Search results for "object"

A Multi objective inventory model for short food supply chains

2017

Over the past 50 years, vertically integrated multinationals dominated global food markets by providing huge product diversity at low prices. Such systems are characterized by long supply chains capable of achieving high cost efficiencies resulting from the use of cheap raw materials, high chemical inputs, industrial shelf-life extension processes, economies of scale and mechanization. This dominant position on the market, however, has been achieved at a heavy cost on the global environment, generated by massive food wastage, and by a steady supply of fossil fuels. For such reasons, global supply chains are considered unsustainable and new food systems are being promoted in order to replace…

Developing Online Collaborative Games for e-Learning Environments

2014

Based on our experience, we believe that games, competition and teamwork offer a pleasant and active way of learning. This is much more efficient when the learner has a smile on his face, when he is astonished and curious about next levels and finds the game sufficiently challenging and fun to try again. Our application proposal has the purpose of implementing an e-Learning platform for improving the teaching and learning process in somewhat abstract domains, such as computer architecture or object oriented programming, with the help of games. These games are time-dependent and are able to support collaboration between groups. To this date there are two learning games implemented: a crosswo…

Sex concordance for schizophrenia in families

1992

Two-view “cylindrical decomposition” of binary images

2001

This paper describes the discrete cylindrical algebraic decomposition (DCAD) construction along two orthogonal views of binary images. The combination of two information is used to avoid ambiguities for image recognition purposes. This algorithm associates an object connectivity graph to each connected component, allowing a complete description of the structuring information. Moreover, an easy and compact representation of the scene is achieved by using strings in a five letter alphabet. Examples on complex digital images are also provided. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.

An Interactive Framework for Offline Data-Driven Multiobjective Optimization

2020

We propose a framework for solving offline data-driven multiobjective optimization problems in an interactive manner. No new data becomes available when solving offline problems. We fit surrogate models to the data to enable optimization, which introduces uncertainty. The framework incorporates preference information from a decision maker in two aspects to direct the solution process. Firstly, the decision maker can guide the optimization by providing preferences for objectives. Secondly, the framework features a novel technique for the decision maker to also express preferences related to maximum acceptable uncertainty in the solutions as preferred ranges of uncertainty. In this way, the d…

Empirical determination of Einstein A-coefficient ratios of bright [Fe II] lines

2014

The Einstein spontaneous rates (A-coefficients) of Fe+ lines have been computed by several authors with results that differ from each other by up to 40%. Consequently, models for line emissivities suffer from uncertainties that in turn affect the determination of the physical conditions at the base of line excitation. We provide an empirical determination of the A-coefficient ratios of bright [Fe II] lines that would represent both a valid benchmark for theoretical computations and a reference for the physical interpretation of the observed lines. With the ESO-Very Large Telescope X-shooter instrument between 3000 Å and 24700 Å, we obtained a spectrum of the bright Herbig-Haro object HH 1. …

The BIM (Building Information Modeling)-Based Approach for Road Pavement Maintenance

2019

The recent developments of road pavement survey technologies guarantee acquisition of detailed data regarding the main functional and structural indicators, at a very high frequency and levels of accuracy and precision unconceivable few years ago. The relevant information, regarding surface distresses too, is thus available in economical, high-speed and high-resolution forms, with limited disturbance on traffic and road agencies issues. However, the availability of such a mass of data poses interesting questions concerning the most efficient processing and analysis methods, for optimizing maintenance operation planning. Unfortunately, the PMS adoption is not very common and widespread, as t…

Learning and Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Development: The Use of the Concepts of Boundary Work and Boundary Objects

2015

Purpose: The paper explores the role of boundary work and boundary objects in enhancing learning and innovation processes in hybrid multi-actor networks for sustainable agriculture (LINSA). Design/Methodology/Approach: Boundary work in LINSA is analysed on the basis of six case studies carried out in SOLINSA project under a common methodology. In developing typologies of boundary work and objects, a grounded approach is used. Findings: LINSA analysis demonstrates the dynamic character, diverse forms and multiple functions of boundary work and objects in three domains: learning, innovation, and sustainability. Addressing specific types of goals and actors leads to specific types of boundary …

Ripensare gli oggetti, riprogettare la società

2021

The essay introduces a series of classical essays by Bruno Latour on design and techniques, showing the relationships between Actor Network Theory and semiotics. In particular, the theoretical convergences and problematic nodes on the methodological level concerning the application of certain semiotic notions, such as that of actant and that of enunciation, within Bruno Latour's anthropology are discussed.

Pratique de l'enseignement de l'anglais dans les facultés de médecine en France métropolitaine

2007

Abstract English lessons have been compulsory in French medical schools since the 18th March 1992 bill. Objectives: The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of this teaching programme as it exists in 2005. Methods: A questionnaire designed by experts in the teaching of medical English was sent to the 41 medical schools in Metropolitan France. The questionnaire covered five different areas (the number of hours of lessons, of students and of teachers; evaluation and marking methods; lesson contents and pedagogical methods; student and teacher profiles; the teaching of English for postgraduate students). Results: Twenty-six questionnaires have been returned and evaluated, which …