031156   MAHAPATRA M S, MAHANTY B (Industrial and Systems Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur - 721 302, Email: msmahapatra@gmail.com) : India's national food security programme: A strategic insight. Sadhana 2018, 43(12), 194.

Indian National Food Security Programme, with a goal to provide highly subsidized food grains to more than 800 million people in every nook and corner of the vast country, faces strategic challenges related to production, procurement, storage, transportation, distribution, finance, and organization. While the production issues are related to low yield, small farm size, and lack of financial support, the procurement process is skewed and lacks integration with the markets. The storage facilities are inadequate and are non-optimally located. Transportation facilities lack coordination leading to multiple loading and unloading of the food grains. Leakage and improper distribution of food grains are also big challenges. Very high subsidy, inefficient processes, and a large work force have brought to the fore the question of financial viability of the programme. There are also organizational issues related to payment disparity and resistance to labor reforms. The paper has also given a framework for efficient implementation of the programme using cloud system with effective procurement and stock management policy measures.

7 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

031157   WORKIE Y A, TESFAYE K, LAKEW W, HYMETE A (Industrial Chemistry Dep, Addis Ababa Science and Technology Univ, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: workieya@yahoo.com) : Quality evaluation of four brands of male condoms marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2018, 9(11), 4930-6.

Condom is usually made up of thin rubber (latex) designed or is made of polyurethane to cover the penis sheath at closed one end that is inserted intravaginally during sexual intercourse for contraceptive purpose or as a means of preventive sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms should be safe, effective, user-controlled, non-prescription, easy to use and relatively cheap. The quality of the four different brand of condoms available in the local market was evaluated using standards given by international standards organization (ISO), such as; Bursting volume and pressure (inflation), width, length, thickness, electrical hole test, package integrity, lubricant quantity were done for each brand of condoms. The result showed that all sample of condoms have fulfilled the standards requirement set by ISO 407 and that all four brands of condom which is marketed in Addis Ababa Ethiopia are of safe, effective for the use.

2 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

031155   ASASE A, KUMORDZIE S (Plant and Environmental Biology Dep, Ghana Univ, Legon, Ghana, Email: +233244128800aasase@ug.edu.gh) : Availability, cost, and popularity of African leafy vegetables in Accra markets, Ghana. Econ Bot 2018, 72(4), 450–60.

Consumption of African leafy vegetables can have a positive effect on nutrition, health, and economic wellbeing of both rural and urban populations. In this study, we undertook a detailed evaluation of African leafy vegetables in selected Accra markets in southern Ghana. Data were collected from 50 sellers from four markets within Accra and its environs using standard ethnobotanical methods. A total of six species of African leafy vegetables belonging to five plant families were identified. Average cost of the vegetables was about USD 0.25 per bundle (weight of bundles ranges between 0.2 and 0.6 kilograms (kg)), and prices were influenced by plant species and market location. Popularity of the leafy vegetables was high as reported by 88 % of the respondents. Our findings showed that only a few of the documented African leafy vegetables were available in the markets, although popularity of these vegetables was high.

4 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

029907   DESHMUKH K V, SRIKNTH B, KAUSADIKAR H H (Agriculture Parbhani Coll, Parbhani, Maharastra) : eNAM: connecting link to the domestic Indian agricultural markets. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1911-4.

The Government thinks about the importance of agricultural sector for strengthening the developing Indian economy. As majority of the population nearly 65 percent depends up on agricultural and its allied sector, for their sustainable livelihood. The role of agricultural sector cannot be replaced by any others. By concerning the importance of agricultural sector, the GOI launched electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) portal on April 15, 2016. The main theme of eNAM Portal is to link the domestic markets over the states which creates pan-India market platform for the farmer to sale his farm produce anywhere in the country by overcoming the state barriers. eNAM provides a single window service for all APMC related information and services; it is also trading 90 different commodities. NAM is a “virtual” market but it has a physical market (Mandi) at the back end. And it mainly focuses on to get better price for their farm produce. The government have been reached of linking total 585 mandis on the eNAM platform as on 23rd march, 2018. As on now 73.50 lakh farmers, 1.01 lakh trader’s and 53163 middlemen/arhatias were registered. Through eNAM 1.52 MT of produce was traded. The total value of traded produce was Rs. 36, 275 Crores. The drawback regarding eNAM is the synergy of network organization and market services. eNAM offers the opportunity to access a larger national market for secondary trading. Therefore the internet based eNAM is aimed at integrating the mandis to help both farmers and buyer by providing them data of produce available, its quality and the price being offered at bidding markets and thus, it ensures transparency in buying and selling of farmer’s produce across the country.

3 ref

028604   NIEVES-NIETO C D, BERNAL-CONESA J A, PENALVER A J B, SANTOS J A C (Centre of Defence at the Spanish Air Force Academy Univ, 30000 Murcia, Spain, Email: carmen.denieves@upct.es) : Corporate social responsibility and sustainability's effect on the relationship between technological companies' stakeholders and performance. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(10), 570-4.

This study analyses the role played by stakeholders in technology companies. These companies can contribute to building sustainable economies through proactive strategies including innovations in products and services with socially positive impacts. However, the role of stakeholders in these firms has not been studied in detail. In addition, the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on competitive success is greater in more competitive industries, such as the technology sector. This research thus focused on the mediating effect of CSR on the relationship between technology companies’ stakeholders and performance. A structural equations model was used to conduct the analysis. The results show that the influence of stakeholders on these companies’ performance is enhanced by CSR strategies.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

028606   SURYA S, JOHNSON B, JEENA N.S, ANIKUTTAN K.K, RAJKUMAR M, REMYA L, SHANMUGANATHAN K, ABDUL NAZAR A.K (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, Email: revandasurya@gmail.com) : An examination on the biological economics of inshore shore seine fishery: A case study from Dhanushkodi island, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(10), 2049-55.

Shore seining at Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu was an age old practice and its approach to fish, fisheries and fishers were detailed in the present study. The entire beach seining was carried out on the sea grass meadows which forms the breeding and feeding grounds of commercially important fishes and in turn showed the over dominance of juveniles in the catch. Gonadal examination itemised that, the majority of the fishes were in immature and maturing stage of ovarian development. The economic evaluation of juveniles of six important fish species reported a total economic loss of about INR 44.64 crores during 2015-16 by shore seining at Dhanushkodi. The gross revenue of fish landed per day varies from Rs 300 to Rs 15,000 and average reported being Rs. 5000/day in one unit. A total of 22 to 24 fishers involved in the activity and the profit has to be distributed accordingly.

6 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

028605   NOMAN M, MU Y T, MOHSIN M, MEHAK A (Ocean Univ, Qingdao 266003, China, Email: ytmu@ouc.edu.cn) : An economic analysis of fisheries sector of Balochistan, Pakistan: current status and future potential. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(09), 1727-34.

The contribution of marine capture fisheries production from Baluchistan is almost 34 % of total fisheries production in Pakistan. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid from provincial and federal governments, which lead to severe constraints in the development of Balochistan fisheries sector. Immediate steps such as control of over-fishing, revision of existing policies, assessment of stock status, better monitoring and surveillance and improvement of existing infrastructure are required for the betterment of this sector in the region. This study also highlights that future investment opportunities are still present in this sector, which may grab the attention of private stakeholders.

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

027360   NOORI N, MAULAVIZADA A S (Agricultural Marketing Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: noormazar@gmail.com) : An overview of production and export trade performance of saffron in Afghanistan. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 871-5.

This study examines the trend in production and export of saffron in Afghanistan. The secondary data on area, production and export of saffron were obtained from Afghanistan statistical year book and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan. Results of analysis revealed that production of saffron in Afghanistan increased from 3,390.3 kg in 2014-15 to 6,081.2 kg in 2016-17 and Afghanistan contributed 1.36 % of the world production of 250 tonnes in 2014. The area harvested has also increased from 811.8 hectare in 2014-15 to 2,587.7 hectare in 2016-17. The compound annual growth rate in area was 78.5 % for the same period and the CAGR of production was 33.9 %. Mostly saffron is produced in west of Afghanistan and 98 % of Afghanistan saffron was produced in Herat in 2017. Afghanistan is the 6th largest exporter of saffron in the world in 2016 with the contribution of 3.38 % share of all exports. Afghanistan exported 2,402 kg in 2016-17 and India is the preferred export destination country accounting for 61.03 % share by quantity followed by Saudi Arabia with about 21 % share. The transition probability matrix of saffron exports from Afghanistan shows that United Arab Emirates is the stable destination while, India is somewhat stable by showing a moderate retention probability of its previous share. The cost and price analysis of saffron indicates that mostly the farmers earn a large amount of income from saffron production in Afghanistan, which is around 45,000 Afs (~ Rs 45,000) per kg, therefore, saffron is an alternative crop for poppy production which is prohibited by law in Afghanistan.

1 illus, 5 tables, 4 ref

027359   LEMMA M, BORU M (International Leadership Institute, Ethiopia) : Determinants of bank selection decision and customer loyalty: Evidence from Ethiopian banks. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 226-62.

Customer choice of bank is an important element of banking strategy in today’s increasingly competitive environment. Bank management must identify and improve upon factors that can increase customer retention. To plan a suitable marketing strategy, to keep existing customers and for attracting new customers, commercial banks need to identify the criteria on which customers determine their bank selection decision. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the significance of bank selection criteria and to present the most determinant factor influencing customers in respect of selecting a bank by customer in Ethiopia. Using responses given by 101 customers, both quantitative and qualitative approach is employed in the analysis. Six factors including 38 attributes on 5 point Likert scale were used to determine the criteria of selecting bank. A non-probability convenience sampling was used and data was factor analyzed to reduce the number of total variables in to manageable way. The findings revealed that the major factors determining customers’ bank selection are: the speed of services, the extent of the branch network, the location of branches, and Forex resources. On the reverse price, innovation, financial performance, e-banking are the least factors that customers consider when they make a bank selection. Given this findings, it is recommended that there should be frequent marketing research by the banks to monitor and evaluate the ever changing customer perspectives in order to develop products or services to meet the current tastes of their customers.

21 tables, 46 ref

027358   IFEANACHO, CHINWE C (Business Administration and Management Dep, Federal Polytechnic, OkoAnambra) : Revitalizing technical and vocational education for transition to a knowledge based-economy. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 204-15.

Sound educational system is sine-qua-non for any nation that wants to attain high level of economic awareness. Functional education, as a solution based and society/industry driven education is un-disguisedly what the nation needs for transition into the knowledge based economy. It has been appreciated that Technical/vocat5ional education is the missing link in the nation’s educational system. The dearth of skilled manpower consequent on this has obvious negative implications on the critical sectors of the economy, hence the deplorable state of the Nigerian economy. In view of this, Technical/vocational education should be prioritized to provide the citizens with lifelong/employable skills for their survival and for the nation to attain accelerated economic development/growth. The findings showed that while Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) has continued to hold sway in industrialized/emerging economies, where it has continued to propel national development, phenomenal economic growth, Nigeria has neglected it. Against this backdrop, therefore it is suggested that Technical/vocational education needs to be strategically repositioned to accelerate meaningful economic development/growth and more importantly to fast track the nation in global reckoning.

25 ref

027357   SOETAN T A (Business Administration and Marketing Dep, Babcock Univ Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria) : Analysis of cultural influence in the application of international financial reporting standards in Nigeria. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 190-203.

The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of national culture on the interpretation and application of the IFRS by accounting professionals in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and 100 participants were surveyed. The target respondents were accounting professionals and the questionnaire was the data collection instrument that was used. Hypothesis was tested using simple linear regression analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for data on the main characteristics of the participants. Data was presented in form of tables. The findings revealed that the influence of culture on interpretation and application of the IFRS by accounting professionals in Nigeria was positive but not statistically significant. The study recommends that the users (e.g., creditors and investors) and preparers (MNCs) of financial statements as well as the international accounting rules setters (IASB) have to take the role of culture seriously in their activities.

8 tables, 18 ref

027356   SOETAN T A (Business Administration and Marketing Dep, Babcock Univ, Nigeria) : An investigation of cultural difference in the application of international financial reporting standards between accounting professionals in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin: An empirical study. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 161-89.

The incomparability of financial statements around the world is an obstacle to the effective and efficient running of the integrated global financial markets. This study examined cultural difference in the application of the IFRS between the accounting professionals in the Republic of Benin and Nigeria. The study surveyed accounting professionals in the Republic of Benin and Nigeria to obtain their perception of application of IFRS. The study employed survey research design. Data were collected from Accounting Professionals from Nigeria and Republic of Benin using questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically two sample t-Test was conducted on the data collected. The research findings implied that the accounting professionals with similar cultural values apply IFRS similarly, while those differ in cultural values apply IFRS differently. The research findings also indicated that the chosen countries’ former colonial masters’ cultural values influenced the accounting professionals’ decision making process. The study thus recommends that a re-education for accounting professionals worldwide to focus on how the accounting professionals around the world can apply IFRS in a manner that serves the interests of the global marketplace. Consideration should also be made by MNCs to establish a screening department that would identify countries with similar cultural values when they need to raise capital.

19 tables, 23 ref

027355   LEMMA M, MIHRET M W (International Leadership Institute, Ethiopia) : Effects of service quality on customer satisfaction at Bank of Abyssinia, Ethiopia. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 74-97.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction at Bank of Abyssinia (BOA) in Addis Ababa. To achieve this objective, descriptive and explanatory research design were used to analyze the data collected through questionnaire from a sample of 342 customers these respondents were selected using randomly sampling method. The data collected through a questionnaire were analyzed using statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression analysis. The major finding of the study indicates that, the customers were highly satisfied with assurance, responsiveness, reliability, empathy and tangibility of service quality dimensions. On the other hand, the correlation result shows that there is positive and significant relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. The results also indicate that unlike responsiveness and empathy the three service quality dimensions (tangibility, assurance and reliability) have strongly positive and significant effect (58.1 %) on customer satisfaction. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend BOA to make best use of new communication channels such as the internet banking, and mobile banking by developing effective and punctual core banking system. The bank should pay special attention for empathy of service quality dimension by enhancing employees’ commitment in offering quality services in a way the customers feel more valued, friendly and treated individually.

1 illus, 6 tables, 41 ref

027354   SUHAILY L, DARMOYO S, SINTABOENTORO (Atma Jaya Catholic Univ, Indonesia) : Effect of green product, price perception and green advertising to purchase decision which mediated by attitude on green products. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(6), 56-73.

Global warming, pollution and climate change are some of the problems that have become an increasingly concerning issue internationally, also Indonesia. In Indonesia there is a fairly complicated plastic that is difficult to recycle, the amount of waste discharged into the river, forest damage due to the illegal logging. Therefore, the impact are the flood, the warming of the earth that causes rising seawater. The purpose of research to determine the effect of Green Product, Price Perception, Green Advertising to Purchase Decision which mediated by Attitude Toward Green Product.Respondents who were taken with the provisions ever buy green products and using random sampling. Data were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).The result showed the Green product and Green Advertising influence Attitude toward Green Product. While the Price Perception does not affect the Attitude toward Green Product. Green Product, Green Advertising and Attitude influence Purchase Purchase decision. Then Green Product and Green Advertising have direct and indirect influence to Purchase Decision through Attitudes toward Green Products.Thus, it can be said that Attitudes toward Green Products as partial mediators in the relationship between Green Products and Green Advertising with Purchase Decision.

5 tables, 56 ref

027353   ASLAM M, SRIVASTAV A K (Commerce and Management Dep, Shri Venkateshwara Univ, Uttar Pradesh) : Analyzing the effect of marketing digitization on business processes and consumer behaviour. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(5), 162-9.

Digital technology empower organizations fabricate and keep up associations with buyers and to productively gather and examine data on buyer conduct in the buy procedure. Also, it is conceivable to modify items/administrations and limited time messages to shoppers. The procedures of globalization furthermore, digitization, particularly in the field of data and correspondence advancements influence the presence of new and changing existing methods for promoting correspondences. Digital media have totally reclassified the part of shoppers, business and society. Considering the high significance of digitization and its effect on purchasers, and furthermore the way that digitization will encounter the extension, the point of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of digitization on advertising correspondence, consumer and business of the organization.

1 illus, 9 ref

027352   DIKE WOZURU J, CHRISTIAN L, MICAH (Accounting Dep, Portharcourt Univ, Nigeria) : Understanding self assessment scheme and tax compliance in Nigeria. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(5), 142-61.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-assessment and Tax Compliance in Nigeria. Research questions and hypotheses were development to elicit responses from respondents. The population of the study comprises small and medium scale enterprises in Port Harcourt. Descriptive survey of ex-post facto was adopted in our segmentation of respondents in Port Harcourt metropolis. The Spearman Rank order Correlation Coefficient data technique was used to analyse the data through statistical Package for Social Sciences Software SPSS version 20. The result shows that all the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternate accepted. The study concludes that the introduction of self-assessment scheme into the Nigerian Tax System has encouraged enormous compliance from individual tax payers in Rivers State.

1 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

027351   KAUR A, KAUR A (Gulzar Group of Institutes Khanna, Punjab - 141 401) : Impact of GST on IT sector security return. Int J Mgmt Soc Sci 2018, 6(5), 79-93.

The Information Technology Sector in India is a standout amongst the best segment. The IT segment can possibly develop to wind up a noteworthy financial donor. The Government of India has additionally perceived the significance of Information Technology Sector holds in the Indian economy. The Government of India has intended to actualize of GST to the Information Technology Sector in India. The goal of this investigation is the effect of GST on Information Technology Sector in India. The degree of this investigation is to see the impact of GST on IT fragments securities on its benefits in Indian market and the impact of GST on IT zone security return.

8 ref

027350   OLADUNNI F, OPEYEMI A (Agricultural Extension and Management Dep, Federal Agriculture Coll, Ondo State, Nigeria) : Investigating the impact of inflation on output growth in the Nigeria economy (1970-2012). Asian J Sci Technol 2018, 9(05), 8203-7.

This study examined the trend of inflation in Nigeria and the impact of inflation on output growth and inflation trend in Nigeria from 1970-2012. Findings revealed that inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rate, gross domestic product and money supply were on the high in 1995, 1993, 2010, 2008, 2010 respectively, while it recorded a low in 1971, 1977, 1981, 1972, 1970 respectively. The study used secondary data obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin 2012.The data were analyzed using Augumented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP). Findings revealed that INF (Inflation rate), EXR (Exchange rate), INT (Interest rate) variables were stationary while GRM (Growth rate of money supply), GRGDP(Growth rate of Gross Domestic Product), FDGDP (Ratio to fiscal deficits of Gross rate of Domestic Product) variables were not stationary. The Johansen-Juselius cointegration technique was employed in this study in accessing the co-integrating properties of the variables. The impact of each of the endogenous variables is investigated using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study revealed that INF (-0.1672), GRM (-0.3363) and EXR (-0.0177) have negative coefficient respectively. Findings also revealed that; the coefficient of other variables FDGDP, GRGDP and INT shows a positive relationship (0.0185, 0.07657, 0.068681 respectively). The study concluded that on the long-run, interest rate is the fastest variable through which inflation and output growth react in Nigeria. It was recommended that, the monetary authority needs to target the interest rate in other to reduce inflation growth and positively impact output growth in the economy.

5 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

027349   SAMBASIVA RAO K, KEBEDE T A (Commerce and Management Studies Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhaptanam- 530 003) : Factors influencing entrepreneurial performance: A study with reference to MSE in Addis Ababa City. Asian J Sci Technol 2018, 9(05), 8196-202.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the individual and firm specific factors influencing entrepreneurial performance in Addis Ababa City. The study used both primary and secondary data types.The primary data were collected from a sample of 217 entrepreneurs through questionnaire whereas the secondary data has been collected using document review technique. To analyze the primary data binary logistic regression technique (Logit Model) was deployed. The main findings of the study suggested that individual specific factors captured by innovation, risk taking, opportunity seeking, locus of control, and independence explain entrepreneurial performance. However, the odd of proactivness to explain entrepreneurial performance is not significant. Besides, the result indicates that firm specific factors that were captured in terms of strategy and networking are key determinants for entrepreneurial performance in Addis Ababa City. But the odd of structure to explain performance is insignificant.

3 tables, 40 ref

027348   DAULATABADI A P, RAISINGHANI M (Vivekananda Global Univ, Jaipur) : FIDIC suit and MCA based contracts: choosing appropriate form of construction contracts for highway projects in India. Asian J Sci Technol 2018, 9(05), 8181-4.

The Indian highway development sector has seen unprecedented scale of programs in last couple of decades which also resulted experience-based generation of knowledge. One of the areas where this sector has developed is the Form of Contract Agreement between the Road Authorities and the Contractors/Concessionaires. This paper outlines the various forms of Contracts used in India for cash contracts as well as PPP projects. The major two forms, FIDIC and MCA based contracts, are discussed in totality and guidelines are framed to choose most appropriate form of the Contract based on source of funding risk and sharing between the parties to the Contract.

1 illus, 10 ref

027347   RAMIJA B (S.V. Univ, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) : E-commerce & it's implications in business development. Asian J Sci Technol 2018, 9(05), 8090-4.

E-Commerce is currently one of the most important aspects of the Internet to emerge. Ecommerce allows consumers to electronically exchange goods and services with no barriers of time or distance. Electronic commerce has expanded rapidly over the past five years. In the near future the boundaries between "conventional" and "electronic" commerce will become increasingly blurred as more and more businesses move sections of their operations onto the Internet. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web for at least one part of the transaction's life cycle although it may also use other technologies such as e-mail. There are three areas of e-commerce in that online retailing, electric markets, and online auctions. E-commerce is supported by electronic business. E-commerce is conducted using a variety of applications. The Indian economy grew by 7 % in October-December 2016 and is expected to grow at 7.1 % in 2016-17. The E-commerce industry which was worth Rs. 1257 billion in 2015 is estimated to be contributing about 1 % of GDP. More companies now try to entice consumers directly online, using tools such as digital coupons, social media marketing and targeted advertisements. E-commerce markets are growing at noticeable rates. The online market is expected to grow by 56 % in 2015–2020. Traditional markets are only expected 2 % growth during the same time. Ecommerce allows customers to overcome geographical barriers and allows them to purchase products anytime and from anywhere. The implication of e-commerce includes various issues such as economic, legislative, technological and social. E-commerce has outstanding growth prospective and it contributes directly to economic development of the country. Actually, e-commerce has created a phenomenon in almost all economic activities

11 ref

026140   AIDAN Z, ALIBABAEI A, MOHAMMAD H S (Shahid Beheshti Univ of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email: a.alibabaei@sbmu.ac.ir) : Identify the relationship between employer brand attractiveness, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and workforce agility in telecom industries based on structural equation modeling (SEM) (case study: Huawei technologies service Iranian). J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2018, 18 (1-2), 6-11.

The present study aims to introduce the employer brand as a new tool in managing human capital and explaining its impact on job satisfaction, organizational commitment and agility of the workforce. The present study is descriptive of survey type and quantitative method. The statistical population of the study was all employees of Iranian Huawei Technology Services Company. The sample was distributed through simple random sampling. Validity of the content of the factors counted with the opinion of the experts and then the validity of the test construct was confirmed using factor analysis methods. The reliability of the test was also calculated and validated for all variables with respect to Cronbach’s alpha. In order to analyze the information gathered by the method of structural equation modeling SPSS and Smart PLS software were used. The results confirm the assertion of all the research hypotheses in the research model, indicating that employer brand attractiveness has a positive and direct role in increasing job satisfaction, organizational commitment and workforce agility in the employees of the Telecom industry. At the end, suggestions were also presented based on research findings.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

026138   WALIA A S, KUMAR N (Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh - 160 030, Email: neel5278@gmail.com) : Powered lower limb exoskeleton featuring intuitive graphical user interface with analysis for physical rehabilitation progress. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(6), 342-4.

For the rapid increase success in real time control of Robotic exoskeleton, various human machine interfaces have been developed but do not pace up with latest techniques, in which one of the required feature is user friendliness. Touch screen display is one of user interface provides better interaction between human and machine. The paper focuses on device rehabilitation of physically disabled patients who have lost their muscle strength/power. Exoskeleton provides better rehabilitation for injured patients to regain their normal walk again. Graphical user interface has been designed to control and monitors exoskeleton behaviour throughout the rehabilitation process. Physiological parameters of human body are not affected during rehabilitation with analysis in physical progress using sensors. It makes a system more reliable to be used with less or no adverse effect to human body by any external device which makes the system more proficient to use.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

026137   CHAURASIA A, PANIGRAHI S K, PATEL S S (CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee- 247 667, Email: skpanigrahi@cbri.res.in) : Damage identification of reinforced concrete beam using modal curvature approach. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(6), 337-41.

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams are one of the main load bearing structural elements in buildings. These elements suffer from distress, primarily cracks, due to many reasons resulting into degradation of stiffness and strength. The modal curvature approach is a very good technique in damage identification in steel and RC beams. This study provides a critical review on the different approaches for damage prediction. The current state of the knowledge is presented and the different models which have been proposed in the past for damage identification on structural systems are discussed. In this paper, a technique for damage identification and assessment of RC beams is proposed which makes use of vibration data to compute the Curvature Damage Factor (CDF). To detect damage progression, simply-supported RC beams were subjected to an incrementally increasing static four point loading in steps till ultimate failure. After each load step, vibration measurements were performed using wireless sensors mounted at critical locations. The experimental crack pattern and results of modal curvature were compared. The results show that this approach is efficient for damage identification of reinforced concrete beams which exhibit high non-linear behavior.

3 illus, 1 tables, 15 ref

026136   NATARAJ M, BALASUBRAMANIAN K (Government Coll of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Email: nataraj@gct.ac.in) : Experimental investigations on machinability measures of LM6. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(6), 318-24.

Aluminium alloy LM6 is used for manufacturing of components in automobile and marine applications. However, LM6 alloying elements pose challenges to manufacturing industry because they cause difficulty while machining, and rapid tool wear occurs due to the presence of high silicon content. Moreover LM6 strength falls down rapidly at elevated temperatures. In view of the above fact, engineers have focused their research on LM6 by adding suitable reinforcement particulates to develop metal matrix composites with LM6 as matrix. This research work discusses the method of optimising the technological data like machining-velocity, feed per revolution, machining-depth and insert nose radius in order to achieve better surface for LM6. It also investigates the influence of machining variables on surface roughness and the machinability measures such as resultant force, specific cutting pressure and co-efficient of friction between work-piece and tool. The study reveals that 0.8 mm nose radius insert gives better result and moreover interactions of feed per revolution and machining-depth have a noteworthy influence on surface finish. The optimal turning process variables are in close conformity with experimental results. The machinability measure analyses are useful in the prediction of machining performance as it more sensitive in reflecting the machining performance.

3 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

026135   SUBRAMMANIAN A, JABARAJ D B, JAYPRAKASH J (St Peters Univ, Chennai- 600 054, Email: prakash221271@gmail.com) : Multi-objective optimization of resistance spot welding of AISI 409M ferritic stainless steel. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(5), 271-5.

Resistance spot welding is a widely used sheet metal joining process in automobile and rail car manufacturing industries. One of the most important quality characteristics of a spot welded joint is its tensile shear strength, as it is crucial in improving the crashworthiness of the vehicle. Amount of indentation made by the electrode on the surface of the sheet during spot welding, is another quality characteristic that needs to be minimized, to improve the surface finish and aesthetic value. Ensuring maximum strength of the spot weld joint, while keeping indentation at the minimum level is one of the major challenges in spot welding. In this work, multi-objective Taguchi method has been applied for optimization of various input parameters in resistance spot welding of AISI 409M ferritic stainless steel sheets, to maximize the tensile shear strength of the weld joint and minimize the surface indentation simultaneously. Furthermore, a linear response surface model has been developed to correlate tensile shear strength and indentation values with process parameters. The optimum values of control parameters were 11.5 KA for current, 14 cycles for weld time and 3.5 KN for electrode force. Current was found to be the most influential parameter affecting tensile shear strength and indentation. Results of the optimization process were validated by confirmation test.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

026134   PRASANHT K D, PARTHIBAN P, DHANLAKSHMI R (National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli- 620 015, Email: parthee_p@yahoo.com) : Evaluation and ranking of criteria affecting the supplier?s performance of a heavy industry by fuzzy AHP method. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(5), 268-70.

Heavy Industry is an industry that involves one or more characteristics such as Large and Heavy Products; Large or Heavy Equipment and facilities; or Complex and Numerous Processes. Outsourcing in heavy industry sector has gained a strategic importance in order to survive in the cost and quality conscious environment. In order to meet the customer demand promptly, any industry must have a healthy and competent supplier base. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and rank the criteria affecting the performance of the suppliers of a Heavy Industry (BHEL, Tiruchirappalli) by using Multi Criteria Decision Making Tool (MCDM) – Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The Criteria and Sub Criteria affecting the supplier performance have been decided by a team of experts from the industry and through literature study. AHP derives the relative weights of the criteria using pairwise comparison between criteria in a hierarchical system. It also provides a clear picture to the industry about the importance of various factors affecting the performance of the suppliers. This research helps the industry and its suppliers to identify the factors in which they need to strengthen in order to improve their performance.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

026132   HE W, FU W, HAO R (Science and Technology Univ, Beijing- 100 083, Email: ustbfuyao@163.com) : Study on the influence of enterprise micro behavior on the safety of iron and steel industry in China. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(5), 261-3.

Based on the perspective of corporate governance, this paper establishes a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to empirically evaluate the impact of corporate behaviour on the safety of China's iron and steel industry, the results show that: From 2005 to 2011, the security situation of the iron and steel industry showed a trend of low to high, then decrease and then rise again; The competition degree of the upstream market is contrary to other indicators, and the effect on industrial safety is decreased.

2 tables, 8 ref

026141   GIRAY F H (Agricultural Economics Dep, Isparta Univ of Applied Sciences, Isparta-32260, Turkey, Email: handan.giray@gmail.com) : An analysis of world lavender oil markets and lessons for Turkey. J Essent Oil Bear Plants 2018, 21(6), 1612-23.

There has recently been an increase in lavender plantations in Turkey. More people are interested in lavender farming for essential oil production and rural tourism, and it brings many questions regarding production and marketing. Turkey is traditionally a medical and aromatic plant and essential oil producing country but has a corner in the world market only for rose oil, jasmine oil and oregano oil. Current interest in lavender production in the country has exposed a need to understand and analyse the world lavender oil markets. However, there is an information shortage and no regular dataset for world lavender oil production and trade. This study aims to consolidate information, data and expertise in order to understand and conduct a qualitative analysis of dynamics of lavender oil prices and actors in the world markets. In Turkey, almost all lavender production is from Lavandula intermedia (lavandin), as is the majority of world lavender production. Although the quantity of essential oil of lavandin traded is five times more than L. angustifolia (true lavender) oil, the most qualified and sought after lavender oil is produced from L. angustifolia. The largest lavender oil suppliers in the world are Bulgaria, France and China, and there are also many other countries which have recently increased their production. World lavender oil supply has tended to increase based on increases in plantation in Bulgaria, but quantity and quality depend on weather conditions. Demand for lavender oil, as the main driver for price determination, does not vary a lot from one year to another. However, it is expected that increases in consumer awareness towards healthier products associated with natural and organic ingredients may create an additional demand. The question is whether Turkey can become a player in the world lavender oil market. Low production costs, high profit rate and its role in rural development make lavender production attractive, but small farm sizes and a complex value chain make lavender oil production far from being economic for farmers working alone and force them to stay at the beginning of the value chain. However, as there will always be a place in the market for quality lavender oil, Turkey should focus on quality and organization of lavender value chain in order to be competitive in the world market.

2 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

026139   LAKRA N, BANAFAR K N S, GAURAHA A K, RAM D S (Agricultural Economics Dep, IGKV, Raipur- 492 001, Email: neha.lakra207@gmail.com) : Economics of marketing pattern of colocasia in Bastar plateau of Chhattisgarh state. Plant Arch 2018, 18(1), 158-60.

The study aims to examine the economics of Colocasia Marketing pattern which include Marketing Surplus and Price Spread at different size of farms in Bastar and Kanker district of Bastar plateau of Chhattisgarh state. The survey for this purpose was conducted in three blocks of each Bastar and kanker district of Chhattisgarh. Primary data were collected from 300 farmers, five villages from each block was selected through personal interview method with the help of pre-structured schedule for the year 2016-17. Study revealed that the average Marketed surplus of colocasia was 60.51 qtls/farm. The average yield was observed to be 101.68 quintals per hectare. Highest yield was found at large farms i.e. 115.30 quintals per hectare across the different farms. The marketable surplus was highest in case of large farms (67.88 Q) followed by Medium farm (59.61 Q), Small farm (57.13 Q) and Marginal farm (50.31 Q). Therefore the marketable surplus shows rising trend as farm size increases. The producer’s share in consumer rupee was higher in case of channel-II (66.32 per cent) than in channel-I (56.97 per cent) for colocasia. There was large number of intermediateries in the channel-I followed by channel-II. Because of it, producer’s share in consumer rupee was comparatively lower in channel-I and higher in channel-II i.e. large marketing channel reduced producer’s shares in consumer rupee is accepted.

2 tables, 11 ref

026126   KURIA A M, RIRO G K, KIRAGO D N (Accounting and Finance Dep, Dedan Kimathi Univ of Technology, Kenya) : Effect of prospect based behavior biases on the performance of real estate investments in Kenya. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 218-21.

Kenya is the world’s top performer in terms of real estate transparency and there has been a phenomenal growth in real estate investment in Kenya in the last ten years (2005-2016), with returns that way outdo the returns in the security markets. Despite this growth, Kenya has the lowest real estate returns in the Eastern Africa. The returns of real estate in Kenya are the lowest, standing at an average of 8 % compared to that of Uganda with 11.1 % and Tanzania 8.8 %. Based on this trend, a fundamental question would be what is really driving this investment. This study therefore attempted to determine the contribution of Prospect based behavioural biases in influencing real estate performance in Kenya using a sample of 353 individual investors. To test study hypothesis, Model R2, ANOVA Statistics and Regression coefficients were generated and interpreted. The results indicate that prospect bias negatively influence the performance of real estate industry. These findings imply that there is apparent irregularity in human behaviour when evaluating risk under uncertainty thus affecting the performance of their investments. Further interpretation is that losses hurt more than gains satisfy therefore real estate investors in Kenya tend to be risk averse when choosing between gains and risk takers when choosing between losses.

19 ref

026125   KURIA A M, KIRAGU D N, RIRO G K (Accounting and Finance Dep, Dedan Kimathi Univ of Technology, Kenya) : Relationship between heuristic based biases and the performance of real estate market in Kenya. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 214-7.

The Kenyan real estate market has delivered greater price stability than all international markets surveyed. Despite this, Kenya has the lowest real estate returns in the Eastern Africa. This study attempted to determine the contribution of heuristic based behavioural biases in influencing real estate performance in Kenya using a sample of 353 individual investors. To test the hypothesis, Model R2, ANOVA statistics and regression coefficients were generated and interpreted. The results indicate that heuristic bias negatively influence the performance of real estate industry. The findings provide an eye-opener and basis of appreciation of the effect of behavioural biases on the real estate market. Real estate investors can use these findings to understand the market dynamics and incorporate behavioral factors in analyzing the markets performance.

15 ref

026124   TOBA A M, FOLORUNSO B E, ADELANA O O (Social and Management Sciences Dep, St. Catherine’s Ang. Girls’ Grammar School, Nigeria) : Accounting and reporting the effects of changing prices: Issues and challenges. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 164-9.

The broad objective of this paper is to conceptually examine the accounting and reporting the effects of changing prices: Issues and challenges. Changes in the price levels of good and services especially during periods of high inflation have negative effects on reported financial results of an enterprise. This makes it difficult for relevant stakeholders to ascertain the firm‘s ability to continue to generate revenue now and in the future and which hampers investment decision-making. The consequences of rising prices on reported financial results are examined as well as the responses of the accounting profession to address the challenge through the issue of various accounting standards. The major methods adopted to account and report for changing prices and their strengths) and weakness are also examined. The study concluded that rapid changes in the level of prices constitute a real threat to the integrity of reported financial statement as the basis for informed decision-making. The study recommended that accounting professions should rise and tackle the challenges of price level changes.

8 ref

026123   MAHESHRAM Y, SINGHAI S (Corpus Medisol Solution Private Limited, Madhya Pradesh) : Parallel growth of Indian economy, healthcare & IT with medical technology. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 45-8.

The opening up of the Indian economy during the early nineties heralded an era of unprecedented industrial growth in India. The growth rates seen match those of the fastest growing economies. A confident and resurgent Indian Industry is making forays into almost all the sectors of economy. Lately, the huge opportunities for growth within the domestic and global healthcare sector have attracted the attention of Indian industry. The Indian Healthcare system has notched up several significant achievements over the last 50 years particularly in terms of life expectancy, infant mortality rate and success in dealing with various dreaded diseases. However, easy accessibility of quality healthcare and affordability to the citizens at large are key concerns.

9 ref

026122   ESTHER M N, AGU O, EDE E C (Business Administration Dep, Enugu State Univ of Science and Technology, Nigeria) : Effect of market orientation on organizational performance of the selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 33-40.

The study focuses on effect of market orientation on organizational performance of the selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria The study sought to determine the extent of the relationship between customer orientation and customer satisfaction in selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria,. To ascertain the effect of competitor orientation on product quality in selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria and To determine the effect of Inter functional coordination on departmental relation in selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study had a population size of 1106, out of which a sample size of 294 was realised using Taro Yamane’s formula at 5 % error tolerance and 95 % level of confidence. Instrument used for data collection was primarily questionnaire and interview. Out of 294 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed, 269 copies were returned while 25 were not returned. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression statistical tools. The findings indicate that There is a significant relationship between customer orientation and customer satisfaction in selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria (r =.796, P<.05). Competitor orientation has a significant effect on product quality in selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria (r = 0.689; t = 17.797; F = 246.887; p< 0.05). Inter functional coordination significantly affect departmental relation in the selected manufacturing firms in Enugu state, Nigeria ( r = 0.885; t = 9.436; F = 990.489 ; p< 0.05).The study concluded that market orientation as an effective and efficient organizational culture which is necessary to have in organization to add more value to customers and increase organizational performance. The study recommended that Firms should always embark on customer orientation that will give them information about their customer needs, so that they can map out strategy on how to satisfy those needs.

3 tables, 27 ref

026121   ESTHER M N, AGU A O, NNADUGWU E L (Business Administration Dep, Enugu State Univ of Science and Technology, Nigeria) : Effect of entrepreneurship orientation on the performance of selected manufacturing firm in Enugu state, Nigeria. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 26-32.

The study focuses on the effect of entrepreneurship orientation on the performance of selected manufacturing firm in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study sought to determine the effect of proactiveness on customer satisfaction in Iinnosson technical and industry limited, ascertain the nature of the relationship between innovativeness and product quality in Innosson technical and industry limited and determine the extent at which risk –taking affect productivity in Innosson technical and industry limited. The study had a population size of 1258, out of which a sample size of 303 was realised using Taro Yamene’s formula at 5 % error tolerance and 95 % level of confidence. Instrument used for data collection was primarily questionnaire and interview. Out of 303 copies of the questionnaire that were distributed, 278 copies were returned while 25 were not returned. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression statistical tools. The findings indicate that Proactiveness significantly affect customer satisfaction in Innosson technical and industry limited (r = 0.890; F = 1054.328; t = 7.685; p< 0.05). There is a positive relationship between innovativeness and product quality in Innosson technical and industry limited (r =.771, P<.05). Risk –taking significantly affects productivity in Innosson technical and industry limited (r = 0.724; F = 303.480; t = 3.439; p< 0.05). The study concluded that entrepreneurial firm is one that engages in product-market innovation, undertakes somewhat risky ventures, and is first to come up with ‘proactive’ innovations, beating competitors to the punch.The study recommended that All manufacturing firms should forecast into future to ascertain the likely needs of the customers, and adopt a proactive measures to address those needs for the achievement of customer satisfaction.

3 tables, 27 ref

026120   RANGAPPA R, SHEKARA B (PG Studies and Research in Economics Dep, Mangalore Univ, Karnataka) : Impact of climate change on dry-land farming: With special reference to dry zone areas of Karnataka state. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(4), 21-5.

Climate change is believed as main reason for farmers suicide in Karnataka state. Unexpected rainfall destroys all crops at the harvesting time and most expected rain will not come on time to start sowing, this situation made life critical in dry land farming. After 50 years of Green Revolution, Still it remains critical issue to address in the country. Although the technology has improved a lot and providing irrigation facilities to farmers for coming over from such problems. But still, a sustainable solution is difficult to find for the issue. This study based on secondary data sources, examine the impact of Climate change on production and productivity of agriculture goods in dry zone areas of Karnataka state. Especially in backward and dry-land areas like Gulbarga, Bijapur, Bidar, Bellary and Raichur districts. Raichur district is one of the most backward districts in Karnataka State and this has been identified by the Dr. Najundappa Committee by the Government of Karnataka. So it is hoped that the study tries to find out the basic problems farmers facing in dry-land areas and how these problems has been addressed.

4 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

026119   ZULUETA D P (Marinduque State Coll, Marinduque, Philippines) : Small island communities: Their environmental observations and experiences basis for policy intervention. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 110-2.

Marinduque is an island province with almost 15 peripheral islands and majority of them have low lying communities with 5,146 residents. The study involved 83 residents from the small island communities with age bracket of 50 and above. They cited 10 observations and experiences they have encountered, which affect their environment and livelihoods. Results of the study revealed the following: felt intense heat in the surroundings, dwindling fish catch, bleaching of corals, low agricultural productivity, prevalence of diseases and pests and erosion of the foreshore areas. All of these were frequently observed and experienced by the community people, and there were no significant differences in ranking these 10 cases at 5 % level of significance. The increasing salinity of deep wells, effects of strong typhoons and destruction of the mangrove forests, were all rated as occasionally observed and experienced in a quarterly basis. For the individual islands; intense heat, dwindling fish catch and increasing salinity of deep wells were frequently observed and experience by the community people of Maniwaya, Mompong and Salomague. This is same with the case of Polo Island, wherein the respondents made mentioned, intense heat, dwindling fish catch and increasing salinity of deep wells. The over-all rating for the 10 cited cases was highest in Salomague Island, followed by Mompong, Maniwaya, Polo Island. Lowest was in Gaspar Island. With these findings, policies on how to minimize the adverse effect of climate change on the community should be prioritized.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

026118   ANSARI F (Singhania Univ, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan) : Prevalence of obesity and overweight. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 61-2.

Obesity and overweight has become a global and challenging epidemic. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the worldwide prevalence of obesity more than doubled between 1980 and 2014. In present study we considered various studies concerning with prevalence of obesity and overweight with a discussion in the last section.

12 ref

026117   HARISHA B N (P G Studies in Economics Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shimoga, Karnataka) : Fiscal federalism in India and Canada: A comparative study. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 32-4.

The traditional Theory of fiscal federalism lays out a general normative framework for the assignment of functions to different levels of government and the appropriate fiscal instruments for carrying out these functions. This Theory contends that the central government should have the basic responsibility for the macroeconomic stabilization function and for income distribution in the form of assistance to the poor. Decentralized levels of government have their responsibility in the provision of goods and services whose consumption is limited to their own jurisdictions. The present paper makes attempt to bring out the comparision of both India and Canada’s federal fiscal structure and the lesions to learn each other.

6 ref

026116   JISHA N, ABISHAKE I (Commerce Dep, CMS Coll of Science & Commerce, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : A study on brand loyalty in Maruthi Suzuki with special reference to Coimbatore city. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 28-31.

Indian automobile industry is in the thriving stage. After loosening the restrictions on economic and political system, foreign car manufacturers emerged into the Indian market and that resulted to a tough competition to the Indian automobile industry. Even though Maruti Suzuki still exists as giant in Indian automobile industry, the Korean, Japanese, American and Europeans is also leading fast to the top position in the industry. This study is an attempt to know how much the customer is loyal to the Maruti Suzuki brand. Today, there is a stiff competition in the automobile industry. Now-a-days Maruti Suzuki in India has faced a problem of identifying the extent of loyalty of their customers. The main aim of the study is to analyze how much the consumer is loyal to Maruti Suzuki and what the Maruti Suzuki is doing to improve the brand loyalty and does the company have won in retaining the customer.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

026115   ADAWI R, SINAR S, SUMARSIH, NURLELA (Linguistics Dep, Sumatera Utara Univ, Medan, Indonesia) : Attitude appraisal system in French introductory text of S-1 thesis in UNIMED. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 13-8.

This study examines the appraisal system in French introductory text of S-1 thesis in UNIMED by applying the Systemic Functional Linguistics theory. The method in this research is descriptive qualitative. The samples were taken from the texts of introduction which were validated by native speaker Marine Petite. The data were analyzed using Simple Concordance Program (SCP) software which involved Apraisal Attitude. The results show that appraisal system in the introductory text is classified as paradigmatic because the appraisal system in French consists of (a) sex (le gendre) such as masculine and feminine, and (b) quantity or number (le nombre) having singular (singulier) and plural (pluriel).

15 illus, 10 ref

026114   PRABHU R N (Mumbai Univ, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Risk & return analysis of NIFTY stock in Indian capital market. Int J Multidiscip Res Dev 2018, 5(3), 8-12.

India is one of the emerging economies, which has witnessed significant developments in the stock markets during the liberalization policy initiated by the government. However, investing in shares include high risks which can be guided but not controlled. Most of these risks affect the market or the economy and require investors to adjust portfolios or ride out the storm. This paper analyzes the risk and return in banking sector taking Nifty Index as the benchmark. The study compares the performance of the 50 stocks in the NSE. Indian banking industry, the backbone of the country’s economy has always played a positive key role in prevention the economic disaster from reaching horrible volume in the country. Risk & Return is a concept that denotes a potential negative impact to an asset or some characteristic of value that may arise from some present process or future event. It has achieved enormous appreciation for its strength, particularly in the wake of some of the worldwide economic disasters. NSE Shares have proved to be more volatile than the pure diversified equity funds which make some of them a high-risk proposition. The study evaluates the performance of stocks mainly to identify the required rate of return and risk of a particular stock based upon different risk elements prevailing in the market and other economic factors.

3 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

026133   MOODLEY R S, ANDREW J E, SITHOLE B B (CSIR, South Africa, Email: jandrew@csir.co.za) : Beneficiation opportunities for bark from South African grown Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus patula. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 176-80.

Bark, a major waste residue in the forestry, timber, pulp and paper industry has been shown to be a potential source of valuable chemicals. The chemical composition of bark extracted from South African plantation grown E. grandis and P. patula trees was studied with the objective of identifying components that could potentially be beneficiated into valuable chemical compounds. The lipophilic extracts were rich in hydrocarbons, followed by long chain aliphatic alcohols, fatty acids, sterols and terpenic compounds. Phenolic compounds were found in high quantities in softwood bark, with guaiacol and o-acetyl-p-cresol being the main components.

3 illus, 26 ref

026131   LEE Y (National Center for High-performance Computing, Taiwan, Email: focuslee2@gmail.com) : Influence factor analysis of MEMS and IC integration technologies. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 168-71.

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices are typically combined with integrated circuits (ICs) for operation in electronic systems. A variety of possible factors could affect the decisions of integrating MEMS and IC components. This paper aimed to investigate the critical influence factors of MEMS and IC integration technologies through expert interviews, and to further analyze their causal relationships based on fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) method. We found that product footprints and product costs are the two major influence dispatchers in the cause group, while fabrication complexity is the major influence receiver in the effect group. Moreover, signal path length has very little strength of influence on other factors. The research analysis of fuzzy DEMATEL method could serve as a reference to future development strategies in the field of MEMS and IC integration technologies.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

026130   YAN B (Operations Management Dep, Cape Peninsula Univ of Technology, South Africa, Email: yanb@cput.ac.za) : Modeling the effects of Innovative leadership on productivity and profitability. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 164-7.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of innovative leadership on organisational productivity and profitability. A deterministic mathematical model using Runge-Kutta integration was utilised to analyse the effect of innovative leadership. A numerical simulation of the model differential equations disclosed how innovation leadership enables a company to change and adapt to its external environment and by implication enhance its performance. The study revealed that without innovative leadership, the production efforts remain stagnant with low productivity and profitability. Due to a change in the production efforts introduced by innovative leadership, an increase in the level of productivity and profitability is observed. The findings further emphasise that productivity increases with time under the innovative leadership. The proposed mathematical model can be broadly used to analyse the effect of innovative leadership on profitability and productivity within different organisations.

3 illus, 13 ref

026129   KHANDEKAR P M, CHIDDARWAR S S, JHA A (Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur- 440 010, Email: s.chiddarwar@gmail.com) : Programming of an industrial robot using demonstrations and soft computing techniques. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 156-63.

In this work, trajectory planners are developed to program an industrial robot using human demonstrations aided by artificial neural network and human hand synergy approach. These planners are developed to acquire trajectory from human demonstrator and convert it to robot trajectory. The planner based on artificial neural network utilizes kinematic model of human and robot hand for mapping whereas human hand synergy approach is used by second planner for mapping. The proposed approach is implemented to an industrial robot in a designed scenario. The performance of both the planners is compared using an established metric. Experimentations and analysis of results revealed that both the approaches generalize well in the tested scenarios. Moreover, the planner adopting using human hand synergy for mapping shows better performance than kinematics based planner.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

026128   HE W, FU Y, HAO R (Univ of Science and Technology Beijing, P R China, Email: ustbfuyao@163.com) : Research on the production efficiency of China civilian military listed companies. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 153-5.

Civilian military enterprises are the driving force to promote the integration of military and civilian. DEA is used to study the product efficiency of China civilian military listed companies during the period of 2005-2014. The result shows that: the comprehensive product efficiency of civilian military listed companies in China is at a low level which is mainly caused by pure technology efficiency; the differences of the product efficiency between companies are becoming larger, and this differences are more obvious between companies of different types.

1 table, 8 ref

026127   HO W C, LEE A W, LEE S J, LIN G T (National Chiao Tung Univ, Taiwan, Email: gtrl@faculty.nctu.edu.tw) : The application of quality function deployment to smart watches ? the house of quality for improved product design. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(3), 149-52.

Consumers are confused about the benefits of using smart watches due to the various insignificant functionalities included and the unclear value propositions promoted by smart watch manufacturers. In order to improve the quality of products and to provide features that can satisfy consumers’ needs, technicians must understand the expectations of consumers. This paper recommends the use of quality function deployment (QFD), a method that integrates consumers’ dynamic requirements with product designs, which can be represented using a House of Quality (HoQ) matrix diagram. Here, the unmet and uncovered needs of consumers relating to the smart watch are analyzed extensively using a questionnaire-based survey. The opinions of consumers and technicians are then examined, and a HoQ diagram is constructed to evaluate the relationship between the design attributes of smart watch and its technical attributes. Finally, the attributes that need to be improved are listed in a suggested order of priority.

1 illus, 16 ref

024843   FENG M, YAN Y, HAO R (Science and Technology Univ, Beijing- 100 083, P R china, Email: fengmei@ustb.edu.cn) : Research on quantitative measurement and feature analysis of industrial overcapacity. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(1), 11-4.

Based on the production function method, this paper examines Chinese industry under the different stages of Chinese economic development. The study involves selected indicators of the gross value of industrial output, fixed capital stock, labor input, and energy input. In addition, the panel data fixed effects model is used to measure the capacity utilization of Chinese industries, and analyze the main features of the excess capacity. Finally, according to the research results, this paper puts forward some suggestions to solve the contradictions between overcapacity.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref