Search

Although testing the Bowersox and Daugherty (B&D) (1987) typology in international markets have provided valuable insights into the model’s relevance in logistics, literature has not re-examined the B&D model’s effectiveness during the post-pandemic business environments. The current research examines the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy framework during the post-COVID-19 Indian market environment. Using a structured questionnaire, the data for this study (n=372) was collected from the executives whose main job responsibility was related to distribution/logistics decisions in micro and small-sized (MSEs) manufacturers in India. Based on the conceptual relationships identified in the B&D typology, we used structural equation modeling to test the study hypotheses. Results show that overall logistics strategy comprised of three strategic priorities positively influences firms’ competitive responsiveness through the logistics coordination effectiveness and customer service commitment route, supporting the robustness of the model in the post COVID-19 environment. Effective logistics strategy does not occur in isolation. Emphasis in coordination and customer service must occur for a well thought out logistics strategy (process, market, and information orientation) to improve organizational competitive responsiveness in the context of Indian MSEs. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical support for the validity and the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy model during the post COVID-19 environment in an emerging market.

دُرست أوراق الزعتر البري SP Thymus التي جمعت من مناطق مختلفة في ريفي جبلة واللاذقية لتحديد المركبات الكيميائية في زيتها, وقد كُشف عن مزيج من (42) مركباً في زيت أوراق هذا النبات, وحددت نسبها باستخدام تقانة الكروماتوغرافيا الغازية المتصلة بمطيافية الكتلة GC/MS . جمعت الأوراق من 5مواقع مختلفة ثم مزجت وأخذت منها عينة ممثلة للمجموع للاستقصاء عن نوع المركبات الموجودة في زيت العينة. نظفت الأوراق وجففت وطحنت بالخلاط, وبعدها استخلص الزيت بواسطة جهاز التقطير Clavenger. أظهرت نتائج التحليل بأن المركبات الموجودة تتبع زمر كيميائية متعددة منها: الفحوم الهيدروجينية, التربينات, الفينولات, الكحولات, الكيتونات, الأحماض الدسمة والاسترات,..... ثبت وجود النسبة الاعلى لمجموعة الفينولات حيث بلغت نسبتها(%36,46), تلاها مجموعة التربينات (%21,77), مجموعة الكحولات ( %1.51 ), أما نسبة الاحماض الدسمة فبلغت ((%1.23, إضافةً لمجموعة الاستر (%0.07) ومجموعة الكيتون (% 0.03). وبالعودة للدراسات السابقة التي تحدثت عن فعالية بيولوجية متنوعة للكثير من المركبات الموجودة في زيت أوراق الزعتر البري ومنها ( مضادات للآفات المختلفة, ومضادات الأكسدة.....الخ ) تبين أهمية منتجات الزعتر البري في المجالين الصحي (صناعة الأدوية) والزراعي ( إيجاد مضادات للآفات ذات أصل نباتي طبيعي) . نفذت الدراسة عام ( 2022) في مخابر المعهد العالي للبحوث البحرية وقسم وقاية النبات, في كلية الزراعة, جامعة تشرين.

This study explores B-school students' perceptions of subject areas in international business/marketing as well as their preferred learning methods. We compared the responses of students from Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, and China. We found the students from the three Latin American countries mostly shared common perceptions of international marketing curriculum and pedagogies, but they were statistically different from their Chinese counterparts. Mexican and Peruvian students preferred multi-media, hands-on learning, and case analysis learning methods while Guatemalan students preferred having guest speakers in the classrooms. Chinese students, by contrast, preferred lectures, and hands-on applications. With respect to international marketing education, the biggest differences in subjects' views from various countries were observed in the areas of product adaptation decisions. We also report some differences in international marketing subject areas and preference for methods of learning by gender and age groups.

تم دراسة بذور الأزدرخت Melia azedarach L. التي جمعت من مناطق في اللاذقية, وحُدد عدد من المركبات في زيتها, وقد كُشف عن مزيج من (53) مركباً في زيت بذور الأزدرخت, ولمعرفة مكونات زيت البذور الجافة للأزدرخت وتحديد نسبها استخدامت تقانة الكروموتوغرافيا الغازية المتصلة بمطيافية الكتلة GC/MS. بينت النتائج أن المركبات الموجودة تتبع زمر وظيفية متعددة منها: الفحوم الهيدروجينية, الفينولات, الكحولات, الستيرولات, الأحماض دسمة والاسترات,..... ثبت تسجيل النسبة الأعلى للفحوم الهيدروجينية حيث بلغت (%34.87) تلاها الأحماض الدسمة بنسبة (27.3%) ثم الستيرولات (%10.74) و الفينولات(%2.23). وبالاعتماد على الدراسات السابقة التي تحدثت عن فعالية بيولوجية للكثير من المركبات الموجودة في زيت بذور الأزدرخت ومنها ( مضادات للآفات المختلفة, ومضادات الأكسدة.....الخ ) تبين أهمية منتجات الازدرخت في المجالين الصحي (صناعة الأدوية) والزراعي ( إيجاد مضادات للآفات ذات أصل نباتي طبيعي) . نفذت الدراسة عام (2022)في مخابر المعهد العالي للبحوث البحرية وقسم وقاية النبات, في كلية الزراعة, جامعة تشرين.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social media marketing engagement efforts mediate the relationships between CRM and the business performance. We argue that social media marketing engagement efforts used by the companies will enhance the positive influence of CRM on business performance. We used Hunt and Morgan’s (1995) resource–advantage theory (R-A theory) as the theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between CRM and business performance mediated by online social media marketing efforts. Data for the study is collected using face-to-face personal surveys conducted with n=152 top management team members of randomly selected companies across a broad spectrum of industries located in Turkey. The study findings indicate that traditional CRM approach had positive effect on firm performance, but the relationship was partially mediated by the social media marketing engagement (SCRM) activities. The strength of the relationship along with the explained variance improved when SCRM was introduced into the structural model. This study provides additional empirical support for the role of the SCRM in modern organizations. It fills the gap in the literature in shedding light to the value of SCRM in the context of an emerging market environment to realize the full benefits of CRM.

The deformation of metallic materials during the machining operation requires a significant amount of energy. During the chip formation process and due to the plastic deformation of the metal and the friction along the tool-part interface, the thermal loads generated are strongly impacted by the cutting factors. Thus, the choice of optimized cutting conditions is essential to control the quality of the work required. The aim of the present experimental study is to optimize the cutting parameters using temperature measurements. The average temperature of the cutting tool is studied using a FLIR A325sc type infrared camera. Optimal cutting parameters for each performance metric were obtained using the Taguchi techniques.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of consumer ethnocentrism and xenocentrism beliefs in influencing purchase behavior in India. Given its status as the most populous nation globally, with diverse consumer cultures and backgrounds, understanding Indian consumers' biases toward domestic and foreign products holds significant value for both researchers and practitioners in refining their marketing communication strategies. A technology product, specifically a laptop computer, was selected to examine the ethnocentrism and xenocentrism tendencies of Indian consumers. Data (n = 373) for the study were collected through personal interviews with Indian consumers. The study's results indicate that both perceived brand image and brand attitudes exerted a robust positive influence on Indian consumers' purchase intentions for laptop computers. While the direct effects of ethnocentrism and xenocentrism on purchase intentions were minimal, they acted as moderators in the relationship between brand image, brand attitude, and purchase intentions for foreign brands. Developing a strong brand image and fostering positive brand attitudes should be prioritized in marketing communication campaigns to enhance global brand management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly significant in modern warfare due to their versatility and capacity to perform high-risk missions without risking human lives. Beyond surveillance and reconnaissance, UAVs with jet propulsion and engagement capabilities are set to play roles similar to conventional jets. In various scenarios, military aircraft, drones, and UAVs face multiple threats while ground radar systems continuously monitor their positions. The interaction between these aerial platforms and radars causes temporal fluctuations in scattered echo power due to changes in aspect angle, impacting radar tracking accuracy. This study utilizes the potential radar cross-section (RCS) dynamics of an aircraft throughout its flight, using ground radar as a reference. Key factors influencing RCS include time, frequency, polarization, incident angle, physical geometry, and surface material, with a focus on the complex scattering geometry of the aircraft. The research evaluates the monostatic RCS case and examines the impact of attitude variations on RCS scintillation. Here, we present dynamic RCS modeling by examining the influence of flight dynamics on the RCS fluctuations of a UAV-sized aircraft. Dynamic RCS modeling is essential in creating a robust framework for operational analysis and developing effective countermeasure strategies, such as advanced active decoys. Especially in the cognitive radar concept, aircraft will desperately need more dynamic and adaptive active decoys. A methodology for calculating target aspect angles is proposed, using the aircraft's attitude and spherical position relative to the radar system. A realistic 6DoF (6 degrees of freedom) flight data time series generated by a commercial flight simulator is used to derive aircraft-to-radar aspect angles. By estimating aspect angles for a simulated complex flight trajectory, RCS scintillation throughout the flight is characterized. The study highlights the importance of maneuver parameters such as roll and pitch on the RCS measured at the radar by comparing datasets with and without these parameters. Significant differences were found, with a 32.44% difference in RCS data between full maneuver and no roll and pitch changes. Finally, proposed future research directions and insights are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Findings Discussion We aimed to evaluate the relationship between carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), which is a known indicator of cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis, and uric acid level, which may be an easy marker for cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties in hemodialysis patients.In this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 77 hemodialysis patients. The mean CIMT of these patients was measured and recorded by Doppler ultrasonography. Patients were divided into two groups according to their serum uric acid levels. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to define the relationship between study parameters.The mean CIMT levels in the normouricemic group and the hyperuricemic group were 0.95 ± 0.15 and 1.07 ± 0.15, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant and moderate linear correlation between serum uric acid level and mean CIMT (r = 0.402; p = 0.002). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify variables that could independently affect the mean CIMT value. According to analysis, uric acid (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.008), albumin (p = 0.029), and C‐reactive protein (p = 0.042) were found independent risk factors for mean CIMT value.We found a significant relationship between serum uric acid level and CIMT, which indicates carotid atherosclerosis. Serum uric acid level is a low‐cost laboratory parameter that can be measured in almost all laboratories, and it may be valuable in the hemodialysis patient group to identify patients at high risk of carotid atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency hopping (FH) is a well-known technique that is commonly used in communication systems owing to its many advantages, including its strong anti-jamming capability. In this technique, basically, radio signals are transmitted by switching the carrier between different frequency channels. As a result, the FH signal is not stationary; hence, its spectrum is expected to change over time. Therefore, the task of detection and parameter estimation of FH signals is very challenging in practice. To address this challenge, the study presented in this article proposes a method that detects and estimates the parameters of multiple narrowband FH signals. In the proposed method, first, short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is utilized to analyze FH signals, and a practical binarization process based on thresholding is used to detect FH signals. Then, a new algorithm is proposed to ensure that the center frequencies of the detected signals are successfully separated. Next, another algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of the detected signals. After estimating the parameters for the entire spectrum, an approach is used to detect FH signals. Lastly, the hop-clustering process is applied to separate the hops into groups without time overlap. The simulation results show that the proposed method can be an efficient way for the fast and accurate parameter estimation and detection of multiple narrowband FH signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is a significant primary resource on the Earth's surface. Fresh water is essential for human beings and for the stability and sustainable development of any nation. Many regions in the interior of Syria have an insufficient water balance. This has caused severe shortages of freshwater as a result of climate change. Syria's main source of fresh water, rivers and groundwater, suffers from low levels due to the lack of rainfall amounts. The war in Syria exacerbated water stress, in particular the effects of the war on water sources such as the Euphrates River and the ‘Feijah’ source that feeds the capital Damascus. All of this has prompted us to seek other non-traditional sources such as atmospheric water, which is a renewable and relatively clean source. This paper is considered to be the first of its kind in Syria. Experimental results from semi-arid and arid regions have shown good potential for harvesting dew and fog water as a supplementary and complementary source to the existing freshwater supply. HIGHLIGHTS The main purpose of the research is to test the possibility of obtaining water from the air in a traditional and simple manner.; Research is new over the 2019–2020 timeframe.; Syria suffers from water scarcity and research is the first of its kind in Syria, particularly in its arid areas.; Syria is a country plagued by fierce war, and the population needs every drop of water possible.;

يتميز الساحل السوري بوفرة الموارد المائية وبتعدد الانشطة الزراعية ، وما يترتب عليه من استخدام جائر للمبيدات العضوية التي تلعب دورا كبيراً في تلوث المياه البحرية، أجرينا دراسة لتوزع بعض المبيدات الفوسفورية العضوية في ثلاث مناطق مختلفة من شاطئ مدينة جبلة وهي المنطقة المقابلة لميناء جبلة والمنطقة المقابلة لمصب نهر الروس والمنطقة المقابلة لمصب نهر الصنوبر. تم التحليل الكيفي والكمي للخلاصات النهائية للعينات المدروسة باستخدام تقانة الكروماتوغرافيا الغازية المتصلة بمطيافية الكتلوية gaschromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MAS) باستخدام جهازGC .أظهرت النتائج أن منطقتي ميناء جبلة و منطقة مقابل المصب لنهر الصنوبر هي أكثر المناطق المدروسة انتشاراً لهذه الملوثات الأمر الذي يشير إلى تأثر هذه المنطقة بقنوات الصرف الصحي والزراعي التي تصب بشكل مباشر فيها بالإضافة للنشاط الزراعي في المناطق المحيطة وكان تراكيز المواد في فصل الشتاء أعلى منها في فصل الصيف وكانت المركبات Naled وMovinophose وMalathion هما الأكثر تواجدا في هذه المناطق. المركب Movinophose كان ذو التركيز الأعلى في منطقة الصنوبر حيث بلغ تركيزه g/lµ 4.8 بينما كان المركب Naled g/lµ 1.22 ذو التركيز الأعلى في منطقة نهر الروس، وكان المركب Malathion كان ذو التركيز الأعلى في هذه منطقة ميناء جبلة حيث بلغ تركيزه g/lµ 1.5، أظهرت النتائج أن منطقتي ميناء جبلة و منطقة مقابل المصب لنهر الصنوبر هي أكثر المناطق المدروسة انتشاراً لهذه الملوثات الأمر الذي يشير إلى تأثر هذه المنطقة بقنوات الصرف الصحي والزراعي التي تصب بشكل مباشر فيها بالإضافة للنشاط الزراعي في المناطق المحيطة ،بينما منطقة مقابل المصب لنهر الروس هي أقل المناطق المدروسة انتشاراً لهذه الملوثات وخصوصا في فصل الصيف وكانت تراكيز الملوثات تحت حدود الكشف الأمر الذي يشير إلى انخفاض النشاط الزراعي في المناطق المحيطة