This paper is concerned with the delay-dependent stability for neutral systems with equivalent delays and norm-bounded uncertainties. Through constructing a new augmented LKF and proving its positive definiteness, introducing some slack matrices and using integral inequality, the improved...

This study presents a model-based optimization strategy for an actual chiller driven dehumidifier of liquid desiccant dehumidification system operating with lithium chloride solution. By analyzing the characteristics of the components, energy predictive models for the components in the...

In this paper, a simplified, yet accurate hybrid model to predict the heat and mass transfer processes in a packed column liquid desiccant dehumidifier is developed. Starting from energy and mass balance principles, and by lumping the geometric parameters and fluids’ thermodynamic coefficients...

This paper studies the application of the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) in the crop insurance industry under climate variability. We designed a model to help farmers decide about buying crop insurance products to reduce climate and price risks. The objective is to minimize farmers' return...

This interview concerns doing business in China given the rapid changes and industrial development of that country. This report is based on an interview with Robert T. Martin, Managing Director & Regional Executive of BMO Bank of Montreal in June, 2005. Recent federal government financial reform...

The disastrous Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 claimed around 100 000 lives and caused direct economic losses of around RMB 845.1 billion. The tragedy has also led to accusations regarding poor or inadequate seismic resistant capabilities of buildings. Seismic rehabilitation, which includes...

Some scholars hold that dynamic capability is one of the key in searching for competitive advantage in strategic management. But there are still debates on the definition and effects of dynamic capabilities and the role of environmental dynamism. In the context of Chinese-like emerging...

Brand names and brand equity are recognized as important intangible assets among firm managers in the global food supply chain. This analysis investigates the long-run potential of brand equity among food processors to actually create real options for a firm's management. The empirical analysis...