By means of this study, a detection algorithm for the "pigment network" in dermoscopic images is presented, one of the most relevant indicators in the diagnosis of melanoma. The design of the algorithm consists of two blocks. In the first one, a machine learning process is carried out, allowing the generation of a set of rules which, when applied over the image, permit the construction of a mas...

Much empirical support of self-control theory is based on the 24-item scale conceptualized by Grasmick and his colleagues. This study examined the dimensionality of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analyses, and a structural equation model (SEM) produced results that are discordant with much prior research. The Grasmick et al. scale was not unidimensional, more comple...

Structural equation modelling (SEM) is a multivariate method that incorporates ideas from regression, path-analysis and factor analysis. A Bayesian approach to SEM may enable models that reflect hypotheses based on complex theory. The development and application of Bayesian approaches to SEM has, however, been relatively slow but with modern technology and the Gibbs sampler, is now possible. Th...

School experiences, family bonding and self-concept had always been a crucial factor in influencing all aspects of a student’s development. The purpose of this study is to develop and to validate a priori model of self-concept among students. The study was tested empirically using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the structural model. To addr...

The market segmentation analysis for bicycle commuting can help identify distinct bicycle market segments and develop specific policies or strategies for increasing the bicycle usage in each segment. This study aims to use the approach of attitudinal market segmentation for identifying the potential markets of bicycle commuting. To achieve the research objective, the household survey is conduct...

Motivated by the previously developed multilevel aggregation method for solving structural analysis problems a novel two-level aggregation approach for efficient iterative solution of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) problems is proposed. The course aggregation model of the original covariance matrix is used in the iterative solution of the eigenvalue problem by a power iterations method. The...

This paper explicitly examines the relationship that exists between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing (ERM) systems. It has been presumed in numerous past studies that such a relationship does exist. It has been argued that those firms that have successfuhy implemented a TQM system are better positioned to successfully implement an ERM system. This rel...

The influence of soil-structure interaction in the analysis and design of a 6-storey and basement reinforced concrete frame building is investigated. Models simulating two different conditions: namely soil-structure interaction, and fixed-base behavior are considered. The influence of the soil structure interaction in the dynamic behavior of the structure is reflected in an increase in the vibr...

This document presents an attempt to build a theoretical framework for the spatial analysis of social facts, derived from Tobler’s first law of geography (‘Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things’) and Blau’s theory of macro sociology and multilevel structural analysis. At individual level four basic times of position and interaction are de...

This study conceptualizes and tests a theoretical framework that investigates customers’ intention to engage in permission-based mobile marketing communications with a firm in the hospitality sector and examines the effects of gender. The model proposes that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived trust affect attitude toward advertising, which in turn, together with perceived...