Search results for " set"
showing 10 items of 2095 documents
On the reliability of ASHRAE conduction transfer function coefficients of walls
2000
The transfer function method recommended by the ASHRAE can be considered the most modern tool currently available for the thermal analysis of a building. It is particularly well suited for use with a computer as it makes it possible to describe with great accuracy the internal heat gain of walls using a small set of coefficients. The present paper shows how to calculate sets of coefficients diverse from that proposed by Mitalas who first developed the method and on the basis of an unequivocal criterion, to prove the advantages in using them. The authors also investigated some of the paramount mathematical and physical aspects which affect the approximation degree of the ASHRAE method and, w…
A fuzzy logic approach to modeling a vehicle crash test
2013
Published version of an article in the journal: Central European Journal of Engineering. Also available from the publisher at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/s13531-012-0032-2 This paper presents an application of fuzzy approach to vehicle crash modeling. A typical vehicle to pole collision is described and kinematics of a car involved in this type of crash event is thoroughly characterized. The basics of fuzzy set theory and modeling principles based on fuzzy logic approach are presented. In particular, exceptional attention is paid to explain the methodology of creation of a fuzzy model of a vehicle collision. Furthermore, the simulation results are presented and compared to the original vehic…
A model of goal dynamics in technology-based organizations
2011
The purpose of the present work is to build a suitable system dynamics model for goal dynamics in organizations, as proposed by Barlas and Yasarcan (2008). The proposed model does not bear any ambition of being exhaustive: the main objective of this paper is to propose a model of goal dynamics in which Goal Setting, Management by Objectives and Training are viewed as human resource practices able to enhance workers' goal commitment, and therefore, improve organizational performance. In the first part of this paper, an analysis of the Goal Setting Theory and the role of goal setting practices, in bettering worker's performance, are stressed. In the second part, a case-study, the causal loop …
fuzzy approach to the robust facility layout in uncertain production environments
2001
The proposed method approaches the problem of the optimal facility layout using fuzzy theory. The optimal layout is a robust layout that minimizes the total material handling cost, when the product market demands are uncertain variables, which are defined as fuzzy numbers. Since each department has a limited production capacity, not all possible combinations, deriving from each product's market demand, are taken into account because some combination could exceed the overall department's productivity. Therefore, the optimal solution results by solving a 'constrained' fuzzy optimization problem, in which the fuzzy material handling costs corresponding to the layouts are evaluated, and a ranki…
Photovoltaic plant array reconfiguration: Design of a new device
2014
An efficient strategy to improve unequally irradiated PV plants performances is based on the reconfiguration of the connections between the modules. In this paper, an algorithm, for this purpose conceived, is presented. Moreover, the design, realization and finally also the set up of a new reconfiguration system device is fully shown and discussed. The algorithm conceived simulates several possible series-parallel connections under varying irradiation conditions, and determines the optimal modules connection in order to get the maximum output power. In this way, the reconfiguration system may set up the reconfiguration strategy. The reconfiguration system prototype set up, basically consist…
Understanding TDD in academic environment
2008
Several studies have reported positive experiences with Test-Driven Development (TDD) but the results still diverge. In this study we aim to improve understanding on TDD in educational context. We conducted two experiments on TDD in a master's level university course. The research setting was slightly changed in the second experiment and this paper focuses on comparing the differences between the two rounds. We analyzed the students' perceptions and the difficulties they faced with TDD. The given assignment clearly affected the students' reflections so that the more difficult assignment evoked a richer discussion among the students. Additionally, some insights into teaching TDD are discusse…
A Fuzzy Discrete Event Simulator for Fuzzy Production Environment Analysis
1998
Abstract Discrete Event Simulation is a powerful tool to help production managers in planning manufacturing systems. The necessity to rapid react to market conditions is pushing production planners to process requirements and information affected by vagueness. Vagueness is related with event definition, therefore it is not manageable through statistical tools, but more properly by using fuzzy mathematics. Production situations where uncertainty takes body in term of vagueness are referred as Fuzzy Production Environments. Classical Discrete Event simulators are not suitable to deal with fuzzy variables, therefore they cannot be used to model Fuzzy Production Environments. This paper aims to…
The identifiability analysis for setting up measuring campaigns in integrated water quality modelling.
2012
Abstract Identifiability analysis enables the quantification of the number of model parameters that can be assessed by calibration with respect to a data set. Such a methodology is based on the appraisal of sensitivity coefficients of the model parameters by means of Monte Carlo runs. By employing the Fisher Information Matrix, the methodology enables one to gain insights with respect to the number of model parameters that can be reliably assessed. The paper presents a study where identifiability analysis is used as a tool for setting up measuring campaigns for integrated water quality modelling. Particularly, by means of the identifiability analysis, the information about the location and …
Peripheral Centralities: An Integrated Approach
2017
Un profondo cambiamento caratterizza a livello globale gli insediamenti urbani: ciò può essere osservato attraverso le relazioni tra centro e periferie. Le aree periferiche sono il banco dove il futuro delle città può essere opportunamente messo alla prova, in cui è possibile prefigurare la futura qualità della vita di individui e comunità. Sicurezza, sostenibilità, benessere che potranno essere raggiunti nelle aree periferiche saranno più rilevanti in termini quantitativi; invece il senso di identificazione e appartenenza, più forte nelle aree centrali, è debole o assente nelle periferie. Occorre puntare quindi a una sorta di centralità diffusa, applicando un approccio integrato, che si ad…
A fuzzy-logic-based controller for methane production in anaerobic fixed-film reactors
2017
The main objective of this work was to develop a controller for biogas production in continuous anaerobic fixed-bed reactors, which used effluent total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration as control input in order to prevent process acidification at closed loop. To this aim, a fuzzy-logic-based control system was developed, tuned and validated in an anaerobic fixed-bed reactor at pilot scale that treated industrial winery wastewater. The proposed controller varied the flow rate of wastewater entering the system as a function of the gaseous outflow rate of methane and VFA concentration. Simulation results show that the proposed controller is capable to achieve great process stability ev…