Performance Measurement Research Articles

Secure Efficiency: Navigating Performance Challenges in Multi-Tenant Cloud Security Implementations

Multi-tenant cloud environments offer significant advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and scalability, but they also present unique challenges in balancing robust security measures with optimal performance. This article examines the intricate relationship between security implementations and system performance in shared cloud infrastructures. Through a comprehensive analysis of data isolation techniques, access control mechanisms, network security protocols, and threat detection systems, we identify key areas where security measures can impact performance metrics such as latency, throughput, and resource utilization. Our article employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative performance measurements with qualitative case studies from industry-leading cloud service providers. The findings reveal that while stringent security measures often introduce performance overhead, strategic implementation and optimization can significantly mitigate these effects. We propose a framework for dynamically balancing security and performance requirements, incorporating emerging technologies such as AI-driven threat detection and automated resource allocation. This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cloud computing optimization and provides practical insights for cloud architects and security professionals seeking to enhance both the security posture and performance efficiency of multi-tenant cloud environments.

Predictive modeling of abrasive wear in in-situ TiC reinforced ZA37 alloy: A machine learning approach

Abrasive wear rates are of significant interest in various industrial applications where materials are subjected to severe wear conditions. The study analyzed high-stress abrasive wear rates on the novel in-situ TiC reinforced ZA37 composites. The inclusion of in-situ TiC reinforcement in ZA37 alloy has shown potential for enhancing wear resistance. The impact of tribological test parameters on the abrasive wear response was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). Using tribological data, various machine-learning algorithms were trained to predict the wear behaviours of the developed composites. The performance measurements show that the machine learning models accurately predicted the abrasive wear response of test samples. Our findings suggest that machine learning can revolutionize tribology, paving the way for tribo-informatics.

Medical Datasets Training and Enhancing Disease Prediction Accuracy

Data mining is an effective method that uses sophisticated tools and strategies to sift through massive databases in search of useful patterns. Its usefulness extends to many fields, including medicine. We used AdaBoost, Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) as predictive models in our investigation (ADaB). Evaluating utilizing methods like cross-validation and random sampling allowed us to concentrate on improving accuracy. Medical datasets were used to construct the following: Heart Disease (HD) dataset, Breast Cancer Wisconsin (BCW) dataset, and Covid-19 dataset. We set out to improve the accuracy of disease predictions and push the boundaries of medical data analysis. After completing the assessment procedure with the training data, the performance measurements showed that the highest accuracy was achieved with LR 83% for HD, KNN 97%, and LR 98% for Covid-19.

Development Of Strategy Map And Measuring Corporate Performance With Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Approach (Case Study On Renewable Energy Consultant Services Company Pt Xyz)

This study aims to develop a Strategy Map of PT XYZ based on the company's vision, mission, strategic goals and analyze the company's performance as measured using the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) method. The research method used is qualitative, which involves conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing company documents. According to the research results, the PT XYZ Strategy Map consists of a vision, mission, 17 company strategic goals and 34 measurement indicators. The company performance of PT XYZ in 2021 and 2022, measured by the 5 SBSC perspectives can be indicated as sufficient performance, which obtained a total scorecard of 0. Based on 34 measurement indicators, 13 obtained a good assessment, 13 obtained a poor assessment, 3 obtained a sufficient assessment, and 5 could not be calculated because the company did not have related numerical documents. In the future, PT XYZ needs to increase its efforts to improve company performance and improve company data management so that it is easier to identify the company's achievements or performance to a measurable extent. Further, PT XYZ needs to integrate sustainability goals that become the company's vision into the company's business strategy, one of which is using SBSC as a company performance measurement tool. In addition, PT XYZ needs to integrate its vision of contributing to sustainability development into the company's business strategy, one of which is the use of SBSC as a corporate performance measurement tool.

Vitamin D combined with whole-body vibration training for the treatment of osteo-sarcopenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Osteo-sarcopenia (OS) has become a global public health problem and a frontier research problem, as a combination of sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP) diseases. The clinical performances include muscle weakness, systemic bone pain, standing difficulty, even falls and fractures, etc., which seriously affect the patient's life and work. The pathological mechanism of the OS may be the abnormal metabolism which disrupts the equilibrium stability of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study combined vitamin D (Vit. D) and whole-body vibration training (WBVT) to intervene in subjects of OS, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the diagnosis and treatment protocol and to explore the efficacy mechanism. We propose a multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vit. D combined with WBVT intervention in OS. Subjects who met the inclusion or exclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form would be randomly assigned to the WBVT group, Vit. D group, or WBVT+ Vit. D group. All subjects will be treated for 1 month and followed up after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and handgrip strength measured by grip strength meter. Secondary outcomes include serum markers of myostatin (MSTN), irisin and bone turnover markers (BTM), SARC-CalF questionnaire, 1-min test question of osteoporosis risk, patient health status (evaluated by the SF-36 health survey), physical performance measurement that includes 5-time chair stand test, 6-m walk, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). If Vit. D combined with WBVT can well relieve OS symptoms without adverse effects, this protocol may be a new treatment strategy for OS. After therapeutic intervention, if the serum marker MSTN/irisin is significant, both have the potential to become sensitive indicators for screening OS effective drugs and treatments, which also indicates that WBVT combined with Vit. D plays a role in improving OS by regulating MSTN/irisin. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400082269 . Registered on March 26, 2024.

Performance measurement of humanitarian supply chains

Performance measurement of humanitarian supply chains

An integrated method to identify and improve logistical gaps

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the critical elements of the SCOR model and its applications in solving logistical problems. It also discusses the theoretical approach to BSC concepts and the analysis of the tactical scenario and a company’s restrictions. The study is inductive, validating theoretical aspects that can be generalised through empirical testing. The proposed methodology integrates the BSC and SCOR models, aligning operational and strategic indicators, to performance measurement and achieving profitability objectives. The model integrated suppliers, improving inventory management and productivity, and its structure is defined from the company’s main decisions related to supply chain processes. The SCOR and Balanced Scorecard models were tested in a logistic process in a hardware store, with no known background in the literature on its application in this industry. These two models were integrated into a unified tool, with an indicator dashboard as an output, to support decision-making at both strategic and operational (logistics) levels.

A new ballgame: Sabercaremetrics and the future of clinical performance measurement.

A new ballgame: Sabercaremetrics and the future of clinical performance measurement.

Sentiment Analysis Of Ijen Crater Reviews Using Naïve Bayes Classification And Oversampling Optimization

Sentiment analysis is a method that applies text mining concepts to provide classifications that have polarity that is positive, negative, or neutral from each sentence or document. In this context, the purpose of this research is to analyse the sentiment of user reviews related to the Ijen crater tourist attractions found on the Google Maps platform. This research is conducted in three main stages: first, Data Collection and Preprocessing by taking data samples obtained from Ijen Crater reviews contained on Google Maps; second Optimisation and Classification by changing the minority class samples to be almost equal to the majority class by randomly duplicating the minority class samples, third, classification performance measurement using confusion matrix. The test is conducted by comparing the performance between NBC classification without optimisation and NBC classification with SMOTE and ADASYN optimisation. The performance results show that SMOTE-optimised NBC classification provides the best improvement in accuracy by 6.74% compared to the performance of ordinary NBC and NBC added with ADASYN.

Combining Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experimental Data to Understand Fish Schooling Behavior.

Understanding the flow physics behind fish schooling poses significant challenges due to the difficulties in directly measuring hydrodynamic performance and the three-dimensional, chaotic, and complex flow structures generated by collective moving organisms. Numerous previous simulations and experiments have utilized computational, mechanical, or robotic models to represent live fish. And existing studies of live fish schools have contributed significantly to dissecting the complexities of fish schooling. But the scarcity of combined approaches that include both computational and experimental studies, ideally of the same fish schools, has limited our ability to understand the physical factors that are involved in fish collective behavior. This underscores the necessity of developing new approaches to working directly with live fish schools. An integrated method that combines experiments on live fish schools with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations represents an innovative method of studying the hydrodynamics of fish schooling. CFD techniques can deliver accurate performance measurements and high-fidelity flow characteristics for comprehensive analysis. Concurrently, experimental approaches can capture the precise locomotor kinematics of fish and offer additional flow information through particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements, potentially enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of CFD studies via advanced data assimilation techniques. The flow patterns observed in PIV experiments with fish schools and the complex hydrodynamic interactions revealed by integrated analyses highlight the complexity of fish schooling, prompting a reevaluation of the classic Weihs model of school dynamics. The synergy between CFD models and experimental data grants us comprehensive insights into the flow dynamics of fish schools, facilitating the evaluation of their functional significance and enabling comparative studies of schooling behavior. In addition, we consider the challenges in developing integrated analytical methods and suggest promising directions for future research.

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

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

Virtual Obstacle Avoidance Strategy: Navigating through a Complex Environment While Interacting with Virtual and Physical Elements.

Robotic walking devices can be used for intensive exercises to enhance gait rehabilitation therapies. Mixed Reality (MR) techniques may improve engagement through immersive and interactive environments. This article introduces an MR-based multimodal human-robot interaction strategy designed to enable shared control with a Smart Walker. The MR system integrates virtual and physical sensors to (i) enhance safe navigation and (ii) facilitate intuitive mobility training in personalized virtual scenarios by using an interface with three elements: an arrow to indicate where to go, laser lines to indicate nearby obstacles, and an ellipse to show the activation zone. The multimodal interaction is context-based; the presence of nearby individuals and obstacles modulates the robot's behavior during navigation to simplify collision avoidance while allowing for proper social navigation. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the proposed strategy and the self-explanatory nature of the interface. The volunteers were divided into four groups, with each navigating under different conditions. Three evaluation methods were employed: task performance, self-assessment, and observational measurement. Analysis revealed that participants enjoyed the MR system and understood most of the interface elements without prior explanation. Regarding the interface, volunteers who did not receive any introductory explanation about the interface elements were mostly able to guess their purpose. Volunteers that interacted with the interface in the first session provided more correct answers. In future research, virtual elements will be integrated with the physical environment to enhance user safety during navigation, and the control strategy will be improved to consider both physical and virtual obstacles.

Quality Indicators for Pain in Adults: A Review of Performance Measures by the American College of Physicians.

Pain is a debilitating symptom generally caused by injuries or various conditions. It can be acute, subacute, or chronic and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The goal of managing pain is to relieve or reduce suffering and improve patient functioning. Several performance measures that address the treatment of pain are used in payment, public reporting, or accountability programs. The American College of Physicians (ACP) embraces performance measurement as a means to improve quality of care. ACP believes that a performance measure must be methodologically sound and evidence-based to be considered for inclusion in payment, accountability, or reporting programs. However, a plethora of performance measures that provide minimal or no value to patient care have inundated physicians, practices, and systems with the burden of collecting and reporting data. ACP's Performance Measurement Committee (PMC) reviews performance measures using a validated process to recognize high-quality performance measures, address gaps and areas for improvement in performance measures, and help reduce reporting burden. There is a need for a higher standard for a performance measure when reputation and reimbursement are on the line. This paper aims to present a review of current performance measures for pain to inform physicians, payers, and policymakers in their selection and use of performance measures. The PMC reviewed 6 performance measures for pain relevant to internal medicine physicians, of which 3 were considered valid at their intended levels of attribution ("Use of Imaging for Low Back Pain," "Use of Opioids at High Dosage in Persons Without Cancer," and "Use of Opioids From Multiple Providers in Persons Without Cancer"). This paper also proposes a performance measure concept to address a quality-of-care gap based on the current clinical guideline from ACP and the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Management of Acute Pain From Non-low Back, Musculoskeletal Injuries in Adults."

Position-Specific Differences in Speed Profiles Among National Football League Scouting Combine Participants.

Gillen, ZM. Position-specific differences in speed profiles among NFL scouting combine participants. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the relationships between speed profiles and athletic performance measurements from the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine, and position-specific differences in speed profiles. Subjects included NFL Scouting Combines participants with valid scores for the 40-yard dash, as well as the 10- and 20-yard splits of the 40-yard dash (n = 2,156). Subjects were divided into the following position groups: defensive backs (DBs, n = 421), defensive linemen (DL, n = 356), linebackers (LBs, n = 261), offensive linemen (OL, n = 354), running backs (RBs, n = 217), tight ends (TEs, n = 122), quarterbacks (QBs, n = 108), and wide receivers (WRs, n = 317). Performance measures included 40-yard dash time (with 10- and 20-yard split times), bench press repetitions to failure, vertical jump height, broad jump distance, pro-agility time, and L-cone drill time. The 40-yard dash and its splits calculated vmax, τ, and amax to reflect speed profiles. One-way analysis of variances examined position-related differences. Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients examined relationships between performance measures and speed profile variables. Skill positions (DB and WR) had the greatest vmax and amax, and lowest τ, followed by big skill positions (LB, RB, TE, QB), followed by DL, then OL with the lowest vmax and amax, and highest τ. For skill and big skill positions, vmax, τ, and amax exhibited greater relationships with combine measures, whereas OL generally had the lowest relationships. The position-specific differences in this study demonstrate potential areas of strength and weakness for certain positions. This may help guide strength and conditioning coaches desiring to improve position-specific speed and acceleration capabilities for American football players.

Engineered stable electron-doping water with higher chemical activity catalyzes itself in hydrogen evolution reactions

Additional huge amount of energy is required for water splitting due to strong surrounding hydrogen bonds (HBs) between water molecules. However, this underappreciated fact has not attracted the attention of scientists to shift to the research direction to the reactant water itself in hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). In this work, we report a facile cold water-cooling method to prepare distilled water (DIW-V) with distinct structures of electron-doping and reduced HBs. Compared to bulk deionized water (DIW) which was used to prepare DIW-V, the resulting stable DIW-V exhibited distinct properties at room temperature. Examples are its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals and to passivate oxidants of H2O2 through utilizing its novel electron-doping structure. Also, typical electrochemical reactions performed in DIW-V were more efficient, and stronger intermolecular HBs between alcohols and DIW-V were exhibited due to its novel reduced HBs. Moreover, HERs performed on both catalytic and inert electrodes at various pH values were all more efficient when utilizing DIW-V. Experiments regarding density measurements of alcohol solutions and HER performances indicated that stabilities of the activities of DIW-V were acceptable. DIW-V was also available for more efficient oxygen evolution reaction utilizing catalytic Pt electrode in favorable alkaline solution. Our proposed DIW-V has emerged as a promising green and active reactant applicable to more-effective HERs and water-related sciences.

Bifacial and Angular‐Resolved Performance Characterization of Ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells Including Nanostructures

Bifacial solar cells experience growing interest not just for crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. Thin‐film solar cells deposited on a transparent back contact bring inherent semitransparency, making them ideally suited for bifacial applications. Herein, a systematic investigation of bifacial measurement procedures is performed on semitransparent ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells on transparent conductive oxide, including nanostructures. The measurements are further extended by angular‐resolved performance studies. The bifaciality of the samples is determined to be ≈80% in current and ≈65% in power, and enables the calculation of an equivalent irradiance for solar cell testing under >1 sun front illumination only. The results are compared to bifacial operation, i.e., simultaneous front and rear irradiance, and to the summation of individual front and rear performance measurements up to 1 sun. It is revealed that highly similar results can be obtained for these approaches and that the integration of nanostructures supports device stabilization. Particularly, the higher (75 nm) SiO2 nanomeshes can enable performance enhancement. Furthermore, the angular‐dependent behavior follows the expected trend of reduced illumination intensity according to the cosine of the incident angle. In these findings, the suitability of semitransparent ultrathin CIGSe solar cells for bifacial operation and the benefit of integrated nanostructures is confirmed.

Efficiency metrics for performance measurement: a review in higher education of main methods and determinants

PurposeThis study aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in efficiency measurement within higher education (HE). Specifically, it seeks to gather all relevant articles on the topic and subsequently categorize these studies using a flowchart based on two core aspects of the topic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs bibliometric and content analyses to conduct a systematic literature review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) framework is used to identify the search protocol, followed by analyses to classify and categorize articles.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis identifies prominent themes, methodologies and literature gaps. The content findings highlight key insights on higher educational institution (HEI) efficiency, including organizational structures, services and operational activities.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing knowledge by synthesizing global literature on HEI’s efficiency. Utilizing the flowchart developed by the authors, the study captures the state-of-the-art based on two critical aspects: methodologies and content. Insights from the analysis and subsequent classification of previous literature provide valuable directions for future research.

Supply chain efficiency and performance measurement in the automotive sector: Content analysis and future research directions

Supply chain efficiency and performance measurement in the automotive sector: Content analysis and future research directions

Synthesis, Performance Measurement of Dy2EuSbO7/ZnBiDyO4 Heterojunction Composite Catalyst and Photocatalytic Degradation of Chlorpyrifos within Pesticide Wastewater under Visible Light Irradiation

For the first time, a novel catalyst named Dy2EuSbO7 was successfully synthesized via the high-temperature solid-state sintering method (HTSSM). Dy2EuSbO7/ZnBiDyO4 heterojunction photocatalyst (DZHP) was fabricated through the HTSSM for degrading chlorpyrifos (CPS) in the pesticide wastewater under visible light irradiation (VSLID). Under VSLID, DZHP could effectively degrade CPS in pesticide wastewater. The experimental outcomes suggested that the kinetic curve with the Dy2EuSbO7/ZnBiDyO4 heterojunction (DZH) as a photocatalyst for the reduction of CPS under VSLID conformed to the first-order kinetics (FOKT). After VSLID of 156 min, the photocatalytic degradation (PTD) removal rate of CPS using DZH as photocatalyst was 1.12 times, 1.21 times, or 2.96 times that using Dy2EuSbO7 as a photocatalyst, ZnBiDyO4 as a photocatalyst, or nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst. After VSLID of 156 min for four cycle degradation tests (FCDTS) with DZH as a photocatalyst, the removal rate of CPS reached 98.78%, 97.66%, 96.59%, and 95.69%, respectively. Above results indicated that the DZHP possessed high stability. Experiments with the addition of trapping agents showed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) owned the strongest oxidative removal ability for degrading CPS compared with superoxide anions (•O2−) or holes (h+). The oxidation capacity of three oxidation radicals for eliminating CPS was ranked in the ascending order as follows: h+ < •OH < •O2−. Lastly, the possible degradation pathway and degradation mechanism of CPS were discussed in detail. A visible light responsive heterojunction catalyst with high catalytic activity and a photocatalytic reaction system which were capable of efficiently removing toxic organic pollutants from pesticide wastewater were obtained.

The Strategic Adoption of 5G Technology From a Business Model Perspective

Even if 5G is considered an enabling technology, its transformative potential and widespread adoption remain limited. This paper explores how Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) innovate their business models by leveraging 5G. Through an exploratory multiple-case study of Italian MNOs, key determinants concerning innovation in value proposition, creation, and delivery are obtained inductively from interviews and grouped into different 5G business model archetypes. These latter are "Advanced connectivity provider", "Vertical Service Provider", and "Orchestrator". The first focuses on offering 5G as an enabling technology on which end users can build their own applications. The second selects target industries and allows access to a specific service. The third doesn’t own specific knowledge but it acts as the intermediary between a customer and a capable partner’s network, ensuring that the project is carried out and targeting multiple verticals. The research provides both theoretical and practical contributions: from a theoretical standpoint, it contributes to the business model innovation literature by offering empirical work that investigates the strategic adoption of a new technological paradigm focusing on the architecture of the business model rather than a measurement of performance afterwards. Moreover, it contributes to the 5G literature with an empirical study that focuses on the strategic implications of the phenomenon rather than just the technical aspects, and to the enabling technology literature by offering a study that examines an enabling technology from a firm-specific perspective. From the standpoint of practitioners, it can offer managerial guidance on developing suitable 5G business models to promote technology adoption and maintain competitiveness by harnessing the potential applications envisioned with 5G.