Nonstandard Finite Difference Schemes for the Study of the Dynamics of the Babesiosis Disease

In this paper, a discrete-time model for Babesiosis disease, given by means of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes, is first provided and analyzed. Mathematical analyses show that the provided NSFD schemes preserve the essential (qualitative) dynamical properties of the continuous-time model, namely, positivity and boundedness of the solutions, equilibria, and their stability properties. In particular, the global stability of the disease free equilibrium point is proved by using an appropriate Lyapunov function. As a relevant consequence, we get the dynamic consistency of NSFD schemes in relation to the continuous-time model. Numerical simulations are presented to support the validity of the established theoretical results.

A Novel User Interface for Knowledge Base Browsing

Intuitive user interfaces have been of great concern for GUI developers. The current research, who deals with their designing, faces the term intuitive constantly. The main question is how can the Interface be intuitive? For the moment, the researchers try to provide a very intuitive generic user interface that can be used in a variety of applications. In this paper we provide a solution that can model any applied ontology into a honeycomb menu. The hexagonal shape of the honeycomb has attracted the attention of humans for centuries. As a relevant consequence, the final user can browse any knowledge base very easily with the aid of this interface. Another useful feature is that programmers can take full advantage of semantic web technologies which can tailor results based on any knowledge base that is feed as input, without any need for code change, thus leading towards a panacea system.

CSR for Retailers’ Led Channel Relationships

This paper analyses the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies by small and medium manufacturers which are involved in supplying relationships with large retailers. The purpose of the paper is to examine CSR drivers within large retailers’ supply chains. A quantitative empirical research was conducted focusing on the food sector, as a sector in which traceability, supplier’s coordination and control are critical to the supply chain. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire addressed to 89 Italian SME manufacturers to explore the main factors influencing the adoption of CSR and the level of formalization of the related policies. Findings revealed the key role of large retailers for the establishment of a sustainable/ethical supply chain. An attenuation of the hierarchic/conflictual perspective in buyer-seller relationships emerged, with a reduction of margin-compression effects for smaller suppliers as a consequence of power imbalances. A relevant consequence of CSR is a relationship development model in which all the involved subjects can benefit, including smaller partners inside the supply chains.

The Mature Brand and Brand Interest: An Alternative Consequence of Ad-Evoked Affect

The authors propose that for mature brands, ad-evoked affect will not have a strong influence on brand attitude; they formulate brand interest, a new construct, as a more relevant consequence of ad-evoked affect. They present empirical evidence to support their theory regarding the consequences of ad-evoked affect for mature brands.