Theses supervised by Prof. Dr. Alp Kut
16 theses · Dokuz Eylül University
Decision support system for a customer relationship management case study
Data mining which has become very common and gained importance recently, is a tool which provides to discover hidden and valuable information in large datasets. One of the widely used areas of data mining is Customer Relationship Management (CRM). CRM is an approach used to understand customer?s behaviors and increase the customer satisfaction. The aim of this study, researching the data minig and CRM concepts which has become widespread and important in recent years, in addition to applying a data mining model to banking sector as an example and representing the result in a mobile platform. This study has built a classifier using the naive Bayesian classification. The accuracy rate of the model is determined by doing cross validation. The results demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model. Naive Bayesian classifier reported high acceptable accuracy. So the classification rules can be used to support decision making for achieving a good CRM for businesses. Keywords: Data mining, customer relationship management, CRM, mobile
Developing a computer-aided instruction application targeting university students
Over the years, many various studies realized in education to support learning-teaching process. Learning algorithm and programming depending on mental concern is often complex and difficult to understand for students. In general, to overcome those difficulties and help students had better understand the subject several educational tools and methods have been developed. In this study, the introduced model assists students and instructors. Students can practice and assist themselves to learn algorithms and programming concepts. Instructors can use the tool during their teaching classes and get inspired by the data gathered. An educational tool named Algolyzer has been developed for this learner-centered model. Algolyzer depends on finding a solution to implement an algorithm for a predefined algorithmic problem. Students can create algorithmic steps using visual interface that students do not face with programming language syntax issues but only focus on the possible solutions. In addition to this, Algolyzer is also a helper utility for the instructors with giving information about the miscomprehension parts in the teaching process. Instructors can have detailed information on where students need more help, what are the lacking parts using the detailed logs of student activities. The students of Dokuz Eylül University Computer Engineering and Computer Programming Department have used Algolyzer. Usage data has been examined and evaluated at the end of the study and obtained results have been shared with the instructors. The surveys that targeted the users of Algolyzer and model and the feedbacks prove that support the learning process effectively. Keywords: Programming learning, educational tool, simplify algorithm learning, error detection, code generation.
Developing a field force communication system based on a third party application market study
The aim of this study is to develop a Field Force communication system which is based on a market study and its results for Actemium.All requirements are gathered with requirement analysis and used in the market research to find out all alternative solutions. Those solutions are analyzed and compared with each other to choose the best suited solution. Finally, a Field Force system is designed based on selected solution.Requirement analysis is made by organizing meetings and interviews to specify the scope and needs of the organization. To finalize requirement analysis, all requirements, including business requirements, are evaluated with the management.In-house development is chosen as best solution. Actemium has sufficient knowledge and experience to develop software solutions just like Metrack solution. Metrack is a base solution that is customized for customer requirements. The same development method is used for Field Force. Base solution is designed and it will be customized for customer requirements. Microsoft .NET Framework and its components are used in the solution such as Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), CF.NET. SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server Compact 3.5 are used as data sources in the solution.
An approach for stent selection during endovascular aneurysm repair
In recent years, usage of computer ? aided systems has been increased tremendously in medical applications. The main purpose of these systems is to support the experts more qualified, efficient, accurate and fast way during patients' diagnosis and treatment. A 3D medical visualization application is one of the areas of computer-aided systems.In this dissertation, a measurement tool is developed to help experts on the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Different measurements are made on aorta vein to determine which stent?graft is used. The measurements are made with user interaction in 3D environments by the developed application.In this study, Computed Tomography images are examined and necessary steps for medical modeling; segmentation, edge detection, model construction, and surface construction phases are carried out. In order to make interactive measurements on the 3D model, required transformation is applied to the model. Contributions of this study are new surface construction method for tubular structures and measurement methods. Moreover, a new specialized measurement and evaluation tool is developed for abdominal aortic aneurysm. This specialized software will help to medical specialist in decision-making processes. To verify the accuracy and usability of the tool, the measurements are carried out on the selected patients' group by using manual methods and the tool. Obtained statistical results are evaluated and compared. It is proven statistically that the developed tool provides more reliable, more consistent, and more repeatable results.
Advanced skill management in workflow systems
The human factor has been still playing a considerable role in the business processes most of which are handled via electronic workflows. Since the Workflow Management Systems deal with organizational models and resource allocation problems, the operations of human resources in any enterprise are also included in the design and implementation phases of workflows. Skill management is one of the application areas that is used to track the skills of human resources for the allocation of the appropriate tasks and their career planning in the organization.In this thesis, a knowledge-based system approach, e-Worter, which combines both Workflow and Skill Management disciplines, is introduced. Its own workflow model that is integrated with a skill model is described and the proposed methods regarding the definition, assignment and analysis of the skills are discussed.The model is simulated in an academic department, The Computer Engineering Department of Dokuz Eylul University, to show how such a combined system can improve the educational and decision making processes of the department, how it affect the quality of business processes and how it can meet the basic standards of accreditation of engineering education.
Auto-measurement for stent graft & virtual post stent endovascular evaluation of EVAR
The use of computer systems has influenced every area of the society including medical. In medical diagnosis, it is highly desirable to have detailed information on the anatomical and pathological features of the patient as possible. Medical visualization can help to overcome this problem by providing a 3D representation of the patient?s anatomy.This thesis introduces a medical visualization platform and measurement methods to help physicians in determining appropriate stent grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms and diagnosing the aneurysm before and after stent graft repair. Selection of an appropriate stent graft for the aneurysm requires accurate measurements of the aorta and the aneurysm. Platform provides various measurement capabilities on a generated 3D model of the aorta.In this study, a system is proposed which generates 3D model of the aneurysm from computer tomography images using common segmentation and modeling methods. System provides measurement methods to gather crucial measurements such as aortic neck angulations and aneurysm length before EVAR operation for appropriate stent selection.Several evaluation methods were performed on the data models to verify the accuracy of the system. The results showed that the system has a high reliability.
Data mining supported hospital information systems solutions
Data mining is the process of obtaining meaningful information from large-scale datasets. It attempts to obtain meaningful results from these data by analyzing the data with the help of a variety of methods and techniques. Data mining is used in many areas such as machine learning, pattern recognition, statistics and medicine in order to analyze and interpret the information.The purpose of this study is to examine DBSCAN clustering algorithm which is a data mining technique and to allocate appropriate number of clusters by analysing mammography data with a software developed using this algorithm.In the study, mammography data were divided into optimal number of clusters with DBSCAN algorithm. The noisy data that not included in any cluster were added in the appropriate clusters with the K-NN classification algorithm. Thus, it is aimed to be analysing mammography data?s easier.In a conclusion, parameter values (Eps, MinPts) which give optimal result on MIAS database were determined by examining the values of these parameters. The specifications of clusters which created by this parameter value were defined. For noisy data, k parameter value that produces the best result for the K-NN, was detected by examining all k nearest-neighbors parameter values.
Distributed computing on beowulf clusters
Building low cost Beowulf style clusters by using tens or hundreds of PCs is a popular method to achieve higher computing capacities. To gain advantages of such a computing platform, a load balancing scheme is needed for transparent distribution of loads of individual computers throughout the whole cluster in a scalable and efficient manner.In this thesis a scalable cluster architecture and a load balancing model for heterogeneous Beowulf cluster environments are presented. For scalability issues the system relies on a hierarchically centralized architecture. To have general purpose characteristics the proposed load balancing model offers some dynamic and customizable properties in its design. For this purpose, multiple user defined load indices are considered in load calculations like CPU utilization, memory usage, network bandwidth capacity, etc. along with their combinations. In addition, the load distribution policy is based on customizable adaptive load threshold values that dynamically adjust the load distribution decisions according to the system state.The thesis details the design, implementation and performance evaluations of proposed models.
Supervised techniques in data mining
Usage of Data Mining techniques is very common for reaching info on huge database. Techniques especially canalized by the user are used in this study. Theory of Data Mining is shortly described in first 6 chapters. Subjects are: learning and reaching info methods, Database Operational System types and selection, organizing data, removal of problems related data and presentation of obtained results.Data mining application is very common on especially commercial and medical areas. However, known application has not been encountered in earth sciences. Therefore, data is being used which obtained from Seyitömer Coal Basin in this application. When data examined: it is noted that there is no standardization for material naming. First of all, it is tried to hinder to name material in different ways at the stage of forming database. Summarized info is being represented after entering the data. Even if summary is not canalized by the user, it is added to the application because it may help to searcher. User chooses the material. Finds the first layer met for the chosen material in bore-hole. Therefore, reaches the material list takes place above this layer. Besides finds the last layer met. And obtains the material list takes place under this layer.User may wish to group some material under same name. And can re-organize the database according to this. The above described studies can be applied on this new database. This application also obtains vertical cross-section diagram drawing. At last, user can classify bore-holes according to code of layer which chosen material first met. The result of this procedure is represented on a plane by using different colored points to the researcher.Keywords : Data mining, database, Seyitömer Coal Basin, application for coal beds.
An incremental genetic algorithm and neural network for classification and sensitivity analysis of their parameters
This study proposes classification by using algorithms that are inspired by computation in biological systems and to compare of them. These are genetic algorithm and neural network. New incremental genetic algorithm and new incremental neural network algorithm are developed for classification for efficiently handling new transactions. To achieve incremental classification, a specific model that includes all information about a train operation, rules for each class for genetic algorithm and weight values for neural network is created after each training operation. Later, these models are used for testing, correctness test, comparing models and incremental classification. With that new incremental method, training time gets smaller for new dataset. Experimental results proof that assumption. This paper introduces that new method and importance of that method. This study also includes the sensitivity analysis of the incremental and traditional genetic algorithm parameters and neural network parameters. In this analysis, many specific models were created using the same training dataset but with different parameter values, and then the performances of the models were compared. To achieve these operations two tools are developed for both genetic algorithm and neural network and all of these investigations are done by using these tools.
Computer aided lipreading training tool
Worldwide oral language education is becoming widespread for hearing impaired children. Nowadays hearing loss in babies can be diagnosed with newborn hearing screening tests and cochlear implantation can be performed when required. Implanted children can not start to hear and talk all by themselves as it is in normal hearing children. After implantation, every child should receive adequate speech training sessions. But, this special supplemental education is tiring work for both children and educator. A computer aided instructional tool may help to lessen the hardship and struggle that children and educators experience during the educational sessions.In these respect, AURIS is designed as a computer aided instructional tool combining both visual and audio technology for assisting teachers of hearing impaired in their practice. AURIS is developed to improve verbal communication skills of hearing impaired children. AURIS stands on residual hearing of hearing impaired children. It is necessary to emphasize that AURIS which is introduced in this thesis is only a prototype.Additionally, the result of the effectiveness of the AURIS which has been tested on preschool hearing impaired children (ages 2-6) as a case study, is presented in this thesis. These results show that using AURIS in hearing impaired education, children can learn concepts and nouns quickly and easily with the help of moving images and visual effects. At the end of the sessions, it is observed that children could even comprehend three word sentences and improve their speaking and pronunciation skills with the help of voice analysis methods inserted in AURIS.
Developing a new methodology for software projects
The research presented in this thesis is an essay of a new software developmentmethodology.This methodology is prepared according to the agile manifesto and also accepts theaccreditation obligation in market. Because of this obligation, the overall system iscontrolled also for Capability Maturity Model via its checklist. Another property of thismanagement system for a software development process is that the system also advisesa natural improvement path for the company from a chaotic work-flow to a disciplinedand controlled system. This thesis includes the entire acceptance and the usage manualof the new methodology. So, the developers, who will try to apply this methodology intheir companies, will find a complete guide for a successful implementation withprocess model, role definitions and documentation requirements.
Research and implementation of unified smart adaptive remote control protocol for consumer electronic equipments
Continuously growing technology and changes in customer needs has brought together a vast increase in the number of consumer electronic devices. With each new device, new features are introduced in parallel to this growing technology. New features mean more buttons on the devices? remote controllers. Remote controllers were unable to show the same technological improvements as the new technology consumer electronic devices. Remote controller concepts in use today enable us to design only controllers with fixed number of buttons. Nevertheless some remote controllers that exist in the market today can define their own buttons and even macros by their properties or by aid of the computers. But all remote controllers basically control the devices with single directional communication by sending key codes with the help of protocols they use. To realize the same technological development achieved in consumer electronic devices a new concept is needed for their remote controllers. This approach is based on the principle of changing the number of keys on the remote controller that can be used according to the state of the controlled device. The aim of this study is to design a new protocol in order to develop more flexible applications and provide a framework for new kind of applications. In this approach bidirectional communication is targeted. The main aim in this thesis is making the communication is bidirectional. By doing this the number of key can be reduced or limited. Thus users will deal with smaller number of keys consequently the system will be less likely to crash on any given condition as the user will not be able to press unsuitable keys.
Modeling and analyzing marine data using data mining techniques
The research presented in this thesis is an interdisciplinary work that combines computer science and marine science. It provides new computer based approaches, techniques and technologies for (i) modeling, collecting, archiving marine data, (ii) analyzing and mining marine data by using data mining techniques and (iii) visualizing marine data. It presents my efforts on the collecting physical, biological, chemical marine data, some explanations about the visualization of marine data on the map, my works on the construction of decision trees to classify physical marine data. This thesis introduces two new data mining algorithms: one is for clustering spatio-temporal data and the other is for spatio-temporal outlier detection in data warehouses. It also proposes a new approach: web service-based parallel clustering which includes the parallel execution of web services for discovering clusters in large data warehouses. In addition to new clustering algorithm, this thesis also presents the validation and evaluation of the clustering results of this clustering algorithm. It shows the mathematical quality and reliability of the clustering results by using a cluster validation technique. It also presents the sensitivity analysis of the new clustering algorithm to the input parameters.
B2B e-business and development of a B2B e-business software
Traditional business concept is improved with the recent technological developments and gained a new and advantageous face, named as e-Business. It also easily enables the main purposes which are the increase of the total revenue and the decrease of the total cost. The more Internet became popular, the more B2B electronic business sector widely used. EMarketplaces let even smaller scaled firms enter the market share and resulted with a larger business volume day by day. Turkoglu E-Pazaryeri is designed as an electronic marketplace which gathers the buyers and sellers and let them to trade in an electronic environment. The program has web-based structure and user-friendly interface that provides significantly easy usage for users. System is simplified by eliminating the trivial details and massive contents and it let the user to focus on their own demands and shopping. Thus demanded and supplied products can be easily traded.
A tool to create 3D animation films
The aim of this study is to have know how on creating 3D animation films, discipline 3D animation film generation process and develop a sample tool to create 3D animation films. Current 3D animation film industry use computers that have built in graphics engines and dedicated for this purpose. Uncommonly, underlying hardware is produced specifically for the software to produce films. Most of these computers are operated on Sun Systems and have costs in million dollars rank. It is not possible to reduce these requirements for a personal computer unless this generation process taken under control. 3D animation film generation process can be managed by applying standard SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). However, execution step requires a robust IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and built in graphics engine that provides abstraction on rendering details and let user to take care about big picture. Development environment code named as ?Weendigo?. Weendigo is a Red Indian belief on migration of the human beings' capabilities, courage, power, and skills when he was eaten by another human being. Pneuma is the vital spirit which makes men the most valuable creature in the world. By the way, Weendigo refers to development environment and Pneuma is the name of the underlying graphics engine. Weendigo has a component based architecture that allows add or remove components at runtime by implementing some interfaces. Therefore Weendigo gathers all skills and capabilities from the components added and pneuma let them born. Also this functionality provides different points of view for the people have different roles in this process which will lead to discipline from beginning to end.