Here come the men in black Technology and anxiety in the postmodern age

This review of the film Men in Black argues that what used to be alarming in the science fiction genre has now become its main source of humour. As a reactionary response to the dystopic X-Files, MiB is an elaborate parody which seeks to recuperate ideological ground lost by the X-Files' examination of gender and technology in contemporary culture. Anxiety about the roles of technology, gender and the state are replaced by humour about the notion of anxiety itself. Anxious we may be at the close of the millenium, but MiB tells us to just laugh it all away.     

The Impact of Deregulation on Casino Win in Atlantic City

This paper examines the impact of deregulation on thedemand for casino gaming in Atlantic City. Specifically, the paper analyzes the impact ofexpanded operating hours and floor space devoted toslot machines. Using monthly win data between June1978 and July 1996, the analysis reveals that expandedfloor space had a significant, positive impact on win,resulting in an average monthly increase of over \$2million. This shows the importance of developing aregulatory structure rigid enough to ensure thehonesty and integrity of the gaming industry, butflexible enough to allow management to respond tochanging market conditions.     

基于负债的中小企业经营策略

由于我国金融市场体系不健全和中小企业自身的原因,中小企业在发展过程中仍面临着较多问题,尤其资金短缺成为制约中小企业发展的瓶颈,负债更成为维持中小企业发展的一条捷径。中小企业应充分结合自身的特点、所在的外部融资环境、融资成本以及企业对资金的需求等要素,进行适度负债经营,选择适合自己的筹资方式,有效利用负债经营的有益之处,最大限度地提高经济效益。     

Analysis of marginally specified semi-nonparametric models for clustered binary data

Generalized linear mixed models are widely used for analyzing clustered data. If the primary interest is in regression parameters, one can proceed alternatively, through the marginal mean model approach. In the present study, a joint model consisting of a marginal mean model and a cluster-specific conditional mean model is considered. This model is useful when both time-independent and time-dependent covariates are available. Furthermore our model is semi-parametric, as we assume a flexible, smooth semi-nonparametric density of the cluster-specific effects. This semi-nonparametric density-based approach outperforms the approach based on normality assumption with respect to some important features of 'between-cluster variation'. We employ a full likelihood-based approach and apply the Monte Carlo EM algorithm to analyze the model. A simulation study is carried out to demonstrate the consistency of the approach. Finally, we apply this to a study of long-term illness data.     

新一代航天测量船导航系统信息融合技术

分析了我国航天测量船导航系统的优缺点，提出了一种基于分散化滤波理论的联邦卡尔曼滤波体系结构（FKF），并研究了其最优融合估计算法和实时性。仿真结果表明，它可以有效地提高组合导航系统的精度和容错性能。最终的设计方案已成功应用于一种航天测量船组合导航系统中。     

Optimal safety stock levels of subassemblies and manufacturing components

In order to control the time to market and manufacturing costs, companies produce and purchase many parts and components before receiving customer orders. Consequently, demand forecasting is a critical decision process. Using modular product design and super bills of materials are two effective strategies for developing a reliable demand forecasting process. They reduce the probability of stockouts in diversified production contexts. Furthermore, managing and controlling safety stocks for pre-assembled modules provide an effective solution to the problem of minimizing the effects of forecast errors. This paper develops, evaluates, and applies innovative cost-based analytical models so that the optimal safety stock of modular subassemblies and components in assembly to order and manufacturing to order systems, respectively, can be rapidly quantified. The implementation of the proposed models in two industrial case applications demonstrates that they significantly reduce the safety stock inventory levels and the global logistical cost.     

基于电力线载波通信的家电控制系统

电力线载波通信是用电力线路作为通信媒介进行数据传输。介绍了在低压配电线上用电力线载波专用芯片ST7536实现数据的传输,采用电力线载波形式,设计出了一个家电网络控制系统,对家电网络进行远程集中控制,可以对多路家用电器的运行情况进行实时监测和控制,并分析了电力线通信的通道特性及其干扰,结合电力通信的特点提出了解决办法。     

Valuing the non-timber forest products in the Mediterranean region

The potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Mediterranean region as a source of livelihood and sustainable development has been widely recognized. Yet, surprisingly few efforts have been made to value them comprehensively. Valuation efforts usually focused on selected NTFPs traded on formal markets, at local level. This paper aims to provide comprehensive estimates of NTFPs benefits at national and regional level in the Mediterranean region. Six major groups of NTFPs are identified: firewood, cork, fodder, mushrooms, honey and other NTFPs. Valuation is based on a wide variety of techniques, drawing on official statistics, and supplemented by results of local surveys. It shows that at Mediterranean level, NTFPs provide annual benefits of about €39/ha of forests, accounting for about a fourth of the total economic value of forests estimated by this study. The average estimate for southern countries (€54/ha) is considerably higher than for northern (€41/ha) and eastern countries (€20/ha). The paper reveals the degree of importance of the main NTFPs benefits for the country groups and the region as a whole. It also discusses some reasons of concern when drawing policy tools for improving rural income and forest conservation in the Mediterranean.     

从方法论角度看旅游卫星账户TSA(2001)的方法属性

旅游卫星账户(TSA)是国际上进行旅游核算的一种新的统计方法.本文研究探讨了联合国旅游卫星账户--TSA(2001)的方法属性,从而得出这种方法可能需要改进的结论.     

PLM education in production design and engineering by e-Learning

These days more attention is being paid to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) using a technique for managing total product planning, design, manufacturing, sales, and disposal. We researched business processes and education curriculum of the PLM system in manufacturing businesses. We designed the curriculum of PLM education and developed part of a lesson. Most importantly, e-Learning is shown to be an effective tool for achieving educational objectives. We found that not only knowledge and theory but also practical education methods using case studies in an e-Learning environment are necessary for human resources to develop effective PLM.