Abstract: Modern times call organizations to have an active role
in the social arena, through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that there is a
positive relation between social performance and economic
performance, and if there is a positive correlation between social
performance and financial-economic performance. To test these
theories a measure of social performance, based on the Green Book
of Commission of the European Community, was used in a group of
nineteen Portuguese top companies, listed on the PSI 20 index,
through a period of five years, since 2005 to 2009. A clusters
analysis was applied to group companies by their social performance
and to compare and correlate their economic performance. Results
indicate that companies that had a better social performance are not
the ones who had a better economic performance, and suggest that
the middle path might provide a good relation CSR-Economic
performance, as a basis to a sustainable development.
Abstract: In this paper we introduce a novel kernel classifier
based on a iterative shrinkage algorithm developed for compressive
sensing. We have adopted Bregman iteration with soft and hard
shrinkage functions and generalized hinge loss for solving l1 norm
minimization problem for classification. Our experimental results
with face recognition and digit classification using SVM as the
benchmark have shown that our method has a close error rate
compared to SVM but do not perform better than SVM. We have
found that the soft shrinkage method give more accuracy and in some
situations more sparseness than hard shrinkage methods.
Abstract: This paper presents the result of three senior capstone
projects at the Department of Computer Engineering, Prince of
Songkla University, Thailand. These projects focus on developing an
examination management system for the Faculty of Engineering in
order to manage the examination both the examination room
assignments and the examination proctor assignments in each room.
The current version of the software is a web-based application. The
developed software allows the examination proctors to select their
scheduled time online while each subject is assigned to each available
examination room according to its type and the room capacity. The
developed system is evaluated using real data by prospective users of
the system. Several suggestions for further improvements are given
by the testers. Even though the features of the developed software are
not superior, the developing process can be a case study for a projectbased
teaching style. Furthermore, the process of developing this
software can show several issues in developing an educational
support application.
Abstract: Inadequate curriculum for software engineering is considered to be one of the most common software risks. A number of solutions, on improving Software Engineering Education (SEE) have been reported in literature but there is a need to collectively present these solutions at one place. We have performed a mapping study to present a broad view of literature; published on improving the current state of SEE. Our aim is to give academicians, practitioners and researchers an international view of the current state of SEE. Our study has identified 70 primary studies that met our selection criteria, which we further classified and categorized in a well-defined Software Engineering educational framework. We found that the most researched category within the SE educational framework is Innovative Teaching Methods whereas the least amount of research was found in Student Learning and Assessment category. Our future work is to conduct a Systematic Literature Review on SEE.
Abstract: As known, the guard wires of overhead high voltage
are usually grounded through the grounding systems of support and
of the terminal stations. They do affect the zero sequence impedance
value of the line, Z0, which is generally, calculated assuming that the
wires guard are at ground potential. In this way it is not considered
the effect of the resistances of earth of supports and stations. In this
work is formed a formula for the calculation of Z0 which takes
account of said resistances. Is also proposed a method of calculating
the impedance zero sequence overhead lines in which, in various
sections or spans, the guard wires are connected to the supports, or
isolated from them, or are absent. Parametric analysis is given for
lines 220 kV and 400 kV, which shows the extent of the errors made
with traditional methods of calculation.
Abstract: Modeling of a manufacturing system enables one to
identify the effects of key design parameters on the system performance and as a result to make correct decision. This paper
proposes a manufacturing system modeling approach using a spreadsheet model based on queuing network theory, in which a
static capacity planning model and stochastic queuing model are integrated. The model was used to improve the existing system utilization in relation to product design. The model incorporates few
parameters such as utilization, cycle time, throughput, and batch size.
The study also showed that the validity of developed model is good enough to apply and the maximum value of relative error is 10%, far
below the limit value 32%. Therefore, the model developed in this
study is a valuable alternative model in evaluating a manufacturing system
Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel objective nonreference performance assessment algorithm for image fusion. It takes into account local measurements to estimate how well the important information in the source images is represented by the fused image. The metric is based on the Universal Image Quality Index and uses the similarity between blocks of pixels in the input images and the fused image as the weighting factors for the metrics. Experimental results confirm that the values of the proposed metrics correlate well with the subjective quality of the fused images, giving a significant improvement over standard measures based on mean squared error and mutual information.
Abstract: In this paper we present discretization and decomposition methods for a multi-component transport model of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. CVD processes are used to manufacture deposition layers or bulk materials. In our transport model we simulate the deposition of thin layers. The microscopic model is based on the heavy particles, which are derived by approximately solving a linearized multicomponent Boltzmann equation. For the drift-process of the particles we propose diffusionreaction equations as well as for the effects of heat conduction. We concentrate on solving the diffusion-reaction equation with analytical and numerical methods. For the chemical processes, modelled with reaction equations, we propose decomposition methods and decouple the multi-component models to simpler systems of differential equations. In the numerical experiments we present the computational results of our proposed models.
Abstract: We have developed a computer program consisting of
6 subtests assessing the children hand dexterity applicable in the
rehabilitation medicine. We have carried out a normative study on a
representative sample of 285 children aged from 7 to 15 (mean age
11.3) and we have proposed clinical standards for three age groups
(7-9, 9-11, 12-15 years). We have shown statistical significance of
differences among the corresponding mean values of the task time
completion. We have also found a strong correlation between the task
time completion and the age of the subjects, as well as we have
performed the test-retest reliability checks in the sample of 84
children, giving the high values of the Pearson coefficients for the
dominant and non-dominant hand in the range 0.740.97 and
0.620.93, respectively.
A new MATLAB-based programming tool aiming at analysis of
cardiologic RR intervals and blood pressure descriptors, is worked
out, too. For each set of data, ten different parameters are extracted: 2
in time domain, 4 in frequency domain and 4 in Poincaré plot
analysis. In addition twelve different parameters of baroreflex
sensitivity are calculated. All these data sets can be visualized in time
domain together with their power spectra and Poincaré plots. If
available, the respiratory oscillation curves can be also plotted for
comparison. Another application processes biological data obtained
from BLAST analysis.
Abstract: Key performance indicators (KPIs) are used for post
result evaluation in the construction industry, and they normally do
not have provisions for changes. This paper proposes a set of
dynamic key performance indicators (d-KPIs) which predicts the
future performance of the activity being measured and presents the
opportunity to change practice accordingly. Critical to the
predictability of a construction project is the ability to achieve
automated data collection. This paper proposes an effective way to
collect the process and engineering management data from an
integrated construction management system. The d-KPI matrix,
consisting of various indicators under seven categories, developed
from this study can be applied to close monitoring of the
development projects of aged-care facilities. The d-KPI matrix also
enables performance measurement and comparison at both project
and organization levels.
Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the effect of noise in a single- ended input differential amplifier working at high frequencies. Both extrinsic and intrinsic noise are analyzed using time domain method employing techniques from stochastic calculus. Stochastic differential equations are used to obtain autocorrelation functions of the output noise voltage and other solution statistics like mean and variance. The analysis leads to important design implications and suggests changes in the device parameters for improved noise characteristics of the differential amplifier.
Abstract: The effect of teaching method on learning
assistance Dunn Review .The study, to compare the effects of
collaboration on teaching mathematics learning courses, including
writing, science, experimental girl students by other methods of
teaching basic first paid and the amount of learning students
methods have been trained to cooperate with other students with
other traditional methods have been trained to compare. The
survey on 100 students in Tehran that using random sampling ¬
cluster of girl students between the first primary selections was
performed. Considering the topic of semi-experimental research
methods used to practice the necessary information by
questionnaire, examination questions by the researcher, in
collaboration with teachers and view authority in this field and
related courses that teach these must have been collected.
Research samples to test and control groups were divided.
Experimental group and control group collaboration using
traditional methods of mathematics courses, including writing and
experimental sciences were trained. Research results using
statistical methods T is obtained in two independent groups show
that, through training assistance will lead to positive results and
student learning in comparison with traditional methods, will
increase also led to collaboration methods increase skills to solve
math lesson practice, better understanding and increased skill
level of students in practical lessons such as science and has been
writing.
Abstract: Long number multiplications (n ≥ 128-bit) are a
primitive in most cryptosystems. They can be performed better by
using Karatsuba-Ofman technique. This algorithm is easy to
parallelize on workstation network and on distributed memory, and
it-s known as the practical method of choice. Multiplying long
numbers using Karatsuba-Ofman algorithm is fast but is highly
recursive. In this paper, we propose different designs of
implementing Karatsuba-Ofman multiplier. A mixture of sequential
and combinational system design techniques involving pipelining is
applied to our proposed designs. Multiplying large numbers can be
adapted flexibly to time, area and power criteria. Computationally
and occupation constrained in embedded systems such as: smart
cards, mobile phones..., multiplication of finite field elements can be
achieved more efficiently. The proposed designs are compared to
other existing techniques. Mathematical models (Area (n), Delay (n))
of our proposed designs are also elaborated and evaluated on
different FPGAs devices.
Abstract: A special case of floating point data representation is block
floating point format where a block of operands are forced to have a joint
exponent term. This paper deals with the finite wordlength properties of
this data format. The theoretical errors associated with the error model for
block floating point quantization process is investigated with the help of error
distribution functions. A fast and easy approximation formula for calculating
signal-to-noise ratio in quantization to block floating point format is derived.
This representation is found to be a useful compromise between fixed point
and floating point format due to its acceptable numerical error properties over
a wide dynamic range.
Abstract: Malaysian corporations going global increased
many folds. The shift from domestic to international operations
requires increased expatriation to achieve global business goals.
Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants for success
in expatriation of Malaysian international corporations. There are
certain attributes necessary for a global employee to succeed in
international assignment. Self-administered questionnaires were
sent to 327 respondents with a response rate of 35.2 percent. The
results indicated that most Malaysian manufacturers are involved
in expatriation. For a global employee to succeed in an
international assignment, the ability to work in international teams
was identified and ranked as the most important factor in
determining the effectiveness of expatriation followed by language
proficiency, adaptability to the international assignment and
expatriate sensitivity to cultural elements. The results support
previous research with regard to the importance of an effective
expatriation selection process in order for a company-s
international expansion strategy to succeed.
Abstract: Stochastic modeling of network traffic is an area of
significant research activity for current and future broadband
communication networks. Multimedia traffic is statistically
characterized by a bursty variable bit rate (VBR) profile. In this
paper, we develop an improved model for uniform activity level
video sources in ATM using a doubly stochastic autoregressive
model driven by an underlying spatial point process. We then
examine a number of burstiness metrics such as the peak-to-average
ratio (PAR), the temporal autocovariance function (ACF) and the
traffic measurements histogram. We found that the former measure is
most suitable for capturing the burstiness of single scene video
traffic. In the last phase of this work, we analyse statistical
multiplexing of several constant scene video sources. This proved,
expectedly, to be advantageous with respect to reducing the
burstiness of the traffic, as long as the sources are statistically
independent. We observed that the burstiness was rapidly
diminishing, with the largest gain occuring when only around 5
sources are multiplexed. The novel model used in this paper for
characterizing uniform activity video was thus found to be an
accurate model.
Abstract: The economical criterion is accounted as the objective
function to develop a computer program for designing lightning
protection systems for substations by using masts and Matlab in this
work. Masts are needed to be placed at desired locations; the program
will then show mast heights whose sum is the smallest, i.e. satisfies
the economical criterion. The program is helpful for engineers to
quickly design a lightning protection system for a substation. To
realize this work, methodology and limited conditions of the program,
as well as an example of the program result, were described in this
paper.
Abstract: This paper provides a framework in order to
incorporate reliability issue as a sign of disruption in distribution
systems and partial covering theory as a response to limitation in
coverage radios and economical preferences, simultaneously into the
traditional literatures of capacitated facility location problems. As a
result we develop a bi-objective model based on the discrete
scenarios for expected cost minimization and demands coverage
maximization through a three echelon supply chain network by
facilitating multi-capacity levels for provider side layers and
imposing gradual coverage function for distribution centers (DCs).
Additionally, in spite of objectives aggregation for solving the model
through LINGO software, a branch of LP-Metric method called Min-
Max approach is proposed and different aspects of corresponds
model will be explored.
Abstract: This research simulates one of the natural phenomena,
the ocean wave. Our goal is to be able to simulate the ocean wave at
real-time rate with the water surface interacting with objects. The
wave in this research is calm and smooth caused by the force of the
wind above the ocean surface. In order to make the simulation of the
wave real-time, the implementation of the GPU and the
multithreading techniques are used here. Based on the fact that the
new generation CPUs, for personal computers, have multi cores, they
are useful for the multithread. This technique utilizes more than one
core at a time. This simulation is programmed by C language with
OpenGL. To make the simulation of the wave look more realistic, we
applied an OpenGL technique called cube mapping (environmental
mapping) to make water surface reflective and more realistic.
Abstract: Bode stability analysis based on transmission line
modeling (TLM) for single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)
interconnects used in 3D-VLSI circuits is investigated for the first
time. In this analysis, the dependence of the degree of relative
stability for SWCNT interconnects on the geometry of each tube has
been acquired. It is shown that, increasing the length and diameter of
each tube, SWCNT interconnects become more stable.