Simulation

This study investigated the effect of role-play and simulation approach on Malaysian Polytechnic engineering students’ ESL oral communication skills. In addition, the study examined the students’ perceptions of the effect of the role-play and simulation on their oral communication skills. A mixed method design was employed, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. The quantitative data were collected from the quasi-experimental study (n=100). The data were collected using a set of questionnaires, a pre and post-test. The data from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages and means). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test scores of the role-play and simulation group compared to the traditional group. The findings indicated that the students in the role-play and simulation group had performed better in the post-test compared to the pre-test after the exposure to the role-play and simulation approach in the ESL oral communication skills classes. An implication of the study is that role-play and simulation approach can serve as a possible strategy to improve students’ ESL oral communication skills.

The purpose of the present study was to optimize and improve the status of ticket sales at Tehran Azadi Stadium and reduce customer waiting times in queues using methods Simulation and Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). First, using objective observation and time-out, the waiting time for spectators in the ranks of the ticket and presentation and physical examination calculations and then using the simulation software, The entire service process has been simulated from the moment the ticket is purchased until the moment they enter the stadium, and the average waiting time for spectators in the queue for the provision of services is calculated. And then we look at the problems with ticket sales. Also, using interviews with elite and expert people, there are some ways to reduce waiting times for customers in the queue. And each of these views was examined using the simulation software; then scenarios were developed to improve the status quo and then, using multi-criteria decision-making methods, we ranked the scenarios and selected the best scenario.

Several theories have been presented about the corporate capital structure; some researchers believe that the structure of capital and firm value depend on each other. Moreover, others believe that the firm value is not influenced by any changes in the structure of capital, and with the change in the structure of capital, the value of the firm remains constant. The present research studies the historical theories of capital structure and presents the classification of existing theories in terms of the optimal capital structure. This classification is subdivided into two categories: the presence of an optimal capital structure and the absence of an optimal capital structure. With the historical review of theories of capital structure and the presence of an optimal capital structure or the lack of an optimal capital structure, it seems that none has been a complete model and so far, no one has been able to provide an optimal capital structure. In this research, from the system dynamics approach and using VENSIM software, the capital structure and share price of the company have been studied and the results of model simulation with real data are to ensure the correct performance of the model behavior. And the results show that financing through debt in the capital structure of the company has a significant effect on the debt cost rate and capital cost rate and does not have a significant effect on stock prices. Finally, the share price shows little sensitivity to the company's financial structure.

Light plays an important role in the valuation of architectural elements, and it is a factor in designing spaces. Elements have no visual identity without light. This paper is intended to analyze the lighting in the vault of Shahrak-e-Gharb Jame Mosque with an emphasis on the role of daylight in order to find out how the designer has viewed the use of daylight in designing this mosque. The main ques tion of this research is, “what is the role of natural daylight within the vault of Shahrak-e-Gharb Jame Mosque?”. For this purpose, the light intensity was measured in the Shabes tan and the vault of the mosque as an architectural monument using photometric ins truments. Then, the trajectory of natural light was simulated using DIALux during a whole year, and the results were analyzed indicating that the role of natural light as an identity element in exhibiting the luminance of the mihrab has been neglected, and the light intensity seems uniform and boring within the vault. 

In this paper, it is tried to explain the concept of representation and architectural representation through a qualitative methodology, approach its procedure for gradual creation in architecture and then according to scholars and to obtain the effect of this concept in the process of architectural facts the concepts are presented. In addition, it is referred to theories and practical texts by philosophers, and archaeologists and architects who have spoken about the architectural representation, and its definitions are also provided from the perspective of semiotics. Then through a deductive view aiming to clarify the fundamental differences between types of architectural representation and according to the presented ideas, three fundamental roles in the representation of architecture as mimesis and imitation, architectural representation as abstraction and architectural representation as simulation are described and examples are cited for each of them. In the end, by a qualitative methodology and with an interpretive approach using the theory of Umberto Eco in architectural codes, the comparative tables are provided, and to clarify the relationship between the three methods of representation and the procedure of their ideas on the formation of the architectural reality are analyzed through the semiotic approach. Finally, these comparative tables are separately classified in three groups of three so a variety of architectural representation techniques in diverse historical periods in architecture are explained as a result of this research. 

Since calculating the amount of fractal in the ARFIMA time series and increasing its accuracy and bring it closer to reality is very important, this article intends to investigate the possibility of modifying this computational formula by changing the focus criterion and using simulation. In the present paper, by analysing and simulating the fractal parameter for time series ARFIMA model and redefining and reviewing the Fractal mathematical, a fractal calculus and dimension in comparison with Euclidean norms introduced. In this regard, first, a new criterion about fractal or Hausdorff component for measuring the forms of fractal time series introduced, then the effects and functional inquiries using simulation data searched, and some mathematical proofs through simulation of data achieved. The findings showed that, the deviation of the new estimator from the simulated initial value is less, and closer to reality as this new criterion introduced by changing the focus criterion and replacing the mean with the median due to less sensitivity to out-dated data. The new criterion is better for determining the fractal parameter and identifying its degree of effectiveness. Finally, the findings empirically indicated that the proposed criterion is more efficient and better than the others for calculating fractal dimensions.

The certainty about retirement income is dependent on the longevity and the selected investment policy by individuals during their working years. Attention to longevity and investment risks is of high significance in making enough income for retirees. In this research, the impact of the objective formulation selection on investment decisions has been investigated. Two functions including terminal wealth objective formulation and retirement income objective formulation are applied to investigate these decisions. Based on the investment alternatives, 5 asset classes including Equity, Certificate of deposit (cash), real estate investment trust (REIT), gold coin, and foreign exchange have been selected for investment. According to the complexity of modeling in the aforementioned functions, the Metaheuristic Genetic algorithm has been used. The results are indicative of the importance of objective formulation selection. The retirement income objective function has the nature of more wealth accumulation and more control over economic and market turbulences through higher cooperation in investment and as a result, it has been recommended as the optimal function.

The purpose of this study is to make investment decisions with the approach of data envelopment analysis and making decision on selection of optimal stock portfolio employing meta heuristic algorithms for multi-objective functions subject to real-life constraints. The statistical population of this research in capital decision-making and selection of the optimal capital composition is 183 of the selected companies of Tehran Stock Exchange, which were finally 42 companies as justified investment options. After measuring the risk and return of efficient companies, the real limitations of the budget, requirements and expectations of the investor, determination and composition of the investment were formulated as a multi-objective model. For optimal decision, the modified genetic meta heuristic algorithm and MATLAB software with dual operators were used. Elimination of the risk minimization function in sensitivity analysis improved the level of decision return but also led to more risk. Eliminating the maximizing return function improved decision-making risk but also reduced investment return. Elimination of investment requirements and expectations improved returns and increased investment risk, but more companies became involved in optimal investment.

The aim of the current research was to investigate the behavioral intention of coaches in virtual reality with considering the roles of Perceived Usefulness, Enjoyment, Performance Expectancy, Self-Efficacy, and Ease of Use. To collect the research data, a researcher-developed questionnaire with two sections was used. The first section included participants' demographic information, and the second section was used to collect data on research dimensions and variables. All questionnaires in this study utilized a 5-point Likert scale. The statistical population of this research included all sports coaches in Guilan province, Iran, both in individual and team disciplines, with a sample size of 350 individuals. SPSS software was employed for descriptive statistics, and Smart PLS was used for structural equation modeling. The results indicated that perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, enjoyment, ease of use, and performance expectancy have a positive and significant impact on the intention towards virtual reality behavior. Considering the current findings, the use of virtual reality in sports coaching can be recognized as a powerful tool for enhancing athletes' learning experiences, increasing enjoyment, and fostering a stronger and better inclination for active participation in sports activities.