Khosro Sayevand and Hossein Arab
The purpose of this paper is to propose a gauge for the convergence of the deterministic particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to obtain an optimum upper bound for PSO…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a gauge for the convergence of the deterministic particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to obtain an optimum upper bound for PSO algorithm and also developing a precise equation for predicting the rock fragmentation, as important aims in surface mines.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a database including 80 sets of data was collected from 80 blasting events in Shur river dam region, in Iran. The values of maximum charge per delay (W), burden (B), spacing (S), stemming (ST), powder factor (PF), rock mass rating (RMR) and D80, as a standard for evaluating the fragmentation, were measured. To check the performance of the proposed PSO models, artificial neural network was also developed. Accuracy of the developed models was evaluated using several statistical evaluation criteria, such as variance account for, R-square (R2) and root mean square error.
Findings
Finding the upper bounds for the difference between the position and the best position of particles in PSO algorithm and also developing a precise equation for predicting the rock fragmentation, as important aims in surface mines.
Originality/value
For the first time, the convergence of the deterministic PSO is studied in this study without using the stagnation or the weak chaotic assumption. The authors also studied application of PSO inpredicting rock fragmentation.
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Ananth Rao, Hossein Kashani and Attiea Marie
This study sets out to analyze the efficiency and productivity issues of the insurance sector from both the policymakers' and investors' points of view to insulate the business…
Abstract
Purpose
This study sets out to analyze the efficiency and productivity issues of the insurance sector from both the policymakers' and investors' points of view to insulate the business and financial risks of UAE corporate houses.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses two inputs of “administrative and general expenses”, and “equity and change in legal reserves”, versus two outputs of rate of “return on investments” and “liquid asset to total liabilities ratio” to assess the allocative efficiency of the companies using DEA. Using the the Malmquist productivity index the efficiency is broken down into technical and scale efficiency to evaluate the performance of the insurers.
Findings
While the scale of operation of insurers is, by and large, acceptable, there is a considerable degree of managerial inefficiency among the insurers, with the least efficiency in 2000, and higher efficiency in 2004. Further, the insurers on average achieved a mere 0.8 percent annual gain in total factor productivity over the period in question.
Research limitations/implications
The data set is narrow with 19 insurers in the region, which is the limitation.
Practical implications
The results have policy implications for the regulators and managerial implications for the existing insurers to face the growing competition in the region.
Originality/value
This is the first study to investigate the productivity changes of insurance sector operations in a developing economy: the UAE in the Middle‐East region. The study findings help the insurers to take appropriate managerial steps to improve the efficiency of their operations.
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Sahar Sepasi, Udo Braendle and Amir Hossein Rahdari
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the comprehensiveness of sustainability reporting in higher education institutions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the comprehensiveness of sustainability reporting in higher education institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a university sustainability rating framework and uses it to evaluate the comprehensiveness of sustainability reporting in higher education institutions.
Findings
The results of the study demonstrate that notwithstanding growing concerns over sustainability issues; higher education institutions have been slow to adopt sustainability reporting practices including publishing consistent and periodic reports, receiving third-party assurance and integrating sustainability reporting into university’s sustainability management systems.
Research limitations/implications
The results of the study suggest that the quality of sustainability reporting varies quite significantly, and important dimensions such as education and outreach programs are ill-treated in universities’ sustainability reports. The quality presents a tremendous challenge for sustainability reporting as more organizations are joining the sustainability reporting process, the quality would become a differentiator and competitive advantage, the study concludes. Two main limitations were identified. First, the number of reports examined were limited and are not representative of all higher education institutions. Second, data from other sources, like websites, were not factored in the analysis, as the study focuses on evaluating the comprehensiveness of sustainability reporting in higher education institutions.
Practical implications
The results provide useful insights into comprehensiveness (one aspect of quality of sustainability reporting) in higher education institutions and help to better navigate the future trends in sustainability reporting practices of universities.
Originality/value
Sustainability reporting is well established in the corporate environment; however, the extent to which it has been adopted and its quality in universities remains relatively unexamined. The study attempts to fill the research gap in the quality of sustainability reporting (comprehensiveness) in higher education institutions to better navigate the future trends in sustainability reporting practices of universities.
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Russia is encouraging a rapprochement between Turkey and Syria that does not explicitly include Iran, a key economic and military backer of the Damascus government. Tehran worries…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB275797
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Tensions between the Gulf states and Iran have escalated significantly in 2016, in the wake of Iran's signing of a landmark deal in 2015 that brought to an end the decade-long…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB212704
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, math, geology, astronomy and engineering. The paper highlights the struggles and successes of these scientists, as well as the cultural, social and political factors that influenced their lives and work. The aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and make their own contributions to society by presenting these scientists as role models for hard work and dedication. Ultimately, the paper seeks to promote the importance of science and its impact on society.
Design/methodology/approach
The purpose of this review is to present the scientific biographies of Egypt's most distinguished scientists, primarily in the field of Natural Sciences, in a balanced and comprehensive manner. The work is objective, honest and abstract, avoiding any bias or exaggeration. The author provides a clear and concise methodology, including a brief introduction to the scientist and their field of study, an explanation of their major contributions, the impact of their work on society, any challenges or obstacles faced during their career and their lasting legacy. The aim is to showcase the important achievements of these scientists, their impact on their respective fields and to inspire future generations to pursue scientific careers.
Findings
The group of outstanding scientists in 20th century Egypt were shaped by various factors, including familial upbringing, education, society, political and cultural atmosphere and state support for scientific research. These scientists made significant contributions to various academic disciplines, including medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering. Their impact on their communities and cultures has received international acclaim, making them role models for future generations of scientists and researchers. The history of these scientists highlights the importance of educational investments and supporting scientific research to foster innovation and social progress. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals, preserving Egypt's scientific heritage and honouring the scientists' outstanding accomplishments.
Research limitations/implications
The encyclopedia preserves Egypt's scientific heritage, which has been overlooked for political or other reasons. It is a useful tool for a variety of readers, including students, instructors and education professionals, and it offers insights into universally relevant scientific success factors as well as scientific research methodologies. The encyclopedia honours the outstanding scientific accomplishments of Egyptian researchers and their contributions to the world's scientific community.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this paper are several. First, it highlights the importance of education, family upbringing and societal support for scientific research in fostering innovation and social progress. Second, it underscores the need for continued funding and support for scientific research to maintain and build upon the accomplishments of past generations of scientists. Third, it encourages young people to pursue scientific careers and make their own contributions to society. Fourth, it preserves the scientific heritage of Egypt and honors the contributions of its outstanding scientists. Finally, it serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals seeking to understand the factors underlying scientific success and research methodologies.
Social implications
The social implications of the paper include promoting national pride and cultural identity, raising awareness of the importance of education and scientific research in driving social progress, inspiring future generations of scientists and researchers, reducing socioeconomic disparities and emphasizing the role of society, politics and culture in shaping scientific researchers' personalities and interests.
Originality/value
The paper's originality/value lies in its comprehensive documentation of the scientific biographies of Egypt's most prominent scientists in the 20th century, providing unique insights into the factors that contributed to their development and their impact across various academic disciplines. It preserves Egypt's scientific heritage and inspires future generations of scientists and researchers through the promotion of educational investments and scientific research. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for education professionals seeking to understand scientific success factors and research methodologies, emphasizing the importance of supportive and inclusive environments for scientific development.
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War, sanctions and a mutual desire to overturn US-led regional security orders have pushed Moscow and Tehran closer together. Moscow desires to turn what has historically been a…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB284914
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Suparna Banerjee and Prosenjit Mukherjee
Nanotechnology is nowadays very much successful in producing specifically functionalized nano-sized particles. In this work, copper nanoparticles were prepared by reduction method…
Abstract
Nanotechnology is nowadays very much successful in producing specifically functionalized nano-sized particles. In this work, copper nanoparticles were prepared by reduction method which is greener and environmentally suitable, cheap and best as compared to other conventional methods, particularly in the context of COVID in globalized world. The formation and size of copper nanoparticles was evidenced by the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The very high surface area of 35–50 m2/gm and very small crystallite sizes of 5–15 nm of these metal nanoparticles is mainly responsible for their effective involvement in removal of carbon dioxide gas as one of major hazardous pollutants from the environment. This chapter, as its main objective, mainly focuses on utility of nano technology and its beneficiary in creating a sustainable environment in economic world. Apart from laboratory experimental procedure and characterizations for preparation of copper nanoparticles, appropriate research methods such as simple statistical, econometric tools and mathematical tools have been used for economic analysis. However, as major findings of the results, developed countries have been successful in maintaining a sustainable human development, in spite of having higher per capita income (PCI) growth as compared to the role of developing countries with lower PCI in this global world.
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The chances of reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, nuclear deal) are slim. Western governments hope that an agreement will reduce regional tensions. Arab…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB273064
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
In January 2022, a high-profile delegation comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) secretary general and the foreign ministers of four GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait…