Search

A deformation history integral (DHI)‐type hysteresis model is an elastic–plastic model that was originally developed for high‐damping rubber bearings (HDRs). The model can show the complex characteristics of HDRs. However, the model cannot accurately consider performance changes due to production variation, temperature dependence, repeated loading dependence, etc. Herein, an improved DHI model that can accurately reflect performance changes is proposed. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) To reflect performance change, the DHI model is improved by defining material parameters as a function of the performance change ratios. (2) To accurately reflect repeated loading dependence, including the scragging effect, the DHI model is improved by defining the performance change ratios as a function of the cumulative energy per unit volume. The authors have previously developed a substructure real‐time online testing system. The system performs a time‐history response analysis via analysis and testing systems. To verify the accuracy of the proposed model, a time‐history response analysis is performed using the proposed model, and the results of the substructure real‐time online testing system are compared. The results show that the proposed new hysteresis model can predict the complex behavior of HDRs more accurately than existing analysis models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A deformation history integral (DHI)‐type hysteresis model is an elastic–plastic model that was originally developed for high‐damping rubber bearings (HDRs). The model can show the complex characteristics of HDRs. However, the model cannot accurately consider performance changes due to production variation, temperature dependence, repeated loading dependence, etc. Herein, an improved DHI model that can accurately reflect performance changes is proposed. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) To reflect performance change, the DHI model is improved by defining material parameters as a function of the performance change ratios. (2) To accurately reflect repeated loading dependence, including the scragging effect, the DHI model is improved by defining the performance change ratios as a function of the cumulative energy per unit volume. The authors have previously developed a substructure real‐time online testing system. The system performs a time‐history response analysis via analysis and testing systems. To verify the accuracy of the proposed model, a time‐history response analysis is performed using the proposed model, and the results of the substructure real‐time online testing system are compared. The results show that the proposed new hysteresis model can predict the complex behavior of HDRs more accurately than existing analysis models.

This study examined the level of agreement (Pearson product-moment correlation [rP]), within- and between-day reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), and minimal detectable change of the MusclelabTM Laser Speed (MLS) device on sprint time and force–velocity–power profiles in Division II Collegiate athletes. Twenty-two athletes (soccer = 17, basketball = 2, volleyball = 3; 20.1 ± 1.5 y; 1.71 ± 0.11 m; 70.7 ± 12.5 kg) performed three 30-m (m) sprints on two separate occasions (seven days apart). Six time splits (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m), horizontal force (HZT F0; N∙kg−1), peak velocity (VMAX; m∙s−1), horizontal power (HZT P0; W∙kg−1), and force–velocity slope (SFV; N·s·m−1·kg−1) were measured. Sprint data for the MLS were compared to the previously validated MySprint (MySp) app to assess for level of agreement. The MLS reported good to excellent reliability for within- and between-day trials (ICC = 0.69–0.98, ICC = 0.77–0.98, respectively). Despite a low level of agreement with HZT F0 (rP = 0.44), the MLS had moderate to excellent agreement across nine variables (rp = 0.68–0.98). Bland–Altman plots displayed significant proportional bias for VMAX (mean difference = 0.31 m∙s−1, MLS < MySp). Overall, the MLS is in agreement with the MySp app and is a reliable device for assessing sprint times, VMAX, HZT P0, and SFV. Proportional bias should be considered for VMAX when comparing the MLS to the MySp app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the level of agreement (Pearson product-moment correlation [rP]), within- and between-day reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), and minimal detectable change of the MusclelabTM Laser Speed (MLS) device on sprint time and force–velocity–power profiles in Division II Collegiate athletes. Twenty-two athletes (soccer = 17, basketball = 2, volleyball = 3; 20.1 ± 1.5 y; 1.71 ± 0.11 m; 70.7 ± 12.5 kg) performed three 30-m (m) sprints on two separate occasions (seven days apart). Six time splits (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m), horizontal force (HZT F0; N∙kg−1), peak velocity (VMAX; m∙s−1), horizontal power (HZT P0; W∙kg−1), and force–velocity slope (SFV; N·s·m−1·kg−1) were measured. Sprint data for the MLS were compared to the previously validated MySprint (MySp) app to assess for level of agreement. The MLS reported good to excellent reliability for within- and between-day trials (ICC = 0.69–0.98, ICC = 0.77–0.98, respectively). Despite a low level of agreement with HZT F0 (rP = 0.44), the MLS had moderate to excellent agreement across nine variables (rp = 0.68–0.98). Bland–Altman plots displayed significant proportional bias for VMAX (mean difference = 0.31 m∙s−1, MLS < MySp). Overall, the MLS is in agreement with the MySp app and is a reliable device for assessing sprint times, VMAX, HZT P0, and SFV. Proportional bias should be considered for VMAX when comparing the MLS to the MySp app.

This study seeks to reconcile inconsistent findings on the performance consequences of new CEO origin. Drawing on five decades of empirical research on CEO succession outcomes, I develop a more refined theoretical conceptualization and a finer-grained measurement of the underlying construct of the insider vs. outsider CEO, and build and test a more comprehensive and nuanced framework of the succession context. A longitudinal investigation of the U.S. airline and chemical industries (1972–2002) indicates that new CEO ‘Outsiderness’, conceptualized as a continuum raging from new CEOs who have a greater combination of firm and industry tenure to those who have no experience in the firm and the industry, has no main effect on post-succession firm performance. However, significant moderating effects are found when environmental munificence, pre-succession firm performance, and concomitant strategic and senior executive team changes are considered. Together, these findings highlight the need to consider both pre- and post-succession contextual factors for evaluating the performance effects of new CEO outsiderness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects ego depletion (ED) and state anxiety (SA)have on performance changes in dart-throwing, a perceptual-motor task, using a Latent Curve Model (LCM). Twenty-two men, who had never played darts before, were recruited and randomly assigned to two counterbalanced groups: Group A was exposed first to ED and then to non-ED (NED), and Group B was exposed first to NED and then to ED. We found that the number of trials had a non-linear effect on darts performance, which improved as the number of trials increased before declining again; that is, mean radial error decreased first and then increased. Therefore, motor performance was sustained in the form of a quadratic curve as the number of task executions increased. In general, the higher the degree of ED and SA, the greater the negative effect on performance. However, this phenomenon was observed only in the early-phase trials, and the interacting influence of ED and SA appeared in the late-phase trials. Thus, this study demonstrated that ED and SA have direct effects on performance curves in early-phase trials only, and that their interacting influence appears in late-phase trials.

This study examined the effects ego depletion (ED) and state anxiety (SA)have on performance changes in dart-throwing, a perceptual-motor task, using a Latent Curve Model (LCM). Twenty-two men, who had never played darts before, were recruited and randomly assigned to two counterbalanced groups: Group A was exposed first to ED and then to non-ED (NED), and Group B was exposed first to NED and then to ED. We found that the number of trials had a non-linear effect on darts performance, which improved as the number of trials increased before declining again; that is, mean radial error decreased first and then increased. Therefore, motor performance was sustained in the form of a quadratic curve as the number of task executions increased. In general, the higher the degree of ED and SA, the greater the negative effect on performance. However, this phenomenon was observed only in the early-phase trials, and the interacting influence of ED and SA appeared in the late-phase trials. Thus, this study demonstrated that ED and SA have direct effects on performance curves in early-phase trials only, and that their interacting influence appears in late-phase trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial evidence suggests that managerial mental models play an important role in firm performance. Yet managerial mental models are not static but dynamic. This research investigates the creation and evolution of mental models over time and how this dynamic process influences strategic choice and firm performance. We adopt the causal loop diagramming method, with in-depth case analysis over a period of 12 years, as the primary investigatory approach. Our research contributes to knowledge by identifying the shared mental model of the top management team, represented in the causal loop diagrams, for each stage of the company's development. Our findings suggest that the dynamics of managerial mental models explains the changes in firm performance over time. JEL classification: L2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro gas turbines are manufactured to have a compact structure and small volume, which makes them more vulnerable to internal leakages compared to heavy-duty gas turbines. Accordingly, precise diagnosis of the performance degradation in a micro gas turbine is important. This study investigates the characteristics of degradation. Performance maps were used for the compressor and turbine, and a multi-segment counter-flow heat exchanger model was used for the recuperator. The component models were refined using actual operation data, resulting in precise simulation of the reference operation without leakage. A performance analysis was carried out, and the results were analyzed for three types of leakage with the following paths: from the compressor outlet to the recuperator’s cold-side outlet, from the compressor outlet to the combustor outlet, and from the combustor inlet to the turbine outlet. The third path produced the largest reduction in engine efficiency. The degradations were also compared with those related to compressor fouling and turbine erosion, which are the most common causes of degradation in a gas turbine. Even when qualitatively similar performance changes were observed, the root cause could be determined by analyzing differences in performance parameters such as the fuel flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies indicate that using interventions including education may improve medical record documentation and decrease incomplete files. Since, physicians play a crucial role in medical record documentation, the researchers aimed to examine the effect of educational intervention on observing principles of medical diagnosis recording among residents in Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2010 on 19 specialty residents (from internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery) in Kashan University. During a 5-hour workshop, guidelines for recording diagnostic information related to surgery, obstetrics and internal medicine were taught. Before and after the intervention, five medical records from each resident were assessed using a checklist which was designed based on diagnostic information related to each discipline. Data were analyzed through paired t and Wilkoxson test. Results: There was no improvement in recording obstetric diagnoses (type of delivery, place of delivery, outcome of delivery, complication of delivery) after the training. Also training did not have any effect on documentation of underlying cause and clinical manifestations of diseases by internal medicine residents and surgery residents (P=0.285 and P=0.584). Conclusion: Administering an educational intervention alone did not improve recording of diagnosis among residents. It seems that to have complete, accurate and high quality medical recording requires interaction we should consider other solutions, including three main key components, namely, management, health information management professionals and health care providers. Therefore, developing such an interaction is recommended.

Stability and routine are two words that can rarely be used to describe the present-day workplace. Instead, individuals, teams, and organizations are required to respond to dynamic and changing situations. As a result, researchers have become increasingly interested in understanding performance adaptation, evident in the substantial growth in research over the past two decades. However, what researchers mean when they study adaptation is often broad, vague, and inconsistent—especially at the organizational level—such that drawing solid conclusions is challenging. To move toward integration, we focused the review on individual and team performance adaptation, where the mechanisms of adaptation can be observed. We developed a conceptual taxonomy to map extant research, provide insights for synthesis, and identify directions for future theory building and research. Specifically, we identify four theoretical approaches: (a) a performance construct, (b) an individual difference construct, (c) a change in performance, and (d) a process. Each perspective is reviewed, identifying definitions and key assumptions; discussing conceptual foundations and empirical findings; and highlighting discrepancies, similarities, and opportunities for synthesis. The discussion recommends useful lines of inquiry for future research. Moreover, to promote individual-, team-, and organizational-level integration, we propose a multilevel conceptual architecture specifying the what (nature), where (levels), and how (mechanisms) of adaptation to better define the nature of the phenomenon. In combination, the taxonomy, review content, and conceptual architecture are designed to enhance conceptual clarity and consistency, encourage integration, and advance theory and research on adaptation as a pervasive phenomenon in organizational science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maintain railway facilities in an appropriate state, systematic management based on mid- and long-term maintenance plans through future performance prediction must be carried out. To this end, it is necessary to establish and utilize a model that can predict mid- to long-term performance changes of railway facilities by predicting performance changes of individual sub-facilities. However, predicting changes in the performance of all sub-facilities can be difficult as it requires large volumes of data, and railway facilities are a collection of numerous sub-facilities. Therefore, in this study, a framework for a model that can predict mid- to long-term performance changes of railway facilities through analysis of continuously accumulated performance evaluation results is proposed. The model is a system with a series of flows that can classify performance evaluation results by individual sub-facilities, predict performance changes by each sub-facility using statistical methods, and predict mid- to long-term performance changes of the facility. The developed framework was applied to 36,537 sub-facilities comprising 12 lines of two urban railways in South Korea to illustrate the model and verify its applicability and effectiveness. This study contributes in terms of its methodology in establishing a framework for predicting mid- to long-term performance changes, providing the basis for the development of an automated model able to continuously predict performance changes of individual sub-facilities. In practical terms, it is expected that railway facility managers who allow trade-off between reliability and usability can contribute to establishing the mid- to long-term maintenance plans by utilizing the model proposed in this study, instead of subjectively building them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among newly industrializing economies, Taiwan represents an archetypical example of a country in the process of economic catching up with institutional environments standing somewhere between Western and transition countries. Thus, Taiwan’s privatization experience may provide a means to assess the generalizability of conclusions drawn from prior research conducted in both kinds of countries. In the face of changing economic and political environments, Taiwan revamped its blueprint for privatization in 1989 as a major plank of its economic shift toward liberalization. Although it has proceeded on a trial-and-error basis, the policy has thus far yielded substantial though mixed results. This study systematically reviews Taiwan’s policy design and implementation of privatization, which originally was modeled on but later diverged from the Western experience as a result of the immature institutional settings and political compromises in various regards. Taiwan’s privatization, in a relative small scale to those in transition economies, is characterized by a set of stylized policy initiatives that provide a reference point for other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In formulating competitive strategies, one must first measure the comparative performance of the entire industry, and also may understand one's advantages and disadvantages. This paper uses the effectiveness model to measure the relative managerial performance and performance change of 50 listed corporations of the electronics industry under multiple financial ratio criteria. On the basis of the measurement of managerial performance, the entire industry can be partitioned into six clusters. Effective management strategies are developed specifically to each of six clusters of electronics industry. It was expected that this study would provide improvements to the existing financial ratio analysis; at the same time, illustrate the linkage between performance evaluation and strategy formulation for future business management needs of managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes China's A-share listed companies of the mixed ownership of state-owned enterprises from 2007 to 2016 as a sample, and examines the impact of state-owned business mixed reform on corporate performance. Research shows that under different equity restriction ratios, there exists a difference in the connection between corporate performance and equity restriction ratio. Corporate performance reduces with the subjoin of equity restriction ratio, and they are negatively correlated when the stockholding ratio of the largest stockholder is less than 25%; on the condition that the stockholding ratio of the largest stockholder is in the range of 25 and 40% and 40 and 60%, it presents an "inverted U-shaped" connection between corporate performance and equity restriction ratio. At this time, the threshold value of the optimal equity restriction ratio is 1.1336 and 0.7297, respectively. On the condition that the stockholding ratio of the largest stockholder is equal to or more than 60%, there exists no threshold value for equity restriction ratio. However, the regression results present that corporate performance increases with the increase of equity restriction ratio, and the two are positively correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies have shown the importance of medical staff education in improving chart documentation and accuracy of medical coding. This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational intervention on recording medical diagnoses among a sample of medical residents based at Kashan University of Medical Sciences., Methods: This pilot study was conducted in 2010 and involved 19 residents in different specialties (internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery). Guidelines for recording diagnostic information related to surgery, obstetrics and internal medicine were taught at a five-hour lecture. Five medical records from each resident from before and after the educational intervention were assessed using a checklist based on relevant diagnostic information related to each discipline. Data were analysed using a paired t-test and Wilcoxson signed rank test., Results: There was no improvement in the quality and accuracy of the recording of obstetric diagnoses (type, place, outcome and complications of delivery) after the training. There was also no effect on the documentation of underlying causes and clinical manifestations of disease by internal medicine and surgery residents (p=0.285 and p=0.584, respectively)., Conclusion: The single education session did not improve recording of diagnoses among residents. The gathering and recording of complete, accurate and high quality medical records requires interaction between the hospital management, health information management professionals and healthcare providers. It is therefore essential to develop a more sophisticated portfolio of strategies that involves these key stakeholders.