Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Should competing original equipment manufacturers outsource procurement activities under asymmetric cost information?

This paper considers a supply chain in which two competing heterogeneous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsource production to a common contract manufacturer (CM) that possesses private cost information. Along with production outsourcing, the OEMs can either purchase components by themselves and only assign the production tasks to the CM (Consignment), or delegate both the procurement and production tasks to the CM (Turnkey). The main question we address is whether the OEMs should adopt Consignment or Turnkey. To answer this question, we first analyse the OEMs’ optimal mechanism design problems under three scenarios: both OEMs adopt Consignment strategy; both OEMs adopt Turnkey strategy; one OEM adopts Consignment and the other one adopts Turnkey. Building upon the OEMs’ equilibrium decisions under each scenario, we then characterise the equilibrium outcome for the procurement game. The results show that the CM’s procurement cost distribution and the market size play critical roles in the equilibrium outcome. Additionally, we find that both the competition intensity and cost heterogeneity between the OEMs affect the equilibrium outcome.
Employment Status, Gender and Lived Poverty Index (LPI) in Africa

The study focused on employment status and gender as predictors of the Lived Poverty Index (LPI) in Africa. Data were collected through an evaluation survey design. Study participants comprise 2,500 individuals over 18 years of age, spanning both genders equally. Respondents were selected from five subregions in Africa. According to the study, employment status significantly predicted LPI, but gender did not contribute to the prediction. More empirical research is needed to confirm the predictive powers of employment status and gender on LPI. Additional studies are also required to determine other important predictors of LPI.
Drivers and internalisation of the EFQM excellence model

Purpose Although the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model has been widely adopted throughout Europe, a thorough examination of the factors that contribute to the internalisation of the model (i.e. a substantive adoption) has been neglected in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to present a model that analyses the drivers of the real internalisation of the EFQM excellence model, with a focus on the role of motives for adoption, and appraisal and compensation systems. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was carried out based on a sample of Spanish organisations that had been awarded EFQM recognition. Structural equation models, cluster analysis and ANOVA were used to examine the research questions. Findings Internal motives concerning the creation of a participative style are the main driver of internalisation. Moreover, having an appraisal system-oriented towards the development of employees helps the substantive adoption of the EFQM model. These findings reinforce the importance of the soft elements of the EFQM model. Originality/value This study enhances evidence about the motives for adoption and their influence on the internalisation of the EFQM model. It analyses internalisation in a novel context, EFQM recognised organisations, and contributes to the debate about the efficacy of the EFQM model to performance improvement, by unveiling the factors that could foster the internalisation of the model within the organisational routines.
The queue GI/Hm/s in continuous time

This is an extension of our previous paper [4] on the queue GI/Hm/s. In that paper we have derived results for the actual waiting time, the number of customers in the system at arrival epochs and the number of customers during a busy cycle. Here we obtain results for the virtual waiting time and the number of customers in the system at arbitrary times.
Magnetically coupled dual-beam energy harvester: Benefit and trade-off

This article investigates a dual-beam vibration energy harvester in which two piezoelectric cantilever beams are coupled by magnets. The analytical solution of such a vibration energy harvester system is derived. The dynamic responses and energy harvesting performances in quasi-linear, monostable and bistable regions are evaluated. With the analytical model validated by numerical simulation, a comprehensive parametric analysis is conducted to evaluate the effects of base excitation, ratio of natural frequencies and electromechanical coupling, revealing the benefits and limitations of the dual-beam vibration energy harvester, which was not possible before without the analytical tool. The magnetic interaction provides the nonlinearity and can achieve high-energy oscillations for both beams at the same time for power enhancement. However, the analysis also ascertains that the trade-off between the dual beams should be made given the change of base excitation, ratio of natural frequencies and electromechanical coupling. For a certain range of excitation, the increased output of one beam is always accompanied by the decreased output of the other for the high-energy oscillations in both monostable and bistable configurations. By and large, the operational bandwidth is enlarged for both beams owing to the co-occurrence of high-energy oscillations of the dual beams, while the performance of the system as a whole is somewhat restricted by the trade-off.
Permeability and Leaching Properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as an Emerging Material in Civil Engineering

In this article, a study of the threshold gradient and leaching properties for recycled material, namely, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), was conducted. The RCA in this study is a material that comes from recycling concrete debris. A series of tests in permeameter apparatus in a constant head manner were conducted. The test method has been improved to eliminate common mistakes, which occur when the constant head method is used. During the following study, aggregates with gradations equal to 0–8, 0–16, and 0.05–16 mm were tested. The tests were conducted on gradients ranging from 0.2 to 0.83. This range of tested gradients led to the evaluation of the flux velocity and indicated non-Darcian flow. For engineering applications, the threshold gradients for three RCA blends were calculated using a statistical analysis. The average coefficient of permeability, kavg, for linear flow was equal to 1.02 × 10−4–1.89 × 10−4 m/s. In this paper, suffosion analysis was also conducted for the three blends in order to eliminate the possibility of particle movement. Moreover, for RCA blend 0–16 mm, leaching properties was examined. It was found that the concentration of chlorides, sulphates, and heavy metals in the water solution does not exceed the permissible standards. This paper ends with conclusions and proposals concerning the threshold gradients obtained from the statistical analysis, suffosion analysis, and flux velocity.
Reply

[1] BRANFORD, A. J. (1986) On a property of finite-state birth and death processes. J. Appl. Prob. 23, 859-866. [2] CHIHARA. T. S. (1978) An Introduction to Orthogonal Poynomials. Gordon and Breach, New York. [3] VAN DOORN, E. A. (1984) On the overflow process from a finite Markovian Queue. Performance Evaluation 4, 233-240. [4] WENDROFF, B. (1961) On orthogonal polynomials. Proc. Amer . Math. Soc. 12,554-555.
The Art of Flexure Mechanism Design

Flexure mechanism design is an art, and this book provides the theoretical and practical foundation for scientists and engineers to express their creativity in this field. Flexure mechanisms, also known as compliant mechanisms, rely on the elasticity of matter to provide motion to mechanism linkages. Flexure mechanisms eliminate the disadvantages of classical joints: friction, wear, lubrication and play, while permitting monolithic design. Flexure-based mechanisms have gained prominence in a wide variety of fields including robotics, surgical instrumentation, aerospace, astronomy, particle accelerators, metrology and horology. This book establishes a conceptual framework for the design of flexure-based articulated structures. Topics featured deal with the theoretical foundations for the design of translational and rotational flexures, the simple kinematic analysis of flexure-based mechanisms, and advanced kinematic approaches to the design of complex flexure-based mechanisms using modules in parallel or serial arrangements. The book also features detailed examples of long stroke flexure mechanisms used in metrology applications, and a detailed example of planar flexure mechanisms having out of plane functionality and used in surgical applications. This book aims to provide scientists and engineers with a conceptual tool, an analytic methodology and the key references for their precision engineering needs.
On the derivation of wave function reduction from Schr\"odinger's equation: A model

The possibility of consistency between the basic quantum principles and reduction (wave function reduction) is reexamined. The mathematical description of an organized macroscopic device is constructed explicitly as a convenient tool for this investigation. A derivation of reduction from quantum mechanics is proposed on a specific example, using standard methods of statistical physics. Although these methods are valid only "for all practical purposes", arguments are given to ascribe an emerging status to reduction (or the uniqueness of physical reality), similar to the status of classical physics. Examination of measurements of the particles in an EPR pair by two space-like separated apparatuses shows that the model is consistent with the non-separable character of quantum mechanics, although both measurements are local. Quantitative estimates are given.
Designing and evaluating a faculty development program on english language needs: a mixed methods approach

Faculty development in higher education is a promising area of research, which requires further study in terms of present-day academics’ needs. Considering the necessity of English in academia, this study aimed to determine the academics’ language needs and to test the effectiveness of an academic development training designed based on the identified needs. Then, a multiphase mixed methods design was adopted to answer the aims. Accordingly, a needs analysis survey regarding the English language requirements of university faculties was conducted across 105 faculty members in Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, a Turkish state university. In addition, 35 out of the members completed an intensive three-week English conversation and academic writing program designed in accordance with the language needs of the academics. The changes between the pre-test and post-test scores for the academics were investigated, with a focus on the willingness to communicate in English, and perceived self-efficacies in English speaking and writing. Further, the academics’ opinions on the training program were collected with open-ended interview questions at the conclusion of the course. The needs analysis survey results indicated that the majority of academics believe their English is either at a beginner or elementary level, and that they require English to fulfil several academic purposes. The findings relating to the effectiveness of the training program showed significant differences in the academics’ pretest and post-test scores, in favor of the post-test scores, regarding willingness to communicate, and perceived self-efficacies in speaking and writing. The findings from the open-ended questions about the program confirmed the effectiveness of the course and highlighted the necessity to improve foreign language proficiency levels in university faculties through similar language training programs. In light of the findings, implications for the internalization of the higher education institutions are discussed at the end of the paper.
Configurational Statistics

Abstract Theories of the dielectric constant in ice differ in three fundamentally different ways that are often confused with each other. First, there is the choice of interactions to include in the model, notably whether to try to include long-range dipolar interactions as in the Kirkwood theory or to include only the short-range ice-rule interactions. Second, there is the choice of the kind of statistical quantity calculated, e.g. the Kirkwood correlation factor g or the polarization factor G, which Stillinger and Cotter showed to be different. Finally, there is the choice of the kind of computational tool used, and in original papers this choice often obscures the first two differences. With these distinctions in mind a review is given of current theoretical calculations of the dielectric constant and the residual entropy and how the different theories relate to each other and to experiments.
Experimental Determination of the Friction Factor in a Tube with Internal Helical Ribs

Due to the extended geometry of internally rifled tubes with helical ribs, the rate of convective heat transfer within them is much higher compared to smooth tubes. Simultaneously, a rise in the contact surface area between the fluid and the solid body increases the friction factor. This paper presents the results of experimental testing performed to determine the friction factor in an internally rifled tube with helical ribs. The tests were carried out on a purpose-built test stand. The tested object was a rifled tube used in the evaporator of a once-through supercritical power boiler operating in a power plant in Poland. The friction factor results obtained from testing are compared to the results of calculations performed by means of correlations known from the literature. Finally, using experimental data, a new correlation is developed that enables the determination of the friction factor in internally rifled tubes with helical ribs.
A Case Study of Teachers' Experiences of Blended Teaching and Learning.

The purpose of this study was to explore how teachers experience blended teaching and learning. This article describes the interplay of beliefs and practices of four high school teachers, based on interview data, observation data, and artifact analysis. Results showed that the four teachers in the study enacted their beliefs in the blended context. Teachers’ views centered on active and authentic learning for students. They saw their roles as facilitator, coach, guide and co-learn-er, placing their trust in different aspects of the teaching and learning process. Instructional strategies that supported their beliefs included the use of a variety of types of resources, flexing content from week to week, inclusion of student choice, especially within authentic tasks, and opportunities for student collaboration. All four teachers viewed assessment as learning and placed significant emphasis on forma - tive assessment and feedback. The study suggests that further research into how teachers view and practice assessment in the blended context could benefit the field.
Derived Characteristics of the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract Results of the Ross Ice Shelf Geophysical and Glaciological Survey (RIGGS) provide the most complete data set available for any large portion of the polar ice sheets. In this paper, we use the RIGGS data to calculate some of the ice-shelf characteristics. These include steady-state particle trajectories through the ice shelf and the depth of isochronous surfaces, which are of particular importance in choosing a drilling site where ice from the grounded West Antarctic ice sheet is likely to be near the surface. Our estimates for depth to ice originating from the 500 m elevation contour show good agreement with depths to a glaciochemical transition in four ice cores that is believed to be associated with this elevation. This suggests that, for much of the ice shelf, there have been no dramatic and sustained departures from steady state during the past 1500 to 2500 years. With the RIGGS data and an assumed bottom melting rate distribution we calculate steady-state temperature profiles at each of the measurement stations. Then, adopting an ice flow law deduced from laboratory experiments and ice-shelf measurements, we obtain an effective flow-law parameter for each of these sites. Using these values, the measured strain-rate field is transformed to an equivalent stress field over the ice shelf. The stresses are determined by the ice-shelf freeboard and by the force field exerted on the ice shelf by its sides and by grounded ice rises, and our analysis yields estimates of these “restraining” forces F for the Ross ice Shelf. An apparent increase in F very close to the ice front suggests that the ice shelf possesses a narrow seaward fringe of anomalously stiff ice. We suspect that this represents the effects of increased bottom melting rates (and therefore colder and stiffer ice) very close to the ice front. In order to illustrate the role of the restraining forces in controlling ice-shelf behavior, we calculate the strain-rate field for an unrestricted Ross Ice Shelf—one that is detached from its sides and contains no ice rises. Currently the creep-thinning rates for most of the ice shelf is (0.5–1) m year−1; for an unrestricted ice shelf, they would increase to ( 1–10) m year−1, with values up to 60 m year up stream of the ice rises.
Using XFEM to model the effect of different axial compression on the hysteretic behaviour of the flexure‐dominant RC columns

The axial compression ratio has a significant effect on the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to seismic loads. However, limited numerical models have been found to be able to consider the effect of axial compression ratio in mesoscopic scale. To achieve a sound understanding of the hysteretic mechanism of RC columns with different axial compression ratios, a novel modelling method was developed by employing the following techniques: (a) the extended finite element method for modelling crack initiating and propagating in concrete; (b) the contact algorithm for modelling the crack closure; and (c) the Cartesian type “connector” for modelling the interaction between concrete and steel bars. The effectiveness of the proposed model was validated in macroscopic scale by the results of a previous experimental study. Further analysis indicates that the axial compression ratio controls the axial deformations of RC columns, thus leads to different performances of concrete and steel under seismic loads. Based on the individual flexural contributions of the concrete and the steel bars, the effect of the axial compression ratio and the pinching effect is explained in a finer scale. The analytical results shed some light on the seismic mechanism of RC columns with different axial compression ratios.
On a generalized finite-capacity storage model

This paper considers a finite-capacity storage model defined on a Markov chain {Xn ; n = 0, 1, ·· ·}, having state space J ⊆ {1, 2, ·· ·}. If Xn = j, then there is a random ‘input' Vn (j) (a negative input implying a demand) of ‘type' j, having a distribution function Fj (·). We assume that {Vn (j)} is an i.i. d. sequence of random variables, taken to be independent of {Xn } and of {Vn (k)}, for k ≠ j. Here, the random variables Vn (j) represent instantaneous ‘inputs' of type j for our storage model. Within this framework, we establish certain limit distributions for the joint processes (Zn, Xn ) and (Zn, Qn, Ln ), where Zn (defined in (1.2)) is the level of storage at time n, Qn (defined in (1.3)) is the cumulative overflow at time n, and Ln (defined in (1.4)) is the cumulative demand lost due to shortage of supply up to time n. In addition, an expression for the time-dependent distribution of (Zn, Xn ) is obtained.
Understanding Your Project Organization's Character

Participants from 175 different Norwegian projects described the organizational cultures of both their most recent projects and their organizations. Their descriptions are based on a typology distinguishing between power, role, task, and person cultures, as outlined and developed in Harrison (1972) and Handy (1986). This study demonstrates that projects are more task culture-oriented than their base organizations. Further, hierarchical elements of the project must be eliminated for a project to move closer to the prevalent task culture. A stronger task orientation improves the chances of staying within the project budget.
CLINICAL INVESTIGATION AI-Based Quantiﬁcation of Planned Radiation Therapy Dose to Cardiac Structures and Coronary Arteries in Patients With Breast Cancer

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop and evaluate an automatic deep learning method for segmentation of cardiac chambers and large arteries, and localization of the 3 main coronary arteries in radiation therapy planning on computed tomography (CT). In addition, a second purpose is to determine the planned radiation therapy dose to cardiac structures for breast cancer therapy. Methods and Materials: Eighteen contrast-enhanced cardiac scans acquired with a dual-layer-detector CT scanner were included for method development. Manual reference annotations of cardiac chambers, large arteries, and coronary artery locations were made in the contrast scans and transferred to virtual noncontrast images, mimicking noncontrast-enhanced CT. In addition, 31 noncontrast-enhanced radiation therapy treatment planning CTs with corresponding dose-distribution maps of breast cancer cases were included for evaluation. For reference, cardiac chambers and large vessels were manually annotated in two localization of coronary arteries. Training was performed using reference annotations and virtual noncontrast cardiac scans. Automatic segmentation of the cardiac chambers and large vessels and the coronary artery locations was evaluated in radiation therapy planning CT with Dice score (DSC) and average symmetrical surface distance (ASSD). The correlation between dosimetric parameters derived from the automatic and reference segmentations was evaluated with R 2 . Results: For cardiac chambers and large arteries, median DSC was 0.76 to 0.88, and the median ASSD was 0.17 to 0.27 cm in 2D slice evaluation. 3D evaluation found a DSC of 0.87 to 0.93 and an ASSD of 0.07 to 0.10 cm. Median DSC of the coronary artery locations ranged from 0.80 to 0.91. R 2 values of dosimetric parameters were 0.77 to 1.00 for the cardiac chambers and large vessels, and 0.76 to 0.95 for the coronary arteries. Conclusions: The developed and evaluated method can automatically obtain accurate estimates of planned radiation dose and dosimetric parameters for the cardiac chambers, large arteries, and coronary arteries.
Signal Transduction Kinome siRNA Screen Identifies Regulators of Ciliogenesis and Hedgehog `

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