In this paper, a new approach is proposed in order to select an optimal membership function for inputs of wind speed prediction system. Then using a fuzzy method and the stochastic characteristics of wind speed in the previous year, the wind speed modeling is performed and the wind speed for the future year will be predicted. In this proposed method, the average and the standard deviation of in...

Traditionally, the potential financial impact of interest rate movements has been evaluated through duration measures or through computer simulations. The duration measure approach is analytical, and focuses on changes in market value; the computer simulation approach is computational and focuses on income statement and balance sheet impacts. In this paper a complementary approach for projectin...

W consider a firm that invests in capacity under demand uncertainty and thus faces two related but distinct types of risk: mismatch between capacity and demand and profit variability. Whereas mismatch risk can be mitigated with greater operational flexibility, profit variability can be reduced through financial hedging. We show that the relationship between these two risk mitigating strategies ...

FDG-PET is a sensitive but not specific test for myocardial sarcoidosis and its ability to define prognosis remains unclear. Combination with perfusion scanning may improve accuracy by differentiating scar from inflammation. We conducted this retrospective chart review to ascertain the utility of a rubidium -FDG PET scan for assessment of disease activity in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. T...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diffusion-weighted image fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch has been considered to represent ischemic lesion age. However, the inter-rater agreement of diffusion-weighted image FLAIR mismatch is low. We hypothesized that color-coded images would increase its inter-rater agreement. METHODS Patients with ischemic stroke <24 hours of a clear onset were re...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE PCT studies hold short-term predictive value in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. Our aim was to examine the long-term predictive value of baseline PCT studies for local tumor control and overall survival in SCCA of the upper aerodigestive tract treated with chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-four patients with advanced SCCA underwent PCT followed by...