Strategies For Improving Performance Research Articles

A design strategy for performance improvement of capacitive sensors for in-flight oil-level monitoring aboard helicopters

Cylindrical capacitors are largely employed in avionic industry as contact submerged probes of level sensors for in-flight oil-level monitoring for many reasons: their high robustness, their long MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), maintenance-free character, virtually infinite resolution readings and last, relatively low cost. However, the cylindrical capacitors suffer from low sensitivity mainly due to small oil permittivity. This is clearly a disadvantage which collides with the ever-increasing demand for higher static and dynamic performances. To improve that, the approach adopted here consists in tweaking the conventional design of this kind of sensors guided by the study of their limitations in terms of static errors and poor responsiveness caused by phenomena of capillarity, high viscosity, and vibrations. Indeed, sensitivity doubling is proved to be achieved without compromising the indispensable former qualities. This is shown by the results of electrostatic, fluid mechanics, and structural dynamics analyses presented with enough details. Numerical simulations have been carried out and are here presented to confirm results. To summarize, with respect to the conventional capacitive level sensors currently available on the market, the achievements of the proposed design are i) an improved sensitivity that, for engine oils, is greater than 700pF/m, ii) a lower cost even though extra-costs for surface perforation must be accounted for, iii) cancellation of systematic error due to capillary phenomena and iv) improved dynamic response. Also, accurate experimental verifications are being carried out and will be shared in a future paper.

New insights into the critical role of inactive element substitution in improving the rate performance of sodium oxide cathode material

In layered oxide cathodes of sodium-ion batteries, electrochemically inactive element substitution, especially into the sodium layer, has emerged to be an effective strategy for structural stabilization and performance improvement. However, the underlying mechanism for how these inactive elements function remains elusive and controversial. Herein, based on the systematic study of a series of P2-Na0.84Mn0.67Ni0.3-xMgx□0.03O2 cathodes with different Mg doping concentrations, we achieve a superior rate and cycling performance and more importantly unravel the underlying mechanism. Specifically, two opposite sides of the roles of inactive Mg dopants in the sodium layer are unambiguously clarified, which include the beneficial structural stabilizing effect, and the detrimental sodium-ion diffusion blocking effect, as confirmed by combining advanced electron microscopy, in-situ X-ray diffraction with detailed electrochemical measurements. Wherein, an optimal balance of these two kinds of effects reaches superior comprehensive performances in the Na0.84Mn0.67Ni0.2Mg0.1□0.03O2 cathode, including surpassing rate (156.5 and 71.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 20 C, respectively) and cycling performances (98.3% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C). This study gives new insight into the roles of inactive element substitution in general, which could provide new perspectives on the material design and new opportunities for the property improvement of sodium oxide cathodes.

STRATEGI PENINGKATAN KINERJA KARYAWAN PABRIK GULA DI PT. MADU BARU PG/PS MADUKISMO

Abstract
 Performance management is related to the needs of the organization, leaders and employees. The term performance is often equated with other terms that have similar meanings to performance such as work performance, performance, productivity, proficiency merit, effort, job performance, initiative, loyalty, leadership potential, and work morale. This research was conducted at the Sugar Factory PT. Yogyakarta New Honey on Jalan Padokan, Tirtonirmolo Kasihan, Bantul Yogyakarta. This study aims to analyze and find out how the Performance Improvement Strategy carried out by PT. New Honey. This type of research is descriptive qualitative research. The informant determination technique in this study is to use a purposive model. Data collection techniques using observation techniques, interviews and documentation. Based on the results of research conducted, the implementation of the performance improvement strategy begins with employee recruitment, arrangement according to ability and background, courses, reward and punishment, socialization (management approach), work safety, job evaluation, implementation according to SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), and the discipline of the workers. Constraints that occur in the strategy for improving the performance of employees in the sugar factory section still exist, namely management socialization/approach that is not optimal, the level of education of employees, and training that is not effective due to the pandemic and relatively expensive training costs.

The performance of and promotion strategies for degradable polymers in triboelectric nanogenerators

Degradable polymers can be used for TENGs, and their research progress and performance improvement strategies are summarized.

Effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training in the pre-competitive period on volleyball athletes’ performance

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training (PT), performed in the pre-competitive period, on the vertical jump performance of professional volleyball athletes. We recruited 17 professional female volleyball players (age: 19 ± 3 years; weight: 67.2 ± 5.50 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.22 m; body fat: 14.4 ± 2.12%; squat 1RM test: 75.5 ± 7.82 kg; training time experience: 6.2 ± 3.4 years) to participate in four weeks of training and assessments. They were divided into an experimental group (EG = 9) and a control group (CG = 8). Both groups were submitted to friendly matches, technical, tactical and resistance training (4 weeks/˜9 sessions per week), and internal load monitoring was carried out. The EG performed PT twice a week. At the beginning and end of the four weeks, jump tests were performed. The main findings are: 1) PT when incorporated into the pre-competitive period can induce greater improvements in jumping performance (EG = 28.93 ± 3.24 cm to 31.67 ± 3.39 cm; CG = 27.91 ± 4.64 cm to 28.97 ± 4.58 cm; when comparing the percentage delta, we found a difference between groups with ES of 1.04 and P = 0.02); 2) this result is observed when the training load is similar between groups and increases over the weeks, respecting the linear progression principle. Therefore, including plyometric training in the preparatory period for volleyball, with low monotony and training strain increment, is an effective strategy for further CMJ performance improvement.

DC Current Order Optimization Based Strategy for Recovery Performance Improvement of LCC-HVDC Transmission Systems

DC Current Order Optimization Based Strategy for Recovery Performance Improvement of LCC-HVDC Transmission Systems

An Energy Storage-Based Railway Power Flow Controller With Partial Compensation Strategy

Focusing on the grid-connection issues and the generated regenerative braking energy (RBE) in the traction power supply system (TPSS), this paper proposes an energy storage-based railway power flow controller (ES-RPFC) with partial compensation strategy (PCS) for grid-connection performance improvement and RBE utilization. The relationship of the primary power factor (PF), the two-phase compensated power, and the converters’ rating is investigated. On this basis, a PCS is developed to reduce the converters’ rating under the premise of satisfying the concerned grid-connection indices. Then, taking the developed PCS into account, a comprehensive power-flow management scheme for ES-RPFC under different operation scenarios is established, and the control strategy of the converter-level controller is given. Finally, the proposal is verified to be feasible and effective by means of both simulation and hardware-in-loop (HIL) experimental results.

Gray-level co-occurrence matrix of Smooth Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution for cognitive workload estimation

Automatic, cost-effective, and reliable cognitive workload estimation (CWE) is one of the important issues in diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive diseases, cognitive performance improvement and error preventive strategies. To address this issue, this paper has proposed a novel and robust CWE method by detecting the time–frequency (TF) changes of electrodermal activities (EDA). Firstly, the local and global properties of the time-variant characteristics of EDA have been presented using Smooth Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution with enhanced TF resolution. Then, the transient changes in TF images of EDA signals have been quantified using a set of textural features based on Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix descriptor (GLCM). Several static and dynamic classifiers, such as support vector machine, K- k-nearest neighbor, cascade forward neural network, and recurrent neural network have been explored. A real EDA data experiment recorded during arithmetic task with different workload levels have been used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The obtained results have confirmed that it can achieve a high estimation performance of 97.71% using contrast feature for discrimination of three workload levels. Further analysis has also suggested that the model is robust to GLCM parameters and classifiers and can provide a better tradeoff between computational complexity and high performance using minimum number of textural features in comparison with previous studies.

Comparing Malaysian and international track and field records through strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threats analysis to formulate strategies for performance improvement

Introduction: Resources for improving Malaysian track and field performance are limited and this may lead to gradual performance decrement at both local and international levels. The objective of this study was to assess current Malaysian outdoor track and field performance against regional multi-sport games. Methods: A historical analysis approach was conducted to understand previous track and field records through examination and interpretation of available online archives. A total of 179 records from the Malaysian Open, Malaysian National Records, Southeast Asian Games (SG), Asian Games (AG) and Commonwealth Games (CG) were identified from online databases and converted into World Athletics score points for the analysis of strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threats. Results: The results revealed that 11 events (eight males and three females) were identified as Malaysian strengths that were highly likely to succeed in upcoming SG. Conclusions: A few Malaysian records were set decades ago and there is a significant decrease in performance. Considerable attention is needed to close the performance gaps with other countries and unveil the true performance potential of Malaysian track and field athletes. A long-term development programme for talent recruitment, coach development, technology utilisation and nurturing the local competitive environment is needed to meet the AG and CG standards.

A review of II–VI semiconductor nanoclusters for photocatalytic CO2 conversion: synthesis, characterization, and mechanisms

In this review, we briefly overview the syntheses, compositions, growth mechanisms, and performance improvement strategies of typical II–VI MSCs. Recent advances on the application of II–VI MSCs in photocatalytic CO2 reduction are introduced.

Performance improvement strategies of a cobalt-based electrode for the electrooxidation of sodium borohydride

The NaBH4 electrooxidation performance of Co is improved by adjusting the component and structure of the electrode material, and a novel device (CRB) is applied for the reaction.

Performance Measurement Design as a Company Performance Improvement Strategy Using the Balanced Scorecard Method

This research purposes to determine the performance of PT XX and what strategies can be implemented to improve the company's performance. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis on case studies. The types of data used in this research are primary and secondary data as well as qualitative descriptive data analysis techniques. From the research results obtained by researchers, performance measurement using the balanced scorecard method can be concluded that researchers get several variations of the results. From a financial perspective, the company's ROA and NPM ratios show good results, the customer perspective which has been measured by the level of customer satisfaction and customer profitability also shows good results

ANALISIS KINERJA GABUNGAN PERKUMPULAN PETANI PEMAKAI AIR (GP3A) ARUNG RADEN DALAM PENINGKATAN PERTANIAN DI DAERAH IRIGASI PENGADANGAN KECAMATAN PRINGGASELA KABUPATEN LOMBOK TIMUR

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of conformity of the performance of the Arung Raden Water-Using Farmers Association (GP3A) in the Pengadangan Irrigation Area, Pringgasela District and to determine the performance improvement strategy of the Arung Raden GP3A in the Pengadangan Irrigation Area, Pringgasela District in managing irrigation networks. Based on the results of the calculation of the level of conformity, it can be concluded that, in the organizational aspect, the indicator that has the highest level of conformity with a3 of 98.72% is an indicator that becomes the main priority and improves the performance of gp3a. Then on the irrigation aspect b1 of 98.63%, and the farming aspect there are 2 indicators that have the same suitability value and the highest is c1 of 89.61%, c2 of 89.61%. In the financial aspect, d2 is 97.33%, and the last is the role of the government e1 is 98.68%. The indicator that has the highest conformity value becomes the main priority. In the IPA Analysis (Performance Analysis Index), quadrant A is a quadrant that is a top priority that is very influential in the level of gp3a performance. To improve the performance of GP3A, the increase in rice production should not exceed 6 tons/ha.

Antecedent of Corporate Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Performance of Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises in the Post Covid 19 Era: The Case Nigeria

Even in the post-pandemic period, the Covid-19 pandemic still has a multiplier effect onthe performance of SMEs. As sales revenues dropped, branches were closed, and employees’ jobs and overall performance were impacted negatively around the world. This paper aims to review literature to determine research antecedents on the relationship between firms’ entrepreneurial orientation and manufacturing SMEs' performance in the post-Covid-19 era in Africa and the rest of the developing economies. This is to note the area needed to cover some of the major causes of the variation in this sub-sector of the economy for future research. A literature survey methodology was employed for the current article. Articles were reviewed from sources including journals (Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Academia, and ResearchGate platform), and ordinary articles that spanned from 2002-2022 to understand the antecedents of research contexts and variables explored. The findings revealed that most studies focused on large-scale manufacturing firms and SMEs and considered external environmental factors like regulation, competition, interest and a few others to explain variation in enterprise performance. Furthermore, the result shows that non-multidimensional measures of enterprise performance were used. Consequently, a new conceptual framework was developed to look at firms’ inward entrepreneurial orientation as the driving factor for organisational performance improvement. The implication of the proposed framework developed is to harness strategies for performance improvement, growth, and survival in a complex and dynamic business environment. Thus, the paper concludes that the way to this development is for SMEs to build capacities that entrench theircorporate entrepreneurial orientation to suit every business situation.

PENERAPAN STRATEGI PENGUATAN BUDAYA KERJA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KINERJA PEGAWAI DI PDAM TIRTA BENTENG TANGERANG

The phenomenon that occurs in regional companies, especially PDAM (Regional Water Supply Company) Tirta Benteng Tangerang, is the number of consumer complaints in recent years both on the Google website and the company's internal data. This study aims to determine the application of strategies to strengthen work culture in improving employee performance at PDAM Tirta Benteng Tangerang. This study uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of interviews. The results of the study found that the strategies for implementing work culture carried out by PDAM Tirta Benteng Tangerang in improving employee performance were strategies for strengthening work culture, bureaucratic strategies, external strengthening strategies, and culture-based performance improvement strategies.

Analisis Strategi Peningkatan Kinerja Pelayanan Kerja Sama dan Humas dengan Metode SWOT dan QSPM di Kawasan CSC-BG LIPI

The result of public satisfaction index of cooperation and public relations services in the CSC-BG LIPI area shows that the service quality is still in poor condition and there is a gap between performance and importance of science service. This study aimed to determine the correct strategy to improve service performance and researcher’s trust in CSC-BG LIPI’s area service. This study used descriptive qualitative approach, with triangulation data from participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion methods. The data were analyzed with the SWOT instrument to determine alternative performance improvement strategies, and QSPM to determine the priority of performance improvement strategies. The results of the IE analysis was an internal value of 2.515 and an external value of 2.420. These result showed that the position was in the growth strategy that suitable to keep current good service performance and to vary on specific service product which had poor performance. The results of the SWOT and QSPM analysis showed that the influence of external strategic factors was greater than internal strategic factors. This influence affected service performance improvement strategies that focus on managing opportunities against threats. The priority of this strategy lied in service, infrastructure, competency, function and authority of CSC-BG LIPI area.

Investigations on the Modulation Strategies for Performance Improvement of a Controlled Wind Energy System

The challenges faced in an isolated wind energy conversion system (WECS) are larger transient times, high steady-state error, and larger harmonic content. To overcome these issues, an adaptive voltage controller (AVC) along with the load current observer (LCO) could be the better proposition. However, the AVC and LCO, in conjunction with the conventional space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique to operate the three-phase inverter of WECS, would not be able to further improve these parameters. This paper proposes the use of the unified voltage SVPWM (UVSVPWM) technique along with the AVC and LCO, which could improve the transient behavior by about 30% as well as reduce the harmonic content of the load voltage and current by about 70% and 2%, respectively. This paper considers an isolated WECS connected to the linear load, which is operated under balanced as well as unbalanced load conditions. The proposed control technique is verified for both the balanced and unbalanced cases using MATLAB/Simulink.

Air Cavity Building Walls: A Discussion on the Opportunity of Filling Insulation to Support Energy Performance Improvement Strategies

The paper intends to discuss the use of cavity wall insulation in existing buildings for energy improvement. Cavity walls are widely spread throughout the EU, typically in buildings from the 20th century, which are recognized as the subject of urgent and deep energy renovation interventions. Their main characteristic is an empty air cavity between two layers of building materials (typically brick, stone, or concrete). Filling the empty air cavity with insulating materials reduces energy loss by transmission through opaque envelope surfaces, and therefore, it represents a cheap solution to obtain a significant reduction in building energy consumption. Various aspects should be carefully evaluated for the effectiveness of this type of intervention: The first step is knowing the materials’ behavior depending on their thermal and hygrometric parameters (conductivity and transmittance, thermal bridge transmittance, vapor permeability, and resistance to vapor diffusion). Some indications on limits or reference/target values are usually given by national/regional laws and EU Directives. The filling insulation could lead to collateral problems (thermal bridges, risk of vapor condensation inside walls, etc.). To help understand the relevance and the impact of this insulation technique, an example of the assessments of a common cavity wall type is presented. The analyses highlight the usefulness of an organized and systematic database on building envelope features to set targeted energy-saving actions. Public administrations could base their strategies on this information to promote the reduction of energy consumption on a large scale with efficient and economically sustainable interventions. In the absence of more specific databases, the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) data consulting could help develop thermal insulation strategies at a regional/national level. In particular, the diffusion of cavity walls can be obtained as a function of wall surface and cavity thickness for estimating the energy saving potential, economic impact, and general feasibility of systematic insulation-filling actions. An example of this kind of database analysis is discussed and carried out on a regional scale to explain how it could represent a useful approach to evaluate potential energy-saving interventions. The sample building stock provides suggestions on the possibility to extend the considerations on a larger scale to help set systematic energy-saving strategies.

Social media affordances in sense-making and knowledge transfer

Background: Social media (SM) affordances and knowledge transfer (KT) culture permit sense-making, sense-unmaking and insights into an organisational performance improvement strategy. The article provides an analysis of SM affordances and how they enable sense-making. Objectives: The purpose of this article was to explore how SM can facilitate effective KT in an innovative business environment (IBE). The question inspiring the article is: How can the use of SM facilitate effective KT in an IBE? Method: Twenty online interviews with experts from various organisations were used to gather qualitative data and make sense of the key concepts. Data extracted were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Mainstream academia concentrates more on the operational usefulness of SM, and not much is concentrating on how SM affordances facilitate social, organisational sense-making and KT from strategic level expert’s perspective other than the operational level. Conclusion: Social media affordances are in the form of media richness, cost reduction, the meta-knowledge in community of practice, conversation frame-clues interlink, creativity, editability and creativity. The conversation leads to productive dialogue (PD) and KT. Contribution of the research: The sense-making theory enables reconceptualisation of how SM affordances facilitate social, organisational sense-making and KT. Sense-making and KT are shaped by individual cognition, absorptive capacity, technology perceived ease of use (PEOU) as well as usefulness and the environment. The research is supportive to information and communication technology researchers and novice researchers in developing new knowledge and KT measurement and SM management strategies. This study is unique compared to the existing literature because of its exclusive and innovative approach regarding participant’s selection, data collection and methods.

Strategy for performance improvement in piezoelectric semi-active structural system identification by excluding switching failures using pseudo-state feedback

System identification in vibrating structures is useful for structural health monitoring. Onsite structural system identification must be achieved with low energy consumption. Accordingly, semi-active inputs should be considered to apply onsite system identification because they can be generated with low energy consumption. However, conventional identifications that use semi-active inputs could not continuously generate inputs suitable for system identification because of switching failure. Switching failure is caused by the mechanism of the semi-active input generation circuit. Due to switching failure, properties of semi-active inputs deviate from the property suitable for identification. Their results deviate from the results obtained using suitable inputs. Moreover, semi-active identification could not be used for structural health monitoring because they cannot determine the cause of significant variations in the identification results (either because of system identification faults from switching failure or because of structural damage). To solve these drawbacks of semi-active identification, we propose a new strategy to generate semi-active inputs that can realize ideal identification. The proposed strategy has two novelties compared to conventional semi-active identification methods: (1) The strategy prevents switching failures and continuously provides semi-active inputs suitable for identification. (2) The strategy is modeled as an optimization problem and provides appropriate circuit control to generate semi-active inputs suitable for identification by solving binary search. Numerical simulations and experiments confirm that the proposed strategy exhibits better identification performance than the conventional strategies. In addition, small variances are observed in the identification results in all time domains. The semi-active inputs generated by the proposed strategy can contribute to precise structural health monitoring using onsite structural identification because it provides accurate identification results with less variation and energy consumption.