A new cross-efficiency ranking method in group decision making environment

As an extended model of data envelopment analysis (DEA), cross-efficiency is utilized in various fields. It applies the relative evaluation values of homogeneous decision-making units (DMUs) in ranking completely. Due to the non-uniqueness of DEA optimal weights, and the cross-efficiency methods focus on the aggregation of cross-efficiency matrix values. There is a low correction between the final efficiency evaluation value and the value assigned to the criteria weight or the value of the criteria. This paper uses the modified aggressive cross-efficiency model to calculate the weights of the decision-making units (DMUs). Then according to the consistency of peer-evaluation criteria, the entropy weight method is used to aggregate the index weights to generate a set of common weights, and a new Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method is used to calculate the utility score of DMUs that can rank them completely. Finally, a numerical case of supplier selection is offered to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Influential Factors and Evaluation Methods of the Performance of Grouted Semi-Flexible Pavement (GSP)—A Review

Grouted Semi-flexible Pavement (GSP) is a novel pavement composed of open-graded asphalt concrete grouted with high-fluidity cement mortar. Due to its excellent load-bearing and anti-rutting performance, it has great potential as anti-rutting overlay and surface in road construction. However, the understanding of GSP performance remains limited and pertinent findings are inconsistent. This article aims to provide a systematic literature review for the articles which were published between 2000 and 2020 on GSP, explore the problems in the recent research, identify knowledge gaps, and deliver recommendations for future research. The influential factors and the relative evaluation methods of GSP performance are summarized and discussed in this article.

Self-Relative Evaluation Framework for EEG-Based Biometric Systems

In recent years, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals have been used as a biometric modality, and EEG-based biometric systems have received increasing attention. However, due to the sensitive nature of EEG signals, the extraction of identity information through processing techniques may lead to some loss in the extracted identity information. This may impact the distinctiveness between subjects in the system. In this context, we propose a new self-relative evaluation framework for EEG-based biometric systems. The proposed framework aims at selecting a more accurate identity information when the biometric system is open to the enrollment of novel subjects. The experiments were conducted on publicly available EEG datasets collected from 108 subjects in a resting state with closed eyes. The results show that the openness condition is useful for selecting more accurate identity information.

A Pedagogical Experiment in the Italian School

This chapter will summarize the extensive and multi-year experimentation carried out in many Italian secondary and primary schools, of the pedagogical-didactic proposal developed in the previous chapters. The teaching/learning of computer-based mathematics, as a programming tool, with software appropriate to the context, named MatCos, is given. In particular, the organization of the experimentation will be described, and the various phases will be illustrated. The results with the relative evaluation method will also be considered. Finally, works prepared independently by some participating students will be presented and commented. The opinion of some experimental teachers and school managers will close the chapter.

Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) is found where few are looking: assessing mosquito diversity and density outside inhabited areas using diverse sampling methods

Background One of the promising current approaches to curb malaria lies in genetic vector control, the implementation of which will require an improved understanding of the movement of genetic constructs among mosquito populations. To predict potential gene flow from one area to another, it is important to begin to understand mosquito dynamics outside of the commonly-sampled village areas, and thus how genes may move between villages. This study assessed the presence and relative abundance of mosquitoes in a 6-km corridor between two villages in western Burkina Faso. Methods The area surrounding the villages was mapped and the road between them was used as the basis of a transect along which to sample. Five collection points were placed along this transect. To investigate both larval and adult mosquito presence, multiple sampling approaches were used surrounding each point: searching for larval sites in an area of 500 m radius, swarm sampling, human landing catches (HLC), CDC light traps and backpack aspiration catches of potential resting sites. Sampling took place twice: in September and October 2015. Results Adult mosquitoes from six species of Anopheles and three other genera were found along the whole transect. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) was the most abundant followed by Anopheles nili and Anopheles coustani. Larvae of Anopheles spp. were found in small pools of surface water along the whole transect, though their presence increased with human proximity. HLC and aspiration were the most efficient methods of collecting adult mosquitoes along the whole transect, indicating that there are both host-seeking and resting mosquitoes well away from core village areas. In contrast, swarms of male mosquitoes, thought to be the principle mating locations of Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in West Africa, were only found close to the core village areas. Conclusions This preliminary study indicates that Anopheles spp. mosquitoes are both present and breeding in low human-density areas along transit axes and provides both a relative evaluation of methods for use in these areas and evidence that gene flow between Sahelian population centres is likely. More robust and structured studies are nevertheless needed to come with stronger conclusions.

Comparing Semantic Differential Methods in Affective Engineering Processes: A Case Study on Vehicle Instrument Panels

When developing a user-oriented product, it is crucial to consider users’ affective needs. Various semantic differential (SD) methods have been used to identify affect regarding materials, and this is the most important property in products. This study aims to determine which of the three conventional SD methods (absolute evaluation 1 [AE 1], absolute evaluation 2 [AE 2], or relative evaluation [RE]) is most effective for affective evaluation. Affective evaluation was performed for vehicle instrument panels by each of these three SD methods. Two quantitative analysis methods (correlation analysis and repeated-measures ANOVA) were used to examine the performance (sample distinguishability) of each evaluation method, and it was found that both AE 2 and RE produced better results than AE 1. The correlation coefficients and p-values in correlation analysis were slightly better for RE than for AE 2. In conclusion, an affective evaluation produced better results when pairwise samples (especially one sample pair) were presented, indicating that maintaining distinct samples is very important. The clearer the difference in comparison targets is, the more accurate the evaluation results.

Modeling of airgap flux density for the study of stator core vibration in low speed synchronous machines

Purpose This paper aims to develop models and simulations focused on the prediction of electromagnetic forces acting on the stator core of a synchronous machine. It contributes to the study of stator core vibrations. Design/methodology/approach An analytical model based on the rotating fields’ theory including the damper winding contribution was developed. Such model allows the comprehension of airgap magnetic field distribution and the consequent pressure distribution. Focus was given to the pressure sub-harmonics due to the usual fractional winding configuration of low speed machines. A comparative numerical model was also developed and applied to an example laboratory machine. Partial validation measurements were performed. Findings The paper provides the predicted electromagnetic forces and the relative influences of damper winding and teeth tangential forces on each pressure harmonic. It is shown by how much such effects can influence the amplitude of pressure sub-harmonics from a fractional stator winding. Research limitations/implications The performed validation measurements were based on the airgap field distribution, but the resulting core vibration at load was not measured. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to perform additional tests for improved validation. Practical implications The obtained models and results are of great importance for the design phase of new generators and for the diagnosis process of existing machines with core vibration problems. Originality/value As a contribution of this paper, the magnitude of indirect effect of tangential forces and the effect of damper winding are comparatively quantified for each pressure harmonic. The given approach contributes to the relative evaluation of these effects especially on the sub-harmonics from the fractional stator winding.

Interpersonal competition in organization: an investigation of antecedents

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the antecedents of the competitive pressure felt by individuals in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study are obtained from workers from multiple firms in various industries.FindingsThe results indicate that employees have a strong feeling of competitive anxiety and a sense of rivalry when their tasks are interdependent to one another, when they have a competition-oriented personality and when the relative evaluation scale is used for performance appraisal. The perceived proportion of performance pay only increased the sense of rivalry, while it did not increase the competitive anxiety. Also, intrinsic motivation and transformational leadership help mitigate both competitive anxiety and sense of rivalry.Practical implicationsThe author recommends that managers utilize these factors to maintain an appropriate level of competition depending on their organizations' needs.Originality/valueThe original value of this study lies in its attempt to examine how competitive mindset is developed among interpersonal relationships in organizations.