Non-standard cut classification of fuzzy sets

Several important non-standard cut sets of lattice-valued fuzzy sets are investigated. These are strong cuts, “not less” and “neither less nor equal” cuts. In each case it is proved that collection of all cuts of any lattice-valued fuzzy set form a complete lattice under inclusion. Decomposition theorem (representation by cuts) is proved for “neither less nor equal” cuts. Necessary and sufficient conditions under which two lattice-valued fuzzy sets with the same domain have equal families of corresponding cut sets are given.     

Shape-preserving interpolation of irregular data by bivariate curvature-based cubic splines in spherical coordinates

We investigate C¹-smooth bivariate curvature-based cubic L₁ interpolating splines in spherical coordinates. The coefficients of these splines are calculated by minimizing an integral involving the L₁ norm of univariate curvature in four directions at each point on the unit sphere. We compare these curvature-based cubic L₁ splines with analogous cubic L₂ interpolating splines calculated by minimizing an integral involving the square of the L₂ norm of univariate curvature in the same four directions at each point. For two sets of irregular data on an equilateral tetrahedron with protuberances on the faces, we compare these two types of curvature-based splines with each other and with cubic L₁ and L₂ splines calculated by minimizing the L₁ norm and the square of the L₂ norm, respectively, of second derivatives. Curvature-based cubic L₁ splines preserve the shape of irregular data well, better than curvature-based cubic L₂ splines and than second-derivative-based cubic L₁ and L₂ splines. Second-derivative-based cubic L₂ splines preserve shape poorly. Variants of curvature-based L₁ and L₂ splines in spherical and general curvilinear coordinate systems are outlined.     

The -basis and implicitization of a rational parametric surface

The concept of a μ-basis was introduced in the case of parametrized curves in 1998 and generalized to the case of rational ruled surfaces in 2001. The μ-basis can be used to recover the parametric equation as well as to derive the implicit equation of a rational curve or surface. Furthermore, it can be used for surface reparametrization and computation of singular points. In this paper, we generalize the notion of a μ-basis to an arbitrary rational parametric surface. We show that: (1) the μ-basis of a rational surface always exists, the geometric significance of which is that any rational surface can be expressed as the intersection of three moving planes without extraneous factors; (2) the μ-basis is in fact a basis of the moving plane module of the rational surface; and (3) the μ-basis is a basis of the corresponding moving surface ideal of the rational surface when the base points are local complete intersections. As a by-product, a new algorithm is presented for computing the implicit equation of a rational surface from the μ-basis. Examples provide evidence that the new algorithm is superior than the traditional algorithm based on direct computation of a Gröbner basis. Problems for further research are also discussed.     

When and why technology leadership enters the C-suite: An antecedents perspective on CIO presence

Building on the concept of dynamic managerial capabilities, we set out to advance scholarly understanding of the antecedents of the presence of technology leadership in the form of the chief information officer (CIO) in the top management team. We derive a holistic framework from the literature of dynamic capabilities and introduce into that literature the concept of adaptation pressures. We suggest that external and internal dimensions that pertain to information technology, comprising an environmental, structural, and strategic dimension, intensify the pressure on a firm to adapt. The pressure to adapt increases the likelihood that the firm will add a CIO to its top management team. In turn, the presence of a CIO can direct a firm toward exploration as a way to relieve the adaptation pressure. Results from regression analyses of a longitudinal data set covering 503 large U.S. firms from 2006 to 2017 confirm our hypotheses. This study contributes to the literature of both information systems and strategy by clarifying the antecedents of technology leadership in the C-suite and explicating how environmental, structural, and strategic factors can act as such antecedents. Moreover, this study reinforces the notion that IT leadership can induce strategic change.     

Advancements in the design and validation of an air pollution integrated assessment model for Spain

This paper describes the design and application of the Atmospheric Evaluation and Research Integrated model for Spain (AERIS). Currently, AERIS can provide concentration profiles of NO₂, O₃, SO₂, NH₃, PM, as a response to emission variations of relevant sectors in Spain. Results are calculated using transfer matrices based on an air quality modelling system (AQMS) composed by the WRF (meteorology), SMOKE (emissions) and CMAQ (atmospheric-chemical processes) models. The AERIS outputs were statistically tested against the conventional AQMS and observations, revealing a good agreement in both cases. At the moment, integrated assessment in AERIS focuses only on the link between emissions and concentrations. The quantification of deposition, impacts (health, ecosystems) and costs will be introduced in the future. In conclusion, the main asset of AERIS is its accuracy in predicting air quality outcomes for different scenarios through a simple yet robust modelling framework, avoiding complex programming and long computing times.