Introducing a novel multi-objective optimization model for volunteer assignment in the post-disaster phase: Combining fuzzy inference systems with NSGA-II and NRGA

Each year, disasters (natural or man-made) cause a lot of damage and take many people’s lives. In this situation, many volunteers come to help. While the proper management of volunteers is very effective in controlling the crisis, the lack of proper management of volunteers can create another crisis. Therefore, we introduce a model to deal with the volunteer assignment problem by considering two qualitative objective functions: The first one is minimizing the mean importance of Emergency Department (ED) centers’ unmet needs by volunteers, and the second one is minimizing the mean degree of unsatisfied preferences of selected volunteers. To evaluate the introduced qualitative indexes, two Fuzzy Inference Systems (FISs) are used to encapsulate decision makers’ knowledge as well as the human reasoning process. FISs are embedded in two evolutionary algorithms for solving the proposed model: Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and Non-Dominated Ranked Genetic Algorithm (NRGA). Also, 30 small-size problems, as well as 30 large-size problems, are randomly generated and solved by both metaheuristic algorithms. Using the obtained data, the performance of NSGA-II and NRGA is measured and compared based on four criteria: CPU Time, Number of Non-dominated Solutions (NNS), Mean Ideal Distance (MID), and Spacing Metric (SM). Statistical tests show that both algorithms have the same performance in small-size problems. However, in large-size problems, NSGA-II is faster, and NRGA produces more optimal solutions. The proposed model is flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios just by updating linguistic rules in FISs. Also, since employed algorithms produce a set of optimal solutions, decision-makers can easily choose the most appropriate solution among the Pareto front based on the circumstancesH2020-EU.1.3. – EXCELLEN

Towards a social and context-aware mobile recommendation system for tourism

[EN] Loyalty in tourism is one of the main concerns for tourist organizations and researchers alike. Recently, technology in general and CRM and social networks in particular have been identified as important enablers for loyalty in tourism. This paper presents POST-VIA 360, a platform devoted to support the whole life-cycle of tourism loyalty after the first visit. The system is designed to collect data from the initial visit by means of pervasive approaches. Once data is analysed, POST-VIA 360 produces accurate after visit data and, once returned, is able to offer relevant recommendations based on positioning and bio-inspired recommender systems. To validate the system, a case study comparing recommendations from the POST-VIA 360 and a group of experts was conducted. Results show that the accuracy of system’s recommendations is remarkable compared to previous efforts in the field

Learning management systems and cloud file hosting services: A study on students’ acceptance

The aim of this paper is to investigate the motivations that lead higher education students to replace several Learning Management Systems (LMS) services with cloud file hosting services for information sharing and collaboration among them. The research approach is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). More specifically, the model is devoted to identifying barriers and enablers to the acceptance of these technologies. A questionnaire comprising three factors (Attitude toward using technology, Perceived ease of use and Perceived usefulness) was applied to a sample consisting of 121 higher education students. Results show that the perceived ease of use of cloud file hosting services is above that of LMS tools and services and that cloud file hosting services presented higher levels of perceived usefulness than standard learning management tools. In addition, attitude toward using cloud file hosting services is well above that of using LMS tools

A process framework for information security management

Securing sensitive organizational data has become increasingly vital to organizations. An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a systematic approach for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving an organization\u27s information security. Key elements of the operation of an ISMS are ISMS processes. However, and in spite of its importance, an ISMS process framework with a description of ISMS processes and their interaction as well as the interaction with other management processes is not available in the literature. Cost benefit analysis of information security investments regarding single measures protecting information and ISMS processes are not in the focus of current research, mostly focused on economics. This article aims to fill this research gap by proposing such an ISMS process framework as the main contribution. Based on a set of agreed upon ISMS processes in existing standards like ISO 27000 series, COBIT and ITIL. Within the framework, identified processes are described and their interaction and interfaces are specified. This framework helps to focus on the operation of the ISMS, instead of focusing on measures and controls. By this, as a main finding, the systemic character of the ISMS consisting of processes and the perception of relevant roles of the ISMS is strengthened

Governance, risk, and compliance in cloud scenarios

Cloud computing is changing the way organizations approach technology and its infrastructure. However, in spite of its attractiveness, cloud computing can be seen as a threat in terms of compliance. Given its intrinsic distributed nature, regulations and laws may differ and customers and cloud providers must find a way to balance increasing compliance pressures with cloud computing benefits. In this paper, the authors present a framework aimed to help organizations to cope with compliance aspects in their cloud-oriented environments. Built upon current literature on the topic and qualitative approaches, the framework has been implemented in two organizations. Results from its contribution are encouraging, leading to adopter organizations to less reported compliance violations and higher contribution of cloud computing to overall quality of service and organizational compliance management.publishedVersio

Service-based Systems in Clinical Environments

In this report we present an architectural approach to add quality-of-service (QoS) assurance and location awareness to service-based systems within existing clinical infrastructures. To address typical design requirements of such systems (e.g., cooperating services, performance and availability) the work proposes a service-oriented architecture (SOA) as architectural concept and architectural translucency to provide stable QoS. We evaluate position sensing systems, QoS assurance approaches and present design principles for service-based health care applications. Furthermore, we present a clinical application scenario and an architectural approach to integrate existing infrastructure into a human centric assistance system

An Integrated Adoption Model to Manage Blockchain-Driven Business Innovation in a Sustainable Way

Blockchain technology has the potential to drive innovations across various industries, businesses, and use cases. It is broadly recognized that innovation is a vital source of competitive advantage in a rapidly changing environment. High expectations surround blockchain’s potential for contributing to sustainable economic and social development. However, current blockchain projects still show high failure rates. The associated side effects of such failure rates generate a negative impact on economic and social sustainability performances such as corporate governance, risk management, finance management, human resources and culture management, and competitiveness. This paper assesses adoption models and their risk and success factors. Building on a novel, integrated adoption model to operationalize, measure and manage blockchain-driven business innovation in a sustainable way, we assessed its applicability with an empirical study across 20 industry sectors and 125 business leaders. The results reveal that the developed adoption model holds the potential to support the sustainable usage of blockchain technology for business innovations, not limited to a specific industry or use case. Further case studies and industry activities can be carried out to continue its validation in future works

An Integrated Adoption Model to Manage Blockchain-Driven Business Innovation in a Sustainable Way

Blockchain technology has the potential to drive innovations across various industries, businesses, and use cases. It is broadly recognized that innovation is a vital source of competitive advantage in a rapidly changing environment. High expectations surround blockchain’s potential for contributing to sustainable economic and social development. However, current blockchain projects still show high failure rates. The associated side effects of such failure rates generate a negative impact on economic and social sustainability performances such as corporate governance, risk management, finance management, human resources and culture management, and competitiveness. This paper assesses adoption models and their risk and success factors. Building on a novel, integrated adoption model to operationalize, measure and manage blockchain-driven business innovation in a sustainable way, we assessed its applicability with an empirical study across 20 industry sectors and 125 business leaders. The results reveal that the developed adoption model holds the potential to support the sustainable usage of blockchain technology for business innovations, not limited to a specific industry or use case. Further case studies and industry activities can be carried out to continue its validation in future works