Computational intelligence for measuring macro-knowledge competitiveness

The aim of this research is to investigate the utilisation of Computational Intelligence methods for constructing Synthetic Composite Indicators (SCI). In particular for delivering a Unified Macro-Knowledge Competitiveness Indicator (UKCI) to enable consistent and transparent assessments and forecasting of the progress and competitiveness of Knowledge Based Economy (KBE). SCI are assessment tools usually constructed to evaluate and contrast entities performance by aggregating intangible measures in many areas such as economy, education, technology and innovation. SCI key value is inhibited in its capacity to aggregate complex and multi-dimensional variables into a single meaningful value. As a result, SCIs have been considered as one of the most important tools for macro-level and strategic decision making. Considering the shortcomings of the existing SCI, this study is proposing an alternative approach to develop Intelligent Synthetic Composite Indicators (iSCI). The suggested approach utilizes Fuzzy Proximity Knowledge Mining technique to build the qualitative taxonomy initially, and Fuzzy c-mean is employed to form the new composite indicators

Functional Materials for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications

Food products undergo numerous spoilage processes due to their highly perishable nature. Decreased food quality causes food borne diseases that affect the public health and well-being of the society. Therefore, manufacturers, retailers, consumers and regulatory agencies demand higher quality standards, and the adoption of strategies that enable the real time monitoring/traceability of the food quality throughout the supply chain. Recently the advances in the food packaging led to the development of active, intelligent and smart packaging materials able to improve the food quality, to increase the shelf life and to provide real time information about the condition of the food products. Although in the field numerous studies are continuously reported, there is still the need for the development of biocompatible, cost effective and highly performant systems easily scalable and applicable in everyday life. This thesis is focused on the development of active, and intelligent packaging biocomposite materials by utilizing functional fillers of natural origin, following cost effective, and easily scalable methods. Specifically, the first part of this study is focused on the modification of an already widely used polymer in food packaging, the low-density polyethylene, in order to improve its water vapor barrier properties and to transform it to a functional material with antioxidant properties, expanding thus its use in active packaging. This is succeeded by introducing into the polymer curcumin powder as filler, following the most common method for polyethylene processing used in industry, the melt processing. The developed composite shows excellent water vapor barrier and antioxidant properties making thus possible its use in active packaging for the shelf life increase of food products. In the second part of this study, an intelligent packaging porous indicator is developed by the combination of polyvinyl alcohol, microcrystalline cellulose and anthocyanins extracted from red cabbage. The specific material is able to indicate the food spoilage through a distinct color change that can be perceived by the naked eye and by non-expert users. In the third part of the present study, an smart packaging material is developed based on red cabbage powder and chitosan that combines the properties of both the active and intelligent packaging materials in a single system. The developed bioplastic presents excellent antioxidant activity, biodegradability and rapid color changes to the food\u2019s pH fluctuations during the spoilage process indicating thus its quality deterioration

Information Modeling for a Dynamic Representation of an Emergency Situation

In this paper we propose an approach to build a decision support system that can help emergency planners and responders to detect and manage emergency situations. The internal mechanism of the system is independent from the treated application. Therefore, we think the system may be used or adapted easily to different case studies. We focus here on a first step in the decision-support process which concerns the modeling of information issued from the perceived environment and their representation dynamically using a multiagent system. This modeling was applied on the RoboCupRescue Simulation System. An implementation and some results are presented here.Comment:

Legitimately diverse, yet comparable: Synthesising social inclusion performance in the EU.

The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) intends to enhance EU member states’ performance with regard to social inclusion. In this context a set of commonly agreed performance indicators plays an important role. While the communicative power of a synthetic indicator has been recognised, several objections have been raised against such a construction. In this paper, we argue that a set of separate indicators can in principle be combined into one synthetic performance index without giving up on the notion of subsidiarity, and without fundamentally impairing the peer pressure incentives that constitute an important rationale for OMC. We complement the presentation of the conceptual framework with a number of empirical applications, thereby indicating how the basic method may be instrumental for policy benchmarking practice.Performance;

Legitimately Diverse, yet Comparable: On Synthesising Social Inclusion Performance in the EU

The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) intends to enhance EU member states' performance with regard to social inclusion. In this context a set of commonly agreed performance indicators plays an important role. While the communicative power of a synthetic indicator has been recognised, several objections have been raised against such a construction. In this paper, we argue that a set of separate indicators can in principle be combined into one synthetic performance index without giving up on the notion of subsidiarity, and without fundamentally impairing the peer pressure incentives that constitute an important rationale for OMC. We complement the presentation of the conceptual framework with a number of empirical applications, thereby indicating how the basic method may be instrumental for policy benchmarking practice.

Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials

Interest in the development of smart and active biodegradable packaging materials is increasing as food manufacturers try to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of their products, while still maintaining their quality and safety. Active packaging materials contain components that enhance their functionality, such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, light blockers, or oxygen barriers. Smart packaging materials contain sensing components that provide an indication of changes in food attributes, such as alterations in their quality, maturity, or safety. For instance, a smart sensor may give a measurable color change in response to a deterioration in food quality. This article reviews recent advances in the development of active and smart biodegradable packaging materials in the food industry. Moreover, studies on the application of these packaging materials to monitor the freshness and safety of food products are reviewed, including dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the potential challenges associated with the application of these eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry are discussed, as well as potential future directions

Intelligent systems in manufacturing: current developments and future prospects

Global competition and rapidly changing customer requirements are demanding increasing changes in manufacturing environments. Enterprises are required to constantly redesign their products and continuously reconfigure their manufacturing systems. Traditional approaches to manufacturing systems do not fully satisfy this new situation. Many authors have proposed that artificial intelligence will bring the flexibility and efficiency needed by manufacturing systems. This paper is a review of artificial intelligence techniques used in manufacturing systems. The paper first defines the components of a simplified intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS), the different Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to be considered and then shows how these AI techniques are used for the components of IMS