Abstract: Ambient Intelligence (AmI) has recently been adopted as a term referring to a multidisciplinary subject which embraces a variety of pre-existing fields of computer science and engineering. Given the diversity of potential applications this relationship naturally extends to other areas of science, such as education, health and social care, entertainment, sports, and transportation, to name a few. AmI brings these resources and many other areas together to provide flexible and intelligent services to users acting in their environments. Handbook of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments is a comprehensive presentation of the latest developments in the burgeoning research area of ambient intelligence and smart environments. Written by leading international experts, this seminal reference organizes all major concepts, theories, methodologies, trends, and challenges into a coherent, unified repository. About this handbook: Offers a current and thorough review of Ambient Intelligence and examines the relative physical infrastructure of smart environments Features application-oriented coverage and presents current projects on the subject Provides coverage from leading researchers and practitioners in computer science and engineering communities Describes infastructure and how sensors are networked and utilized in application settings Explores technology that can be built over a networked sensing infrastructure to make resources widely available in an unobtrusive way Studies the interaction between humans and artifiical systems Probes developments that aim to make artificial systems more rational Addresses Multi-Agent Systemssystems that contribute to the resources of an artificial system which can be used to understand different sitautions and decide intelligently Investigates a wide range of application ans well as consideration of the impact this technology can have in daily lives. Provides insight into some of the recent major projects developed around the world. This complete volume is an exceptional tool for research scientists, practitioners, senior undergraduate and graduate students in computer science and engineering. This book also presents a useful text for professionals working in service science, education, education, health and social care, entertainment, sports, transportation and urban development.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss a message from Professor Stuart Umpleby to the CYBCOM discussion group.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.Findings – Four links are followed up and discussed. The first refers to the reflexivity theory of Soros, the second to distinct epistemologies within cybernetics, and the other two specifically to means of global regulation.Practical implications – There should be implications for both economic and ecological regulation.Originality/value – It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Abstract: Definition 1.3 of (backward) fractional difference of α-order will be extended to two-dimensional (shortly 2D) discrete function x ij .

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of innovation for firm competitiveness from a systemic point of view, and to review recent literature about the interactive innovation model.Design/methodology/approach – The research question posed in this paper is: what critical innovation factors hinder/promote innovation activity in the individual company? The paper is intentionally closed into a particular field of literature, i.e. the interactive innovation model.Findings – It was found that the research policy implications of the interactive model will be that the emphasis on research must turn more towards relations between elements generating innovation systems at various system levels. Many methods must be applied in the same research project or research model.Originality/value – The paper illustrates what critical innovation factors hinder/promote innovation activity in the individual company.

Abstract: Purpose – Turbulence and complexity in the business environment is growing along with the need for external information in creating innovation, as innovation is seen as the primary source of sustainable competitive advantages in the knowledge economy. Consequently, the underlying information processes were external information are gathered and put into use, are crucial for companies in their development of innovation, and ultimately their capacity to limit imitation and create sustainable competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approach – The research question in this paper is, how can systemic knowledge processes create innovation and promote competitive advantages? Through a conceptual model it is argued that a prerequisite for the acquisition, development, integration and application of knowledge, is the existence of systemic knowledge processes, percolation processes and networking.Findings – It is through these processes that organizations can develop innovations, which ultimately will lead to sust...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical solutions of the Burgers' and modified Burgers' equation using sextic B‐spline collocation method.Design/methodology/approach – Crank‐Nicolson central differencing scheme has been used for the time integration and sextic B‐spline functions have been used for the space integration to the modified and time splitted modified Burgers' equation.Findings – It has been found that the proposed method is unconditionally stable and obtained results are consistent with some earlier published studies.Originality/value – Sextic B‐spline collocation method for the Burgers' and modified Burgers' equation is given.

Abstract: Purpose – Some personality schemas are seen to compete with others, but are they really complementary? The purpose of this paper is to show that two trait approaches, Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Mindscape theory, which are normally considered to be competitive, shall be migrated into a more complex modeling space using knowledge cybernetics, when they are shown to have a complementary potential.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the meta‐framework of knowledge cybernetics (KC) part of the relevantial universe identified by Maruyama, to migrate different theoretical approaches and relate them. A consequence is the possible development of a more sophisticated trait theory that is capable of providing more complex information about personality.Findings – The findings indicate that current type theories are not necessarily stand‐alone, but may be seen as complementary within a broader conceptual framework.Research limitations/implications – This paper is limited to the investigation of MB...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the efficiency and benefits of supply chain (SC) scientifically and validate the usability of methods on performance evaluation index system.Design/methodology/approach – At the performance evaluation index, the enhanced balanced scorecards (BSC) are developed based on the BSC. Regarding society environment and future development, the construction of performance evaluation index system includes five aspects such as finance, customer service, intra‐flow process, learning and development, and society development within SC. The indexes of performance evaluation system are all quantified to achieve their practical application. Another new point is that the logarithm triangular fuzzy number‐analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method expanding from fuzzy environment and developing from traditional AHP method is creatively used to evaluate the integrative performance evaluation index system.Findings – The enhanced BSC and the special AHP method can overcome some dis...

Abstract: Purpose – Pluralities of personality schemas reside across different Maruyama universes suggesting incommensurability and isolation. Schemas may migrate across Maruyama universes given appropriate means. As illustration, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) schema for personality temperament is migrated into a sociocognitive schema through the intermediary of knowledge cybernetics (KC). MBTI is a type approach that operates with polar opposites; however, conceptually there is no reason for it not to be associated with a trait space. Supposing that MBTI has traits at some horizon of meaning, then since traits are responsible for the creation of enduring states, sociocognitive explanations should be able to explain the stable states consistent with a variation of the McCrae and Costa proposition. As a result this paper aims to formulate for the first time a link between the MBTI type schema, a trait space, and a capacity for sociocultural descriptions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the meta‐...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply a new idea and scientific method to evaluate the enterprise's independent innovation capability accurately.Design/methodology/approach – The matter‐element, extension set and independent function in extension theory are introduced briefly. Based on extension theory, the matter‐element model on comprehensive evaluation of the enterprise's independent innovation capability is established. Then, an instance which makes structural analysis on the enterprise's independent innovation capability with extension evaluation method is given.Findings – The matter‐element model on comprehensive evaluation of the enterprise's independent innovation capability is established. Extension evaluation method can combine qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis to reflect the changing process of the objective appropriately. By means of the matter‐element model, the evaluation result shows which the grade does the enterprise's independent innovation capability belong to.Res...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the 2D hybrid linear model, which is a method of describing both continuous‐ and discrete‐time dynamics in one system. Singularity of 2D hybrid linear models is a newly occurred problem and a very important question is how to compute the solution of the singular 2D hybrid linear model.Design/methodology/approach – Computation of the solution of mentioned system is based on Laplace transform, Z‐transform and shifting algorithm. The inverse Laplace transform and inverse Z‐transform are used in two cases.Findings – In this paper, a class of 2D singular hybrid linear systems is introduced. Two methods for computation of solutions of the singular hybrid system with nonzero boundary conditions are proposed. Both methods are illustrated by the examples.Originality/value – Presented methods are a new way for computing the solution of singular 2D hybrid linear systems.

Abstract: Purpose – This paper is written in response to the question “What developments are taking place in systems?” as a contribution to the November 2006 Cybernetics Conference. The paper is based upon the assumption that what is meant by the question relates to research in an area of systems known as soft systems.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with clarification about “Systems” and then the reader is taken on a personal journey through what are considered to be important contributions to soft systems research. The account includes reference to philosophical treatise on aspects relevant to some of the difficulties facing subjective research and some outcomes from research germane to the development of these ideas.Findings – The paper recounts lessons learnt from the practice about the nature of undertaking soft systems research and whilst acknowledging that this research continues suggests that because of these soft systems has an intellectual and practical foundation.Originality/value – Systems...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a model and a supporting approach for effective supplier selection decisions.Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis are applied to test the evaluation principles and samples. Next, the data tested by SEM is used for artificial neural network (ANN) by Likert and fuzzy scales to structure a classification model, accompanying with canonical discriminate analysis (CANDISC) to diminish variables. After the training and test of the model, multiple discriminate analysis is applied to compare the accuracy of the classification. Last, the CANDISC variable reduction method with ANN classification model utilized in the study is applied.Findings – The supplier selection model designed with ANN classification model and fuzzy scales will be more effective than with the traditional statistics analysis.Research limitations/implications – The new paradigm for decision making includes a combination of several effect...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply grey system theory to population system and project China's population.Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies the GM(1,1) model to China's population projections. Two key aspects of the method are crucial for obtaining best accuracy of prediction. They are the choice of the length for the original data to be used in the model and the adoption of the GM(1,1) metabolic model in prediction. The former determines what initial data to be used while the latter describes an iteration process on how to proceed to predict.Findings – The results show that in 2015 China's population will reach 1.37 billion and in 2050 it will be between 1.42 and 1.48 billion, which is in accordance with the latest projections from the UN. The findings show the GM(1,1) metabolic model is an effective mathematical means in population projections.Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests that GM(1,1) metabolic model can provide an effective simulation model for compl...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate organisational evolution and change forces that influence the adaptation process. Despite significant research interest in this topic, the knowledge is still incomplete.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the importance of organisational evolution and introduces two frameworks, five change forces and success factors and competencies, in the process of transformation from the new economy to the innovative economy.Findings – The paper finds that organisational capacity for transformation in response to the economic change forces has become the critical success factor in the ever‐changing business environment where more competition means more intense selection. As organisations fight to remain on the market, unadaptive and consequently unsuccessful rivals fail to capture an adequate market share and have to exit.Research limitations/implications – It would be particularly interesting to conduct studies in different countries to see whether th...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help enterprises to define and refresh their specific vendor selection criteria according to changing situations.Design/methodology/approach – This paper firstly analyzes the variety of vendor selection criteria according to the diverse business environment. Furthermore, an approach of vendor selection based on MW‐OBS (an artificial neural network pruning algorithm) is put forward. MW‐OBS contributes a lot in distinguishing the crucial items of selection criteria based on certain enterprise's operational data, instead of assuming the criteria set subjectively. Meanwhile MW‐OBS evaluates the importance weights of these crucial items in criteria by data training.Findings – The vendor selection criteria is believed to change for diverse enterprises and even for an enterprise's mutative business conditions because of the attribute of materials, cooperation relationships, and supplier's performance. The approach establishes the vendor selection criteria for different e...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the connotation of grey number, which is the basic unit of grey mathematics and the key to establish the mathematic framework of grey system theory.Design/methodology/approach – From the grey hazy set, the paper re‐defines grey number and the operation of grey‐number element, then some properties are obtained. Based on them, the operation of grey‐matrix element is given. The general definition of grey function and its operation are also proposed.Findings – The connotation of grey number is elaborated and the elementary framework of grey mathematics can be established.Research limitations/implications – The researched object, objective and techniques of grey system theory have not been logically proposed and they may influence the comprehension of grey system theory. The obtained results of grey mathematics may significantly promote its development.Practical implications – The paper can enable managers to control the complex system with missing information ...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set out some ideas about how sociocybernetics can contribute to understanding possible world futures. A central concept in cybernetics is “governance”, the art of steersmanship. As conceived by Ashby, Beer and others, this art is concerned with the management of variety. How do we face the challenge of managing all the variety that makes up “possible world futures”?Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the distinction between first and second order cybernetics as a way of bringing order to the wide variety of disciplinary studies that are relevant for the understanding of possible world futures.Findings – Sociocybernetics is concerned with applying theories and methods from cybernetics and the systems sciences to the social sciences by offering concepts and tools for addressing problems holistically and globally. With its distinction between first order studies of observed systems and the second order study of observing systems, sociocybernetics provides a ...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to utilize the big five models of brand personality concept to explore potential co‐branding partners by employing the multi‐attribute utility theory (MAUT) to estimate and rank utilities for possible partners from the big five models.Design/methodology/approach – Design science, an artifact of proof‐of‐concept system is used for deciding co‐branding partners.Findings – The present study attempts to demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept of the proposed MAUT‐based decision model for a company in determining a beneficial and supportive co‐branding partner.Practical implications – This paper aims to provide clues for industries in terms of providing a MAUT‐based decision‐making approach and a strategic information system. Examples from the telecommunication industry also demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.Originality/value – The proposed decision‐making method: provides clues for ranking and selection of co‐branding partners; explores the brand personality of the po...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to overcome the deficiency of the current GM(1,N) such as low‐prediction precision, extend the scope of GM(1,N) and provide an effective grey dynamic model GM(1,N) for the relationship of cost and variability.Design/methodology/approach – The relationship between two factors of variety and the cost of manufacturing system is studied on the basis of the variety reduction program theory. Based on the Grey system and the gradient algorithm, a Grey dynamic model GM(1,N) is proposed between cost and variety by optimizing the coefficient and background value of the model which is used to check validity for the relation of plasm‐yarn machine product and variety.Findings – The proposed Grey dynamic prediction model GM(1,N) for the relationship of cost and variability has high precision and easy‐to‐use.Research limitations/implications – A Grey model GM(1,N) for prediction is proposed.Practical implications – The proposed model should also have potential for multifactor syste...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and explain how distinct approaches to coping with complexity vary in their effectiveness. The different strategies are evaluated as to their respective capabilities of absorbing complexity. Virtuous versus vicious approaches are distinguished.Design/methodology/approach – Based on two basic formulas for the calculation of variety, a measure of complexity, sensitivity analyses for different strategies are carried out. Recommendations for the how of coping with complexity are derived logically.Findings – Strategies based on increasing the repertory of behaviour through enhancing the potential states of the elements (component agents) in a system are superior to strategies which pursue an increase in the number of elements.Practical implications – The imperative to increase the repertory of behaviour and to avoid responses to complexity through complication constitute an approach that leads to an overshoot of eigen‐complexity and consequently to ineffici...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap between experimental and abstract‐theoretic models of reaction‐diffusion computing. Chemical reaction‐diffusion computers are amongst leading experimental prototypes in the field of unconventional and nature‐inspired computing. In the reaction‐diffusion computers, the data are represented by concentration profiles of reagents, information is transferred by propagating diffusive and phase waves, computation is implemented in interaction of the traveling patterns, and results of the computation are recorded as a final concentration profile.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes a possibility of co‐algebraic representation of the computation in reaction‐diffusion systems using reaction‐diffusion cellular‐automata models.Findings – Using notions of space‐time trajectories of local domains of a reaction‐diffusion medium the logic of trajectories is built, where well‐formed formulas and their truth‐values are defined by co‐induction. These formulas ...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show and explain an innovative educational program in management and engineering called “Human Re‐Engineering for Action” that provides the students with different distinctions to make in their observations to allowing to face and manage complex embodied organizational problems and situations.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in the program is based on the creation of conditions which allow embodied learning and therefore, creating enactive meta‐observers able to open new possibilities of action in different organizational contexts and domains. The program uses labs, maps, workshops, and ludic storytelling sessions structured through an ontological tool called CLEHES© which serves as a facilitator of observations of experience to enhance awareness of constructive possibilities.Findings – Observations made by the graduates of the course over years have shown that the major achievement of the program is that it changes the graduates' paradigm in use...