Design of fuzzy logic controllers encounters difficulties in the selection of optimized membership functions and fuzzy rule base, which is traditionally achieved by a tedious trial-and-error process. This paper develops genetic algorithms for automatic design of high performance fuzzy logic controllers using sophisticated membership functions that intrinsically reflect the nonlinearities encoun...

This study attempted to test whether the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and innovative collaborative learning could be more effective than the use of traditional collaborative learning in improving students’ English proficiencies. A true experimental design was used in the study. Four randomly-assigned groups participated in the study: a traditional collaborative learning gro...

Using survey data for call centre establishments in eight countries, we examine the relationship between wages and human resource practices. High-involvement work design and the use of performance-based pay are significantly positively related to wages, whereas intensive use of performance monitoring is negatively associated with wages. These relationships are larger among liberal economies com...

Longitudinal research projects into social practices are both subject to and capture changes in society, meaning that research is conducted in a fluid context and that new research questions appear during the project’s life cycle. In the present study emerging new performances and uses of ICT are examined and the relation between network society competences, learners’ informal learning strategi...

I present a novel low-tech multidimensional gestural controller, based on the resistive properties of a 2D field of pencil markings on paper. A set of movable electrodes (+, -, ground) made from soldered stacks of coins create a dynamic voltage potential field in the carbon layer, and another set of movable electrodes tap voltages from this field. These voltages are used to control complex soun...

This paper deals with density and regression estimation problems for functional data. Using wavelet bases for Hilbert spaces of functions, we develop a new adaptive procedure based on wavelet thresholding. We provide theoretical results on its asymptotic performances.

A generalized mu1ti-dimensional model for physical data base organizations is presented. Existing data base organizations are shown to easily fit into the model as special cases. Generalized retrieval algorithms and cost equations associated with the model are developed and analyzed. The model provides a general design framework in which the distinguishing properties of data base organizations ...

Today parametric associative CAD systems must help companies to create more efficient virtual development processes. While dealing with complex parts (e.g. the number of surfaces of the solid) no CAD modeling methodology is existing. Based on the analysis of industrial designers’ practices as well as student practices on CAD, we identified key factors that lead to better performance. Our object...

The computational fluid dynamics is concentrated on the forced air cooling of the CPU using a heat sink. This paper utilizes CFD to identify a cooling solution for a desktop computer, which uses an 80 W CPU maximum whereas this number will be increased in the range of 70-120W in the forthcoming desktop computer systems. The design is able to cool the chassis with one fan with air blowing over h...