Height growth of solutions and a discrete Painlev\'e equation

Consider the discrete equation $$y_{n+1}+y_{n-1}=\frac{a_n+b_ny_n+c_ny_n^2}{1-y_n^2},$$ where the right side is of degree two in $y_n$ and where the coefficients $a_n$, $b_n$ and $c_n$ are rational functions of $n$ with rational coefficients. Suppose that there is a solution such that for all sufficiently large $n$, $y_n\in\mathbb{Q}$ and the height of $y_n$ dominates the height of the coefficient functions $a_n$, $b_n$ and $c_n$. We show that if the logarithmic height of $y_n$ grows no faster than a power of $n$ then either the equation is a well known discrete Painlev\'e equation ${\rm dP}_{\!\rm II}$ or its autonomous version or $y_n$ is also an admissible solution of a discrete Riccati equation. This provides further evidence that slow height growth is a good detector of integrability.Comment: 26 page

The Correlation of Size of Core Network and Frequency of Contacts with Agitation and Positive Affect in Elderly with Dementia

In the country of Oman, care needs of older adults are primarily provided by family members in the home. The study was guided by socioemotional selectivity theory, the environmental vulnerability hypothesis, and the need-driven dementia-compromised behavior theories. The central premise was that the size of the person’s activities of daily living (ADL) core network and frequency of contact with the ADL core network would predict agitation and affect. A smaller core network with a higher frequency of contact may be better at identifying and treating the person’s unmet needs. A secondary premise was that the emotional closeness of the core network to the care recipient would predict the density of the ADL and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) care provided. The purpose was to examine the associations between size and frequency of contact with the care providing core network and agitation and affect of PWD. The convenience sample of 98 PWD living in their homes was obtained from the Al Batinah South region in Oman. Participants’ were mostly female (63.3%) with a mean age of 80 years. Seventy-seven participants were classified with severe dementia and 21 had mild to moderate levels of dementia. Variables were measured through report from caregivers and the PWD using valid and reliable instruments. Unlike what was hypothesized, results did not show a significant association between size of and frequency of contact with ADL and IADL core networks and agitation and affect. Also, results did not show a significant association between closeness of IADL and ADL caregivers or the size of core networks to the density of IADL and ADL care provided. Caregivers continued to care and have the same frequency of contact throughout the progress of dementia. Findings are inconsistent with Western studies showing older adults prefer a smaller, closer social network that provides them with meaningful interactions. Differences in findings may be explained by the strong Omani cultural value to personally care for older parents. Understanding these relationships is critically important to designing interventions in Oman for home health care

Measures of growth of discrete rational equations

Measures of growth of discrete rational equation

Cadmium, Lead and Mercury Concentrations in the Hooded Rock Oyster Saccostrea Cucullata (Born, 1778) From the Oman Coast of the Arabian Sea

The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were estimated in the soft tissue of the hooded rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata from four sites in Dhofar on Oman coast, that were collected monthly from June 2009 to July 2010. The mean concentrations in µg/g dry weight of Pb, Hg and Cd were: 0.013±0.004, 0.015±0.001 and 3.41±0.15 (±SD), respectively. The concentrations of Hg and Pb were close to background levels, indicating no anthropogenic contamination, while concentrations of Cd exceeded the permissible level by approximately 3.4 times. Comparison between concentrations of heavy metals in different sites by ANOVA and Turkey post hoc tests, indicated significant differences between some sites for Cd, while differences for Hg and Pb were not significant. Meanwhile, no significant seasonal differences were reported in concentrations of the studied heavy metals. Generally,  metal concentrations in the soft tissues of the examined oyster in Dhofar were found to be lesser than in other regions of the Indian Ocean and in previous surveys in Oman. Keywords: Saccostrea cucullata, heavy metals, concentration, Oman

Improving the structural design process : a knowledge management approach

Knowledge is crucial for structural design, yet existing methodologies for managing it are neither comprehensive nor do they adequately address the requirements of structural engineers. This knowledge exists in different forms and repositories therefore requiring special consideration as to how it should be managed. Poor management of structural design knowledge can result in many problems such as increased design time, reduced quality and decreased scope for innovation. Knowledge Management (KM) remains largely unexplored within the context of structural design although it is a valuable concept. The research in this thesis was aimed at developing a structured approach to managing structural design knowledge. The research methodology adopted consisted of various methods. Literature on structural design and KM was first reviewed. Case studies involving thirteen organisations were then undertaken to investigate the potential of KM for managing structural design knowledge and to develop a conceptual framework and methodologies for formulating KM strategies and evaluating the impact of KM initiatives. Rapid prototyping (based on MS Visual Basic) was used to encapsulate the methodologies into prototype systems, which were evaluated by industry practitioners. The evaluation established that the systems do proffer many benefits to the construction industry and facilitate the development of a KM strategy for managing the very specialised knowledge of structural design. It is concluded that the process of structural design suffers from several problems where managing the tacit and explicit knowledge involved in the process did not receive adequate attention. The research also concludes that KM has the potential to improve the structural design process and that the framework developed and its associated prototypes help to clarify a KM problem, identify goals for implementing KM, develop a KM strategy and evaluate the strategy. The prototypes also support KM at both the strategic and tactical levels, unlike other existing IT tools, which support KM primarily at the operational level. Recommendations for future research include further improvement to the prototypes, additional evaluation using a wider range of real cases and integrating the two prototypes into one system.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Prototype system for knowledge problem definition

Attitudes to knowledge management (KM) have changed considerably as organizations are now realizing its benefits. Implementation, however, has been facing serious difficulties attributed to either not being able to anticipate the barriers when planning KM strategies or to using inappropriate methods and tools for implementation. These difficulties are more critical in construction due to the fragmented nature of the industry. This paper suggests that proper definition of a KM problem at the early stages of developing the KM initiatives will result in better control over the KM barriers. A methodology for identifying KM problems within a business context is then introduced. The methodology is encapsulated into a prototype software system, which facilitates its deployment in organizations and provides online help facilities. The methodology, development, operation, and evaluation of the prototype are described. The paper concludes that the prototype offers considerable potential for delivering a clarified KM problem and a distilled set of issues for an organization to address. This represents a significant first step in any KM initiative

Simulation and feasibility assessment of a green hydrogen supply chain:a case study in Oman

The transition to sustainable energy is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. This study addresses this imperative by simulating a green hydrogen supply chain tailored for residential cooking in Oman. The supply chain encompasses solar energy production, underground storage, pipeline transportation, and residential application, aiming to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The simulation results suggest leveraging a robust 7 GW solar plant. Oman achieves an impressive annual production of 9.78 TWh of green hydrogen, equivalent to 147,808 tonnes of H2, perfectly aligning with the ambitious goals of Oman Vision 2040. The overall LCOH for the green hydrogen supply chain is estimated at a highly competitive 6.826 USD/kg, demonstrating cost competitiveness when benchmarked against analogous studies. A sensitivity analysis highlights Oman’s potential for cost-effective investments in green hydrogen infrastructure, propelling the nation towards a sustainable energy future. This study not only addresses the pressing issue of reducing carbon emissions in the residential sector but also serves as a model for other regions pursuing sustainable energy transitions. The developed simulation models are publicly accessible at https://hychain.co.uk, providing a valuable resource for further research and development in the field of green hydrogen supply chains

Review and implementation of performance management models in construction engineering organizations

Performance management is a key issue in the construction industry as a result of complex internal and external factors. Large construction organisations are implementing performance management models to improve business processes, products and management of people to facilitate continuous improvement. This study investigates the implementation of performance management models in large construction engineering organisations. Firstly, a brief review of the drive for performance improvement and the strategic considerations for the adoption of performance management models is carried out with specific reference to the Balanced Scorecard and the EFQM Excellence Model. Secondly, using case studies of large construction engineering organisations, the findings from the implementation of performance management models are analysed and discussed. It is shown that whilst progress has been made in the implementation of performance management models in large construction organisations, significant challenges remained at the planning, deployment and assessment and review stages. This includes the motivation for performance management, leadership and resources, communication mechanisms, measurement and data collection techniques, and the role of knowledge management. Performance management models provide a basis to develop strategy for sustaining long-term business objectives, and more construction organisations will adopt such innovative tools to facilitate continuous improvement, as the business benefits become clear

Pelaksanaan Jam Kerja Bagi Tenaga Kerja Wanita Terkait Dengan Upah Dan Kesejahteraan Di Bule-Bule Garment Surakarta

This study aims to investigate the implementation of the working hours of women who carried on by the Bule-Bule Garment Surakarta’s company which have an impact on workes/laborers wage and welfare. Especially for women. The research method uses desciptive emperial jurisdiction. The sources of primary data is interviews and the secondary data is made from primary law and secondary law. The data were collected by interview, literature study and observation using qualitative analyzing. The result showed that in the implementation of hours of work done by the company Bule-Bule Garment Surakarta in accordance with the provisions of act No. 13 of 2003. The company’s efforts Bule-Bule Garment Surakarta related to wages and benefits with granting rights in accordance with the work that has been done

STEPS: a knowledge management maturity roadmap for corporate sustainability

Purpose The paper focuses on the role of knowledge management in promoting corporate in the construction industry context. It proposes a maturity roadmap – STEPS to facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management strategy. Design/methodology/approach Two research methods were used. The first consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to the top 170 UK construction firms consisting of engineering design and construction contractor firms. The organisations were selected because they were considered the most influential organisations in the UK construction sector. The second research method involved 28 case study interviews with eight construction firms to investigate their approach to knowledge management and performance improvement. The results of the questionnaire survey and the case studies were used to develop the STEPS Maturity Roadmap. Findings The paper found that knowledge management is inextricably linked to corporate sustainability, but a methodical approach is required for successful knowledge management implementation. With this is mind, the STEPS Maturity Roadmap was developed to provide a structured approach to implementing and benchmarking knowledge management efforts. Practical implications This will allow companies to understand were they fall within the STEPS Maturity Roadmap and to devise a strategy to be developed to attain higher levels of knowledge management maturity. Originality/value This paper provides a mechanism for organisations to benchmark their knowledge management activities and to develo