Product Definition Research Articles

Efficient Tensor Robust Principal Analysis via Right-Invertible Matrix-Based Tensor Products

In this paper, we extend the definition of tensor products from using an invertible matrix to utilising right-invertible matrices, exploring the algebraic properties of these new tensor products. Based on this novel definition, we define the concepts of tensor rank and tensor nuclear norm, ensuring consistency with their matrix counterparts, and derive a singular value thresholding (*L,R SVT) formula to approximately solve the subproblems in the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), which is integral to our proposed tensor robust principal component analysis (*LR TRPCA) algorithm. The computational complexity of the *LR TRPCA algorithm is O(k·(n1n2n3+p·min(n12n2,n1n22))) for k iterations. According to this complexity analysis, by using a right-invertible matrix that selects p rows from the n3 rows of the invertible matrix used in the tensor product with an invertible matrix, the computational load is approximately reduced to p/n3 of what it would be with an invertible matrix, highlighting the efficiency gain in terms of computational resources. We apply this efficient algorithm to grayscale video denoising and motion detection problems, where it demonstrates significant improvements in processing speed while maintaining comparable quality levels to existing methods, thereby providing a promising approach for handling multi-linear data and offering valuable insights for advanced data analysis tasks.

Opportunities and Challenges of Geographical Indications in Central Asia

Geographical indications (GIs) are defined as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”. GIs have become potentially beneficial trademarks for domestic and international trade in agricultural products. Among the benefits of GIs are improved consumer information; higher incomes for farmers and food processors; sustainable regional development; conservation of traditional production methods and cultural heritage; and the accumulation of social capital. However, in developing countries, highly asymmetric power relations among actors across the value chain, weak institutions, and poor governance can impede the realization of benefits from GI in the region. While a GI law has been effective in Tajikistan since 2007; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan adopted GI laws between 2021 and 2023. The objective of this paper is to assess the potential and the risks of GIs in Central Asia. First, the paper provides an overview of the legal and institutional environment for GIs in Central Asia. Second, the paper critically reviews activities of international organizations and actors in development cooperation to promote GI initiatives in the region. The third section of the paper discusses selected aspects specific to GI initiatives in Central Asia, including the implications of institutional legacies from the Soviet period, colonial borders and unresolved border disputes between independent states, and nomad circular migration that may involve challenges for the regional definition of an origin product. The paper draws on information collected from the academic literature, policy documents, and expert interviews.

Tobramycin nanoformulation for chronic pulmonary infections: From drug product definition to scale-up for preclinical evaluation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by abnormal mucus hydration due to a defective CF Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) protein, leading to the production of difficult-to-clear mucus. This causes airflow obstruction, recurrent infections, and respiratory complications. Chronic lung infections are the leading cause of death for CF patients and inhaled tobramycin is the first-in-line antibiotic treatment against these infections, mainly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adult patients. KuDa-tob, a nanoformulation of tobramycin (tob) as the active ingredient and dextran single chain nanoparticles, a drug carrier platform (KuDa) as an excipient, has been developed. The neutralization of the positive charges of the drug by KuDa nanoparticles facilitates its diffusion through the mucus and biofilm, reaching the bacteria. The polar interactions existing between tobramycin and KuDa have been thoroughly characterized by electrophoresis (ζ-potential) and diffusion experiments (diffusion ordered spectroscopy and Taylor dispersion analysis) demonstrating that up to 40 wt% tobramycin could be loaded into the KuDa-tob nanoformulation. The drug product was developed following Quality by Design (QbD) principles. Critical quality attributes (CQAs), critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical material attributes (CMAs) have been defined to obtain a robust production process that was then scaled-up to 40 g, allowing the production of KuDa-tob for further preclinical evaluation. Finally, the final pharmaceutical form of KuDa-tob was defined based on stability studies, and nebulization assays showed that the aerosols generated by reconstituted KuDa-tob were in the ideal range size for lung deposition (Median Mass Aerodynamic Diameter - MMAD - 2.2 μm).

The Influence of the 1898 Disaster and the Ideology of the German Mandarins in the Genesis of Ortega y Gasset’s Theory of Generations

In this article I will address, on the basis of a very specific case, the way in which the social trajectory of philosophers and the processes of the collective definition of philosophical products are expressed in key categories of philosophical discourse, that is, in the symbolic forms proper to the social practice we call philosophy. To do so, I will show that the formative period of the young Ortega is crossed by two fundamental social experiences that were interpreted in a generational key: the 1898 Disaster and contact with the German mandarin ideology. I also hope to show that these experiences were incorporated or translated into the central categories of the philosopher, who was then just beginning to take his first steps in the Spanish political and intellectual field. Later, these categories would become, among other symbolic forms, part of his mature theory of generations. The aim of this article is to point out how the residues of these two experiences permeate his theory through these key categories. In doing so, I would like to focus on two ways of research: 1) deepening a better understanding of his work through the sociology of philosophy and 2) warning against the risk of uncritically incorporating such residues in an unreflective application of Ortega's theory of generations to the present day.

Туристичний продукт як основа формування конкурентоспроможності туристичного бізнесу

The article is devoted to the study of the foundations for ensuring the competitiveness of the tourism business, particularly through the formation of an effective tourist product. The purpose of the article is to analyze, systematize, and summarize the theoretical and methodological foundations for ensuring the competitiveness of the tourism business and to justify the structure of a tourist product that meets modern challenges and market needs. The article presents a comprehensive study of the tourist product as a key element of the competitiveness of the tourism business. A literature review enabled an analysis of the concepts and definitions of the tourist product, with official interpretations of this concept provided according to international and national regulatory acts. It is determined that a tourist product is a socially beneficial result of the activities of the tourism business in the field of tourism, provided in both material and non-material forms, satisfying the social, aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, and physiological needs of tourist consumers, jointly produced by the tourism business entities and related sectors—transport, trade, culture, communication—based on the use of tourist, natural, geographical, infrastructural, human, economic, and other factors and resources of the destination. The study substantiates the significance of the tourist product in realizing the tourism potential of a destination and the economic potential of tourism market entities. The main characteristics of the tourist product are identified, such as its complexity, variability, and incompleteness until the end of its consumption period. A classification of types of tourist products is presented, including integrated, single, core, partial, and complex products. The study reveals the interconnection between the components of the tourist product, such as tourist resources, transportation, accommodation, and service offerings, and their impact on the competitiveness of the tourism business. It is noted that the tourist product is not just a combination of material and non-material services but also a complex of emotional and psychological components that create a unique experience for tourists. The importance of flexibility in the offer and assortment of tourist products to meet the diverse needs of tourists is justified. Keywords: tourist product, competitiveness of tourism business, tourism services, tourism market, consumer needs.

Analysis of Haigh’s Chocolates in Terms of Marketing Mix Theory

This report focuses on Haigh’s chocolates’ and evaluates marketing strategies of the company, applying Marketing Mix Theory. Definition of product, promotion and people are introduced. Then this report explains how the Haigh’s use these elements in its marketing strategies. Haigh’s chocolates produces high quality chocolate with various different collections and well-designed packages to fulfill customers' needs. They are committed to environmental sustainability through packaging and the protection of bilby. The Haigh’s also pays attention to the attitude and performance of their employees. It is recommended that Haigh’s chocolates makes improvements for their online shop and open more offline shops in Australia.

Critical decisions at the early stage of start-ups: a systematic literature review

This systematic literature review (SLR) identifies and ranks the decisions that can be considered critical for entrepreneurs at the early stage of the start-up process. The sample (N = 56) derived from the SLR contained primary publications from the A + and A journals of the VHB-Journal ranking. Deductive and inductive approaches were used to define the critical decision domains. Then, the relevance of the domains was evaluated using the frequency of the selected studies. A key implication for founders is to understand that not all decisions that could be taken in the early stage may be critical for success. Most critical seems to invest time and effort in the, what we label the internal business and human core (Core People and Product Definition) and the external business and human core (Market segment selection and Partnerships). This study depicts an integrated view of the fragmented field of critical decisions in the context of early-stage start-ups by using a SLR. Thus, it creates value for theory-building and practitioners in entrepreneurship and innovation.

On the nonequilibrium dynamics of gravitational algebras

Abstract We explore nonequilibrium features of certain operator algebras which appear in quantum gravity. The algebra of observables in a black hole background is a Type II ∞ von Neumann algebra. We discuss how this algebra can be coupled to the algebra of observable of an infinite reservoir within the canonical ensemble, aiming to induce nonequilibrium dynamics. The resulting dynamics can lead the system towards a nonequilibrium steady state which can be characterized through modular theory. Within this framework we address the definition of entropy production and its relationship to relative entropy, alongside exploring other applications.

Algebraic and geometric definitions of the cross product: the link

Given two vectors $\overrightarrow u = {({u_1},\,\,{u_2},\,{u_3})^t}$ and $\overrightarrow y = {({v_1},\,{v_2},\,{v_3})^t}$ in ${{\mathcal{R}}^3}$ , the cross product $\overrightarrow u \times \overrightarrow v $ is defined as follows (see [1] or [2]): $$Algebraic{\rm{ }}definition{\rm{:}}\,\,\overrightarrow u \times \overrightarrow v \, = \,\left[ {\matrix{ {{u_2}{v_3}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_3}{v_2}} \hfill \cr {{u_3}{v_1}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_1}{v_3}} \hfill \cr {{u_1}{v_2}} \hfill & - \hfill & {{u_2}{v_1}} \hfill \cr } } \right].$$

Optimierung des Verhandlungsgebots auf dem Telekommunikationsmarkt

Abstract The Federal Network Agency plans to extend the frequency usage rights of the established mobile network operators until 2030, combined with a negotiation requirement for 1&1’s access to frequencies below 1 GHz. This analysis identifies key weaknesses of the negotiation bid: lack of clarity regarding regulatory intervention in the event of a non-agreement, inefficient last-minute effects, asymmetric negotiating power and problems with the disclosure of sensitive information. As an alternative, a structured auction procedure is proposed that includes product definition by 1&1, an explicit maximum price and a “descending clock auction” to enable a more efficient and transparent award process.

Broadening the definition of healthcare products in global trade: Insights from a new classification

International trade in healthcare products took off during the 2000s, paralleling the peak of hyper-globalisation. Two decades later, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health security for governments. This crisis brought issues of industrial sovereignty to the forefront and exposed vulnerabilities within global production networks. However, the intricate web of global value chains has compromised the traceability of these essential goods. Additionally, the classification of healthcare products across multiple industries in standard trade and production nomenclatures complicates their identification and further obscures the analysis. In this paper, we systematically identify products that address the needs of national health systems and gather them into a single industry grouping to evaluate the scale and trends in trade. This healthcare industry grouping, encompassing a broad array of products—medicinal products and their compounds, medical technology equipment, and small medical materials— has demonstrated the highest relative growth among all industry groupings since 2000. Our study provides a detailed examination of the nature of global trade in the healthcare industry grouping and its five branches, categorized by production stage (intermediate and final) and quality/price range. We analyze the positioning of advanced economies in comparison to the rest of the world and offer insights into the geographical and geopolitical breakdowns of healthcare industry trade, both within and between country blocs.

Quantum Onsager relations

Abstract Using quantum information geometry, I derive quantum generalizations of the Onsager rate equations, which model the dynamics of an open system near a steady state. The generalized equations hold for a flexible definition of the forces as well as a large class of statistical divergence measures and quantum-Fisher-information metrics beyond the conventional definition of entropy production. I also derive quantum Onsager-Casimir relations for the transport tensors by proposing a general concept of time reversal and detailed balance for open quantum systems. The results establish a remarkable connection between statistical mechanics and parameter estimation theory.

Where next for manufacturing productivity research? Propositions based on exploratory empirical investigation

Purpose The purpose of this research is to develop empirically grounded propositions for further research into UK manufacturing productivity.Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with managers from strategic, tactical and operational levels from four manufacturing sectors to produce case studies. A modified strategic alignment theory framework was used to code, compare and contrast narratives on perceived productivity antecedents, definitions, compatibility with the definition from the UK Office for National Statistics, and vertical alignment issues within and across cases.Findings It was found that different key antecedents can facilitate and/or prevent strategic vertical alignment. Discussion reveals complex nuances in perceptions of manufacturing productivity and using the modified strategic alignment theory/productivity antecedent framework.Originality/value In revealing the alignment or otherwise of productivity definitions at different levels within the firm, the paper reveals nine propositions for future research including definitions, skills, metrics, performance measurement systems, people and system-centric perspectives, the value-added perspective of productivity and the role of innovation.

The Teodorescu and the Π-operator in octonionic analysis and some applications

In the development of function theory in octonions, the non-associativity property produces an additional associator term when applying the Stokes formula. To take the non-associativity into account, particular intrinsic weight factors are implemented in the definition of octonion-valued inner products to ensure the existence of a reproducing Bergman kernel. This Bergman projection plays a pivotal role in the L2-space decomposition demonstrated in this paper for octonion-valued functions. In the unit ball, we explicitly show that the intrinsic weight factor is crucial to obtain the reproduction property and that the latter precisely compensates an additional associator term that otherwise appears when leaving out the weight factor.Furthermore, we study an octonionic Teodorescu transform and show how it is related to the unweighted version of the Bergman transform and establish some operator relations between these transformations. We apply two different versions of the Borel-Pompeiu formulae that naturally arise in the context of the non-associativity. Next, we use the octonionic Teodorescu transform to establish a suitable octonionic generalization of the Ahlfors-Beurling operator, also known as the Π-operator. We prove an integral representation formula that presents a unified representation for the Π-operator arising in all prominent hypercomplex function theories. Then we describe some basic mapping properties arising in context with the L2-space decomposition discussed before.Finally, we explore several applications of the octonionic Π-operator. Initially, we demonstrate its utility in solving the octonionic Beltrami equation, which characterizes generalized quasi-conformal maps from R8 to R8 in a specific analytical sense. Subsequently, analogous results are presented for the hyperbolic octonionic Dirac operator acting on the right half-space of R8. Lastly, we discuss how the octonionic Teodorescu transform and the Bergman projection can be employed to solve an eight-dimensional Stokes problem in the non-associative octonionic setting.

The Effect of Training Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices Regarding Nursing Care of Children with Type-I Diabetes Mellitus in Wad Medani Pediatrics Teaching Hospital Gezira State, Sudan

Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that originate when very little or no insulin is produced by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Nurses are in a key position to disseminate knowledge and provide proper nursing care resulting in control of the disease and prevent complications. This study was conducted in Pediatrics Teaching Hospital Gezira State, Sudan. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the training program on nurse's knowledge and practice regarding nursing care of children with type-I diabetes mellitus. training program was done to assist nurses in the Pediatric Teaching Hospital knowledge and skills need in caring of infant with type-1 diabetes mellitus. The program package contains sex session with different learning objectives and use many different teaching techniques methods include lecture, practical, audio visual aids and demonstration. Every session with different title around the diabetic knowledge. Data analysis was performed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version (22). The results of nurse knowledge regarding definition of diabetes for correct answer in post-intervention were highly increased in percentage. Also The results of nurse knowledge regarding definition of insulin for correct answer in post-intervention were highly increased in percentage for all questions. The results of nurse knowledge regarding definition of diabetes, insulin and combination insulin products for correct answer in post-intervention were highly increased in percentage. The study concluded that results of nurse knowledge regarding definition of diabetes, insulin and combination insulin products for correct answer in post-intervention were highly increased in percentage. The study recommended that periodic training program on care of children with type-I diabetes mellitus must be conducted and log book must be design and available for nurses in the hospitals.

Suočavanje s izazovima u vezi s ocjenjivanjem zelene gradnje prema LEED-u u Turskoj

This study examined the effectiveness of the LEED green building rating system and identified performance gaps in developing countries using Türkiye as a case study. The analysis of 134 LEED Platinum V4-certified buildings in Turkiye revealed discrepancies in high-priority sites, site evaluation, building product definition and optimisation, and low-emission material credits compared with other countries. Variations in energy, atmosphere, and indoor environmental quality criteria were also noted within LEED Platinum-certified buildings in Turkiye. The study concludes that while LEED is widely embraced, local standards and contextual factors must be considered when implementing these programs.

Supersymmetric spectrum for vector multiplet on Euclidean AdS2

Quantum study of supersymmetric theories on Euclidean two dimensional anti-de Sitter space (EAdS2) requires complexified spectrum. For a chiral multiplet, we showed that the spectrum of the Dirac operator acquires a universal shift of i/2 from the real spectrum to make the supersymmetry between boson and fermion manifest, where both the bosonic and fermionic eigenfunctions are normalizable using an appropriate definition of Euclidean inner product. We extend this analysis to the vector multiplet, where we show that the gaugino requires both +i/2 and i/2 shift from the real spectrum, and there is additional isolated point at vanishing spectral parameter which is mapped by supersymmetry to the boundary zero modes of the vector field. Furthermore, this spectral analysis shows that not every bosonic fields in the vector multiplet can satisfy normalizable boundary condition. Nevertheless, aided by a reorganization of fields into a cohomological form, we find the supersymmetry mapping between bosons and fermions in terms of the expansion coefficients with respect to the newly constructed basis.

Entropy production from maximum entropy principle: A unifying approach.

Entropy production is the crucial quantity characterizing irreversible phenomena and the second law of thermodynamics. Yet, a ubiquitous definition eludes consensus. Given that entropy production arises from incomplete access to information, in this work we use Jaynes' maximum entropy principle to establish a framework that brings together prominent and apparently conflicting definitions. More generally, our definition of entropy production addresses any tomographically incomplete quantum measurement and/or the action of a quantum channel on a system.

Sequential pricing of electricity

This paper investigates the design and analysis of price formation in wholesale electricity markets given variability, uncertainty, non-convexity, and intertemporal operating constraints. The paper’s primary goal is to develop a framework to assess the many resource participation models, reserve product definitions, and enhanced pricing methods that have arisen in U.S. systems, especially in the context of growing contributions from wind, solar, and storage. Departing from the static models typically used for electricity auctions based on thermal resources, the paper situates price formation within the sequential decision problem faced by system operators. This more complete description of the problem has several implications for price formation. Since prices are derived from operational models, algorithmic choices in the design of policies for the sequential decision problem influence the prices ultimately formed. In numerical tests, policy variants with comparable operational performance (within 4% in terms of total cost) lead to substantial differences in prices and resource remuneration. Storage is particularly affected, earning revenues ranging from 57% to 117% of the amount suggested as economically efficient by a benchmark approximated through stochastic programming.

Digitalization Adoption Barriers in the Context of Sustainability and Operational Excellence: Implications for SMEs

In the global landscape, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly enhancing their adaptability to capitalize on evolving market prospects. Industry 4.0 technologies, with their primary focus on improving operational excellence, hold immense potential for contributing to the sustainability of SMEs. These technologies optimize resources, repurpose materials, enable remote working, and minimize waste, thereby fostering a resilient business environment. In the current study, the authors have utilized the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework to conduct a comprehensive literature review and identified the key barriers. Research questions and hypothesis were formulated. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted, involving 205 discrete manufacturing SMEs. The authors evaluated the proposed hypotheses using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to gain insights into their causal relationships. Identified barriers are categorized as adoption barriers, lack of in-house technology skills, readiness barriers, and adverse operational realities. The authors observed that lack of strategic planning, inadequate focus on processes and performance monitoring results in barriers that hinder the digitalization of SMEs. Further results anticipate that operational realities have a direct relationship with readiness barriers of SMEs. This implies that challenges such as workforce turnover, pricing pressures, last-minute design changes, overdue payments, and outdated infrastructure can lead to operational difficulties, resulting in suboptimal strategies, business plans, and ineffective processes. The findings of the current study also imply that implementing shopfloor industrial Internet of things (IIoT) to track performance and interventions through digital definitions of products and manufacturing can further strengthen processes. By incorporating the findings from this study, SME stakeholders can develop strategies to achieve operational excellence while fulfilling their sustainability goals.