Innovative Capacity of Firms: on why some firms are more innovative than others

In this paper we report a study into innovative capacity of UK SME firms. We argue that the ability of a firm to develop successful innovations is a function of their innovative capacity.We developed the concept in this paper and suggest it is largely determined by four sets of factors including culture, resources, competence and networks. The discussion first focuses on the background to the study.We then move on to characterise the factors influencing innovative capacity at the firm level. We formulate a model of innovative capacity and innovation performance. This allows us to draw a set of propositions regarding the drivers of innovation performance. Discussion then focuses on the research methodology where research design and methods of data collection are revealed. In the results section, we present the output of regression analyses conducted on our data set. This is followed by the discussion section and lastly the conclusion

Asymmetric Epoxidation: A Twinned Laboratory and Molecular Modeling Experiment for Upper-Level Organic Chemistry Students

The coupling of a student experiment involving the preparation and use of a catalyst for the asymmetric epoxidation of an alkene with computational simulations of various properties of the resulting epoxide is set out in the form of a software toolbox from which students select appropriate components. At the core of these are the computational spectroscopic tools, whereby a measured spectrum can be interpreted in some detail using theoretical simulations. These include a range of modern chiroptical methods to accompany the increased use of such techniques in modern teaching laboratories. Computational experiments are captured in a Wiki-based electronic laboratory notebook, which features data-stamping, authenticated entries, and inclusion of semantically intact data via interactive models rendered within the Wiki using JSmol and its referencing via a digital object identifier (DOI) to a digital data repository

Evaluation of Drastic and Geograpidc Information System as a Tool in Determining the Groundwater Quality Vulnerability of Kuala Langat Aquifer

This thesis describes the results of a ground water pollution potential modeling, which examined the entire Kuala Langat aquifer using GIS. The pollution potential model implemented within GIS is known as DRASTIC, a model, which was developed by the u.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1985. In compiling a groundwater vulnerability map of Kuala Langat, it was decided to use the widely known DRASTIC methodology that includes Depth to groundwater, Recharge due to rainfall, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of the vadose zone, and Conductivity (hydraulic). Although not designed for a GIS, this model represents a classic spatial analysis approach for which GIS have become known. This thesis outlines the techniques used in compiling the data sets for those factors that influence the susceptibility of groundwater contamination over Kuala Langat and the techniques involved In manipulating and displaying these data in a GIS. The different techniques employed in the gathering and calculations of the different information sets required by the DRASTIC model to describe the groundwater vulnerability are presented in detail. The final output, which is in the form of a color paper map, will be useful in presenting the concept of groundwater vulnerability and groundwater protection to the layman. Results show that DPPI ranges from 80 to 165 giving 90% of the entire area as moderate vulnerable. However the south and east portion of Kuala Langat pose much more pollution potential than other area. Pesticide DPPI ranges from 1 14 to 166 with higher numbers representing higher pollution potential, indicating that moderate pesticide pollution potential occurs through out the entire Kuala Langat aquifer. The Pesticide DRASTIC Pollution Potential Index of Kuala Langat is higher than DRASTIC Pollution Potential Index (DPPI) of Kuala Langat. From these findings, it can be concluded that the potential source of pollution in the area derived from agricultural activities

Production of Pullulanase by Raoultella Planticola Dsmz 4617 Using Sago Starch as Carbon Source

Production of pullulanase by Raoultella planticola DSMZ 46 17 was studied in batch fermentation using sago starch as a carbon source. The fermentations were carried out, firstly, in 500-mL Erlenmeyer flasks to search for a suitable cultivation medium for pullulanase production by this gram negative bacterium. For comparison, production of pullulanase by a locally isolated strain was also carried out. Secondly, further improvement of pullulanase production by R. planticola DSMZ 46 17 was done by using response surface methodology (RSM). The factors studied were sago starch, peptone and initial culture pH. The precise values of carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio that affect the pullulanase secretion by this gram-negative bacterium were also studied. Then, batch cultivations in 2-L stirred tank fermenter were carried out in an attempt to further improve pullulanase production by R. planticola DSMZ 461 7. Two important hydrodynamic parameters, i.e., aeration and agitation, were studied in detail. Unstructured model based on logistic and Luedeking-Piret equations were used to describe growth and pullulanase production by R. planticola DSMZ 4617 in both 500-mL shake flask and 2-L stirred tank ferrnenter. Cultivation of R. planticola DSMZ 4617 in modified mineral Czapek medium was found able to produce substantially high activity of pullulanase (320 times higher) as compared to 'Ohba-Ueda' medium. Among various carbon and nitrogen sources tested, sago starch and peptone were the best substrates for enzyme production, and under these conditions, R. planticola DSMZ 4617 produced 0.95 U/mL of pullulanase at initial culture pH around 7 and incubation temperature of 30°C. The partially purified pullulanase from R. planticola DSMZ 461 7 was optimally active at pH 6 to 7, and 50°C with stability ranges from pH 5 to 10. As compared with R. planticola DSMZ 4617, the local isolate B. cereus H1.5 was found to produce substantially high activity of protease during growth. This was the main reason that much of the pullulanase activity was lost during cultivation and partial purification processes and thus this local isolate is not appropriate for industrial applications. Therefore, the research work was focused on R. planticola DSMZ 4617. The RSM experiments based on central composite design (CCD) were found practical to derive a statisticai model for enhancement of pullulanase production by R. planticola DSMZ 4617. From this study, about 1.8-times of increment in pullulanase activity (1.70 U/mL) was achieved at 6.12 g/L sago starch, 15.34 g/L peptone and initial pH 7.23. Studies on C/N ratio hrther confirmed that the highest pullulanase production was obtained at ratio of 0.97 which correspondes to approximately 6.1 g/L of starch and 15.3 g/L peptone.The pullulanase productivity and yield were greatly influenced by the aeration and agitation conditions within the fennenter. High pullulanase activities in the fermenter were observed at aeration rate of 0.5 vvm and agitation speed of 250 rpm. Under this condition, the pullulanase production results were: pullulanase activity, 2.22 UImL; pullulanase productivity, 0.015 U/mLih and pullulanase yield, 369 U pullulanase g starch-'. Themodels proposed in this study fit significantly well to the experimental data with more than 95% confidence. This means that the proposed model can be used to explain growth and enzyme production at different chemical and physical conditions in a concise form which is comprehensible to those who wish to make use of the results. From the study, pullulanase production by R . - + + - .- _._ _ -+- . - -- - planticola DSMZ 4617 was found to be a non-growth associated process (a = O), where accumulation of pullulanase in the culture fluid occurred only during the nongrowth phase. An improved pullulanase fermentation process by R. planticola DSMZ 4617 has been successfully developed and it showed approximately 7-times increment of pullulanase production (2.22 UImL) in 2-L stirred tank fernenter with optimized medium composition and culture conditions as compared to cultivation employing original medium without optimized formulation in 500-mL shake flask (0.32 U/mL)

Development Of A Solar Drying Unit For The Cocoa Smallholders In Malaysia

Sun drying is the most popular method used by the Malaysian smallholders to dry cocoa beans during the harvesting season. However, various limitations have been associated with this traditional practice particularly due to unpredictable weather conditions. The sun dryer is usually without any means of protection in the event of rain unless labour is available to look after the dryer. In situations where no other alternatives of natural drying are available, the smallholders will either continue using the sun dryer or sell wet beans at a lower price. This study was carried out to develop a small-scale solar dryer to provide an additional option to the smallholders in cocoa drying. The concept of direct solar drying was adopted where the product is dried inside a transparent enclosure using direct sunlight. Overall dimension of the solar dryer prototype measured 1565 mm x 912 mm x 1375 mm (L x W x H). Most of the structural components were constructed using 'Chengal' hard wood. The side panels and drying platform were constructed from plywood and transparent Ultra Violet Stabilised Polyethylene film was used to form the enclosure.Air enters through the perforated platform (about 15% perforation) and the side air gaps (measuring 1365 mm x 40 mm) and the humid air exits through the apertures (measuring 159 mm x 1565 mm) at the apex. Two removable windows (measuring 1565 mm x 600 mm) were made at both sides of the dryer to facilitate loading, unloading and mixing. Individual part of the prototype was connected using bolts, nuts and screws to ease assembling and dismantling on farm. The total material cost of construction for a unit of solar dryer was RM 156.76. Quality of the dried cocoa beans was assessed in terms of acidity (pH and titratable acidity), degree of fermentation (cut test and fermentation index), surface mould, odour and sensory evaluation. The performance of the solar dryers was also assessed in terms of bean moisture content reduction, bed and air temperatures. Two trials were carried out to determine the effect of loading on solar drying and to compare between the solar dryer and sun dryer. From the studies, the solar dryer is recommended to the smallholders for 20 kg wet beans using perforated drying platform. The performance of the solar dryer and quality of the beans showed no significant difference (p>0.05) as compared to sun drying. This would be an added advantage to the smallholders as protection of the beans could be achieved through solar drying. Based on the recommendation, the solar dryer was able to produce beans with good external appearance, extremely light in surface mould, high in degree of fermentation and acceptable in terms of odour and sensory evaluations. The drying period was shorter at this loading (20 kg) which could eliminate the risk of mould growth due to prolong drying and the beans temperatures were well below the limit detrimental to the quality

Anoxic-Aerobic Stabilization of Settled Activated Sludge from A Sew Age Treatment Plant

Conventional aerobic sludge stabilization is a power-intensive process. Another major upset is the resulting drop in mixed liquor pH (MLpH). Furthermore, the high concentration of ammonical nitrogen CN"H4-N) , nitrate nitrogen (N03-N), nitrite nitrogen (N02-N) and ortho-phosphate (P04-P) in the filtrate, could be a strong water-polluting agent. In this study, the anoxic-aerobic stabilization system incorporates, at regular intervals, non-aerated periods during aerobic stabilization. Four different stabilization modes (anoxic-aerobic, anoxic-aerobic with methanol, aerobic with lime control and aerobic) were applied to remove both the mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) and soluble nutrients simultaneously. Both the anoxic-aerobic systems were found to have higher solids decay rate, i.e., 0.064 dai1 and 0.057 dai1, respectively, as compared with lime-controlled (0.049 day-I) and aerobic systems (0.033 day-I). Anoxic-aerobic stabilization also maintained neutral MLpH levels at 'no cost', which is superior to daily lime dosing. The unfavorable environment within the aerobic digester (pH 5.51 - pH 6.59) is believed to retard the endogenous metabolisms of the sludge. The aerobic digester showed a significantly high build-up of NH4-N (95% higher) but lower concentrations in both anoxic-aerobic and lime-controlled systems. Since both the anoxic-aerobic digesters experienced anoxic conditions on a regular basis, the peak nitrate were much lower (2.6 mg/L in anoxic-aerobic digester and 1.4 mg/L in anoxic-aerobic digester with methanol). The addition of methanol did accelerate the denitrification process. In contrast, nitrate levels in the lime-controlled digester and aerobic digester were greater than 30.0 mg/L, which do not comply with the World Health Organization standards. Since P04-P is not lost from the digester as gas, the concentration in the four digesters increased with digestion time. The lowest P04-P levels in the lime-controlled digester could be a function of calcium phosphate fonnation. In contrast, the highest level of P04-P in the fully aerobic digester was due to the low MLpH. Alkalinity was consumed and produced during the anoxic-aerobic stabilization process, thus, there was no net change in the alkalinity level. The experimental results indicate that the anoxic-aerobic digestion system is definitely a suitable method for the stabilization of sludge, in terms of solids reduction and soluble nutrients removal

Chi-Squared Distance and Metamorphic Virus Detection

Malware are programs that are designed with a malicious intent. Metamorphic malware change their internal structure each generation while still maintaining their original behavior. As metamorphic malware become more sophisticated, it is important to develop efficient and accurate detection techniques. Current commercial antivirus software generally try to scan for malware signatures within files and match them against a known set of signatures; therefore, they are not able to detect metamorphic malware that change their body from generation to generation, with each copy comprised of its own unique signature. Machine learning methods such as hidden Markov models (HMM) have shown promising results in detecting metamorphic malware. However, it is possible to exploit a weakness in HMMs and avoid detection by morphing and merging the malware with contents from normal files. As an alternative approach, we consider combining HMMs with the statistical framework of the chi-squared test to build a new detection method. This paper will present the experimental results of our proposed hybrid detector in metamorphic malware detection

Reducing the redundancy of financial ratios and assessing the stability of financial patterns

The purpose of this study was to examine the financial patterns of Australian industrial firms along the lines of Pinches et al.’s (1973; 1975) study. The financial ratios used in prior Australian corporate failure studies were used to derive a reduced set of factors that was predictive of corporate failure (e.g., Castagna & Matolesy, 1981: Booth, 1983). These factors were examined for the short – and long-term stability of these factors. The set of firms used was selected from FINSELECT database, which covered the period from 1989 to 1997. A random list of 199 Australian industrial firms that survived between 1989 and 1997 was selected. A total of thirty-one unique financial ratios were calculated based on the models derived in prior Australian failure prediction studies. These financial rations were factor analysed. The financial factors that were predictive of corporate failure were Return on Investment, Short-Term Liquidity (I and II), Financial Leverage (I and II) and Decomposition Measure

Kesan pembelajaran koperatif terhadap pencapaian Matematik dan sikap terhadap pembelajaran Matematik bagi murid berkebolehan rendah di sekolah rendah bahagian Bintulu

The purpose of this research was to identify the effectiveness of using cooperative learning method towards students' achievement and attitude in learning Mathematics for low achiever primary school in Bintulu. In particular this study seeks to determine whether the low achiever can increase their achievement and attitude in learning Mathematics using the cooperative learning method. This study was a quasi-experimental, the experimental group received teaching method using cooperative learning method, while the control group received traditional lecture method. This study was conducted in a primary school in Sarawak for eight weeks. Two of the Year Five classes have participated in this study, one class for experimental group and another class for control group. A total of 79 respondents have participated, there were 39 students in experimental group (cooperative learning method) and 40 students in control group (traditional lecture method). There were pre-achievement test, post-achievement test, pre-attitude test and post-attitude test used to collect data in this study. The questions of achievement test were based on objective and subjective questions and the attitude test was based on questionnaires. Research findings analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 12.0. Package was chosen because it is more flexible, the researchers can create various transformations of original data in addition to the advantages that statistical procedures can be used measurement variables are Likert Scale according to 4 degrees. Data were collected and analyzed by using descriptive statistics frequency percentages, mean and standard deviation. In addition, Independent-Sample T test also used to see whether there is a significant difference between the students' achievement and attitude with the cooperative learning method. The findings showed that cooperative learning method could enhance the low achiever achievement and attitude in learning Mathematics. In addition, cooperative learning method had shown the positive effects toward the performance of cognitive, social and affective for low achiever students in primary schoo