• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.157-175
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• 2012

It is difficult to evaluate the performance of process innovation of e-procurement which has large scale and complex processes. The existing evaluation methods for measuring the effects of process innovation have been mainly done with statistically quantitative methods by analyzing operational data or with qualitative methods by conducting surveys and interviews. However, these methods have some limitations to evaluate the effects because the performance evaluation of e-procurement process innovation should consider the interactions among participants who are active either directly or indirectly through the processes. This study considers the e-procurement process as a complex system and develops a simulation model based on MAS(Multi-Agent System) to evaluate the effects of e-procurement process innovation. Multi-agent based simulation allows observing interaction patterns of objects in virtual world through relationship among objects and their behavioral mechanism. Agent-based simulation is suitable especially for complex business problems. In this study, we used Netlogo Version 4.1.3 as a MAS simulation tool which was developed in Northwestern University. To do this, we developed a interaction model of agents in MAS environment. We defined process agents and task agents, and assigned their behavioral characteristics. The developed simulation model was applied to G2B system (KONEPS: Korea ON-line E-Procurement System) of Public Procurement Service (PPS) in Korea and used to evaluate the innovation effects of the G2B system. KONEPS is a successfully established e-procurement system started in the year 2002. KONEPS is a representative e-Procurement system which integrates characteristics of e-commerce into government for business procurement activities. KONEPS deserves the international recognition considering the annual transaction volume of 56 billion dollars, daily exchanges of electronic documents, users consisted of 121,000 suppliers and 37,000 public organizations, and the 4.5 billion dollars of cost saving. For the simulation, we analyzed the e-procurement of process of KONEPS into eight sub processes such as 'process 1: search products and acquisition of proposal', 'process 2 : review the methods of contracts and item features', 'process 3 : a notice of bid', 'process 4 : registration and confirmation of qualification', 'process 5 : bidding', 'process 6 : a screening test', 'process 7 : contracts', and 'process 8 : invoice and payment'. For the parameter settings of the agents behavior, we collected some data from the transactional database of PPS and some information by conducting a survey. The used data for the simulation are 'participants (government organizations, local government organizations and public institutions)', 'the number of bidding per year', 'the number of total contracts', 'the number of shopping mall transactions', 'the rate of contracts between bidding and shopping mall', 'the successful bidding ratio', and the estimated time for each process. The comparison was done for the difference of time consumption between 'before the innovation (As-was)' and 'after the innovation (As-is).' The results showed that there were productivity improvements in every eight sub processes. The decrease ratio of 'average number of task processing' was 92.7% and the decrease ratio of 'average time of task processing' was 95.4% in entire processes when we use G2B system comparing to the conventional method. Also, this study found that the process innovation effect will be enhanced if the task process related to the 'contract' can be improved. This study shows the usability and possibility of using MAS in process innovation evaluation and its modeling.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.9
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• pp.3864-3871
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• 2024

In case of a hypothetical severe accident in a Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR), coolability of the debris bed in the post-accident phase plays a vital role in mitigating the accident and ensuring the structural integrity of the reactor vessel. Few numerical studies are reported in literature, in which the boiling heat transfer in debris bed is expressed as equivalent heat conduction using similarity law between heat conduction and two-phase heat transfer. However, these studies assumed steady state mass conservation for the boiling zone and neglected the gravity force. Hence, a detailed study has been carried out for various particle sizes and porosities of SFR debris to investigate the influence of above considerations. The effect of gravity on debris bed coolability is studied using steady state model of Lipinski, which showed that gravity has a non-negligible effect, for particle size of 0.3 mm and porosity of 0.5. However, the gravitation force was found to have a negligible effect in dryout heat flux estimation for the bottom cooled configuration. A transient numerical model is developed for simulating the boiling phenomena in debris beds and validated with the published experimental results. The assumption of steady state mass conservation is verified by carrying out transient analysis, which indicated early prediction of the dryout inception. For time dependent heat generation case, the unsteady mass conservation predicted higher DHF compared to constant heat generation.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.14-26
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• 2004

For reliable determination of mechanical characteristics of adhesively bonded joints used e.g. as input data for computer-aided design of complex components, the thick-adherend tensile-shear test according to ISO 11003-2 is the most important material testing method. Although the total displacement of the joint is measured across the polymer layer directly in the overlap zone in order to minimize the influence of the stepped adherends, the substrate deformation must be taken into account within the framework of the evaluation of the shear modulus and the maximum shear strain, at least when high-strength adhesives are applied. In the standard ISO 11003-2 version of 1993, it was prescribed to perform the substrate deformation correction by means of testing a one-piece reference specimen. The authors, however, pointed to the excessive demands on the measuring accuracy of the extensometers connected with this technique in industrial practice and alternatively proposed a numerical deformation analysis of a dummy specimen. This idea of a mathematical correction was included in the revised ISO 11003-2 version of 2001 but in the simplified form of an analytical method based on Hooke's law of elasticity for small strains. In the present work, it is shown that both calculation techniques yield considerably discordant results. As experimental assessment would require high-precision distance determination (e.g. laser extensometer), finite element analyses of the deformation behavior of the bonded joint are performed in order to estimate the accuracy of the obtained substrate deformation corrections. These simulations reveal that the numerical correction technique based on the finite element deformation modeling of the reference specimen leads to considerably more realistic results.

• Journal of the Korea Society for Simulation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.105-117
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• 2020

Analysis of combat effectiveness is required to consider the concept of tactical cooperative engagement between manned-unmanned weapon systems, in order to predict the required operational capabilities of future weapon systems that meets the concept of 'effect-based synchronized operations.' However, analytical methods such as mathematical and statistical models make it difficult to analyze the effects of complex systems under nonlinear warfare. In this paper, we propose a combat simulation model that can simulate the concept of cooperative engagement between manned-unmanned combat entities based on wireless communications. First, we model unmanned combat entities, e.g., unmanned ground vehicles and drones, and manned combat entities, e.g., combatants and artillery, considering the capabilities required by the future ground system. We also simulate tactical behavior in which all entities perform their mission while sharing battlefield situation information through wireless communications. Finally we explore the feasibility of the proposed model by analyzing combat effectiveness such as target acquisition rate, remote control success rate, reconnaissance lead time, survival rate, and enemy's loss rate under a small-unit armor reconnaissance scenario. The proposed model is expected to be used in war-game combat experiments as well as analysis of the effects of manned-unmanned ground weapons.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Military Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.502-515
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• 2020

To identify the dynamic characteristics of the Auto-leveling system applied to the Tractor-Trailer type Transporter for mounting a large scale precision equipment, Dynamics Modeling & Simulation were performed using general Dynamics Analysis Program - RecurDyn(V9R2). The axial load data, transverse load data and pad trace data of leveling actuators were obtained from M&S. And they were analyzed and compared with each other by parameters, i.e. friction coefficients on the ground, landing ram speed of actuators, and direction & quantity of ground slope. It was observed that ground contact friction coefficients affected to transverse load and pad trace; the landing ram speed of actuators to both amplitude of axial & transverse load, and this phenomena was able to explain from the frequency analysis of the axial load data; the direction of ground slope to driving sequence of landing ram of actuators. But the dynamic behaviors on the two-directional slope were very different from them on the one-directional slope and more complex.

• International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.134-142
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• 2012

The competition to deliver ultra-low emitting vehicles at a reasonable cost is driving the automotive industry to invest significant manpower and test laboratory resources in the design optimization of increasingly complex exhaust after-treatment systems. Optimization can no longer be based on traditional approaches, which are intensive in hardware use and laboratory testing. The CFD is in high demand for the analysis and design in order to reduce developing cost and time consuming in experiments. This paper describes the development of a comprehensive practical model based on experiments for simulating the performance of automotive three-way catalytic converters, which are employed to reduce engine exhaust emissions. An experiment is conducted to measure species concentrations before and after catalytic converter for different loads on engine. The model simulates the emission system behavior by using an exhaust system heat conservation and catalyst chemical kinetic sub-model. CFD simulation is used to study the performance of automotive catalytic converter. The substrate is modeled as a porous media in FLUENT and the standard k-e model is used for turbulence. The flow pattern is changed from axial to radial by changing the substrate model inside the catalytic converter and the flow distribution and the conversion efficiency of CO, HC and NOx are achieved first, and the predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. It is found that the conversion from axial to radial flow makes the catalytic converter more efficient. These studies help to understand better the performance of the catalytic converter in order to optimize the converter design.

• Atmosphere
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.241-249
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• 2021

A smart city utilizes data collected from various sensors through the internet of things (IoT) and improves city operations across the urban area. Recently substantial research is underway to examine all aspects of data that requires for the smart city operation. Atmospheric data are an essential component for successful smart city implementation, including Urban Air Mobility (UAM), infrastructure planning, safety and convenience, and traffic management. Unfortunately, the current level of conventional atmospheric data does not meet the needs of the new city concept. New and innovative approaches to developing high spatiotemporal resolution of observational and modeling data, resolving the complex urban structure, are expected to support the future needs. The geographic information system (GIS) integrates the atmospheric data with the urban structure and offers information system enhancement. In this study we proposed the necessity and applicability of the high resolution urban meteorological dataset based on heavy fog cases in the smart city region (e.g., Sejong and Pusan) in Korea.

• Journal of KIISE:Databases
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2002

The concept of the critical path in the workflow is important because it can be utilized In many issues in workflow systems, e.g., workflow resource management and workflow time management. However, the critical path in the contest of the workflow has not been much addressed in the past. This is because control flows in the workflow, generally including sequence, parallel, alternative, iteration and so on, are much more complex than those in the ordinary graph or network. In this paper we first describe our workflow model that has considerable work(low control constructs. They would provide the sufficient expressive power for modeling the growing complexities of today's most business processes. Then, we propose a method to systematically determine the critical path in a workflow schema built by the workflow control constructs described in our workflow model.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.170-176
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• 2004

This study was carried out to establish a spatial decision support system for evaluating climatic aspects of a given geographic location in complex terrains with respect to the quality apple production. Monthly climate data from S6 synoptic stations across South Korea were collected for 1971-2000. A digital elevation model (DEM) with a 10-m cell spacing was used to spatially interpolate daily maximum and minimum temperatures based on relevant topoclimatological models applied to Jangsoo county in Korea. For daily minimum temperature, a spatial interpolation scheme accommodating the potential influences of cold air accumulation and the temperature inversion was used. For daily maximum temperature estimation, a spatial interpolation model loaded with the overheating index was used. Freezing risk in January was estimated under the recurrence intervals of 30 years. Frost risk at bud-burst and blossom was also estimated. Fruit quality was evaluated for soluble solids, anthocyanin content, Hunter L and A values, and LID ratio, which were expressed as empirical functions of temperature based on long-term field observations. AU themes were prepared as ArcGlS Grids with a 10-m cell spacing. Analysis showed that 11 percent of the whole land area of Jangsoo county might be suitable for quality 'Fuji' apple production. A computer program (MAPLE) was written to help utilize the results in decision-making for site-selection of new orchards in this region.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.103-128
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• 2013

When a consumer needs a product or service and multiple sellers are available online, the process of selecting a seller to buy online from is complex since the process involves many behavioral dimensions that have to be taken into account. As a part of this selection process, consumers may set minimum trust expectation that can be used to screen out less trustworthy sellers. In the previous research, the level of consumers' trust expectation has been anchored on two important factors: product involvement and perceived risk. Product involvement refers to the extent to which a consumer perceives a specific product important. Thus, the higher product involvement may result in the higher trust expectation in sellers. On the other hand, other related studies found that when consumers perceived a higher level of risk (e.g., credit card fraud risk), they set higher trust expectation as well. While abundant research exists addressing the relationship between product involvement and perceived risk, little attention has been paid to the integrative view of the link between the two constructs and their impacts on the trust expectation. The present paper is a step toward filling this research gap. The purpose of this paper is to understand the process by which a consumer chooses an online merchant by examining the relationships among product involvement, perceived risk, trust expectation, and intention to buy from an e-tailer. We specifically focus on the mediating role of perceived risk in the relationships between enduring product involvement and the trust expectation. That is, we question whether product involvement affects the trust expectation directly without mediation or indirectly mediated by perceived risk. The research model with four hypotheses was initially tested using data gathered from 635 respondents through an online survey method. The structural equation modeling technique with partial least square was used to validate the instrument and the proposed model. The results showed that three out of the four hypotheses formulated were supported. First, we found that the intention to buy from a digital storefront is positively and significantly influenced by the trust expectation, providing support for H4 (trust expectation ${\rightarrow}$ purchase intention). Second, perceived risk was found to be a strong predictor of trust expectation, supporting H2 as well (perceived risk ${\rightarrow}$ trust expectation). Third, we did not find any evidence of direct influence of product involvement, which caused H3 to be rejected (product involvement ${\rightarrow}$ trust expectation). Finally, we found significant positive relationship between product involvement and perceived risk (H1: product involvement ${\rightarrow}$ perceived risk), which suggests that the possibility of complete mediation of perceived risk in the relationship between enduring product involvement and the trust expectation. As a result, we conducted an additional test for the mediation effect by comparing the original model with the revised model without the mediator variable of perceived risk. Indeed, we found that there exists a strong influence of product involvement on the trust expectation (by intentionally eliminating the variable of perceived risk) that was suppressed (i.e., mediated) by the perceived risk in the original model. The Sobel test statistically confirmed the complete mediation effect. Results of this study offer the following key findings. First, enduring product involvement is positively related to perceived risk, implying that the higher a consumer is enduringly involved with a given product, the greater risk he or she is likely to perceive with regards to the online purchase of the product. Second, perceived risk is positively related to trust expectation. A consumer with great risk perceptions concerning the online purchase is likely to buy from a highly trustworthy online merchant, thereby mitigating potential risks. Finally, product involvement was found to have no direct influence on trust expectation, but the relationship between the two constructs was indirect and mediated by the perceived risk. This is perhaps an important theoretical integration of two separate streams of literature on product involvement and perceived risk. The present research also provides useful implications for practitioners as well as academicians. First, one implication for practicing managers in online retail stores is that they should invest in reducing the perceived risk of consumers in order to lower down the trust expectation and thus increasing the consumer's intention to purchase products or services. Second, an academic implication is that perceived risk mediates the relationship between enduring product involvement and trust expectation. Further research is needed to elaborate the theoretical relationships among the constructs under consideration.