bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape classification and problem specific reasoning for genetic algorithms
Authors: Mac Giolla Bhríde F. , McGinnity T.M. , McDaid L.J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper addresses issues dealing with genetic algorithm (GA) convergence and the implications of the No Free Lunch Theorem which states that no single algorithm outperforms all others for all possible problem landscapes. In view of this, the authors propose that it is necessary for a GA to have the ability to classify the problem landscape before effective parameter adaptation may occur.Design/methodology/approachThe new hybrid intelligent system for landscape classification is proposed. This system facilitates intelligent operator selection and parameter tuning during run time in order to achieve maximum convergence. This work introduces two adaptive crossover techniques, the runtime adaptation of crossover probability and the participation level of multiple crossover operators in order to refine the quality of the search and to regulate the trade‐off between local and global search respectively. In addition, a Rule‐Based reasoning system (RS) is presented which can be utilised to analyse the problem landscape and provide a supervisory element to a GA. This RS is capable of instigating change by utilising the analysis in order to counteract premature convergence, for various classes of problems.FindingsResults are presented which show that the application of this Rule‐Based system and the adaptive crossover techniques proposed in this paper significantly improve performance for a suite of relatively complex test problems.Originality/valueThis work demonstrates the effectiveness of landscape classification and consequent rule‐based reasoning for GAs, particularly for problems with a difficult path to the optimal. Moreover, both adaptive crossover techniques proposed present improved performance over the traditional static parameter GA.
Business cybernetics: a provocative suggestion
Authors: Potocan Vojko , Mulej Matjaz , Kajzer Stefan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThere is a field needing both cybernetics and systems theory: business as one way to viability – “business cybernetics” might have to emerge. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachA first draft of business cybernetics (BC) notion is presented. Discusses the definition of business systems (BSs) and their need for requisite holism, our understanding of cybernetics, our understanding of the (general) systems theory and systems thinking, differences between some versions of systems theories and cybernetics, and add our draft cybernetics of BSs, finishing with BC as a case of interdependence between business practice, systems theories and cybernetics and resulting conclusions.FindingsIt was not found, although quite some literature was studied and quite some practical experience in business, both as employees and as consulting instructors was collected. It is clear that cybernetics and (general) systems theory were created at about the same time by two different groups of scientists. They both dealt with complex rather than complicated entities/features/processes and they both tried to stress relations between parts of reality, which used to be considered separately and one‐sidedly rather than (requisitely) holistically.Research limitations/implicationsLater on, their “war against a too narrow specialisation” did not end in their general victory, but rather in application of their fruitful findings inside many specialised disciplines of science and practice. This is good, but not good enough, uncovered topics remain. Business is one of them.Originality/valueLinks both cybernetics and systems to an emerging “business cybernetics” in an innovative approach.
Systemic philosophy and the philosophy of social science
Authors: Johannessen Jon‐Arild , Olaisen Johan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo discuss systemic thinking in relation to the naturalistic position in the philosophy of social science. To develop the theme in two parts: Part I: systemic thinking and the naturalistic position; and Part II: the systemic position.Design/methodology/approachA cybernetic approach is taken, and a discussion on what is the foundation for the philosophy of social science for systemic thinking and the systemic position is developed.FindingsThe findings of Part I have been given. Part II analyses the systemic position and considers the classical controversy in social science between methodological individualism and methodological collectivism (holism). The pre‐condition on which the systemic position is based is given. The ideal requirements set up by the systemic position are presented under the headings: espistemology/methodology; ontology; axiology; and the ethical position.Practical implicationsProvided assistance to social scientists who study social systems from the systemic or cybernetic viewpoint and give a practical analysis of the systemic position. Provides researchers and others working in this field with an investigation of the role and conduct of social scientists.Originality/valueIt positioned systemic thinking in relation to the philosophy of social science.
To performance evaluation of distributed parallel algorithms
Authors: Hanuliak Juraj , Hanuliak Ivan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo address the problems of high performance computing by using the networks of workstations (NOW) and to discuss the complex performance evaluation of centralised and distributed parallel algorithms.Design/methodology/approachDefines the role of performance and performance evaluation methods using a theoretical approach. Presents concrete parallel algorithms and tabulates the results of their performance.FindingsSees that a network of workstations based on powerful personal computers belongs in the future and as very cheap, flexible and perspective asynchronous parallel systems. Argues that this trend will produce dynamic growth in the parallel architectures based on the networks of workstations.Research limitations/implicationWe would like to continue these experiments in order to derive more precise and general formulae for typical used parallel algorithms from linear algebra and other application oriented parallel algorithms.Practical implicationsDescribes how the use of NOW can provide a cheaper alternative to traditionally used massively parallel multiprocessors or supercomputers and shows the advantages of unifying the two disciplines that are involved.Originality/valueProduces a new approach and exploits the parallel processing capability of NOW. Gives the concrete practical examples of the method that has been developed using experimental measuring.
Non‐defining leadership
Authors: Rowe James 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that leadership cannot and should not be “defined” but rather considered as a process. The paper goes on to refute the notion that leadership can be defined or fully understood in management terms or associations. The paper then attempts to synthesise the construct of leadership as a system of processes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares and contrasts management and leadership to three organisational processes; time, culture and change in order to non‐define or synthesise a system of leadership.FindingsLeadership might be more usefully understood as a process of individual and organisational engagement with time, culture and change that differ from management's relationships with these processes. That through these engagements leadership creates organisation whilst management maintains it.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not explore other systemic constructs that might be equally fruitful such as leadership and management in relation to entropy and negentropy.Practical implicationsThe paper is attempting to demonstrate that organisations may need to create leadership in tandem with management rather than find individual leaders “defined” as able to lead.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to consider leadership as a process of interrelationships rather than a separate definable behaviour or competence.
Learning sets and topologies
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul , Zaman S.I. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis is an exploratory analytical paper. It aims to show how systemic learning is explained formally by evolutionary sets and topologies of ordinal values of knowledge‐flows, the knowledge‐induced socio‐scientific variables and the relational mappings in terms of knowledge‐flows and their induced socio‐scientific variables.Design/methodology/approachMathematical theory of sets and topology is used to study the evolutionary impact of learning on social problems, whereby the impact can be transmitted into sets and topology for measurement.FindingsThe properties are of interaction, integration and creative evolution of the knowledge‐flows and their knowledge‐induced socio‐scientific variables and relations that are realized by circular causation interrelations. Such systemic learning emanating by circular causation relations is defined by measurable mappings over sets and topologies.Research limitations/implicationsThe cybernetic nature of the paper points toward potential machine interface with cognitive measurement of learning values that are causally linked with social interaction.Originality/valueThis paper contributes a revolutionary way of measuring consciousness and learning parameters in the framework of evolutionary understanding of unity of knowledge in social systems. Evolutionary equilibrium implications of such learning are formalized by means of the method of sets and topology.
Ambiguous grammars and the chemical transactions of life
Authors: Massad E. , Rocha A.F. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis second part of a companion paper seeks to extend the theory proposed to apply the hierarchy of fuzzy formal language to cope with the three major phenomenon of life: replication, control and shuffling of genetic information.Design/methodology/approachIn order to cope with the proposal, three new classes of FFG are proposed: replicating grammars: to formalize properties and consequences of DNA duplication; self‐controlled grammars: to provide the tools to control the grammar ambiguity and to improve adaptability, and recombinant grammars: to formalize properties and consequences of the sexual reproduction to life evolution. Considering all these facts, FFG are proposed as the key instrument to formalize the basic properties of the chemical transactions supporting life.FindingsThe formalism of the model provides a new way to analyze and interpret the findings of the different genome sequencing projects.Originality/valueThe theoretical framework developed here provides a new perspective of understanding the code of life and evolution.
Pansystems research: an internet‐like academic framework
Authors: Wu Xuemou 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an academic programme of pansystems research with a lot of new concepts, principles, methods. Universal consideration of philosophy‐mathematics‐technology is set forth with mega‐combination. The emphasis on the transfield internet‐like investigations is developed. Many theory‐methods of pansystems get further concise optimization.Design/methodology/approachThe concrete contents of the paper include: historical megawave, philosophical stratagems, meta‐mathematics, meta‐methodology, technological realistic principles, unification and differentiation of encyclopedic branches, systems science, information theory, cybernetics, biosystems, generalized vitality, computer and IT, thinking science, logic, OR, AI, PR, DM, modernization of yinyang analysis combining dialectics, sociology, economics, meta‐relativity, generalized quantification and scale theory, general process of birth‐growth‐ageing‐disease‐death, the inheritance and development of 300 scholars' researches, etc.FindingsAll of the topics concerned with are reduced to the actualizations of PVOR – pansystems variational OR: V−d(xy)=*0*/PRR′P′/0**, which is an integrated synthesis of 20‐PanStemCells of PanConcepts and PanMethod, and embodies a specific pansystems summarization for the core of the true and the good. Furthermore, the formula “Pansystems Researches=*(PVOR/0**/Pan54787721/Everything)+*0*=*Pan–netlike connections of thoughts and methods” is expanded with concrete applications.Originality/valueProvides information on pansystems research.
A pansystems approach to measure
Authors: Guo Dinghe , Zhou Xiaolu , Pan Jinghong , Guo Zhangbo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop an overview of generalized scales based on pansystems‐relative quantification.Design/methodology/approachThis is a discussion paper exploring the key issues surrounding generalized measures.FindingsThe concrete contents of the study include generalized measure views, dimension theory, concepts, logic, theories, Einstein's relativity, quality‐quantity‐degree, methodology of physics, theorems in pansystems mathematics and physics explained within the framework of pan‐scale transformations.Originality/valueProvides an overview of generalized scales based on pansystems‐relative quantification.
Exchange reactions of poly‐2‐(N‐phthalimido)ethyl acrylate with hydroxy and amino compounds
Authors: Khalil A.A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo determine the optimal general condition for the synthesis and polymerisation of 2‐(N‐phthalimido)ethyl acrylate (NPEA), as well as the exchange reactions of poly‐NPEA with aminated and hydroxylated compounds as a model compound.Design/methodology/approachPreparation of 2‐(N‐phthalimido)ethyl acrylate by the reaction ofN‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) phthalimide with acrylic acid and polymerisation of the resulting monomer. The exchange reactions of the resulting polymer with amines and hydroxy compounds were carried out. The structure of the resulting compounds were characterised.FindingsNPEA was prepared by the reaction ofN‐(hydroxyethyl)phthalimide with acrylic acid. The monomer prepared was easily polymerised. The reactions of the resulting polymer with amines and hydroxy compounds were studied. In all cases, the exchange reactions were almost practically quantitative, which was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and1HNMR spectroscopy. Also, it was clear that poly‐NPEA showed a good behaviour as a model compound for a long active polymeric‐drug.Research limitations/implicationsThe new monomer described in the present investigation may be useful for the preparation of polymeric‐drug adducts. Also, similar monomeric phthalimides may be synthesised starting from a number of other hydroxy or amino acids, thus providing wider possibilities for the synthesis of pharmacologically active polymers.Practical implicationsThe method for preparation of monomer is simple and the exchange reactions provide a simple and practical solution to prepare some classes of macromolecular drugs.Originality/valueThe method of preparation of polymers was novel and may be useful for preparation of polymeric‐drug adducts.
Enhancement of the dimensional stability of natural wood by impregnates
Authors: Fadl N.A. , Basta A.H. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate the effects of acetylation process as a chemical treatment method to improve the dimensional stability of wood, or as a pre‐treatment step to enhance the dimensional stability of wood by impregnates.Design/methodology/approachEsterification of two species of wood were carried out by vapour and liquid phase acetylation processes. With the vapour phase acetylation process, wood with different acetyl contents were obtained by changing the length of time of treatment. With the liquid phase acetylation, different acetyl content were obtained by changing the acetylating mixture or by activating wood with acetic acid for different periods of time and at different temperatures prior to the acetylation processes. The acetyl content and the conditions of impregnation improving the dimensional stability were modelled and optimised. The success of acetylation process for improving the affinity of wood towards the impregnation was also demonstrated.FindingsVapour phase acetylation process was preferable over liquid phase acetylation for improving both water resistance and dimensional stability of wood species examined. Liquid acetylating of wood, as a pre‐treatment step enhanced the effect of impregnates, especially the linseed oil to improve relevant wood properties. The greater improvement was obtained at 3 h impregnation time and 190°C curing temperature for 1 h.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the success in improving the affinity of wood species to novolac by pre‐acetylation, increasing the curing time and curing temperature led to deterioration of the water resistance and dimensional stability.Practical implicationsPre‐acetylation of the wood provided a practical solution to rendering the natural wood greater water resistance property using commercial impregnates.Originality/valueThe method for acetylation of wood prior to impregnation was novel and could be used for inhibiting wood against moisture absorption during storage.
Preparation and utilisation of quaternised pyrodextrins in paper making
Authors: El‐Sayed E.S.A. , Hesham M.F. , El‐Saied H. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of different levels of quaternised pyrodextrin as wet‐end and filler retention aid additives in papermaking.Design/methodology/approachThe pulp furnishes used in this study were a mixture of bleached rice straw pulp with bleached sulphite softwood pulp at a ratio of 60:40. The beaten pulps (never dried) were treated with different grades of modified starch (Pyrodextrins). The results obtained were compared with those of several commercial polymers, such as Accostrength®86, cationic starch and polyacrylamide.FindingsThe results obtained from this study showed that addition of 0.3 percent of British Gum (BG) (Degree of Substitution at 0.058) grade pyrodextrin to the pulp slurry, especially in case of kaolin as paper filler gave the most significant improvement in paper properties as well as filler retention. The results obtained also showed that the filler retention and paper properties were better/higher for all pyrodextrins studied than those obtained from both Accostrength®86 and polyacrylamide.Research limitations/implicationsUsing quaternised pyrodextrins as wet‐end additives and filler retention aids improved all mechanical properties of treated paper, except the brightness which decreased very slightly.Practical implicationsThe grade of pyrodextrins used in this work could be used to improve the physical and strength properties of paper sheets.Originality/valueDifferent types of pyrodextrin namely, Dexy‐84 (D‐84), Dexy‐86 (D‐86) and British Gum (BG) could be used as paper wet‐end additives and filler retention aids in paper making processing.
Toughened epoxy modified with phenol‐nonyl phenol based polymer
Authors: Behera D. , Kar S. , Banthia A.K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo evaluate the efficiency of modifying epoxy resin using phenol‐nonyl phenol based polymer (PNPF) for toughness improvement and optimise the results of such a modification.Design/methodology/approachFor effective toughening, various compositions were made by incorporating PNPF at different concentrations. The impact and adhesive strengths of the unmodified and modified epoxy networks were characterised.FindingsThe modification of epoxy resin using PNPF showed significant enhancement of impact and adhesive strengths over the unmodified one. The modification caused the formation of a chemical linkage between PNPF and resin which led not only to a phase separation, but also to formation of intrinsically strong chemical bonds across the PNPF phase/resin matrix interphase, which was the main cause of the improved impact and adhesive strengths. The optimum results were obtained at 10 phr (parts per 100 parts of epoxy resin) of modifier.Research limitations/implicationsThe modifier, PNPF, used in the present context was synthesised from phenol, nonyl phenol and formalin using oxalic acid as catalyst.Practical implicationsThe developed method provided a simple and practical solution to improving the toughness of a cured epoxy.Originality/valueThe method for enhancing toughness of a cured epoxy was novel and could find numerous applications in the surface coating and adhesive.
The improvement of dyeability of flax fibre by microwave treatment
Authors: Sun H. , Lin L. , Jiang X. , Bai X. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop a method based on urea/microwave treatment for improving the dyeability of the flax fibre.Design/methodology/approachThe treatment was carried out under a variety of conditions in terms of the power of the microwave, the time of microwave treatment and the use of urea in the treatment solution. The physical chemical properties of the treated flax fibres were characterised using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometry, spectrophotometric measurement and tensile measurement.FindingsIt was found that the treated flax fibres had significantly improved dyeability. The causes to the improvement of the dyeability of the flax fibre were found to be the increased absorption of dye on the fibre and the increased reaction probability between the dye and the fibre. The procedure for optimum modification appeared to be soaking the flax fabrics in 10 per cent urea solution; treating the fabrics with microwave at 350 W for 2.5 minutes; and treating the fabrics with microwave at 700 W for one minute.Practical implicationsThe treatment method developed addressed a problem of great concern in textile coloration, i.e. poor dyeability of flax fibre. The method developed provided a practical and effective solution to such a problem.Originality/valueThe method of treatment of flax fibre, involving soaking in urea and baking in microwave, for the improvement of dyeability was novel. The method could be adapted for use in industrial scale flax dyeing with satisfactory levels of exhaustion and fixation.
Corrosion inhibition of steel in hydrochloric acid solution by new bipyrazole derivatives
Authors: Bouklah M. , Hammouti B. , Benkaddour M. , Attayibat A. , Radi S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo study the effect of inhibition of new bipyrazole derivatives on the corrosion of steel in HCl media at various temperatures.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, novel corrosion inhibitors, namely bipyrazoles were synthesised and tested as corrosion inhibitors for steel in 1 M HCl. The degree of corrosion was measured using various techniques including weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarisation, linear polarisation resistance (Rp) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS).FindingsIt was found that 1,5,5′‐trimethyl‐1H,2′H‐3,3′‐bipyrazole (P1) gave the best inhibition effect. The inhibition efficiency increased with the concentration of P1 to attain 79 per cent at 10−3 M. Good agreement between the various methods explored was observed. Polarisation measurements also showed that P1 acted essentially as a cathodic inhibitor. The cathodic curves indicated that the reduction of proton at the steel surface was an activating mechanism. P1 adsorbed on the steel surface according to Frumkin adsorption model.Research limitations/implicationsThe synthesis route offers the possibility of other pyrazolic compounds to be tested in the future.Practical implicationsThe inhibitory efficiency of P1 increased with the increase of both the concentration and the temperature (in the 298‐353 K range). As such, P1 can be used in chemical cleaning and pickling processes.Originality/valueThe originality of this work is the synthesis of new inhibitors based on pyrazolic organic compounds.