ABE). The Attribute Based Encryption (ABE) scheme provides a new technique for embedding access policies cryptographically into encryption process. The article presents an overview of various existing attribute-based encryption schemes and traditional access control models. Also, the comparison of existing ABE schemes for cloud computing, on basis of various criteria is presented in the article.
Accessible Interface for Context Awareness in Mobile Devices for Users With Memory Impairment
Authors: Abu Abu Doush Iyad , Jarrah Sanaa
Published: July 2019

Memory problems usually appear because of aging or may happen because of a brain injury. Such problems prevent the person from performing daily activities. In this paper, the authors propose a framework to develop a smartphone solution to detect and recognize the user context. In order to build the context detection framework, the authors compare three different machine learning techniques (C.4.5, random, and BFTree) in terms of context detection accuracy. Then, the authors use the classification technique with the highest accuracy in a mobile application to help users by detecting their context. The authors develop two interfaces based on the suggested accessibility features for users with memory impairment. Two scenarios are used to evaluate the user interface, and the results prove the applicability and the usability of the proposed context detection framework.
A Primitive Survey on Ultrasonic Imaging-Oriented Segmentation Techniques for Detection of Fetal Cardiac Chambers
Authors: Prabha V. Punya , Sriraam N.
Published: July 2019

Recognition of presence of fetal cardiac chambers through ultrasonic Doppler imaging poses a huge challenge for the clinical community. The four-chamber view and outflow tracts are found to be a potential identity marker for presence of all heart chambers as well as current states of fetal heart. Given the cine loop ultrasonic imaging sequences, computer-aided diagnostic tools have been developed to detect and measures the chambers through automated mode. Segmentation and region of interest identification process contribute significantly towards the presence of heart chamber and presence of abnormality. This study provides a primitive survey towards the ultrasonic imaging-oriented segmentation techniques for detection/recognition of all four fetal cardiac chambers. The challenges for the biomedical community were also reported.
Embedded System Verification Using Formal Model an Approach Based on the Combined Use of UML and Maude Language
Authors: Amel Meliouh , Allaoua Chaoui
Published: July 2019

The approach proposed in this article presents a formal verification of embedded systems. The method relies on an automated modeling and code generation based on the systems' behavior. The key concept is the combined use of a subset of UML behavior diagrams extended with timing annotations (Real-Time Statechart and Real-Time Collaboration diagrams) for system modeling and the Maude language for verification. First, UML modeling tools are developed. Then, an automatic generation of equivalent Maude specification is performed. The approach is based on code generation. This is why it is possible to use an available model checking tool to verify certain timed properties represented in Linear Temporal Logic (LTL). The meta-modeling tool ATOM3 is used. A case study is presented to illustrate the feasibility of the approach.
Visual Analysis for Monitoring Students in Distance Courses
Authors: Weiand Augusto , Manssour Isabel Harb , Silveira Milene Selbach
Published: July 2019

With technological advances, distance education has been frequently discussed in recent years. The learning environments used in this course usually generates a great deal of data because of the large number of students and the various tasks involving their interaction. In order to facilitate the analysis of the data, the authors researched to identify how interaction and visualization techniques integrated with data mining algorithms can assist teachers in predicting students' performance in learning environments. The main goal of this work is to present the results of such research and the visual analysis approach that the authors developed in this context. This approach allows data gathering on the students' interactions and provides tools to investigate and predict pass/fail rates in the courses that are being analyzed. Our main contributions are: the visualization of the resources and their use by students; the possibility of making an individual analysis of students through interactive visualizations; and the ability to compare subjects in terms of students' performance.
NorJADE
Authors: Marir Toufik , Silem Abd El Heq , Mokhati Farid , Gherbi Abdelouahed , Bali Ahmed
Published: July 2019

Normative multi-agent systems are multi-agent systems where agents are governed by norms. This recent research domain is now in full expansion. Despite the progress made in this area, various challenges remain the subject of research studies. In particular, there is a need for innovative solutions to support the implementation of this kind of multi-agent systems in order to improve the development process and consequently to simplify the developers' task. In the literature, most proposed works in this area are either closely related to specific problems or require complicated theoretical frameworks. In this article, a new framework baptized NorJADE is proposed to support the implementation of normative multi-agent systems. The proposed framework is open source, simple, modular and extensible. It is based on the popular open source JADE platform and uses the two well-known software technologies: ontology and aspect-oriented programming. The framework and the associated tool are illustrated using a concrete case study.
Requirements to Class Model via SBVR
Authors: Mohanan Murali , Bajwa Imran Sarwar
Published: July 2019

A user's software requirements are represented in natural language or a speech such as English. Translating these requirements into the object-oriented models is a tough process for designers. This article proposes a neoteric approach to generate Unified Modeling Language (UML) class models instantly from software requirement specifications (SRS). Here the authors make use of the Open Natural language processing tool (OpenNLP) for lexical analysis and to generate the necessary parts of speech (POS) tags from these requirement specifications. Then, the Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Rules (SBVR) standard is used to extract the object-oriented elements from the natural language (NL) processed SRS. From this, the authors generate UML class models. The prototype tool can generate accurate models in less time. This automated system for designing object-oriented models from SRS reduces the cost and budget for both the designers and the users.
Safe-Platoon
Authors: Garoui Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Building a safety model to make expert decisions is an approach to improve the safety of a system. The issue of safe modeling and analyzing such domain is still an open research field. Providing quantitative estimation of a system's safety is an interesting method to study system complexity. This article explores the author's current methods and proposes a new formal model for quantitative estimation based on a stochastic activity network (SAN). This model is built based on some failure modes that affect platoon vehicles.
Field-Based Learning for Minority Educators
Authors: Blankenship Rebecca J. , Paquette Paige F. , Davis Cheron H.
Published: July 2019

While many researchers have emphasized the importance of preservice teacher candidates having the opportunity to engage in analysis, reflection, and critical thinking, a significant gap in the literature exists relevant to how these conversations are translated within the social construct of the field-based placement and experience. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the authors offer a model to explain how situationally responsive field-based learning experiences can be pedagogically transformational for minority preservice teacher candidates and the students they will eventually serve. Using key tasks embedded within the field experiences for this study are specifically designed to implement this situationally inquiry-based learning model to maximize the relationship between educational theory and actual classroom practice.
E-commerce adoption in South African businesses
Authors: De Klerk S. , Kroon J.
Published: July 2019

The modern economy is an ever-changing environment and businesses need to adapt to maintain competitive advantages and secure profits. Trade and communication barriers have faded leading to a more global and international environment. Technological advances, such as computer innovation and networks, changed the face of economic trade and play an important role in the global and electronic marketplace. Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is a low-cost way of conducting economic activities, as well as, building global business partnerships to interchange information through interconnected networks.The current awareness of the e-commerce adoption amongst the respondents in South African businesses are the focus of this article and the results of an empirical study that incorporates on-line businesses that offer products or services to consumers.A large practical significance was found on the importance and role of technology as a competitive advantage in business, especially in marketing, expert knowledge, increasing sales, enhancement of relationships and the saving of time. The most important reasons for e-commerce and international trade included profit (86 percent), access to strategic markets (64 percent) and international association by means of relationships (61 percent).