Abstract: The growing influence of service industries has
prompted greater attention being paid to service operations
management. However, service managers often have difficulty
articulating the veritable effects of their service innovation. Especially,
the performance evaluation process of service innovation problems
generally involves uncertain and imprecise data. This paper presents a
2-tuple fuzzy linguistic computing approach to dealing with
heterogeneous information and information loss problems while the
processes of subjective evaluation integration. The proposed method
based on group decision-making scenario to assist business managers
in measuring performance of service innovation manipulates the
heterogeneity integration processes and avoids the information loss
effectively.
Abstract: This paper employs a new approach to regulate the
blood glucose level of type I diabetic patient under an intensive
insulin treatment. The closed-loop control scheme incorporates
expert knowledge about treatment by using reinforcement learning
theory to maintain the normoglycemic average of 80 mg/dl and the
normal condition for free plasma insulin concentration in severe
initial state. The insulin delivery rate is obtained off-line by using Qlearning
algorithm, without requiring an explicit model of the
environment dynamics. The implementation of the insulin delivery
rate, therefore, requires simple function evaluation and minimal
online computations. Controller performance is assessed in terms of
its ability to reject the effect of meal disturbance and to overcome the
variability in the glucose-insulin dynamics from patient to patient.
Computer simulations are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the
proposed technique and to show its superiority in controlling
hyperglycemia over other existing algorithms
Abstract: Investment in a constructed facility represents a cost in
the short term that returns benefits only over the long term use of the
facility. Thus, the costs occur earlier than the benefits, and the owners
of facilities must obtain the capital resources to finance the costs of
construction. A project cannot proceed without an adequate
financing, and the cost of providing an adequate financing can be
quite large. For these reasons, the attention to the project finance is an
important aspect of project management. Finance is also a concern to
the other organizations involved in a project such as the general
contractor and material suppliers. Unless an owner immediately and
completely covers the costs incurred by each participant, these
organizations face financing problems of their own. At a more
general level, the project finance is the only one aspect of the general
problem of corporate finance. If numerous projects are considered
and financed together, then the net cash flow requirements constitute
the corporate financing problem for capital investment. Whether
project finance is performed at the project or at the corporate level
does not alter the basic financing problem .In this paper, we will first
consider facility financing from the owner's perspective, with due
consideration for its interaction with other organizations involved in a
project. Later, we discuss the problems of construction financing
which are crucial to the profitability and solvency of construction
contractors. The objective of this paper is to present the steps utilized
to determine the best combination of minimum project financing.
The proposed model considers financing; schedule and maximum net
area .The proposed model is called Project Financing and Schedule
Integration using Genetic Algorithms "PFSIGA". This model
intended to determine more steps (maximum net area) for any project
with a subproject. An illustrative example will demonstrate the
feature of this technique. The model verification and testing are put
into consideration.
Abstract: To improve the classification rate of the face
recognition, features combination and a novel non-linear kernel are
proposed. The feature vector concatenates three different radius of
local binary patterns and Gabor wavelet features. Gabor features are
the mean, standard deviation and the skew of each scaling and
orientation parameter. The aim of the new kernel is to incorporate
the power of the kernel methods with the optimal balance between
the features. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method,
numerous methods are tested by using four datasets, which are
consisting of various emotions, orientations, configuration,
expressions and lighting conditions. Empirical results show the
superiority of the proposed technique when compared to other
methods.
Abstract: The Kinetics formation of labile Complex
Ag (I) tetra (p-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin, was investigated at 25oC
and I=0.1M (NaNO3). By spectrophotometric titration, the
composition ratio of the complex was established to be 2:1
(Ag : H2TCPP). The equilibrium constant, K, was found to be
log 10-6.53. Binding of the first Ag (I) was found to be rate
determining step with rate constant, k1= 4.67×102 . A plausible
mechanism is discussed. We discus theoretically why Ag(I)2TCPP is
unstable.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a Perceptually Optimized Foveation based Embedded ZeroTree Image Coder (POEFIC) that introduces a perceptual weighting to wavelet coefficients prior to control SPIHT encoding algorithm in order to reach a targeted bit rate with a perceptual quality improvement with respect to a given bit rate a fixation point which determines the region of interest ROI. The paper also, introduces a new objective quality metric based on a Psychovisual model that integrates the properties of the HVS that plays an important role in our POEFIC quality assessment. Our POEFIC coder is based on a vision model that incorporates various masking effects of human visual system HVS perception. Thus, our coder weights the wavelet coefficients based on that model and attempts to increase the perceptual quality for a given bit rate and observation distance. The perceptual weights for all wavelet subbands are computed based on 1) foveation masking to remove or reduce considerable high frequencies from peripheral regions 2) luminance and Contrast masking, 3) the contrast sensitivity function CSF to achieve the perceptual decomposition weighting. The new perceptually optimized codec has the same complexity as the original SPIHT techniques. However, the experiments results show that our coder demonstrates very good performance in terms of quality measurement.
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between 10
year bond value, Yen/U.S dollar exchange rate, non-farm payrolls (all
employs) and crude oil to U.S. Dow Jones Sustainability Index. A
GARCH model is used to test these relationships for the period
January 1st 1999 to January 31st 2008 using monthly data. Results
show that an increase of the 10 year bond and non farm payrolls (all
employs) lead to an increase of the D.J.S.I returns. On the contrary
the volatility of the Yen/U.S dollar exchange rates as well as the
increase of crude oil returns has negative effects on the U.S D.J.S.I
returns. This study aims at assisting investors to understand the
influences certain macroeconomic indicators have on the companies-
stock returns as reported by the D.J.S.I.
Abstract: Ontology Matching is a task needed in various applica-tions, for example for comparison or merging purposes. In literature,many algorithms solving the matching problem can be found, butmost of them do not consider instances at all. Mappings are deter-mined by calculating the string-similarity of labels, by recognizinglinguistic word relations (synonyms, subsumptions etc.) or by ana-lyzing the (graph) structure. Due to the facts that instances are oftenmodeled within the ontology and that the set of instances describesthe meaning of the concepts better than their meta information,instances should definitely be incorporated into the matching process.In this paper several novel instance-based matching algorithms arepresented which enhance the quality of matching results obtainedwith common concept-based methods. Different kinds of formalismsare use to classify concepts on account of their instances and finallyto compare the concepts directly.KeywordsInstances, Ontology Matching, Semantic Web
Abstract: This paper explores university course timetabling
problem. There are several characteristics that make scheduling and
timetabling problems particularly difficult to solve: they have huge
search spaces, they are often highly constrained, they require
sophisticated solution representation schemes, and they usually
require very time-consuming fitness evaluation routines. Thus
standard evolutionary algorithms lack of efficiency to deal with
them. In this paper we have proposed a memetic algorithm that
incorporates the problem specific knowledge such that most of
chromosomes generated are decoded into feasible solutions.
Generating vast amount of feasible chromosomes makes the progress
of search process possible in a time efficient manner. Experimental
results exhibit the advantages of the developed Hybrid Genetic
Algorithm than the standard Genetic Algorithm.
Abstract: In our modern world, more physical transactions are being substituted by electronic transactions (i.e. banking, shopping, and payments), many businesses and companies are performing most of their operations through the internet. Instead of having a physical commerce, internet visitors are now adapting to electronic commerce (e-Commerce). The ability of web users to reach products worldwide can be greatly benefited by creating friendly and personalized online business portals. Internet visitors will return to a particular website when they can find the information they need or want easily. Dealing with this human conceptualization brings the incorporation of Artificial/Computational Intelligence techniques in the creation of customized portals. From these techniques, Fuzzy-Set technologies can make many useful contributions to the development of such a human-centered endeavor as e-Commerce. The main objective of this paper is the implementation of a Paradigm for the Intelligent Design and Operation of Human-Computer interfaces. In particular, the paradigm is quite appropriate for the intelligent design and operation of software modules that display information (such Web Pages, graphic user interfaces GUIs, Multimedia modules) on a computer screen. The human conceptualization of the user personal information is analyzed throughout a Cascaded Fuzzy Inference (decision-making) System to generate the User Ascribe Qualities, which identify the user and that can be used to customize portals with proper Web links.
Abstract: The inability to implement the principles of good
corporate governance (GCG) as demonstrated in the surveys is due to
a number of constraints which can be classified into three; namely internal constraints, external constraints, and constraints coming
from the structure of ownership. The issues in the internal constraints
mentioned are related to the function of several elements of the company. As a business organization, corporation is unable to
achieve its goal to successfully implement GCG principles since it is
not support by its internal elements- functions. Two of several numbers of internal elements of a company are ethical work climate
and leadership style of the top management.
To prove the correlation between internal function of organization
(in this case ethical work climate and transformational leadership)
and the successful implementation of GCG principles, this study
proposes two hypotheses to be empirically tested on thirty surveyed organizations; eleven of which are state-owned companies and
nineteen are private companies. These thirty corporations are listed in
the Jakarta Stock Exchange. All state-owned companies in the
samples are those which have been privatized.
The research showed that internal function of organization give
support to the successful implementation of GCG principle. In this
research we can prove that : (i) ethical work climate has positive
significance of correlation with the successful implementation of
social awareness principle (one of principles on GCG) and, (ii) only
at the state-owned companies, transformational leadership have
positive significance effect to forming the ethical work climate.
Abstract: Communication is an important factor and a prop in
directing corporate activities efficiently, in ensuring the flow of
knowledge which is necessary for the continuity of the institution, in
creating a common language in the institution, in transferring
corporate culture and ultimately in corporate success. The idea of
transmitting the knowledge among the workers in a healthy manner
has revived knowledge communication. Knowledge communication
can be defined as the act of mutual creation and communication of
intuitions, assessments, experiences and capabilities, as long as
maintained effectively, can provide advantages such as corporate
continuity, access to corporate objectives and making true
administrative decisions. Although the benefits of the knowledge
communication to corporations are known, and the necessary worth
and care is given, some hardships may arise which makes it difficult
or even block it. In this article, difficulties that prevent knowledge
communication will be discussed and solutions will be proposed.
Abstract: In the project FleGSens, a wireless sensor network
(WSN) for the surveillance of critical areas and properties is currently developed which incorporates mechanisms to ensure information
security. The intended prototype consists of 200 sensor nodes for
monitoring a 500m long land strip. The system is focused on ensuring
integrity and authenticity of generated alarms and availability in the
presence of an attacker who may even compromise a limited number
of sensor nodes. In this paper, two of the main protocols developed
in the project are presented, a tracking protocol to provide secure
detection of trespasses within the monitored area and a protocol for secure detection of node failures. Simulation results of networks
containing 200 and 2000 nodes as well as the results of the first prototype comprising a network of 16 nodes are presented. The focus of the simulations and prototype are functional testing of the protocols
and particularly demonstrating the impact and cost of several attacks.
Abstract: We try to give a solution of version control for
documents in web service, that-s why we propose a new approach
used specially for the XML documents. The new approach is applied
in a centralized repository, this repository coexist with other
repositories in a decentralized system. To achieve the activities of
this approach in a standard model we use the ECA active rules. We
also show how the Event-Condition-Action rules (ECA rules) have
been incorporated as a mechanism for the version control of
documents. The need to integrate ECA rules is that it provides a clear
declarative semantics and induces an immediate operational
realization in the system without the need for human intervention.
Abstract: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of
the oxygen used in bacteria mediated oxidation of organic substances
in water and wastewater. Theoretically an infinite time is required for
complete biochemical oxidation of organic matter, but the
measurement is made over 5-days at 20 0C or 3-days at 27 0C test
period with or without dilution. Researchers have worked to further
reduce the time of measurement.
The objective of this paper is to review advancement made in
BOD measurement primarily to minimize the time and negate the
measurement difficulties. Survey of literature review in four such
techniques namely BOD-BARTTM, Biosensors, Ferricyanidemediated
approach, luminous bacterial immobilized chip method.
Basic principle, method of determination, data validation and their
advantage and disadvantages have been incorporated of each of the
methods.
In the BOD-BARTTM method the time lag is calculated for the
system to change from oxidative to reductive state. BIOSENSORS
are the biological sensing element with a transducer which produces
a signal proportional to the analyte concentration. Microbial species
has its metabolic deficiencies. Co-immobilization of bacteria using
sol-gel biosensor increases the range of substrate. In ferricyanidemediated
approach, ferricyanide has been used as e-acceptor instead
of oxygen. In Luminous bacterial cells-immobilized chip method,
bacterial bioluminescence which is caused by lux genes was
observed. Physiological responses is measured and correlated to
BOD due to reduction or emission.
There is a scope to further probe into the rapid estimation of BOD.
Abstract: Along with forward supply chain organization needs
to consider the impact of reverse logistics due to its economic
advantage, social awareness and strict legislations. In this paper, we
develop a system dynamics framework for a closed-loop supply
chain with fuzzy demand and fuzzy collection rate by incorporating
product exchange policy in forward channel and various recovery
options in reverse channel. The uncertainty issues associated with
acquisition and collection of used product have been quantified using
possibility measures. In the simulation study, we analyze order
variation at both retailer and distributor level and compare bullwhip
effects of different logistics participants over time between the
traditional forward supply chain and the closed-loop supply chain.
Our results suggest that the integration of reverse logistics can reduce
order variation and bullwhip effect of a closed-loop system. Finally,
sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the impact of various
parameters on recovery process and bullwhip effect.
Abstract: Company strategy expresses a basic idea of how to reach company objectives. A whole range of models of strategic management are used in practice. The concept of strategic management should fulfill some basic requirements to make it applicable for both the typical, but also more specific company environment. The financial strategy plays an important role in corporate strategy. The paper develops a methodology of strategic model implementing into the category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the methodology recommends procedures while solving an up-to-date worldwide task of the definition of the company strategy and its financial strategy.
Abstract: There are many studies in the literature on
institutional investors- efforts to improve corporate governance,
generally focused on the role of pension funds and private equity
firms. There are only a few studies that analyze the influence of
development banks in the governance of investee companies. The
objective of this research is to examine the role of the Brazilian
Development Bank (BNDES) in the governance of listed companies.
Our analysis provides evidence that companies in which BNDES is a
shareholder have better governance.
Abstract: Never has a revolution affected all aspects of
humanity as the communication revolution during the past two
decades. This revolution, with all its advances and utilities, swept the
world thus becoming an integral part of our lives, hence giving way
to emerging applications at the social, economic, political, and
educational levels. More specifically, such applications have changed
the delivery system through which learning is acquired by students.
Interaction with educators, accessibility to content, and creative
delivery options are but a few facets of the new learning experience
now being offered through the use of technology in the educational
field. With different success rates, third world countries have tried to
pace themselves with use of educational technology in advanced
parts of the world. One such country is the small rich-oil state of
Kuwait which has tried to adopt the e-educational model, however,
an evaluation of such trial is yet to be done. This study aimed to fill
the void of research conducted around that topic. The study explored
students' acceptance of incorporating communication technologies in
higher education in Kuwait. Students' responses to survey questions
presented an overview of the e-learning experience in this country,
and drew a framework through which implications and suggestions
for future research were discussed to better serve the advancement of
e-education in developing countries.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the relationship between the sulphur (S), glucose (G), nitrogen (N) and plant residues (st), sulphur immobilization and microbial transformation were monitored in five soil samples from 0-30 cm of Bastam farmers fields of Shahrood area following 11 treatments with different levels of Sulphur (S), glucose (G), N and plant residues (wheat straw) in a randomized block design with three replications and incubated over 20, 45 and 60 days, the immobilization of SO4 -2-S presented as a percentage of that added, was inversely related to its addition rate. Additions of glucose and plant residues increased with the C-to-S ratio of the added amendments, irrespective of their origins (glucose and plant residues). In the presence of C sources (glucose or plant residues). N significantly increased the immobilization of SO4 -2-S, whilst the effect of N was insignificant in the absence of a C amendment. In first few days the amounts of added SO4 -2-S immobilized were linearly correlated with the amounts of added S recovered in the soil microbial biomass. With further incubation the proportions of immobilized SO4 -2-S remaining as biomass-S decreased. Decrease in biomass-S was thought to be due to the conversion of biomass-S into soil organic-S. Glucose addition increased the immobilization (microbial utilization and incorporation into the soil organic matter) of native soil SO4 -2-S. However, N addition enhance the mineralization of soil organic-S, increasing the concentration of SO4 - 2-S in soil.