Extended two-dimensional belief function based on divergence measurement

The two-dimensional belief function (TDBF = (mA, mB)) uses a pair of ordered basic probability distribution functions to describe and process uncertain information. Among them, mB includes support degree, non-support degree and reliability unmeasured degree of mA. So it is more abundant and reasonable than the traditional discount coefficient and expresses the evaluation value of experts. However, only considering that the expert’s assessment is single and one-sided, we also need to consider the influence between the belief function itself. The difference in belief function can measure the difference between two belief functions, based on which the supporting degree, non-supporting degree and unmeasured degree of reliability of the evidence are calculated. Based on the divergence measure of belief function, this paper proposes an extended two-dimensional belief function, which can solve some evidence conflict problems and is more objective and better solve a class of problems that TDBF cannot handle. Finally, numerical examples illustrate its effectiveness and rationality.

Evaluating Evidence Reliability on the Basis of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets

The evaluation of evidence reliability is still an open topic, when prior knowledge is unavailable. In this paper, we propose a new method for evaluating evidence reliability, in the framework of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The reliability of evidence was evaluated, based on the supporting degree between basic probability assignments (BPAs). The BPAs were first transformed to intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). By the similarity degree between the IFSs, we can get the supporting degree between the BPAs. Thus, the reliability of evidence can be evaluated, based on its connection with supporting degree. Based on the new evidence reliability, we developed a new method for combining evidence sources with different reliability degrades. Comparison with other methods was carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the new method.

The challenges of managing degree apprentices in the workplace

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues and challenges facing employers as they manage degree apprentices in the workplace. It examines the relationship between managers and apprentices undertaking a work-based degree. This research is of particular relevance at this time because of the UK Government’s initiative to expand the number of apprenticeships in the workplace to three million new starts by 2020, inevitably bringing a range of pressures to bear on employers (BIS, 2015). The purpose is to share early experiences of employer management of degree apprenticeships, and provide a range of recommendations to develop and improve employer and higher education institution (HEI) practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper combines desk research with qualitative data drawn from interviews with a range of cross-sector organisations to investigate the employer’s experience of developing the new degree apprenticeships. Data are explored inductively using thematic analysis in order to surface dominant patterns and considers the implications of findings upon current and emerging HEI and employer practice and research. Findings There were a number of key themes which emerged from the data collected. These included the need for effective, employer-led recruitment processes, careful management of expectations, sound HEI retention strategies, employer involvement and board-level motivators to ensure organisational benefits are derived from effectively situated workplace learning and a focus upon effective, empowering mentoring and support strategies. Research limitations/implications As degree apprenticeship standards and programmes are currently at the early stages of implementation, and opportunities, funding and resourcing are rapidly changing in the context of government policy, so too will employer appetite and strategies for supporting degree apprentices, along with apprentice behaviour. This means that additional findings, beyond those highlighted within this paper, may emerge in the near future. Practical implications There are a number of practical implications supporting managerial development and support of degree apprentices in the workplace from this research. These are reflected in the findings, and include the development of flexible and collaborative processes, resources, mentor training and networks. Originality/value This paper is one of the first published accounts of the employers’ perspective of managing a degree apprenticeship within the new policy context in the UK. As a result, the work offers a unique insight into the emerging challenges and issues encountered by managers working with degree apprentices in the twenty-first century business environment.

The Emergence of Local Practices in a Devolved Workforce Investment System: Barriers and Possibilities for Enhancing Degree Completion

Former President Obama’s 2020 Goal for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world required that both new and disengaged college students attain degrees. The workforce development system could assist the latter by supporting credit-bearing education as training. Its ability to address this need depends on the controlled devolved structure established by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which allows states and local workforce investment areas to set priorities and make a range of choices bounded by federal constraints. Analyzing interview data with frontline staff, case managers, and leadership in workforce systems in four states, the authors identify obstacles and opportunities for supporting degree completion. Three federal Workforce Investment Act mandates are particularly influential: individual training accounts, eligible training provider lists, and emphasis on demand occupations. The authors also model factors such as local partnerships and staff knowledge that can mediate how policy and practice shape local workforce investment area support for college.

Effective Filling Rate in Filling Mining’s Influence on Overlying Strata’s Movement

Similarities and differences of overlying strata movement rule and abutment pressure distribution between filling stope and traditional strope was analysied guided by “practical mine pressure control theory ”. The admissible condition of strata’s depending from bending failure to caving was put forward, and caving zone’s height was analysied on the basis of this. Results showed that caving zone’s height and resistant force required by hydraulic pillar would decrease leapingly ,until the lowest strata transfer into the main roof, and when pressure was stable main roof’s maximum subsidence would become smaller. With the increase of the effective filling rate, filling body’s supporting degree to overlying would increase, when the filling rate reaches to a value, Coal wall’s edge would not appear the plastic zone, the abutment pressure curve is monotone decline with the peak near coal wall edge .

A Novel Method of Disposing Conflict Evidence in Information Fusion

To solve the problem of conflict confidence in D-S evidence theory, this paper proposed a new method. First a distance function was introduced, then the supporting degree of the evidence by other evidences was calculated, and the BPAs of the evidences were modified by the supporting degree using fuzzy inference theory, and the modified evidences were fused by D-S combination rules. Experiment result showed the effectiveness of the method.