Strategies For Improving Performance Research Articles

Unveiling the potential of bismuth-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction

The progress of the electrochemical CO2 reduction based on Bi-based catalysts is reviewed and the strategies for performance improvements are highlighted.

Bank Performance Improvement Strategy Based on Empirical Analysis of Bank Fundamentals, Macroeconomic Factors, NPL, and Monetary Policy

Bank Performance Improvement Strategy Based on Empirical Analysis of Bank Fundamentals, Macroeconomic Factors, NPL, and Monetary Policy

Review of performance improvement strategies and technical challenges for ocean thermal energy conversion

Review of performance improvement strategies and technical challenges for ocean thermal energy conversion

Full-operating-condition performance improvement strategy and optimal design of a two-stage ejector with auxiliary secondary flow for MED-TVC systems

Periodic fluctuation of steam-source pressure occurs in the thermal vapor compression multi-effect distillation (MED-TVC) systems. Because ejectors are sensitive to the boundary conditions, as a key component for recovering excess steam in systems, ejectors experience a rapid decline in performance when the steam-source pressure fluctuates and does not satisfy the design condition. This decline negatively impacts the overall system performance and reduces the energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, a two-stage ejector with auxiliary secondary flow (ASF-TSE) and a full-operating-condition performance improvement strategy were developed in this study to enhance the ejector performance under full working conditions and broaden the efficient operation range of ejectors. The flow field characteristics and performance of the ASF-TSE, single ejector (SE), and two-stage ejector (TSE) in the low and design-pressure ranges were compared and investigated. The results showed that within the design-pressure range, the maximum and average increase ratios of the ASF-TSE for entrainment performance compared with the TSE are 17.53 % and 13.43 %. Moreover, the entrainment capacities of the three ejectors were compared and analyzed in the full operating range. Simulation results show that compared with the SE and TSE, the entrainment performance of the ASF-TSE is improved by 87.5 % and 8.0 %, respectively.

Organizational Performance Improvement Strategies Through the Implementation of Balanced Scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII

KPPN Jakarta VII is a vertical agency under the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Treasury of DKI Jakarta Province, Directorate General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance which has the task of carrying out the authority as the State General Treasurer, distributing financing at the expense of the budget, and administering budget receipts and expenditures through and from the state treasury based on statutory regulations. In carrying out the tasks and objectives of the organization, KPPN Jakarta VII carries out performance management based on a balanced scorecard. Balanced scorecard is a strategic management system that guides leaders and members of the organization to translate the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization into real measurable actions. Organizational performance is measured so that it can reflect the achievement of organizational goals. This is very important as part of the implementation of good governance. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of the balanced scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII as a tool in managing organizational performance. The method used is descriptive qualitative with primary data in the form of performance improvement strategies and organizational performance achievements. As a result, the consistent and continuously improved implementation of the balanced scorecard results in an increased organizational performance score of KPPN Jakarta VII and encourages the creation of service innovations as a form of adaptive organization.

Identifying Infill Wall Failures in Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes and Strategies for Performance Improvement

Non-structural walls play a very important role in buildings, as they are used to create partitions and provide aesthetic appeal. However, their failures during earthquakes have been a recurring issue. Damage to the infill walls that occurred due to the Kahramanmaraş earthquake on February 6, 2023, was observed in residential and industrial buildings and especially in transformer structures that provide vital electricity distribution. This article presents the findings of field surveys conducted in Kahramanmaraş after recent earthquakes, focusing on non-structural wall collapses that obstructed mainly residential building entrances-exits and structures of particular importance. Within the scope of this study, deficiencies in the certification process in the field of infill walls were seen as the root of workmanship defects. Recommendations were made for the deficiencies in the certification process and for improving the process for the future. Infill walls shouldn’t exhibit out-of-plane behavior, causing loss of life and property and for escape routes to be blocked due to falling walls. With today's technology and engineering, it is possible to positively improve the energy consumption capacity and out-of-plane behavior of infill walls. In this context, a detailed literature review was conducted, and the different techniques used were explained in the article. In addition, explanations were given regarding the force of regulation in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, the compatibility of regulations and national qualifications in the direction from the design to the production of infill walls is revealed.

Implementation strategy for launch and performance improvement of high throughput manufacturing inspection systems

Product technologies are changing rapidly in advanced automotive propulsion systems. These products are driving the need for new manufacturing processes and new inspection methods. To keep new propulsion systems affordable and ensure these new products are introduced with high quality, automotive manufacturers are seeking automated inspection solutions with low cost and near-zero error rates to inspect 100% of the items. In this paper, a progressive deployment strategy of a hybrid inspection system is presented and studied in the context of technology development and rapid deployment. It enabled us to begin with human inspection and gradually phase-in automated inspection technology, while almost never failing to identify a bad item. This strategy was applied successfully to inspect ultrasonic welds in lithium ion battery packs. At the time of this study, a 75% reduction in human inspection was achieved with prospects for further reduction. Actual results from the implementation of this strategy in production are presented. Recommendations are made regarding the most appropriate time to employ this strategy and how it could increase the use of advanced automated in-line inspection technologies.

Performance improvement strategies of boron-doped lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials for wide temperature condition

Herein, the boron-doped Li-rich materials are prepared by rapid nucleation-assisted solvothermal and high-temperature method. In this work, the effects of boron doping on crystal structure and cycling performances of as-prepared materials were investigated. The material characterization results show that the introduction of B reduces the TM valence, enlarges the (003) space distance, and modulates the local crystal structure, which may change the electrochemical performance of as-prepared samples. Li1.2Ni0.24Co0.08Mn0.48B0.02O2 (LLNCMBO-2) showed an increase in discharge capacity of 36.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C compared to the pristine sample. The LLNCMBO-2 exhibit high capacity retention of 85.50 % after 200 cycles with a voltage decay of only 254.9 mV. Additionally, the results of wide temperature testing show that the electrochemical performance of boron-doped samples improved evidently.

Which Type of Carbon Nitride More Suits Photocatalysis: Amorphous or Crystalline?

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has witnessed tremendous research interest due to its narrow bandgap, intrinsic 2D structure, and abundant raw materials. Although g‐C3N4 has some shortcomings such as low specific surface area, poor conductivity and rapid charge carries recombination, various modification methods are constantly emerging to enhance its potential application value in photocatalysis. Increasing the crystallinity of g‐C3N4 is an effective strategy to improve the in‐plane charge separation efficiency. However, it is also reported that amorphous g‐C3N4 possesses a higher adsorption and activation ability over reactants due to its richer surface functional groups than crystalline g‐C3N4. Which type of g‐C3N4 more suits photocatalysis, and which modification method is more suitable for boosting the activity of two types of g‐C3N4, respectively? Based on these issues, the recent advances in the preparation and properties of amorphous and crystalline g‐C3N4 are summarized, and their performance improvement strategies are overviewed thoroughly. Upon systematic comparison and analysis, which modification strategy is more suitable for the two types of g‐C3N4, respectively, is proposed. Their applications are also summed up especially in environment remediation and energy conversation. Finally, the ongoing opportunities and future challenges for amorphous and crystalline g‐C3N4 in the photocatalysis territory are taken for consideration.

The Complexities of Improving Learner Performance in South African Public Schools: Where Do We Start from? From the System to the Classroom or Vice Versa?

The purpose of this study is to explore the complexities of improving learner performance in South African public schools by probing whether the starting point should be from the education system itself to the classroom or vice versa. This is done with the aim of informing policy and practice towards improving the accomplishment of learners. This is a purely qualitative research study which relied on existing literature to solicit data to deal with the subject matter of this study. The literature that was used for this research study was not confined to South Africa only. The experiences of other developed and developing countries were used to enrich the data. This study found that considering the state, teachers, and learners as the major stakeholders in the teaching and learning exercise, collaboration between them is necessary. The study established that the voice of the learners as recipients of the curriculum must form an integral part of the learner performance improvement strategy. Schooling is about the learners, and therefore, their feedback from the assessments must be taken into consideration for their performance and ultimate achievement to improve. A further finding is that there must be collaboration between all three stakeholders to nurture a culture that motivates learners to learn, teachers to teach, and the state to collaborate with the teachers and learners to put in place policies that work. This research study contributed to the area of policy by emphasizing that the learners are just as important in shaping the direction of the education system as the policy-makers themselves. Put differently, education and curriculum planning that does not take the voice of the learners into account is destined to fail.

Energy performance improvement for a mixed flow pump based on advanced inlet guide vanes

The sharp decrease in the efficiency of a mixed flow pump within over-load flow rates presents a challenge for coastal drainage pumping stations. To address this issue, two different structures of advanced inlet guide vanes (AIGV), full-adjustable (FA) and half-adjustable (HA) structures, are designed to approach a better energy performance improvement strategy. Entropy production theory is applied into transient flow field to reveal their influence mechanism on the spatial distribution of energy dissipation. The primary findings are as follows: (1) AIGVs effectively solve the sharp decrease in the energy performance of mixed-flow pumps within the over-load flow rate range, broadening its efficient operation range. (2) The decrease in the axial velocity under the effect of AIGV explains the primary fluid physics of the increased efficiency. (3) The improvement in the match between the impeller inflow angle distribution and the impeller blades structure suppresses the generation and transmission of the flow separation on the pressure side, and reduce the near-wall energy dissipation. The novel HA-AIGV obtains a better flow control effect.

Optimization of Lecturer Resource Management at the Faculty of Islamic Studies

This study examines Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within the Faculty of Islamic Studies at two universities: Pancabudi Development University and Dharmawangsa University. The research aims to analyze key HRM aspects, including recruitment, selection, competency enhancement, performance management, coaching, and the development of educational staff and faculty members at these institutions. The study adopts a multi-site approach, encompassing both faculties, and utilizes qualitative research methods, specifically a naturalistic interactive approach that involves organic interactions between researchers and participants. The findings reveal that both universities follow general standards for recruitment and selection, such as assessing prior needs and consulting with WR1, although the selection methods varied between institutions. Performance improvement strategies at both universities include participation in various training activities and seminars. Coaching and development efforts at Pancabudi Development University emphasize on-the-job and in-service training, whereas Dharmawangsa University incorporates third-party providers for training initiatives. Moreover, at Pancabudi Development University, the development of educator professionalism is integrated into the broader campus development strategy, while Dharmawangsa University prioritizes ongoing professional development. In conclusion, although the HRM approaches at both universities differ, they are aligned in their overall objectives to enhance HRM and campus development. These findings suggest that institutions implementing well-planned organizational strategies are likely to achieve superior accreditation outcomes.

Surface phase stability of high-nickel layered oxides by titanium and sulfur co-modifications

High-nickel layered oxides are promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries due to relatively high capacity and low cost, which however are still faced with safety issues because of poor stability against cycling. Herein, a facile one-pot solid-state method is employed for preparation of trace Ti/S co-doped LiNi0.98Co0.02O2. Ti and S co-doping enhances both rate capability and intrinsic stability greatly in a mutually promoting manner compared with individual Ti and S doping. The co-doped samples show excellent rate capability with 170.9 mAh/g at 5 C and superior intrinsic stability with a capacity retention of 88.6% at 1 C after 200 cycles at room temperature, in sharp contrast with 132.2 mAh/g and 61.6% for the pristine samples. Full cells achieve excellent long-term stability with a retention of 92.7% after 400 cycles at 1 C. The improved performance can be ascribed to the formation of stronger Ti–O bonds and of a thin rock-salt protective layer enabled by sulfur with the stability enhanced by Ti modifications, and the activation of extra redox reactions triggered by sulfur. The mutually promoting enhancement effect by doping different alien elements opens a new and unique design strategy for performance improvement of electrode materials.

Research on the health performance improvement strategy of traditional dwellings in southern Henan province under the concept of healthy building

As the most basic unit of human life, the health attributes of dwellings have a significant impact on residents' health. Rural areas in Henan Province exhibit a high degree of "hollowing out," with permanent residents being highly sensitive to health issues. Therefore, studying the improvement strategies for the health performance of rural dwellings is of great significance to residents' health. This paper reviews the development of domestic healthy building concepts and relevant evaluation systems, and analyzes the correlation and mechanism between various building element indicators and health issues in dwellings based on relevant evaluation systems. Finally, drawing on modern healthy building concepts, the paper conducts a health performance analysis of traditional dwellings in southern Henan Province from four aspects: thermal environment, light environment, air quality, and sound environment, and proposes targeted improvement strategies.

Factors Affecting Employee Performance

This study investigates the factors that influence employee performance, namely personal factors, leadership, co-worker factors, work facilities, and work environment. This study uses a quantitative explanatory approach with primary data obtained from a survey with a questionnaire. The population in this study were all employees in North Maluku Province. The sample in the study came from two agencies, namely the Communication, Informatics, and Code Agency and the Transportation Agency of North Maluku Province, totaling 103 people. The data analysis technique used multiple regression with the help of SPSS software. The findings indicate that personal factors and leadership positively influence employee performance, with improved individual attributes and effective leadership leading to enhanced performance outcomes. Conversely, the presence of a larger number of co-workers was found to negatively affect performance, potentially due to role ambiguity and reduced accountability. Additionally, work facilities and the work environment did not significantly impact employee performance. The results emphasize the importance of focusing on personal and leadership development to boost employee effectiveness while addressing co-worker dynamics to maintain clear roles and responsibilities. Future research should further investigate these relationships to refine strategies for organizational performance improvement

Geriatric dentistry in palliative care: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to identify the role of geriatric dentistry in end-of-life palliative care by synthesizing the published scientific literature on the topic and analyzing its significance and contributions. Following PRISMA guidelines, this study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024529548). Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using the terms "Dental Care for the Elderly" and "Palliative Care," supplemented by meticulous manual searches. A total of 215 studies were initially retrieved, and 10 were meticulously selected based on the inclusion criteria. The results underscore the importance of multi/interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasize the need for performance improvement strategies in geriatric dentistry within palliative care settings. Although the scientific production in this area remains limited, dental interventions are demonstrated to be crucial, with various successful approaches well-documented. Current research strongly suggests that geriatric dentistry is an indispensable component of comprehensive palliative care, given that the oral cavity is significantly affected by the aging process.

Optimization design and performance improvement of ther-mal barrier coating (TBC) system

Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) technology has become one of the key technologies to improve the performance and prolong the service life of gas turbine and other high temperature equipment. In this study, the selection of materials, coating methods, the influence of environmental factors on the performance of TBC system and the thermal stress analysis and optimization strategy are discussed, improve the overall performance and stability of TBC system. TBC coatings were efficiently prepared by the use of Nikolay bonding layer and stabilized zirconia as top ceramic materials, combined with electron beam Physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) and plasma spraying (APS) techniques. In addition, the thermal stress model was established by FEA, and the thermal stress distribution of TBC system under extreme operating conditions was analyzed in detail, to reduce thermal stress concentration and improve the thermal barrier effect of the coating. Finally, through the establishment of TBC system life prediction model and in-depth analysis of the failure mechanism, a series of preventive measures and performance improvement strategies are proposed, it provides theoretical basis and practical guidance for coating design of gas turbine and other high temperature equipment.

Multilevel assessment method for post-earthquake functionality of medical buildings considering component–department–floor interdependencies

The assessment of the post-earthquake functionality of medical buildings (PEFMB) is critical for the post-earthquake emergency response, recovery, and resilience-based seismic design of medical buildings. Hospitals are complex functional systems that exhibit multilevel functional coupling from components to departments to floors. Existing methods have challenges, including the difficulty of considering the impact of different departments located on different floors on medical functions, and a lack of multilevel performance improvement strategies for enhancing post-earthquake medical functionality. A multilevel assessment method for the PEFMB that considers component–department–floor interdependencies (CDFI) was developed in this study. This method establishes a functional logical relationship between components and departments using fault tree models of typical departments. A multilevel functional coupling relationship among the components, departments, and floors was established by incorporating floor nodes to reflect the impact of departments located on different floors. This enabled the assessment of the PEFMB considering the CDFI. Furthermore, methods for identifying critical failure paths in the PEFMB were developed, and multilevel performance improvement strategies by adjusting medical equipment and departments along the critical failure path were recommended. The proposed method is demonstrated using an outpatient building. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The proposed multilevel assessment method enables quantitative assessment of the PEFMB and exhibits good scalability. (2) This method provides a clear and intuitive visualization of the critical failure path in healthcare functionality under seismic conditions. The proposed multilevel improvement strategies can enhance the post-earthquake functionality of medical buildings at multiple levels, which provides a valuable reference for the seismic design of medical buildings.

Research progress in performance improvement strategies and sulfur conversion mechanisms of Li-S batteries based on Fe series nanomaterials

Research progress in performance improvement strategies and sulfur conversion mechanisms of Li-S batteries based on Fe series nanomaterials

Recent Advances of Conductive Hydrogels for Flexible Electronics

Conductive hydrogels combine the properties of both hydrogels and conductors, making them soft, flexible, and biocompatible. These properties enable them to conform to irregular surfaces, stretch and bend without losing their electrical conductivity, and interface with biological systems. Conductive hydrogels can be utilized as conductive traces, electrodes, or as a matrix for flexible electronics. Exciting applications in sensors, tissue engineering, and human-machine interaction have been demonstrated worldwide. This review comprehensively covers the progress in this field, focusing on several main aspects: functional materials, performance improvement strategies, and wearable applications in human-related areas. Furthermore, the major approaches and challenges for improving their mechanical properties, conductivity, and long-term stability are systematically summarized.