Determination of multilayer soil parameters using Simulated Annealing algorithm
The paper presents a new method based on the Simulated Annealing Algorithm for the estimation of the parameters of multilayer soils. First the infinite integral of resistivity equation is approximated by use of complex image method. Then, Simulated Annealing Method is used to estimate the soil resistivity with the least error.
Parameter Estimation of Horizontal Multilayer Earth by Complex Image Method
How to correctly obtain the structure parameters of earth is the precondition of grounding system design. Based on the local searching algorithm, an efficient method for estimating earth structure with any number of layers from the test data by Wenner configuration method is presented. In each iterative procedure, earth apparent resistivities are calculated by complex image method. A new method to directly obtain the partial derivatives of the earth apparent resistivities with respect to the earth parameters from the results of the complex image method is presented, which is more efficient than the conventional methods that arduously calculate the improper integrals with a Bessel's function and an infinite limit of integration. At the same time, a method to determine suitable initial earth parameters for the local searching algorithm is also proposed. The validity of the method is shown by several applications.
Accountability perception of Thai Government: to whom and what counts
PurposePublic sector entities face conflicting demands from stakeholders. The literature suggests identifying and prioritizing stakeholders can improve accountability. Thailand, an emerging economy, and currently under military rule, provides an interesting context to investigate stakeholder tensions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why the Thai Government bureaucrats prioritize their stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on the managerial branch of stakeholder theory and stakeholder salience theory to examine the importance of various stakeholders and of the stakeholders’ salient attributes perceived by the Thai Government bureaucrats in discharging its accountability. The study uses a survey questionnaire mailed out to the central government departments in Thailand.FindingsThe study finds that single most important stakeholder is the Office of the Auditor-General. The public is perceived as the second. This is dissimilar to the western-centric accountability focus on the public, and challenges claims by the Thai military coup that it will bring democratic rule. “Legal power” supporting the stakeholders’ claims for government accountability is the most influential attribute in determining stakeholder importance and prioritizing attention for government bureaucrat’s discharge of its accountability.Originality/valueSuch findings increase understanding of the applicability of stakeholder theory and stakeholder salience theory in the context of military rule in emerging economy countries such as Thailand. This paper also provides suggestions of how stakeholders may shape their salience in order to gain priority. This also provides an immediate suggestion for reforms of the Thai regulatory frameworks in prioritizing stakeholders and promoting the government’s greater accountability.