Random Basis Research Articles

Base sizes for primitive groups with soluble stabilisers

Let $G$ be a finite primitive permutation group on a set $\Omega$ with point stabiliser $H$. Recall that a subset of $\Omega$ is a base for $G$ if its pointwise stabiliser is trivial. We define the base size of $G$, denoted $b(G,H)$, to be the minimal size of a base for $G$. Determining the base size of a group is a fundamental problem in permutation group theory, with a long history stretching back to the 19th century. Here one of our main motivations is a theorem of Seress from 1996, which states that $b(G,H) \leqslant 4$ if $G$ is soluble. In this paper we extend Seress' result by proving that $b(G,H) \leqslant 5$ for all finite primitive groups $G$ with a soluble point stabiliser $H$. This bound is best possible. We also determine the exact base size for all almost simple groups and we study random bases in this setting. For example, we prove that the probability that $4$ random elements in $\Omega$ form a base tends to $1$ as $|G|$ tends to infinity.

Random radial basis function kernel-based support vector machine

The main computational cost of building a support vector machine (SVM) training model lies in tuning the hyperparameters, including the kernel parameters and penalty constant C. This paper introduces a new kernel, the random radial basis function (RRBF) kernel, which all kernel parameters can be assigned to randomly. The key idea of the RRBF is to extend a one-dimensional parameter to d-dimensional parameters by simple modification of the traditional RBF kernel. We prove the universal approximation capability of a SVM with the RRBF kernel, proposing a simple model selection algorithm. The experiments on benchmark datasets show that SVM with the RRBF kernel clearly outperforms the traditional RBF kernel and other popular kernels, and the results are quite insensitive to C. Compared with other kernels, a SVM with the RRBF kernel is not sensitive to the penalty constant C, and it can be tuned in a wide range. Additionally, this property also enables a SVM to find the hyperparameters quickly. A simulation of parameter sensitivity study also show that a SVM is more stable w.r.t. to the different choices of kernel parameters.

Super-resolved Raman microscopy using random structured light illumination: Concept and feasibility.

In this article, we report the use of randomly structured light illumination for chemical imaging of molecular distribution based on Raman microscopy with improved image resolution. Random structured basis images generated from temporal and spectral characteristics of the measured Raman signatures were superposed to perform structured illumination microscopy (SIM) with the blind-SIM algorithm. For experimental validation, Raman signatures corresponding to Rhodamine 6G (R6G) in the waveband of 730-760nm and Raman shift in the range of 1096-1634cm-1 were extracted and reconstructed to build images of R6G. The results confirm improved image resolution using the concept and hints at super-resolution by almost twice better than the diffraction-limit.

The Maximum Likelihood Ensemble Filter with State Space Localization

AbstractA new method for ensemble data assimilation that incorporates state space covariance localization, global numerical optimization, and implied Bayesian inference is presented. The method is referred to as the MLEF with state space localization (MLEF-SSL) due to its similarity with the maximum likelihood ensemble filter (MLEF). One of the novelties introduced in MLEF-SSL is the calculation of a reduced-rank localized forecast error covariance using random projection. The Hessian preconditioning is accomplished via Cholesky decomposition of the Hessian matrix, accompanied with solving triangular system of equations instead of directly inverting matrices. For ensemble update, the MLEF-SSL system employs resampling of posterior perturbations. The MLEF-SSL was applied to Lorenz model II and compared to ensemble Kalman filter with state space localization and to MLEF with observation space localization. The observations include linear and nonlinear observation operators, each applied to integrated and point observations. Results indicate improved performance of MLEF-SSL, particularly in assimilation of integrated nonlinear observations. Resampling of posterior perturbations for an ensemble update also indicates a satisfactory performance. Additional experiments were conducted to examine the sensitivity of the method to the rank of random matrix and to compare it to truncated eigenvectors of the localization matrix. The two methods are comparable in application to low-dimensional Lorenz model, except that the new method outperforms the truncated eigenvector method in case of severe rank reduction. The random basis method is simple to implement and may be more promising for realistic high-dimensional applications.

An analysis of Teachers’ Behaviour for the Academic Performance of School Students in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Instructors’ attitudes can help or hurt student enthusiasm, achievement, and well-being. Recent studies found that negative instructor attitudes can prejudice academic achievement and escalation students' psychological syndromes and physical indications of stress. Instructors who use degradation or sarcasm can leave a child feeling demeaned. Discipline by fear and intimidation can harm the student's future achievement. Teachers who are strict in their display of authority or indifferent toward their students or lessons can leave a lingering feeling of negativity. Teachers facilitate the students for improving their performance and always are available to solve their glitches and give courage to the students for innovative thinking. But teaching occupation is seen as poorly managed in recent situations. The main focused area is to recognize students’ difficulties concerning learning. For this purpose, well-trained teachers are required to guide the students. The study's primary objective was to analyse teachers’ behavior for the academic performance of school students in Tehsil Faisalabad, Pakistan. The study population was all the teachers and students of Govt. sector schools, of Tehsil Faisalabad (From Pakistan). The study was conducted at the Institute of Agri. Extension, Education and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. From (88) total number of schools, six schools (3 schools from urban and 3 schools from rural areas) were selected on a random basis 5 students were selected from 6th standard, 5 from 7th standard, 5 from 8th standard) making a sample of 90 students. Three teachers were selected from the selected standards (1 from 6th standard, 1 from 7th standard, 1 from 8th standard). The selected teachers’ samples were eighteen. Two questionnaires were used with a five-point rating scale to collect the views of school teachers and students about the teachers’ behavior regarding the students' academic achievement. The researcher personally visited schools and collected views regarding the behavior of teachers on the academic achievements of students. Quantitative data were analyzed through SPSS. The result also demonstrates that teachers’ behavior directly affects students' academic performance. The analysis of data showed a significant association between teachers’ behavior and students’ academic achievements. It was recommended that teachers behave positively with students and show professionalism so their students will pay attention to their study through such kind of motivation. Most of the students were agreed that they are appreciated by their teacher (a weighted score of 25.00). Most of the students were agreed that communication between teacher and student helps the teacher to understand students' feelings with a weighted score of 31.00. Most of the students were agreed that the students consider their teacher as a role model with a weighted score of 36.00. The study's major conclusions were that teachers felt honoured to be teachers, adjusted themselves with the predominant situation and environments, and used different motivational teaching techniques. Students were found to be pleased with the positive behaviour of their teachers. The relationship between the teachers’ behaviour and corresponding academic success (marks) revealed a highly positive significant correlation.

Transcranial Doppler study in acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: The role of pulsatility index.

ObjectivePulsatility index (PI) is a parameter calculated by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), which is commonly used for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage or ischemic stroke. However, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to assess the function of TCD, particularly the PI.MethodsThis study involved a total of 46 patients with acute ICH who received treatment at a single center between May 2013 and December 2014. Medical records of baseline characteristics, except for the modified Rankin scale, were obtained at initial evaluation in the emergency room, and TCD was used to calculate middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MFV) and PI at admission (baseline), 24 h, and 7 days. The PI and MFV values on the affected middle cerebral artery were compared with those on the contralateral side. Linear regression analysis was used for statistical analyses (SPSS 21.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsStatistical analysis indicated that sex, age, Glasgow coma scale, intraventricular hemorrhage, and hematoma size were not correlated with PI (p＞0.05); however, only PI was positively correlated with functional outcome at 6 months after treatment (R=0.846, p=0.002).ConclusionsThese results provide evidence that the parameter of PI is an independent determinant prognostic factor in acute spontaneous ICH. Further research is needed to investigate the influence of cerebral blood flow dynamics on a larger, more controlled, and more randomized basis.

Clinical, volumetric and densitometric evaluation of tissue engineered constructs for secondary alveolar cleft reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of tissue engineered (TE) constructs compared to the standard autogenous anterior iliac crest (AIC) bone graft in secondary maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction.This clinical trial was registered on (clinical trials.gov); the trial registry number is: NCT03563495. Patients with unilateral alveolar clefts were allocated on the basis of simple randomization. Selected patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: the AIC group (control) received autogenous particulate bone graft from anterior iliac crest, whereas the TE group received tissue engineered construct. Assessment included the newly formed bone volume and density at the grafted cleft sites, which were measured immediately, 6 and 12 months postoperatively on axial computed tomograms.The study population included 10 patients; each group comprised 5 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the mean volume of the newly formed bone (p = 0.91 at 6 months, p = 0.994 at 1 year) and the mean density of the newly formed bone (p = 0.364 at 6 months, p = 0.073 at 1 year). However, there was a significant increase of TE graft density from 6 months to 1 year (p = 0.048).Within the limitations of the study it seems that the tissue engineered construct (collagen/osteogenically differentiated bone marrow−derived mesenchymal stem cells) might be an alternative to autogenous bone for unilateral secondary alveolar cleftgrafting.

The impact of the method of presenting instructions of postoperative care on the quality of life after simple tooth extraction

Introduction: The extraction of teeth is a common dental treatment. Healing complications have been reported to be influenced by patients' knowledge and compliance with postoperative instructions. Aim: The goal of the study was to define the influence of the way postoperative instructions delivering method on reducing morbidity and problems experienced after simple tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was designed at clinics of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Taibah University. Patients were distributed to two classes on a random basis. The first group was provided only with verbal instructions (VI) after dental extraction. The second group was given written and verbal (CVWI) instructions. Postoperative pain, swelling, sleep impairment, oral functions, and general activity were reported using an assessment tool for oral health life quality (OHQ). Results and Discussion: The mean OHQ scores were 14.28 ± 6.36 for VI and 13.46 ± 5.78 for CVWI, which did not indicate a statistical difference (P = 0.50). Of the 100 participants, 51% were mildly affected, whereas 22% were severely affected. Females constituted 51% of the study participants. There was a statistically significant difference between females' mean score values compared to males (15.78 ± 4.5–11.88 ± 6.5) with P = 0.001. About 56% of the participants were nonSaudis and 33% hold a high-school diploma. Conclusions: There was no difference between the two approaches used to present the postoperative instruction in the postextraction OHQ. Following tooth extraction, female patients experience a significantly greater decline in their OHQ. Translation of written postoperative instructions in more than one language should be available in our institution to improve OHQ during the postextraction period.

Risk optimizations on basis portfolios: The role of sorting

This paper investigates the mean–variance and diversification properties of risk-based strategies executed on style or basis portfolios. We show that the performance of these risk strategies is highly sensitive to the sorting procedure used to form the basis assets. Whereas the extant literature provides mixed support for the outperformance of smart beta strategies based on scientific diversification, our designed strategies outperform both the market model and multifactor model. Our testing framework is based on bootstrapped mean–variance spanning tests and shows valid conclusions when controlling for multiple testing, transaction costs, and luck from random basis portfolio construction rules. Economically, our results are supported by diversification-based properties. • The dependent sorting procedure improves the efficiency of basis portfolios. • Low-risk optimizations on dependent basis portfolios outperform traditional portfolios. • Maximum diversification and minimum variance deliver very strong outperformance. • Smart betas on dependent portfolios span a larger set of traditional portfolios.

Assessment of Agricultural Technology Information Centre of Assam Agricultural University on Personal and Economic Empowerment of Farmers in Jorhat, Assam

The present study was carried out with the objective to assess Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) on personal and economic empowerment of farmers in Jorhat district of Assam. A random, purposive cum snowball sampling technique was followed to conduct the study. 8 villages of Jorhat district which are located within the radius of 50 kilometre from ATIC were selected on random basis. From the 8 villages, 120 respondents were selected purposively by using snowball sampling technique. The collected data were systematically arranged, classified, tabulated and analyzed with the help of different statistical techniques and tests namely frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, weighted mean score, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, test of significance of correlation coefficient and chi-square test. The findings of the study revealed that 17.50 per cent respondents had low, 60.83 per cent respondents had medium and 21.67 per cent respondents had high level of overall personal and economic empowerment. The study indicated that age had negative and significant relationship, whereas operational land holding and annual family income of the respondents had positive and significant relationship with personal and economic empowerment of the respondents. It was found from the study that caste, education, occupation and social participation of the respondents had significant association with personal and economic empowerment of the respondents. From the study it can be concluded and recommended that various extension strategies like market led extension, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) led extension and agrepreneurship led extension should be implemented in integrated approach to enhance the empowerment of farmers.

The Jesuit painting Seminario in Japan: European Renaissance technology and its influence on Far Eastern art

European painting technology reached Japan in 1583 with the arrival of Giovanni Cola, the Italian Jesuit painter who was assigned the task of establishing a painting Seminario to supply missionaries with the sacred images needed for their activities. Historical records failed to report information relating to specific European pigments, and only generic mentions of oils are associated with the Seminario. Yet, on a random basis, European pigments and binding media have been identified on some of the paintings that survived the 250‐year ban on Christianity in Japan. In order to fully understand the crucial role of the Seminario in terms of technological and material transfer to Japanese and Chinese artists, for the first time, four extremely important paintings (Important Cultural Property of Italy) have been analyzed. Owing to their extraordinary significance, it was mandatory to carry out a non‐destructive analysis on site. Therefore, energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence was used to detect the presence of inorganic chromophores that would not exist in Japan at the time. The paintings depict the martyrdom of Japanese Christians at Nagasaki (1619 and 1622), the martyrdom of Jesuit Missionaries in Japan (1630s), and the portrait of Father Ricci SJ (1610). The results provide definitive evidence of the transfer of technology and use of European pigments at the Jesuit Seminario in Japan and also enable, for the first time, the identification of the transfer of technologies and materials to China as a result of the movement of Jesuit missionaries escaping the fierce persecutions enforced by Japanese authorities.

COVID-19 Prevention Practices and Determinant Factors Among Healthcare Professionals Working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global public health crisis since December 2019. Health care professionals (HCP) are highly vulnerable for contracting the disease. Due to the absence of known treatment, prevention is the best option for controlling its transmission.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess COVID-19 prevention practices and determinant factors among HCP working in hospitals of South Gondar ZoneH, Northwestern Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was used from July 1 to 30, 2020 among 372 HCPs. The participants were selected on random sampling technique basis. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V.25) software for data cleaning and analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between independent variables and prevention practice of COVID-19.ResultsA total of 372 HCPs participated in the study with a response rate of 94.9%. Less than one-third 112 (30.1%) of the participants were females. About 308 (82.8%), 285 (76.6%), and 224 (60.2%) of the participants had good knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practice towards COVID-19, respectively. Being male (AOR =2.68; 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.50,4.81), 2–5 years working experience (AOR= 4.61; 95% CI: 1.70,12.47), greater than five years working experience (AOR= 5.86; 95% CI: 2.01,17.05), age of 31–40 years old (AOR= 2.49; 95% CI; 1.41,4.41), above 40 years (AOR= 6.94; 95% CI: 2.33–20.71), use of COVID-19 guideline (AOR= 4.79; 95% CI: 2.17–10.53), and using peers as sources of information about COVID-19 (AOR= 2.06; 95% CI: 1.07–3.94) were factors of COVID-19 prevention practices.ConclusionLess than two-thirds of the participants had good COVID-19 prevention practices. Sex, work experience, age, use of COVID-19 guideline, and using peers as sources of information were factors of COVID-19 prevention practices. Hence, continuous information dissemination and experience sharing on COVID-19 prevention should be done continuously.

Markovian two server single vacation queue with balking and heterogeneous service rates

In this paper, we consider a queue with two heterogeneous server. In which, the servers takes a single vacation, if there are no customers in the system at a service completion point. The negative exponential distributions follows to the inter-arrival time and the service times. Every arrival of customer requires accurately single server for its service. The customers choose the servers on random selection basis, here the queue discipline is FCFS. The vacation period follows negative exponential distribution. In addition an arriving customer who finds the servers are on vacation, may balk with probability 1−β or may join with probability β. The steady state results have been obtained to this model. Some performance measure and some numerical models are obtained.

Myringoplasty in wet and dry ears: an observational study in a tertiary care center

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic otitis media is the most common cause of hearing impairment in the developing countries with serious effects. The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of myringoplasty in dry and wet ears in tubo-tympanic type of chronic otitis media (COM) with respect to graft uptake and hearing improvement.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is an observational study done in the department of ENT, Mamata medical college, Khammam, during the study period of September 2019 to February 2021 on 40 patients of tubo-tympanic type COM. On simple random basis selected patients underwent myringoplasty by underlay technique. All patients were evaluated during post-operative follow-up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In our study, majority of patients were in the age group of 26 to 45 years with slight female preponderance, with male to female ratio (0.73:1). In our study, the successful graft uptake was seen 90% in dry ears and 85% in wet ears, which seems to be not significant in difference. With respect to hearing improvement, post-operatively there was significant improvement in both the groups, when compared to pre-operative hearing. The maximum improvement in average hearing threshold after surgery, in dry ears with large perforation (12.66dB) and in wet ears with small central perforation (12.44dB) was almost equal.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this study, the success rate of graft uptake and hearing improvement is found almost equal in dry and wet ears by using underlay technique of myringoplasty. </p>

Comparison of Stock Price Prediction Models using Pre-trained Neural Networks

Several intelligent data mining approaches, including neural networks, have been widely employed by academics during the last decade. In today's rapidly evolving economy, stock market data prediction and analysis play a significant role. Several non-linear models like neural network, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) as well as linear models like Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Moving Average (MA) and Auto Regressive (AR) may be used for stock forecasting. The deep learning architectures inclusive of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are used in this paper for stock price prediction of an organization by using the previously available stock prices. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India dataset is used for training the model with day-wise closing price. Data prediction is performed for a few sample companies selected on a random basis. Based on the comparison results, it is evident that the existing models are outperformed by CNN. The network can also perform stock predictions for other stock markets despite being trained with single market data as a common inner dynamics that has been shared between certain stock markets. When compared to the existing linear models, the neural network model outperforms them in a significant manner, which can be observed from the comparison results.

Can Salalah be a round the year Tourism Destination? – Visitors’ Experiences & Expectations

Purpose: The aims of the study were to identify and evaluate the internal controls used in a computerized accounting system of the SMEs, to identify and evaluate the merits and demerits of the internal controls used in the companies, and to identify the challenges in the implementation of internal control systems in the computerized accounting system of the SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was prepared for the study and the responses were obtained through the questionnaire circulating the same among the public of the Al Batinah region of Oman. The samples were selected on a random sampling basis. 201 completed samples were obtained. Further, the study was restricted to the selected variables such as Infrastructure, Services available, Marketing & promotion, and Government support. Findings: The study revealed that Salalah was busy during the Khareef festival season and that there was a lack of infrastructural facilities such as Highways, Hygiene, Emergency health facilities, Telecommunication facilities, and personal amenity services. It was concluded that the marketing to promote Salalah as a year-round destination was inadequate. However, it was observed that the private sector started contributing to the development of Salalah tourism through establishing tourist offices/tourist guide centers/transports for tourists. Research limitations/implications: The study suggested that the Government should educate the youth of Salalah, train and prepare them for the future tourism industry. The study was conducted in the Al Batinah region of Oman and it can be extended to the entire people of Oman to know their expectations. Social Implications: Government should support the people of Salalah through land development schemes etc. and jointly with the private sector need to work involving all the stakeholders to improve tourism in Salalah to attract more people. Green initiatives for the sustainability of tourism in Salalah should be triggered as the natural eco-friendly environment will support it. Originality / Value: The study of its first kind as the study expects to add value to the tourism industry in Oman and particularly Salalah and the Dhofar region.

A Comprehensive Study on Private Universities in Bangladesh: Service Rules and Job Satisfaction

Service rules make it easier for an institution to pursue higher education. In order to ensure quality education, it is essential that educational institutions have service rules. The service rules of university employment are considered to be conducive to the higher education system. On this article discusses the importance of service rules. Each step of the service rules is shown with the help of diagrams and each of the steps is discussed separately. To certify higher education has played a noteworthy part in Bangladesh. The rules clearly specify the rights and duties of workers and employers where every institution must have its own service rules regulating any employment but cannot be contradictory to any establishment of the labor laws. Job satisfaction is considered as a vital determinant of job activities. Some of the universities are providing quality education but rests of them are not quality concerned, most of them are depending on Daily basis teachers, poor infrastructures, without service rules etc. The trial was taken on a random basis from four private universities in Bangladesh. The sample size is forty-five. The result of this study shows that about job satisfaction level of employees in the selected universities. In the end, based on results, researchers have offered some suggestions that can be taken into thought in strategy level.

EXPERIENCES OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURE SHAFT OF HUMERUS IN ADULTS USING ENDER NAIL

Background: This study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, I.P.G.M.E& R & SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, with the objective to achieve quick union and minimal soft tissue disruption, least neurovascular complications and good functional outcome. In this study, 30 patients were selected on random basis from those attending the Outpatient Department and Emergency Room, between January 2015 to August 2016, with humerus shaft fractures. Among these, 76% of the patients were in age group (<40 years) with age range 22-60 years with mean age 35 years .The male : female ratio was 6.7:1 . In our study majority (73%) of the patients have type AO 12A3 fracture .Mean duration of injury was 9.633 days. Mean duration of surgery in our study was 74.33 minutes, with range of 45-95 minutes, indicating a short operating time and minimum radiation exposure. During intraoperative period no complications and difficulties were experienced. The complications of our operative period were only 13%. Mean duration of follow up was 13.7 months with range from 9-18 months without any no loss at follow up. All fractures united. Mean duration of union was 17 weeks. In this study, 80% patients had excellent grading, 17% have good grading and 3% had fair grading on the basis of MEPS and UCLA score combining shoulder and elbow functional outcome .In the present study, we dealt with the association of different parameters with respect to grading fracture pattern and type .This study showed that Ender’s nailing for closed humerus shaft fracture provided satisfactory clinical ,radiological, and functional outcome ,was minimally invasive ,had less infection rate and least neurovascular complications, thus promising a viable option for treatment of closed shaft humerus fracture.
 Keywords: Closed fracture shaft Of humerus ; Adults, Minimally invasive , Ender’s Nail ; Fracture union.
 

The Impact of Internal Control through Computerized Accounting System among Small and Medium Enterprises in Oman

Purpose: The aims of the study were to identify and evaluate the internal controls used in a computerized accounting system of the SMEs, to identify and evaluate the merits and demerits of the internal controls used in the companies, and to identify the challenges in the implementation of internal control systems in the computerized accounting system of the SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The population of the study was the employees of the SME’s registered with Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) in Muscat, Oman. Samples were selected from this population on a random sampling basis. One-member employee from the SMEs representing the enterprise filled the questionnaire. The survey was conducted through a questionnaire using a Google form. 220 samples were collected from the population. The data collected was analyzed using data processing methods and Microsoft excel. Findings: The study found that SMEs were using computers to perform their daily transactions and the accounting software used by SMEs were cheap, of low quality and not proficient enough. One of the components of internal control system, i.e. monitoring was implemented by most of the SMEs and they also stated that they rarely hired an external auditor for auditing because of the expensive auditing fees. It was also stated that the security mechanisms were not properly implemented in the SMEs because of the expensive cost. Research limitations/implications: The study suggested that the Government should emphasize the SMEs to implement a good internal control system. This can reduce the errors and also increase the efficiency of operations. SOX in Omani context should be strictly implemented making it statutory and mandatory for all the SMEs in Oman and such statutory laws will help the auditors to abide by the rules and regulations to be followed. Social Implications : Government should support SMEs through providing education on the importance of internal control systems as most of the employees of SMEs are poorly educated/illiterates. The Government should set a price ceiling to the external auditors on the auditing fees exclusively for SMEs so that they can afford. Originality / Value: No study was carried before in relates to the impact of the internal control system through the computerized accounting system among the SMEs in Muscat, Oman. This study will through light on the statutory laws required for the sake of internal control measures required for the SMEs.

Factors affecting the employability of private university graduates: an exploratory study on Bangladeshi employers

Purpose This paper aims to identify the factors that can affect the overall graduate employability (OGE) of the private university graduates of Bangladesh. The authors carefully selected six such employable factors after searching the existing literature. Those six factors: academic performance (AP), technical skills (TS), communication skills (CS), personality (PE), leadership & motivational skills (LMS); and teamwork and problem solving skills (TPSS), had been considered as the independent variables while OGE had been considered as the single dependent variable. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected the primary data from a valid sample of 360 employers through a structured questionnaire working as the hiring managers. Those respondents were selected on a random basis. The authors used exploratory factor analysis to validate the items under those independent variables and structural equation modeling with AMOS (24) to test the hypothesized relationship between each independent variable and the dependent one. Findings After proper statistical analysis, the results revealed that AP, PE, CS and TPSS can positively and significantly influence the OGE of Bangladeshi graduates while LMS and TS have positive but insignificant influence over OGE. Research limitations/implications Based on the findings, this paper can help scholars in further investigating the employability factors. Practical implications This explorative study will guide the fresh graduates in developing their required employability skills while assisting the employers in recruiting suitable candidates with the required skills and performance. Originality/value This is one of the few attempts that focused on the employability factors of private university graduates in Bangladesh. The authors are well confident that this empirical paper can shed some light on the fresh graduates’ employability and conducting further investigations on it.