A particle swarm algorithm for inspection optimization in serial multi-stage processes

AbstractImplementing efficient inspection policies is much important for the organizations to reduce quality related costs. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal inspection policy in serial multi-stage processes. The policy consists of three decision parameters to be optimized; i.e. the stages in which inspection occurs, tolerance of inspection, and size of sample to inspect. Total inspection cost is adopted as the performance measure of the algorithm. A numerical example is investigated in two phases, i.e. fixed sample size and sample size as a decision parameter, to ensure the practicality and validity of the proposed PSO algorithm. It is shown that PSO gives better results in comparison with two other algorithms proposed by earlier works

The University in the Manner of Tiananmen Square

The university academic council assembled in the room where it customarily met

Teachers’ use of descriptive assessment in primary school mathematics education in Iran

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Teachers’ use of Descriptive Assessment methods in primary school mathematics education in Iran

International audienc

Effect of self-modeling and self-controlled feedback on the performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players

Self-modeling (SM) and self-control (SC) feedback can be presented as two solutions for learning improvement. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of SM and SC feedback on 100-m freestyle performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players. 25 elite male swimmers and waterpolo players, were randomly assigned to four groups: swimmer group with SM, swimmer group with SM and SC feedback, waterpolo players group with SM, and waterpolo players group with SM and SC feedback. 100-m freestyle times and performance were recorded. SM and SC feedback for the participants were utilized at the acquisition stage. The device used included a Lenovo B570 laptop and an Exilim ZR200 canon camcorder. SM and SC feedback presented to the swimmers and waterpolo players led to improved speed and results, and the effect of presenting SM with SC feedback to swimmers had better results. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SC modeling of watching video is a suitable method for professional swimmers. Water polo trainers can also use SM and SC feedback to enhance their players' swimming technique

Brucellosis Vaccines: Assessment of Brucella melitensis Lipopolysaccharide Rough Mutants Defective in Core and O-Polysaccharide Synthesis and Export

Background: The brucellae are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause brucellosis, one of the major neglected zoonoses. In endemic areas, vaccination is the only effective way to control this disease. Brucella melitensis Rev 1 is a vaccine effective against the brucellosis of sheep and goat caused by B. melitensis, the commonest source of human infection. However, Rev 1 carries a smooth lipopolysaccharide with an O-polysaccharide that elicits antibodies interfering in serodiagnosis, a major problem in eradication campaigns. Because of this, rough Brucella mutants lacking the O-polysaccharide have been proposed as vaccines. Methodology/Principal Findings: To examine the possibilities of rough vaccines, we screened B. melitensis for lipopolysaccharide genes and obtained mutants representing all main rough phenotypes with regard to core oligosaccharide and O-polysaccharide synthesis and export. Using the mouse model, mutants were classified into four attenuation patterns according to their multiplication and persistence in spleens at different doses. In macrophages, mutants belonging to three of these attenuation patterns reached the Brucella characteristic intracellular niche and multiplied intracellularly, suggesting that they could be suitable vaccine candidates. Virulence patterns, intracellular behavior and lipopolysaccharide defects roughly correlated with the degree of protection afforded by the mutants upon intraperitoneal vaccination of mice. However, when vaccination was applied by the subcutaneous route, only two mutants matched the protection obtained with Rev 1 albeit at doses one thousand fold higher than this reference vaccine. These mutants, which were blocked in O-polysaccharide export and accumulated internal O-polysaccharides, stimulated weak anti-smooth lipopolysaccharide antibodies. Conclusions/Significance: The results demonstrate that no rough mutant is equal to Rev 1 in laboratory models and question the notion that rough vaccines are suitable for the control of brucellosis in endemic areas.This work was funded by the European Commission (Research Contract QLK2-CT-2002-00918) and the Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología of Spain (Proyecto AGL2004-01162/GAN)

The effects of leveraged recapitalizations in private equity portfolio companies

This paper examines the way in which leveraged recapitalizations (re-issuance of debt) affect private equity portfolio companies. It therefore analyses this type of "transaction" from qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The qualitative perspective is studied with the help of interviews conducted with investors and with representatives of banks, private equity firms and portfolio companies. The quantitative studies are done by analysing a dataset of financial information from Nordic portfolio companies of private equity firms that have been subject to a recapitalization. The paper begins with a brief history of private equity and leveraged buyouts, and then explains the mechanics of leveraged recapitalizations. This introduction is followed by a theoretical explanation, empirical evidence and analysis. In the qualitative analysis we establish that the involved parties have different opinions on leveraged recapitalizations but they agree that under the right circumstances it can be an advantageous strategy. In the quantitative analysis we establish that it is difficult to draw ceteris paribus conclusions because factors other than the re-leverage can affect the key ratios that we have selected. We then conclude this paper by stating our findings; leveraged recapitalizations can be an effective tool for extracting additional capital or as an IRR enhancer given the right circumstances, but can have a devastating effect if thorough due diligence is not made. Furthermore, it can be an effective last-resort strategy if market conditions are not favourable and the investors demand returns on their investments

Analyzing the Lexical Elements of Ibn Arabi’s Tarjumān al-Ashwāq Based on the Environmental Linguistics Approach

Environmental linguistics is one of the new approaches in linguistic research and a branch of social linguistics that studies the relationship between language and the natural-social environment of its speakers from a new perspective. According to environmental linguists, geographical environment and climatic conditions cause linguistic variations; as a result of which intellectual and cultural differences in an environment emerge. Tarjumān al-Ashwāq (The Interpreter of Longings) is a poem by Mohi al-Din Ibn Arabi, one of the prominent thinkers and mystics of Islamic mysticism who depicts Ibn Arabi's romantic feelings towards Nazam, the daughter of Sheikh Makin al-Din, during the poet's years of residence in Mecca. In this work, Ibn Arabi employs a language that has semantic correlates appropriate to the geographical environment of Mecca and the socio-cultural conditions of the residents of that environment to express his moods and describe the characteristics of his beloved. From the linguistic viewpoint, this work depicts a linguistic community representing the particular discourse of the geographical environment the lover and the beloved were residing in.  In the present study, with the aim of evaluating and recognizing the specific discourse of the poet's biosphere, the linguistic community and the lexical network of Tarjumān al-Ashwāq were categorized based on the biological, intellectual, and cultural components and indicators of Ibn Arabi's life environment; using a descriptive-analytical method and from the perspective of environmental linguistics. The findings of the study reveal the correlation between the natural environment and language, which has in turn affected the culture, vision, and worldview of Ibn Arabi as one of the users of that environmen

An empirical study of the end-user satisfaction with information systems using the Doll and Torkzadeh instrument

Assessing the effectiveness or success of Information Systems (IS) within organisations is one of the most critical issues of the IS management field. Considering the subjectivity of IS success, many surrogate measures have been developed by many researchers. The End User Information System Satisfaction (EUISS) is probably the most widely used measure of IS success. In this paper, a 12-item instrument that was developed by Doll and Torkzadeh is applied to study EUISS in an Iranian power holding company. This instrument has been vastly accepted in the literature and measures the satisfaction of IS end users in five different dimensions: content, accuracy, format, ease of use and timeliness. However, to date, this instrument has not been tested in an Iranian setting

Teachers’ use of Descriptive Assessment in primary school mathematics education in Iran

In many countries, assessment and curriculum reforms came into being in recent decades. In Iran, an important educational assessment reform took place called Descriptive Assessment (DA). In this reform, the focus of student assessment was moved from a more summative approach of providing grades and deciding about promotion to the next grade to a more formative approach of providing descriptive feedback aimed at improving student learning. In this study, we evaluated how seven fourth-grade mathematics teachers used the principles of DA. Data were collected by a questionnaire on assessment practices and beliefs, lesson observations, and interviews. Although the teachers varied in how they assess their students, in general their assessment practice is by and large in line with the DA guidelines. Nevertheless, in some respects we found differences. When assessing their students, the teachers essentially do not check the students’ strategies and when preparing the report cards, they still use final exams because they do not sufficiently trust the assessments methods suggested by DA. The guideline to use assessment results for adapting instruction is also not genuinely put into action. The article is concluded by discussing dilemmas the teachers may encounter when implementing DA