The object-relational database management systems (ORDBMS) appear due to the common acceptance of the object oriented paradigm and its integration with relational databases, combining the powerful modelling capabilities of the object oriented model and the robustness of relational model. ORDBMSs user defined types allow to create a framework for fuzzy information handling. This paper proposes t...

This paper investigates the stability analysis of fuzzy relational dynamic systems. A new approach is introduced and a set of sufficient conditions is derived which sustains the unique globally asymptotically stable equilibrium point in a first-order fuzzy relational dynamic system with sumproduct fuzzy composition. This approach is also investigated for other types of fuzzy relational composit...

Deductive reasoning is traditionally viewed as a unitary process involving either rule-based or visuo-spatial mechanisms. However, there is a disagreement in the neuroimaging literature on whether the data support one alternative over the other. Here we test the hypothesis that discrepancies in the literature result from the reasoning materials themselves. Using functional magnetic resonance im...

We test whether comparison can promote learning of new relational abstractions. In Experiment 1, preschoolers heard labels for novel spatial patterns and were asked to extend the label to one of two alternatives: one sharing an object with the standard or one having the same relational pattern as the standard. Children strongly preferred the object match when given one standard but were signifi...

This concluding commentary takes the perspective of research on practicing scientists and engineers to consider what open areas and future directions on relational thinking and learning should be considered beyond the impressive research presented in the special issue. Areas for more work include (a) a need to examine educational applications of relational thinking in divergent reasoning, rathe...

One of the key problems in model-based reinforcement learning is balancing exploration and exploitation. Another is learning and acting in large relational domains, in which there is a varying number of objects and relations between them. We provide a solution to exploring large relational Markov decision processes by developing relational extensions of the concepts of the Explicit Explore or E...

For a long time research on the management of IS outsourcing projects viewed relational and contractual governance as substitutes. However, subsequent studies provided empirical evidence for the complementary view. Recently, some authors supported the notion that relational and contractual governance mechanisms can simultaneously be complements and substitutes. Given these inconsistencies the q...

This study focused on the optimization of Al—Mg to CuZn34 friction stir lap welding (FSLW) process for optimal combination of rotational and traverse speeds in order to yield favorable fracture load using Grey relational analysis (GRA). First, the degree of freedom was calculated for the system. Then, the experiments based on the target values and number of considered levels, corresponding orth...

Despite the vital role of information in relational-oriented firms, there are limited studies on the impact of information quality on relationship marketing. To address this gap, this study develops a conceptual model to examine the impact of information quality on the successful implementation of relationship marketing by assessing the mediating role of salespeople's relational competency. The...

Relational integration refers to the process whereby several variables are integrated within a single cognitive representation. In cognitive and developmental science, it is regarded as a central function of working memory that may contribute to the development of higher order processes, such as reasoning and fluid intelligence. In the present experiment, we administered the Relational Integrat...