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This paper aims to apply a pavement design by LEDFAA for a sample airport, and design results involving layer thickness, modulus and cumulative damage factor (CDF) achieved are shown in figures.

Finite element (FE) simulation is applied for sample airport pavement and based on results involving stress and strain, CDF amount is shown by using related equations. To analyze the accuracy of modeling, a comparison has been made between the values of ABAQUS and case study results at Denver International Airport (DIA).

The present study includes a comparison between the two conventional methods for runway pavement design. There is linear relation between layered elastic design (LED) and FE method results, so CDF rate achieved by the FE method is always smaller than the LED method. To assess the accuracy of the applied modeling with ABAQUS software, the validation was done using the deformations under the concrete slabs of DIA. The results are compatible with the results acquired from the case study, and the high accuracy of modeling was approved. This research shows that B-777 on rigid pavements and A-340-500/600 on flexible pavements have the most CDF contribution, among other aircrafts. Also, CDF rate for any aircraft in the LED method is higher than the FE method.

To assess the accuracy of the applied modeling with ABAQUS software, the validation was done using the deformations under the concrete slabs of DIA. The results are compatible with the results acquired from the case study, and the high accuracy of modeling was approved.

This study aims to propose the adoption of artificial neural network (ANN)-based prediction intervals (PIs) to give more reliable prediction of labour productivity using historical data.

Using the proposed PI method, various sources of uncertainty affecting predictions can be accounted for, and a PI is proposed instead of a less reliable single-point estimate. The proposed PI consists of a lower and upper bound in which the realization of the predicted variable, namely, labour productivity, is anticipated to fall with a defined probability and represented in terms of a confidence level (CL).

The proposed PI method is implemented on a case study project to predict labour productivity. The quality of the generated PIs for the labour productivity is investigated at three confidence levels. The results show that the proposed method can predict the value of labour productivity efficiently.

This study is the first attempt in construction management to undertake a shift from deterministic point predictions to interval forecasts to improve the reliability of predictions. The proposed PI method will help project managers obtain accurate and credible predictions of labour productivity using historical data. With a better understanding of future outcomes, project managers can adopt appropriate improvement strategies to enhance labour productivity before commencing a project.

Point predictions provided by traditional deterministic ANN-based forecasting methodologies may be unreliable due to the different sources of uncertainty affecting predictions. The current study proposes ANN-based PIs as an alternative and robust tool to give a more reliable prediction of labour productivity using historical data. Using the proposed method, various sources of uncertainty affecting the predictions are accounted for, and a PI is proposed instead of a less reliable single point estimate.

The purpose of this study is to examine how the implementation of edge computing can enhance the progress of the circular economy within supply chains and to address the challenges and best practices associated with this emerging technology.

This study utilized a streamlined evaluation technique that employed Latent Dirichlet Allocation modeling for thorough content analysis. Extensive searches were conducted among prominent publishers, including IEEE, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, MDPI and Hindawi, utilizing pertinent keywords associated with edge computing, circular economy, sustainability and supply chain. The search process yielded a total of 103 articles, with the keywords being searched specifically within the titles or abstracts of these articles.

There has been a notable rise in the volume of scholarly articles dedicated to edge computing in the circular economy and supply chain management. After conducting a thorough examination of the published papers, three main research themes were identified, focused on technology, optimization and circular economy and sustainability. Edge computing adoption in supply chains results in a more responsive, efficient and agile supply chain, leading to enhanced decision-making capabilities and improved customer satisfaction. However, the adoption also poses challenges, such as data integration, security concerns, device management, connectivity and cost.

This paper offers valuable insights into the research trends of edge computing in the circular economy and supply chains, highlighting its significant role in optimizing supply chain operations and advancing the circular economy by processing and analyzing real time data generated by the internet of Things, sensors and other state-of-the-art tools and devices.

The purpose of this paper is to extend the research on employer branding (EB) by identifying elements of EB according to the perceptions of employees working in the service sector and investigating the impact of EB on employer of choice and organizational performance.

Around544 respondents helped to test the model. The research considers development, growth opportunities, equality and justice as new elements of EB, along with organizational culture, salary, incentives and work–life balance.

EB significantly influences employer of choice through organizational commitment and employer brand advocacy. Organizational performance is influenced by EB through job satisfaction and employee performance. Nevertheless, no significant relation was observed between EB and employer of choice through person–organization fit. The EB’s impact on employee performance through employee retention was not significant.

The study suggests reflecting on the importance of the role played by new elements of EB and on the existence of a direct relationship between employee performance and EB. Despite the widespread belief that EB primarily serves as a recruitment tactic to attract candidates, this paper shows that the positive impacts on company performance stem more from outcomes related to current employees than from prospective applicants.

This study aims to conduct an experimental investigation into the effectiveness of using Islamic values and environmental knowledge in advertising for plant disposable containers on the level of willingness to purchase such products for religious ceremonies and rituals among Muslim consumers in Iran.

A sample of 270 individuals participating in one of the religious assemblies in the city of Shiraz in Iran was classified into three groups (a control and two experimental groups). A pretest was administered for each group; then both experimental groups received brochures whose contents were associated with environmental and religious messages about environmental protection. After four days, a post-test was similarly conducted for each group. The data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

The results revealed that the use of religious and environmental messages in advertising for plant disposable containers could boost the willingness to purchase such containers for religious ceremonies and rituals; however, the effectiveness of using religious messages was stronger compared to that of the environmental ones.

Given that the present study was conducted based on an experimental research design in a real context, there was the possibility of the presence of other variables outside the control of the study design and affecting its results.

Increased awareness regarding the harmful environmental impacts of plastic containers and emphasis on religious duties to protect the environment can affect targeting a sector of the Muslim community endowed with strong religious beliefs.

This study confirmed that consumer values and beliefs could have effects on their purchase and consumption behaviors.

The purpose of this paper is to advance the theoretical perspective of complexity leadership paradigm to introduce shared leadership style as a precursor of taking charge behavior in public sector higher educational institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. Moreover, this study unveils the underlying mechanisms of the climate of initiative and psychological safety for clarifying the link of shared leadership and taking charge.

The multi-source and multi-wave data were analyzed by employing double mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 4); using 282 valid responses obtained from a proportionate stratified sample of faculty members working in public sector HEIs of Pakistan.

The result indicates that shared leadership is a suitable style for governing the public sector HEIs and it fosters taking charge behavior in teaching faculty. Additionally, shared leadership creates climates that support initiatives and are psychologically safe that set stage for taking charge behaviors in teaching faculty of public sector HEIs of Pakistan.

This research has filled the gap of focusing on more collaborative leadership styles instead of traditional vertical leadership practices in public sector HEIs of Pakistan. Theoretically, this study suggests new insights into the contextual antecedents and mediating mechanisms of taking charge behaviors.

The purpose of this paper is to identify general success factors (GSFs), key success factors (KSFs) and critical success factors (CSFs) needed to change Tehran to a Knowledge City (KC).

The paper briefly reviews the literature related to KCs, and especially the factors necessary for a KC. Through the review of the literature GSFs are identified, followed by statistical evidence to determine which one of the GSFs are KSFs and which can be considered as CSF or competency factors (CF).

The findings of the research indicate that there are 27 relevant items and seven main factors as GSFs for changing Tehran to a KC. Also, the authors find that all seven GSFs are both KSFs and CSFs.

As the research is limited to a specific city, the findings cannot be generalized. Also, limited familiarity of the concept of KCs by practitioners and academic members can be considered as another limitation of the study.

This study is of benefit to those authorities/agencies trying to change Tehran to a KC.

The paper provides insights to different dimensions of KCs, and has identified GSFs, KSFs and CSFs for a city that intends to become a KC.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of Iranian library management software, focusing on the usage of open source technology. It seeks to analyse the viewpoints of librarians in the University of Isfahan as a sample to extend the findings to the Iranian Library management software community.

In order to get the opinions of librarians, the descriptive method is used. The required data are collected by literature review, questionnaire and open interview from university top managers, software technical staff, libraries managers, librarians, end users, and companies providing similar products. However, because of time limitations, the authors could only gather data by researcher‐made checklist of the librarians (informants) who directly have worked with University of Isfahan in the libraries.

The main problem of many library management software platforms in Iran is that the focus of development is mainly on technical issues rather than management, operational, and end‐user concerns. This is highlighted when open source software is used because it is common for an off‐the‐shelf product to be used with less consideration of the nontechnical issues. This is the reason that Iranian libraries are moving to replace their software with commercial versions.

There was insufficient cooperation of some librarians in identifying capabilities and deficiencies of UILMS and limited cooperation of some technical experts in reviewing the software.

Considering the lack of standard checklists, this paper presents a relatively complete checklist to evaluate the library software.

Valid and reliable measures are required for assessing patient satisfaction meaningfully. The purpose of this paper was to develop and validate a Persian-language in-patient satisfaction questionnaire for patients discharged from Iranian medical and surgical services.

The cross-sectional survey included 400 patients randomly selected from six Tehran hospitals. A total of 405 patients responded to the questionnaire (76.3 percent response). To assess inter-item reliability and construct validity, factor analysis was carried out. Items belonging to each factor and their Cronbach's alpha coefficient were calculated.

A total of seven dimensions were identified: doctor-patient communication; nursing care; convenience; visitors; cleanliness; costs; and general satisfaction. Together, these dimensions explained 60 percent of the variance. All items, except three, revealed loadings above 0.4, while Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.8 for all dimensions, except visitors (0.66). Patient satisfaction levels were relatively high.

Results must be interpreted cautiously owing to high satisfaction, which should not be considered as comprehensive evidence of high performance without important additional service-performance information. Qualitative studies are recommended to complement the authors' quantitative satisfaction study.

The patient satisfaction questionnaire strives to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing in-patient satisfaction with hospital services in Iran.

This chapter presents a comprehensive framework for advancing smart cities in Bahrain, focusing on innovation, development, transformation, and prosperity. The framework integrates technological advancements with sustainable practices to enhance societal well-being, economic growth, and overall development. It aligns with Bahrain’s 2030 Vision, aiming to create Next Generation Smart Cities. The chapter emphasizes enhancing social impact, healthcare access, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, driving economic growth through digital infrastructure, and promoting sustainability through renewable energy and smart urban planning. It provides a roadmap for integrating smart technologies into urban planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery, improving residents’ quality of life and promoting economic growth. The framework highlights the importance of sustainability, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient solutions. Bahrain’s smart city initiatives are multifaceted, encompassing social, economic, and sustainability agendas. Socially, the focus is on promoting cohesion and community engagement through smart parks, community centers, and digital platforms that facilitate communication and collaboration. Economically, Bahrain aims to drive growth and innovation by investing in digital infrastructure and deploying smart technologies across sectors like finance and tourism. Additionally, the kingdom is developing a skilled workforce in emerging technologies to enhance competitiveness. Sustainability is a key pillar, with Bahrain investing in renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the quality of life, drive economic prosperity, and promote environmental sustainability in Bahrain’s smart cities.