• International Journal of Reliability and Applications
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.79-94
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• 2011

Redundancy-reliability allocation problems in multi-stage series-parallel systems are addressed in this study. Fuzzy programming techniques are proposed for finding satisfactory solutions. First, a multi-objective programming model is formulated for simultaneously maximizing system reliability and minimizing system total cost. Due to the nature of uncertainty in the problem, the fuzzy set theory and technique are used to convert the deterministic multi-objective programming model into a fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A heuristic method is developed to get satisfactory solutions for the fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A Pareto optimal solution is found with maximal degree of satisfaction from the interception area of fuzzy sets. A case study that is related to the electronic control unit installed on aircraft engine over-speed protection system is used to implement the developed approach. Results suggest that the developed fuzzy multi-objective programming model can effectively resolve the fuzzy and uncertain problem when design goals and constraints are not clearly confirmed at the initial conceptual design phase.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.69-77
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• 2020

Purpose: This research aims to verify the role of mobile shopping attributes, trustworthiness, and cultural dimensions on mobile shopping intentions in Saudi Arabia. The originality of the model stems from the verification of the moderating impact of cultural variables, namely collectivism and masculinity, and from the integration of trustworthiness as a variable depending on mobile shopping attributes. Research design, data and methodology: A survey was distributed to 233 consumers with different nationalities living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were carried out to verify the conceptual model and the moderating variables. Results: The findings support the influence of several innovation attributes, namely complexity and trialability on behavioral intentions, while relative advantage has a direct impact on trustworthiness. A few paths are moderated by masculinity and collectivism. Conclusions: Culture and mobile commerce attributes need to be thought out by managers as factors influencing mobile commerce segmentation for expatriates and locals. Trustworthiness is also a key factor of mobile shopping adoption. Limitations and future research ideas are presented to enrich the proposed model and improve its predictive validity.

• International Journal of Quality Innovation
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.58-68
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• 2001

This paper proposes a method for quantifying the types of quality elements proposed by Kano; namely: attractive quality, one-dimensional quality, and must-be quality. Kano's classification of required quality has helped us improve our thinking in product development. However, his classification is conceptual rather than quantitative, and the conventional techniques of questionnaire and group interview cannot provide quantification of the relationship between the degree of customer satisfaction and the degree of sufficiency of required qualities. This paper describes how a quality element under Kano's quality model can be expressed as a utility function, and describes an application to quality design of a cellular phone.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.601-613
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• 2000

Existing models for the shear strength degradation of reinforced concrete members present varied conceptual approaches to interpreting test data. The relative superiority of one approach over the others is difficult to determine, particularly given the sparseness of ideal test data. Nevertheless, existing models are compared using a suite of test data that were used for the development of one such model, and significant differences emerge. Rather than relying purely on column test data, the body of knowledge concerning degradation of concrete as a material is considered. Confined concrete relations are examined to infer details of the degradation process, and to establish a framework for developing phenomenologically-based models for shear strength degradation in reinforced concrete members. The possibility of linking column shear strength degradation with material degradation phenomena is explored with a simple model. The model is applied to the results of 7 column tests, and it is found that such a link is sustainable. It is expected that models founded on material degradation phenomena will be more reliable and more broadly applicable than the current generation of empirical shear strength degradation models.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.25 no.A
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• pp.105-113
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• 2005

A business process flow model for an intermediary type shopping mall consisting of multiple sellers has been presented in this study. Specifically, we defined 11 essential business processes of a front office customer's view point and set up detailed process flow models using IDEF3 (Integrated DEFinition). The characteristic of this study lies in providing a dynamic model rather than static models. The results may form a conceptual framework not only for shopping mall processes but for analysis and improvement toward extended electronic business systems.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.25 no.A
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• pp.115-122
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• 2005

A business process flow model for an intermediary type shopping mall consisting of multiple sellers has been presented in this study. Specifically, we defined 7 essential business processes of the shopping mall administrator and 6 processes of the administrator of a seller. We then performed detailed process flow models using IDEF3 (Integrated DEFinition). The characteristic of this study lies in providing a dynamic model rather than static models. The results may form a conceptual framework not only for shopping mall processes but for analysis and improvement toward extended electronic business systems.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2004

A safety assessment code, called SAGE (Safety Assessment Groundwater Evaluation), has been developed to describe post-closure radionuclide releases and potential radiological doses for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) disposal in an engineered vault facility in Korea. The conceptual model implemented in the code is focused on the release of radionuclide from a gradually degrading engineered barrier system to an underlying unsaturated zone, thence to a saturated groundwater zone. The radionuclide transport equations are solved by spatially discretizing the disposal system into a series of compartments. Mass transfer between compartments is by diffusion/dispersion and advection. In all compartments, radionuclides ate decayed either as a single-member chain or as multi-member chains. The biosphere is represented as a set of steady-state, radionuclide-specific pathway dose conversion factors that are multiplied by the appropriate release rate from the far field for each pathway. The code has the capability to treat input parameters either deterministically or probabilistically. Parameter input is achieved through a user-friendly Graphical User Interface. An application is presented, which is compared against safety assessment results from the other computer codes, to benchmark the reliability of system-level conceptual modeling of the code.

• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.283-296
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• 2020

A numerical model is established to investigate the run-up of a solitary wave after propagating over a triangular saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater. A rectangular-shaped submerged breakwater is simulated for comparison. Several factors, including the submerged depth, the lagoon length and the beach slope, are selected as independent variables. The free surface motions and velocity fields of the solitary wave interacting with the submerged breakwater are discussed. The results show that the submerged depth and lagoon length play significant roles in reducing the run-up. The influence of the beach slope is not significant. At the same submerged depth, the triangular saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater has only a slightly better effect than the rectangular-shaped submerged breakwater on the run-up reduction. However, a calmer reflected wave profile could be obtained with the rougher surface of the saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater. The study conclusions are expected to be useful for the conceptual design of saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwaters.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.12 no.3_4
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• pp.441-463
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• 2013

In this paper, a simplified planar model is developed for damage estimation of interlocked caisson systems. Firstly, a conceptual dynamic model of the interlocked caisson system is designed on the basis of the characteristics of existing harbor caisson structures. A mass-spring-dashpot model allowing only the sway motion is formulated. To represent the condition of interlocking mechanisms, each caisson unit is connected to adjacent ones via springs and dashpots. Secondly, the accuracy of the planar model's vibration analysis is numerically evaluated on a 3-D FE model of the interlocked caisson system. Finally, the simplified planar model is employed for damage estimation in the interlocked caisson system. For localizing damaged caissons, a damage detection method based on modal strain energy is formulated for the caisson system.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.139-151
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• 2013

Objectives: This study investigated how income, duration of illness, social stigma, quality of sleeping, ADL and social participation related to Parkinson's disease(PD) predict depression in a conceptual model based on the International Classification of Functioning(ICF) model. Methods: The sample included 206 adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease(IPD) attending D university hospital in B Metro-politan City. A structured questionnaire was used and conducted face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed for fitness, using the AMOS 18.0 program. Results: A path analysis showed that the overall model provided empirical evidence for linkages in the ICF model. Depression was manifested by significant direct effects of social stigma(${\beta}=.20$, p<.001), quality of sleeping(${\beta}=-.40$, p<.001), ADL(${\beta}=-.20$, p<.01), and social participation(${\beta}=-.12$, p<.05), indirect effects including income(p<.05), duration of illness(p<.05). These variables explained 45.9% of variance in the prediction model. Conclusions: This model may help nurses to collect and assess information to develop intervention program for depression.