Download Category: volume 12

Editorial

Abstract: A decision making model for building decision support system is reported here that is developed through working with fireground incident commanders of the United Kingdom. The model is suitable for decision making in non-routine situations. A detailed description of the development of the model is available in Shaikh (2011). There is a need to develop a working prototype decision support systems based on this model particularly for training and helping FGCs working in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia etc.

Keywords: Fireground incident commanders, decision making, non-routine, information systems.

Abstract: Empirical correlations have been developed for Multan for the estimation of Diffuse Solar Radiation (DSR) as a function of clearness index (K_T). The diffuse solar radiation are also estimated by the relationship as given by Liu and Jorden, Page and Iqbal. All these correlation shows a peak value of diffuse solar radiation for the months of July & August (monsoon months). The diffuse to global (total) radiation ratio is 0.317. The presently developed correlation are fine agreement with the result obtained by earlier models. It is inferred from the result that solar energy has bright prospects as far as its application and utilization is concerned.

Keywords: Diffuse Solar Radiation, Global Solar Radiation, Clearness Index, Multan, Correlation.

Abstract: Empirical correlations have been developed for Multan for the estimation of Diffuse Solar Radiation (DSR) as a function of clearness index (K_T). The diffuse solar radiation are also estimated by the relationship as given by Liu and Jorden, Page and Iqbal. All these correlation shows a peak value of diffuse solar radiation for the months of July & August (monsoon months). The diffuse to global (total) radiation ratio is 0.317. The presently developed correlation are fine agreement with the result obtained by earlier models. It is inferred from the result that solar energy has bright prospects as far as its application and utilization is concerned.

Keywords: Diffuse Solar Radiation, Global Solar Radiation, Clearness Index, Multan, Correlation.

Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of classical trapping on the control of malaria transmission. The Ross-Macdonald model is modified and a trapping probability function is introduced to construct a partial differential equation (PDE) system. The proof of existence and uniqueness of solution of density functions to the PDE system is given, numerical simulation results based on Gaussian distribution and exponential distribution are obtained for the solutions, and graphical representations of solutions are shown and interpreted.

Keywords: Trapping Probability, Ross-Macdonald Model, Gaussian Distribution, Mosquito Density, Malaria.

Abstract: The present findings was aimed to determine the predator prey interaction on some wheat cultivars was laid out at Experimental Area of Entomology Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam during rabi wheat growing season of 2014. Five wheat varieties were sown in a complete randomized block design plot. The varieties are 1. NIA-Sunhari, 2. NIA-Amber, 3. NIA-Sundar, 4.Kiran 5.Kirman.The results indicated that maximum mean population of insect pest and predators were recorded on different varieties of wheat crop. The maximum mean Black aphid population was recorded on variety of NIA-Amber (3.36/leaf) and minimum on Kiran (2.79/leaf). The maximum mean numbers of green aphids were recorded on variety Kiran (5.26/leaf) and minimum mean population on variety NIA-Amber (3.59/leaf). The maximum American bollworm was recorded on variety of NIA-Sunhari, (0.51/leaf) and minimum population was recorded on variety NIA-Sundar (0.14/leaf). Its population was increase in the mid to end of season. The maximum Thrips population appeared on variety NIA-Amber (5.61/leaf) and lowest on NIA-Sunhari (2.79/leaf). The Thrips increased slowly at the start of the season and continued at mid to end of the season. Among predators, the maximum population of Brumus was recorded on variety NIA-Sunhari (0.81/plant) and lowest population observed on variety of NIA-Sundar (0.05/ plant). Similarly the lacewing was recorded on variety of NIA-Sunhari (0.25/plant) and its lowest population was on varieties of Khirman and Kiran (0.05/plant). Maximum 7- spotted beetles population was on variety NIA-Sunhari (0.64/plant) and the lowest population on Kiran (0.15/plant). While the maximum mean population of 11- spotted beetles was recorded on variety of NIA-Sunhari (0.52/plant) and the minimum population on Kiran (0.17/plant).

Keywords: Wheat cultivars, wheat pests, predators of wheat pests.

Abstract: This paper presents comparison of wind potential of Ormara and Jiwani and evaluation of Weilbull distribution function for two coastal areas of Balochistan. Ten years data (1998-2007) of wind speed have been obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) of Karachi, Pakistan. The analysis of wind data is carried out and fitted by Weibull function. The two parameters of the distribution are also evaluated. Monthly mean wind speed of two coastal locations (Ormara and Jiwan) was also predicted.

Keywords: Wind energy, Weibull distribution, Weibull Parameters, Scale Parameter and Shape Parameter.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the association between body image and marital satisfaction in married adults.

Study Design: A Correlation/ Cross-sectional study

Setting and Duration: The study was carried out in Karachi, Pakistan, over a period of three months.

Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted after seeking approval from the Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR), University of Karachi, Pakistan. A total sample of 200 married adults (100 males and 100 females) was selected purposively for the study. The age range of the target group was 22 to 40 years (mean age 34 years; SD=5.13) with minimum of 2 years and maximum of 20 years of marriage. Entire sample had middle socioeconomic status and their education level was from graduation and above. The subject completed the Demographic Information, Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Kansas marital satisfaction scale. Responses were scored according to the producer given in the manuals.

Results: Mean ± SD of age was 34.27±7 years. Mean ± SD of duration of marriage is 2 years and 5 months. Significant (P<.05) correlation was found between body image and marital satisfaction among married adults andanalysis of different variables of body image showed that fitness evaluation and body area satisfaction were positively correlated with marital satisfaction while appearance evaluation and subjective weight were negatively correlated. Above body image variables were also found to be significant predictors of marital satisfaction in married adults

Conclusion: It is to be concluded that body image is an important predictor in marital satisfaction.

Keywords: Body Image, Marital Satisfaction, Adults, married, body image variables.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of Sandalfix Orange C2RL (SO) dye were used to check its feasibility as a new passive dosimeter. UV/VIS spectrophotometer was utilized to determine the absorption peak (λ_max) of dye; which was 430 nm. SO followed Beer’s law satisfactorily. The absorbance (A) of the sample solutions was decreased with increase in absorbed dose (D). The %decoloration (%Ð) showed an exponential increase and logarithmic increase within low and high dosimetry range, respectively. The pH sensitivity of the sample solutions at different doses was also observed.

Keywords: Aqueous Solutions, Reactive Orange 122, Gamma radiation, %Decoloration, Absorbance.

Abstract: Knowledge is a valuable asset as it brings success and sustainability to the organizations. Till recently, the value of an organization is determined from its financial statements. These statements are historical in nature and contain the book value of physical assets, hence do not depict the true worth of an organization. The future revenue/profit from the organization depends upon its capability to make best use of its assets. This depends on the quality of knowledge an organization possess and its capability to use that knowledge asset. Therefore, knowledge is the most important asset in an organization. However there is no financial statement or business document that shows the volume and value of knowledge present in the organization. Hence, it is critical to determine the value of knowledge to ascertain true worth of an organization.

This research study attempts to present factors that influence the value of knowledge during its life cycle. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaire instrument was used to get subsequent data from 521 business managers working in various industries. The collected data was subjected to various statistical tools to evaluate the factors and their hypothesis. The twenty two factors identified initially were first analyzed for their verification and authenticity. Later each item was regrouped through the Rotated Component Matrix analysis – first order for meaningful set of factors. Based on the result of second order Rotated Component Matrix analysis, all the newly identified factors were finally grouped into two groups of factors that influences the value of knowledge. These groups were: ‘Efforts’ and ‘Business’. The integration of ‘Efforts’ and ‘Business’ factors forms the Knowledge Value Wheel (KVW) that helps in defining the “Knowledge Value Line” (KVL). The KVL depicts the value of knowledge at any given time. The KVL and KVW combines to form the “Knowledge Value Life Cycle” (KVLC).

The findings will help further research in the area of knowledge management. Managers would be able to differentiate most valuable and useful knowledge asset for effective management. Need for further R&D on critical knowledge can be identified. It would also be beneficial to the investors in determining the true worth of an organization in terms of its knowledge asset.

Keywords: Knowledge Management, Value of Knowledge, Knowledge Lifecycle, Knowledge Value Line, Knowledge Value Wheel, Knowledge Value Lifecycle.