Fuzzy multi criteria evaluation for performance of bus companies

A multi criteria decision making in ranking the bus companies using fuzzy rule is proposed. The proposed method uses the application of fuzzy sets and approximate reasoning in deciding the ranking of the performance of several bus companies. The proposed method introduces data normalization using similarity function which dampens extreme values that exist in the data. The use of the model is suitable in evaluating situation that involves subjectivity, vagueness and imprecise information. Experimental results are comparable to several previous methods

Fuzzy subjective evaluation of Asia Pacific airport services

This paper presents a fuzzy decision-making model to determine the ranking of fourteen Asia Pacific airports based on the services provided to passengers. Airport services were represented by six attributes namely comfort, processing time, convenience, courtesy of staff, information visibility and security. Data for the attributes given by travel experts are in the triangular fuzzy number form. Based on fuzzy set and approximate reasoning, the model allows decision makers to make the best choice in accordance with human thinking and reasoning processes.The use of fuzzy rules which are extracted directly from the input data in making evaluation, contributes to a better decision and is less dependent on experts.Experimental results show that the proposed model is comparable to previous studies.The model is suitable for various fuzzy environments

Knowledge acquisition and dissemination for emergency situation

Emergency situation is highly uncertain, dynamic, time pressure in making decisions and involves multi organizations and multi jurisdiction level. This paper presents a conceptual architecture that can be used by emergency response task force in assisting the victims of the disaster. Flood disaster is used as a case study. The architecture describes the knowledge and communication for flood emergency response management

Preparers' perceptions towards quarterly financial reporting in Malaysia

This study examines the perceptions of preparers of financial reports towards the issues surrounding corporate quarterly financial reporting in Malaysia. Questionnaires were mailed to chief financial officers of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) listed companies, from whom 106 usable responses were gathered. The findings provide evidence that some preparers are not keen of the idea of quarterly reporting, despite the enforcement of the requirement. However, a majority of preparers are content with the current allowable reporting lag of two months, satisfied with the current content of the quarterly reports, and agree that management should at least discuss the quarterly results with the auditors. With respect to other matters, preparers expressed the view that the quarterly reports are reliable. However,there is also evidence that the first three quarterly reports are perceived to be less reliable than the fourth quarterly reports. The findings serve as an avenue for more research on quarterly financial reporting in Malaysia and other jurisdictions

The effect of acute consumption of a flavonol-rich cocoa drink on cerebral vasomotor reactivity in African Americans

textAfrican Americans (AA) are at great risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which can lead to brain damage, dementia, and endothelial dysfunction. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contributes cardiovascular disease in AA population. Flavonols of the subclass known as flavonoids that have several beneficial effects on cerebral blood flow and cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVMR). This study investigated the effects of the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich cocoa drink on CVMR. Ten non-smoking African American (6 males and 3 females) participants were randomly recruited. The subjects participated in two experimental sessions which were separated before and after the consumption of cocoa drink. For the pre-session, baseline CVMR was measured by the hypercapnia rebreathing (CVMR test) prior to the consumption of the cocoa drink and the again at 2h after consumption of one serving of the cocoa drink (45g of cocoa mixed with 8oz of cold water). Cerebral vascular conductance (CVC) was significantly increased in the post-study during hypercapnia rebreathing compared with the pre-study(post-study: 3.649 ± 1.833 CVC % of baseline/mmHg, pre-study: 2.483 ± 1.418 CVC % of baseline/mmHg vs. P < 0.05) Thus, CVMR was significantly increased in the post-study after the acute consumption of a flavonol-rich cocoa drink compared to the pre-study in AA.Kinesiology and Health Educatio

Paying for Language Services in Medicare: Preliminary Options and Recommendations

Discusses how the federal government could design payment systems for language services in Medicare, and offers preliminary recommendations for implementing such programs

Performance modeling of e-procurement workflow using Generalised Stochastic Petri net (GSPN)

This paper proposes a Generalised Stochastic Petri net (GSPN) model representing a generic e-procurement workflow process. The model displays the dynamic behaviour of the system and shows the inter relationship of process activities. An analysis based on matrix equation approach enabled users to analyse the critical system's states, and thus justify the process performance. The results obtained allow users for better decision making in improving e-procurement workflow performance