bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The subprime mortgages crisis and Islamic securitization
Authors: Hanim Kamil Karmila , Abdullah Marliana , Shahimi Shahida , Ghafar Ismail Abdul 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an insight of Islamic securitization based on sukuk structures.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive, analytical, and comparative analyses are used to discuss the risk‐sharing behaviour in Islamic securitization through different structures of mudharabah and musharakah sukuk derived from asset securitization.FindingsThe paper reveals that although sukuk are structured in a similar way to conventional asset‐backed securities, they can have significantly different underlying structures, provisions and shariah‐compliant. In particular, it prohibits the receipt and payment of interest and stipulates that income must be derived from an underlying real business risk rather than as a guaranteed return from interest. With regards to sukuk securitization, an asset is one of the vital elements that should exist as an evidence to support the process and make it permissible in Islam. In terms of Islamic securitization mechanism, it can be divided into two principles, namely, debt based and partnership. This paper further emphasizes that sukuk structures based on partnership principle is regarded as risk sharing rather than risk shifting, where it works by combining risk‐exposures in such a way that they offset one another to some degree. Accordingly, overall risk will be less than total risks on individual basis.Practical implicationsThis paper has important implication for the understanding of risk management practices particularly in structuring sukuk. Banks as originators and special purpose vehicles (SPV) as issuers, might consider more sukuk on partnership principles since it directed towards risk‐sharing concept that could lead to increase mobilization of savings and investment. As for the investors or sukuk holders, the partnership principle could generate the wealth creation, which to be shared between both investors (fund providers) and issuers (fund users), while both bear the risks involved and the resulting loss.Originality/valueThe paper will fill the gap in the existing literature of Islamic finance by showing that Islamic securitization via sukuk is a viable source of funds that could help stabilize the securities market, and as solution to the current subprime mortgages financial crisis.
Weaving the social fabric
Authors: Reynolds Robert G. , Che Xiangdong , Ali Mostafa 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of cultural algorithms (CAs) over a complete range of optimization problem complexities, from fixed to chaotic and specifically observing whether there is a given homogeneous agent topology within a culture which can dominate across all complexities.Design/methodology/approachIn order to apply the CA overall complexity classes it was necessary to generalize on its co‐evolutionary nature to keep the variation in the population across all complexities. First, previous CA approaches were reviewed. Based on this the existing implementation was extended to produce a more general one that could be applied across all complexity classes. As a result a new version of the cultural algorithms toolkit, CAT 2.0, was produced, which supported a variety of co‐evolutionary features at both the knowledge and population levels. The system was applied to the solution of a 150 randomly generated problems ranging from simple to chaotic complexity classes.FindingsNo homogeneous social fabric tested was dominant over all categories of problem complexity; as the complexity of problems increased so did the complexity of the social fabric that was need to deal with it efficiently. A social fabric that was good for fixed problems might be less adequate for periodic problems, and chaotic ones.Originality/valueThe paper presents experimental evidence that social structure of a cultural system can be related to the frequency and complexity type of the problems that presented to a cultural system.
Off‐line signature verification and identification by pyramid histogram of oriented gradients
Authors: Zhang Bailing 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an effective method to perform off‐line signature verification and identification by applying a local shape descriptor pyramid histogram of oriented gradients (PHOGs), which represents local shape of an image by a histogram of edge orientations computed for each image sub‐region, quantized into a number of bins. Each bin in the PHOG histogram represents the number of edges that have orientations within a certain angular range.Design/methodology/approachAutomatic signature verification and identification are then studied in the general binary and multi‐class pattern classification framework, with five different common applied classifiers thoroughly compared.FindingsSimulation experiments show that PHOG has obvious advantages in the extraction of discriminating information from handwriting signature images compared with many previously proposed signature feature extraction approaches. The experiments also demonstrate that several classifiers, includingk‐nearest neighbour, multiple layer perceptron and support vector machine (SVM) can all give very satisfactory performance with regard to false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR). On a public benchmarking signature database “Grupo de Procesado Digital de Senales” (GPDS), experiments demonstrate an FRR of 4.0 percent and an FAR 3.25 percent from SVM for skillful forgery, which compares sharply with the latest published results of FRR 16.4 percent and FAR 14.2 percent on the same dataset. Experiments on a second DAVAB off‐line signature database also illustrate the superiority of the proposed method. The related issue, off‐line signature recognition, which is to find the identification of the signature owner from a given signature database, is also investigated based on the PHOG features, showing superb classification accuracies of 99 and 96 percent for GPDS and DAVAB datasets, respectively.Originality/valueThe proposed method for off‐line signature verification and recognition has a promising potential of designing a real‐world system for many applications, particularly in forensics and biometrics.
Experimental studies of swarm robotic chemical plume tracing using computational fluid dynamics simulations
Authors: Zarzhitsky Dimitri V. , Spears Diana F. , Thayer David R. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a multi‐robot solution to the problem of chemical source localization, in which a team of inexpensive, simple vehicles with short‐range, low‐power sensing, communication, and processing capabilities trace a chemical plume to its source emitterDesign/methodology/approachThe source localization problem is analyzed using computational fluid dynamics simulations of airborne chemical plumes. The analysis is divided into two parts consisting of two large experiments each: the first part focuses on the issues of collaborative control, and the second part demonstrates how task performance is affected by the number of collaborating robots. Each experiment tests a key aspect of the problem, e.g. effects of obstacles, and defines performance metrics that help capture important characteristics of each solution.FindingsThe new empirical simulations confirmed previous theoretical predictions: a physics‐based approach is more effective than the biologically inspired methods in meeting the objectives of the plume‐tracing mission. This gain in performance is consistent across a variety of plume and environmental conditions. This work shows that high success rate can be achieved by robots using strictly local information and a fully decentralized, fault‐tolerant, and reactive control algorithm.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to compare a physics‐based approach against the leading alternatives for chemical plume tracing under a wide variety of fluid conditions and performance metrics. This is also the first presentation of the algorithms showing the specific mechanisms employed to achieve superior performance, including the underlying fluid and other physics principles and their numerical implementation, and the mechanisms that allow the practitioner to duplicate the outstanding performance of this approach under conditions of many robots navigating through obstacle‐dense environments.
Do concerns about climate change lead to distress?
Authors: Searle Kristina , Gow Kathryn 
Published: November 2010

PurposeClimate change news and educational awareness programs have swamped Australia in the past four years, with earlier campaigns raising awareness in Europe and the USA via television and the internet. What is the impact on people's psychological states of such concerns? The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological impact of climate change within the general population and investigate what makes an individual vulnerable to distress.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was completed by 275 adults that assessed personality factors as well as environmental beliefs and religiosity. The design was cross‐sectional, and correlational analyses determined the associations between climate change distress and symptoms indicative of depression, anxiety and stress. Independent samples t‐tests and ANOVA revealed group differences for age and gender. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to identify important, unique predictors and to determine the extent to which environmental beliefs, future anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty and religiosity accounted for the variability in climate change measures beyond the effects of age and gender.FindingsThis study indicates that the public is becoming increasingly concerned about climate change and that there is a relationship between this concern and symptoms that are indicative of depression, anxiety and stress. The results indicate that an individual is more likely to be distressed about climate change if they are female, under the age of 35 years, have a pro‐environmental orientation, and possess personality traits such as high levels of future anxiety.Originality/valueBringing attention to the existence of climate change distress, understanding the extent of these fears and what makes a person vulnerable will be helpful in the treatment and prevention of general and clinical levels of climate‐related distress.
An analysis of Chinese policy instruments for climate change mitigation
Authors: Xu Bo , Sun Qie , Wennersten Ronald , Brandt Nils 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse Chinese policy instruments for climate change mitigation.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper reviews Chinese energy consumption per unit of GDP (EC/GDP) in order to determine the overall effects of the combined policy instruments. Second, the different policy instruments are compared in terms of their effects. Third, the actual trends of EC/GDP in two provinces and the instruments adopted by them are analysed on the provincial level.FindingsThe decline in EC/GDP can indirectly reflect the Chinese contribution to mitigation of CO2 emissions since fossil fuels dominate Chinese energy consumption. The national EC/GDP values have shown a declining trend from 2005 to date, indicating that the policy instruments are very important to mitigate climate change as regards reducing EC/GDP. The technological improvement regulations have made the greatest contribution to date to reduce EC/GDP values. The experiences from the Beijing and Shandong province indicate that their final targets in 2010 will be most likely achieved because the different provinces are not only following the national policy instruments but have also developed quite a few new instruments to assist in reaching the these reductions.Research limitations/implicationsThere are three limitations regarding Chinese policy instruments analysis. First, the paper does not go far to determine the other factors which can affect EC/GDP apart from policy instruments. Second, some data were lacking and there may be inaccuracies in the existing data that could affect the analysis results. Third, EC/GDP cannot reflect the Chinese contribution to mitigation of CO2 emissions if the composition of Chinese energy consumption changes significantly.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the importance of various policy instruments in reducing EC/GDP. The results can be referenced by Chinese policy makers on both the national and provincial level.
Climate change adaptation in Australia
Authors: Nursey‐Bray Melissa 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of climate change adaptation curricula. Instituting adaptation frameworks that can assist professionals to respond to climate change, yet be tailored to specific sectoral needs is crucial. Professionals working at the coalface of the climate change challenge need to build new skills and create innovative solutions in social and political contexts.Design/methodology/approachUsing case studies, this paper reflects on the experience of developing climate change curricula at multiple levels and the obstacles to implementation of the links between curriculum and practice. This includes reflections on the necessity of interlinking political, social and economic aspects together in delivery of such a course.FindingsThe paper finds that a strictly content – based approach to curriculum development is inadequate. The context of an issue like climate change requires attention to the specific needs of the target audience, in addition to delivery of generic content, so as to achieve the industry uptake critical to ensuring social and political objectives are implemented on the ground.Originality/valueThe paper concludes by examining the utility of such educational initiatives to build community resilience, forge networks between multiple sectors and contribute to achieving social/institutional, political and economic outcomes for adaptation to climate change.
Climate change mitigation and policy concern for prioritization
Authors: Quasem Al‐Amin Abul , Hamid Jaafar Abdul , Siwar Chamhuri 
Published: November 2010

PurposeClimate change impacts and scientific evidence are now irresistible based on time scales, consequences and perspectives. Civil society leaders and business people are now agreed on emission reduction targets to mitigate the effects of climate change but the question remains: how to make sure that durable, lasting, and real mitigation options are taking place? The purpose of this paper is to ask, does climate change mitigation option (via carbon tax) exert a greater improvement within the tradeoff between climate change and economic values?Design/methodology/approachThis study tries to lessen the gap between mitigation options and economic development activities using computable general equilibrium techniques focusing on alteration of carbon tax instruments.FindingsThe findings indicate that much strong carbon tax policy compensates GDP compositions, places economic burden, shrinks enterprise savings and investment.Originality/valueThis paper describes the most favorable policy option and may find use in formulation of climate change mitigation options and policy concerns for prioritizing needs.
Adapting to climate change in Himalayan cold deserts
Authors: Banerji Gargi , Basu Sejuti 
Published: November 2010

PurposeClimate change affects the natural resource base and poses enormous difficulty for the natural resource‐dependent indigenous population of the cold desert region in the high altitude Himalayas. The interplay of climatic and eco‐hydrological processes on these fragile ecosystem coupled with increasing anthropogenic pressure, are leading to increasing stress on indigenous agro‐pastoral communities and their livelihoods. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the outcomes of a study carried out in the Trans and Western Indian Himalayas to quantify the level of environmental threat and adaptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachField studies were carried out across the cold desert belt in Indian Himalaya. A stratified, nested sampling across four Altitude Bands and three hydrological levels in two bio‐geographic regions. A participatory approach blended with scientific field observations and secondary data collection was adopted. Criterion variables were used to identify the “Vulnerability Hotspots” while component indices helped in depiction of key characteristic features of study units.FindingsData generated through participatory resource appraisal and scientific field observations were used to determine vulnerable “hotspot's”, identifying the driving factors (both anthropogenic and natural processes), and determining focus areas for interventions.Practical implicationsA pilot project on Water Access and Wasteland Development has been initiated in the Western Himalayas that integrates community based natural resource management with infusion of appropriate technology to address water stress and ecosystem vulnerability.Originality/valueThe research results identify target areas and methodologies for intervention, while the pilot initiative strives to ensure that disadvantaged cold desert mountain communities have access to resources and skills for effective management of these resources.
Multiaxial loadings with different frequencies between axial and torsional components in 42CrMo4 steel
Authors: Reis Luis , Li Bin , De Freitas Manuel 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the influence of multiaxial loading composed with different frequencies between the axial and torsional components in 42CrMo4 concerning fatigue life and early crack growth orientation.Design/methodology/approachBiaxial fatigue tests were carried out by a biaxial servo‐hydraulic machine, considering different loading paths and different frequencies between the normal and shear stress components in 42CrMo4. Theoretical estimations for fatigue life and early crack growth orientation were performed by applying various critical plane models. In addition, fractographic analysis of the fracture surfaces was carried out. The estimated results are compared with experimental results.FindingsSignificant effects were observed of the different frequency between the axial and torsion components on fatigue life and early crack growth orientation. The critical plane models based on shear mode give better estimations when compared with experimental results.Originality/valueThe paper shows that improved fatigue design can be achieved by considering the influence of different frequencies in multiaxial loadings.
A comparison of shear mechanisms for the prediction of ductile failure under low stress triaxiality
Authors: Reis F.J.P. , Malcher L. , Andrade Pires F.M. , César de Sá J.M.A. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to perform a numerical assessment of two recently proposed extensions of the Gurson‐Tveegard‐Needleman ductile damage constitutive model under low stress triaxiality.Design/methodology/approachOne of the most widely used ductile damage models is the so‐called Gurson‐Tveegard‐Needleman model, commonly known as GTN model. The GTN model has embedded into its damage formulation the effects of nucleation, growth and coalescence of micro‐voids. However, the GTN model does not include void distortion and inter‐void linking in the damage evolution. To overcome this limitation, some authors have proposed the introduction of different shear mechanisms based on micromechanical grounds or phenomenological assumptions. Two of these constitutive formulations are reviewed in this contribution, numerically implemented within a quasi‐static finite element framework and their results critically appraised.FindingsThrough the analysis of the evolution of internal variables, such as damage and effective plastic strain, obtained by performing a set of numerical tests using a Butterfly specimen, it is possible to conclude that the extended GTN models are in close agreement with experimental evidence.Research limitations/implicationsEven though the results obtained with the modified GTN models have shown improvements, it can also be observed that both shear mechanisms have inherent limitations in the prediction of the location of fracture onset for some specific stress states.Originality/valueFrom the results reported, it is possible to identify some shortcomings in the recently proposed extensions of the GTN model and point out the direction of further improvements.
Using a standard specimen for crack propagation under plain strain conditions
Authors: Branco R. , Silva J.M. , Infante V. , Antunes F. , Ferreira F. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeStress state has a major influence on different phenomena, namely those involving diffusion and plastic deformation (like crack closure and high‐temperature fatigue crack growth, void formation or ductile fracture). The isolation of plane stress and plane strain states is crucial in fundamental studies of material behavior. The isolation of plane stress state is achieved with thin specimens, whilst the isolation of plane strain state is usually done increasing the thickness or introducing lateral grooves. The purpose of this paper is to propose a specimen geometry able to isolate the plane strain state, based on the standard M(T) geometry.Design/methodology/approachA numerical study was carried out aiming at obtaining a stress triaxiality parameter, h, as a function of different geometrical features of the specimen, such as the notch radius, notch depth and specimen thickness.FindingsResults show that a pure plane strain state is achievable (i.e. 97 percent of specimen thickness has h>0.97) if a specimen with optimized geometrical features is used, which corresponds to a notch radius of 0.5 mm, a notch depth of 1 mm and a total specimen thickness of 12.56 mm.Originality/valueThis type of specimen geometry is a simple and efficient alternative to other common approaches used to obtain pure plain strain conditions for experimental purposes.
Methodology for in situ stress intensity factor determination on cracked structures by digital image correlation
Authors: Richter‐Trummer V. , Moreira P.M.G.P. , Pastrama S.D. , Vaz M.A.P. , de Castro P.M.S.T. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for in situ stress intensity factor (SIF) determination that can be used for the analysis of cracked structures. The technique is based on digital image correlation (DIC) combined with an overdetermined algorithm.Design/methodology/approachThe linear overdeterministic algorithm for calculating the SIF based on stress values around the crack tip is applied to a strain field obtained by DIC.FindingsAs long as the image quality is sufficiently high, a good accuracy can be obtained for the measured SIF. The crack tip can be automatically detected based on the same strain field. The use of the strain field instead of the displacement field, eliminates problems related to the rigid body motion of the analysed structure.Practical implicationsIn future works, based on the applied techniques, the SIF of complex cracked plane stress structures can be accurately determined in real engineering applications.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates application of known techniques, refined for other applications, also the use of stress field for SIF overdeterministic calculations.