On Binomial Ideals associated to Linear Codes

Recently, it was shown that a binary linear code can be associated to a binomial ideal given as the sum of a toric ideal and a non-prime ideal. Since then two different generalizations have been provided which coincide for the binary case. In this paper, we establish some connections between the two approaches. In particular, we show that the corresponding code ideals are related by elimination. Finally, a new heuristic decoding method for linear codes over prime fields is discussed using Gr\"obner bases

Assessment of Temperature-Dependent Regression Model Terms of a RUAG Six-Component Block-Type Balance

A metric called the percent contribution was applied to regression models of temperature-dependent calibration data of a RUAG six-component block-type balance in order to assess the influence of temperature-dependent regression model terms on the balance load prediction. Regression models were examined that are needed if either the Iterative or the Non-Iterative Method is used for the load prediction. Computed values of the percent contribution confirmed that the cross-product term defined by a primary load and the temperature difference is the most influential temperature-dependent term of the regression model of a primary output that the Iterative Method needs. Similarly, the analysis showed that the cross-product term defined by a primary output and the temperature difference is the most influential temperature-dependent term of the regression model of a primary load that the Non-Iterative Method needs. Computed results support conclusions that were reported in an earlier theoretical study. This study asserted that the cross-product term defined by a primary load or output and the temperature difference models the temperature-dependent shift of the gage sensitivity. The influence of other temperature-dependent terms used in the regression models of the calibration data of RUAG's balance was negligible. This observation may be explained by the fact that RUAG's block-type balances have highly linear characteristics. Overall, the percent contribution has proven itself to be a reliable and easy-to-implement metric that may also be used for the assessment of the influence of temperature-dependent regression model terms on the load prediction of a six-component strain-gage balance

Dynamics of incentives and value creation in (de-)centralised incentive systems

When young and small organisations grow into medium-sized organisations they often implement monetary incentive systems with unclear consequences. Whilst implemented to increase employee (innovative) output and value creation, they have ambiguous effects and may even reduce value creation. Due to the different effects of monetary incentives, this paper distinguishes reciprocal and opportunistic employees’ different reactions to incentives. It analyses the effects of decentralised incentive systems – and thus of incentive systems targeted better at opportunistic vs. reciprocal employees – on value creation. Here, it proposes a causal feedback structure explaining opportunistic and reciprocal employees’ different reactions and it investigates by simulation how incentives and value creation interact over time. The analysis reveals that behaviour is not pre-determined by employee disposition. It shows how dynamics evolve dependent on the interrelationships of employee dispositions and the organisational context. As such, it exemplifies the usefulness of studying dynamics of incentive systems and employee behaviour

Understanding the Mechanisms behind Fragmentation in the Housing Construction and Retrofit

Housing and energy-efficiency policies often cause unintended consequences in the built-environment and beyond it, and encounter resistance by the potential users. Systems thinking and an integrated approach are suggested both for research and decision-making in order to avoid such unintended consequences and policy resistance. However, previous studies revealed that such an integrated decision making takes place neither at the policy nor at the industry level, and the resulting fragmented processes lead to performance gaps in the housing sector. This study investigates the mechanisms behind fragmentation based on a large set of stakeholder interviews conducted for the housing sector in the UK. For this purpose, the information obtained from these interviews is transformed into a system dynamics model. The model focuses on the improvement of housing performance by immediate actions such as resource allocation or by longer-term actions such as competence development both at the policy and industry level. Future research will focus on extending the model to the user level and elaborating it in participatory sessions

Using Textual Data in System Dynamics Model Conceptualization

Qualitative data is an important source of information for system dynamics modeling. It can potentially support any stage of the modeling process, yet it is mainly used in the early steps such as problem identification and model conceptualization. Existing approaches that outline a systematic use of qualitative data in model conceptualization are often not adopted for reasons of time constraints resulting from an abundance of data. In this paper, we introduce an approach that synthesizes the strengths of existing methods. This alternative approach (i) is focused on causal relationships starting from the initial steps of coding; (ii) generates a generalized and simplified causal map without recording individual relationships so that time consumption can be reduced; and (iii) maintains the links from the final causal map to the data sources by using software. We demonstrate an application of this approach in a study about integrated decision making in the housing sector of the UK

Stripe-hexagon competition in forced pattern forming systems with broken up-down symmetry

We investigate the response of two-dimensional pattern forming systems with a broken up-down symmetry, such as chemical reactions, to spatially resonant forcing and propose related experiments. The nonlinear behavior immediately above threshold is analyzed in terms of amplitude equations suggested for a $1:2$ and $1:1$ ratio between the wavelength of the spatial periodic forcing and the wavelength of the pattern of the respective system. Both sets of coupled amplitude equations are derived by a perturbative method from the Lengyel-Epstein model describing a chemical reaction showing Turing patterns, which gives us the opportunity to relate the generic response scenarios to a specific pattern forming system. The nonlinear competition between stripe patterns and distorted hexagons is explored and their range of existence, stability and coexistence is determined. Whereas without modulations hexagonal patterns are always preferred near onset of pattern formation, single mode solutions (stripes) are favored close to threshold for modulation amplitudes beyond some critical value. Hence distorted hexagons only occur in a finite range of the control parameter and their interval of existence shrinks to zero with increasing values of the modulation amplitude. Furthermore depending on the modulation amplitude the transition between stripes and distorted hexagons is either sub- or supercritical.Comment: 10 pages, 12 figures, submitted to Physical Review

Using Decision-making Scripts in Group Model Building Workshops

Group model building (GMB) workshops, as a participatory method for involving stakeholders, emphasise the interactive engagement process with stakeholders. GMB workshops are demonstrated as being useful to facilitate communication, commitment, and users’ insights about the system. However, models, simulated or not, are limitedly adopted and thus have a limited impact on participants’ decision-making. Also, to what extent do GMB workshops support decision-making is limited investigated. One approach to further explore and advance GMBworkshop’s role in supporting decision-making and increase model adoption is to rethink the designing and structuring of scripts, which are basic elements of GMB workshops. This paper first reviews the history of the development of the script. The review suggests that existing GMB workshop scripts often focus on system mapping, resulting in restrained space to explore decision alternatives in workshops. Then two decision-making scripts drawing from organisational decision-making theories are proposed. Proposed scripts are planned to be tested through a case study with a UK-based non-profit housing association to investigate the impacts. Future work will evaluatehow proposed decision-making scripts can be used in the GMB workshops to support decision-making

China's Latent Human Capital Investment: Achieving Milestones and Competing for the Top

In this paper we provide an overview of China’s human capital strategy and educational achievements over the last two decades. While every one acknowledges China as an economic superpower, very few are aware of or realize China’s notable achievements in education as well as its internationalization of education. Since 1978, the landmark for the foundation of the Chinese modern higher education system China has made tremendous strides in education both domestically and internationally. While China maintains 10% growth in GDP, albeit with a GDP per capita at the low level of a developing country, it is also producing serious scholars and a tremendous amount of scholarly output; more and more Chinese students seek higher education abroad; and international students find a rising interest in receiving education in China.higher education, brain drain, human capital, China