DEA models are tools for evaluation of efficiency and performance of decision making units. They are based on the definition of efficiency as the ratio of the sum of outputs produced by the unit divided by the sum of inputs spent in the production process. A standard LP solver is the only requirement for solving DEA models. Unfortunately specialized optimization packages are not available to ty...

The use of Brzier curves or Brzier surfaces as "faired" interpolation (approximation) curves or surfaces occasionally yields inflection points or changes of sign of the Gaussian curvature which are undesirable in some applications, notably the fairing of ship lines (surfaces) or the fairing of car body surfaces. In the following investigation we use a polarity to detect such undesirable points,...

This article reports the findings of an experiment designed to evaluate the effect of four questionnaire formats on the willingness of drivers convicted of drunken driving to admit to this socially undesirable behaviour. Four samples of convicted drunk drivers each received a different version of a mail questionnaire about driving behaviour and attitudes. Two versions of the questionnaire inclu...

Causality violations are typically seen as unrealistic and undesirable features of a physical model. The following points out three reasons why causal-ity violations, which Bonnor and Steadman identified even in solutions to the Ein-stein equation referring to ordinary laboratory situations, are not necessarily undesirable. First, a space-time in which every causal curve can be extended into a ...

Power transformers are still among the most costly and critical components in an electrical power network. Thus, the importance of a reliable condition assessment of these assets increases due to the aging of transformer fleets. The Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) has become an important standard test and provides comprehensive information about the mechanical and electrical integrity ...

Abstract The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is the key action to limit global warming. An important source and pollution inefficiency production processes. We report results from a stochastic nonparametric efficiency analysis using directional distance functions take account undesirable outputs like gases. With this approach, we are able provide estimates potential emission reductions fo...

This paper presents a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model combined with Bootstrapping to assess performance of one of the Data mining Algorithms. We applied a two-step process for performance productivity analysis of insurance branches within a case study. First, using a DEA model, the study analyzes the productivity of eighteen decision-making units (DMUs). Using a Malmquist index, DEA deter...

Nowadays, the assessment of environmental performance has received considerable attention by environmental strategy advocators and decision makers. In recent years, increased emission of CO2 into the air, water pollution, and global warming are universal problems all over the world. Therefore, development of firms with less CO2 emission is an important issue of attention in every area of produc...