Methodology In Practice Research Articles

Optimal Sample Size for the Birnbaum–Saunders Distribution under Decision Theory with Symmetric and Asymmetric Loss Functions

The fatigue-life or Birnbaum–Saunders distribution is an asymmetrical model that has been widely applied in several areas of science and mainly in reliability. Although diverse methodologies related to this distribution have been proposed, the problem of determining the optimal sample size when estimating its mean has not yet been studied. In this paper, we derive a methodology to determine the optimal sample size under a decision-theoretic approach. In this approach, we consider symmetric and asymmetric loss functions for point and interval inference. Computational tools in the R language were implemented to use this methodology in practice. An illustrative example with real data is also provided to show potential applications.

Tumor-informed assessment of circulating tumor DNA and its incorporation into practice for patients with hepatobiliary cancers.

4103 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers [BTC - including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gall bladder cancers (GBC)] represent a heterogeneous group of diseases. Glycoprotein-based tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA-19-9) though part of standard-of-care (SOC), lack sensitivity, and specificity. A fair proportion of these cancers do not produce these glycoproteins. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can fill this void and be used for the assessment of molecular residual disease (MRD), as well as for surveillance purposes in patients with HCC or BTC. Prospective evaluation of this methodology in clinical practice has been limited to date. Methods: A personalized and tumor-informed multiplex PCR assay (Signatera bespoke mPCR NGS assay) was used for the detection and quantification of ctDNA. Serial time points were collected on a subset of patients to monitor their ctDNA levels in response to treatment. Results: Here we analyzed 200 plasma samples from a total of 90 patients with HCC (n=27) and BTC (n=63), comprising 46 patients with CCA and 17 patients with GBC. Sample-level ctDNA positivity rates, determined using a tumor-informed assay are presented in table. ctDNA detection was significantly associated with the stage of disease (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p<0.05). Serial time point analysis was performed on a subset of patients (n=56) that had 2-7 time points available and correlations between ctDNA levels and clinical response were noted and will be presented. Conclusions: Our study is the first to set the benchmark for the utility and feasibility of using a tumor-informed assay in this cohort of hepatobiliary cancers. With adjuvant chemotherapy already a SOC for BTC, and immunotherapy being studied for HCC alongside other novel agents for CCA and GBC, assessment of MRD or ctDNA clearance on therapy would be of value as an additional tool in identifying patients at high risk for recurrence/metastasis. The utility of this study would also lie in incorporation in clinical trials to enrich and study those who are at the highest risk of recurrence i.e. ctDNA positive.[Table: see text]

Logistics Concepts to Optimise Business Processes

The need to rethink traditional approaches to optimising business processes is forcing enterprises to find new ways to manage them. The article proposes a methodology for optimising processes based on integrated pulling logistics technology. The basic principles, rules and concepts of logistic activity are considered, as well as methods of optimisation and their implementation for enterprises of any form of ownership without changes to the already involved logistic systems are proposed. The features of the application of the optimisation methodology with the use of pulling logistics technologies, both to the business process as a whole and its individual elements, are indicated. Particular attention is paid to the weak and strong sides of the proposed methodology, and also in the experimental part, an approach to adapting this methodology in practice is presented.

Enhancing medical radiation science education through a design science research methodology

Recently, there has been a call for research-informed and research-developed practice in health sciences education. This prompts the consideration of alternative suitable research approaches that could be used to enhance health sciences education practice, including medical radiation sciences education (MRSE) practice. In this discussion paper, the authors uphold design science research (DSR) methodology as a suitable research approach to enhance MRSE practice and research. An overview of the DSR methodology and an example of a project that used DSR methodology are presented to demonstrate the application of this methodology in MRSE practice and research. The paper concludes that the use of DSR methodology could be instrumental in addressing practice related challenges while developing a theoretical contribution to the discipline.

The methodology of BSC system in strategic management of non-profit organization in the globalization process

Research background: If globalization presents really a new and not reversible process that creates a more homogenous world, strategies of enterprises should appropriate to this phenomenon, too. European legislation has significantly contributed to the creation of the mutual market and increasing freedom of movement of services within the European Union. This paper examines the issue of using the BSC system methodology in the strategic management of a selected non-profit organization. The aim is to explain the importance and essence of the BSC system methodology in the strategic management of a non-profit organization, to analyse the application and knowledge of the BSC system methodology in practice of selected organizations in Slovakia and apply the essence of the method in strategic management of selected non-profit organizations. The non-profit organizations are an important part of the public sector, which in the form of various activities, in particular the providing of various services, performs tasks related to addressing manifestations of market imbalances. In contrast to the “traditional” business sector (profit sector), the task of the non-profit sector is not to generate profit but to provide consumer tasks. Purpose of the article: The objective of the article is to clarify and present the specifics of functioning and management of non-profit organizations in the conditions of the Slovak Republic. Methods: During the elaboration of the paper, the methods of compilation of analysis, synthesis and description were used on the basis of the search of the relevant literature. Part of the paper is a survey, which we conducted through a questionnaire on a selected sample of non-profit organizations in the Slovak Republic. Findings & Value added: The results of the survey we have transported into general practice recommendations for non-profit organizations to improve their operating in the conditions of Slovakia while accepting the process of globalization.

Результаты экспериментальных исследований расхода топлива с учетом скоростных режимов движения городских автобусов

At the moment, there is a large number of dissertations and scientific works covering the issues of traction-speed and fuel-economic characteristics of vehicles, the results of which are presented in the form of: regression models, approximating dependencies, mathematical models based on multivariate analysis, including a number of additional coefficients. In this connection, the use of the results of these works in practice is limited, since it requires high qualifications of the МTЕ personnel and the use of special software and hardware. At the same time, at the department “Automobile transport” NSTU named after R. E. Alekseev developed a probabilistic-analytical method for predicting fuel consumption by road trains, considering the high-speed mode of movement, which shows a high convergence of results with actual average speeds only for uniform movement of buses with a constant average speed, which is not applicable to the assessment of fuel consumption of city buses. Based on the hypothesis put forward on the applicability of the Weibull-Gnedenko distribution for calculating the average speeds of city buses and the normal distribution for calculating accelerations during movement, the tasks of this study are formulated, expressed in the development of mathematical models reflecting the dependences of speeds and accelerations during bus movement in urban operating conditions, for planning their fuel consumption. To solve the set tasks, the following experimental studies were carried out: determination of the average coefficient of total road resistance; the actual distribution of speeds and accelerations when driving city buses; determination of the average actual value of fuel consumption when the bus is moving and when idle at stopping points. Based on the results of processing experimental studies, the possibility of using the Weibull-Gnedenko law to describe the actual speeds in urban conditions and the normal law to describe accelerations when driving city buses was confirmed, which allows planning fuel consumption using the analytical apparatus of the theory of probability and mathematical statistics and using the developed methodology in practice of motor transport enterprises. Based on experimental studies and theoretical studies in this area, an analytical method for planning fuel consumption for city buses, considering the speed of their movement, has been developed, which allows planning fuel consumption without additional experiments. Carrying out such studies for other types of motor vehicles and assessing unaccounted for indicators of road, transport and natural-climatic operating conditions will create a generalized analytical method for planning fuel consumption by vehicles in various operating conditions.

ИННОВАЦИОННОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ КОМПАНИИ НА ОСНОВЕ ПРЕОДОЛЕНИЯ ОГРАНИЧИВАЮЩИХ ПРЕДПОЛОЖЕНИЙ

The problem of ensuring sustainable innovative development of companies is considered, which is based on subjective assumptions about the state and dynamics of the internal and exter-nal environment, not corresponding to reality. As a result, a root conflict arises, which inevitably reduces the effectiveness and the pace of development. It is determined that each company has the ability to overcome the limiting assumptions about the correspondence of the applied management tools and the management decisions made to the properties of the internal and external environment. Typical models of management per-ceptions regarding the complexity of the system, the uncertainty of the environment and staff motivation are substantiated. The sequence of the paradigm shift in managerial thinking on the basis of a consistent and logical rejection of limiting assumptions for the conditions of innovative development of the company are reasoned. Practical examples of the development of management decisions for the innovative devel-opment of companies based on consistent rejection of limiting assumptions are presented. It is proved that the application of the stated methodology in practice provides for significant expan-sion of sales markets; reduction of the production cycle; improvement of the level of service; growth of motivation and productivity of employees.

Improvement of internal audit methodology in international practice and international auditing standards in Uzbekistan

The article considered the fundamentals of improving international audit services and international auditing standards in international practice in Uzbekistan and the procedure for registering them based on the results, as well as using the methods of exploitative and deductive research conducted in accordance with international standards of internal audit. As a result of the study, recommendations were made and conclusions were drawn.

A rusting gold standard: Failures in an Indonesian RCT, and the implications for poverty reduction

Randomised Control Trials (RCT) are both widely used in development, reaching hundreds of millions through RCT informed policy, and highly regarded, receiving a Nobel Prize in Economics. Proponents, largely academic economists, position RCTs as a scientific and ideologically neutral way to get to the heart of ‘what works’ in development. However, this new and radical micro-experimental approach to poverty reduction has sat uneasily within the broader development sphere, including critical geographers. We contribute to this debate by empirically examining the practical manifestation of the methodology within ‘PNPM Generasi’ – an innovative Indonesian cash transfer program evaluated through the largest RCT to date. Drawing primarily on field interviews, our examination finds three departures from the gold standard proclamations of the RCT methodology in practice. First, we find that randomising aid delivery breached ethical guidelines and compromised the effectiveness of the program being studied, largely as a result of RCTs being run in secret from local communities and politicians. Second, we find applying the RCT methodology on the ground was technically complex and financially costly, requiring not only an excessive use of scarce program funds, but also undermining the validity of the evaluation results. Finally, we find RCT results were not widely used in practice. We demonstrate these findings are not restricted to our specific case, but rather, reflect systemic deficiencies with RCT evaluations. Our results suggest that RCTs may have value if applied judiciously, and as part of multi-pronged approaches, but we caution against their growing monopoly influence on poverty reduction.

About Methods of Monitoring the Development of Children Under Seven Years of Age

Today it is generally accepted that a child is an actively self-determining subject in human culture, and not an object of pedagogical influences. At the same time, the tendency that the development of a infants, toddlers and preschoolers children is a controlled and effective process is becoming more clear. This gives relevance to search and analyze various methods that make possible to determine the standart criteria for the development of a child at various stages of his childhood. Purpose. This work analyzes and compares four different approaches that differentially assess the development of a preschooler. The approaches are studied in the context of the compliance of the child’s normative characteristics with modern requirements for the content of preschool education and the realistic implementation of the methodology in mass pedagogical practice. Methodology and research methods. The research, was based on the principles of the cultural-historical treatment, the theory of activity and the principles of individualization of preschool education. The empirical part of the research is based on descriptive statistics of a survey of 25,462 teachers (upbringers) from 77 regions of the Russian Federation. Results. On the basis of the analysis of the approaches, the authors conclude that the «development maps» by N.А. Korotkova is the most appropriate method for observing the development of the children. In «development maps» the child is assessed on the basis of the level of initiative in the implementation of cultural practices typical of childhood - play, productive and cognitive-research activities and communication with peers implemented against their background. The chosen methodology is subjected to empirical verification for compliance with one of the most important criteria for practical implementation – availability for use without special training of teachers. Conclusion. “Development maps” can be used to solve a number of urgent problems: individualization of preschool education; fair assessment of the work of teachers; involving the parents of children in the educational process; building continuity between kindergarten and primary school.

El desarrollo de la cultura de gestión ambiental en estudiantes de secundaria en educación no formal con enfoque cultural y ecológico

El propósito del artículo es desarrollar el paradigma educativo de la cultura de la gestión ambiental para una educación avanzada orientada al desarrollo sostenible. Se establecen los fundamentos metodológicos de la investigación, presentados por enfoques metodológicos culturales-ecológicos, axiológicos, de actividad personal, integrales-situacionales. Se definen los principales métodos de investigación: análisis sistémico-estructural, generalización, sistematización, diseño y experimentación pedagógica. Se revelan los criterios, indicadores y métodos para diagnosticar la formación de los componentes de la cultura de gestión de la naturaleza. A partir de la investigación se desarrolló una metodología para la formación de una cultura de gestión ambiental en el contexto de la educación no formal, que incluye el objetivo, el contenido, las etapas y la tecnología de las situaciones integrales de orientación cultural. Para implementar esta metodología en la práctica educativa, se desarrolló un programa de actividades para “equipos verdes” escolares: “Estamos en el paisaje cultural de las fincas de nuestra tierra natal”, se revela su objetivo, contenido, se muestra la interconexión de las secciones del programa con la tecnología de situaciones integrales culturalmente orientadas. Se presentan los resultados de un experimento pedagógico organizado en los sitios experimentales de la Universidad de Minin. Los resultados del experimento, en el que participaron 360 estudiantes de secundaria, permitieron sacar una conclusión sobre la eficacia de la formación de una cultura de gestión ambiental entre los estudiantes en el contexto de la educación no formal de orientación cultural y ecológica.

A Business Model Innovation Methodology for Established Organizations: Systematic Theory Validation

The goal of this paper is to validate a business model methodology in practice. The goal of the business model methodology is to generate new business models with disruptive potential by overcoming the blindness of organizations mindset. In total nine focus group workshops in automotive, home appliances and high-tech industry with defined tool set and methods are processed. By conducting the workshops in practice several methods of the theory could be validated and points of improvement identified.Among other findings, the applied methods of the new business model methodology are successful in identifying relevant levers for disruption. Even several starting points for new disruptive business models are found.In addition, the workshop participants’ feedback implicate that in contrast to other studies aligning the process of overcoming the organizational mindset within the business model innovation process, is more effective than implementing a prepending phase to it.In summary, the present research aims at contributing to the research gap within science regarding the consideration of organizational mindset within business model innovation. Conclusively, it becomes obvious that, while this research delivers a methodology, which serves as an indication on how to close the research gap of acknowledging organizational mindset within the beginning of the innovation process, further significant research gaps remain to be investigated. Thus, two research gaps are identified. First, the later stages of the business model innovation need further investigation. Secondly, the challenge of organizational mindset in the later steps have also not received sufficient scientific interest as yet.

Reconfiguring traditional EKG interpretation with artificial intelligence – a reliable, time-saving alternative?

Abstract Background Time and accuracy are key factors that may make or break an efficient triage and management in most medical premises, particularly so when expedited diagnosis saves lives - a not so uncommon scenario in the field of cardiology. By studying the different variables involved in cardiologist-EKG interactions that lead to the identification and management of different cardiovascular entities, we delved into the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms in order to improve upon the classic, but dated, EKG methodology. With this study, we pit our algorithm against cardiologists to perform a thorough analysis of the time invested to diagnose an EKG as Normal, as well as an assessment of the accuracy of said label. Purpose To present a faster and reliable AI-guided EKG interpretation methodology that outperforms cardiologists' capabilities in identifying Normal EKG records. Methods The International Telemedical System (ITMS) developed and tested an EKG assessing AI algorithm and incorporated it into the workflow of their Telemedicine Integrated Platform, a digital EKG reading program where cardiologists continuously report their findings remotely in real time. During the month of April 2019; 35 ITMS cardiologists reported a grand total of 61,441 EKG records, later subjecting them to the AI algorithm, implemented through the “One Click Report” process. Through this simple 2-step approach, the algorithm provides a suggestion of “Normal” or “Abnormal” to the cardiologist based on the patterns of the fiducial points included in said EKG reports. A comparison of the time of normal EKG diagnosis is made and the correlation between AI and cardiologists is assessed. Results On average, our AI algorithm discerned a normal EKG within 30.63s (95% CI 26.51s to 34.75s), in solid contrast with cardiologists' interpretations alone, which amounted to 83.54s (95% CI from 69.43s to 97.65s). This accounts for an overall saving of 52.91s (95% CI 42.45s to 63.83s) by implementing this innovative methodology in a cardiologist practice. In addition, this method correctly reported 23,213 Normal EKG records out of the total 25,013 AI output, reaching a 92.8% correlation between man and machine. The total average time saved in normal EKG readings with AI (23,213) would accrue an approximate of 20,470 minutes (ie, 42 8-hours work shifts worth of time dedicated to diagnosing a normal EKG). Conclusions The implementation of automated AI-driven technologies into daily EKG interpretation tasks poses an attractive time-saving alternative for faster and accurate results in a modern cardiology practice. By further expanding on the concept of an intelligent EKG characterization device, a more efficient and patient-centered clinical exercise will ensue. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Moving in sync – concordance betweena artificial intelligence and cardiologist on detecting normal electrocardiograms

Abstract Background Merging modern technologies with classic diagnostic tests often results in a sense of insecurity within the medical community, particularly so with potentially life-saving studies such as the electrocardiogram (EKG). In order to provide a greater sense of trust between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cardiologists, we provide an AI-driven algorithm capable of accurately and reliably characterize an EKG as normal within a highly complex, cardiologist-reviewed EKG database and report the degree of concordance between this machine vs physician scenario. Purpose To provide a dependable and accurate AI algorithm that conducts EKG interpretation in a cardiologist-tier manner. Methods The International Telemedical System (ITMS) developed and tested an EKG assessing AI algorithm and incorporated it into the workflow of their Telemedicine Integrated Platform, a digital EKG reading program where cardiologists continuously report their findings remotely in real-time. During the month of April 2,019; 35 ITMS cardiologists reported a grand total of 61,441 EKG records, later submitting them to the AI algorithm implemented through the “One Click Report” process. Through this simple 2-step approach, the algorithm provides a suggestion of “Normal” or “Abnormal” to the cardiologist based on the patterns of the fiducial points included in said EKG reports. Confirmation of these suggestions by the cardiologists ensued. Results Overall, cardiologists confirmed 23,213 out of 25,013 AI outputs for “Normal” EKGs, demonstrating a concordance of 92.8% for Normal diagnosis. Conclusion Through this methodology, we provide an AI technology that can be reliably applied and trusted in EKG digital platforms to identify and suitably label a normal EKG. Further testing will accrue into a multi label algorithm compatible with abnormal cardiovascular entities, potentially precluding the role of the cardiologist for triaging, particularly in the prehospital setting. We anticipate that this approach will become a promising methodology in modern cardiology practice. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Practising Feminist Methodologies in Applied Research: The Undone Deal

This paper discusses how feminist methodologies can be pragmatic and far-ranging, and yet are often not accepted in feminist applied research, within the corporate sector. It raises a pertinent question about the perception of feminism and the challenges in adopting a feminist methodology in practice. It also questions why scholarship, rarely dwells on experiences of feminist action researchers in the Indian context. While documenting the dissent to feminist conscience, this paper deliberates the methodological and epistemological rubrics of feminism, the positionality of the researcher, commodification of feminism, binary overtones and the agency of researchers who are engaged by corporate houses as consultants.

Anatomical Mapping of the External Obturator Footprint: A Study In Cadavers with Implications for Direct Anterior THA.

BackgroundThe external obturator footprint in the trochanteric fossa has been suggested as a potential landmark for stem depth in direct anterior THA. Its upper border can be visualized during surgical exposure of the femur. A recent study reported that the height of the tendon has little variability (6.4 ± 1.4 mm) as measured on CT scans and that the trochanteric fossa is consistently visible on conventional pelvic radiographs. However, it is unclear where exactly the footprint of this tendon should be templated during preoperative planning so that it can be useful intraoperatively.Questions/purposesIn this study, we sought: (1) to provide instructions on exactly where to template the external obturator footprint on a preoperative planning radiograph, and (2) to confirm the small variability in height of the external obturator footprint found on CT scans in a cadaver study.MethodsTwo-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) imaging was used to map the anatomy of the external obturator footprint. This dual approach was chosen because of their complementarity; conventional 2-D radiographs translate to clinical practice but 3-D navigation-based digitalization combined with CT allows for a better understanding of the cortical lines that comprise the outline of the trochanteric fossa. In 12 (four males, mean age 80 years, range 69 to 88) formalin-treated cadaveric lower extremities including the pelvis, the external obturator tendon was dissected, and the top and bottom end of its footprint marked with two small needles, and calibrated radiographs were taken. For another five (three males, mean age 75.7 years, range 61 to 91) fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremities, including femoral reflective marker frames, CT scans were obtained and the exact location of the external obturator footprint was recorded using 3-D navigation-based digitalization. Qualitative analysis of both imaging modalities was used to develop instructions on where the external obturator footprint should be templated on a preoperative planning radiograph. Quantitative analysis of the dimensions of the external obturator footprint was performed.ResultsThe lowest point of the external obturator footprint was consistently found (± 1 mm) at the intersection of the vertical line comprised of the lateral wall of the trochanteric fossa and the oblique line formed by the intertrochanteric crest and therefore allows templating of this structure on the preoperative planning radiograph. The median (range) height of the footprint measured 6.4 mm and demonstrated small variability (4.7 to 7.6).ConclusionsWe suggest templating a 6.4-mm circle with its bottom on the intersection described above.Clinical RelevanceThe distance between the templated shoulder of the stem and the top of the circle can be used intraoperatively for guidance. Discrepancy should lead to re-evaluation of stem depth and leg length. Future work will investigate the usability, validity, and reliability of the proposed methodology in daily clinical practice.

Steel I-joists calculating method with the heel joint partial restraint

Steel joists in general, are widely used in modern building practice and I-joist systems in particular. That is why close attention to the structural concept development or joist construction is paid. That would significantly reduce the material consumption, including changing the flexural member strain-stress distribution. The classic pin joint for supporting steel joist involves a bolted connection in the lower third of the knife-edge height. The constructive solution considered in this article contains additional requirements for the heel joint: tight installation clearance filling between two adjacent joist knife-edges, bolt installation that satisfy the strength condition. These requirements ensure the tensile force transfer from a couple of forces emerging on the pier. We proposed a method for calculating steel I-joist, with the account of the obtained partial restraint effect. This method developed based on numerical calculations of three-dimensional finite element beams models using the binodal unilateral connection, however, with proper justification, the results transfer to the core design schemes. Modeling and calculations are performed in the SCAD Office computer complex. The steel I-joist floor beams studied in this paper have 15 m spans. The restraining effect is estimated based on a results comparison of finite element models numerical calculations of a single joist and two adjacent simultaneously working steel joists. Joist test models are made using shell finite elements with zero Gaussian curvature. As the study result of the operation compatibility of the joist structures heel joint and the analysis of the system strain-stress distribution, a moment redistribution from the span to the heel joint was revealed. With the increase in the span, the restrain effect was found fading. The partial restrain accounting method allows us to assign more economical sections during similar structures designing, due to the introduction of binodal unilateral connection in the heel joint of the joist numerical models. This technique can be used for verification calculations during the technical examination. This paper shows that the bolt junction sections selection for connecting steel joists on a pier can be performed according to the reactions obtained in unilateral connection. Using this calculation methodology in practice for actual construction design provides an opportunity to increase the joist systems’ efficiency and reliability that part of constructional buildings and structures complex.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПОСТРОЕНИЯ И ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ЛОГИЧЕСКИХ МЕТОДОВ ПОИСКА ПРИЧИН ОТКАЗОВ ПОРШНЕВЫХ ДВИГАТЕЛЕЙ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ В ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ

Despite the successes in research and development of designs of modern internal combustion engines for various purpose vehicles, including aircraft, to date, no reliable methods have been created to determine the causes of their failures. The application of well-known methods in practice, including the diagnosis of engine technical condition, not only requires a lot of labor and highly qualified personnel but in many cases, it is practically ineffective. This is especially true for severe operational damage arising from the destruction of the parts and accompanied by disturbing the synchronization of their reciprocating and rotational motion. On the other hand, the performed research shows that the causes of ICE failures can also be determined by logical-probabilistic methods, including based on the fault tree analysis, drawing on the available experience of studying various engine faults. However, it is not possible to use the well-known models and methods built based on the failure tree analysis in problems of finding the causes of engine failure. The reason is since such methods have been developed for the tasks of calculating the reliability characteristics of developed engines, rather than finding the causes of their failure in operation. The solution to this problem was found in several stages. Initially, by structuring the symptoms, a fault tree was compiled that logically describes the cause-effect relationships between the failure event and the initial damage that caused it. This is done separately for each of the types of failures selected for analysis and associated with severe damage to the studying engine type. Further, for a finite number of selected types of failures, a modified (inverted) fault tree was developed. It allows you to perform a simple logical analysis in the opposite direction to the generally accepted direction - from the system failure event to the basic events initiating the failure. After that, a modified engine fault tree common to the considered types of failures was compiled. As a result of using the proposed methodology in practice, it became possible to determine the causes of engine failure with sufficient reliability with minimal time.

Fixed design local polynomial smoothing and bandwidth selection for right censored data

The local polynomial smoothing of the Kaplan–Meier estimate for fixed designs is explored and analyzed. The first benefit, in comparison to classical convolution kernel smoothing, is the development of boundary aware estimates of the distribution function, its derivatives and integrated derivative products of any arbitrary order. The advancements proceed by developing asymptotic mean integrated square error optimal solve-the-equation plug-in bandwidth selectors for the estimates of the distribution function and its derivatives, and as a byproduct, a mean square error optimal bandwidth rule for integrated derivative products. The asymptotic properties of all methodological contributions are quantified analytically and discussed in detail. Three real data analyses illustrate the benefits of the proposed methodology in practice. Finally, numerical evidence is provided on the finite sample performance of the proposed technique with reference to benchmark estimates.

Person-Centered Approaches in Management: Methodological Insights and Substantive Examples

In response to the call for person-centered methods from ORM in 2018, this symposium seeks to provide substantive examples of person-centered methodology in practice. The first paper conducts a systematic review of the person-centered literature in careers research and discusses how the use of these methods is important for answering relevant questions. The second paper explores a novel person-centered method, the latent profile exploratory factor analysis, and discusses how this method may be useful in answering questions related to performance, personality and emotions. The final three papers provide substantive examples of profiling in management research and focus on topics such as job embeddedness, job crafting and employee engagement. Person-centered methods in vocational behavior research: A systematic review Presenter: Joeri Hofmans; Vrije U. Brussel Presenter: Bart Wille; Ghent U. Presenter: Bert Schreurs; Vrije U. Brussel Latent Profile Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Novel Two-Part Procedure for a New Era of Big Data Presenter: Matt Caleb Howard; U. of South Alabama Are People Embedded Differently? A Person-Centered Approach to Embeddedness Presenter: James Rigby; U. of Houston Presenter: Caitlin M. Porter; U. of Memphis Profiles of Job Crafting Strategies and Their Antecedents: Longitudinal Person-Centered Approach Presenter: Anne Mäkikangas; Tampere U. Presenter: Jaana Minkkinen; Tampere U. Presenter: Jessica De Bloom; U. of Groningen Presenter: Miika Kujanpää; Tampere U. Presenter: Ulla Kinnunen; Tampere U. A Person-Centered Analysis of the Antecedents of Employee Engagement Presenter: Sydney Reichin; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Susannah Ivory; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Kayla Walters; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Terri Frasca; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Anthony Roberson; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Samuel T. Hunter; Pennsylvania State U. Presenter: Sarah Coley; BB&T Leadership Institute Presenter: Patrick Gallagher; BB&T Leadership Institute