High Performance Standards Research Articles

Durability of fibre-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) including recycled synthetic fibres and rubber aggregates

We discuss mechanical performance of fibre-reinforced cementitious composites under exposure to four aggressive environments, namely alkaline, saline, sulphuric acid and distilled water immersion. A standard commercial Portland cement based matrix is considered alongside its lightweight modification wherein quarzitic sand is partially replaced by recycled rubber crumbs. Also, virgin polypropylene fibres are contrasted to PP+PET blended fibres where the PET fraction is obtained from recycling food packaging waste. Performance is assessed in bending as well as in compression. We find that recycled based specimens perform surprisingly well and that exposure to the aggressive environments mainly affects the matrix and it is not necessarily more detrimental to the lightweight partially recycled phase. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirms the statistical significance of the results, which fully support the idea that the adoption of a substantial recycled fraction in construction materials still allows for high performance and durability standards.

Path Planning Generator with Metadata through a Domain Change by GAN between Physical and Virtual Environments.

Increasingly, robotic systems require a level of perception of the scenario to interact in real-time, but they also require specialized equipment such as sensors to reach high performance standards adequately. Therefore, it is essential to explore alternatives to reduce the costs for these systems. For example, a common problem attempted by intelligent robotic systems is path planning. This problem contains different subsystems such as perception, location, control, and planning, and demands a quick response time. Consequently, the design of the solutions is limited and requires specialized elements, increasing the cost and time development. Secondly, virtual reality is employed to train and evaluate algorithms, generating virtual data. For this reason, the virtual dataset can be connected with the authentic world through Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), reducing time development and employing limited samples of the physical world. To describe the performance, metadata information details the properties of the agents in an environment. The metadata approach is tested with an augmented reality system and a micro aerial vehicle (MAV), where both systems are executed in an authentic environment and implemented in embedded devices. This development helps to guide alternatives to reduce resources and costs, but external factors limit these implementations, such as the illumination variation, because the system depends on only a conventional camera.

Performance gap analysis of a new Minergie A/P district

The eco-district “Les Vergers”, located in Meyrin (Geneva, Switzerland), hosts around 1’350 dwellings and some activities. It is heated by a 5 MWth geothermal centralized heat pump. This study proposes a detailed analysis of the thermal demand of 23 selected buildings in this district as a representative panel of buildings meeting high swiss energy performance standards (Minergie A/P) and equipped with different heat recovery systems. Although the buildings have better thermal performance than the average buildings of Geneva, most show an important performance gap between the actual space heating demand and the design values. A strong correlation between performance gap and cut-off temperature of the heating system suggests that the regulation of the heat distribution system plays a determinant role in the overall performance. Regarding the domestic hot water preparation, the buildings of this district present an average demand 23% lower than the standard value and 31% lower than a benchmark.

Auction-based approach to the job-shop problem with parallel batch processing and a machine availability constraint

In military manufacturing enterprises, exceptionally high product performance standards are generally met by using heat treatment followed by machining. These procedures are typically parallel batch-processing (BP) scheduling problems and job-shop problems, respectively. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is created to describe the problem with a machine availability constraint, which is divided into two stages: BP and machine processing (MP). Furthermore, an auction-based approach is developed in which jobs are categorized into batches during the BP stage and resources are allocated to operating machines during the MP stage. A local search operator is then applied to optimize the obtained feasible solutions. Benchmark instances are enlarged to adapt to the proposed problem. The approach is tested and compared to existing algorithms, and statistical analysis is performed using SPSS Statistics. The results show that the auction-based approach is effective and stable, and has absolute advantages in solving large-scale instances.

SP3.2.12 Do the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) performance indicators correlate with mortality? A retrospective analysis of years 4-6

Abstract Aims Emergency laparotomy continues to carry significant morbidity and mortality. The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) publishes individual hospital reports, detailing key performance indicators. We aimed to determine the impact of performance indicators on mortality. Methods NELA aggregate hospital reports from years 4 to 6 were used to extract data relevant to the study aims. Linear regression was used to determine if any of the reported variables could be used as predictors of mortality. Results An analysis of 559 hospital aggregates, totalling 73075 laparotomies was carried out. Overall, the average rate of mortality was 9.6%. There was no significant correlation between mortality with any common variable across years 4-6 data, including risk documentation before surgery, arrival in theatre appropriate to urgency, consultant review preoperatively and supervision in theatre, admission to critical care, care of the elderly assessment, unplanned return to theatre or admission to critical care and length of stay. Conclusion No single performance indicator alone appears to correlate significantly with mortality. Multivariable analysis may identify some performance indicators, however, given that across all the hospitals there is a high standard of performance for each of the reported variables, the variation in mortality is likely influenced by other factors not evaluated by the hospital aggregate reports.

The in-plane graphene and boropheneβ12 contacted sub-10 nm monolayer black phosphorous Schottky barrier field-effect transistors

Using ab initio quantum transport calculations, we investigate the performance of the in-plane (IP) graphene and boropheneβ12 contacted sub-10 nm (gate length = 5.1, 6.1, 7.3, 8.8 nm) single-gated (SG) and double-gated (DG) monolayer (ML) black phosphorous (BP) Schottky barrier field-effect transistors (SBFETs). The transfer characteristics, total gate capacitance, intrinsic delay time and dynamic power indicator are studied. The calculated on-state currents of the IP graphene contacted sub-10 nm SG ML BP SBFETs are 1064.8, 1272.3, 1676.5, 1363.8 μA/μm, which are far beyond the requirements of International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductor (ITRS) high performance (HP) application targets. Compared with graphene electrode, the on-state currents of IP boropheneβ12 contacted sub-10 nm SG ML BP SBFETs can only satisfy about 10%–70% requirement of HP standards because of the strong metal induced gap states (MIGS) in the channel. Moreover, we further investigated the effect of DG model on the device performance. The results indicated that the gate electrostatic control is significantly improved by using DG model. The on-state currents of IP graphene and boropheneβ12 contacted sub-10 nm DG ML BP SBFETs are increased by a factor of 1.37–1.56 and 1.16–3.59 compared with SG model. As a result, the large on-state currents of IP configurations based on graphene/ML BP/graphene can greatly stimulate the potential of BP transistors.

Educational Analysis of Young EFL Learners during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: Rooting Its Effect

This study was undertaken to pave the way for an enlightened understanding of the effects and reflections of COVID-19 with respect to the educational landscape in terms of distance and online learning set up/learning resources, professional development, management and parental involvement. The researcher employs a mixed-methods approach by utilizing Creswell's [1] explanatory sequential design. There are 100 respondents selected for purposive sampling, which included teachers, students, parents, and school admin staff. The data was collected from 5 cities located in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Based on the results, the study shows that distance and online learning set-up really have a positive impact on students in the Saudi Community. These kind of educational endeavors develop skills for independent learning and they become well-equipped with online learning techniques and styles. It is quite obvious that students hold positive views towards online classes. However, teachers need to enhance their skills when it comes to instructional tools, especially in using computers which is necessary in an online class. Though the school management provides a relevant answer to the queries of students, parents and teachers, the school management should provide support to authorized bodies or the community. In this study, parental intervention was not significant and useful for the students’ assessments. However, parents expect a high standard of performance from their children. It can be revealed in this part that parental intervention is not useful for students’ assessment. In doing so, parents should also limit setting a standard of performance for their children. This might affect the emotional performance of a child. Aside from material support, parents should continue to provide emotional support to their children, especially in these trying times.

A Comparative Performance Analysis of Zero Voltage Switching Class E and Selected Enhanced Class E Inverters

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the class E and selected enhanced class E inverters, namely, the second and third harmonic group of class EFn, E/Fn and the class E Flat Top inverter. The inverters are designed under identical specifications and evaluated against the variation of switching frequency (f), duty ratio (D), capacitance ratio (k), and the load resistance (RL). To offer a comparative understanding, the performance parameters, namely, the power output capability, efficiency, peak switch voltage and current, peak resonant capacitor voltages, and the peak current in the lumped network, are determined quantitatively. It is found that the class EF2 and E/F3 inverters, in general, have higher efficiency and comparable power output capability with respect to the class E inverter. More specifically, the class EF2 (parallel LC and in series to the load network) and E/F3 (parallel LC and in series to the load network) maintain 90% efficiency compared to 80% for class E inverter at the optimum operating condition. Furthermore, the peak switch voltage and current in these inverters are on average 20–30% lower than the class E and other versions for k > 1. The analysis also shows that the class EF2 and E/F3 inverters should be operated in the stretch of 1 < k < 5 and D = 0.3–0.6 at the optimum load to sustain the high-performance standard.

Impact behavior of laminated composites built with fique fibers and epoxy resin: a mechanical analysis using impact and flexural behavior

This research analyzes the behavior of natural fiber reinforced laminated polymer composites (NFRPC) under mechanical solicitations. Samples were fabricated with epoxy resin matrix reinforced with a multilayer natural fique fiber in a bi-directional commercial fabric configuration. Different reinforcement contents without additives were prepared taking in the account the simplicity in processing, fabrication cost, and applications in which this material might be used with high performance standards. Charpy notched impact and 3-point bending test were carried out to evaluate the mechanical behavior and the work of fracture, which was improved significatively with the fibers, showing an increase from 5 to 30 kJ/m 2 , a very significant improvement for ballistic applications. These results are compared with the Split-Hopkinson pressure bar tests conducted in previous analysis (SHPB) for the same material. The microstructure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal the formulation support this material as a high-performance solution for impact applications and it is suitable for substitute traditional expensive materials.

Managers' Implementation of Benchmarking and Its Relation to Accomplishment of Competitive Advantage and Flourishing from Nurses' Perspective at One of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt

Background: Benchmarking is a quality methodology for organizations to reach their ideal processes and ideal outcomes through using other organizations as a reference. Aim of the study: Determining the relationship between Managers' implementation of benchmarking and accomplishment of competitive advantage and flourishing of staff (established via nurses’ points of view) at Al-Azhar university hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. Methods: Setting: the study was carried out at Al-Azhar university hospital, New Damietta, Damietta governorate, Egypt. Design: a descriptive correlational design. Subjects: was consisted of 218 nurses. Tools and procedure: three different tools (benchmarking tool, competitive advantage tool, and flourishing scale). The fieldwork lasted from January to March 2021. Results: all studied nurses were female their mean ages were (29.81) with a standard deviation of (5.54). (70%) of them have a diploma in nursing, (9.2%) have a bachelor's in nursing science, also (6.4%) have a doctoral degree in nursing sciences. Moreover, the total mean score of managers' accomplishment of a competitive advantage as seen by nurses was (39.62) with a standard deviation of 9.29, and the total mean score of nurses flourishing was (48.35) with a standard deviation of (8.33). Also, The study revealed that managers implement benchmarking for accomplishing competitive advantage with a coefficient of determination (R2 =0.743), and the degree of effect (β=0.862). Managers' implementation of benchmarking leads to the flourishing of staff with a coefficient of determination (R2 =0.286), and the degree of effect (β=0.535). Conclusions: nurses have high mean scores of regarding managers' implementation of benchmarking and accomplishment of competitive advantage, Also, nurses have high flourishing scores. Hence, there is a statistically significant correlation between managers' implementation of benchmarking and their accomplishment of competitive advantage as seen by nurses, and nurses' flourishing. Implications for nursing management: Engaging nurses in important and innovative reflective practices have the importance of being with others in relationships and interaction patterns that leads to a high standard of performance, make them happy, and thrive at work. The analysis should be expanded to other contexts, both cross-sectional and longitudinally, as a guideline for further studies. This would make it possible to generalize to a wider population.

Tingkat Kesesuaian Kinerja dan Harapan Pelanggan pada Terminal Peti Kemas Tanjung Priok

Tanjung Priok Container Terminal is a terminal that serves the loading and unloading process of containers with high service performance standards. Termnal Container customers expect the performance of the services provided by the company to meet their satisfaction or expectations. This study aims to determine the level of conformity between service performance and customer satisfaction or expectations at the container terminal. This study analyzed the data of 67 Container Terminal customers obtained by providing a questionnaire to the customers. The results of the suitability level analysis show that the service performance provided by the container terminal management is satisfied or very satisfied because it has a conformity percentage of 91.93%, besides that the index value of the gap or gap between performance and customer satisfaction / expectations is at -0.28. Where at this value, Container Terminals generally have met customer expectations, but in terms of reliability and assurance, it is still necessary to improve so that it is expected to increase the number and loyalty of Container Terminal customers.

Development of 2 Short Patient-Report Questionnaires of Patient Safety in Primary Care.

The Patient Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care (PREOS-PC) is a valid and reliable instrument (61 items across 5 domains) of patients' perceptions of safety. Stakeholder feedback has supported shorter versions for improving choice and facilitating uptake of routine patient-centered evaluation. We sought to develop 2 shorter versions of PREOS-PC: one including the shortest possible scales that met established measurement performance standards and a screening version including a single item per domain. A total of 1244 patients from 45 general practices across England completed PREOS-PC questionnaires. All scale items in PREOS-PC underwent Item Response Theory analysis, applying standard criteria for the item reduction. Cognitive debriefing from 10 patient interviews allowed for the assessment of the instruments' readability. The instruments' psychometrics properties were reassessed in a validation sample of 1557 patients in 21 English general practices. "PREOS-PC Compact" includes 25 items and 2 open-ended questions across the 5 domains, 44% of the length of the original instrument. "PREOS-PC Screen" consists of 6 items: the best-performing single items for 2 domains, 1 item modified from original items for each of the remaining 3 domains, and 1 open-ended question. The evaluation of the instruments confirmed they were acceptable to patients and met standards for readability; construct, convergent, and divergent validity; and reliability. PREOS-PC Compact meets high-performance standards while reducing patient burden for routine monitoring of patient safety in primary care. PREOS-PC Screen is a concise tool apt for incorporation into audits and to target more in-depth review as needed.

Advances in metal phosphides for sodium‐ion batteries

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been extensively studied as the potential alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundant natural reserves and low price of sodium resources. Nevertheless, Na+ ions possess a larger radius than Li+, resulting in slow diffusion dynamics in electrode materials, and thus seeking appropriate anode materials to meet high performance standards has become a trend in the field of SIBs. In this context, owing to the advantages of high theoretical capacity and proper redox potential, metal phosphides (MPs) are considered to be the promising materials to make up for the gap of SIBs anode materials. In this review, the recent development of MPs anode materials for SIBs is reviewed and analyzed comprehensively and deeply, including the synthesis method, advanced modification strategy, electrochemical performance, and Na storage mechanism. In addition, to promote the wide application of the emerging MPs anodes for SIBs, several research emphases in the future are pointed out to overcome challenges toward the commercial application.

I can be perfect! Implicit mindset moderates the relationship between perfectionism and consumers' maladaptive weight management behavior

Consumers exert considerable time, energy, and financial resources toward achieving weight and body shape goals. However, weight management behaviors often become maladaptive (i.e., more harmful than helpful) and lead to increased chances for negative mental and physical results. An online panel (n = 412; Mage = 45.49; SDage = 16.64; 61.4% female) was surveyed to assess how implicit mindset moderates the relationship between perfectionistic concern (self-criticism when the self is perceived to fall short of valued standards), perfectionistic striving (insistence on pursuing and achieving excessively high performance standards), and maladaptive weight management behaviors. This pre-registered study demonstrates that consumers high on perfectionistic concern who also hold a more growth implicit mindset engage in more maladaptive behavior; consumers who hold a more fixed implicit mindset engage in less maladaptive behavior regardless of their perfectionism. Importantly, our results indicate that high perfectionistic striving acts as an amplifier, enhancing implicit mindset's moderation of the relationship between perfectionistic concern and maladaptive behavior. We further demonstrate that this effect is most pronounced for maladaptive weight management behaviors which require greater persistence, such as cognitive restraint, excessive exercise, and muscle building. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Relationship between COVID-19 perceived risk and perfectionism – a preliminary study

IntroductionResearch following the Covid-19 pandemics has shown that psychological reactions to the pandemic and its constraints can vary significantly depending on personality. One of the traits that has not been studied yet, but can play a harmful role in the COVID-19 psychological impact is perfectionism. This trait, characterized by setting excessively high standards of performance and striving for flawlessness, has increased in recent years and is considered a transdiagnostic process involved in several (mental) health problems (Curran & Hill 2019).ObjectivesTo analyze the role of Perfectionism in the levels of fear of COVID19 and of perception of infection risk by COVID-19.Methods234 adults (75.6% women; mean age=29.53±12.51) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese validated versions of Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (C19PRS; Pereira et al. 2020), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC19S; Cabaços et al. 2020) and Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS; Garrido et al. 2020). SPSS was used to perform correlation and regression analysis.ResultsPerceived Risk and Fear of COVID-19 were significantly correlated with perfectionism (.243, .228, respectively) (both, p<.01). Perfectionism explains 5.5% (Adjusted R2) of the FC19S variance (Beta=.243, p<.001) and 4.8% of the C19PRS variance (Beta=.228, p=.01).ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary, but completely innovative evidence that perfectionism contribute to the psychological impact of Covid-19 pandemics. In the near future we will test the hypothesis that the nature of unpredictability and the limitations imposed by the global crisis may be exacerbating the already high levels of psychological distress that affect negative perfectionists.

The Role of Standards and Discrepancy Perfectionism in Maladaptive Consumption

Perfectionism has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, and two of its key dimensions entail striving for high performance standards and focusing on the discrepancy between one’s standards and actual performance. Our investigation examines the role of these two dimensions in maladaptive consumption. Results across six studies investigating both trait and state perfectionism across various maladaptive domains support our account that discrepancy-based perfectionism is associated with higher levels of maladaptive consumption than standards-based perfectionism. Additionally, results indicate that feelings of shame and guilt explain these differential effects, with discrepancy perfectionism associated with higher levels of shame and standards perfectionism associated with higher levels of guilt.

Coaxial Monitoring of AISI 316L Thin Walls Fabricated by Direct Metal Laser Deposition.

Direct metal laser deposition (DMLD) is an additive manufacturing technique suitable for coating and repair, which has been gaining a growing interest in 3D manufacturing applications in recent years. However, its diffusion in the manufacturing industry is still limited due to technical challenges to be solved—both the sub-optimal quality of the final parts and the low repeatability of the process make the DMLD inadequate for high-value applications requiring high-performance standards. Thus, real-time monitoring and process control are indispensable requirements for improving the DMLD process. The aim of this study was the optimization of deposition strategies for the fabrication of thin walls in AISI 316L stainless steel. For this purpose, a coaxial monitoring system and image processing algorithms were employed to study the melt pool geometry. The comparison tests carried out highlighted how the region-based active contour algorithm used for image processing is more efficient and stable than others covered in the literature. The results allowed the identification of the best deposition strategy. Therefore, it is shown how this monitoring methodology proved to be suitable for designing and implementing the right building strategy for DMLD manufactured 3D components. A fast and stable image processing method was achieved, which can be considered for future closed-loop monitoring in real-time applications.

Assessment of Precise Land Levelling on Surface Irrigation Development. Impacts on Maize Water Productivity and Economics

The new technologies of surface irrigation require the adoption of effective Laser-controlled precision land levelling (PLL) to reach the high irrigation performance standards, with significant benefits on water saving, salinity control, crop productivity, and farmer’s income. This study aimed to assess the performance and the impacts of PLL on surface irrigation systems, focusing the maize crop on the irrigation districts Hetao (China) and Lower-Mondego (Portugal). The experimental study at field scale assessed the PLL and evaluated the on-farm irrigation under precise levelled fields and well management practices. PLL operators have been inquired to improve the knowledge about hiring services. The design of surface irrigation scenarios allowed to explain the effects of field size and slope on irrigation and land levelling performance. The best practice to manage the PLL maintenance is an important issue to guarantee a high effectiveness of irrigation performance. The optimization of PLL appeals the application of best soil tillage practices and the monitoring of soil surface elevations with newest information technologies. Efficient operational guidelines to support the PLL planning, schedule, and operation, well trained operators and carefully adjusted equipment, are key factors to the improvement.

An Approach to Determine Specific Targets of Daylighting Metrics and Solar Gains for Different Climatic Regions

This study comes from an integrated approach combining daylighting and thermal aspects of building spaces. Several room configurations derived from the combination of four main design variables are tested. Width-to-Depth-Ratio (WDR), Window-to-Wall-Ratio (WWR), orientation, and climate conditions are simultaneously investigated to find the best solutions that enhance the Daylight Availability and, at the same time, diminish solar gains and total energy use (lighting plus cooling and heating). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is the statistical technique used to outline design guidelines for Mexican climate regions, namely arid, tropical, and temperate. Hence, optimal values for WDR and WWR were recommended for specific orientations and climates. Therefore, PCA is set as the basis of a methodology to define design strategies for specific locations and climates that further lead to updating high-performance standards in buildings at regional levels. Results also showed that climate conditions, such as seasonal cloud cover, temperature, and solar radiation, are crucial when establishing target limits for the actual daylit and over lit areas. The temperate climate was able to endure up to 60% as over lit area. Instead, the arid and tropical climates tolerated up to 50% and 40%, respectively, as over lit areas.

Data mining approach for business value analysis in basketball

With the rapidly increasing volume of data, novel methods and technologies for their analysis, and opportunities to support decision-making processes emerge in the domain of sports analytics. This, in particular, applies to analysing athletes’ performance and calculating related business added value in major sports leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA). Specifically, the financial success of a team/franchise depends not only on the results of the games but also on the success of attracting marketable individuals who bring higher business value. In that regard, this paper aims to demonstrate the potential and importance of data mining methods to uncover the factors influencing the decisions related to the player selection based on individual results, physical characteristics, and professional contract salaries in the NBA. For the study, 22 datasets were integrated into three large datasets. The data covers the period from 1946 (when the league was founded) to 2017. Data mining models were developed in RapidMiner, enabling correlation, cluster and regression analysis. Change in the factors affecting the selection of new players in recent years was uncovered, while the classification revealed, for example, that more than 50% of players have below-average coefficients of efficiency and individual result contribution. An artificial neural network algorithm was used to identify discrepancies for players with high-salary contracts as many do not meet high-performance standards. The study demonstrates how classification and prediction models can serve sports analysts and managers in making decisions related to future professional contracts and predict future salaries for active players, among other contributions.