<p>Development of the World Wide Web makes it possible for multiple computers to work together in order to solve problems and make the most efficient use of resources. A distributed system is composed of such computers which are separately located and connected with each other through a network. One paradigm for computation using distributed systems is the multi-agent systems, in which many autonomous agents interact with each other to solve problems. The agents in a multi-agent system may be distributed on different computers (or nodes), where each computer owns its resources. Although the resources in a multi-agent system are connected by a network through which mobile agents can migrate for accessing sufficient resources, how to share these independently owned resources in both an effective and an efficient way is not fully understood. A key challenge in multi-agent systems is how to account for and control the resources which are located on individual nodes.</p> <p>The CyberOrgs model offers one approach to manage resources among competitive or collaborative agents by organizing computations and resources in a hierarchy. A cyberorg encapsulates agents and resources in a boundary and distributes the resources available to it within this boundary. A cyberorg contained in another cyberorg has a contract with the outer cyberorg, according to which it receives resources that it may use. A cyberorg also encapsulates an amount of the eCash, which is the currency for purchasing resources from its host cyberorg. Therefore, cyberorgs have a hierarchical structure in which resources are delivered to computations by a process where resources flow down from the root to the leaves of the hierarchy and the eCash flows up from the leaves toward the root. However, the hierarchical structure of the CyberOrgs model presents challenges in scalability. As a result, efficiency is an important concern in the implementation of CyberOrgs.</p> <p>In this thesis, an efficient implementation of the CyberOrgs model is described. System design, APIs of the implementation, example applications, experimental results, and future directions are presented.</p>

Grasping and functionally interacting with a relatively large or awkwardly shaped object requires the independent and cooperative coordination of both limbs. Acknowledging the vital role of visual information in successfully executing any prehensile movements, the present study aimed to clarify how well existing bimanual coordination models (Kelso et al, 1979; Marteniuk & Mackenzie, 1980) can account for bimanual prehension movements targeting a single end-point under varying visual conditions. We therefore, employed two experiments in which vision of the target object and limbs was available or unavailable during a bimanual movement in order to determine the affects of visual or memory-guided control (e.g. feedback vs. feed forward) on limb coordination.<p>Ten right-handed participants (mean age = 24.5) performed a specific bimanual prehension movement targeting a solitary, static object under both visual closed loop (CL) and open loop 2s delay (OL2) conditions. Target location was varied while target amplitude remained constant. Kinematic data (bimanual coupling variables) indicated that regardless of target location, participants employed one of two highly successful movement execution strategies depending on visual feedback availability. During visual (CL) conditions participants employed a dominant-hand initiation strategy characterized by a significantly faster right-hand (RH) reaction time and simultaneous hand contact with the target. In contrast, when no visual feedback was available (OL2), participants utilized a search and follow strategy characterized by limb coupling at movement onset and a reliance on the dominant RH to contact the target ~62 ms before the left.<p>In conclusion, the common goal parameters of targeting a single object with both hands are maintained and successfully achieved regardless of visual condition. Furthermore, independent programming of each limb is undeniably evident within the behaviours observed providing support for the neural cross-talk theory of bimanual coordination (Marteniuk & Mackenzie, 1980). Whether movement execution is visually (CL) or memory-guided (OL2) there is a clear preference of RH utilization possibly due to its dynamic and/or hemispheric advantages in controlling complex motor behaviours (Gonzalez et al., 2006). Therefore, we propose that bimanual grasping to a solitary target is possibly governed globally by a higher-level structure and successful execution is achieved via independent spinal pathway modulation of limbs.

This work began with the synthesis and full characterization of a novel £^-diimine ligand, (2,6-iPr2C6H3N=CH)2C6H4, from the reaction of o-phthaladehyde and the bulky aniline, 2,6-diisopropylaniline. It was observed that any <i>di-ortho</i>-substituted aniline with less bulky groups than isopropyl groups resulted in formation of the corresponding iminisoindolines. Reaction of the £^-diimine ligand with PdCl2 did not result in a seven-membered coordination complex, but in non-palladacyclic complex, [(g-diimine)PdCl(Ý-Cl)]2. Whereas reaction with Pd(OAc)2 gave an S-shaped five-membered trinuclear palladacyclic complex, {1,2-(2,6-iPr2-C6H3N=CH)2-C6H3]Pd(Ý-OAc)2}2Pd. These complexes were found to be active precatalysts for Heck and Suzuki coupling reaction giving TONs of up to 104 and 86, for arylbromides and arylchlorides, respectively.<p> On the other hand, a series of neutral and cationic seven-membered aluminum coordination complexes were obtained from the reaction of £^-diimine with a variety of aluminum species (AlMe3, AlMe2Cl, AlMeCl2 and AlCl3). The synthesis and characterization of these complexes are exemplified.<p> Also illustrated in this thesis is the synthesis and characterization of a series of air- and moisture-stable iminoisoindoline-based palladacyclic compounds of the general formula, [(iminoisoindoline)Pd{Ý-OAc}]2. These six-membered palladacyclic complexes were obtained through a simple two-step protocol as analytically pure solids. Phosphine-ligated mononuclear palladacycles of the general formula, [Pd(iminoisoindoline)X(PR3)], X= OAc or Cl, R = Ph or Cy, are also described. Dinuclear palladacycles were also found to be active for the Heck and Suzuki C-C coupling reactions. TONs of up to 106, 105 and 60 were observed for coupling of iodobenzene, <i>p</i>-acetylbromobenzene and <i>p</i>-chlorobenzaldehyde, respectively in the Heck coupling reaction.

During centuries, places – nations, region and cities – have tried to make themselvesmore attractive, productive, lucrative and secure. This strive has accelerated due toglobalization and other external factors. Today there is fierce and global competitionbetween cities regarding promoting exports, convincing firms to invest as well asattracting tourists and inhabitants. The place brand, and the meaning of it, is key forsuccess. However, place branding is challenging. It includes the involvement of allstakeholders – possessing different agendas and target markets – and the coordination ofthose while simultaneously making sure that conflicting messages, harming the placebrand, are avoided. There is a disagreement among researchers whether to prefer asingle brand identity – contributing with a clear and trustworthy message, or if amultiple identity approach – enriching and diversifying the place brand, is desirable.The described conflicts above create the problem background on which this study isbased. Place branding is a relatively new but growing field of research. The topic ismultidisciplinary and we consider it advantageous to study place branding from astakeholder and coordination perspective. In this thesis, the Stakeholders are viewed asthe actors that engage in the act of Coordination to successfully undertake the process ofPlace Branding in order to develop a strong Place brand identity. Based on the purposeand research problems of this thesis, we aim to produce a better tool for analyzing brandidentity development. A theory based preliminary framework was developed with theintention of testing it on the case Place brand Umeå.For this qualitative research, a single case study design is used and nine keystakeholders are identified for the data gathering – using semi-structured interviews,secondary data and observations as data collection methods. The preliminary frameworkis used as an analytical tool and gives guidance to the research. For the analysis,categorization and pattern matching techniques are employed. The main finding of thisstudy is that the theoretical framework of place brand identity development holds andcan be used for the understanding of the process of identity development. The keystakeholders develop the brand identity through individual and common goals andactivities. Coordination can be managed through common activities within areas ofinterdependencies, hence the framework emphasizes the correct identification of keystakeholders, goals and activities. All components of the brand identity developmentprocess are affected by external factors. For the case of Place brand Umeå, theframework was slightly modified according to the empirical findings. We identifiedcoordination problems between the key stakeholders of Place brand Umeå and offeredrecommendations to manage the issues. The main contribution of this research is thetheory-based framework laying the foundation for a general theory on the topic, thuscontributing to theory. Our study also fills other research gaps by contributing with anunderstanding of the stakeholder’s role, prerequisites for coordination and by studyingplace branding in the context of a mid-size city. With regard to the empiricalcontribution, this study offers a range of insights for Umeå and the findings can beregarded as a starting point for brand managers working to develop the place brandidentity in other contexts.

The goal of the first part of this thesis is to obtain a high-level theoretical understanding of how an alliance can be managed such that its resources are used in an optimal manner. We propose a pricing mechanism to manage the interactions of carriers, through the allocation of alliance resources and profits, in a manner that encourages individual carriers to make decisions that are optimal for the alliance. Our methodology is based on modeling carrier behavior as linear programs, which are incorporated into a mechanism that manages carrier interactions by appropriately setting resource prices. After introducing two distinct behavioral models, the performance of the mechanism using each model is analyzed for its ability to ensure alliance optimal behavior is attained. We find that the behavioral model selected can significantly impact the characteristics of allocations obtained using the mechanism. In the second part of the thesis, we seek to establish practical insights regarding how the characteristics of potential partners impact the benefit that can be gained by collaborating with these partners. Computational experiments are conducted to evaluate the impact of network size, fleet capacity, demand distribution, and network compatibility on the benefit associated with collaborating. A comprehensive study for simulated two and three-carrier alliances establishes general insights regarding the compatibility of carriers with varying network sizes and fleet capacities. The impact of increasing hub-to-hub connectivity between partnering carriers is then investigated, followed by a study of the effect of market overlap on alliance success. Finally, a real-world cargo alliance is analyzed. In the third and final part of this thesis, we develop new approaches for determining and inducing fair profit allocations in alliances, providing alternatives to traditional approaches which equate minimum acceptance requirements and satisfaction. The mechanism established in the first part of the thesis is adapted to more precisely control the profit allocations obtained, in particular so that an allocation as close to some predetermined fair" allocation is obtained. Several measures of fairness are proposed and implemented, and their performance analyzed for each of the behavioral models discussed in the first part of the thesis.

The capability of hand-eye coordination is one of the dexterous skills owned by human beings. In order to reproduce the skillfully operational technique and demonstrate basic hand-eye coordination technique, a robotic wrist system with stereo visual feedback strategy from the viewpoint of table tennis is presented in this thesis. Based on the concept of aerodynamics and collision mechanics, the exerted forces acting on the ball are analyzed. Three stages, including the ball flying in the air, inelastic collision between a racket and the ball, and hitting strategy of humans, will be investigated. At the same time, three-dimensional information for the scene is established using images acquired by dual cameras with a calibration process. Therefore, the flying status of the ball and its position in the space can be calculated. The robotic wrist located underneath will then be controlled to hit the ball to allow it bouncing upwards. The mechanical wrist is operated by three servo motors to simulate actual movement of human wrist. The objective is to successively hit the ball with the racket to achieve intelligent hand-eye coordination control on ball bouncing.

Two experiments were conducted in an attempt to further the understanding of how previously identified intrinsic constraints and perceptual factors interact in influencing the learning and performance of various bimanual coordination patterns. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to determine the influence of Lissajous feedback on 1:1 bimanual coordination patterns (0°, 90°, 180° phase lags) when the movement amplitudes of the two limbs were different. Participants coordinated rhythmic movements of their forearms while being provided separate feedback for each limb (no- Lissajous group) or integrated feedback (Lissajous group). Data from Experiment 1 supports the notion that the lead-lag relationship as well as amplitude assimilation between limbs observed in the literature can be partially attributed to the visualperceptual factors present in the testing environment. When participants are provided integrated feedback in the form of Lissajous plots and templates much of the lead-lag and amplitude assimilation effects were eliminated and relative phase error and variability were also greatly reduced after only 3 min of practice under each condition. Results from recent experiments suggest that when the salient visual information (Lissajous feedback) is removed, performance in bimanual coordination tasks rapidly deteriorates. The purpose of Experiment 2 was to determine if reducing the frequency of feedback presentation will decrease the reliance on the feedback and will facilitate the development of an internal representation that will improve performance when visual feedback is removed. Participants receiving reduced frequency feedback presentation were able to perform a delayed retention test with the feedback removed as well as the test with feedback present. Data from Experiment 2 demonstrates that salient extrinsic Lissajous feedback can effectively be combined with reduced frequency feedback presentation in a way that performance levels, when tested without the availability of feedback, match those obtained when tested in the presence of Lissajous feedback. Taken together the present experiments add to the growing literature that supports the notion that salient perceptual information can override some aspects of the system's intrinsic dynamics typically linked to motor output control. The strong tendencies toward the intrinsic dynamics found in numerous previous bimanual movement studies and the difficulties in producing various coordination patterns may actually represent detrimental effects attributable to the perceptual information available in the environment and the attentional focus participants adopt. Given external integrated salient visual information participants can essentially tune-in and learn difficult bimanual coordination patterns with relatively little practice.

The coordination of all supply chain members has become a crucial issue in ensuring the success of supply chain management. The streamline of the inter-organizational coordination such as material flow/distribution, information flow/exchange, and product planning/development are required to facilitate the efficient operation of supply chain. To further sustain the competitive edge (e.g.,time-to-market) of a supply chain, the coordination mechanism has become an emerging research issue in current supply chain management. This study looks into a cause model of the information sharing of supply chain members.The impact of trust and commitment on information sharing mechanism is then examined. The data from 122 senior managers participating in Supply Chain Management activeities were collected and empirically tested. The results show that the trust is significantly impact on the quality of information sharing in e-business supply chain. The member¡¦s long-term commitment also affects the dedicated partner-based process of supply chain management. Moreover, the dedicated partner-based processes will effectively reduce the supply chain uncertainty and high quality information improves significantly the operation efficiency between supply chain enterprises.

Comments and Discussion : Kitaura Koji

This dissertation focuses on the recent supply chain initiatives, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Third-Party Logistics (3PL), enabling the coordination of supply chain entities; e.g., suppliers, buyers, and transporters. With these initiatives, substantial savings are realizable by carefully coordinating inventory, transportation, and pricing decisions. The impact is particularly tangible when the transporter's role and the transportation costs are explicitly incorporated into decision mechanisms that aim to coordinate the supply channel. Furthermore, expanding the perspective of channel coordination by introducing the transporter as an individual party in the channel provides tangible benefits for each member of the channel. Recognizing the need for further analytical research in the field of multi-echelon inventory and channel coordination, we developed and solved a class of integrated inventory and transportation models with explicit shipment consolidation considerations. Moreover, we examined transporter-buyer and supplier-transporter-buyer channels and solved centralized and decentralized models for these channels with the aim of investigating the impact of transporters on channel performance. In this dissertation, we also developed efficient coordination mechanisms between the transporter and the other parties in the channel.