The log-bimodal-skew-normal model. A geochemical application

The main objective of this paper is to study a logarithm extension of the bimodal skew normal model introduced by Elal-Olivero et al. [1]. The model can then be seen as an alternative to the log-normal model typically used for fitting positive data. We study some basic properties such as the distribution function and moments, and discuss maximum likelihood for parameter estimation. We report results of an application to a real data set related to nickel concentration in soil samples. Model fitting comparison with several alternative models indicates that the model proposed presents the best fit and so it can be quite useful in real applications for chemical data on substance concentration. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Skew-normal linear calibration: a Bayesian perspective

In this paper, we present a Bayesian approach for estimation in the skew-normal calibration model, as well as the conditional posterior distributions which are useful for implementing the Gibbs sampler. Data transformation is thus avoided by using the methodology proposed. Model fitting is implemented by proposing the asymmetric deviance information criterion, ADIC, a modification of the ordinary DIC. We also report an application of the model studied by using a real data set, related to the relationship between the resistance and the elasticity of a sample of concrete beams. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Elementary Petri net inside RFID distributed database (PNRD)

Usually, a Petri net is applied as an RFID model tool. This paper, otherwise, presents another approach to the Petri net concerning RFID systems. This approach, called elementary Petri net inside an RFID distributed database, or PNRD, is the first step to improve RFID and control systems integration, based on a formal data structure to identify and update the product state in real-time process execution, allowing automatic discovery of unexpected events during tag data capture. There are two main features in this approach: to use RFID tags as the object process expected database and last product state identification; and to apply Petri net analysis to automatically update the last product state registry during reader data capture. RFID reader data capture can be viewed, in Petri nets, as a direct analysis of locality for a specific transition that holds in a specific workflow. Following this direction, RFID readers storage Petri net control vector list related to each tag id is expected to be perceived. This paper presents PNRD cornerstones and a PNRD implementation example in software called DEMIS Distributed Environment in Manufacturing Information Systems.

Informationss��kerhet inom grafiska f��retag

The study shows the current need for security solutions concerning work with information in different areas.Investigations will show important solutions for printers��� needs to meet the increasingly harder demands forfast and safe digital communications. Important factors to be analyzed in the investigations are: access todifferent types of information, workers authority of information, access to the data base register internallyand externally, production solutions for an effective fault detection and data base solutions fororders and distribution.Planned and unplanned stops result in a standard of value in interruptions. Internal data bases areprotected by so-called ���Fire Walls���, ���Watch Dogs��� and Virtual Private Networks. Offset plates are locked infor a definitive range of time. Subsequent destruction and remaining sheets are shredded and recycled. Alldocumentation is digital, in business control systems, which guarantees that no important documents arelying around in working places. Fault detection work is facilitated by the ability to fully track the order numberson incoming orders.

Expert system to calculate the cofficient of friction : an approach to enhance traffic safety

Friction plays a key role in causing slipperiness as a low coefficient of friction on the road may result in slippery and hazardous conditions. Analyzing the strong relation between friction and accident risk on winter roads is a difficult task. Many weather forecasting organizations use a variety of standard and bespoke methods to predict the coefficient of friction on roads. This article proposes an approach to predict the extent of slipperiness by building and testing an expert system. It estimates the coefficient of friction on winter roads in the province of Dalarna, Sweden using the prevailing weather conditions as a basis. Weather data from the road weather information system, Sweden (RWIS) was used. The focus of the project was to use the expert system as a part of a major project in VITSA, within the domain of intelligent transport systems

Thermal energy storage in Swedish single family houses : a case study

In a Nordic climate, space heating (SH) and domestic hot water (DHW) used in buildings constitute a considerable part of the total energy use in the country. For 2010, energy used for SH and DHW amounted to almost 90 TWh in Sweden which corresponds to 60 % of the energy used in the residential and service sector, or almost 24 % of the total final energy use for the country. Storing heat and cold with the use of thermal energy storage (TES) can be one way of increasing the energy efficiency of a building by opening up possibilities for alternative sources of heat or cold through a reduced mismatch between supply and demand. Thermal energy storage without the use of specific control systems are said to be passive and different applications using passive TES have been shown to increase energy efficiency and/or reduce power peaks of systems supplying the heating and cooling needs of buildings, as well as having an effect on the indoor climate. Results are however not consistent between studies and focus tend to be on the reduction of cooling energy or cooling power peaks. In this paper, passive TES introduced through an increased thermal mass in the building envelope to two single family houses with different insulation standard is investigated with building energy simulations. A Nordic climate is used and the focus of this study is both on the reduction of space heating demand and space heating power, as well as on reduction of excess temperatures in residential single family houses without active cooling systems. Care is taken to keep the building envelope characteristics other than the thermal mass equal for all cases so that any observations made can be derived to the change in thermal mass. Results show that increasing the sensible thermal mass in a single family house can reduce the heating demand only slightly (1-4 %) and reduce excess temperatures (temperatures above 24 degrees C) by up to 20 %. Adding a layer of PCM (phase change materials) to the light building construction can give similar reduction in heating demand and excess temperatures, however the phase change temperature is important for the results.

Simulation and optimisation techniques for sawmill yard operation : A literature review

Increasing costs and competitive business strategies are pushing sawmill enterprises to make an effort for optimization of their process management. Organizational decisions mainly concentrate on performance and reduction of operational costs in order to maintain profit margins. Although many efforts have been made, effective utilization of resources, optimal planning and maximum productivity in sawmill are still challenging to sawmill industries. Many researchers proposed the simulation models in combination with optimization techniques to address problems of integrated logistics optimization. The combination of simulation and optimization technique identifies the optimal strategy by simulating all complex behaviours of the system under consideration including objectives and constraints. During the past decade,��an��enormous��number��of studies were conducted��to simulate operational inefficiencies in order to find optimal solutions. This paper gives a review on recent developments and challenges associated with simulation and optimization techniques. It was believed��that the review would provide a perfect ground to the authors in pursuing further work in optimizing sawmill yard operations.

Simulation model using meta heuristic algorithms for achieving optimal arrangement of storage bins in a sawmill yard

Bin planning (arrangements) is a key factor in the timber industry. Improper planning of the storage bins may lead to inefficient transportation of resources, which threaten the overall efficiency and thereby limit the profit margins of sawmills. To address this challenge, a simulation model has been developed. However, as numerous alternatives are available for arranging bins, simulating all possibilities will take an enormous amount of time and it is computationally infeasible. A discrete-event simulation model incorporating meta-heuristic algorithms has therefore been investigated in this study. Preliminary investigations indicate that the results achieved by GA based simulation model are promising and better than the other meta-heuristic algorithm. Further, a sensitivity analysis has been done on the GA based optimal arrangement which contributes to gaining insights and knowledge about the real system that ultimately leads to improved and enhanced efficiency in sawmill yards. It is expected that the results achieved in the work will support timber industries in making optimal decisions with respect to arrangement of storage bins in a sawmill yard.

System for Automated Deduction (SAD): Linguistic and Deductive Peculiarities

In this paper a state of the art of a system of automated deduction called SAD is described . An architecture of SAD corresponds well to a modern vision of the Evidence Algorithm programme, initiated by Academician V.Glushkov.

Hydrodynamic Simulations Of Vacuum-Driven Storage Tanks

As a result of urbanization, stormwater runoff flow rates and volumes are significantly increased due to increasing impervious land cover and the decreased availability of depression storage. Storage tanks are the basic devices to efficiently control the flow rate in drainage systems during wet weather. Presented in the paper conception of vacuum-driven detention tanks allows to increase the storage capacity by usage of space above the free surface water elevation at the inlet channel. Partial vacuum storage makes possible to gain cost savings by reduction of both the horizontal area of the detention tank and necessary depth of foundations. Simulation model of vacuum-driven storage tank has been developed to estimate potential profits of its application in urban drainage system. Although SWMM5 has no direct options for vacuum tanks an existing functions (i.e. control rules) have been used to reflect its operation phases. Rainfall data used in simulations were recorded at raingage in Czestochowa during years 2010��2012 with time interval of 10minutes. Simulation results gives overview to practical operation and maintenance cost (energy demand) of vacuum driven storage tanks depending of the ratio: vacuum-driven volume to total storage capacity. The following conclusion can be drawn from this investigations: vacuum-driven storage tanks are characterized by uncomplicated construction and control systems, thus can be applied in newly developed as well as in the existing urban drainage systems. the application of vacuum in underground detention facilities makes possible to increase of the storage capacity of existing reservoirs by usage the space above the maximum depth. Possible increase of storage capacity can achieve even a few dozen percent at relatively low investment costs. vacuum driven storage tanks can be included in existing simulation software (i.e. SWMM) using options intended for pumping stations (including control and action rules ).

A evolu����o dos sistemas de manufatura e a necessidade de mudan��a nos sistemas de controle e custeio

O ambiente concorrencial atual est�� impondo novos fatores de competi����o ��s empresas. Com a globaliza����o e a abertura do mercado, as empresas brasileiras est��o implantando programas de qualidade e produtividade tendo como referencial principal (benchmarking) as empresas japonesas. As conseq��entes mudan��as no ambiente empresarial n��o est��o, entretanto, sendo consistentemente acompanhadas por evolu����es nas sistem��ticas de controle e custeio. As informa����es relativas ao controle de uma empresa devem ser acuradas o suficiente para subsidiar o processo de tomada de decis��es no atual ambiente competitivo. Por��m, as tradicionais pr��ticas de controle e custeio, al��m de obsoletas, podem constituir uma restri����o para a continuidade dos programas de melhoria das empresas. Este trabalho mostra a evolu����o dos sistemas de manufatura, com ��nfase particular no Modelo Japon��s / Sistema Toyota de Produ����o. Uma aten����o especial �� dada �� necessidade de mudan��as nos sistemas de controle das empresas, principalmente na parte de custeio. Mostra-se ainda algumas caracter��sticas das sistem��ticas de controle e custeio nas empresas japonesas em compara����o com a l��gica predominante nas empresas ocidentais. Ap��ia-se o trabalho em um caso real de uma empresa que j�� passou por um processo de racionaliza����o, sob forte influ��ncia dos conceitos japoneses de qualidade e produtividade, e que, agora, sente a necessidade de uma maior transpar��ncia e melhor entendimento do comportamento dos custos em seu ambiente, para poder dar continuidade a este processo de melhorias.

As perdas de materiais na constru����o de edifica����es : sua incid��ncia e seu controle

O presente trabalho consiste em uma an��lise das perdas de materiais na constru����o de edifica����es. Inicialmente, s��o classificados os diferentes tipos de perdas de materiais e apresentados os resultados de pesquisas j�� realizadas sobre o assunto. S��o discutidos, tamb��m, alguns princ��pios do gerenciamento das materiais e apresentados conceitos relativos a sistemas de controle. �� apresentada a metodologia e os resultados de um estudo realizado em cinco canteiros de obras, situados na cidade de Porto Alegre, no qual foram levantados ��ndices e causas de incid��ncias de perdas de materiais. A pesquisa realizada demonstrou que h�� consider��veis varia����es em rela����o �� incid��ncia de perdas para diferentes insumos e de um mesmo insumo para diferentes canteiros. Estes ��ndices s��o bastante elevados em compara����o com os valores apontados pela bibliografia. Este estudo demonstrou, tamb��m, que existem oportunidades de redu����o das perdas de materiais atrav��s de melhorias no manuseio e estacagem de materiais e, principalmente, atrav��s de aplica����o de m��todos que possibilitem a identifica����o e o controle das perdas durante o processo construtivo. Por fim,�� apresentado um conjunto de diretrizes para a implementa����o de um sistema de controle de perdas de materiais para a construc��o de edifica����es

Sistemas inteligentes no transporte p��blico coletivo por ��nibus

Desenvolvimentos recentes na tecnologia de informa����o t��m proporcionado grandes avan��os no gerenciamento dos sistemas de transportes. No mundo j�� existem v��rias tecnologias testadas e em funcionamento que est��o auxiliando na tarefa de controle da opera����o do transporte p��blico por ��nibus. Esses sistemas geram informa����es ��teis para o planejamento e opera����o dos sistemas de transportes. No Brasil, os investimentos em tecnologias avan��adas ainda s��o muito modestos e est��o focados em equipamentos que auxiliam no controle da evas��o da receita. No entanto, percebe-se um crescente interesse, por parte dos ��rg��o gestores e operadores, em implementar sistemas automatizados para auxiliar na melhoria da qualidade dos sistemas de transportes e como forma de aumentar a produtividade do setor. Esse trabalho traz �� discuss��o os sistemas avan��ados desenvolvidos para o transporte p��blico coletivo, com o objetivo de definir o perfil da tecnologia avan��ada que est�� de acordo com as necessidades dos gestores e operadores brasileiros. Na realiza����o do trabalho foi empregada uma ferramenta de planejamento denominada Desdobramento da Fun����o Qualidade ��� QFD (Quality Function Deployment), bastante utilizada para direcionar os processos de manufatura e produto, e para hierarquizar os atributos considerados importantes para o gerenciamento do transporte p��blico urbano no Brasil. O resultado do trabalho indica um grande interesse em implantar tecnologia avan��ada para auxiliar no monitoramento dos tempos de viagem e tempos perdidos durante a opera����o do transporte p��blico. Essa tecnologia tamb��m �� tida como capaz de melhorar o desempenho das linhas, atrav��s da manuten����o da regularidade e pontualidade. Ainda, sistemas inteligentes que propiciam informa����es precisas aos usu��rios contribuem para melhorar a imagem do modal ��nibus.

Controles internos e gest��o de riscos em institui����es financeiras

O Comit�� de Supervis��o Banc��ria da Basil��ia, um dos organismos mais respeitados no mundo em normatiza����o da ind��stria banc��ria, emitiu, em setembro de 1998, o documento: Framework for Internal Control Systems in Banking Organizations, que trata da necessidade da manuten����o de controles internos adequados para a natureza e para a escala dos neg��cios das institui����es financeiras. O documento originou-se a partir de press��es internacionais por controles internos mais eficientes e eficazes. De acordo com o documento, os instrumentos de controle devem incluir disposi����es claras para a delega����o de compet��ncia e responsabilidade; a separa����o de fun����es que envolvam a assun����o de compromissos pelos bancos, a utiliza����o de seus recursos financeiros e a responsabilidade por seus ativos e passivos; a reconcilia����o de tais processos; a prote����o de seus ativos; e as fun����es apropriadas de auditoria e de conformidades independentes, internas ou externas, para verificar a ades��o a tais controles, assim como ��s leis e regulamentos aplic��veis. O Comit�� de Supervis��o Banc��ria da Basil��ia verificou que diversos problemas ocorridos em grandes organiza����es banc��rias poderiam ser evitados com um sistema eficiente de controles internos. V��rios casos estudados demonstraram que controles internos inadequados resultaram em perdas significativas para os bancos. Assim, esta disserta����o apresenta, com base no documento acima citado, os tipos de perdas e a an��lise dos princ��pios de controles internos recomendados pelo Comit�� de Supervis��o Banc��ria da Basil��ia e adotados no Brasil a partir da publica����o pelo Conselho Monet��rio Nacional da Resolu����o 2.554, de 24 de setembro de 1998.

O or��amento como instrumento de planejamento, execu����o e controle: estudo de caso do plano diretor da Marinha do Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo �� verificar o Plano Diretor, instrumento de planejamento, execu����o e controle das a����es desenvolvidas pela Marinha do Brasil, est�� adequado �� ambi��ncia vislumbrada para o s��culo XXI. De forma sist��mica, �� constru��do o referencial te��rico sobre assuntos pertinentes ao problema a ser investigado, tais como Teoria da decis��o, Teoria or��ament��ria, gest��o estrat��gica e modelos te��ricos de sistemas de planejamento e controle. O resultado da an��lise das caracter��sticas do sistema e do processo do Plano Diretor indica haver pontos pass��veis de serem aperfei��oados. Ao final, �� oferecido um resumo de sugest��es de medidas para tornar o Plano Diretor um instrumento up-to-date de gest��o or��ament��ria.