Abstract
This paper deals with the discrimination problem of the states which involve two types of uncertainty: “randomness” and “fuzziness.” This problem is very important in the fields of soft science such as management science, sociology, eta, since the object of discrimination involves these types of uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a discrimination system of fuzzy states on a probability space and derive the decision rule which minimizes the average of error probability of discrimination. In our formulation of the discrimination system there exists the case that a large number of observations does not necessarily make the average of error probability small, so that an index for decision of an upper limit of number of observations is also derived.
M.A. GIL, M.T. LOPEZ and P. GIL
When we consider a decision problem under randomness and fuzziness, and several fuzzy information systems obtain, a comparison between them becomes interesting. In this paper, it…
Abstract
When we consider a decision problem under randomness and fuzziness, and several fuzzy information systems obtain, a comparison between them becomes interesting. In this paper, it is proposed to compare fuzzy information systems paying attention to the maximization of the “worth of fuzzy information system”.
To understand how diaspora entrepreneurship evolves and becomes a small-scale emerging market multinational and how this process is enabled.
Abstract
Purpose
To understand how diaspora entrepreneurship evolves and becomes a small-scale emerging market multinational and how this process is enabled.
Methodology/approach
Case study and ethnographic methods were employed.
Findings
Diaspora entrepreneurs can act as change agents who create and penetrate markets under difficult conditions. They are less influenced by institutional voids in home and host countries when they have strong international diaspora networks that enable a connection to resources, overcoming such voids. Diaspora entrepreneurs may be resource-embedded socially in a way that creates superior competitive advantages and reduces liabilities of foreignness and of outsidership.
Research limitations/implications
Diaspora entrepreneurship incorporates invisible and idiographic potential, such as social capital and knowledge networks. These are not available for other non-incumbent companies (e.g., foreign entrants) and are difficult to research due to access barriers.
Practical implications
Perception and active management of network-based resources is important for opportunity and business development. Management in a transition economy context requires holistic views, deep understanding, and working linkages across markets.
Social implications
Transgenerational entrepreneurship and ethnic traditions are important for the community. Entrepreneurship provides continuity and identity, such as using ethnic language, as well as prosperity and solidarity that are important for supporting cultural identity.
Originality/value
This study connects diaspora entrepreneurship in Central Asia and emerging market multinationals that are small and medium-sized enterprises. Both are underexplored domains, but may share particular institutional settings. Growth and internationalization into a multinational enterprise with an emerging market origin, especially by women entrepreneurs, are rarely studied. This case illustrates the need to capture the processual dynamics, resources, and actor networks, including sociocultural and spatiotemporal factors for better contextualization.
Details
Keywords
Pedro G.P. Leite and Gilberto Gomes
The purpose of this paper is to present the application of the boundary element method (BEM) in linear elastic fracture mechanics for analysis of fatigue crack propagation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the application of the boundary element method (BEM) in linear elastic fracture mechanics for analysis of fatigue crack propagation problems in mixed-mode (I+II) using a robust academic software named BemCracker2D and its graphical interface BemLab2D.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology consists in calculating elastic stress by conventional BEM and to carry out an incremental analysis of the crack extension employing the dual BEM (DBEM). For each increment of the analysis, the stress intensity factors (SIFs) are computed by the J-Integral technique, the crack growth direction is evaluated by the maximum circumferential stress criterion and the crack growth rate is computed by a modified Paris equation, which takes into account an equivalent SIF to obtain the fracture Modes I and II. The numerical results are compared with the experimental and/or BEM values extracted from the open literature, aiming to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the adopted methodology, as well as to validate the robustness of the programs.
Findings
The paper addresses the numerical simulation of fatigue crack growth. The main contribution of the paper is the introduction of a software for simulating two-dimensional fatigue crack growth problems in mixed-mode (I+II) via the DBEM. The software BemCracker2D coupled to the BemLab2D graphical user interface (GUI), for pre/post-processing, are very complete, efficient and versatile and its does make relevant contributions in the field of fracture mechanics.
Originality/value
The main contribution of the manuscript is the development of a GUI for pre/post-processing of 2D fracture mechanics problems, as well as the object oriented programming implementation. Finally, the main merit is of educational nature.
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Keywords
Theodosios Sapounidis, Ioannis Stamelos and Stavros Demetriadis
This chapter examines the existing work on tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and focuses on tangible programming with the scope to enlighten the opportunities for innovation and…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter examines the existing work on tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and focuses on tangible programming with the scope to enlighten the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in this particular domain.
Methodology/approach
In the first section, we start by presenting in short the history of TUIs and then focus on tangible programming presenting the different design approaches. Then we present the opportunities for innovation and guidelines for future products.
In the second section, we review the entrepreneurial activities that combine educational toys and TUIs.
Findings
The main finding of this chapter is that although TUI design and research are still in its infancy and more design guidelines and research are required to further bridge the digital and the physical world, the first signs of entrepreneurship promise a bright future.
Research limitations
Limitations arise from the fact that many companies keep many of their financial data confidential. Thus, it was impossible to include and validate all the information that we intended to present.
Practical implications
Initially, this chapter motivates and challenges scientist to find novel innovative solutions in the field. Then, reveals the entrepreneurial opportunities and potential customers. Finally, shows the funding sources and how tangible products are offered in the market.
Social implications
We propose a new kind of toys that might alter and expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in education.
Originality/value
This chapter appears to be unique in the sense that is the first that reports simultaneously on TUIs, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
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Keywords
Andrea P. Assanelli, Rita G. Toscano, Daniel H. Johnson and Eduardo N. Dvorkin
The production of steel pipes with guaranteed external collapse pressure (e.g. high collapse casings for oil wells) requires the implementation of an accurate process control. To…
Abstract
The production of steel pipes with guaranteed external collapse pressure (e.g. high collapse casings for oil wells) requires the implementation of an accurate process control. To develop that process control it is necessary to investigate how different parameters affect the external collapse pressure of the pipes. Experimental/numerical techniques implemented to investigate the collapse behavior of steel pipes are presented. The discussion of the experimental techniques includes the description of the facilities for performing external pressure collapse tests and the description of an imperfections measuring system. The numerical techniques include 2D and 3D finite element models. The effects on the value of the pipes’ external collapse pressure of their shape, residual stresses and material properties are discussed.
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Frank Chiang, Robin Braun and John Hughes
This paper describes the design of a scalable bio‐mimetic framework that addresses several key issues of autonomous agents in the functional management domain of complex…
Abstract
This paper describes the design of a scalable bio‐mimetic framework that addresses several key issues of autonomous agents in the functional management domain of complex Ubiquitous Service‐Oriented Networks.We propose an autonomous network service management platform ‐ SwarmingNet, which is motivated by observations of the swarm intelligence in biological systems (e.g., Termite, Ant/Bees colonies, or Locusts ). In this SwarmingNet architecture, the required network service processes are implemented by a group of highly diverse and autonomic objects. These objects are called TeleService Solons (TSSs) as elements of TeleService Holons (TSHs), analoguous to individual insects as members of the whole colony. A single TSS is only able to pursue simple behaviors and interactions with local neighbors, on the contrary, a group of TSSs have the capabilities of fulfilling the complex tasks relating to service discovery and service activation.We simulate a service configuration process for a Multimedia Messaging Service, and a performance comparison between the bio‐agents and normal agents is analyzed. Finally, we conclude that through bio‐swarming intelligence behaviors, this infrastructure develops the enhanced self‐X capabilities which give IP networks advantages of instinctive compatibility, efficiency and scalability.
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Kaori Kusuda, Kazuhiko Yamashita, Akiko Ohnishi, Kiyohito Tanaka, Masaru Komino, Hiroshi Honda, Shinichi Tanaka, Takashi Okubo, Julien Tripette and Yuji Ohta
To prevent malpractices, medical staff has adopted inventory time-outs and/or checklists. Accurate inventory and maintenance of surgical instruments decreases the risk of…
Abstract
Purpose
To prevent malpractices, medical staff has adopted inventory time-outs and/or checklists. Accurate inventory and maintenance of surgical instruments decreases the risk of operating room miscounting and malfunction. In our previous study, an individual management of surgical instruments was accomplished using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new management method of RFID-tagged instruments.
Design/methodology/approach
The management system of RFID-tagged surgical instruments was used for 27 months in clinical areas. In total, 13 study participants assembled surgical trays in the central sterile supply department.
Findings
While using the management system, trays were assembled 94 times. During this period, no assembly errors occurred. An instrument malfunction had occurred after the 19th, 56th, and 73th uses, no malfunction caused by the RFID tags, and usage history had been recorded. Additionally, the time it took to assemble surgical trays was recorded, and the long-term usability of the management system was evaluated.
Originality/value
The system could record the number of uses and the defective history of each surgical instrument. In addition, the history of the frequency of instruments being transferred from one tray to another was recorded. The results suggest that our system can be used to manage instruments safely. Additionally, the management system was acquired of the learning effect and the usability on daily maintenance. This finding suggests that the management system examined here ensures surgical instrument and tray assembly quality.
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Maria Elo, Tanvi Kothari and Maria Ivanova-Gongne
This chapter aims to increase our understanding on how the language diversity of multiethnic Central Asian countries and their diasporas constitutes a talent and resource-base for…
Abstract
Goals and Objectives of the Research
– This chapter aims to increase our understanding on how the language diversity of multiethnic Central Asian countries and their diasporas constitutes a talent and resource-base for local and global businesses. We revisit the role of ‘language capabilities’ for boundary-spanning abilities and the particular challenges and opportunities posed by linguistically diverse contexts among diaspora members and their homeland.
Methodology
– This chapter provides an overview of prior research and uses qualitative interviews and ethnographic data.
Results/Findings
– The findings indicate that language diversity is an important multi-layered resource and a socio-economic link that allows culturally distant markets to interact and bridges the gaps across geographic boundaries. Individuals with multiple languages and migrant ties may develop alternative ways of communicating for business, such as translanguaging and cultural communication mode-shifting.
Novelty/Originality/Value
– The administrative ‘imperial’ languages are often perceived as the oppressor's instrument, however, the alternate perspective presents it as a resource for economic relations and international business development that exists in parallel to the indigenous language heritage. We introduce a concept, on diaspora ‘language portfolio’ that is a toolbox of communication assets that allows migrants to connect and operate interculturally and inter-regionally.
Theoretical or Practical Implications
– We deviate from the English language dominance of the international business literature and address how another geographic and linguistic context such as the Russophone business provides a contextual lens to understand how language capabilities of diaspora members is an asset to both, their home and host nations. We illustrate how both the Russian language and the regional and minority languages offer a great potential for entrepreneurial and trade relations. By introducing a Framework of Diaspora ‘Language Portfolio’ this study underlines that minorities and diasporas are key boundary spanners and connectors in new markets and enhance the development of trade in the region.
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Keywords
Transnational migrant entrepreneurship is an increasingly important and multi-faceted process. Because of the ‘double transition’ of Albanian migrants, in terms of migration…
Abstract
Transnational migrant entrepreneurship is an increasingly important and multi-faceted process. Because of the ‘double transition’ of Albanian migrants, in terms of migration (spatial transition) and in terms of transition from socialism to capitalism and more specifically the absence of entrepreneurship experience in their homeland during the communist regime, we might think of Albanians as being in a weak position for mastering entrepreneurship. But, paradoxically, the evidence tends to prove the opposite. Albanians have succeeded in identifying various entrepreneurial opportunities, and are nowadays increasingly engaging in a wider range of entrepreneurial activities. The overall aim of this chapter thus is to analyse the causes and consequences of transnational entrepreneurship among Albanian migrants doing business with Albania and Albanian returnees pursuing business activities with their former destination countries. For this purpose, the author draws on face-to-face interviews with 50 Albanian migrant entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border economic activities in Albania, Italy and Greece, supplemented by further interviews with key informants, as well as government policy documents. The analysis in this chapter offers important insights into the two main types of entrepreneur, which are ‘necessity’ and ‘opportunity’ entrepreneurs; the emergence of academic entrepreneurship among Albanian transnational entrepreneurs; and the contribution of transnational migrant entrepreneurs in terms of added value at the individual and community levels, as well as potentially impacting on the country’s economic and social development.