Search results for: evidence theory
1266 Quality and Quantity in the Strategic Network of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Juha Kettunen
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The study analyzes the quality and the size of the strategic network of higher education institutions and the concept of fitness for purpose in quality assurance. It also analyses the transaction costs of networking that have consequences on the number of members in the network. Empirical evidence is presented from the Consortium on Applied Research and Professional Education, which is a European strategic network of six higher education institutions. The results of the study support the argument that the number of members in the strategic network should be relatively small to provide high-quality results. The practical importance is that networking has been able to promote international research and development projects. The results of this study are important for those who want to design and improve international networks in higher education.
Keywords: Higher education, network, research and development, strategic management.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 6131265 Multiple Positive Periodic Solutions to a Periodic Predator-Prey-Chain Model with Harvesting Terms
Authors: Zhouhong Li, Jiming Yang
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In this paper, a class of predator-prey-chain model with harvesting terms are studied. By using Mawhin-s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and some skills of inequalities, some sufficient conditions are established for the existence of eight positive periodic solutions. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the results.
Keywords: Positive periodic solutions, Predator-prey-chain model, coincidence degree, harvesting term.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 12981264 Haar wavelet Method for Solving Initial and Boundary Value Problems of Bratu-type
Authors: S.G.Venkatesh, S.K.Ayyaswamy, G.Hariharan
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In this paper, we present a framework to determine Haar solutions of Bratu-type equations that are widely applicable in fuel ignition of the combustion theory and heat transfer. The method is proposed by applying Haar series for the highest derivatives and integrate the series. Several examples are given to confirm the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed way is quite reasonable when compared to exact solution.
Keywords: Haar wavelet method, Bratu's problem, boundary value problems, initial value problems, adomain decomposition method.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 29591263 Four Positive Almost Periodic Solutions to an Impulsive Delayed Plankton Allelopathy System with Multiple Exploit (or Harvesting) Terms
Authors: Fengshuo Zhang, Zhouhong Li
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In this paper, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of at least four positive almost periodic solutions to an impulsive delayed periodic plankton allelopathy system with multiple exploited (or harvesting) terms. This result is obtained through the use of Mawhins continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory along with some properties relating to inequalities.Keywords: Almost periodic solutions, plankton allelopathy system, coincidence degree, impulse.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 7061262 Two Fourth-order Iterative Methods Based on Continued Fraction for Root-finding Problems
Authors: Shengfeng Li, Rujing Wang
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In this paper, we present two new one-step iterative methods based on Thiele-s continued fraction for solving nonlinear equations. By applying the truncated Thiele-s continued fraction twice, the iterative methods are obtained respectively. Analysis of convergence shows that the new methods are fourth-order convergent. Numerical tests verifying the theory are given and based on the methods, two new one-step iterations are developed.Keywords: Iterative method, Fixed-point iteration, Thiele's continued fraction, Order of convergence.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 18691261 Modeling Method and Application in Digital Mockup System towards Mechanical Product
Authors: Huaiyu Zhang
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The method of modeling is the key technology for digital mockup (DMU). Based upon the developing for mechanical product DMU, the theory, method and approach for virtual environment (VE) and virtual object (VO) were studied. This paper has expounded the design goal and architecture of DMU system, analyzed the method of DMU application, and researched the general process of physics modeling and behavior modeling.Keywords: DMU, VR, virtual environment, virtual object, physics modeling, behavior modeling
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 26951260 The "Project" Approach in Urban: A Response to Uncertainty
Authors: Nedjima Mouhoubi, Souad Sassi Boudemagh
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In this paper, we will try to demonstrate the importance of the project approach in the urban to deal with uncertainty, the importance of the involvement of all stakeholders in the urban project process and that the absence of an actor can lead to project failure but also the importance of the urban project management. These points are handled through the following questions: Does the urban adhere to the theory of complexity? Does the project approach bring hope and solution to make urban planning "sustainable"? How converging visions of actors for the same project? Is the management of urban project the solution to support the urban project approach?Keywords: Strategic planning, project, urban project stakeholders, management.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 12781259 Applications of Entropy Measures in Field of Queuing Theory
Authors: R.K.Tuli
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In the present communication, we have studied different variations in the entropy measures in the different states of queueing processes. In case of steady state queuing process, it has been shown that as the arrival rate increases, the uncertainty increases whereas in the case of non-steady birth-death process, it is shown that the uncertainty varies differently. In this pattern, it first increases and attains its maximum value and then with the passage of time, it decreases and attains its minimum value.Keywords: Entropy, Birth-death process, M/G/1 system, G/M/1system, Steady state, Non-steady state
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 15881258 Bullies and Their Mothers: Who Influence Whom?
Authors: Kostas A. Fanti, Stelios Georgiou
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Even though most researchers would agree that in symbiotic relationships, like the one between parent and child, influences become reciprocal over time, empirical evidence supporting this claim is limited. The aim of the current study was to develop and test a model describing the reciprocal influence between characteristics of the parent-child relationship, such as closeness and conflict, and the child-s bullying and victimization experiences at school. The study used data from the longitudinal Study of Early Child-Care, conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The participants were dyads of early adolescents (5th and 6th graders during the two data collection waves) and their mothers (N=1364). Supporting our hypothesis, the findings suggested a reciprocal association between bullying and positive parenting, although this association was only significant for boys. Victimization and positive parenting were not significantly interrelated.Keywords: bullying, parenting, reciprocal associations, victimization
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 16301257 Firm Ownership and Performance: Evidence for Croatian Listed Firms
Authors: M. Pervan, I. Pervan, M. Todoric
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Using data of listed Croatian firms from the Zagreb Stock Exchange we analyze the relationship between firm ownership (ownership concentration and type) and performance (ROA). Empirical research was conducted for the period 2003-2010, yielding with the total of 1,430 observations. Empirical findings based on dynamic panel analysis indicate that ownership concentration variable - CR4 is negatively related with performance, i.e. listed firms with dispersed ownership perform better than firms with concentrated ownership. Also, the research indicated that foreign controlled listed firms perform better than domestically controlled firms. Majority state owned firms perform worse than privately held firms but dummy variable for privately controlled firms was not statistically significant in the estimated panel model.Keywords: Croatia, firm, ownership, performance
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 22751256 Marangoni Convection in a Fluid Layer with Internal Heat Generation
Authors: Norfifah Bachok, Norihan Md. Arifin
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In this paper we use classical linear stability theory to investigate the effects of uniform internal heat generation on the onset of Marangoni convection in a horizontal layer of fluid heated from below. We use a analytical technique to obtain the close form analytical expression for the onset of Marangoni convection when the lower boundary is conducting with free-slip condition. We show that the effect of increasing the internal heat generation is always to destabilize the layer.Keywords: Marangoni convection, heat generation, free-slip
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 17761255 Micropolar Fluids Effects on the Dynamic Characteristics of Four-lobe Journal Bearing
Authors: B. Chetti
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Dynamic characteristics of a four-lobe journal bearing of micropolar fluids are presented. Lubricating oil containing additives and contaminants is modelled as micropolar fluid. The modified Reynolds equation is obtained using the micropolar lubrication theory and solving it by using finite difference technique. The dynamic characteristics in terms of stiffness, damping coefficients, the critical mass and whirl ratio are determined for various values of size of material characteristic length and the coupling number. The results show compared with Newtonian fluids, that micropolar fluid exhibits better stability.Keywords: Four-lobe bearings, dynamic characteristics, stabilityanalysis, micropolar fluid
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 21111254 Method of Moments Applied to a Cuboidal Cavity Resonator: Effect of Gravitational Field Produced by a Black Hole
Authors: Arti Vaish, Harish Parthasarathy
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This paper deals with the formulation of Maxwell-s equations in a cavity resonator in the presence of the gravitational field produced by a blackhole. The metric of space-time due to the blackhole is the Schwarzchild metric. Conventionally, this is expressed in spherical polar coordinates. In order to adapt this metric to our problem, we have considered this metric in a small region close to the blackhole and expressed this metric in a cartesian system locally.
Keywords: Method of moments, General theory of relativity, Electromagnetism, Metric tensor, schwarzchild metric, Wave Equation.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 16661253 Antecedents and Consequences of Social Media Adoption in Travel and Tourism: Evidence from Customers and Industry
Authors: Mohamed A. Abou-Shouk, Mahamoud M. Hewedi
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This study extends technology acceptance model (TAM) to investigate the antecedents and consequences of social media adoption by tourists and travel agents. It compares their perceptions on social media adoption and its consequences. Online survey was addressed to tourists and travel agents for data collection purposes. Structural equation modelling was employed for analysis purposes. The findings revealed that the majority of tourists and travel agents involved in the study believe in the usefulness of social media adoption for travel planning and marketing purposes. They agree that adopting social media could change the attitude of tourists towards specific destination or attraction and influence their purchasing decisions. This study contributes to knowledge by extending TAM and provides some managerial implication to marketers.Keywords: TAM, social media, travel, tourism, travel agents.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 18221252 Periodic Solutions for a Two-prey One-predator System on Time Scales
Authors: Changjin Xu
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In this paper, using the Gaines and Mawhin,s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory on time scales, the existence of periodic solutions for a two-prey one-predator system is studied. Some sufficient conditions for the existence of positive periodic solutions are obtained. The results provide unified existence theorems of periodic solution for the continuous differential equations and discrete difference equations.
Keywords: Time scales, competitive system, periodic solution, coincidence degree, topological degree.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 13591251 News Media in Arab Societies
Authors: B. Al-Jenaibi
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The paper examines the theories of media, dominant effects and critical and cultural theories that are used to examine media and society issues, and then apply the theories to explore the current situation of news media in Arab societies. The research is meant to explore the nature of media in the Arab world and the way that modern technologies have changed the nature of the Arab public sphere. It considers the role of an open press in promoting a more democratic society, while recognizing the unique qualities of an Arab culture.Keywords: Arab media and effects theory, Arab new media, Al-Jazeera channel and critical and cultural theories of communication.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 16741250 Study on the Atomic-Oxygen-Protection Film Preparation of Organic Silicon and Its Properties
Authors: Zheng-Kuohai, Yang-Shengsheng, Li-Zhonghua, Zhao-Lin
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Materials used on exterior spacecraft surfaces are subjected to many environmental threats which can cause degradation, atomic oxygen is one of the most threats. We prepared organic silicon atomic-oxygen-protection film using method of polymerization. This paper presented the effects on the film structure and its durability of the preparation processing, and analyzed the polymerization theory, the film structure and composition of the film. At last, we tested the film in our ground based atomic oxygen simulator, and indicated that the film worked well.
Keywords: Atomic oxygen, siloxane, protection, plasma, polymerization.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 14621249 A New Decision Making Approach based on Possibilistic Influence Diagrams
Authors: Wided Guezguez, Nahla Ben Amor
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This paper proposes a new decision making approch based on quantitative possibilistic influence diagrams which are extension of standard influence diagrams in the possibilistic framework. We will in particular treat the case where several expert opinions relative to value nodes are available. An initial expert assigns confidence degrees to other experts and fixes a similarity threshold that provided possibility distributions should respect. To illustrate our approach an evaluation algorithm for these multi-source possibilistic influence diagrams will also be proposed.Keywords: influnece diagram, decision making, graphical decision models, influence diagrams, possibility theory.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 12881248 Anti-Social Media: Implications of Social Media in the Form of Stressors on Our Daily Lives
Authors: Aimen Batool Bint-E-Rashid, Huma Irfan
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This research aims to investigate the role of social media (Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) in our daily lives and its implication on our everyday routine in the form of stressors. The study has been validated by a social media survey with 150 social media users belonging to various age groups. The study explores how social media can make an individual anti-social in his or her life offline. To explain the phenomenon, we have proposed and evaluated a model based on social media usage and stressors including burnout and social overload. Results, through correlation and regression tests, have revealed that with increase in social media usage, social overload and burnout also increases. Evidence for the fact that excessive social media usage causes social overload and burnout has been provided in the study.Keywords: Burnout, emotional exhaustion, fatigue, stressors, social networking, social media, social overload.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 10311247 Positive Almost Periodic Solutions for Neural Multi-Delay Logarithmic Population Model
Authors: Zhouhong Li
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In this paper, by applying Mawhin-s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, we study the existence of almost periodic solutions for neural multi-delay logarithmic population model and obtain one sufficient condition for the existence of positive almost periodic solution for the above equation. An example is employed to illustrate our result.
Keywords: Almost periodic solution, Multi-delay, Logarithmic population model, Coincidence degree.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 14281246 Learning Theories within Coaching Process
Authors: P. Fazel
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These days we face with so many advertisements in magazines, those mentioned coaching is pragmatic specialties which help people make change in their lives. Up to know Specialty coaches are not necessarily therapists, consultants or psychologist, thus they may not know psychological theories. The International Coach Federation identifies "facilitating learning and results" as one of its four core coach competencies, without understanding learning theories coaching practice hangs in theoretical abyss. Thus the aim of this article is investigating learning theories within coaching process. Therefore, I reviewed some cognitive and behavioral learning theories and analyzed their contribution with coaching process which has been introduced in mentor coaches and ICF certified coaches' papers and books. The result demonstrated that coaching profession is strongly grounded in learning theories, and it will be strengthened by the validation of theories and evidence-based research as we move forward. Thus, it needs more research in order to applying effective theoretical frameworks.
Keywords: Coaching, Learning theories. Cognitive learning theories, behavioral learning theories.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 163781245 Compensation–Based Current Decomposition
Authors: Mihaela Popescu, Alexandru Bitoleanu, Mircea Dobriceanu
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This paper deals with the current space-vector decomposition in three-phase, three-wire systems on the basis of some case studies. We propose four components of the current spacevector in terms of DC and AC components of the instantaneous active and reactive powers. The term of supplementary useless current vector is also pointed out. The analysis shows that the current decomposition which respects the definition of the instantaneous apparent power vector is useful for compensation reasons only if the supply voltages are sinusoidal. A modified definition of the components of the current is proposed for the operation under nonsinusoidal voltage conditions.Keywords: Active current, Active filtering, p–q theory, Reactive current.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 15071244 Towards a UTAUT-based Model for the Study of EGovernment Citizen Acceptance in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani.M.E, Goodwin.R.D
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Among the most fundamental prerequisites for the successful development of electronic Government Services (e- Government) is Citizen Acceptance. Based on the UTAUT model, the paper describes a hypothetical framework that integrates the unique features of E- government to improve our understanding of the acceptance and usage of e-Government Saudi Arabia. The proposed model, based on UTAUT, includes the characteristics of Egovernment, consideration and inclusion of trust, privacy, and Saudi culture and context.
Keywords: E-government, technology adoption, citizen acceptance, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 34331243 The Complementarities of Multi-Lateralism, Andregionalism and Income Convergence: ASEAN and SAARC
Authors: Kankesu Jayanthakumaran, Shao-Wei Lee
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This paper proposes the hypothesis that multilateralism and regionalism are complementary, and that regional income convergence is likely with a like minded and committed regionalism that often has links geographically and culturally. The association between international trade, income per capita, and regional income convergence in founder members of ASEAN and SAARC, is explored by applying the Lumsdaine, and Papell approach. The causal relationships between the above variables are also studied in respective trade blocs by using Granger causality tests. The conclusion is that global reforms have had a greater impact on increasing trade for both trade blocs and induced convergence only in ASEAN-5 countries. The experience of ASEAN countries shows a two-way causal relationship between the flow from trade to regional income convergence, and vice versa. There is no evidence in SAARC countries for income convergence and causality.
Keywords: ASEAN-5, SAARC-5, trade liberalisation, incomeconvergence, structural breaks and causality.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 21971242 The Collapse of a Crane on Site: A Case Study
Authors: T. Teruzzi, S. Antonietti, C. Mosca, C. Paglia
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This paper discusses the causes of the structural failure in a tower crane. The structural collapse occurred at the upper joints of the extension element used to increase the height of the crane. The extension element consists of a steel lattice structure made with angular profiles and plates joined to the tower element by arc welding. Macroscopic inspection of the sections showed that the break was always observed on the angular profiles at the weld bead edge. The case study shows how, using mechanical characterization, chemical analysis of the steel and macroscopic and microscopic metallographic examinations, it was possible to obtain significant evidence that identified the mechanism causing the breakage. The analyses identified the causes of the structural failure as the use of materials that were not suitable for welding and poor performance in the welding joints.
Keywords: Failure, weld, microstructure, microcracks.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 4911241 The Global Stability Using Lyapunov Function
Authors: R. Kongnuy, E. Naowanich, T. Kruehong
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An important technique in stability theory for differential equations is known as the direct method of Lyapunov. In this work we deal global stability properties of Leptospirosis transmission model by age group in Thailand. First we consider the data from Division of Epidemiology Ministry of Public Health, Thailand between 1997-2011. Then we construct the mathematical model for leptospirosis transmission by eight age groups. The Lyapunov functions are used for our model which takes the forms of an Ordinary Differential Equation system. The globally asymptotically for equilibrium states are analyzed.Keywords: Age Group, Leptospirosis, Lyapunov Function, Ordinary Differential Equation.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 21351240 eLearning Tools Evaluation based on Quality Concept Distance Computing. A Case Study
Authors: Mihai Caramihai, Irina Severin
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Despite the extensive use of eLearning systems, there is no consensus on a standard framework for evaluating this kind of quality system. Hence, there is only a minimum set of tools that can supervise this judgment and gives information about the course content value. This paper presents two kinds of quality set evaluation indicators for eLearning courses based on the computational process of three known metrics, the Euclidian, Hamming and Levenshtein distances. The “distance" calculus is applied to standard evaluation templates (i.e. the European Commission Programme procedures vs. the AFNOR Z 76-001 Standard), determining a reference point in the evaluation of the e-learning course quality vs. the optimal concept(s). The case study, based on the results of project(s) developed in the framework of the European Programme “Leonardo da Vinci", with Romanian contractors, try to put into evidence the benefits of such a method.Keywords: eLearning, European programme, metrics, quality evaluation
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 15071239 Analysis on Fractals in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: R. Uthayakumar, D. Easwaramoorthy
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This paper investigates the fractals generated by the dynamical system of intuitionistic fuzzy contractions in the intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces by generalizing the Hutchinson-Barnsley theory. We prove some existence and uniqueness theorems of fractals in the standard intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces by using the intuitionistic fuzzy Banach contraction theorem. In addition to that, we analyze some results on intuitionistic fuzzy fractals in the standard intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces with respect to the Hausdorff intuitionistic fuzzy metrics.Keywords: Fractal Analysis, Fixed Point, Contraction, Iterated Function System, Intuitionistic Fuzzy Metric Space.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 18421238 Member Investment Willingness in Agricultural Cooperatives in Shaanxi (China)
Authors: Lijia Wang, Xuexi Huo
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This study analyzes characteristics determining member’s willingness to invest in cooperatives using ordered logit model. The data were collected in a field survey among 122 cooperative members in north-central China. The descriptive analysis of survey evidence suggests that cooperatives in China generally having poor ability to deliver the processing services related to product package, grading, and storage, performing worse in profitability, inability of providing returns to capital and obtaining agricultural loan. The regression results demonstrate that members’ farm size, their satisfaction with cooperative price preferential services, attitudes toward cooperative operational scale and development potential have statistically significant impact on willingness to invest.
Keywords: Cooperatives, investment willingness, member, ordered logit.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 16901237 Analysis of Electrical Networks Using Phasors: A Bond Graph Approach
Authors: Israel Núñez-Hernández, Peter C. Breedveld, Paul B. T. Weustink, Gilberto Gonzalez-A
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This paper proposes a phasor representation of electrical networks by using bond graph methodology. A so-called phasor bond graph is built up by means of two-dimensional bonds, which represent the complex plane. Impedances or admittances are used instead of the standard bond graph elements. A procedure to obtain the steady-state values from a phasor bond graph model is presented. Besides the presentation of a phasor bond graph library in SIDOPS code, also an application example is discussed.
Keywords: Bond graphs, phasor theory, steady-state, complex power, electrical networks.
Procedia APA BibTeX Chicago EndNote Harvard JSON MLA RIS XML ISO 690 PDF Downloads 2012