Process Analysis

This paper applies to cross traffic estimation, a new methodology for analyzing and interpreting measurement collected over Internet. This new approach is based on inferring cross traffic characteristics that lead to the observed losses by using an associated a priori constructive model.

This paper explains the existence and observability conditions for the design of an Unknown Inputs Observer (UIO) for a chemical process. First, a phenomenological interpretation for the existence of the observer is given from the transfer function of the linearized system. And secondly, the existence and observability conditions of the observer are verified algebraically evaluating the rank of a defined observability matrix. Both ways of verification are compared. Finally, an UIO is implemented and simulation results are presented.

The idea of process is prominent in organization theory but less so in research. Limited access to organizations is a likely explanation, particularly because process analysis often requires detailed data. Experimental research may provide the necessary data, if only a method is used that allows the situation under study to change as a result of actors’ behaviors. Simulation/gaming meets this criterion. It allows for registration of interaction processes, and it enables experimental control of factors of interests. The method can be used to study organizational processes in detail and to explore how these processes are influenced by organizational strategies, in this article, results of process analysis derived from a simulation/game of a house-building company are presented.

This paper discusses the interaction between chitosan and the polyphenols separated from spruce wood bark. The chitosan and the polyphenols formed a complex and the release of the polyphenols occurred only in an alkaline medium (pH . 9) in a two-step process. Analysis of the release of the polyphenols showed that in the initial stage the diffusion occurs according to the Fick's law, while in the last stage, the process develops according to a zero-order kinetics.

Simulation of wear evolution during abrasive processes is a very difficult task compared to that of machining processes because of the degree of randomness of geometry and disposition of cutting teeth. Superfinishing is a specific case of abrasive process, where the temperature is not consistently involved. A wear model and a numerical method of simulating the process, involving data collected in a testing experiment that resulted in determining an abrasive function, are presented for the specific case of the superfinishing the ball track of an inner bearing ring. Four types of stones were tested while abrading a cylindrical sample of M50 steel, using a high fluidity oil as a lubricant. The abrasive function characteristic to the materials involved in the process was determined. The wear volume of stone, that resulted in simulation and superfinishing experiments, is compared for three of the stones, and a good agreement between them was obtained, endorsing the viability of the simulation. The stability of the results with mesh refinement was analyzed. Three other output parameters of the simulated process and their dependency on the stone type were discussed.

Electron microscopy and biomolecular methods have been used to describe and identify microbial communities inhabiting the glassy margins of ocean floor basalts. The investigated samples were collected from a neovolcanic ridge and from older, sediment-covered lava flows in the rift valley of the Knipovich Ridge at a water depth around 3500 m and an ambient seawater temperature of 30.7³C. Successive stages from incipient microbial colonisation, to welldeveloped biofilms occur on fracture surfaces in the glassy margins. Observed microbial morphologies are various filamentous, coccoidal, oval, rod-shaped and stalked forms. Etch marks in the fresh glass, with form and size resembling the attached microbes, are common. Precipitation of alteration products around microbes has developed hollow subspherical and filamentous structures. These precipitates are often enriched in Fe and Mn. The presence of branching and twisted stalks that resemble those of the iron-oxidising Gallionella, indicate that reduced iron may be utilised in an energy metabolic process. Analysis of 16S-rRNA gene sequences from microbes present in the rock samples, show that the bacterial population inhabiting these samples cluster within the Q-and O-Proteobacteria and the Cytophaga/Flexibacter/Bacteroides subdivision of the Bacteria, while the Archaea all belong to the Crenarchaeota kingdom. This microbial population appears to be characteristic for the rock and their closest relatives have previously been reported from cold marine waters in the Arctic and Antarctic, deep-sea sediments and hydrothermal environments. ß

Manufacture of VAQTATM, an inactivated hepatitis A virus vaccine, includes extensive purification of the intact virus particle to remove endogenous components from the host cell culture lysate as well as compounds introduced in the upstream purification process. Analysis of the final purified hepatitis A virus product by SDS-PAGE prior to inactivation shows that greater than 95% of the protein in the preparation is found in four protein bands, which have been confirmed to be hepatitis A virus capsid proteins VP0, VP1, VP2 and VP3 based on Western blot and mass spectrometry analyses. Validation of the manufacturing process and direct analysis of the final product were used to demonstrate that no other specific host cell-derived components are detected and that process residuals are all below the limits of detection of the assays used. Establishment of a rigorous standard of high purity for this product was pursued to minimize the impact of impurities during clinical development of th...

Systems Integration (SI) is an important element of Systems Engineering. It involves the integration of hardware, software, products, services, processes, and humans. The ever-increasing scale of complexity of systems and its impact on the business requires that we revisit the processes involved in the development and integration of a system. This paper proposes a Systems Integration Process Model (SI PM) based on a comprehensive lifecycle view of systems integration. As part of the ongoing SI research at Stevens Institute of Technology, the authors have developed a Systems Integration Framework (SIF) which incorporates the relevant aspects of integration from a lifecycle perspective and sets a foundation to an end-to-end approach to SI. Our end-to-end approach focuses on how integration issues can be addressed up-front to minimize integration related complexities and challenges later on in the system engineering process. This paper discusses the merits and benefits of applying the SI PM to evaluate and improve current SI processes in organizations. The paper provides, in addition to an overview of the SI framework, the activities included in the model. The model was pilot tested to evaluate the SI processes at a government agency. The results were used to provide recommendations for SI process reengineering.

"Traditional printing works in maximum garment industries are facing different problems like low productivity, longer production lead time, high rework and rejection, low flexibility, lower quality product, high non-value added work etc. In this study these different problems were identified by using numerous effective production control tools like process analysis, layout of work station, motion and time study, work standardization etc. The encouraging results after implementing these tools give the way to go forward and thrust to reach at the end point. Some key benefits of this implementation are reduction of excess motion and non value added work by 50%, decreasing of sample rejection level by 70%, reduction of work level for repairing works by 80%. As a result total processing time for final output is decreased. After the implementation of these tools effectively the result shows the significant improvement of the production than before."

Little consensus exists in the literature regarding methods for determination of the onset of electromyographic (EMG) activity. The aim of this study was to compare the relative accuracy of a range of computer-based techniques with respect to EMG onset determined visually by an experienced examiner. Twenty-seven methods were compared which varied in terms of EMG processing (low pass filtering at 10, 50 and 500 Hz), threshold value (1, 2 and 3 SD beyond mean of baseline activity) and the number of samples for which the mean must exceed the defined threshold (20, 50 and 100 ms). Three hundred randomly selected trials of a postural task were evaluated using each technique. The visual determination of EMG onset was found to be highly repeatable between days. Linear regression equations were calculated for the values selected by each computer method which indicated that the onset values selected by the majority of the parameter combinations deviated significantly from the visually derived onset values. Several methods accurately selected the time of onset of EMG activity and are recommended for future use.

Cooling towers are widely used in many industrial and utility plants as a cooling medium, whose thermal performance is of vital importance. Despite the wide interest in cooling tower design, rating and its importance in energy conservation, there are few investigations concerning the integrated analysis of cooling systems. This work presents an approach for the systemic performance analysis of a cooling water system. The approach combines experimental design with mathematical modeling. An experimental investigation was carried out to characterize the mass transfer in the packing of the cooling tower as a function of the liquid and gas flow rates, whose results were within the range of the measurement accuracy. Then, an integrated model was developed that relies on the mass and heat transfer of the cooling tower, as well as on the hydraulic and thermal interactions with a heat exchanger network. The integrated model for the cooling water system was simulated and the temperature results agree with the experimental data of the real operation of the pilot plant. A case study illustrates the interaction in the system and the need for a systemic analysis of cooling water system. The proposed mathematical and experimental analysis should be useful for performance analysis of real-world cooling water systems.

Life cycle assessment is a technique to assess environmental aspects associated with a product or process by identifying energy, materials, and emissions over its life cycle. The energy analysis includes four stages of a life cycle: material production phase, manufacturing phase, use phase, and end-of-life phase. In this study, the life cycle energy of fiber-reinforced composites manufactured by using the pultrusion process was analyzed. For more widespread use of composites, it is critical to estimate how much energy is consumed during the lifetime of the composites compared to other materials. In particular, we evaluated a potential for composite materials to save energy in automotive applications. A hybrid model, which combines process analysis with economic input-output analysis, was used to capture both direct and indirect energy consumption of the pultrusion process in the material production and manufacturing stages.

Landscape ecology has a high potential to contribute to sustainability in the interactions of people and nature. Landscape ecologists have already made considerable progress towards a more general understanding of the relevance of spatial variation for ecosystems. Incorporating the complexities of societies and economies into landscape ecology analyses will, however, require a broader framework for thinking about spatial elements of complexity. An exciting recent development is to explicitly try to integrate landscape ecology and ideas about resilience in social-ecological systems through the concept of spatial resilience. Spatial resilience focuses on the importance of location, connectivity, and context for resilience, based on the idea that spatial variation in patterns and processes at different scales both impacts and is impacted by local system resilience. I first introduce and define the concepts of resilience and spatial resilience and then discuss some of their potential contributions to the further interdisciplinary integration of landscape ecology, complexity theory, and sustainability science. Complexity theorists have argued that many complex phenomena, such as symmetry-breaking and selection, share common underlying mechanisms regardless of system type (physical, social, ecological, or economic). Similarities in the consequences of social exclusion and habitat fragmentation provide an informative example. There are many strong parallels between patternprocess interactions in social and ecological systems, respectively, and a number of general spatial principles and mechanisms are emerging that have relevance across many different kinds of system. Landscape ecologists, with their background in spatially explicit pattern-process analysis, are well placed to contribute to this emerging research agenda.

Development environments for embedded systems are moving towards increased automation between Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) engineering tools. While automation provides new opportunities for e.g. verification, it also to some extent decreases the possibility of identifying and acting on safety issues that arise during development. To investigate the relationship between tool integration and safety we performed a System-Theoretic Process Analysis

Melt crystallization manufacturing systems are characterized mathematically and optimized. Directional solidification and sweating are modeled, and the results are correlated to plant data. A nonlinear programming algorithm is constructed to determine the optimal design and operation of a production plant. Process constraints include product purity, process yield, capital cost, phase equilibria, kinetic, and operational factors. An objective function is constructed from scaled yield and capital outlay formulae, and is optimized over a variably constrained feasible space. The dependence of the optima on the separation distribution coefficients and on the constraints is given for specific one-stage examples for three operational regimes. The one-stage analyses are applied for the solution of the n-stage problem.

Electrically conductive elastomer blends based on polyaniline-dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (PAni.DBSA/nitrile rubber (NBR) was prepared by polymerization of aniline in the presence of NBR, using a direct, one-step in situ emulsion polymerization method in which DBSA played both roles of surfactant and dopant. At the same PAni content, the conductivity of the in situ emulsion-polymerized blends is higher than that of blends produced by mechanical mixing of both components. In addition, a more uniform morphology with the presence of PAni in the form of microtubules was achieved by the in situ process. Stronger interaction between the components were also confirmed by the presence of great amount of insoluble material in non-vulcanized blends, by Raman spectroscopy and rheological processing analysis (RPA).

With the current trend towards globalization, firms are managing increasingly complex networks of subsidiaries, customers and suppliers. Information systems (IS) help manage this complexity by providing supply chain information, facilitating communication between supply chain partners, and supporting managers' decisions when coordinating these networks. As Kim and Oh [5] put it, "global coordination is one of the most important functions firms have to perform for optimal global operations to achieve operational flexibility."

This article outlines the utilization of Petri nets as a computerized process modeling and analysis tool for the study of the Edmonton Mail Processing Plant (MPP). Development of new systems or designing improvement in existing system-such as the MPP-are some of the challenges faced by decision makers and managers on a regular basis in the industry. In order to make prudent decisions, modeling and analysis of the underlying processes that constitute new or existing systems has become essential. Usually process modeling and analysis is performed by initially developing a graphical portrayal of the process and then by dynamically studying the response of the process to external and internal factors. In this article an overview of Petri net based process modeling and analysis is provided. Petri net is a formal graphical modeling tool that can be efficiently utilized as a process modeling and analysis tool because it can graphically portray and dynamically simulate a process in an integrated manner. The objective of this article is to highlight the symbolic graphic format and dynamic simulation capabilities of Petri nets. The article contributes significantly in the area of computer based decision making and provides value to practicing engineers and project managers who manage complex tasks. ᭧ (A. Sawhney) www.elsevier.com/locate/advengsoft A. Sawhney et al. / Advances in Engineering Software 30 (1999) 543-549 546 Raw Mail Cull Culled Mail Cancellation 9 7 % 3 % Ready for M L O C R & O C R Ready for rerun Rerun Culling Machine Fig. 3. Petri net model of the ''culling and cancellation'' activity. 6 5 % 3 5 % Ready f o r M L O C R Ready for OCR Processing b y M L O C R Processing by OCR 9 5 % 5 % 1 0 % 9 0 %

The present study examines the socioemotional and task-oriented content of text messages produced by players of an online multiplayer videogame. From a computer-mediated communication perspective, over five thousand messages produced by 65 players during a 2-week period were examined using Bales' interaction process analysis. The results suggest that players produced significantly more messages expressing socioemotional than task-oriented content. Of the socioemotional content that was produced, the vast majority of it was positive in nature, despite the primary game objective of fighting one another. Players' experience level also played an important role in content production. More experienced players produced significantly higher levels of positive socioemotional content than less experienced players, and they were more likely to use specialized conventions (e.g., emoticons, abbreviations, and scripted emotes). These results provide support for the social information processing theory of interpersonal computer-mediated communication in the context of graphical online multiplayer videogames. The use and modification of interaction process analysis for studying computer-mediated communication in graphical virtual spaces is discussed. iii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Jorge Peña-Herborn (B. A., Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 2001). His research interests are interpersonal communication, social interaction, and small group communication and performance in computer-mediated settings, especially in videogames and virtual reality systems. Some particular interests are how actors use language to express social, emotional, and instrumental information, thus enabling social influence, impression and relationship formation, and the coordination of joint actions in virtual settings. Some guiding research questions are how actors assert dominance and submissiveness, associate and create roles and norms, and how politeness, face, and outcomes are accomplished in virtual spaces. His hobbies include music, reading, outdoors biking, video games, and traveling. iii This thesis is dedicated to my family and girlfriend. Special thanks to my mother Heidi Herborn, who always supported my intellectual development, including some of my craziest ideas, such as me doing graduate studies so far away from Chile. Also, special thanks to my father and my grandmother, Marcel Jofré and Lucila Videla, for their constant support, excellent sense of opportunity, and humor. Their joy for life and cunning were always a principal motivation and example for me. Special thanks to my brother, Sebastian Jofré, as it is our common curiosity for people and technology (especially videogames) what planted the seeds of this study. Without the long hours we spent playing, this project would have never come to being in the first place.

A methodology for business improvement is really only as good as the tools and techniques that support it. Many companies have adopted a process-oriented view of their operations , replacing the traditional functional viewpoint, with a view towards gaining benefit by better integration of operations. Many factors can affect the success of this approach, but a key one is the ability to represent and model the process. A range of techniques and tools are available to aid this activity.

This paper analyses the problem of replacement by investigating the optimal moment of investment replacement in a given tax environment with a given depreciation policy. An operation and maintenance cost minimization model, based on the definition of equivalent annual cost, is applied to a real options paradigm. The developed methodology allows for an innovative evaluation of the flexibility of replacement process analysis. A new two-factor evaluation function is introduced to quantify decisions on asset replacement under a unique cycle environment. This study improves upon previous findings in the literature as it accounts for autonomous salvage value processes. Based on partial differential equations, this model achieves a general analytical solution and particular numerical solution. The results differ significantly from those observed in one-factor models by showing evidence of over-evaluation in optimal levels of replacement, and by confirming suspicions that different types of uncertainties produce nonmonotonous effects on the optimal replacement level. The scientific contribution of this study lies in new and stronger approaches to equivalent annual cost literature, supplying an algorithm for operation and maintenance cost minimization that is conditioned by autonomous salvage value. This study also contributes to the real options literature by developing a two-factor model with Brownian processes applied to asset replacement.

Instructional designers are expected to be familiar with the epistemological underpinnings of several theories and their consequences on the process of instruction. Constructivism is the dominant theory of the last decade and supports construction of knowledge by the individual. This paper discusses the basic principles underlying constructivism, particularly active, collaborative and authentic learning. Application of these principles on the process-analysis, development, evaluation-of instructional design poses certain challenges with regards to issues such as pre-specification of knowledge, authentic evaluation and learner control. Most of the problems are attributed to the fact that constructivism is a learning theory and not an instructional-design theory. Therefore, instructional designers must attempt to translate constructivism into instructional design through a more pragmatic approach that focuses on the principles of moderate-rather than extreme-constructivism and makes use of emergent technology tools. This shift could facilitate the development of more situated, experiential, meaningful and cost-effective learning environments.

The recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) from catalytic converters of spent exhaust systems is considered in this paper. To be cost-effective, recovery processes must be well over 90% efficient and so the optimisation of their operation is vital. Effective optimisation requires a sound understanding of the operation and the underlying process mechanisms. This paper focuses on pyrometallurgical recovery operations used and typified by the Johnson-Matthey process. Analysis of this process reveals that it cannot be simply explained by the gravity model that is normally assumed. The analysis reveals that the affinity of PGM particles for the melted collector metal is a key factor in the behaviour of the process. A rational explanation of the key issues that govern the process behaviour is proposed and shown to be consistent with available operational data. The results generated would be applicable to other similar processes.

In order to investigate the economic performance of business processes, simulations are performed. These simulations determine values of key performance indicators (KPIs). We sought a valid solution to integrate KPIs in our Process Analysis Studio (PAS). Our investigation aims for a concept which describes a valid approach to deal with KPIs in multiple business process models. In this paper, we present a valid concept of a KPI calculation model. We describe which types of KPIs are needed in order to give users a huge amount of freedom to investigate different aspects of the process performance. Using scenarios could empower comprehensive investigations of different interrelated aspects of the process. From the presented concept of scenarios special requirements are derived which have to be considered in a concept of a KPI calculation model. The concept contributes to the discussion about the right design of a KPI calculation model. The presented approach could also be used in other process analysis solutions, in order to allow individual performance investigations.

Energy and exergy studies were conducted in an orange juice manufacturing industry in Nigeria to determine the energy consumption pattern and methods of energy optimization in the company. An adaptation of the process analysis method of energy accounting was used to evaluate the energy requirement for each of the eight defined unit operations. The types of energy used in the manufacturing of orange juice were electrical, steam and manual with the respective proportions of 18.51%, 80.91% and 0.58% of the total energy. It was estimated that an average energy intensity of 1.12 MJ/kg was required for the manufacturing of orange juice. The most energy intensive operation was identified as the pasteurizer followed by packaging unit with energy intensities of 0.932 and 0.119 MJ/kg, respectively. The exergy analysis revealed that the pasteurizer was responsible for most of the inefficiency (over 90%) followed by packaging (6.60%). It was suggested that the capacity of the pasteurizer be increased to reduce the level of inefficiency of the plant. The suggestion has been limited to equipment modification rather than process alteration, which constitutes additional investment cost and may not be economical from an energy savings perspective. r

Puji dan syukur kami panjatkan ke hadirat Allah SWT yang telah mencurahkan rahmat dan hidayah-Nya, sehingga kami, kelompok 6 dari kelas SI-42-06, Prodi S1 Sistem Informasi, Fakultas Rekayasa Industri, Telkom University dapat menyelesaikan makalah untuk mata kuliah Permodelan Proses Bisnis di Semester ke-3 tahun ajaran 2019/2020.

Alkylates are a class of probable replacements for MTBE as gasoline additives that can be produced by dimerization of isobutene (to isooctene) with subsequent hydrogenation. The characteristics of the dimerization reaction make it a potential candidate for reactive distillation. The dimer, being heavier than C 4 , can be maintained at a low concentration level in the reactive zone by simultaneous distillation, thereby suppressing the subsequent oligomer-producing reactions. In this work, the influence of important design and operating parameters on the performance of the reaction in a hybrid reactive distillation column is studied through process simulations. the results show that a high selectivity toward diisobutene can be achieved along with adequate temperature control in the presence as well as absence of polar components. Multiple steady states are observed in some cases that introduce additional complexities in the determination of the optimal windows for certain parameters. The process seems economically attractive, as it is capable of utilizing the existing reactive distillation assets and the feedstock for MTBE production by suitable revamping.

Fischer-Tropsch (FT) diesel derived from biomass via gasification is an attractive clean and carbon neutral transportation fuel, directly usable in the present transport sector. System components necessary for FT diesel production from biomass are analysed and combined to a limited set of promising conversion concepts. The main variations are in gasification pressure, the oxygen or air medium, and in optimisation towards liquid fuels only, or towards the product mix of liquid fuels and electricity. The technical and economic performance is analysed. For this purpose, a dynamic model was built in Aspen Plus1, allowing for direct evaluation of the influence of each parameter or device, on investment costs, FT and electricity efficiency and resulting FT diesel costs. FT diesel produced by conventional systems on the short term and at moderate scale would probably cost 16 4/GJ. In the longer term (large scale, technological learning, and selective catalyst), this could decrease to 9 4/GJ. Biomass integrated gasification FT plants can only become economically viable when crude oil price levels rise substantially, or when the environmental benefits of green FT diesel are valued. Green FT diesel also seems 40-50% more expensive than biomass derived methanol or hydrogen, but has clear advantages with respect to applicability to the existing infrastructure and car technology. #

This paper seeks to adopt a resource-based approach to investigate the link between procurement capabilities, internet resources, and performance. It aims to cover two gaps in the
operations management literature: the missing links between procurement capabilities and the performance of a firm, and the role of internet resources in shaping such links.

After the identification of two key capabilities in procurement
and the introduction of internet resources, the relationships with performance are empirically tested in a sample of 93 firms in the textile and clothing industry in Italy.

The paper yields three main results. First, process efficiency and process integration capabilities provide a significant (and equally important) contribution to firm performance, but there are no complementary effects between them. Second, and contrary to expectations, the internet has been found to enhance the effect of process integration capability, but not that of process efficiency capability. Third, a new finding reveals that the internet not only interacts with each of these capabilities in procurement separately, but it also enhances the synergistic effect between them.

A simple well-performing adaptive control technique for pH control in fermentations of recombinant protein production processes is described and its design procedure is explained. First, the entire control algorithm was simulated and parameterized. Afterwards it was tested in real cultivation processes. The results show that this simple technique leads to significant reductions in the fluctuations of the pH values in microbial cultures at a minimum of expenditures. The signal-to-noise ratio and thus the information captured by the pH signal were increased by about an order of magnitude. This leads to a substantial improvement in the noise of many other process signals that are used to monitor and control the process. For instance, respiratory off-gas data of CO 2 and its derived carbon dioxide production rate signals from the cultures carry much less noise as compared to those values obtained with conventional pH control. Detailed process analysis revealed that even very small pH jumps of 0.03 values during the fermentation were shown to result in pronounced deflections in CO 2 -volume fraction of 8% (peak to peak). The proposed controller, maintaining the pH within the interval of 0.01 around the setpoint, reduces the noise considerably.

After sexual reproduction in ciliated protozoa a new macronucleus differentiates from a micronuclear derivative. In the course of macronuclear development dramatic DNA-and chromatin reorganisation processes occur, which include splicing of DNA sequences such as IES (internal eliminated sequences) and transposon-like elements during formation of polytene chromosomes, degradation of the polytene chromosomes and specific elimination of micronuclear-specific DNA, de novo addition of telomeres and specific amplification of DNA sequences. In order to understand the molecular basis of this nuclear differentiation process, analysis of developmentally regulated genes seems to be a necessary prerequisite. We performed a microarray analysis to identify genes differentially expressed during macronuclear differentiation. 467 sequences from cDNA libraries were identified as possible candidates from which 384 sequences were further characterised by sequence analysis. These sequences were identified, if possible, by DNA and protein BLAST analysis. Expression of one of these sequences was silenced by RNAi and a preliminary functional analysis performed. Results presented in this study provide the basis for a functional characterisation of genes differentially expressed during this nuclear differentiation process.

usiness process analysis has been found in many literatures as a mean of a well developed accounting information system. Application control exists as one of its core component. This paper investigates the business process analysis to understand application control better by embracing combination of COSO and COBIT control frameworks. Case study was conducted in a Singapore-based small furniture trading company. The author employed several process modeling tools such as flowchart, logical data flow diagram and control matrix along with the explanation to obtain richer and more understandable picture of current business process.

In this introduction, we will first discuss the methodological affinities between the market process and public choice approaches to political economy, and then suggest that because of these affinities market process scholars should feel at home using public choice analysis to study politics, and public choice scholars should feel at home using market process analysis to study the economy. In a fundamental sense, public choice theory refers to the application of the economic way of thinking to study the political process. 1 The economic way of thinking deals with individual decision-making, and exchange relationships in a variety of social settings. Mises is arguably the first scholar to champion a unification of the social sciences by way of a common rational choice model. 2 And, Hayek should be recognized as one of the forerunners of the economics of politics with his The Road to Serfdom (1945) and constitutional political economy with his The Constitution of Liberty (1960). 3 Furthermore, Buchanan and Tullock's contribution to modern political economy touch on these themes: rational choice, catallactics or exchange, and constitutional construction.

Background, aim, and scope To minimize the environmental impacts of construction and simultaneously move closer to sustainable development in the society, the life cycle assessment of buildings is essential. This article provides an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of a typical commercial office building in Thailand. Almost all commercial office buildings in Thailand follow a similar structural, envelope pattern as well as usage patterns. Likewise, almost every office building in Thailand operates on electricity, which is obtained from the national grid which limits variability. Therefore, the results of the single case study building are representative of commercial office buildings in Thailand. Target audiences are architects, building construction managers and environmental policy makers who are interested in the environmental impact of buildings. Materials and methods In this work, a combination of input-output and process analysis was used in assessing the potential environmental impact associated with the system under study according to the ISO14040 methodology. The study covered the whole life cycle including material production, construction, occupation, maintenance, demolition, and disposal. The inventory data was simulated in an LCA model and the environmental impacts for each stage computed. Three environmental impact categories considered relevant to the Thailand context were evaluated, namely, global warming potential, acidification potential, and photo-oxidant formation potential. A 50-year service time was assumed for the building.

Flue gas generated by combustion of natural gas in a boiler was used for outdoor cultivation of Chlorella sp. in a 55 m 2 culture area photobioreactor. A 6 mm thick layer of algal suspension continuously running down the inclined lanes of the bioreactor at 50 cm s −1 was exposed to sunlight. Flue gas containing 6-8% by volume of CO 2 substituted for more costly pure CO 2 as a source of carbon for autotrophic growth of algae. The degree of CO 2 mitigation (flue gas decarbonization) in the algal suspension was 10-50% and decreased with increasing flue gas injection rate into the culture. A dissolved CO 2 partial pressure (pCO 2 ) higher than 0.1 kPa was maintained in the suspension at the end of the 50 m long culture area in order to prevent limitation of algal growth by CO 2 . NO X and CO gases (up to 45 mg m −3 NO X and 3 mg m −3 CO in flue gas) had no negative influence on the growth of the alga. On summer days the following daily net productivities of algae [g (dry weight) m −2 ] were attained in comparative parallel cultures: flue gas = 19.4-22.8; pure CO 2 = 19.1-22.6. Net utilization (η) of the photosynthetically active radiant (PAR) energy was: flue gas = 5.58-6.94%; pure CO 2 = 5.49-6.88%. The mass balance of CO 2 obtained for the flue gas stream and for the algal suspension was included in a mathematical model, which permitted the calculation of optimum flue gas injection rate into the photobioreactor, dependent on the time course of irradiance and culture temperature. It was estimated that about 50% of flue gas decarbonization can be attained in the photobioreactor and 4.4 kg of CO 2 is needed for production of 1 kg (dry weight) algal biomass. A scheme of a combined process of farm unit size is proposed; this includes anaerobic digestion of organic agricultural wastes, production and combustion of biogas, and utilization of flue gas for production of microalgal biomass, which could be used in animal feeds. A preliminary quantitative assessment of the microalgae production is presented.

a b s t r a c t New highly sensitive, specific, reliable, reproducible and robust LC-MS/MS methods were developed to detect the anabolic steroids, nandrolone and stanozolol, in human hair for the first time. Hair samples from 180 participants (108 males, 72 females, 62% athletes) were screened using ELISA which revealed 16 athletes as positive for stanozolol and 3 for nandrolone. Positive samples were confirmed on LC-MS/MS in selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The assays for stanozolol and nandrolone showed good linearity in the range 1-400 pg/mg and 5-400 pg/mg, respectively. The methods were validated for LLOD, interday precision, intraday precision, specificity, extraction recovery and accuracy. The assays were capable of detecting 0.5 pg stanozolol and 3.0 pg nandrolone per mg of hair, when approximately 20 mg of hair were processed. Analysis using LC-MS/MS confirmed 11 athletes' positive for stanozolol (5.0 pg/mg to 86.3 pg/mg) and 1 for nandrolone (14.0 pg/mg) thus avoiding false results from ELISA screening. The results obtained demonstrate the application of these hair analysis methods to detect both steroids at low concentrations, hence reducing the amount of hair required significantly. The new methods complement urinalysis or blood testing and facilitate improved doping testing regimes. Hair analysis benefits from non-invasiveness, negligible risk of infection and facile sample storage and collection, whilst reducing risks of tampering and cross-contamination. Owing to the wide detection window, this approach may also offer an alternative approach for out-of-competition testing.

We report 2 studies that examined how the strength of humorous advertising executions and their relevance to the brand claims in the advertisement influence consumer memory for the claims. We infer the underlying memory processes by testing claims memory using recall, recognition, and indirect tests following incidental exposure to advertisements manipulating humor strength and claims relevance. Memory for the humor component was checked as corroborating evidence. We also validated these inferences by contrasting these effects on claims and humor memory with those under instructed elaboration. Study 1 shows that for humor of low claims relevance, brand claims memory is an inverted U-shaped function of humor strength. Compared to both nonhumor and high-strength humor, moderate humor facilitates both encoding and retrieval of the claims. The patterns of humor memory and instructed elaboration effects suggest that low-relevance humor is not spontaneously linked to the claims even when processing resources are available. Study 2 shows that when strong humor is made more relevant, brand claims memory improves even during incidental exposure. Corresponding humor memory and instructed elaboration effects imply that relevance encourages the formation of humor-claims links that facilitate encoding and retrieval of the claims. The results show that although strong humor inhibits the processing received by the brand claims, enhancing its claims relevance can compensate for such inhibition.

usiness process analysis has been found in many literatures as a mean of a well developed accounting information system. Application control exists as one of its core component. This paper investigates the business process analysis to understand application control better by embracing combination of COSO and COBIT control frameworks. Case study was conducted in a Singapore-based small furniture trading company. The author employed several process modeling tools such as flowchart, logical data flow diagram and control matrix along with the explanation to obtain richer and more understandable picture of current business process.

Increasingly, therapists have become focused on clients' resources and competencies. The therapeutic consultation itself has been depicted as a constructive conversation where clients' resourcefulness can be elicited and mobilized. How such client resources and competencies are talked into significance can be considered empirical matters for discourse analysts. The present paper examines resourceful sequences of dialogue in 12 single session lifestyle consultations for how counsellors engaged clients in resource and competence focused discussions. These sequences were micro-analyzed using discourse analysis and retrospective comments from clients and counsellors involved in the sequences analyzed were solicited. These analyses and comments are reported with the aim of enhancing therapists' conversational practices in hosting resourceful dialogues with clients.

Criteria for evaluating mathematical software packages and the results of a recent comparison of such packages are briefly reviewed. A benchmark problem that was developed based on the results of this comparison is presented. This problem can be used in various courses, representing various levels of knowledge in chemical process analysis, mathematical modeling and numerical methods where the solution is achieved using the software most appropriate to the objectives of the particular course. This work demonstrates and illustrates the conclusion that the most educational benefits can be gained by using several packages throughout the chemical engineering curriculum. The software that is most appropriate for a particular course must be determined according to the course objectives and the previous exposure of the students to mathematical models, numerical algorithms and computer programming.

Abstract Purpose -Requirements engineering and process improvement has been identified as one of the key factors for improving software quality. Despite this, little scholarly work has been done on developing ways to improve the requirements engineering process. The situation of requirements engineering and process improvement is even worse in Small and Medium Enterprises that produce software. Consequently, the quality of software being produced by these companies has kept deteriorating. This study therefore sought to design a framework that will help small and medium software companies improve their requirements engineering processes in order to compete favorably with larger software companies, more especially in terms of software quality.

The paper compares Bales' Interaction Process Analysis (IPA) with Sacks' Conversation Analysis (CA), arguing that CA has answered several questions that originally motivated the development of IPA, and while doing so, it has re-specified the phenomena of interaction research. These two research traditions are in many ways diametrically opposed: the former is quantitative, theory-oriented and aims at global characterizations of interactional situations, while the latter is qualitative, inductive and aims at characterizing specific layers of organization (such as turn taking or sequence organization) that give structure to interactional situations. Their primary objects of study are different. For the Balesian tradition, it is the functioning and the structure of a small group, whereas in the Sacksian tradition, it is the structures and practices of human social interaction per se. It is argued, however, that CA has radically expanded understanding of the questions IPA was originally developed to address. These questions include allocation of resources, control and solidarity. Bales' research deals with them in terms of the differentiation of participants of a group, whereas CA has re-specified them as emergent aspects of the very rules and structures that constitute and regulate interaction sequences. The uniqueness of the CA perspective on social interaction is demonstrated by exploring the display of emotion as an interactional phenomenon. It is argued that the display of emotion is intrinsically embedded in the sequential organization of action. Sensitive 'coding and counting' approaches can detect emotion displays, but the contribution of CA is to show the specific ways in which they are part of the business of interaction.