Key Performance Factors Research Articles

Targeted sequencing reveals candidate causal variants for dairy bull subfertility.

SummaryBull fertility is a key factor for successful reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Since the semen from a single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of cows, one subfertile bull could have a major impact on herd reproductive efficiency. We have previously identified five genomic regions, located on BTA8 (72.2 Mb), BTA9 (43.7 Mb), BTA13 (60.2 Mb), BTA17 (63.3 Mb), and BTA27 (34.7 Mb), that show large dominance effects on bull fertility. Each of these regions explained about 5–8% of the observed differences in sire conception rate between Holstein bulls. Here, we aimed to identify candidate causal variants responsible for this variation using targeted sequencing (10 Mb per region). For each genomic region, two DNA pools were constructed from n≈20 high‐fertility and n≈20 low‐fertility Holstein bulls. The DNA‐sequencing analysis included reads quality control (using FastQC), genome alignment (using BWA and ARS‐UCD1.2), variant calling (using GATK) and variant annotation (using Ensembl). The sequencing depth per pool varied from 39× to 51×. We identified a set of nonsense mutations, missense mutations, and frameshift variants carried by low‐fertility bulls. Notably, some of these variants were classified as strong candidate causal variants, i.e., mutations with deleterious effects located on genes exclusively/highly expressed in testis. Genes affected by these candidate causal variants include AK9, TTLL9, TCHP, and FOXN4. These results could aid in the development of novel genomic tools that allow early detection and culling of subfertile bull calves.

Opportunistic Network Algorithms for Internet Traffic Offloading in Music Festival Scenarios.

Constant Internet connectivity has become a necessity in our lives. Hence, music festival organizers allocate part of their budget for temporary Wi-Fi equipment in order to sustain the high network traffic generated in such a small geographical area, but this naturally leads to high costs that need to be decreased. Thus, in this paper, we propose a solution that can help offload some of that traffic to an opportunistic network created with the attendees’ smartphones, therefore minimizing the costs of the temporary network infrastructure. Using a music festival-based mobility model that we propose and analyze, we introduce two routing algorithms which can enable end-to-end message delivery between participants. The key factors for high performance are social metrics and limiting the number of message copies at any given time. We show that the proposed solutions are able to offer high delivery rates and low delivery delays for various scenarios at a music festival.

Atomic Sulfur Filling Oxygen Vacancies Optimizes H Absorption and Boosts the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media.

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) usually has sluggish kinetics in alkaline solution due to the difficulty in forming binding protons. Herein we report an electrocatalyst in which sulfur atoms are doping in the oxygen vacancies (VO ) of inverse spinel NiFe2 O4 (S-NiFe2 O4 ) to create active sites with enhanced electron transfer capability. This electrocatalyst has an ultralow overpotential of 61 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 and long-term stability of 60 h at 1.0 Acm-2 in 1.0 M KOH media. In situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that S sites adsorb hydrogen adatom (H*) and in situ form S-H*, which favor the production of hydrogen and boosts HER in alkaline solution. DFT calculations further verified that S introduction lowered the energy barrier of H2 O dissociation. Both experimental and theoretical investigations confirmed S atoms are active sites of the S-NiFe2 O4 .

Effect of quality of opposition on game performance indicators in elite male volleyball

Performance in a volleyball match is the result of a dynamic and interactive process between two teams. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of the quality of opposition on skill performance indicators. A total of 550 teams’ performances (N = 550) from 275 sets of men’s European Championship 2019 was recorded and the effectiveness of 12 parameters from 5 basic volleyball skills was analyzed. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to divide 24 teams into three quality groups (upper, middle, lower) and 6 types of match status were created according to the quality of the opponents. Binomial logistic regression showed that for each type of match, the key performance factors that discriminate win and loss are differentiated, while the efficacy of attack win is associated with the success almost with all contexts studied. Other significant parameters were serve aces for matches between upper-quality teams, opponent’s errors for matches between teams of different quality and avoidance of blocked attacks for balanced matches. The findings emphasize the need for coaches to plan strategies that allow players with special serving abilities to risk for an ace, to enhance the side-out skills of their team and to work detailed on attack coverage systems.

Muscle strength and endurance in high-level rock climbers

ABSTRACT The relative importance of key performance factors is poorly studied in high-level climbers. This study aimed to (1) determine the role of forearm muscle strength and endurance in high-level rock climbing, (2) and provide suitable dynamometric test parameters for muscle endurance assessment in high-level climbers. Six higher elite (redpoint Fr.9a) and eight elite/advanced (redpoint Fr.8a+) climbers performed one finger flexor maximal strength test and three finger endurance tests: a 30 s all-out test and a continuous and intermittent test at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction. Higher elite climbers had higher (p < 0.05) maximal strength, all-out test average force and continuous test force-time integral (all relative to body mass) than the elite/advanced climbers. These parameters correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with climbing performance, which has not been observed so far for continuous test scores. Unlike in previous research, intermittent test force-time integral neither distinguished climbing ability groups nor correlated significantly with climbing performance. Nevertheless, regression models comprising of intermittent and maximal strength test scores more strongly determined climbing performance than models including continuous or all-out test scores. Intermittent muscle endurance is among the performance factors in difficult rock climbing but appears to be less important than maintaining high forces during sustained muscle contractions.

Improved feeding strategy to optimize growth and biomass for up-scaling rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792) farming in Himalayan region

Feeding is a key factor in the growth performance of rainbow trout farming, its sustainable production and profitability. However, supplying the daily ration in trout farming in flow-through system without any control is an inconceivable practice both economically and environmentally. In this study, the effect of different feeding regimes has been evaluated to optimize growth performance minimizing the feed wastage for simulating realistic intensive culture conditions (daily ration and feeding frequency per day depending on temperature and stocking density). Growth patterns of the reared fish in terms of average daily gain (ADG) and specific growth rate (SGR%) at two feeding schedules (FS-I & FS-II) and three stocking densities (Sd1, Sd2, Sd3) showed that the best performance was at Sd2 (R2 = 0.869) at FS-I and it was highly significant (P < 0.01). Regression coefficients (R2) of length-weight relationship in different seasons and stocking densities explained proper fit of the growth as per condition factor (K) and it was high (0.994 and 0.886) during monsoon and autumn respectively in FS-I showing more than 56% variability. Based on profitability analysis, and feed consumption efficiency (FCE) related growth performance, the size and temperature dependent feeding rate was determined to construe a new rate of feeding during different months of the year. The economic implications of the experimental feeding regimes were also assessed. Both the feeding regime FS-I & FS-II supported the extent of growth performance however, better performance in terms of ADG and SGR was observed in FS-I as compared to FS-II at the end of the trial. The results demonstrated a lower competition for feed since instant feed availability was higher at Sd2 and reared at FS-I. It is concluded that controlling the feeding process is essential to reduce wastage and increase profitability, which has been achieved by the monitoring process of environmental indicators and suitable feed management. Our findings suggest a new improved feeding schedule which has significant effects on feed intake and growth performance of rainbow trout besides containing the impacts of environmental indicators and eliciting cost-effective productions.

Investigation of key success factors for open innovation and firm performance in Indian IT and ITeS industry: A Systematic Literature Review

Information Technology is a growing industry in India. Currently it constitutes around 7.7% of India’s GDP and the contribution is expected to rise by another 2.3% leading to a 10% share by the year 2025. Broadly the Indian IT sector can be categorized into two. They are the IT services and the IT enabled Services (ITeS). The expansion of the Indian economy has also led to the developments within the country to a large extent. The workforce in the sector constitutes more than 4mn. This field has further more wide opportunities of growth in terms of open innovation and the performances of the firms. Our nation lags behind the other countries of the world in both the terms. Being a nation filled with talents, this is an issue of concern and hence need to be addressed. As a result, a SLR has been prepared to understand the factors responsible for the growth of inventions and breakthroughs in IT and ITES along with those reasons responsible for the performance of any firm. Further research can be done with special focus on the corresponding factors which will prove to be a fruitful one for the IT sector and the Indian economy as a whole.

Improvement of Mesoporosity on Supercapacitive Performance of Activated Carbons Derived From Coffee Grounds

Activated carbons with different porosities derived from coffee, which prepared by the potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation method, are used as electrode for supercapacitors. The prepared materials indicated a well‐designed porous structure that provides countless adsorption sites, leading to high supercapacitor performance. Mesopores allow rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions, while micropores usually provide abundant adsorption sites for ions. Therefore, appropriate control over pore‐size distributions is a key factor for good electrochemical performance. The porosity and surface structure of activated coffee grounds (ACGs) are highly dependent on both the activation temperature and KOH/carbonized materials weight ratio. The ACGs were characterized using N2 adsorption at 77 K. The specific surface area increased from 1.75 to 3065 m2/g. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests were employed in the evaluation of the electrochemical behavior of each sample. The ACG materials have a high specific capacitance of 127.8 F/g and cycle stability after 2500 cycles.

A comprehensive study of dense zirconia components fabricated by additive manufacturing

Abstract Although additive manufacturing offers numerous potential advantages for fabricating functional, complex geometry zirconia parts with efficiency, industrial interest in practical applications is currently lacking. This potentially stems from the need for a more comprehensive investigation into the performance of additively manufactured zirconia components, which is essential for promoting and initializing industrial applications. The aim of this study is thus to provide a detailed evaluation of zirconia specimens fabricated by one of the most utilized ceramic additive manufacturing technologies, viz. digital light processing (DLP), with a range of typical zirconia components being printed. Key performance factors captured within include achievable density, surface quality measurements, dimensional accuracy, degree of shrinkage, and mechanical properties. The results of this work demonstrates that the performance of the DLP-prepared zirconia parts is comparable to those of conventionally fabricated zirconia. It is believed that this paper will serve as a good reference for academic and industrial communities interested in this rapidly expanding field.

Analysis of the performance of direct contact heat exchange systems for application in mine waste heat recovery

Due to their relatively high thermal effectiveness and ease-of-use, direct contact heat exchange units are a favorable choice in heat recovery applications. Today, spray-based direct heat exchangers are commonly used for a variety of applications, including evaporative cooling and heat recovery. Yet in spite of their versatility, these heat exchangers are not well-understood, mainly due to their complex liquid/gas interactions, which may deem poorly-designed systems as undesirable and infeasible. Spray nozzle height and type (hollow and full cone), droplet diameter distribution, inlet air velocity and humidity, and water spray velocity are key parameters required to establish a clear understanding of direct heat exchange performance. To better understand such a multivariable phenomenon, this article offers a comprehensive study of the impact of these key factors. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of two different methods proposed for evaluating the performance of heat and mass transfer in large-scale direct contact heat exchangers, namely one-dimensional and three-dimensional approaches. The results of the present study show that while the one-dimensional approach is able to capture the experimental data within 10% of agreement with experiment, the three-dimensional approach reduces this error to 5%. In addition, this study aims to provide a framework to conduct future parametric studies with the goal of highlighting key performance factors understanding of which are a necessity for improved design of direct contact heat exchangers used in mine waste heat recovery applications. Novelty Statement To investigate the performance of an industrial-scale direct (spray) heat exchange system with a vertical configuration for application in mine waste heat recovery, two different models, namely; ‘1-D’ and ‘3-D’, are developed. Accuracy of two models in predicting heat transfer is evaluated through comparison with experimental data. A series of parametric studies are conducted to examine the impact of various operating parameters on the performance of heat exchange system.

On the Importance of Li Metal Morphology on the Cycling of Lithium Metal Polymer Cells

Lithium metal anodes have recently earned greater attention in the context of the development of lithium batteries with high power and energy density for use in both the automotive industry and in portable electronic devices. Lithium metal is indeed an ideal anode for lithium batteries due to its high specific capacity (3860 mAh g−1). However, the growth of dendrites under high charge currents restricts the use of lithium anode in rechargeable batteries until solid electrolytes that can mechanically hamper dendrite growth can be developed. Efforts are currently dedicated to solving these problems by focusing on either improving the shear modulus of the electrolyte, or on the modification of the lithium-electrolyte interface. The electrochemical stability of novel solid electrolytes towards lithium is commonly determined by galvanostatic cycling of Li-Li symmetric cells. However, important characteristics of the lithium foil used in most studies are seldom provided, hence making comparisons between materials trivial. This paper demonstrates the importance of a thorough electrode characterization for the cycling of symmetric cells. In this study, two types of lithium foils are used with polyethylene oxide-based (PEO-based) electrolyte. A detailed characterization of the morphological and physico-chemical properties of the metallic electrodes is first performed by PeakForce Tunneling Atomic force microscopy (PeakForce-TUNA™), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), followed by an evaluation of the interface with PEO-based electrolyte. It is demonstrated that lithium foil morphology is a key factor in the electrochemical performance of the cell and a novel electrochemical pre-treatment program is presented. This type of pre-treatment, still unreported in the existing literature, results in a longer life for lithium symmetrical cells.

Supplier selection and evaluation in e-commerce enterprises: a data envelopment analysis approach

PurposeE-commerce refers to the facilitation and delivery of goods and services to the customers employing an electronic arrangement. For an e-commerce firm, the customer service level provided by its suppliers can make or break the firm. The purpose of this research is to help e-commerce enterprises in addressing the vast challenge of complex supplier selection and evaluation process that must be performed vigilantly.Design/methodology/approachThe present study utilizes a three-pronged approach that integrates supplier management practices with the operational business practices of an e-commerce enterprise. In the first step, key performance factors for e-commerce capable suppliers are identified through an expert opinion and existing supplier management literature. Further, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is employed to obtain the efficiency score for each supplier that enables their ranking on various performance parameters. Lastly, the suppliers are classified into different categories based on their performance and efficiency.FindingsUnder the proposed classification scheme, top five suppliers, i.e. supplier 1, 7, 9, 11 and 17 are categorized as HE (High Performance and Efficient). It is suggested that e-commerce enterprises must build long-term relationship with the identified top performing suppliers. The study also provides real insights into supplier's performance on a number of objective criteria. Further, the present study enhances the overall performance and productivity of an e-commerce firm by achieving input cost minimization and output quality maximization, simultaneously.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are valid for e-commerce enterprises in general. However, the present DEA model can be further evolved when applied in case of any particular e-commerce enterprise depending upon the internal capabilities of that firm. The nuances related to a firm's own supply capability development can be further explored by practitioners and researchers.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach is expected to motivate decision-makers to consider using more sophisticated approached like DEA in supplier evaluation processes. Also, as a benchmarking technique, the proposed supplier classification approach is expected to be highly useful for practitioners in real-life settings.Originality/valueThe novel contribution of this study includes the supplier evaluation, ranking and classification for e-commerce enterprises based on the real-life data. The insights would help the practitioners to formulate novel strategies for appropriately investing in supplier relationships.

Displacement fields of a Cuboid crystal in a Photoacoustic Cell: Mathematical aspects

Photo acoustic effect is popular due to a minimal sample preparation during execution, the ability to examine scattering and opaque sample along with the capability to access depth profile. These features enable Photoacoustic spectroscopy to be used in depth-resolved characterization of solids. Thermal interaction is a basic perspective in solid state physics research regarding industrial devices and components. It is a key factor of fabrication and performance of such devices and components. Today, crystalline solids are widely studied due to their wide scientific and industrial applications. Displacement field resulting in thermal stressesis one of the important aspects of premature failure of industrial components and devices. In this paper, displacement fields in photoacoustic effect with solid cuboid crystal are mathematically presented. According to our opinion, displacement fields in photoacoustic effect in three dimensional analysis are not reported earlier. Hence that will be a major contribution of this paper. For a simple cuboid homogeneous crystal kept in a photoacoustic cell, an airy stress function is determined based on laser interaction with surface of the crystal. By applying the finite Marchi-Fasulo integral transform method within the crystal size limitations, displacement field is exactly determined.

Developing and validating a nursing strategic plan for COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Although there were many cautions about a probable pandemic, the health organizations have not prepared to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus outbreak is a dangerous threat to humanity. An essential concern to control this pandemic is to outline an action plan, set an evaluation frame, identify monitoring techniques, detect measures, and recognize key performance factors and investigations providing evidence-based information.Methods: The descriptive and methodological design was used to achieve the objectives of the present study. This study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals (ZUH’s), Egypt. Three types of samples were used: A convenience sample (n = 110) including the nursing leaders, a stratified proportionate random sample (n = 302) from different categories of nurses, and a Jury committee (n = 9). One 1Questionnaire format and 2 opinionnaire sheets were utilized for data collection.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between nurses and nursing leaders concerning the dimensions of vision (p-value .000), mission (p-value .006), SWOT analysis (p-value .008), goals and objectives (p-value .000), the lines of business (p-value .000), the strategic business units (p-value .000), general strategic items(p-value .013), and action plan (role of nursing staff during the epidemic, p-value .000; immediate evacuation system, p-value .000; training, and hospital status during the epidemic, p-value .000; availability of the necessary equipment, supplies, and tools to face the epidemic and consumables, p-value .000; precautions inside the hospital, p-value .010; and infection control, p-value .002). However, there was no significant difference between nurses and nursing leaders regarding dimensions of planning for the planning, values, the key performance indicators, and the evaluation of the nursing strategic plan for COVID-19.Conclusion and recommendations: The questionnaire format of assessing nurses’ awareness about the nursing strategic plan for COVID-19 is reliable, valid, and usable. Nurses’ awareness about a nursing strategic plan for COVID-19 was generally poor and needs to be raised. The nursing strategic plan for COVID-19 was developed and validated. The suggested strategic plan for COVID-19should be utilized at ZUH's. ZUH's should allocate the needed and required resources for the application of the recommended plan for overcoming COVID-19 or any future occurrences.

Open Innovation with Relational Capital, Technological Innovation Capital, and International Performance in SMEs

The importance of international markets is constantly emphasized for small and medium enterprises(SMEs). In previous studies, technological innovation capabilities were emphasized as a factor that enables SMEs to compete in the international market. To this end, SMEs need to cooperate with external partners to strengthen their technological innovation capabilities to thus improve their international performance. With the perspective view of open innovation, this research explores the effects of relational capital and technological innovation capability on international performance, with a particular focus on the moderating effect of alliance proactiveness. Building on previous literature regarding internationalization, technological innovation, and alliance proactiveness, research hypotheses were developed and tested using data collected from 175 SMEs. A hierarchical regression analysis was applied. The analysis showed that, first, relational capital had a significant effect on the technological innovation capability. Second, technological innovation capability has a significant influence on the international performance. Third, technological innovation capability mediated the relationship between relational capital and international performance. Finally, alliance proactiveness was found to moderate the relationship between technological innovation capability and international performance. The key research findings imply that relational capital and alliance proactiveness are the key factors of international performance, as they improved the development of the technological innovation capability.

Predictive quantitative model for assessing the asphalt-aggregate adhesion quality based on aggregate chemistry

Asphalt-aggregate adhesion quality is a key factor in the mechanical performance of asphalt pavements. This work presents a predictive model of moisture damage in asphalt-aggregate systems based on aggregate chemistry. The study included seven siliceous aggregates and two calcareous aggregates, and one source of asphalt binder. Specimens composed of an aggregate core, a 20 μm thick asphalt film and a metallic stub were tested via a pull-off debonding experimental setup after multiple water conditioning processes. The experimental results i.e. maximum load at failure, Fmax , work of fracture, Wf , and adhesive failure area at the surface of the aggregate, A % show that for siliceous aggregates, the SiO2 content increases moisture susceptibility while the opposite is seen for Fe2O3 and CaO, and that for calcareous aggregates, moisture susceptibility increases with their SiO2 content. These results were used to propose, for the first time, an empirical moisture damage predictive model for siliceous aggregates based on aggregate chemistry.

High-Speed Flight Without an Engine: A Unique Performance Capability Enabled by Dynamic Soaring

Dynamic soaring is an engineless flight mode that is feasible by extracting energy from horizontally blowing shear wind. There is a possibility of extremely high speeds in wind scenarios where a thin shear layer separates a region of high wind speed from a region of zero wind, as it is the case in the leeward side of ridges. Flight mechanics and shear wind modelings are developed so that the motion of a glider can be mathematically described. The maximum speed achievable with dynamic soaring is determined, and the key factors for the speed performance are identified. Furthermore, it is shown that, depending on the wind speed, the maximum speed can reach the high-subsonic Mach number region where compressibility exerts an effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of gliders. It is found as a consequence of this effect that the drag rise due to compressibility is a limiting factor for the achievable maximum speed. Furthermore, quantities relevant for flight control and loads in high-speed dynamic soaring are identified and their effects are shown. An optimization method is used for constructing results on the high-speed performance enabled by dynamic soaring.

People ManagementThrough HRM &amp; Transformational Leadership: A Key Factor of Organizational Performance

This article investigates the relationship between internal reputation management, Human Resource Management and Organizational performance. In light of the past investigations in related field, it has been demonstrated that people management and a proper leadership style can impact the achievement and the economic development of both the organizations and employees. Therefore, the reason for this paper is to clarify the impacts of HRM and leadership styles on the organizational performance. Our fundamental spotlight is on reputation management, HRM and transformational leadership, and its job in empowering the expansion in organizational performance. Our main focus is on HRM and transformational leadership, and its role in enabling the increase in organizational performance.In this study we have found that HRM practices and transformational leadership has a significant and positive impact on job satisfaction, work efficiency, employee’s turnover and employee’s moral which leads towards organisational success.

Influence of Match Congestion on Performances in the National Basketball Association.

The ability to recover from official match-play across a single and multiple matches is often considered a key factor in subsequent performance for modern professional basketball. The aims of this study were to: (i) explore the differences in match performances between different match congestion cycles (i.e., matches separated by zero, one, or two or greater days of rest); and (ii) identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) discriminating between winning and losing during different match congestion cycles. The current study indicated that scoring close to (i.e., within the paint) (ES = 0.08) or very far away (i.e., Three-point, ES = 0.05) was significantly greater for winning matches separated by 1- and 2-days of rest compared to consecutive matches (i.e., 0 rest days between matches). Additionally, shooting efficiency (P < 0.001), and attaining Defensive Rebounds (P < 0.001) and Steals (P < 0.001), were significant offensive and defensive KPIs that differentiated winning and losing teams. Similarly, opponent quality and match pace were important situational variables that affected match outcome during different match congestion cycles. While match location had an impact on winning following 1- and 2-days of rest, it had no impact for back-to-back matches (i.e., 0 days between matches). The current results will support coaches' offensive, defensive and recovery strategies during various match congestion cycles for a greater probability of winning NBA matches.

If Motivation Was a Key Factor in Aerobic Performance in Tropical Climate?

This mini review examines the impact of tropical climate (TC) on motivational factors during aerobic performance and proposes the tracks of an integrative theoretical model to better understand the direct and indirect motivational mechanisms that can operate on athletic performances. TC is detrimental for aerobic performance and, although it clearly induces physiological constraints, these do not seem to be the only factors that explain the performance decline. Indeed, TC performance researchers have developed a theory of anticipation, which suggests that the brain commands a reduction in effort to protect the body from probable harm and heatstroke risk. The objective of this mini review is thus to examine the possibility that motivation may be a key factor in TC performance. The main psychological impacts of TC on aerobic performance are reviewed and an integrative theoretical model is presented that may help to better understand the mechanisms of motivation.