Contemporary Operations Research Articles

Reconfigurable and Scalable Honeynet forCyber-physical Systems

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) constitute the backbone of contemporary industrial operations, ranging from modest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to expansive national power grids. Given their pivotal role in critical infrastructure, there has been a concerted effort to enhance security measures and deepen our comprehension of potential cyber threats within this domain. To address these challenges, numerous implementations of Honeypots and Honeynets intended to detect and understand attacks have been employed for ICS. This approach diverges from conventional methods by focusing on making a scalable and reconfigurable honeynet for cyber-physical systems. It will also automatically generate attacks on the honeynet to test and validate it. With the development of a scalable and reconfigurable Honeynet and automatic attack generation tools, it is also expected that the system will serve as a basis for producing datasets for training algorithms for detecting and classifying attacks in cyberphysical honeynets.

Pathway towards SME competitiveness: Digital capability and digital business model innovation

Digital transformation has irrevocably redefined the landscape of contemporary business operations, heralding a new era in which DBMI has emerged as a critical strategic lever for competitive survival. Anchored on the dynamic capabilities theory, present study aims to meticulously investigates the influence of digital capability (antecedent) on DBMI and a keen focus on how DBMI, in turn, influences SME competitiveness (outcome). By adopting purposive sampling approach, data were collected from 132 SMEs representatives holding management positions in Malaysia using Google Form. The PLS-SEM analysis was rigorously carried out to verify the proposed hypotheses. The empirical findings illustrate that digital capability positively affects all components of DBMI. Of these, value creation, value proposition, and value capture innovation significantly bolster SME competitiveness, whereas value delivery innovation does not exhibit a similar effect. Considering the scarcity of empirical research on the antecedents and outcomes of DBMI, this study contributes to the theory of dynamic capabilities and improves the current literature on DBMI by providing empirical insights from Malaysian SMEs context. By affirming the role of digital capability and elucidating how DBMI can enhance competitiveness, the findings offer actionable guidance for SMEs navigating the complexities of a volatile business environment. Since this study focuses specifically on Malaysian SMEs within emerging economies, it paves the way for future investigations in developed economies and diverse regional contexts to further validate and expand upon the relationships identified between DBMI antecedents and outcomes.

Exploring the Correlation Between ESG Performance and Firm Value in Indonesia Shariah-Compliant Companies

Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) has become essential to contemporary business operations, highlighting a company’s dedication to ethical, social, and environmental obligations. This study examines the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores and the firm value of Indonesia Shariah-compliant companies. The data is attracted from the Refinitiv database, and all the companies in this study have ESG reporting from 2012 to 2022, with a total data collection of 117. The STATA version 16 software was used to analyze the data for the study. This study employed unbalanced panel data regression analysis with two measures as dependent variables ROE and stock price. Independent variables in this study are return on equity (ROE) and stock price, while control variables are firm age, firm size, and leverage. The findings show varied outcomes regarding the impact of ESG initiatives on financial performance. While ESG initiatives were found to have a significant and strong relationship with overall financial performance, the results were divergent for ROE and stock price. The regression model indicates that ESG initiatives negatively influenced ROE, whereas they positively correlated with increases in stock price. The study is based on secondary data from Shariah-compliant companies in Indonesia, including the ESG disclosure for the company’s performance. Policymakers should promote balanced, tailored ESG initiatives with strong reporting standards, encourage long-term value creation, provide sector-specific support, and enhance investor attraction through education and incentives to optimize financial performance and sustainability in Indonesia's Shariah-compliant companies.

State-of-the-Art Review of Aortic Root Reconstruction: Contemporary Techniques and Challenges.

Aortic root reconstruction operations have undergone substantial evolution with technical modifications, expanding indications, and the need for increasingly complex decision-making. The purpose of this state-of-the-art review is to detail our approach to contemporary aortic root reconstruction operations. First, we review the evolution of root reconstruction procedures over the years and discuss the approach to the aortic root patient for lifetime management of aneurysm and valvular disease in the modern context of management options. We also discuss state-of-the art technical considerations of valve-sparing root replacement, variations of the Ross operation, aortic valve repair principles and challenges in special populations, and considerations for complication-free coronary button reconstruction. We also discuss root reconstruction in high-risk subpopulations including acute type A aortic dissection, congenital, and reoperative patients. We briefly highlight future directions in transcatheter root replacement as well as the outlook for the next generation of aortic root surgeons.

Centro de Estudo de Guerra Eletrônica

The article discusses the increasing importance of Electronic Warfare (EW) in contemporary military operations, highlighting its historical evolution and the need for a specific doctrine for the Brazilian Armed Forces. It proposes the creation of a Center for Electronic Warfare Studies (CEGE) to train the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in the effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The text addresses electronic countermeasures, such as interference and dissimulation, which are essential for ensuring operational security. Additionally, it mentions the importance of training officers and specialization in countries like France, England, and Germany. The article concludes that adopting a mindset focused on EW is crucial for dominating the electromagnetic spectrum and, consequently, for achieving victory in military operations.

Addressing thermal challenges in hydrodynamic bearings: A contemporary review of strategies and technologies

Hydrodynamic bearings are integral components in various industrial sectors, including aerospace, defense technologies, and power generation units etc. Advancements in modern technology have driven the evolution of bearings to withstand the high temperatures, increased speeds, and additional load demands of contemporary operations. Some of the prime consequences of high temperatures include thermal deformation, misalignment, viscosity degradation, reduced oil film thickness, reduced load carrying capacity and premature failure due to bearing seizure. Researchers have rigorously addressed the persistent thermal challenges posed to hydrodynamic bearings, achieving significant advancements over the years. Key developments include innovative bearing pad designs, optimal materials, coating technologies, advanced computational software, novel lubrication methods, and efficient monitoring techniques. The introduction of materials with tailored properties such as high heat conductivity, high strength, and low-friction coatings has greatly enhanced bearing performance. Additionally, advanced computational software like ANSYS CFX, Fluent, and COMSOL, adaptive lubrication methods, and real-time temperature sensors have significantly improved the performance of critical systems, including hydro power plants. This review paper summarizes significant developments and investigations carried out to mitigate thermal effects in hydrodynamic bearings, and hence provides a comprehensive in depth details of the subject matter. Even though there has been a lot of progress in the field of hydrodynamic bearings, continuous research is important to tackle issues related to sustainability, industry-specific obstacles, developing technologies, and dynamic operating conditions.

The fragile nature of concentration of effort principle and the instability of the 3:1 force ratio

The complexity of the contemporary operating environment necessitates a continuous adaptation of the operational process, which is made possible by constant doctrinal adjustments, including a re-evaluation of the principles of operations dimensions.In this context, the analysis of the new requirements regarding the integration of the principle of concentration of effort and the rules underlying the dimensioning of the force ratio in operations represents a subject of interest. This approach is also significant in the context of Romania’s military transformation, which is geared towards a qualitative shift in emphasis over the quantitative one. Consequently, the assessment of the prospective realization of the fundamental tenets of the aforementioned operations yields valuable insights that can be leveraged by military planners irrespective of the operational scale.

The law of perfidy and ruses of war at sea

Abstract The principle of distinction is a fundamental principle in the law of armed conflict, aimed at protecting civilians and civilian objects from direct attacks. Adherence to this principle is crucial for minimizing the humanitarian impact of warfare. Nevertheless, the longstanding practice of ruses of war, deeply embedded in customary international law, complicates the application of this principle in combat. While certain deceptive tactics are allowed, the line between acceptable ruses and forbidden acts of perfidy is often unclear, especially in naval warfare. The evolution of modern warfare technology further obscures these distinctions, raising important legal questions regarding their relevance today. This article critically examines the existing legal framework governing ruses and perfidy at sea and explores how these rules apply to contemporary naval operations. Finally, the article identifies key legal gaps and proposes pathways for reform to better align the law with current realities.

Leveraging AI Algorithms to Combat Financial Fraud in the United States Healthcare Sector

Financial fraud is a major problem in the healthcare industry because it causes large financial losses and compromises the integrity and trust of healthcare systems. The intricacy and sophistication of contemporary fraudulent operations make conventional fraud detection techniques which rely on manual audits and rule-based systems increasingly inadequate. AI algorithms have become a viable way to improve financial fraud detection and prevention. Hence, this paper examines how AI algorithms can be used to detect and stop fraud in the healthcare industry, emphasizing how these algorithms could revolutionize fraud control procedures. This study suggests that AI algorithms greatly improve the identification of financial fraud in the healthcare industry by spotting intricate patterns and abnormalities frequently overlooked by already existing techniques. Machine learning models have proven to be highly accurate in predicting fraudulent claims and transactions. However, while AI provides numerous opportunities to improve fraud detection skills, its effective application necessitates resolving important issues, including ethical considerations, data governance, and model interpretability.

Fostering digital trust in manufacturing companies: Exploring the impact of industry 4.0 technologies

This study examines the multifaceted impacts of digital innovations on organisational structures and stakeholders ‘commitment. The integration of digital technologies, including information technologies, IoT, AI, AR/VR, blockchain, robotics, and automation, underscores the indispensable role of trust in contemporary business operations. Focusing on Italian manufacturing firms at the forefront of Industry 4.0 implementation, this research seeks to unravel the nuanced factors contributing to digital trust. A comprehensive framework, derived from an integrative literature review, categorises two distinct groups of factors influencing a firm's decision to establish digital trust. Employing a configurational approach, specifically Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), the joint impacts of multiple factors on digital trust levels are scrutinized, offering insights into how different elements synergise to trigger digital trust. This study aims to bridge existing gaps in understanding the intricate dynamics of trust within organisations undergoing digital transformation.

Dynamic job allocation method of multiple agricultural machinery cooperation based on improved ant colony algorithm

Contemporary large-scale and systematic agricultural operations demand the collaborative efforts of multiple agricultural machines with distinct functionalities. However, the failure of a single agricultural machine during collaborative operations jeopardizes the entire undertaking. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a multi-machine collaborative dynamic job allocation method based on the improved ant colony algorithm. Initially, the improved ant colony algorithm is employed to determine the optimal solution for harvester scheduling. This solution is then fed into the data conversion algorithm to acquire the necessary unloading point information for transport vehicle scheduling. Subsequently, the improved ant colony algorithm is once again utilized to optimize the transport vehicle scheduling. In cases of agricultural machinery failure or changes in the operating environment, two distinct methods are employed based on the situation. The first involves double-layer rescheduling of both harvester and transport vehicles, while the second employs single-layer rescheduling exclusively for the transport vehicles, yielding the respective rescheduling results. The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed solution method effectively identifies the current optimal scheduling plan for both the harvester and transport vehicle in the event of malfunctions. Moreover, under the premise that the unproductive waiting time of the harvester is reduced to zero, and the number of transport vehicles is minimized, it achieves the minimization of operating time cost and transportation cost. This method exhibits significant potential for seamless integration into the practical application of unmanned farms, providing a foundation for addressing scheduling and management challenges in multi-agricultural machinery collaborative operations within complex farmland operating environments.

Modifying supply chain strategies to address regulatory compliance challenges: Lessons from South Eastern Nigeria

Regulatory compliance was an essential component of contemporary corporate operations, guaranteeing conformity to laws, rules, and standards controlling different aspects of organisational activity. Businesses operating in South Eastern Nigeria encounter complex obstacles to regulatory compliance, such as currency depreciation, the dynamic nature of data protection legislation, and the increasing global integration of supply chains. This report offers valuable insights into the intricate process of adjusting supply chain strategies to address regulatory compliance difficulties in South Eastern Nigeria. The paper examined regulatory compliance difficulties and their effects on supply chain dynamics by conducting a thorough literature review and analysing current research. Devaluing currency led to changes in import/export levies, tariffs, and customs procedures, which need quick and adaptable actions to ensure compliance and competitiveness. In addition, the digitalization of corporate operations intensified the issues of ensuring data security and privacy compliance. This necessitated investing in technological solutions and adopting proactive risk management strategies. Despite these difficulties, firms in South Eastern Nigeria adopted a range of tactics, such as implementing compliance management systems, diversifying suppliers and markets, and engaging with regulatory agencies, to successfully modify their supply chain strategies. The results emphasised the significance of taking proactive actions, engaging in strategic planning, and fostering cooperation among relevant parties to effectively address regulatory compliance obstacles and maintain competitiveness in the global market. Keywords: Adherence to regulations, Techniques for managing supply chains, Depreciation of currency, Safeguarding data, Region of South Eastern Nigeria.

Enhancing Supply Chain Performance: A Comprehensive Review of Supplier Quality Management Strategies

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of supplier quality management (SQM) in the context of modern supply chain management (SCM). SQM is a methodical strategy aimed at examining and managing the dependability and performance of suppliers who provide components, raw materials, or services essential to the manufacturing process. The article discusses the objectives of SQM, including boosting procurement accuracy, simplifying supplier assessments, improving communication with suppliers, and promptly addressing non-compliance issues. It highlights the importance of SQM in ensuring product quality, reducing risks, and enhancing consumer satisfaction. The article also delves into supplier selection and evaluation methods, supplier evaluation criteria, risk assessment and mitigation strategies, quality assurance agreements, continuous improvement practices, and regulatory compliance challenges in SCM processes. By providing insights into these key aspects, this review article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of SQM and its significance in contemporary supply chain operations.

E-commerce on Hardware sales: A case study of Computer technologies Union in Owerri, Nigeria.

The incorporation of computers into contemporary company operations has significantly altered productivity and communication, essentially making paper-based file systems outdated. The advancement of technology has made it possible to manage data more accurately, streamline procedures, and obtain information more quickly. Better managerial skills are now a trademark of the digital age, allowing companies to accurately and quickly respond to information requests. Innovative business models have also been made possible by the transition to digital technology, especially in the areas of customer engagement and operational management. A more dynamic and responsive business environment has been made possible by the automation of repetitive processes, real-time data analysis, and enhanced communication channels. This has allowed organisations to respond to shifting market conditions with accuracy and agility. A significant advancement in this digital shift is the emergence of e-commerce platforms. These platforms have facilitated a smooth and mutually beneficial relationship between businesses and customers. Online shopping provides customers with an unparalleled level of ease, enabling them to peruse, evaluate, and buy things from the comfort of their own homes. These websites give businesses access to a wider market, an extra source of income, and insightful data analytics on consumer behaviour. By providing easy navigation, safe payment choices, and personalised experiences, the e-commerce model improves client engagement. The transition to e-commerce has increased revenues as well as customer happiness and brand loyalty by offering a convenient and effective purchasing experience. For Computer Technologies Union (CTU) in Owerri, the project's goal was to create an e-commerce website that would improve customer interaction and business operations in response to current trends. To enable simple online purchases, the website was built with a feature-rich catalogue of store merchandise and an intuitive shopping cart. The system was designed to be reliable, scalable, and effective by utilising a three-tier design. Although the middle layer, which used PHP, handled business logic with ease, the backend MySQL database ensured dependable data management. Shopping was simple and easy with the client interface, which could be accessed via a web browser. The speed and precision of service delivery at CTU Owerri were greatly enhanced by the new system after it was fully implemented. While the firm benefited from increased operational efficiency and the ability to better meet customer expectations, customers had a convenient and pleasurable shopping experience. In addition to modernising CTU Owerri's operations, this calculated decision gave it a competitive edge in the online market.

The camp, the zone, and sovereign sediments: Querying paradigms through the politics of Made-in-Italy agribusiness operations

The article questions the paradigmatic nature ascribed to “the zone”—and the concomitant dismissal of the camp's—by some analyses of the politics of capital's operations, and problematizes the very notion of the paradigm. Elaborating on previous reflections concerning contemporary agro-industrial zones in Italy, the article rethinks camps against state-centric and exceptionalist readings that consider them purely as sites of exclusion. At the same time, it retains a stress on the symbolic dimension of forms of containment and extraction, going beyond a narrow political-economic approach. The zone and the camp, it is argued, are mutually imbricated “infrastructure spaces” of present-day agro-capital's operations, which, however, result from the sedimentation of spatialized techniques for labor disciplining, reproduction, and containment that have developed alongside capitalist forms of agriculture throughout the contemporary period. The camp is thus defined as a function of the political, sovereign dimensions of extraction, that may operate within but also beyond the state. Furthermore, it is underlain by differential attributions of humanness, and therefore by a specific biopolitical anthropology. Engaging in a genealogy of the (humanitarian and/as labor) camps that today proliferate in agro-industrial zones, I argue that to understand the spatial formations emerging from and sustaining the politics of contemporary capital operations a recursive analytics is necessary, that thus questions the purchase of paradigms on the grounds of their atemporality and complicates the positing of mere historical continuities.

Managing the patient portfolio using mathematical programming: decision support guidelines using a real-world use case at a university hospital

Many hospitals in Germany are facing escalating economic pressures. After several years of stagnation, the number of inpatient hospital treatments dropped by \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:13\\%$$\\end{document} in 2020 compared to the previous year. This negative tendency can also be seen in operating theaters (OTs). Strategic management of the case mix in hospital OTs now necessitates a solid data foundation. The case mix and the case mix index have become central economic indicators in contemporary hospital operations. In this work, we develop a mathematical model for case mix optimization at Augsburg University Hospital in Germany, which is based on an extensive data analysis with descriptive methods. The optimization model is subject to rigorous testing and evaluation through an extensive series of scenario analyses. The primary objective is to calculate a revenue-maximizing patient mix while respecting the available scarce personnel resources in the OT and intensive care unit. This research marks a pioneering effort in delineating the practical integration of case mix planning into a hospital’s routine operations using mathematical optimization. The analyses reveal a strong correlation between an upsurge in revenue and an increased number of cases. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that strategic planning of the patient mix has the potential to enhance revenue with existing resources. Even though the optimal patient mix may not be directly implementable in practice, the findings yield valuable insights for managerial decision-making. A critical examination of these results also fosters a nuanced discourse on the utilization of optimization models as decision support tools within hospital management.

Drone Warfare and Threshold of the Use of Force

The proliferation of drones among both state and non-state actors, as evidenced by their widespread use, signals a shift towards more accessible forms of military engagement. In this context, the paper discusses how drones, as unmanned, remotely operated aircraft, have revolutionized warfare by enabling remote engagement and minimizing personnel risk. Concepts such as risk compensation, the 'body bag syndrome', and the potential for drones to lower the threshold for use of force has also been explored. The precision and long endurance of drones, coupled with their cost-effectiveness, emerge as double-edged swords, enhancing military capabilities while raising questions about the ease of resorting to force. The paper highlights the operational advantages of drones over manned aircraft, including rapid deployment, reduced training requirements, and operational flexibility. This paper also explores the transformative role of drone technology in contemporary military operations and examines the impact of drones on the threshold of use of force in contemporary times. Following the thematic analysis of qualitative sources backed by quantitative data, this paper explores how drones have lowered the threshold for the use of force.

Australian SASR in Borneo: The strategic contribution of the Australian SAS Regiment (SASR) during the Konfrontasi (1965-1966)

The Konfrontasi (Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation) signaled the first combat deployment of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). Between 1965 and 1966, two SASR squadrons were deployed and involved in secretive Claret Operations. The SASR’s operations were concentrated in the jungles of Borneo, along the porous and mountainous borders of Sarawak and Indonesia’s Kalimantan. The SASR had conducted reconnaissance missions collecting intelligence and track-and-ambush missions inside Indonesia’s territory. The SASR was also involved in ‘hearts and minds’ campaigns, building trust and partnerships with local aborigines in remote jungle areas to serve as friendly informers. This article assesses the tactical and strategic impact of SASR’s operations on the campaign’s overarching grand strategy. The SASR’s strategic value in the Konfrontasi albeit limited at the tactical level, yielded handsome strategic utility with lasting political benefits for Australia and Malaysia. This article provides a balanced evaluation of SASR’s performance and lessons for contemporary special forces operations.

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HIERARCHY OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES WITHIN AIR FORCES USING MULTICRITERIA ANALYSIS

Special operations forces represent an elite element within each military, playing a crucial role in contemporary military operations. Their significance stems not only from the exceptional level of personnel training but also from the quality of equipment and logistic support provided, as these aspects are determinant for the effectiveness and success of the missions they are involved in. In this regard, aircraft and equipment associated with these forces must meet high standards and fulfill stringent requirements, given the complex nature of special operations. The article aims to provide readers with an insight into the hierarchy of special operations forces, adopting an analytical approach based on multicriteria methodologies. This methodology allows for the evaluation and comparison of various aspects of special forces, including personnel training, technological capabilities, operational flexibility, and logistical efficiency, to identify and highlight the key elements contributing to the success of these units.

Outcomes of extracardiac Fontan operation: A single institution experience with 398 patients

ObjectiveThe study objective was to evaluate the outcomes of the extracardiac Fontan operation at a single institution. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 398 patients from a single institution who underwent their initial extracardiac Fontan operation between 1997 and 2020. We determined the incidence of and risk factors for failure of the Fontan circulation, which includes death, Fontan takedown, heart transplantation, protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, and functional status at the last follow-up. ResultsThe median follow-up time was 10.3 years (interquartile range, 6.4-14.6). The overall survival was 96% and 86% at 10 and 20 years after extracardiac Fontan operation, respectively. There were 6 early deaths (6/398, 1.5%) and 15 late deaths (15/398, 3.8%). Forty-nine patients (12.5%) developed failure of the Fontan circulation. Freedom from the failure of Fontan circulation was 88% at 10 years and 76% at 20 years. Risk factors for failure of the Fontan circulation were right ventricular dominance (hazard ratio, 4.7; P < .001; 95% CI, 2.1-10.5), aortic atresia (hazard ratio, 5.5; P < .001; 95% CI, 2.3-12.8), and elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (hazard ratio, 2.3; P = .002; 95% CI, 1.2-6.7). ConclusionsRates of failure of the Fontan circulation are low after the contemporary extracardiac Fontan operation. Risk factors for failure of the extracardiac Fontan circulation include right ventricular dominance, aortic atresia, and elevated pulmonary artery pressures.