Ioan Dzitac

E-learning Platforms in Higher Education. Case Study

Abstract This paper describes our experience in using e-learning platforms to support face to face instruction in academic field. We used Moodle as interactive e-learning tool to motivate students and involve them in resolving single and collaborative homework tasks. However, while many universities in the world use e-learning platforms, in our case this was for the first time used and it was a great teaching/learning experience. This paper aims to be easy to read and understand by proving the importance of using e-learning platforms in higher education.

Special Types of Fuzzy Relations

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present, in an unitary way, some special types of fuzzy relations: affine fuzzy relations, linear fuzzy relations, convex fuzzy relations, M-convex fuzzy relations. All these fuzzy relations are characterized and we established the inclusions between these classes of fuzzy relations.

Decision Support Model for Production Disturbance Estimation

A current modeling framework for disturbance in manufacturing systems (MS) is given by concepts like discrete-event systems, stochastic fluid models and infinitesimal disturbance analysis. The goal of modeling is to achieve control and structural and functional optimization of MS. Objective functions of these optimization models are focused on quantities which reflect the level of reliability, the level of manufactured products, the quality of products or the impact on the environment of MS with disturbances. These models do not allow a dynamic evaluation of consequences of the disturbances which appears in the operation of MS machines and also do not allow an evaluation of the evolution in time of disturbance consequence indicators. Disturbances in technological lines of MS represent local bottlenecks of production with severe economic consequences in what regards production time losses. Good estimation of disturbances dynamics can be very helpful to both technological line designers, who can optimize their projects and production managers who can minimize their losses. Our model allows a dynamic evaluation of consequences of some disturbance of machine operation in MS, using indicators based on time, energy and costs. A MATLAB software package was developed for tests.

Preliminary issues on brain - machine contextual communication structure development

The increasing sophistication of computer programs and communication systems requires the development of more efficient and interactive human-computer interfaces. One solution to this problem could be the brain - machine interfaces. The aim of this paper is to explore the possibilities of using context dependent interpretations of EEG signals, in addition to signal processing techniques.

Prudent decisions to estimate the risk of loss in insurance

The directive 2009/138/EC „Solvency II”, provides the determination of insurance capital requirements based either on a standard formula or an internal model built by the company and approved by the regulatory authority. The build of an internal model involves the determination of an extreme quantile from the empirical distribution of portfolio. An estimate of this quantile, with a 99.5% confidence level, requires a large number of simulations, each taking into account different scenarios as: insufficient reserves, unfavourable developments of financial assets, etc. The present paper proposes to argue the necessity of the extreme value theory approach in order to estimate the risk of loss for the insurance issue, in accordance with European Directive „Solvency II”, from the perspective of making prudent decisions for the assessment of insurance capital requirements.

University Level Learning and Teaching via E-Learning Platforms

Abstract Web-based adaptive collaborative learning environments are more often used to support face to face teaching activities. This paper describes how the educational process may be improved and students may be motivated to do homework tasks and to attend classes in higher education. We describe the implementation and use of e-learning platforms and present our experience in using such platforms in our faculty. The performance of two groups of students is analyzed. The analysis focuses on two aspects: attendance on classes and homework tasks submission. Therefore, the first group had no contact with e-learning environment and they had to attend classes in a traditional way (face-to-face interaction) and to submit their homework via e-mail. The second group had to attend classes and also to use an e-learning platform where they could access course resources and homework tasks. They had also to submit their homework via the platform, while respecting a strict deadline and using the professors’ feedback to improve their homework quality. This paper highlights the importance and the benefits of using collaborative e-learning platforms in higher education to support face to face teaching.

Wear simulation through cellular automata method

Cellular automata (CA) are used to simulate a various number of complex processes, based on simple rules applied to a large population of cells. Wear of turbine blades is also a very complex process which is analyzed in most cases using empirical data. The model described in this paper uses cellular automata obeying a set of rules and using values of initial state parameters which were computed by FEA flow analysis (fluid pressure and velocity). The model is then adjusted using experimental data. The obtained results, corresponds to former studies and observations. Further developments can be made by alternatively applying FEA analysis and CA simulation in order to increase model accuracy.

Flight Stability Analysis of a Symmetrically-Structured Quadcopter Based on Thrust Data Logger Information

Quadcopter flight stability is achieved when all of the rotors–propellers generate equal thrust in hover and throttle mode. It requires a control system algorithm for rotor speed adjustment, which is related with the translational vector and rotational angle. Even with an identical propeller and speed, the thrusts generated are not necessarily equal on all rotors–propellers. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a data logger to measure thrust and to assist in flight control on a symmetrically-structured quadcopter. It is developed with a four load cells sensor with two-axis characterizations and is able to perform real-time signal processing. The process includes speed adjustment for each rotor, trim calibration, and a proportional integral derivative (PID) control tuning system. In the data retrieval process, a quadcopter was attached with data logger system in a parallel axis position. Various speeds between 1200 rpm to 4080 rpm in throttle mode were analyzed to determine the stability of the resulting thrust. Adjustment result showed that the thrust differences between the rotors were less than 0.5 N. The data logger showed the consistency of the thrust value and was proved by repeated experiments with 118 s of sampling time for the same quadcopter control condition. Finally, the quadcopter flight stability as the result of tuning process by the thrust data logger was validated by the flight controller data.

Tool-Wear Analysis Using Image Processing of the Tool Flank

Flexibility of manufacturing systems is an essential factor in maintaining the competitiveness of industrial production. Flexibility can be defined in several ways and according to several factors, but in order to obtain adequate results in implementing a flexible manufacturing system able to compete on the market, a high level of autonomy (free of human intervention) of the manufacturing system must be achieved. There are many factors that can disturb the production process and reduce the autonomy of the system, because of the need of human intervention to overcome these disturbances. One of these factors is tool wear. The aim of this paper is to present an experimental study on the possibility to determine the state of tool wear in a flexible manufacturing cell environment, using image acquisition and processing methods.

Promoting Business Analytics and Quantitative Management of Technology: Preface for ITQM 2016☆

a College of Business, Korea Advanced Institute Science and Technology, Dongdaemum-gu, Seoul, 130-722, Korea Email: hsl@business.kaist.ac.kr bResearch Center on Fictitiotus Economy and Data Science and Key Lab of Big Data Mining and Knowledge Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China cCollege of Information Science and Technology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA School of Business Administration, Hoseo University, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 336-795, Korea Faculty of Engineering and Business, University Finis Terrae, Pedro de Valdivia 1509. Providencia, Santiago, Chile Universitatea Agora/ Agora University, Piata Tineretului, 8, 410526 Oradea, România g School of Business Administration, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, Sichuan 61130, China Institute of Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Beijing, 100190, China