Cogeneration design problem Computational complexity analysis and solution through an expert system

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is twofold: to analyze the computational complexity of the cogeneration design problem; to present an expert system to solve the proposed problem, comparing such an approach with the traditional searching methods available.Design/methodology/approach - The complexity of the cogeneration problem is analyzed through the transformation of the well-known knapsack problem. Both problems are formulated as decision problems and it is proven that the cogeneration problem is np-complete. Thus, several searching approaches, such as population heuristics and dynamic programming, could be used to solve the problem. Alternatively, a knowledge-based approach is proposed by presenting an expert system and its knowledge representation scheme.Findings - The expert system is executed considering two case-studies. First, a cogeneration plant should meet power, steam, chilled water and hot water demands. The expert system presented two different solutions based on high complexity thermodynamic cycles. In the second case-study the plant should meet just power and steam demands. The system presents three different solutions, and one of them was never considered before by our consultant expert.Originality/value - The expert system approach is not a "blind" method, i.e. it generates solutions based on actual engineering knowledge instead of the searching strategies from traditional methods. It means that the system is able to explain its choices, making available the design rationale for each solution. This is the main advantage of the expert system approach over the traditional search methods. On the other hand, the expert system quite likely does not provide an actual optimal solution. All it can provide is one or more acceptable solutions.

Bias in the indexing languages Theorethical approaches about feminine issues

The process of knowledge representation as well as its procedures or tools and its products are not neutral in terms of values; instead they imply moral values. In this context, bias in representation related to prejudice and discrimination, to gender issues, to dicotomic categorization in classification systems or in thesauri and to lack of cultural warrant may arise. Concerning the problem of bias in indexing languages, starting from the initial theoretical reflexions of Brey (1999), Berman (1993), Olson (1998; 2002), Lopez-Huertas Perez & Torres Ramirez (2005), Guimaraes (2006), Hjorland (2008) and Milani et al. (2009), the proposal is to present a preliminary categorization aiming at facilitating the identification of bias concerning feminine issues in indexing languages, to offer a contribution to the theoretical universe of the specific questions of knowledge organization and to present a theme to be discussed by educators and professionals in the areas of cataloging, classification and indexing. If in a society which intends to be politically correct, social attitudes towards stigmatized citizens should be modified, then, the universe of indexing languages, taken as tools of knowledge representation, is a fertile field to sow this reflexion.

Difusão de objetos de aprendizagem multiplataforma por transmissão de televisão digital: um estudo de viabilidade técnica e pedagógica

Pós-graduação em Televisão Digital: Informação e Conhecimento - FAAC

Anéis de inteiros de corpos de números e aplicações

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Responsabilidade socioambiental: conhecimento dos profissionais da saúde sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos no serviço público

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Plantas utilizadas para tratamento da malária e males associados em comunidades indígenas no rio Uapés em São Gabriel da Cachoeira - AM

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Horticultura) - FCA

A fotografia e a pesquisa em história da educação: escolas paulistas na década de 1930

In the Brazilian public archives,it is not unusual to find photographs recording the daily school educational institutions since at least the early twentieth century. The historian often has conceptual difficulties in dealing with the photographic documentation as a research source. The current workproposes to present the debate over the use of photographyas a privileged source for research on Education History. Photography can be an instrument of knowledge and information for observers awayfrom the place and time in which the images originated. Its contents have been tentativelyused in researchfor the Historyof Education. The methodologyof this studywill approach the ideas proposed byBoris Kossoyand Susan Sontag on photographyas a record of realityand its use in historical research. As interlocutors with the ideas of these three authors will be presented photographs of reports from the Regional O ffice of Education in the 1930s,preserved in the Public Archives of São Paulo. It is the purpose of this study to help researchers in History of Education in methodological reflection on the use of photographs as documentarysource of research.

O conhecimento, as redes e a competência em informação (CoInfo) na sociedade contemporânea: uma proposta de articulação conceitual

Article exploratory nature that presents reflection on the information, knowledge and learning society and the social role of information and knowledge about new social structures that culminate in the emergence of the "network society". The concepts of knowledge, networks and the importance of information literacy are highlighted to learn to access and use the information wisely and foster the construction and sharing of knowledge through relationships without restrictions of space and time. It aims to establish a conceptual link between, trying to show the need for better understanding between these areas for innovation and the development of people and organizations in contemporary society.

O uso de MC em uma abordagem Socio-interacionista no ensino de Física

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Informação e conhecimento: fluxos e apropriação sob uma abordagem crítica

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)