5862 research outputs found
Sort by
Foreign Market Selection of Suppliers Through a Novel Ref-Sort Technique
No full textPurpose: The present study aims to provide a practical and robust assessment technique for assessing countries' investability in global supply chains to practitioners. Thus, the proposed approach can help decision-makers evaluate and select appropriate countries in the expansion process of the global supply chains and reduce risks concerning country (market) selection. Design/methodology/approach: The present study proposes a novel decision-making approach, namely the REF-Sort technique. The proposed approach has many valuable contributions to the literature. First, it has an efficient basic algorithm and can be applied to solve highly complicated decision-making problems without requiring advanced mathematical knowledge. Besides, some characteristics differentiate REF-Sort apart from other techniques. REF-Sort employs the value or value range that reflects the most typical characteristic of the relevant class in assignment processes. The reference values in REF-Sort and center profiles are similar in this regard. On the other hand, class references can be defined as ranges in REF-Sort. Secondary values, called successors, can also be employed to assign a value to the appropriate class. REF-Sort can also determine the reference and successor values/ranges independently of the decision matrix. In addition, the proposed model is a maximally stable and consistent decision-making tool, as it is resistant to the rank reversal problem. Findings: The current papers' findings indicate that countries have different features concerning investment. Hence, the current paper pointed out that only 22% of the 95 countries are investable, whereas 19% are risky. Thus, decision-makers should make detailed evaluations using robust, powerful, and practical decision-making tools to make more reasonable and logical decisions concerning country selection. Originality/value: The current paper proposes a novel decision-making approach to evaluate. According to the authors' information, the proposed model has been applied to evaluate investable countries for the global supply chains for the first time. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited
Spatial Modulation Aided Physical Layer Security for NOMA-VLC Systems
No full textPoor, H. Vincent/0000-0002-2062-131X; Haas, Harald/0000-0001-9705-2701We consider the physical layer security (PLS) problem in multi-user non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) enabled multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communication systems intercepted by a passive eavesdropper (Eve). We propose a novel transmit precoding scheme based on receive spatial modulation (RSM) to degrade the signal-to-interference-noise ratio (SINR) of Eve by exploiting only the slow-fading characteristics of the visible light channel of the legitimate users (Bobs). The proposed PLS precoder is reinforced with secret parameter exchange with Bobs and a CSI acquisition model is proposed to reduce the PLS algorithm's computational load substantially at the transmitter. The closed-form expressions for the achievable secrecy rates and their upper and lower bounds are derived. Via Monte Carlo simulations, we confirm that Bobs can successfully decode their information in various user configurations while Eve's received SINR is significantly worsened by the jamming signal induced by the proposed precoder with secret key exchange. It is also shown that Eve's bit error rate (BER) is increased to the 0.5-level for almost any position in the considered indoor environment. Finally, we corroborate the derived secrecy expressions by computer simulations and show that the proposed scheme provides PLS for Bobs.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) [EP/R007101/2]; U.S. National Science Foundation [CCF-1908308, CNS-2128448]; Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) through the 1003-Priority Areas RAMP;D Projects Support Program [218E034]; COST Action NEWFOCUS - COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology); EPSRC [EP/R007101/2] Funding Source: UKRIThe work of Harald Haas was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under Fellowship Grant EP/R007101/2. The work of H. Vincent Poor was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grants CCF-1908308 and CNS-2128448. This work was supported in part by the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) through the 1003-Priority Areas R&D Projects Support Program under Grant 218E034, and in part by the COST Action NEWFOCUS, funded by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).Science Citation Index Expande
A New Fog-Based Transmission Scheduler on the Internet of Multimedia Things Using a Fuzzy-Based Quantum Genetic Algorithm
No full textThe Internet of Multimedia Things (IoMT) has recently experienced a considerable surge in multimedia-based services. Due to the fast proliferation and transfer of massive data, the IoMT has service quality challenges. This paper proposes a novel fog-based multimedia transmission scheme for IoMT using the Sugano interference system with a quantum genetic optimization algorithm. The fuzzy system devises a mathematically organized strategy for generating fuzzy rules from input and output variables. The Quantum Genetic Algorithm (QGA) is a metaheuristic algorithm that combines genetic algorithms and quantum computing theory. It combines many critical elements of quantum computing, such as quantum superposition and entanglement. This provides a robust representation of population diversity and the capacity to achieve rapid convergence and high accuracy. As a result of the simulations and computational analysis, the proposed fuzzy-based QGA scheme improves packet delivery ratio and throughput by reducing end-to-end latency and delay when compared to traditional algorithms like Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Heterogeneous Earliest-Finish-Time (HEFT) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Consequently, it provides a more efficient scheme for multimedia transmission in IoMT. IEE
An Integrated Fuzzy Mcdm Approach Based on Bonferroni Functions for Selection and Evaluation of Industrial Robots for the Automobile Manufacturing Industry
No full textIn recent years, there have been dramatic changes in manufacturing systems in many industries depending on technological developments. Robotics is one of the essential components of these changes. Today, the usage of robotics in manufacturing processes has become widespread in almost all industries. Also, it has become a very strong desire ever-increasing for even small and medium-sized enterprises at present. Almost all the previous studies emphasized that industrial robot selection is a highly complex decision-making problem as there are many conflicting factors and criteria. Besides, different and advanced specifications of these robotics added by robotic manufacturers have caused to increase the complexities much more. Hence, decision-makers encounter more complicated decision-making problems affected by many uncertainties. Because of that, an integrated fuzzy group MCDM framework can help overcome many ambiguities proposed in the current paper. The proposed fuzzy integrated model consists of the fuzzy SWARA (F-SWARA'B) and the fuzzy CoCoSo (F-CoCoSo'B), which are extended with the help of the Bonferroni function. The model selected the appropriate industrial robotics used in the automotive industry by considering 15 criteria and ten alternatives. According to the result of the study, the three most significant criteria have been determined: Working Accuracy, Reaching Distance, and Performance; and the most suitable option is the A8. The obtained results were validated with the help of a comprehensive sensitivity analysis consisting of different 150 scenarios. The results are also compared with some existing techniques. The sensitivity analysis results approve the validity and applicability of the proposed model
Synthesis, in Vitro and in Silico Studies on Novel 3-Aryloxymethyl and Their Oxime Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Mpges-1
No full textHuman microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 is a glutathione-dependent membrane-bound enzyme which is involved in the terminal stage of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. It has been well reported as a key target for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs. Specific in-hibitors of mPGES-1 are anticipated to selectively restrain the generation of PGE2 induced by the in-flammatory stimuli, without obstructing of the regular biosynthesis of other homeostatic prostanoids. Therefore, the design of mPGES-1 inhibitors can represent a better choice to take control of PGE2 asso-ciated diseases, compared with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, which are known for their serious side effects. Although there is an intensive effort for the identification of mPGES-1 inhibitors, none of the unveiled molecules so far have reached the clini-cal market. Therefore, the development of novel mPGES-1 inhibitors with proper drug-like properties is still an unmet medical need. As a continuation of our research for the identification of new chemotypes which might inhibit this enzyme, we now report the design and synthesis of 3-aryloxymethyl-5-[(2-oxo-2-arylethyl)sulfanyl]-1,2,4-triazoles and their oxime derivatives as inhibitors of human mPGES-1. All syn-thesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR (for compounds 12, 14, 15, 26, 27) , HMBC (for compounds 6, 7, 8, 16, 19, 23, 28), and MS data. Twenty-four target compounds 7-30 were screened for their mPGES-1/COX-2 inhibitory activities as well as their cytotoxicity. Of these compounds, 20 and 24 showed potent mPGES-1 inhibition by IC50 values of 0.224 +/- 0.070 mu M and 1.08 +/- 0.35 mu M, re-spectively. These two compounds have also been observed to inhibit angiogenesis in matrigel tube forma-tion assay with no toxicity toward HUVEC cells. In silico studies were also held to understand inhibition mechanisms of the most active compounds using molecular docking, molecular dynamics calculations and ADMET predictions.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Marmara University Scientific Re-search Projects Commission; [SAG-C-DRP-081117-0616]; [SAG-A-070617-0336]Acknowledgments This work was supported by Marmara University Scientific Re-search Projects Commission under the grants with numbers of SAG-C-DRP-081117-0616 and SAG-A-070617-0336
Repressed media and illiberal politics in Turkey: the persistence of fear
No full textThis article examines the historical roots of the role of successive Turkish governments' fear of media and Turkish media's fear of government authority with respect to the development of press freedom over the long run and closely analyzes the historical pressures imposed on journalists through legal and informal means. We focus particularly on the economic and political pressure on the media in Turkey and offer three arguments regarding the fear in Turkish media: (1) Media fear is historical rather than a rupture that happened during the Justice and Development Party era; (2) out of fear of losing power, the governments use structural, legislative and extra-legal factors to the advantage of the ruling party to support a friendly media-ecology; and (3) the repressed media attempt to come out of this ecology of fear by utilizing new tactics of reporting, such as alternative media and citizen journalism
IEEE 802.19.3 Coexistence Recommendations for IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 Based Systems Operating in Sub-1 GHz Frequency Bands
No full textInternet of Things (IoT) applications are rapidly increasing. A broad range of low-power wide-area technologies have been developed in the Sub-1 GHz frequency bands to meet various application requirements. Massive IEEE 802.15.4g based systems have been deployed to provide low to moderate data rate capabilities. IEEE 802.11ah is designed to provide higher data rate capabilities than the data rates of IEEE 802.15.4g. In addition, other Sub-1 GHz band systems, including LoRa and SigFox, are also installed for applications with longer range communication need. There is considerable overlap in use cases targeted by these technologies. Due to the constrained spectrum allocation in the Sub-1 GHz frequency bands, these systems are likely to coexist. Therefore, the coexistence of heterogeneous Sub-1 GHz band wireless technologies becomes an issue to be addressed. Our measurements and simulations reveal significant interference among these systems. Previously the Sub-1 GHz band coexistence is not well addressed. Accordingly, IEEE New Standards Committee and Standard Board formed IEEE 802.19.3 Task Group in December 2018 to develop IEEE 802.19.3 standard for the coexistence of IEEE 802.11ah and IEEE 802.15.4g based systems to guide product deployment. IEEE 802.19.3 standard was published in April 2021. This article summarizes the Sub-1 GHz band systems, spectrum allocation, interference and noise measurements, coexistence issues, and coexistence recommendations presented in IEEE 802.19.3. It aims to introduce IEEE 802.19.3 standard to readers outside of IEEE 802 standard body and to application developers to raise awareness of potential coexistence issues and available coexistence techniques for the better system deployment. In addition, this article presents performance evaluation of the coexistence methods recommended in IEEE 802.19.3
A Siamese Network-Based Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection With Dual Architecture
No full textAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a sophisticated neuro-developmental condition impacting numerous children. Early detection of ASD is crucial to implement suitable treatments to improve the daily activities of people with ASD. This paper introduces a system for ASD detection using facial images. The proposed model presents a unique system inspired by Siamese networks. Unlike traditional Siamese networks focusing on input pairs, our model leverages architectural pairs for feature combinations. During training, we combine features learned from different or the same architectures. This enables information transfer and improves the model's capture of comprehensive patterns. Experimental results on the 2940 facial images dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our system, which exhibits improved accuracy compared to using individual architectures. When (ResNet50, VGG16) architecture pairs are employed in the proposed approach, the highest performance is obtained with an accuracy of 78.57%. Leveraging the strengths of multiple architectures, our model provides a comprehensive and robust representation of input data, leading to improved performance. © 2023 IEEE
Calmer Persuasive Technology for Mental Health and Well-Being: Mindfulness-Based Mobile Applications
No full textOver the course of the last two decades, technology has become more distracting, more persuasive and more pervasive than ever before. We are surrounded by alarms, reminders, and notifications. As a result, we are constantly distracted, unable to focus on one task and forced to switch tasks constantly or multitask. This technological overload is contributing to the levels of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. The aim of this thesis study is to develop an in-depth critical understanding of the root causes of technology becoming more persuasive over the years; in order to gain insight on how technologies can become calmer. In this context, we have chosen MBMAs (MindfulnessBased Mobile Apps) as a case study. This study provides an in-depth analysis of three of the most popular MBMAs worldwide: Calm, Meditopia and Headspace via CMDA (Critical Multimodal Discourse Analysis); as well as EIs (Expert Interviews) with MBMA designers working in these firms and an additional EI with a mindfulness trainer that has no ties with these firms; to gain insight on professionals’ perspectives on the issue
Kuvvete Başvurma Yasağı Çerçevesinde Ukrayna-rusya Krizi
No full textBu tezin amacı, kuvvete başvurma yasağı çerçevesinde Ukrayna- Rusya krizinde ortaya çıkmış ve günümüzde ortaya çıkmakta olan uluslararası hukuk ihlallerini tespit etmektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, iki bölümden oluşan tezimin ilk bölümünde, kuvvete başvurma, kuvvete başvurma yasağı kavramları ele alınmıştır. Nitekim, Ukrayna- Rusya krizi kapsamında ortaya çıkan uluslararası hukuk kurallarının ihlalini değerlendirebilmek için öncelikle kuvvete başvurma kavramı ve tarihçesi; sonrasında, kuvvete başvurma yasağı ve istisnaları eleştirisel bir bakış açısıyla tespit edilmiştir. Özellikle, Birleşmiş Milletler sisteminde düzenlenmiş kuvvete başvurma yasağının istisnalarından biri olan meşru savunma hakkına, bu hakkın kapsamına ve koşullarına ilişkin olarak hem uluslararası hukuk öğretisinin hem de Uluslararası Adalet Divanı’nın yoğun şekilde tartıştığı hususlara değinilmiştir. Çalışmamın ikinci bölümünde, birinci bölümde yer verdiğim kuvvete başvurma yasağı ve istisnaları ile ilgili olarak karşımıza çıkan temel uluslararası hukuk kuralları ve tartışmaları Ukrayna- Rusya krizi bağlamında incelenmiştir