Analysis of User Mobility Models Based on Outdoor Measurement Data and Literature Surveys

The main objectives of the presented work are to study the various existing human mobility models based on literature reviews and to select an appropriate and simplified mobility model fit to the available measurement data. This thesis work is mainly processing a part of “Big Data” that was collected from large number of people, known as Mobile Data Challenge (MDC). MDC is large scale data collection from Smartphone based research. The thesis also addressed the fact that appropriate mobility models could be utilized in many important practical applications, such as in public health care units, for elderly care and monitoring, to improve the localization algorithms, in cellular communications networks to avoid traffic congestion, for designing of such systems that can predict prior users location, in economic forecasting, for public transportation systems and for developing social mobile applications. Basically, mobility models indicate the movement patterns of users and how their position, velocity and acceleration vary with respect to time. Such models can be widely used in the investigation of advanced communication and navigation techniques. These human mobility models are normally classified into two main models, namely; entity mobility models and group mobility models. The presented work focuses on the entity mobility models. The analysis was done in Matlab, based on the measurement data available in MDC database, the several parameters of Global Positioning System (GPS) data were extracted, such as time, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, horizontal accuracy, horizontal Dilution of Precision (DOP), vertical accuracy, vertical DOP, speed accuracy etc. Parts of these parameters, namely the time, latitude, longitude, altitude and speed were further investigated in the context of basic random walk mobility model. The data extracted from the measurements was compared with the 2-D random walk mobility model. The main findings of the thesis are that the random walk model is not a perfect fit for the available user measurement data, but can be used as a starting point in analyzing the user mobility models

Implementation of Basel II in Microfinance Sector of Pakistan

The Basel, the new accord on banking regulation and supervision covers the risk of capital and credit risk. Basel II covers the additional risk of market which completes the first and second pillars. It includes the disclosure of basic information to its market participants. This information is a sum of risks that institution has to face, capital risk exposure, risk assessment process, capital adequacy of the bank, the techniques to account fall the risks. The aim of the study was to implement Basel II in microfinance sector of Pakistan. The study is unique because it is never analyzed before in microfinance sector of Pakistan. The discussion method was used for results and results of the study shows that new accord will definitely help the managers and practitioners to evaluate the performance of this sector. Keywords: Basel 1, Basel II, Capital Accord, Microfinance, CAR, Operational Risk, Market Risk

Psychological Contracts， Antecedents and Consequences: A New Roadmap to Enhance Purchase Intentions in Social Commerce

Oral history is a little used research technique in information systems, however even though it may seem a rather traditional tool, it is one that is worthy of reconsideration. Information technologies have now been around for over 60 years and scholars have begun to investigate the lessons that can be learned from studying their history. Despite the ready availability of online data, personal oral histories can add insights and a context that is missing elsewhere. This paper outlines the potential of oral history for information systems researchers, and explains how it differs from other interview techniques. Research was carried out with curators of relevant oral history repositories and the potential their collections offer for researchers is discussed. Examples are also given of research projects based on the use of oral history. The paper concludes by exploring the possibilities for wider use of this research method in the discipline

Antecedents of Dividend Policy: Empirical Evidence from Banking Sector of Pakistan

This paper explores the determinants of dividend policy of commercial banks operating in Pakistan. Dividend decision of any bank primarily depends upon its profitability, retained earnings, cash flows, corporate taxes and leverage. This study is an attempt to find out key determinants and their impact on cash payout and total payout ratios. It also aims to test the implication of dividend theories on Pakistani banks using data for a period of 8 years ranging from 2006 to 2013. Balanced panel data regression with fixed effects model has been used in this study. All independent variables - PAT, SLACK, EPS, CTA and TD[1] reported significant results. We found significant role of profitability theory, packing order theory, free cash flow theory and agency cost theory in determining dividend policies whereas, tax effect and financial slack has no effect in banking sector of Pakistan. [1] Profitability, retained earnings, earnings per share, cash flows, and leverag

The Impact of Logo Shapes Redesign on Brand Loyalty and Repurchase Intentions through Brand Attitude

The present research intends to investigate the effect of logo shapes redesign on brand loyalty and repurchase intention. The analysis also explores the mediating role of brand attitude between logo shapes redesign, brand loyalty, and repurchase intentions. This analysis utilized convenient non-probability sampling and gathered statistics from 452 students and teachers of the University of Okara, Pakistan. The data collected for the study were analyzed using Smart PLS3.0 and reliability analysis / Cronbach's alpha was undertaken to determine the question's accuracy and validity. The logo shapes redesign reviews significantly effect on brand attitude, further on brand loyalty and also on repurchase intention. Noticeably, logo shapes redesign is strongly related to brand loyalty and repurchase intentions both directly and indirectly. Brand attitude significantly mediates the connection between redesign logo shapes, brand loyalty, and repurchase intentions. Very few studies have explored the relationship between the redesign of logo shapes and brand attitude. Relevantly, the research is the first to demonstrate that a brand's features (e.g. logo) may have a differential effect on consumer reaction based on brand loyalty and repurchase intentions to such an extent those loyal consumers often respond more positively than redesigned logos and repurchase product. Moreover, the research offers prolific implications for loyal customers in the study context. Keywords: Logo shapes redesign, brand attitude, brand loyalty, and repurchase intentions JEL Classification: M310 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/irmm.1030

The Impact of the logistics outsourcing of activities of Supply chain in Pharmaceutical industry in Karachi

The main focus of the supply chain is the internal and external business integration to maximize the profit and provide better service to ultimate customers. Most of the companies are going towards outsourcing of their major operation for getting competitive advantages in marketplace to achieve global supply chain success. However, the development of logistical infrastructure does not support the supply chain & logistics operations.This study focuses on four issues: (a) does subscription to a logistics service provide cost saving benefits to the company? (b) what are the effects of this subscription on the supply chain from production to the end-user? (c) what are the effects of the subscription on the company's distribution activities and performance, and finally (d) does this subscription provide the organization with a strategic advantage?A list of pharmaceutical companies was drawn from the Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers' Association and a closed-ended questionnaire was emailed to responsible officials in the supply chain departments. The gathered data was tested using multiple regression approach. The significance of variables and Principles Components Analysis were used to reduce data redundancy.It was concluded that the impact of logistics outsourcing is to change "cost propositions" into "value propositions". Activities like operations and supply chain are increasingly utilizing logistics outsourcing as an "opportunity" rather than "cost"

Stentless pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children

Introduction Stenting after pyeloplasty is an established practice and helps in  ensuring a patent anastomosis until healing has completed. Stents, however, may cause complications such as infection and displacement and increase the cost of management; therefore, stentless pyeloplasty is now considered as feasible  alternative.Patients and methods From August 2008 to October 2010, we retrospectively analyzed the results of stentless surgery in patients with ureteropelvic junction  (UPJ) obstruction. In all, 42 patients with UPJ obstruction were managed. Nine patients who were treated conservatively, one who underwent nephrectomy, and one pyelostomy for pyonephrosis in solitary kidney were excluded. Age range at surgery was 14 days–12 years with a mean age of 12.7 months.Results There were 23 male patients and eight female patients with a male-to-female ratio of 3 : 1. Fourteen patients had left, 12 right, and five had bilateral UPJ obstruction. A total of 34 pyeloplasties were performed in 31 patients. Of the five patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction, three underwent bilateral pyeloplasty and remaining two underwent unilateral pyeloplasty with conservative management on the opposite sides. Two patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasties and32 pyeloplasties by open technique. Double J stent was placed at initial surgery in three patients and 31 stentless pyeloplasties were performed. The mean operative time was 75 min. The mean perinephric drain removal time was 2 days. None of the patients had persistent urinary leak. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days. Reduction in anteroposterior diameter was noticed in 91% cases on 12 weeks  follow-up scan. Complications included persistent or increase in hydronephrosis in three (9%) patients. In all the three patients, cystoscopic stenting was attempted. In two patients, size 4 Fr double J stent was passed easily into the renal pelvis. Onepatient improved, whereas other still has a dilated pelvis with static anteroposterior diameter after removal of stent at 6 weeks; patient is kept on close surveillance on regular ultrasonography. Re-exploration was performed in one patient, which showed kinking at the anastomosis site. Pyeloplasty was revised and patient improved. Other complications included lumbar hernia in one patient, which improved at 6-month follow-up, and stitch granuloma in one patient, which improved after removal of residual stitch.Conclusion Stentless surgery for UPJ obstruction is a safe and feasible technique; it reduces the cost of surgery and avoids multiple procedures. Keywords: management, pyeloplasty, stentless, ureteropelvic junction obstruction

A novel hybrid methodology to secure GOOSE messages against cyberattacks in smart grids

: IEC 61850 is emerging as a popular communication standard for smart grids. Standardized communication in smart grids has an unwanted consequence of higher vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Attackers exploit the standardized semantics of the communication protocols to launch different types of attacks such as false data injection (FDI) attacks. Hence, there is a need to develop a cybersecurity testbed and novel mitigation strategies to study the impact of attacks and mitigate them. This paper presents a testbed and methodology to simulate FDI attacks on IEC 61850 standard compliant Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) protocol using real time digital simulator (RTDS) together with open-source tools such as Snort and Wireshark. Furthermore, a novel hybrid cybersecurity solution by the name of sequence content resolver is proposed to counter such attacks on the GOOSE protocol in smart grids. Utilizing the developed testbed FDI attacks in the form of replay and masquerade attacks on are launched and the impact of attacks on electrical side is studied. Finally, the proposed hybrid cybersecurity solution is implemented with the developed testbed and its effectiveness is demonstrated

Green HRM and Sustainable Performance in Malaysian Hotels: The Role of Employees\u27 Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Green Behaviors

Due to the business complexity and competitive environment, hotels are paying great attention to improve their sustainability performance through greening their workforce. Thus, this study examines the role of Green HRM practices in attaining sustainable environmental performance in Malaysian hotels while considering the crucial role of employees\u27 pro-environmental attitudes, green behaviors, and green work climate perceptions. Data were collected from the employees who were directly engaged in implementing green practices in selected hotels. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection, and about 350 responses were received and applied for analysis through PLS-SEM. Findings revealed that Green HRM practices (green training and involvement, green performance management and compensation) positively and significantly influence employees\u27 pro-environmental attitudes, further promoting green behaviors. It was also found that employees\u27 green behaviors are the key contributors to spurring sustainable hotel performance. Therefore, this study might support decision-makers in understanding the role of Green HR practices in greening the workforce in the hospitality industry context