Abstract: This study aims to clarify constructions which enable to improve socio-cultural values of environments and also to obtain new knowledge on selecting development plans. CVM is adopted as a method of evaluation. As a case of the research, university campus (CP; the following) is selected on account of its various environments, institutions and many users. Investigations were conducted from 4 points of view, total value and utility value of whole CP environments, values of each environment existing in CP or development plan assumed in CP. Furthermore, respondents- attributes were also investigated. In consequence, the following is obtained. 1) Almost all of total value of CP is composed of utility value of direct use. 2) Each of environment and development plans whose value is the highest is clarified. 3) Moreover, development plan to improve environmental value the most is specified.
Abstract: This paper presents a heuristic to solve large size 0-1 Multi constrained Knapsack problem (01MKP) which is NP-hard. Many researchers are used heuristic operator to identify the redundant constraints of Linear Programming Problem before applying the regular procedure to solve it. We use the intercept matrix to identify the zero valued variables of 01MKP which is known as redundant variables. In this heuristic, first the dominance property of the intercept matrix of constraints is exploited to reduce the search space to find the optimal or near optimal solutions of 01MKP, second, we improve the solution by using the pseudo-utility ratio based on surrogate constraint of 01MKP. This heuristic is tested for benchmark problems of sizes upto 2500, taken from literature and the results are compared with optimum solutions. Space and computational complexity of solving 01MKP using this approach are also presented. The encouraging results especially for relatively large size test problems indicate that this heuristic can successfully be used for finding good solutions for highly constrained NP-hard problems.
Abstract: The liberalization and privatization processes have
forced public utility companies to face new competitive challenges,
implementing strategies to gain market share and, at the same time,
keep the old customers. To this end, many companies have carried
out mergers, acquisitions and conglomerations in order to diversify
their business. This paper focuses on companies operating in the free
energy market in Italy. In the last decade, this sector has undergone
profound changes that have radically changed the competitive
scenario and have led companies to implement diversification
strategies of the business. Our work aims to evaluate the economic
and financial performances obtained by energy companies, following
the beginning of the liberalization process, verifying the possible
relationship with the implemented diversification strategies.
Abstract: The importance of ensuring safe meat handling and
processing practices has been demonstrated in global reports on food
safety scares and related illness and deaths. This necessitated stricter
meat safety control strategies. Today, many countries have regulated
towards preventative and systematic control over safe meat
processing at abattoirs utilizing the Hazard Analysis Critical Control
Point (HACCP) principles. HACCP systems have been reported as
effective in managing food safety risks, if correctly implemented.
South Africa has regulated the Hygiene Management System (HMS)
based on HACCP principles applicable to abattoirs. Regulators utilise
the Hygiene Assessment System (HAS) to audit compliance at
abattoirs. These systems were benchmarked from the United
Kingdom (UK). Little research has been done them since inception as
of 2004. This paper presents a review of the two systems, its
implementation and comparison with HACCP. Recommendations are
made for future research to demonstrate the utility of the HMS and
HAS in assuring safe meat to consumers.