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Design Choices (design + choice)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Information Science and Computing	33%
Engineering	16%
Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting	16%

Selected Abstracts

Usability levels for sparse linear algebra components,

CONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 12 2008
M. Sosonkina
Abstract Sparse matrix computations are ubiquitous in high-performance computing applications and often are their most computationally intensive part. In particular, efficient solution of large-scale linear systems may drastically improve the overall application performance. Thus, the choice and implementation of the linear system solver are of paramount importance. It is difficult, however, to navigate through a multitude of available solver packages and to tune their performance to the problem at hand, mainly because of the plethora of interfaces, each requiring application adaptations to match the specifics of solver packages. For example, different ways of setting parameters and a variety of sparse matrix formats hinder smooth interactions of sparse matrix computations with user applications. In this paper, interfaces designed for components that encapsulate sparse matrix computations are discussed in the light of their matching with application usability requirements. Consequently, we distinguish three levels of interfaces, high, medium, and low, corresponding to the degree of user involvement in the linear system solution process and in sparse matrix manipulations. We demonstrate when each interface design choice is applicable and how it may be used to further users' scientific goals. Component computational overheads caused by various design choices are also examined, ranging from low level, for matrix manipulation components, to high level, in which a single component contains the entire linear system solver. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

A design-variable-based inelastic hysteretic model for beam,column connections

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2008
Gun Jin Yun
Abstract This paper presents a design-variable-based inelastic hysteretic model for beam,column connections. It has been well known that the load-carrying capacity of connections heavily depends on the types and design variables even in the same connection type. Although many hysteretic connection models have been proposed, most of them are dependent on the specific connection type with presumed failure mechanisms. The proposed model can be responsive to variations both in design choices and in loading conditions. The proposed model consists of two modules: physical-principle-based module and neural network (NN)-based module in which information flow from design space to response space is formulated in one complete model. Moreover, owing to robust learning capability of a new NN-based module, the model can also learn complex dynamic evolutions in response space under earthquake loading conditions, such as yielding, post-buckling and tearing, etc. Performance of the proposed model has been demonstrated with synthetic and experimental data of two connection types: extended-end-plate and top- and seat-angle with double-web-angle connection. Furthermore, the design-variable-based model can be customized to any structural component beyond the application to beam,column connections. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Design Considerations for Research on Analytical Procedures

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING, Issue 3 2001
Stephen K. Asare
This article discusses research design considerations for conducting behavioral research on auditors' performance of analytical procedures (APs). With the trend in practice towards increasing reliance on APs, it is essential that auditors are proficient in completing such tests. Therefore, research to understand and improve auditors' performance of APs is important. Once an unexpected fluctuation is identified, APs involve three phases: generation of plausible hypotheses (likely causes); gathering evidence to examine plausible hypotheses; and identification of the most likely cause followed by appropriate follow-up actions. Although prior research has focused on these phases in isolation, they are, in fact, interrelated. Important research design issues and trade-offs for each of the phases of APs are discussed. For instance, in examining hypothesis generation there are choices as to the amount and nature of case background information, number of ratios or accounts to explain; ex-post evaluation of the quality of the hypothesis set; and instructions on number of causes that account for the fluctuation. Significant considerations are identified for making informed decisions among design choices. [source]

Performance evaluation of an electricity base load engine cogeneration system

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010
Denilson Boschiero do Espirito Santo
Abstract Decentralized electricity production by cogeneration can result in primary energy economy, as these systems operate with a high-energy utilization factor (EUF), producing electricity and recovering energy rejected by the prime mover to meet site thermal demands. Because energy demands in buildings vary with such factors as the hour of the day, level of activity and climatic conditions, cogeneration case studies should consider different system configurations, energy demand profiles and climatic profiles. This paper analyzes an engine cogeneration system as an integrated thermal system by means of a computational simulation program. The simulation takes into account characteristics of the system, characteristics of the pieces of equipment, design choices and parameters, the variability of operating conditions, site energy demand profiles and climatic data to evaluate the performance of the cogeneration plant. Performance evaluation is based on: (i) the EUF, (ii) the exergy efficiency and (iii) primary energy savings analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

An efficient architecture for Bandwidth Brokers in DiffServ networks

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NETWORK MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2008
Ch. Bouras
In this article we examine the architecture of an entity used for automatic management and provisioning of resources for DiffServ networks. We examine the existing literature and implementations in this area, focusing on the design choices made, and we propose an architecture for the design of Bandwidth Brokers that combines an adaptive admission control algorithm for increased utilization of network resources and a mechanism for reducing the complexity overhead that intends to be both simple and effective. Specifically, we present a novel architecture for the admission control module that aims at achieving a satisfactory balance between maximizing the resource utilization for the network provider and minimizing the overhead of the module. We complement our theoretical discussion with extensive experimental simulations for the proposed Bandwidth Broker components and analysis of the results. The simulations study the possible configurations of the proposed algorithm and also compare it with alternative admission control policies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Collaborative recommendation of e-learning resources: an experimental investigation

JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 4 2010
N. Manouselis
Abstract Repositories with educational resources can support the formation of online learning communities by providing a platform for collaboration. Users (e.g. teachers, tutors and learners) access repositories, search for interesting resources to access and use, and in many cases, also exchange experiences and opinions. A particular class of online services that take advantage of the collected knowledge and experience of users are collaborative filtering ones. The successful operation of such services in the context of real-life applications requires careful testing and parameterization before their actual deployment. In this paper, the case of developing a learning resources' collaborative filtering service for an online community of teachers in Europe was examined. More specifically, a data set of evaluations of learning resources was collected from the teachers that use the European Schoolnet's learning resource portal. These evaluations were then used to support the experimental investigation of design choices for an online collaborative filtering service for the portal's learning resources. A candidate multi-attribute utility collaborative filtering algorithm was appropriately parameterized and tested for this purpose. Results indicated that the development of such systems should be taking place considering the particularities of the actual communities that are to be served. [source]

Dimensions of reengineering environment infrastructures

JOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 5 2003
S. Ducasse
Abstract Over the last decade many research groups and commercial companies have been developing reengineering environments. However, many design decisions such as support for multiple models, incremental loading of information, tool integration, entity grouping, and their impacts on the underlying meta-model and resulting environment have remained implicit. Based on the experience accumulated while developing the Moose reengineering environment and on a survey of reengineering environments, we present a design space defined by a set of criteria that makes explicit the different options and especially their dependencies and trade-offs. Using this design space, developers of future environments should have a better understanding of the problems they face and the impact of design choices. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The design of single particle laser mass spectrometers,

MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2007
Daniel M. MurphyArticle first published online: 16 OCT 200
Abstract This review explores some of the design choices made with single particle mass spectrometers. Different instruments have used various configurations of inlets, particle sizing techniques, ionization lasers, mass spectrometers, and other components. Systematic bias against non-spherical particles probably exceeds a factor of 2 for all instruments. An ionization laser tradeoff is the relatively poor beam quality and reliability of an excimer laser versus the longer wavelengths and slower response time of an Nd-YAG laser. Single particle instruments can make special demands on the speed and dynamic range of the mass spectrometers. This review explains some of the choices made for instruments that were developed for different types of measurements in the atmosphere. Some practical design notes are also given from the author's experience with each section of the instrument. Published 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:150,165, 2007 [source]

SIMM: An integrated forecasting system for the Mediterranean area

METEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2007
Antonio Speranza
Abstract Many ,high-impact' meteorological, marine and hydrological events in the Mediterranean area are characterized by horizontal spatial scales of the order of 10,100 km. Such events are, sometimes, driven by complex dynamical processes involving planetary scale atmospheric flows. Several international programs (ALPEX, POEM, MAP, PYREX, MEDEX) have improved the understanding of some of these processes. However, because of the Mediterranean's geomorphological structure, characterized by mountain chains (e.g. the Alps), semi-enclosed sea basins and small river catchments, many problems remain. It is clear that such problems have to be faced in the context of analysis-prediction systems bridging the gap between global and local scales of motion. These systems should allow for an adequate representation of key dynamical processes at all the relevant scales of motion. The Hydro-Meteorological-Marine System (,Sistema Idro-Meteo-Mare', SIMM) is a first step in developing an integrated system, adequately covering all scales of motion from global to local. A short description of the system is presented, highlighting scientific concepts behind design choices. A summary of the results of verification tests is also illustrated, together with a general evaluation of the whole process in planning, developing and running SIMM in order to assist future updates of the system, currently under development. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source]

Residual Claims in Co-operatives: Design Issues

ANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2003
R. Srinivasan
This paper examines issues in the design of a co-operative member's contractual relationship with the other agents (including the remaining members) using organizational economics. The paper assumes that the central defining characteristic of a co-op is the residual claim specification. Agency theory identifies certain inherent problems of the co-op form, the horizon problem, common property problem, and non-transferability. Non-transferability both reduces the incentive to monitor and imposes limits on portfolio diversification. This paper argues that features such as claim incompleteness and non-transferability are not inherent to the co-op but may be transaction-cost economizing. The paper also argues that the pre-emptive payoff feature by which the residual claimants (the co-op members) also become fixed payoff agents can affect the risk of other agents, and is an important determinant of co-op risk. A co-op may have more than one potential residual claim base. Five generic design choices are available for handling possible multiple claim bases: battleground, pre-specified allocation, limited return, alignment, and fixed payoff. The paper uses the design of residual claims in sugar co-ops to show how a co-op can partly overcome some of the problems identified by agency theory. This illustration ties together the issues of claim incompleteness and non-transferability, pre-emptive payoff, and multiple claim bases. [source]

PATTERNS OF ATTENTION: FROM SHOP WINDOWS TO GALLERY ROOMS IN EARLY TWENTIETH-CENTURY BERLIN

ART HISTORY, Issue 4 2005
Charlotte Klonk
In the aesthetic programmes promoted by the various German cultural reform movements that flourished in the years before the 1914,18 war patterns took on unprecedented significance. This article investigates the importance of abstract pattern-making in the display strategies adopted in the museum and in the market place. Philosophical and experimental psychology was a common background in both cases. Among the questions that the article addresses are the following: Why were abstract colours and forms and their rhythmic arrangement assigned such a prominent place in Germany in the first decades of the twentieth century? Why were they favoured above the more traditional illusionistic designs? Did gendered assumptions about consumption determine design choices? The article ends with an account of a new kind of display strategy that emerged in the late 1920s in antithesis to pre-war efforts to engage patterns of attention. This abandoned the attempt to make a psycho-physical impact on the perceiving subject in favour of a discursive strategy that posits subjects as part of rational collectives. [source]