bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility in Global Supply Chains: Deeds Not Words
Authors: Görg Holger , Hanley Aoife , Seric Adnan
Published: October 2018

The disconnect between the lofty aspirations of firms claiming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their shortcomings in practice have caused some observers to question its usefulness. The fallout from events like the Rana Plaza catastrophe has highlighted some of these shortcomings—namely, deficiencies in how multinational enterprises (MNEs) transact with suppliers in developing countries. Specifically, our paper aims to investigate whether or not MNEs behave hypocritically by examining the alignment of CSR to business practices in MNE affiliates in developing countries. To answer this question, we apply standard ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques to data for over 1000 MNEs that claim to have a CSR ethos. We find that CSR-active enterprises report significantly higher worker wages, ceteris paribus. Local African suppliers benefit from CSR through knowledge transfer, but only when MNEs make tangible investments in supplier development.
Implementation of Integrated Management Systems and Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives—A Romanian Hospitality Industry Perspective
Authors: Ionescu George H. , Firoiu Daniela , Pîrvu Ramona , Bădîrcea Roxana , Drăgan Cristian
Published: October 2018

The growing market value of a company remains the main concern of the management, as well as of the shareholders. Implementing integrated management systems is not always easy and is not low-priced either, but the benefits to clients, management, employees, or shareholders are considerable. At the same time, the involvement of companies in corporate social responsibility activities represents a return of part of the benefits to the community, the benefits being found on multiple plans for all the stakeholders. Through this study, we aim to identify the effects of implementing integrated management systems and quantify the influence of corporate social responsibility initiatives on the market value of hospitality industry companies in Romania. Analyzing the results of the study demonstrates the existence of a direct correlation between the implementation of integrated management systems and the evolution of the economic performance of the companies. Also, the results reveal a positive correlation between the existence of corporate social responsibility initiatives and the increase of the market value of Romanian hotel industry companies.
Application of Relative Entropy and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree to Fault Prognosis in Electronic Circuits
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhou Dongfang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Wei , Chen Jing
Published: October 2018

Fault prognosis of electronic circuits is the premise of guaranteeing normal operation of a system and carrying out on-condition maintenance. In this work, the remaining useful life (RUL) of electronic elements was estimated by selecting fault features based on variance, measuring fault severity based on relative entropy distance, and conducting fault prognosis based on the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model. At first, the corresponding voltages of amplitude-frequency response, under conditions of changing full-band element parameters, were extracted, and then the frequency bands with large change amplitude were further selected based on variance. Afterwards, using relative entropy distance, the degradation of element parameters was measured, and then the RUL of electronic elements was diagnosed through regression analysis by GBDT. By comparing the data with those arising from the use of other distance-measuring methods, the relative entropy distance shows a larger change range and less apt to suffer interference from noise, which is favorable to subsequent regression prediction. The regression analysis through GBDT is easy to understand and conveniently applied in engineering practice. The application of the method proposed in the study in two examples of electronic circuits indicates that the prediction accuracy of the method for RUL of electronic elements is higher than that of the other distance-measuring methods, and its application in engineering practice is convenient.
Evaluating the Bioactivity of a Novel Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1GHa from the Frog Skin Secretion of Hylarana guentheri and Its Analogues
Authors: Chen Qi , Cheng Peng , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Bian Huimin , Chen Tianbao
Published: October 2018

Many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been identified from the skin secretion of the frog Hylarana guentheri (H.guentheri), including Temporin, Brevinin-1, and Brevinin-2. In this study, an antimicrobial peptide named Brevinin-1GHa was identified for the first time by using ‘shotgun’ cloning. The primary structure was also confirmed through mass spectral analysis of the skin secretion purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). There was a Rana-box (CKISKKC) in the C-terminal of Brevinin-1GHa, which formed an intra-disulfide bridge. To detect the significance of Rana-box and reduce the hemolytic activity, we chemically synthesized Brevinin-1GHb (without Rana-box) and Brevinin-1GHc (Rana-box in central position). Brevinin-1GHa exhibited a strong and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against seven microorganisms, while Brevinin-1GHb only inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which indicates Rana-box was necessary for the antimicrobial activity of Brevinin-1GHa. The results of Brevinin-1GHc suggested transferring Rana-box to the central position could reduce the hemolytic activity, but the antimicrobial activity also declined. Additionally, Brevinin-1GHa demonstrated the capability of permeating cell membrane and eliminating biofilm of S. aureus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The discovery of this research may provide some novel insights into natural antimicrobial drug design.
Generalization of Nambu–Hamilton Equation and Extension of Nambu–Poisson Bracket to Superspace
Authors: Abramov Viktor
Published: October 2018

We propose a generalization of the Nambu–Hamilton equation in superspace R 3 | 2 with three real and two Grassmann coordinates. We construct the even degree vector field in the superspace R 3 | 2 by means of the right-hand sides of the proposed generalization of the Nambu–Hamilton equation and show that this vector field is divergenceless in superspace. Then we show that our generalization of the Nambu–Hamilton equation in superspace leads to a family of ternary brackets of even degree functions defined with the help of a Berezinian. This family of ternary brackets is parametrized by the infinite dimensional group of invertible second order matrices, whose entries are differentiable functions on the space R 3 . We study the structure of the ternary bracket in a more general case of a superspace R n | 2 with n real and two Grassmann coordinates and show that for any invertible second order functional matrix it splits into the sum of two ternary brackets, where one is the usual Nambu–Poisson bracket, extended in a natural way to even degree functions in a superspace R n | 2 , and the second is a new ternary bracket, which we call the Ψ -bracket, where Ψ can be identified with an invertible second order functional matrix. We prove that the ternary Ψ -bracket as well as the whole ternary bracket (the sum of the Ψ -bracket with the usual Nambu–Poisson bracket) is totally skew-symmetric, and satisfies the Leibniz rule and the Filippov–Jacobi identity ( Fundamental Identity).
Effect of Melittin on Metabolomic Profile and Cytokine Production in PMA-Differentiated THP-1 Cells
Authors: Alqarni Abdulmalik M. , Ferro Valerie A. , Parkinson John A. , Dufton Mark J. , Watson David G.
Published: October 2018

Melittin, the major active peptide of honeybee venom (BV), has potential for use in adjuvant immunotherapy. The immune system response to different stimuli depends on the secretion of different metabolites from macrophages. One potent stimulus is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component isolated from gram-negative bacteria, which induces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cell cultures. This secretion is amplified when LPS is combined with melittin. In the present study, pure melittin was isolated from whole BV by flash chromatography to obtain pure melittin. The ability of melittin to enhance the release of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines from a macrophage cell line (THP-1) was then assessed. The response to melittin and LPS, applied alone or in combination, was characterised by metabolic profiling, and the metabolomics results were used to evaluate the potential of melittin as an immune adjuvant therapy. The addition of melittin enhanced the release of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. Effective chromatographic separation of metabolites was obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using a ZIC-pHILIC column and an ACE C4 column. The levels of 108 polar and non-polar metabolites were significantly changed (p ˂ 0.05) following cell activation by the combination of LPS and melittin when compared to untreated control cells. Overall, the findings of this study suggested that melittin might have a potential application as a vaccine adjuvant.
Transdisciplinary Research and Development Cooperation: Insights from the First Phase of the Palestinian-Dutch Academic Cooperation Programme on Water
Authors: Özerol Gül , Schillinger Juliane , Abu-Madi Maher
Published: October 2018

Transdisciplinary research offers a promising approach to development cooperation programs by integrating knowledge from academic and non-academic stakeholders, and from natural and social sciences. In the context of development research on water, there is little evidence on how stakeholder involvement takes place in the three stages of transdisciplinary research (problem definition, knowledge production, and knowledge application). This paper aims to create empirical evidence and insights on this question based on the Palestinian-Dutch Academic Cooperation Programme on Water (PADUCO). Six research projects, which have been implemented within the first phase of PADUCO, were examined using the data collected through a survey and document reviews. The results show that research problems were defined according to societal needs and contextual factors. Research teams were multidisciplinary and included non-academic members, whereas the institutional involvement of non-academic stakeholders was limited and unbalanced between the governmental and non-governmental actors. Although the application of the knowledge produced was mainly focused on academia, opportunities for broad dissemination were utilized, albeit to a limited extent. Finally, there was a lack of monitoring and evaluation of impacts, which is explained by the budget and time limitations of such small-scale projects and can be mitigated by programme-level measures.
Variations of Water Runoff and Suspended Sediment Yield in the Kamchatsky Krai, Russia
Authors: Kuksina Ludmila
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the spatial and temporal variability of water runoff and suspended sediment yield in rivers in the Kamchatsky Krai territory (in the Far East of the Russian Federation). It is based on data from 269 monitoring stations for the period of hydrometeorological observations (1930–2015). The representativeness and the homogeneity of data on water runoff and suspended sediment yield was examined. Regions with prescribed limits of specific water discharge (L·s−1·km−2) and suspended sediment concentration (mg·L−1) variability were selected in the Kamchatsky Krai territory. Most rivers in this region are characterized by two relatively long trends in these characteristics that increased from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, followed by a subsequent decline (until 2015). Kamchatsky Krai includes 9 specific water discharge and 18 suspended sediment concentration regions. Hydrometeorological data of three zonal types of water runoff and corresponding suspended sediment concentration distribution were described, and five azonal types of water regime were characterized. One of these types was characterized by a nearly uniform distribution of water runoff within the year, due to the predominance of groundwater feeding source, while the rest of them had mixed feeding. The present study is the first study to describe the water regime of rivers on volcanic flanks in the Kamchatsky Krai.
GENERALIZED JACOBI REPRODUCING KERNEL METHOD IN HILBERT SPACES FOR SOLVING THE BLACK-SCHOLES OPTION PRICING PROBLEM ARISING IN FINANCIAL MODELLING
Authors: Foroutan Mohammadreza , Ebadian Ali , Fazli Hadi Rahmani
Published: October 2018

Based on the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method, a new approach is proposed to approximate the solution of the Black-Scholes equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions and introduce the reproducing kernel properties in which the initial conditions of the problem are satisfied. Based on reproducing kernel theory, reproducing kernel functions with a polynomial form will be constructed in the reproducing kernel spaces spanned by the generalized Jacobi basis polynomials. Some new error estimates for application of the method are established. The convergence analysis is established theoretically. The proposed method is successfully used for solving an option pricing problem arising in financial modelling. The ideas and techniques presented in this paper will be useful for solving many other problems.
ON MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF THE SOLID-LIQUID MIXTURES TRANSPORT IN POROUS AXIAL-SYMMETRICAL CONTAINER WITH HENRY AND LANGMUIR SORPTION KINETICS
Authors: Kangroa Ilmars , Kalis Harijs
Published: October 2018

In this paper we study diffusion and convection filtration problem of one substance through the pores of a porous material which may absorb and immobilize some of the diffusing substances. As an example we consider round cylinder with filtration process in the axial direction. The cylinder is filled with sorbent i.e. absorbent material that passed through dirty water or liquid solutions. We can derive the system of two partial differential equations (PDEs), one expressing the rate of change of concentration of water in the pores of the sorbent and the other - the rate of change of concentration in the sorbent or kinetical equation for absorption. The approximation of corresponding initial boundary value problem of the system of PDEs is based on the conservative averaging method (CAM). This procedure allows reducing the 2-D axisymmetrical mass transfer problem decribed by a system of PDEs to initial value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of the first order. We consider also model 1-D problem for investigation the depending the concentration of water and sorbent on the time.
CONVERGENCE ANALYSIS OF ITERATIVE SCHEME AND ERROR ESTIMATION OF POSITIVE SOLUTION FOR A FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: Zhang Xinguang , Wu Jing , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong , Cui Yujun
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we focus on the iterative scheme and error estimation of positive solutions for a class of p-Laplacian fractional order differential equation subject to Riemann-Stieltjes integral boundary condition. Under a weaker growth condition of nonlinearity, by using a monotone iterative technique, we first establish a new result on the sufficient condition for the existence of a unique positive solution to the above problem, then construct an iterative scheme which converges to the unique positive solution, and then present an error estimation and the exact convergence rate of the approximate solution.
AN OPTIMAL CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT PROBLEM WITH QUADRATIC UTILITY AND SUBSISTENCE CONSUMPTION CONSTRAINTS: A DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING APPROACH
Authors: Shin Yong Hyun , Koo Jung Lim , Roh Kum Hwan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we analyze the optimal consumption and investment problem of an agent who has a quadratic-type utility function and faces a subsistence consumption constraint. We use the dynamic programming method to solve the optimization problem in continuous-time. We further provide the sufficient conditions for the optimization problem to be well-defined.
CRM-BASED DYNAMIC DECISION-MAKING WITH HESITANT FUZZY INFORMATION FOR THE EVALUATION OF RANGELANDS
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Wang Zengwen , Zhang Shitao , Hetzler Antoinette
Published: October 2018

As one of the important components of global land ecosystem, rangeland ecosystem has important value of ecosystem services. With the degeneration of rangeland in recent years, sustainability within rangeland ecosystem has become an increasingly important issue. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel dynamic decision-making approach based on hesitant fuzzy information to evaluate rangeland sustainability that considers ecological, social and economic aspects. Firstly, a modified satisfaction degree of alternative is presented, based on which a mathematical model for determining the stage weights is constructed. Secondly, the compromise ratio method (CRM), whose basic principle is that the optimal alternative should have the nearest distance from positive ideal solution and the longest distance from negative ideal solution simultaneously, is extended to accommodate hesitant fuzzy environment, and then adopted to tackle the dynamic decision-making with hesitant fuzzy information. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method can eliminate the impact of attribute magnitude and dimension. Lastly, a numerical example on the evaluation of rangelands is provided to illustrate the practicality and superiority of the proposed method.
Testing the Breathing Mode in Intermediate-mass Galaxies and Its Predicted Star Formation Rate-size Anti-correlation*
Authors: Patel Shannon G. , Kelson Daniel D. , Diao Nicholas , Tonnesen Stephanie , Abramson Louis E.
Published: October 2018

Recent hydrodynamical simulations predict that stellar feedback in intermediate-mass galaxies (IMGs) can drive strong fluctuations in structure (e.g., half-light radius, R

e
). This process operates on timescales of only a few hundred Myr and persists even at late cosmic times. One prediction of this quasi-periodic, galactic-scale “breathing” is an anti-correlation between star formation rate (SFR) and R

e
as central gas overdensities lead to starbursts whose feedback drags stars to larger radii while star formation dwindles. We test this prediction with a sample of 284 isolated IMGs with stellar masses of

at

in the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) I
814 Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) footprint. We find that IMGs with higher specific SFRs (SSFR > 10−10 yr−1) are the most extended with median sizes of R

e
 ∼ 2.8–3.4 kpc and are mostly disk-dominated systems. In contrast, IMGs with lower SSFRs are a factor of ∼2–3 more compact with median sizes of R

e
 ∼ 0.9–1.3 kpc and have more significant bulge contributions to their light. These observed trends are opposite to the predictions for stellar feedback that operate via the “breathing” process described above. We discuss various paths to reconcile the observations and simulations, all of which likely require a different implementation of stellar feedback in IMGs that drastically changes their predicted formation history.
Minimize fission power peaking factor in radial direction of water-cooled and water-moderated thermionic conversion reactor core
Authors: Alekseev Pavel A. , Krotov Aleksei D. , Ovcharenko Mikhail K. , Linnik Vladimir A.
Published: October 2018

The paper investigates the possibility for reducing the radial power peaking factor kr inside the core of a water-cooled water-moderated thermionic converter reactor (TCR). Due to a highly nonuniform power density, the TCR generates less electric power and the temperature increases in components of the thermionic fuel elements, leading so to a shorter reactor life.

A TCR with an intermediate neutron spectrum has its thermionic fuel elements (TFE) arranged inside the core in concentric circles, this providing for a nonuniform TFE spacing and reduces kr. The water-cooled water-moderated TCR under consideration has a much larger number of TFEs arranged in a hexagonal lattice with a uniform pitch. Power density flattening in a core with a uniform-pitch lattice can be achieved, e.g., through using different fuel enrichment in core or using additional in-core structures. The former requires different TFE types to be taken into account and developed while the latter may cause degradation of the reactor neutronic parameters; all this will affect the design’s economic efficiency.

It is proposed that the core should be split into sections with each section having its own uniform lattice pitch which increases in the direction from the center to the periphery leading so to the radial power density factor decreasing to 1.06. The number of the sections the core is split into depends on the lattice pitch, the TFE type and size, the reflector thickness, and the reactor design constraints. The best lattice spacing options for each section can be selected using the procedure based on a genetic algorithm technology which allows finding solutions that satisfy to a number of conditions.

This approach does not require the reactor dimensions to be increased, different TFE types to be taken into account and developed, or extra structures to be installed at the core center.
Late Mobile-Bearing Dislocation in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Song Moo-Ho , Kim Kyung-Taek , Hwang Youn-Soo , Kim Jin-Wan , Eom Tae-Woong , Chae Jeong-Hoon
Published: October 2018

The authors present 2 cases of late mobile-bearing dislocation after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with long-term follow-up. Patients had anterior bearing dislocation more than 10 years after primary unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Retrieved mobile bearings showed severe erosion on the posterior lip, suggesting frequent deep knee flexion as the cause of wear. Bearing dislocation is known to occur in the early postoperative phase. However, for Asians with a lifestyle that requires high knee flexion, dislocation might occur in the late postoperative phase. Such late bearing dislocation has a mechanism different from those reported in previous studies. Loss of bump in the posterior lip was found to be the cause. After late bearing dislocation, conversion to total knee arthroplasty is unnecessary because a simple bearing exchange will suffice. [
Orthopedics
. 2019; 42(1):e124–e127.]
Methodology of Operationalization of KPIs for Shop-Floor
Authors: Oliveira Mariana Raposo , Jorge Diogo , Peças Paulo
Published: October 2018

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a critical tool to support activities and results' monitoring in any industrial organization. The published literature and the available approaches on KPIs focus on the business and administrative level, being computed with information retrieved at the shop-floor level. Despite that, there is a scarcity of structured and comprehensive approaches to support the generation of KPIs to be used at the shop-floor level (the few existent approaches are empiric-based). In this chapter, a methodology to support the selection and organization of KPIs at the shop-floor level is proposed. Departing from the Hoshin Kanri strategy deployment, it identifies the levels of decision and control in the company regarding the production activities and derives the most adequate KPIs for each level based on universal questions about “what performance to assess.” The build-up of visual management boards for each level is also proposed.
Solution Approaches for Reverse Logistics Considering Recovery Options
Authors: Katrancioglu Sevan , Kilic Huseyin Selcuk , Uslu Cigdem Alabas
Published: October 2018

Reverse logistics stands out as a rapidly gaining concept due to its contribution to both the environment and the economy. There are many problems with reverse logistics. The decision of recovery options is a fundamental issue that serves many purposes. Choosing the right recovery option will also provide the environmental and economic contribution to maximize the benefits. For this purpose, many solution approaches have been produced for different objectives, which are based on the selection of better recovery options. Since solution approaches are directly interacting with problem models and objectives, it is important to determine an appropriate approach to achieve better results. Until now, many different approaches have been implemented, and results are shared. This chapter systematically examines these solution approaches and reveals the achievements in the literature in order to provide directions for future studies.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Mg-Zn-Mn-Si-HA Alloy for Bone Fixation Devices
Authors: Prakash Chander , Singh Sunpreet , Abdul-Rani Ahmad Majdi , Uddin M. S. , Pabla B. S. , Puri Sanjeev
Published: October 2018

In this chapter, low elastic modulus porous Mg-Zn-Mn-(Si, HA) alloy was fabricated by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering technique. The microstructure, topography, elemental, and chemical composition of the as-sintered bio-composite were characterized by optical microscope, FE-SEM, EDS, and XRD technique. The mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus were determined by nanoindentation technique. The as-sintered bio-composites show low ductility due to the presence of Si, Ca, and Zn elements. The presence of Mg matrix was observed as primary grain and the presence of coarse Mg2Si, Zn, and CaMg as a secondary grain boundary. EDS spectrum and XRD pattern confirms the formation of intermetallic biocompatible phases in the sintered compact, which is beneficial to form apatite and improved the bioactivity of the alloy for osseointegration. The lowest elastic modulus of 28 GPa was measured. Moreover, the as-sintered bio-composites has high corrosion resistance and corrosion rate of the Mg was decreased by the addition of HA and Si element.
Assessment of Remanufacturability Index for an Automotive Product
Authors: Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Sakthivel Aravind Raj , K. E. K. Vimal , M. S. Shama , M. T. H. Sultan , Reddy V. Sharath Kumar , Gutha Jyoteesh
Published: October 2018

The increasing competition among the manufacturing organizations and stringent government regulation forces the manufacturing organizations to implement sustainability principles in manufacturing. Sustainability focuses on material, product development, and manufacturing process orientations. End of life (EoL) disposal of the product is very much important in the modern scenario. The remanufacturing is a vital strategy for attaining sustainability in manufacturing. The assessment of remanufacturability of products needs to be done during the design stage so as to provide the manufacturers the guidelines for sustainable product development. In this context, this chapter presents the insights on remanufacturability index assessment for a typical automotive product. The practical implications of the study are also being discussed.
Relevance and Importance of Ethics in Post-Grad Research at South African Universities
Authors: Naidoo Vannie
Published: October 2018

Ethics in research is a very important consideration that researchers and scientists all over the world should be aware and consciously recognize its importance. Ethics in research did not gloriously appear one day; it advanced and was perfected over time. It took the Nuremberg Code (1951), The Declaration of Helsinki (1964), The Belmont Report (1979), the APA Ethical guidelines (1947, 1953, 2002), and government regulations to assist in setting a guide to research ethics involving key principles to protect respondents. The focal point of ethics in research is to protect the respondents from harm and safeguard their dignity, anonymity, and confidentially. If the test subject is human, plant, or animal, there should be a humane way of handling test subjects. This chapter looks at research ethics and its relevance to post-grad students conducting research at a university. It is pivotal that students are aware of their ethical responsibility towards their test subjects/respondents whilst conducting their study.
Risk-Benefit Evaluation in Clinical Research Practice
Authors: Rizk Samia Hassan
Published: October 2018

A core element in protecting human participants in clinical research is the assurance of a favorable risk-benefit balance, in accordance with the ethical principle of beneficence. However, the assessment of risks and benefits may sometimes be challenging. In this chapter, the authors review the concepts, ethical principles, and applicability of those terms. The assessment approaches used by regulators and research reviewers who are working in clinical practice are then discussed, together with a highlight of the new trends in risk-benefit analysis and their impact on drug development and approval. Analysis of some research situations which pose particular challenges are presented at the end of the chapter.
White-Collar Criminals and Organizational Criminology
Authors: Taştan Seçil
Published: October 2018

From a multidisciplinary view, this chapter presents a conceptualization of white-collar criminality and enables understanding the psychological, organizational, and situational motives behind white-collar crimes. This chapter is noteworthy for integrating environmental, psychological, and situational factors influencing the white-collars to engage in crimes in organizations. Specifically, in the study, organization-based situational variables such as perceived ethical climate and opportunities for rule bending are examined among potential antecedents of white-collar crimes. This study enhances organizations to recognize their code of conducts and ethical climate aspects and helps to understand the causes of rule bending and criminal behaviors among white-collars. Further, the chapter provides implications for the practice and the academics regarding the importance of developing effective business ethics codes, prevention issues, and creating a strong ethical climate.
How Do Entrepreneurs See Digital Marketing?
Authors: Teixeira Sandrina Francisca , Barbosa Belem , Pinto Helder
Published: October 2018

The growth of the internet is giving rise to the overall importance of digital marketing for business management. In fact, digital marketing is widely accepted as an essential component of business management, and its share of the marketing budget is getting bigger. Still, digital marketing professionals deal with some resistance, especially from small and medium companies from more traditional sectors and from businesses struggling with limited budgets for marketing and communication. Entrepreneurs and startup managers are expected to have a clear acknowledgement of digital marketing tools' benefits, which is confirmed in this study. However, budget constraints limit their willingness to spend money on digital marketing and to hire specialized personnel. This chapter provides valuable cues for digital marketing practitioners and companies that intend to approach startups.
Theoretical and Methodological Paths for Studies About Entrepreneurship and Social Development
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Carolina , Barbieri da Rosa Luciana Aparecida , Camargo Caroline Rosseto , Barbieri Larissa Cristina , Gomes Clandia Maffini
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the status quo and discuss the interfaces and articulations between the two constructs: entrepreneurship and social development. Thus, this chapter aims to analyze the characteristics of publications related to the themes of entrepreneurship and social development from 1996 to 2016. The methodology used was descriptive research bibliometrics. The research was conducted using the web of science (WoS) database of the ISI web of knowledge, with a total of 1893 articles selected. The survey results showed that the year with the highest number of publications was 2016 (446), followed by the year 2015 (330). Further, the fields of social and behavioral sciences and entrepreneurship and regional development had the largest number of publications with a total of 44 and 42, respectively.
Entrepreneurship and Chance
Authors: França Alexandra , Rua Orlando Lima
Published: October 2018

The unpredictability of business activities means that entrepreneurs should find a way to adapt and embrace chance. The traditional and predefined process logic offers little support for today's complex and dynamic business environment. One tenet that shaped the direction of entrepreneurship research is the view that the entrepreneurial opportunity discovery and development is linear, systematic, and rational, that is, it is assumed that all factors are measurable and knowable. However, unknowable instances of coincidence, randomness, and chance factors can play a significant role in new venture creation. The authors propose that these factors point to the nonlinear and acausal phenomenon of chance. This research proposal intends to address entrepreneurs' alternative mechanisms, other than the classic formal planning model, to harness opportunities or overcome setbacks arising from chance. To achieve our purpose, the authors examine qualitative data drawn from entrepreneurial activity of Spain and Portugal.
Firm Growth
Authors: Imarhiagbe Bernard Owens , Saridakis George , Smallbone David
Published: October 2018

Venture capital (VC) is an alternative means of access to finance for innovative SMEs to sustain their innovation, growth, and survival. Although VC firms are well established in the UK and USA, they are not well-known worldwide and many SMEs are unaware of their potential. This is a review of research literature on VC, its conceptualization, and synthesis over four decades. VC is gaining increased and varied significance worldwide as a way for innovative SMEs to access funds. Globalization has provided entrepreneurs the opportunity to seek VC globally as reputable VC firms are able to fund innovative projects across countries and continents. As the legal and regulatory regime improve, VC finance opportunities increase with impact on the demand and supply of VC. Innovative SMEs are encouraged to take advantage of globalization and competition among VC firms in their search for VC. Recently, VC firms have become more risk averse regardless of their traditional competence in screening and monitoring.
Optimization of Single Row Layout in Construction Site Planning
Authors: Utamima Amalia , Djunaidy Arif , Adrian Angelia Melani
Published: October 2018

Several heuristics algorithms can be employed to solve single row layout in construction site planning. Firstly, this chapter builds Tabu Search to deal with the problem. Other heuristics methods which are genetic algorithm (GA) and estimation distribution algorithm (EDA) are also developed against Tabu Search. A comparative study is performed to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithms. The statistical test, ANOVA followed by the t-test, compares the results of the three algorithms. Then, the pros and cons of using the algorithms are stated.
Earthquake Resistant Design
Authors: Farrukh Md. , Faisal Nadeem , Kumar Kaushik
Published: October 2018

In the long history of mankind's existence, nature's forces have influenced human existence to a great extent. Of all natural disasters, the least understood and most destructive are earthquakes. Their claim of human lives and material losses constantly force people to search for better protection, still a great challenge for engineers and researchers worldwide. Although important progress has been done in understanding seismic activity and developing buildings technology, a better way of protecting buildings on large scale is still in search. The essential features of earthquake resistance structure are stable foundation design, regularity, ductility, adequate stiffness, redundancy, and ruggedness. The chapter focuses on increasing the knowledge dictum of earthquake resistant design and discusses the various sorts of issues and challenges. It also presents a wide view on optimization techniques that are required to be done in the latest technology currently in practice so as to achieve the optimum design techniques.
Gender Diversity in the Senior Management of Large Technology Companies
Authors: Fernández-Torres Yakira , Palomo-Zurdo Ricardo Javier , Gutiérrez-Fernández Milagros
Published: October 2018

As a key part of the fourth industrial revolution, technology companies have become the most valuable companies in the world in terms of market capitalization. Surprisingly, however, these companies have been overlooked by studies of gender diversity in corporate governance even though their highly distinctive features may cause major differences in gender diversity with respect to companies in other sectors. The goal of this chapter is therefore to provide the first characterization of gender diversity in the corporate governance of large technology companies—specifically those with the highest market value—and explore the relationship between gender diversity and business performance. To achieve this goal, descriptive statistical analysis is used. Data correspond to the period 2005 to 2017. The findings confirm the under-representation of women on the boards of directors of 162 publicly listed companies. The findings also show that the most profitable companies are those that have the greatest female representation on their boards of directors.
Integrating SMEs Through Cloud
Authors: Brintha N. C.  , Winowlin Jappes J. T.  , Sukumaran Jacob
Published: October 2018

In the fourth industrial revolution, one of the major driving force is cloud computing which helps in integration of cloud concepts in manufacturing sectors. Most of the high-end factories have started to adopt industrial automation by incorporating smart manufacturing technologies by incorporating cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data analytics, cyber physical systems, and several other advanced manufacturing technologies. But, most of the SMEs across countries have not been standardized using such new technologies. This chapter discusses on a scheduling model using grey wolf optimization (GWO) for integrating all SMEs on to Cloud, such that proper decision support can be made for effective resource selection and job completion can be provided to the end users dynamically without any flaws.
Digital Social Innovation
Authors: Guerra Guerra Alicia , Sánchez de Gómez Lyda , Rivas Carlos Jurado
Published: October 2018

The fusion of the social economy with the digital economy, together with the essential need for social organizations to innovate in order to face challenges not satisfied by using traditional methods, led to what is known as digital social innovation: the use of digital technologies to allow or help to carry out social innovations. We are facing a developing field of study, in full evolution and with a high and recent level of global activity, which makes it a true global movement. This, together with the fact that DSI practices still lack unanimous and systematized criteria, calls for identifying what DSI is and what should be understood by it. Therefore, this chapter aims to configure and illustrate the conceptual framework of DSI, detail the barriers that are limiting its momentum, and formulate a general scheme of action for good practices in DSI.
Managing Social Innovation Through CSR 2.0 and the Quadruple Helix
Authors: Saiz-Alvarez José Manuel
Published: October 2018

The quadruple helix models are widely used when you want to have an integrating vision of the strategies used to combat poverty in emerging countries, including Mexico. The objective of this chapter is to propose a novel model of quadruple helix based on ethics and CSR 2.0 that can lay the foundations to develop the Industry 4.0 in emerging countries. To achieve this objective, the author distinguishes between CSR 1.0 and 2.0. Second, these concepts are united with the economy of the common good and the economy of solidarity. These conceptual bases will allow us to develop the relationship between business ethics and the Industry 4.0 to reach some conclusions.
Optimization of Aerospace Big Data Including Integrated Health Monitoring With the Help of Data Analytics
Authors: Chennu Ranganayakulu , Veeredhi Vasudeva Rao
Published: October 2018

The objective of this chapter is to present the role and advantages of big data governance in the optimal use of integrated health monitoring systems with a specific reference to the aerospace industry. Aerospace manufacturers and many passenger airlines have realized the benefits of sharing and analyzing the huge amounts of data being collected by their latest generation airliners and engines. While aero engines are already equipped with integrated engine health monitoring concepts, aircraft systems are now being introduced with integrated vehicle health monitoring concepts which require large number of sensors. The data generated by these sensors is enormously high and grows over a period of time to constitute a big data to be monitored and analyzed. This chapter aims to give an overview of various systems and their data logging processes, simulations, and data analysis. Various sensors that are required to be used in important systems of a typical fighter aircraft and their functionalities emphasizing the huge volume of data generated for the analysis are presented in this chapter.
Big Data and People Management
Authors: Sarti Daria , Torre Teresina
Published: October 2018

This chapter investigates the role of big data (BD) in human resource management (HRM). The interest is related to the strategic relevance of human resources (HR) and to the increasing importance of BD in every dimension of a company's life. The analysis focuses on the perception of the HR managers on the impact that BD and BD analytics may have on the HRM and the possible problems the HR departments may encounter when implementing human resources analytics (HRA). The authors' opinion is that attention to the perceptions shown by the HR managers is the more important element conditioning their attitude towards BD and it is the first feature influencing the possibility that BD can become a positive challenge. After the presentation of the topic and of the state of the art, the study is introduced. The main findings are discussed and commented to offer suggestion for HR managers and to underline some key points for future research in this field.
SME Micro-Financing and Business Growth in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Adewusi Adedeji Oluwaseun
Published: October 2018

Despite the critical nature of SMEs to the prosperity of less developed countries, evidence has shown that small businesses in Nigeria have not made a significant contribution to the nation's economic growth and development due to finance-related issues. This chapter, identifies the social determinants of microfinance loan accessibility; examines SME owner satisfaction with existing microfinance institutions loan requirements; investigates the relationship between microfinance and perceived business growth; and documents the challenges facing rural SME owners in accessing business loans in microfinance banks. By adopting non-probability sampling techniques, 262 identical questionnaires and 21 in-depth interviews were used to compile data from the study subjects. The data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The findings of this chapter informs the reader about the direction for further research into interventionist programmes for SMEs in Nigeria.
Institutional Innovation for Urban Village Renewal in Mainland China
Authors: Yuan Dinghuan , Yau Yung , Bao Haijun
Published: October 2018

China has been experiencing rapid urban development but urban renewal projects on collective rural land often inflicts social conflicts. This article examines an innovative villagers' committee-led land readjustment model which was applied for urban village renewal. As shown in the case study of “renewal of old village” project in Yiwu, the bottom-up model empowered villagers to design and implement their own relocation scheme. With a transparent and socially acceptable relocation scheme, the villagers willingly participated in the project for a fairer share of potential profit of the project. The local government could also achieve multiple goals like increasing land use efficiency and providing basic infrastructure and communal amenities in the renewed neighborhoods without any actual financial investment. The empowerment of villagers' committees is an innovative and successful experiment in urban village renewal representing the best interest of rural communities.
The Possibility of a Sustainable Rural Development by Husbanding Precious Resources
Authors: Bibi Fariha
Published: October 2018

The present chapter aimed at making out the possibility of sustainable rural development by husbanding precious resources in the rural areas, particularly the rural areas of the Central Karakoram zone in Pakistan. For this purpose, a qualitative research design was manipulated in order to decipher the maximum chance of attaining rural sustainability in these areas through a thorough perusal of various relevant past studies. Hence, the information, gleaned from the archival sources and elucidated hermeneutically, signified a high level of effectiveness of the economical use of natural resources for retaining sufficient and passable degree of sustainability in the rural areas. Consequently, the hermeneutic assertions, made by the researcher of this study, accentuated the inculcation of numerous assorted customary husbandry methods, adopted and employed by the pure traditional rural communities, among the modern rural population of the Central Karakoram zone in Pakistan as well in order to enhance the possibility of arriving at the rural sustainability in these areas. Recognizing the value of certain reliable husbandry practices, the study deemed and estimated a maximum accomplishment of targets set out for attaining sustainable rural development all around the world, particularly in the Central Karakoram zone in Pakistan.
Socioeconomic Impact of Education on Agriculture
Authors: Yameen Saiqa
Published: October 2018

Education is one of the basic activities in all human societies because continued existence of a society depends largely upon the transmission of it heritage to the new generation. In its broadest sense, education is the process by which society seeks to transmit its tradition, customs skills and culture to the young generation. Education has been rationally regarded as a social obligation and is widely accepted that the major factor in nation's economic progress is the quality of its man power resources. Education is considered as one of the important factors in speeding up the process of social change in any society. In order to understand the complexity of the society itself and to move along with the change, one need to be educated. Education brings changes in the attitude and behaviors of the people. Education helps to overcome poverty, increase income, improves health and nutrition and reduces family size.
Illness Profile of a Disaster Prone Bangladeshi Village
Authors: Uddin Md. Nasir , Rahman Md. Musfikur , Khatun Mst. Maksuda
Published: October 2018

This chapter examines the illness profile of a disaster-prone village Char Majhira at Sariakandi Upazilla of Bogra district in Bangladesh which frequently affect various communicable and non-communicable illness. The researcher had administered participant observation, a thick description of villagers, an in-depth interview and FGD for data collection by using purposive sampling of the 250 households during November 2010 to June 2011. The salient health hazards of Char Majhira were rickets and vision problems, and the leading causes of death were asthma, neoplasm, respiratory infections, senility, stroke, various conditions during the neonatal period, accidents, cardiovascular illness other than stroke and diarrheal diseases, hepatitis and hypertension. As this is a chapter about illness profile of a disaster-prone village, it obviously will be helpful for development planners and policy makers to take essential steps for the prevention of illness in the disadvantage people in Bangladesh, as well as rest of the world.