Missing values imputation in Arabic datasets using enhanced robust association rules

Missing value (MV) is one form of data completeness problem in massive datasets. To deal with missing values, data imputation methods were proposed with the aim to improve the completeness of the datasets concerned. Data imputation's accuracy is a common indicator of a data imputation technique's efficiency. However, the efficiency of data imputation can be affected by the nature of the language in which the dataset is written. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to normalize the data, especially in non-Latin languages such as the Arabic language. This paper proposes a method that will address the challenge inherent in Arabic datasets by extending the enhanced robust association rules (ERAR) method with Arabic detection and correction functions. Iterative and Decision Tree methods were used to evaluate the proposed method in an experiment. Experiment results show that the proposed method offers a higher data imputation accuracy than the Iterative and decision tree methods

Corruption manual for beginners: "Corruption techniques" in public procurement with examples from Hungary

This paper develops 30 novel quantitative indicators of grand corruption that operationalize 20 distinct techniques of corruption in the context of public procurement. Each indicator rests on a thorough qualitative understanding of rent extraction from public contracts by corrupt networks as evidenced by academic literature, interviews and media content analysis. Feasibility and usefulness of the proposed indicators are demonstrated using micro-level public procurement data from Hungary in 2009-2012. While the prime value of this broad set of indicators is the possibility of combining them into a robust composite indicator of high-level corruption, the high degree of detail also reveals that many regulatory interventions have succeeded in changing the form of corruption, but not its overall incidence

HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING BEHAVIOUR: A BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE

Environmental issues put short-term economic gratification in direct conflict with long-term survival of the planet: they are no longer considered ‘distant’. There is a causal link between the disposal and treatment of waste and global environmental problems. Recycling is one of the most effective remedies to the problem of waste. There is evidence of an intention-action gap in household recycling behavior. The psychological nature of the decision to recycle is the most likely explanation for this intention-action gap. The present dissertation combines behavioral economics and psychology of incentives. It studies the cognitive processes underlying the recycling intention-action gap and offers a theoretical framework to design effective nudges. The work consists of three sequential articles: the first two articles include a lab experiment, the third runs a computer simulation. Article 1 considers a semantic stimulus and tests the priming effect on recycling behavior of two stereotypes: the environmentalist and the conscientious citizen. Article 2 considers a contextual (conceptual plus visual) stimulus and tests the priming effect of two induced feelings: spirituality and nature. Article 3 develops an agent-based model to assess the effects of the major findings of Article 1 and 2 on the system as a whole

2010 Sustainability Report [Western Kentucky University]

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with pride and hope by our progress in becoming a more sustainable WKU. The milestones are significant: completion of our first building for which we will seek LEED certification, sustainability included as a core commitment in the WKU Strategic Guide for 2010-2012 and a Resolution for Education for Sustainability adopted, the first Education for Sustainability faculty retreat, the Energy Savings Performance Contract project initiated and nearly completed, and WKU included in the Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges. These are but a few of the accomplishments made in 2010. While we are all hearty Hilltoppers, our efforts in sustainability are not driven by our competitive spirit to be the best in all of our endeavors, but the desire for a happier and healthier global community. We strive to lead in sustainability in higher education not because we measure our success by our inclusion on certain “lists” (although inclusion in the Princeton Review Green Guide is pretty great) but by our ability to be a model for best practices, both in our operations and services and in academics. Modeling and teaching sustainability has become a core value at WKU because we realize that it must be. WKU’s commitment to sustainability, whether demonstrated in campus operations or in educational programs, will help to ensure that our graduates are prepared to address the complicated environmental, social and economic issues we face today. They will be able to think critically, solve problems creatively and be engaged citizens. If that’s all we accomplish then we will have achieved great success. But our sustainability commitment pays dividends; it also leads us to reduce our environmental footprint, practice social responsibility, and conserve natural and economic resources. It encourages unprecedented cross-campus and community collaboration and partnerships. It supports our goal to be “A Leading American University with International Reach”. And it brings renewed meaning to the old WKU motto: “Life More Life”! I am pleased to present the 2010 WKU Sustainability Report. Enjoy! Christian Ryan-Downin