Machine learning and its applications in reliability analysis systems

In this thesis, we are interested in exploring some aspects of Machine Learning (ML) and its application in the Reliability Analysis systems (RAs). We begin by investigating some ML paradigms and their- techniques, go on to discuss the possible applications of ML in improving RAs performance, and lastly give guidelines of the architecture of learning RAs. Our survey of ML covers both levels of Neural Network learning and Symbolic learning. In symbolic process learning, five types of learning and their applications are discussed: rote learning, learning from instruction, learning from analogy, learning from examples, and learning from observation and discovery. The Reliability Analysis systems (RAs) presented in this thesis are mainly designed for maintaining plant safety supported by two functions: risk analysis function, i.e., failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) ; and diagnosis function, i.e., real-time fault location (RTFL). Three approaches have been discussed in creating the RAs. According to the result of our survey, we suggest currently the best design of RAs is to embed model-based RAs, i.e., MORA (as software) in a neural network based computer system (as hardware). However, there are still some improvement which can be made through the applications of Machine Learning. By implanting the 'learning element', the MORA will become learning MORA (La MORA) system, a learning Reliability Analysis system with the power of automatic knowledge acquisition and inconsistency checking, and more. To conclude our thesis, we propose an architecture of La MORA

Rationing Rules and Outcomes: The Experience of Singapore's Vehicle Quota System

Since 1990, Singapore has sought to control motor vehicle ownership by means of an auction quota system, whereby prospective vehicle buyers need to obtain a quota license before they can make their purchase. This paper assesses the success of the vehicle quota system in meeting its objectives of stability in motor vehicle growth, flexibility in the motor vehicle mix, and equity among motor vehicle buyers. Two important implementation issues - quota subcategorization and license transferability - are highlighted, and policy lessons are drawn for the design of auction quotas in general. Copyright 2003, International Monetary Fund

Intelligent imaging system for optimal night time driving

In the recent era, vehicles become a need of public. According to Statistic Portal, in year 2018 alone, more than 81 million vehicles were sold. This results in a large number of vehicles commuting on roads, thus increases the risks of road users. Road safety is the paramount and joint responsibility of all road users, which include pedestrians and travellers using different means of transport. Safety is always a main concern for drivers. It is a complex and difficult task even for an experienced senior driver. Road accident is the most unwanted thing to happen to a road user; it was reported that most of the road users are familiar with the general rules and safety measures when using roads, nonetheless their carelessness are causing the accidents and crashes. Zhang et.al [1] proposed an intelligent driver assist system for urban driving. This system provided smart navigation for its users with intelligent parking assistance to improve driving comfort while ensure the safety of the driver. The investigations of the system performance showed high precisions in the determination of the traffic flow and parking availabilit

Rent-sharing in the multi-fibre arrangement : evidence from U.S. - Hong Kong trade in apparel

The Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) restricts the access of developing country exporters to developed country markets. It is usually assumed that the exporting countries receive all of the economic rents that result from these import restrictions - making it unclear whether the developing countries gain or lose as a result of the MFA. Recent theoretical work on trade policy under imperfect competition casts doubt on whether exporting countries receive all of the quota rents arising from voluntary export restraints such as those applied by the MFA. Drawing on this theoretical literature, Erzan, Krishna, and Tan (1991) tested and rejected the hypothesis that MFA quota rents on exports from Hong Kong to the United States accrued in full to the Hong Kong exporters. The results in this paper build on that hypothesis-testing analysis and assess its implications for the returns to Hong Kong producers. Their results suggest that rent sharing is an extremely important feature of the market for apparel exports from Hong Kong. U.S. importers were estimated to receive rents that were about 62 percent of the landed price of the imports. The authors conclude that the total potential rents arising from the MFA were split unevenly between the U.S. and Hong Kong - with the U.S. share ranging from 47 percent for skirts to 94 percent for playsuits. If the results of this study are corroborated for other developing countries, the implications of the MFA for developing countries are considerably worse than has typically been assumed.Economic Theory&Research,Access to Markets,Markets and Market Access,Health Economics&Finance,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT

The dynamic behavior of quota license prices : theory and evidence from the Hong Kong apparel quotas

Empirical studies of the welfare consequences of quotas often assume perfect competition everywhere. If this assumption is not valid, welfare estimate and policy recommendations may err dramatically. The popular press often argues that market power is being exercised in markets constrained by import quotas. The authors develop a framework for testing the hypothesis of perfect competition in the market for apparel quota licenses. Drawing on simple models, they predict the behavior of license prices, taking into account four influences on prices: scarcity value, option value, renewal value, and asset value. They explore the effect of imperfections in the license market on license price paths. They test allegations that there is price fixing in the market for Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) apparel quota licenses in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong often serves as a benchmark case for the welfare consequences of the MFA.) They use monthly data on license prices and use rates to test for the presence of imperfect competition. They argue that a concentration of license holding could affect both the supply side and the demand side, by affecting the costs of search. These results accord well with the authors theoretical discussion, in which they point out that license use and price paths with imperfect competition in the license market may be quite different from the corresponding paths in the case of perfect competition - even though the total use of licenses is the same. The authors estimate the structural demand and supply equations of the model, which provide further evidence of imperfect competition in the license market. In particular, the intra-year path of quota license prices and of quota use are found to be affected by concentration in license holdings. The results, in short, suggest that market power exists in Hong Kong's quota license market. Hong Kong is often considered the prime example of perfect competition, so this has major implications for other developing countries.Environmental Economics&Policies,Industrial Management,Markets and Market Access,Access to Markets,Economic Theory&Research