Information systems project failure: a comparative study of two countries

Abstract: Many organizations, regardless of size, engage in at least one, and often many information system projects each year. Many of these projects consume massive amounts of resources, and may cost as little as a few thousand dollars to ten, and even hundreds of millions of dollars. Needless to say, the investment of time and resources into these ventures are of significant concern to chief information officers (CIOs), executives staff members, project managers, and others in leadership positions. This paper describes the results of a survey performed between Australia and the United States regarding factors leading to IS project failure. The findings suggest that, among other things, end user involvement and executive management leadership are key indicators influencing IS project failure

inform system project failur : a compar studi of two countri
 mani organ , regardless of size , engag in at least one , and often mani inform system project each year . mani of these project consum massiv amount of resourc , and may cost as littl as a few thousand dollar to ten , and even hundr of million of dollar . needless to say , the invest of time and resourc into these ventur are of signific concern to chief inform offic ( cio ) , execut staff member , project manag , and other in leadership posit . thi paper describ the result of a survey perform between australia and the unit state regard factor lead to is project failur . the find suggest that , among other thing , end user involv and execut manag leadership are key indic influenc is project failur

information systems project failure
Australia
United States
end user involvement
executive management leadership


Modeling shape and topology of low-resolution density maps of biological macromolecules

Abstract: We develop an efficient way of representing the geometry and topology of volumetric datasets of biological structures from medium to low resolution, aiming at storing and querying them in a database framework. We make use of a new vector quantization algorithm to select the points within the macromolecule that best approximate the probability density function of the original volume data. Connectivity among points is obtained with the use of the alpha shapes theory. This novel data representation has a number of interesting characteristics, such as (1) it allows us to automatically segment and quantify a number of important structural features from low-resolution maps, such as cavities and channels, opening the possibility of querying large collections of maps on the basis of these quantitative structural features; (2) it provides a compact representation in terms of size; (3) it contains a subset of three-dimensional points that optimally quantify the densities of medium resolution data; and (4) a general model of the geometry and topology of the macromolecule (as opposite to a spatially unrelated bunch of voxels) is easily obtained by the use of the alpha shapes theory

model shape and topolog of low-resolut densiti map of biolog macromolecul
 we develop an effici way of repres the geometri and topolog of volumetr dataset of biolog structur from medium to low resolut , aim at store and queri them in a databas framework . we make use of a new vector quantiz algorithm to select the point within the macromolecul that best approxim the probabl densiti function of the origin volum data . connect among point is obtain with the use of the alpha shape theori . thi novel data represent ha a number of interest characterist , such as ( 1 ) it allow us to automat segment and quantifi a number of import structur featur from low-resolut map , such as caviti and channel , open the possibl of queri larg collect of map on the basi of these quantit structur featur ; ( 2 ) it provid a compact represent in term of size ; ( 3 ) it contain a subset of three-dimension point that optim quantifi the densiti of medium resolut data ; and ( 4 ) a gener model of the geometri and topolog of the macromolecul ( as opposit to a spatial unrel bunch of voxel ) is easili obtain by the use of the alpha shape theori

modeling
topology
low-resolution density maps
biological macromolecules
geometry
volumetric datasets
biological structures
database framework
vector quantization algorithm
probability density function
original volume data
connectivity
alpha shapes theory
data representation
structural features
cavities
channels
compact representation
three-dimensional points
medium resolution data
general model

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P


On a general constitutive description for the inelastic and failure behavior of fibrous laminates. I. Lamina theory

Abstract: It is well known that a structural design with isotropic materials can only be accomplished based on a stress failure criterion. This is, however, generally not true with laminated composites. Only when the laminate is subjected to an in-plane load, can the ultimate failure of the laminate correspond to its last-ply failure, and hence a stress failure criterion may be sufficient to detect the maximum load that can be sustained by the laminate. Even in such a case, the load shared by each lamina in the laminate cannot be correctly determined if the lamina instantaneous stiffness matrix is inaccurately provided, since the lamina is always statically indeterminate in the laminate. If, however, the laminate is subjected to a lateral load, its ultimate failure occurs before last-ply failure and use of the stress failure criterion is no longer sufficient; an additional critical deflection or curvature condition must also be employed. This necessitates development of an efficient constitutive relationship for laminated composites in order that the laminate strains/deflections up to ultimate failure can be accurately calculated. A general constitutive description for the thermomechanical response of a fibrous laminate up to ultimate failure with applications to various fibrous laminates is presented in the two papers. The constitutive relationship is obtained by combining classical lamination theory with a recently developed bridging micromechanics model, through a layer-by-layer analysis. This paper focuses on lamina analysis

on a gener constitut descript for the inelast and failur behavior of fibrou lamin . i. lamina theori
 it is well known that a structur design with isotrop materi can onli be accomplish base on a stress failur criterion . thi is , howev , gener not true with lamin composit . onli when the lamin is subject to an in-plan load , can the ultim failur of the lamin correspond to it last-pli failur , and henc a stress failur criterion may be suffici to detect the maximum load that can be sustain by the lamin . even in such a case , the load share by each lamina in the lamin can not be correctli determin if the lamina instantan stiff matrix is inaccur provid , sinc the lamina is alway static indetermin in the lamin . if , howev , the lamin is subject to a later load , it ultim failur occur befor last-pli failur and use of the stress failur criterion is no longer suffici ; an addit critic deflect or curvatur condit must also be employ . thi necessit develop of an effici constitut relationship for lamin composit in order that the lamin strain / deflect up to ultim failur can be accur calcul . a gener constitut descript for the thermomechan respons of a fibrou lamin up to ultim failur with applic to variou fibrou lamin is present in the two paper . the constitut relationship is obtain by combin classic lamin theori with a recent develop bridg micromechan model , through a layer-by-lay analysi . thi paper focus on lamina analysi

general constitutive description
failure behavior
fibrous laminates
lamina theory
structural design
isotropic materials
stress failure criterion
composites
in-plane load
last-ply failure
instantaneous stiffness matrix
lateral load
laminate strains
thermomechanical response
micromechanics model
layer-by-layer analysis
inelastic behavior
critical deflection condition
critical curvature condition
laminate deflections
multidirectional tape laminae
woven fabric composites
braided fabric composites
knitted fabric reinforced composites
elastoplasticity
elastic-viscoplasticity

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P R R R R M M M M U U


Self-reproduction in three-dimensional reversible cellular space

Abstract: Due to inevitable power dissipation, it is said that nano-scaled computing devices should perform their computing processes in a reversible manner. This will be a large problem in constructing three-dimensional nano-scaled functional objects. Reversible cellular automata (RCA) are used for modeling physical phenomena such as power dissipation, by studying the dissipation of garbage signals. We construct a three-dimensional self-inspective self-reproducing reversible cellular automaton by extending the two-dimensional version SR/sub 8/. It can self-reproduce various patterns in three-dimensional reversible cellular space without dissipating garbage signals

self-reproduct in three-dimension revers cellular space
 due to inevit power dissip , it is said that nano-sc comput devic should perform their comput process in a revers manner . thi will be a larg problem in construct three-dimension nano-sc function object . revers cellular automata ( rca ) are use for model physic phenomena such as power dissip , by studi the dissip of garbag signal . we construct a three-dimension self-inspect self-reproduc revers cellular automaton by extend the two-dimension version sr / sub 8/. it can self-reproduc variou pattern in three-dimension revers cellular space without dissip garbag signal

3D self-inspective self-reproducing cellular automata


Hot controllers

Abstract: Over the last few years, the semiconductor industry has put much emphasis on ways to improve the accuracy of thermal mass flow controllers (TMFCs). Although issues involving TMFC mounting orientation and pressure effects have received much attention, little has been done to address the effect of changes in ambient temperature or process gas temperature. Scientists and engineers at Qualiflow have succeeded to solve the problem using a temperature correction algorithm for digital TMFCs. Using an in situ environmental temperature compensation technique, we calculated correction factors for the temperature effect and obtained satisfactory results with both the traditional sensor and the new, improved thin-film sensors

hot control
 over the last few year , the semiconductor industri ha put much emphasi on way to improv the accuraci of thermal mass flow control ( tmfc ) . although issu involv tmfc mount orient and pressur effect have receiv much attent , littl ha been done to address the effect of chang in ambient temperatur or process ga temperatur . scientist and engin at qualiflow have succeed to solv the problem use a temperatur correct algorithm for digit tmfc . use an in situ environment temperatur compens techniqu , we calcul correct factor for the temperatur effect and obtain satisfactori result with both the tradit sensor and the new , improv thin-film sensor


Taming the paper tiger [paperwork organization]

Abstract: Generally acknowledged as a critical problem for many information professionals, the massive flow of documents, paper trails, and information needs efficient and dependable approaches for processing and storing and finding items and information

tame the paper tiger [ paperwork organ ]
 gener acknowledg as a critic problem for mani inform profession , the massiv flow of document , paper trail , and inform need effici and depend approach for process and store and find item and inform

paperwork organization
information professionals
information processing
information storage
information retrieval


Cane railway scheduling via constraint logic programming: labelling order and constraints in a real-life application

Abstract: In Australia, cane transport is the largest unit cost in the manufacturing of raw sugar, making up around 35% of the total manufacturing costs. Producing efficient schedules for the cane railways can result in significant cost savings. The paper presents a study using constraint logic programming (CLP) to solve the cane transport scheduling problem. Tailored heuristic labelling order and constraints strategies are proposed and encouraging results of application to several test problems and one real-life case are presented. The preliminary results demonstrate that CLP can be used as an effective tool for solving the cane transport scheduling problem, with a potential decrease in development costs of the scheduling system. It can also be used as an efficient tool for rescheduling tasks which the existing cane transport scheduling system cannot perform well

cane railway schedul via constraint logic program : label order and constraint in a real-lif applic
 in australia , cane transport is the largest unit cost in the manufactur of raw sugar , make up around 35 % of the total manufactur cost . produc effici schedul for the cane railway can result in signific cost save . the paper present a studi use constraint logic program ( clp ) to solv the cane transport schedul problem . tailor heurist label order and constraint strategi are propos and encourag result of applic to sever test problem and one real-lif case are present . the preliminari result demonstr that clp can be use as an effect tool for solv the cane transport schedul problem , with a potenti decreas in develop cost of the schedul system . it can also be use as an effici tool for reschedul task which the exist cane transport schedul system can not perform well

cane railway scheduling
constraint logic programming
cane transport
raw sugar
total manufacturing costs
cost savings
heuristic labelling order
constraints strategies


Maple 8 keeps everyone happy

Abstract: The author is impressed with the upgrade to the mathematics package Maple 8, finding it genuinely useful to scientists and educators. The developments Waterloo Maple class as revolutionary include a student calculus package, and Maplets. The first provides a high-level command set for calculus exploration and plotting (removing the need to work with, say, plot primitives). The second is a package for hand-coding custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using elements such as check boxes, radio buttons, slider bars and pull-down menus. When called, a Maplet launches a runtime Java environment that pops up a window-analogous to a Java applet-to perform a programmed routine, if required passing the result back to the Maple worksheet

mapl 8 keep everyon happi
 the author is impress with the upgrad to the mathemat packag mapl 8 , find it genuin use to scientist and educ . the develop waterloo mapl class as revolutionari includ a student calculu packag , and maplet . the first provid a high-level command set for calculu explor and plot ( remov the need to work with , say , plot primit ) . the second is a packag for hand-cod custom graphic user interfac ( gui ) use element such as check box , radio button , slider bar and pull-down menu . when call , a maplet launch a runtim java environ that pop up a window-analog to a java applet-to perform a program routin , if requir pass the result back to the mapl worksheet

student calculus package
Maplet
high-level command set
calculus exploration
GUIs
runtime Java environment
Maple 8 mathematics package
calculus plotting


Maintaining e-commerce

Abstract: E-commerce over the Web has created a relatively new type of information system. So it is hardly surprising that little attention has been given to the maintenance of such systems-and even less to attempting to develop them with future maintenance in mind. But there are various ways e-commerce systems can be developed to reduce future maintenance

maintain e-commerc
 e-commerc over the web ha creat a rel new type of inform system . so it is hardli surpris that littl attent ha been given to the mainten of such systems-and even less to attempt to develop them with futur mainten in mind . but there are variou way e-commerc system can be develop to reduc futur mainten

e-commerce systems maintenance
Web systems


Conceptual modeling and specification generation for B2B business processes based on ebXML

Abstract: In order to support dynamic setup of business processes among independent organizations, a formal standard schema for describing the business processes is basically required. The ebXML framework provides such a specification schema called BPSS (Business Process Specification Schema) which is available in two standalone representations: a UML version, and an XML version. The former, however, is not intended for the direct creation of business process specifications, but for defining specification elements and their relationships required for creating an ebXML-compliant business process specification. For this reason, it is very important to support conceptual modeling that is well organized and directly matched with major modeling concepts. This paper deals with how to represent and manage B2B business processes using UML-compliant diagrams. The major challenge is to organize UML diagrams in a natural way that is well suited to the business process meta-model and then to transform the diagrams into an XML version. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of conceptually modeling business processes by prototyping a business process editor tool called ebDesigner

conceptu model and specif gener for b2b busi process base on ebxml
 in order to support dynam setup of busi process among independ organ , a formal standard schema for describ the busi process is basic requir . the ebxml framework provid such a specif schema call bpss ( busi process specif schema ) which is avail in two standalon represent : a uml version , and an xml version . the former , howev , is not intend for the direct creation of busi process specif , but for defin specif element and their relationship requir for creat an ebxml-compli busi process specif . for thi reason , it is veri import to support conceptu model that is well organ and directli match with major model concept . thi paper deal with how to repres and manag b2b busi process use uml-compli diagram . the major challeng is to organ uml diagram in a natur way that is well suit to the busi process meta-model and then to transform the diagram into an xml version . thi paper demonstr the use of conceptu model busi process by prototyp a busi process editor tool call ebdesign

conceptual modeling
specification generation
B2B business processes
ebXML
formal standard schema
Business Process Specification Schema
UML-compliant diagrams
business process editor
ebDesigner
meta model


Novel TCP congestion control scheme and its performance evaluation

Abstract: A novel self-tuning proportional and derivative (ST-PD) control based TCP congestion control scheme is proposed. The new scheme approaches the congestion control problem from a control-theoretical perspective and overcomes several Important limitations associated with existing TCP congestion control schemes, which are heuristic based. In the proposed scheme, a PD controller is employed to keep the buffer occupancy of the bottleneck node on the connection path at an ideal operating level, and it adjusts the TCP window accordingly. The control gains of the PD controller are tuned online by a fuzzy logic controller based on the perceived bandwidth-delay product of the TCP connection. This scheme gives ST-PD TCP several advantages over current TCP implementations. These include rapid response to bandwidth variations, insensitivity to buffer sizes, and significant improvement of TCP throughput over lossy links by decoupling congestion control and error control functions of TCP

novel tcp congest control scheme and it perform evalu
 a novel self-tun proport and deriv ( st-pd ) control base tcp congest control scheme is propos . the new scheme approach the congest control problem from a control-theoret perspect and overcom sever import limit associ with exist tcp congest control scheme , which are heurist base . in the propos scheme , a pd control is employ to keep the buffer occup of the bottleneck node on the connect path at an ideal oper level , and it adjust the tcp window accordingli . the control gain of the pd control are tune onlin by a fuzzi logic control base on the perceiv bandwidth-delay product of the tcp connect . thi scheme give st-pd tcp sever advantag over current tcp implement . these includ rapid respons to bandwidth variat , insensit to buffer size , and signific improv of tcp throughput over lossi link by decoupl congest control and error control function of tcp


Client satisfaction in a feasibility study comparing face-to-face interviews with telepsychiatry

Abstract: We carried out a pilot study comparing satisfaction levels between psychiatric patients seen face to face (FTF) and those seen via videoconference. Patients who consented were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received services in person (FTF from the visiting psychiatrist) while the other was seen using videoconferencing at 128 kbit/s. One psychiatrist provided all the FTF and videoconferencing assessment and follow-up visits. A total of 24 subjects were recruited. Three of the subjects (13%) did not attend their appointments and two subjects in each group were lost to follow-up. Thus there were nine in the FTF group and eight in the videoconferencing group. The two groups were similar in most respects. Patient satisfaction with the services was assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), completed four months after the initial consultation. The mean scores were 25.3 in the FTF group and 21.6 in the videoconferencing group. Although there was a trend in favour of the FTF service, the difference was not significant. Patient satisfaction is only one component of evaluation. The efficacy of telepsychiatry must also be measured relative to that of conventional, FTF care before policy makers can decide how extensively telepsychiatry should be implemented

client satisfact in a feasibl studi compar face-to-fac interview with telepsychiatri
 we carri out a pilot studi compar satisfact level between psychiatr patient seen face to face ( ftf ) and those seen via videoconfer . patient who consent were randomli assign to one of two group . one group receiv servic in person ( ftf from the visit psychiatrist ) while the other wa seen use videoconferenc at 128 kbit / s. one psychiatrist provid all the ftf and videoconferenc assess and follow-up visit . a total of 24 subject were recruit . three of the subject ( 13 % ) did not attend their appoint and two subject in each group were lost to follow-up . thu there were nine in the ftf group and eight in the videoconferenc group . the two group were similar in most respect . patient satisfact with the servic wa assess use the client satisfact questionnair ( csq-8 ) , complet four month after the initi consult . the mean score were 25.3 in the ftf group and 21.6 in the videoconferenc group . although there wa a trend in favour of the ftf servic , the differ wa not signific . patient satisfact is onli one compon of evalu . the efficaci of telepsychiatri must also be measur rel to that of convent , ftf care befor polici maker can decid how extens telepsychiatri should be implement

client satisfaction
face-to-face interviews
telepsychiatry
videoconference
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire
psychiatric patient satisfaction
human factors
telemedicine
128 kbit/s


The pedagogy of on-line learning: a report from the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute

Abstract: Authoritative sources concerned with computer-aided learning, resource-based learning and on-line learning and teaching are generally agreed that, in addition to subject matter expertise and technical support, the quality of the learning materials and the learning experiences of students are critically dependent on the application of pedagogically sound theories of learning and teaching and principles of course design. The University of the Highlands and Islands Project (UHIMI) is developing "on-line learning" on a large scale. These developments have been accompanied by a comprehensive programme of staff development. A major emphasis of the programme is concerned with ensuring that course developers and tutors are pedagogically aware. This paper reviews (i) what is meant by "on-line learning" in the UHIMI context (ii) the theories of learning and teaching and principles of course design that inform the staff development programme and (iii) a review of progress to date

the pedagogi of on-lin learn : a report from the univers of the highland and island millennium institut
 authorit sourc concern with computer-aid learn , resource-bas learn and on-lin learn and teach are gener agre that , in addit to subject matter expertis and technic support , the qualiti of the learn materi and the learn experi of student are critic depend on the applic of pedagog sound theori of learn and teach and principl of cours design . the univers of the highland and island project ( uhimi ) is develop " on-lin learn " on a larg scale . these develop have been accompani by a comprehens programm of staff develop . a major emphasi of the programm is concern with ensur that cours develop and tutor are pedagog awar . thi paper review ( i ) what is meant by " on-lin learn " in the uhimi context ( ii ) the theori of learn and teach and principl of cours design that inform the staff develop programm and ( iii ) a review of progress to date


Doubly invariant equilibria of linear discrete-time games

Abstract: The notion of doubly invariant (DI) equilibrium is introduced. The concept extends controlled and robustly controlled invariance notions to the context of two-person dynamic games. Each player tries to keep the state in a region of state space independently of the actions of the rival player. The paper gives existence conditions, criteria and algorithms for the determination of DI equilibria of linear dynamic games in discrete time. Two examples illustrate the results. The first one is in the area of fault-tolerant controller synthesis. The second is an application to macroeconomics

doubli invari equilibria of linear discrete-tim game
 the notion of doubli invari ( di ) equilibrium is introduc . the concept extend control and robustli control invari notion to the context of two-person dynam game . each player tri to keep the state in a region of state space independ of the action of the rival player . the paper give exist condit , criteria and algorithm for the determin of di equilibria of linear dynam game in discret time . two exampl illustr the result . the first one is in the area of fault-toler control synthesi . the second is an applic to macroeconom

doubly invariant equilibria
linear discrete-time games
robustly controlled invariance
two-person dynamic games
state space
existence conditions
fault-tolerant controller synthesis
macroeconomics


Hordes: a multicast based protocol for anonymity

Abstract: With widespread acceptance of the Internet as a public medium for communication and information retrieval, there has been rising concern that the personal privacy of users can be eroded by cooperating network entities. A technical solution to maintaining privacy is to provide anonymity. We present a protocol for initiator anonymity called Hordes, which uses forwarding mechanisms similar to those used in previous protocols for sending data, but is the first protocol to make use of multicast routing to anonymously receive data. We show this results in shorter transmission latencies and requires less work of the protocol participants, in terms of the messages processed. We also present a comparison of the security and anonymity of Hordes with previous protocols, using the first quantitative definition of anonymity and unlinkability. Our analysis shows that Hordes provides anonymity in a degree similar to that of Crowds and Onion Routing, but also that Hordes has numerous performance advantages

hord : a multicast base protocol for anonym
 with widespread accept of the internet as a public medium for commun and inform retriev , there ha been rise concern that the person privaci of user can be erod by cooper network entiti . a technic solut to maintain privaci is to provid anonym . we present a protocol for initi anonym call hord , which use forward mechan similar to those use in previou protocol for send data , but is the first protocol to make use of multicast rout to anonym receiv data . we show thi result in shorter transmiss latenc and requir less work of the protocol particip , in term of the messag process . we also present a comparison of the secur and anonym of hord with previou protocol , use the first quantit definit of anonym and unlink . our analysi show that hord provid anonym in a degre similar to that of crowd and onion rout , but also that hord ha numer perform advantag

Hordes
protocol
Internet
personal privacy
cooperating network entities
initiator anonymity
forwarding mechanisms
multicast routing
transmission latencies
unlinkability
Crowds
Onion Routing
performance


An adaptive time step procedure for a parabolic problem with blow-up

Abstract: In this paper we introduce and analyze a fully discrete approximation for a parabolic problem with a nonlinear boundary condition which implies that the solutions blow up in finite time. We use standard linear elements with mass lumping for the space variable. For the time discretization we write the problem in an equivalent form which is obtained by introducing an appropriate time re-scaling and then, we use explicit Runge-Kutta methods for this equivalent problem. In order to motivate our procedure we present it first in the case of a simple ordinary differential equation and show how the blow up time is approximated in this case. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the blowup of the numerical solution and prove that the numerical blow-up time converges to the continuous one. We also study, for the explicit Euler approximation, the localization of blow-up points for the numerical scheme

an adapt time step procedur for a parabol problem with blow-up
 in thi paper we introduc and analyz a fulli discret approxim for a parabol problem with a nonlinear boundari condit which impli that the solut blow up in finit time . we use standard linear element with mass lump for the space variabl . for the time discret we write the problem in an equival form which is obtain by introduc an appropri time re-scal and then , we use explicit runge-kutta method for thi equival problem . in order to motiv our procedur we present it first in the case of a simpl ordinari differenti equat and show how the blow up time is approxim in thi case . we obtain necessari and suffici condit for the blowup of the numer solut and prove that the numer blow-up time converg to the continu one . we also studi , for the explicit euler approxim , the local of blow-up point for the numer scheme

adaptive time step procedure
parabolic problem
fully discrete approximation
nonlinear boundary condition
standard linear elements
Runge-Kutta methods
explicit Euler approximation


Modeling undesirable factors in efficiency evaluation

Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) measures the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) with multiple performance factors which are grouped into outputs and inputs. Once the efficient frontier is determined, inefficient DMUs can improve their performance to reach the efficient frontier by either increasing their current output levels or decreasing their current input levels. However, both desirable (good) and undesirable (bad) factors may be present. For example, if inefficiency exists in production processes where final products are manufactured with a production of wastes and pollutants, the outputs of wastes and pollutants are undesirable and should be reduced to improve the performance. Using the classification invariance property, we show that the standard DEA model can be used to improve the performance via increasing the desirable outputs and decreasing the undesirable outputs. The method can also be applied to situations when some inputs need to be increased to improve the performance. The linearity and convexity of DEA are preserved through our proposal

model undesir factor in effici evalu
 data envelop analysi ( dea ) measur the rel effici of decis make unit ( dmu ) with multipl perform factor which are group into output and input . onc the effici frontier is determin , ineffici dmu can improv their perform to reach the effici frontier by either increas their current output level or decreas their current input level . howev , both desir ( good ) and undesir ( bad ) factor may be present . for exampl , if ineffici exist in product process where final product are manufactur with a product of wast and pollut , the output of wast and pollut are undesir and should be reduc to improv the perform . use the classif invari properti , we show that the standard dea model can be use to improv the perform via increas the desir output and decreas the undesir output . the method can also be appli to situat when some input need to be increas to improv the perform . the linear and convex of dea are preserv through our propos

efficiency evaluation
data envelopment analysis
decision making units
multiple performance factors
efficient frontier
current output levels
current input levels
production processes
wastes
pollutants
classification invariance property
desirable outputs
undesirable outputs
final product manufacture
linear programming
undesirable factor modeling


Trends in agent communication language

Abstract: Agent technology is an exciting and important new way to create complex software systems. Agents blend many of the traditional properties of AI programs - knowledge-level reasoning, flexibility, proactiveness, goal-directedness, and so forth - with insights gained from distributed software engineering, machine learning, negotiation and teamwork theory, and the social sciences. An important part of the agent approach is the principle that agents (like humans) can function more effectively in groups that are characterized by cooperation and division of labor. Agent programs are designed to autonomously collaborate with each other in order to satisfy both their internal goals and the shared external demands generated by virtue of their participation in agent societies. This type of collaboration depends on a sophisticated system of inter-agent communication. The assumption that inter-agent communication is best handled through the explicit use of an agent communication language (ACL) underlies each of the articles in this special issue. In this introductory article, we will supply a brief background and introduction to the main topics in agent communication

trend in agent commun languag
 agent technolog is an excit and import new way to creat complex softwar system . agent blend mani of the tradit properti of ai program - knowledge-level reason , flexibl , proactiv , goal-directed , and so forth - with insight gain from distribut softwar engin , machin learn , negoti and teamwork theori , and the social scienc . an import part of the agent approach is the principl that agent ( like human ) can function more effect in group that are character by cooper and divis of labor . agent program are design to autonom collabor with each other in order to satisfi both their intern goal and the share extern demand gener by virtu of their particip in agent societi . thi type of collabor depend on a sophist system of inter-ag commun . the assumpt that inter-ag commun is best handl through the explicit use of an agent commun languag ( acl ) underli each of the articl in thi special issu . in thi introductori articl , we will suppli a brief background and introduct to the main topic in agent commun

agent communication language
agent technology
AI programs
distributed software engineering
machine learning
negotiation
teamwork
social sciences
agent societies
inter-agent communication
KQML
semantics
conversations


Rats, robots, and rescue

Abstract: In early May, media inquiries started arriving at my office at the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (www.crasar.org). Because I'm CRASAR's director, I thought the press was calling to follow up on the recent humanitarian award given to the center's founder, John Blitch, for successfully using small, backpackable robots at the World Trade Center disaster. Instead, I found they were asking me to comment on the "roborats" study in the 2 May 2002 Nature. In this study, rats with medial force brain implants underwent operant conditioning to force them into a form of guided behavior, one aspect of which was thought useful for search and rescue. The article's closing comment suggested that a guided rat could serve as both a mobile robot and a biological sensor. Although a roboticist by training, I'm committed to any technology that will help save lives while reducing the risk to rescuers. But rats?

rat , robot , and rescu
 in earli may , media inquiri start arriv at my offic at the center for robot-assist search and rescu ( www.crasar.org ) . becaus i 'm crasar 's director , i thought the press wa call to follow up on the recent humanitarian award given to the center 's founder , john blitch , for success use small , backpack robot at the world trade center disast . instead , i found they were ask me to comment on the " roborat " studi in the 2 may 2002 natur . in thi studi , rat with medial forc brain implant underw oper condit to forc them into a form of guid behavior , one aspect of which wa thought use for search and rescu . the articl 's close comment suggest that a guid rat could serv as both a mobil robot and a biolog sensor . although a roboticist by train , i 'm commit to ani technolog that will help save live while reduc the risk to rescuer . but rat ?

robot-assisted search and rescue
guided rat
mobile robot
biological sensor